Buddy Marg Kennedy
Diary of Marg Kennedy 1997
Diary of our Trip to Paris & United Kingdom 1997
Buddy & Marg with Marg & Geoff Harrison
Author: Marg Kennedy
Saturday 24th May.
Left Melbourne Airport at 11.30 am and headed for Hong Kong. An 8 hour plane trip to Hong Kong on Qantas aircraft “Wagga Wagga QF 87”. We arrived at 6.00pm Hong Kong time and we were well looked after on the flight. Geoff yearned for a cigarette about an hour into the flight but managed well without. Watched Gerry McGuire – good film. Bud read and worked on his new camera. Probably flattened the battery with all the zoom action. Checked out the perfume at duty free Melb. – will probably get some on the way back.
Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong!!! – hot & steamy 27ºC– 4 hours wait for onward flight. Spent AD$39 on four beers, one mineral water and one coffee. Very expensive place. Geoff had a ciggie every few minutes. Broke the record here – (3 at recess he has). The airport is very big and very cosmopolitan. Leaving from Gate 26 near the restaurant and bar. Some of the dressing is amazing – sandals and backless shoes with everything. The Chinese need a better fashion leader. We are coping at the moment but are very tired at 9.05pm Hong Kong time. On June 1st Hong Kong goes back to China. Marg H and I have red eyes – travellers’ eyes we think. Roll on Paris!!!
Boarded plane and left at 10.55 pm
Warwick Castle
Came home through Stratford on Avon – shopped a bit. Marg got her Season’s plates. I am sick of being navigator – map is really hard to read and Buddy yells a lot – 4½ weeks a bit much I reckon. Cooked tea tonight. Had a bottle of red so feel better. Really sick of having to travel so far – think I’ll give Cornwell a miss – it’s only my family after all. Weather improved a bit.
Thursday 26th June Marg ill - Cold & windy
Had a sleep in – really cold, windy and raining – really unseasonable even for the English. Marg not well – a tummy upset. Made an appointment to see the doctor at 2.10 pm. Bud and I went in to get some groceries and checked out the town. Very tidy city. Was a major market area so it reflects this. Two good hotels – 14th -15th century – looked like they had good meals. Bought a chook to cook tonight with vegetables. Came home – watched some TV and rested. Day was pretty miserable – Marg got tablets to fix her up. Washing dried on the heaters. It got quite cold mid afternoon. Enjoyed tea – went to bed after watching a strange show called “Bliss”. Not a good day for activities but a good R & R day.
Friday 27th June Cold, wet & rainy
Marg quite a bit better this morning so had a late breakfast and organized ourselves for Bath. Still raining (wettest June since 1982) and quite cold. Headed off at 10.15 up the 429 to Bath. Rain stopped as we entered the city. There has been info on the news that Bath is not very clean and beggars are harassing the tourists. No evidence of this – parked the car under the Hilton Hotel and walked up towards the gardens and Cathedral (52 windows of stained glass). Got the hop on, hop off bus – Bud and I seniors and headed off around the city. It really is beautiful – cream colored buildings, wonderful circles of buildings and generally really interesting. Also on River Avon. Putney bridge is great – little shops inside. Roman Baths really interesting – really hard to comprehend the age of things. Water really warm and out of the sunlight really clear. Romans were very clean – took waters 3 to 4 times a day. A very elegant city. Home for home cooked tea.
Bath
Saturday 28th June Rain / cold
Raining again – quite cool. Got up late - had a leisurely breakfast and washed some clothes. All organized – packed our thermos and headed for Cheltenham & Gloucester. Raining more as we headed towards the north. Took about 35 minutes. Found the Pump Room – Cheltenham is like Bath – a Spa town – very pretty – wide streets etc. Then headed out to the race course – very impressive – huge stand and car park all numbered. It is a Steeple Chase course so quite a large area. Had a look at the museum and saw Arkle again. He won three times. Saw his skeleton at the Irish stud. Came home – a little less rain so we wandered around Cirencester. Some really good shops. Bought some stockings and looked at some things for the house. Decided to leave it all till London. Came home, watched some tennis and cooked cod for tea. Watched Inspector Morse and then hit the sack.
Cheltenham Racecourse
Sunday 29th June Not raining but cold
Had a late morning –still no let up in the weather – not raining though. Had breakfast and washed clothes. Sat down with vouchers and made some plans for London – organized the trips we would take and the times. I’ve still got shopping to do so will need some time for that. Decided to go to Sunset Boulevard on the Monday before we come home. I think I might try to get to Oliver too. (Matinee). Packed our thermos for the last time and headed off to look around Stroud, Nailsworth and Michenhampton – really pretty area – shame it was not sunny. Leave here tomorrow so had steak for tea £6.35 for Geoff, Bud & Marg. I had Lasagna – very nice. Place is tidied and we have washed all our gear. We’ll pack in the morning. Heading off south to Stonehenge and Devon. Then across towards Kent. London on Wednesday. It is a shame about the weather but we are soldiering on!!
Monday 30th June Warm & drizzle
Geoff really not well. Foot playing up really badly. Rang the doctor and headed in at 9.00 am. Marg and I cleaned up – ready to go by 9.30. Stables were really good but didn’t get around as much as we should have because of the weather. Started off and headed towards Stonehenge. Wet and cold but still good to see. Interesting information about its origin. Left there and went to Salisbury – really good shopping – bought a nice blue jumper to wear in London £22. Then got onto the M and headed across the south of London to Brighton. A really interesting city – 145,000 pop – very busy in summer. Couldn’t get a B & B so headed off again to Newhaven. Marg spotted a Travel Inn. Booked in – great facility – big bed, big room, TV & ensuite £36/£40 per room. Tea great at the “Pub”. Geoff still not good but coping a little better. I hope he is OK for London. Lots of walking. Doctor said no more red meat - high protein. Still not good weather.
Tuesday 1st July Sunny & cloudy ??
Left Newhaven and had a really good look at Brighton. The Pavilion is lovely – all Chinese & Indian – very exotic. Walked out along the pier And had a photo taken in a deck hair and sitting on the pebbles. It is a really interesting place. Geoff quite a bit better so we are able to get around. I bought Helen a little Bassett and a card £18.45. Well worth it. I wonder how Tess is? Bud rang the boys. David has managed that huge rent in June. Well done! Weather has improved as we drove through Kent – it is a very pretty drive. Houses are older but pasture is good. Had a quick look at Rye. Really tiny main street and lots of black painted boards on the houses. Then off to Canterbury – I have a cold and got some tablets and linctus for tonight. I have coughed a bit over the past two days. Arrived in Canterbury and eventually got a B & B on New Nover Road. Fine £17.50 pp. Bud has gone off to find a pub he remembers from 1995. He found it – Bat and Ball – we went there for tea.
Canterbury Cathedral
Wednesday 2nd July Hyde Park Towers Hotel
Had a really good look at the Cathedral at Canterbury. B & B last night was pretty ordinary. Our shower Ok but M & G’s not good. Looked at some great plates but they wouldn’t send them. (I wanted 6 so it was a good sale). Then back in our car for our last day of travel. Had a good trip up to Maidstone and then onto Seven Oaks for lunch. Then we got serious and set out on the M25 ring road. It is so effective and efficient. Went through all the main intersections and finally got to the A30 and into London. Found our hotel well and then got cases in. Disappointed 2 x 2 twins – said we asked for these. Bloody hell we booked ages ago and they stuff it up. I think that they rip the tourists off with accommodation. Not nearly as nice as the Elizabetta. Good location though – with good food range down Queen’s Way. Will cope with the room and we should be fine getting around. Harro’s foot still a little swollen but he is coping better. Had a good tea £4.50 for a Chinese banquet. Good value. Cold not so good.
Thursday 3rd July Wet, cold, warm ??
Had a reasonable night – slept well after 2 tablets and syrup for my cold. Got up at 7.45 am. Showered and had a continental breakfast at the hotel. Packed up to do Hop on Hop off tour. Caught bus in our street – very convenient. Really good tour of London. Got off at Tower and had a guided tour by an entertaining “Beefeater”. Then had a light lunch at Tower Café and headed up to Tower Bridge. Very interesting – saw why it was needed and how the discussion was reached to build it so that it opens up in the middle. Geoff and Marg did not come but then we “lost” each other. After a mild run up and down the bridge four times, Bud found them. Off to Oxford St. to look at China and Doc’s for Alanah. Had a really good look and decided to go back on Saturday early before our cruise on the Thames. All a bit footsore after a pretty hectic day. Bud gone for a drink at the Prince Alfred. I’m having a red wine £1.90 for a little bottle.
Tower Bridge
Friday 4th July Warm
Up ready and organised for our shopping day. Off to Harrods first – bought my plates. Typical English scenes – really nice. Then off to Regent St. Organised some china for Lorne, Pat McGregor and Delia. Shipping £44. ( need to share this). Marg got her china for Dot and herself. She also gor Doc Martens for Alanah and Steve. She took an hour to choose them!! Had a quick lunch and then off to Madame Tussard’s Wax Works. It is a great place and we took some good photos of us and famous people.
Madam Tussard’s Wax Works
Really warm when we came out and then we came home. Gathered ourselves together and did the washing – really typical cockneys ran the launderette – really friendly and helpful. Cost £3.50 – much better than Paris. Came back to the Hotel – went to get Chinese take away – really nice and filling. Kempy rang and left a message. Will ring tomorrow. Hope that we can organise to meet him – will be a good break. Feet are tired and legs sore but still working well. Another early night coming up.
Saturday 5th July
Off to Changing of the Horse Guard via Buckingham Palace. Queen not in but already quite a crowd by 10.00 am. Then walked to Horse guards and watched them change their guard. Beautiful, very evenly matched colors of nearly black horses. White hats had very much lighter horses in build than Red hats. Horses were very patient waiting in line for ½ an hour. Then changed. They stand in boxes at the front of St. James’ Palace for 1½ hours. Then off to find Oliver tickets. £25 – but well worth it. A great show with Barry Humphries as Fagan Very good production at Palladium in Oxford. Whole cast really great. Bud didn’t come but delivered e to the theatre and then picked me up. London is really busy on a Saturday. Trains are really busy around this time. Going for a Pasta tea with Marg & Geoff. Bud having a burger at this stage. A great day.
St. James Palace
Sunday 6th July Sunny / warm
Got up, had breakfast and went to Westminster to see the Cabinet War Rooms under the Works building. It was really interesting - saw where they discussed the war, where Churchill slept etc. Really very small but well protected. Wandered up to Buck Palace and stood for over an hour to see the bands and guards at the changing of the guard. The Gherkas were on duty last week so they changed with the Coldstream guards. Quite interesting – crowd enormous.
Windsor Castle
Then met the tour bus at the Forum for our tour of Windsor Castle. Interesting bus ride out to the castle. Really busy with tourists – over 100 buses and cars everywhere. State apartments were really good – lots of wood paneling and most furniture in excellent condition. The Queen is in residence as her standard was flying. Then off to Hampton Court. I didn’t go through the gardens but Bud said it was good. Had a really nice tea in Queen’s Way. In bed by 9.30 – very tired feet today.
Monday 7th July Warm / sunny
Organised our tickets for Smokey Joe’s this morning. Really good seats – row E front stalls so will se it all. (Sunset Boulevard closed in April). Ten went to have a look at Covent Garden Market – lots of antiques. Great fun – bought Marg Yates a funny little silver brooch for £5. Got the last lot of our presents and can now relax. Very busy around London – lots of tourists from France, Germany and USA. School holidays start at the end of July – I think it would be bedlam then. Went to Check the Air Bus and sat in Hyde Parke for a while. Very relaxing – talked to a nice English girl about her dog, Lucy. Clouded over so a little bit cooler. On the way home bought a really nice black jacket for £39.95. I think I’ve blown the budget!! Home to the hotel for a rest and then out tonight at 7.00 pm to go to the theatre. We’ll taxi home. We are all ready for home. Kathy rang this morning to find out what time to pick us up. Had a great night at Smokey Joe’s and an enjoyable taxi ride home.
Tuesday 8th July
Got up, breakfasted and got organised for the trip home. Waited for the Air Bus but a taxi stopped and offered us a fare for the same as the bus. What a hair raising ride. Excessive speed the whole way. Boarded the plane without difficulty, a short stop at Singapore and home.
Ready for Home
Diary of our Trip to Paris & United Kingdom 1997
Buddy & Marg with Marg & Geoff Harrison
Author: Marg Kennedy
Saturday 24th May.
Left Melbourne Airport at 11.30 am and headed for Hong Kong. An 8 hour plane trip to Hong Kong on Qantas aircraft “Wagga Wagga QF 87”. We arrived at 6.00pm Hong Kong time and we were well looked after on the flight. Geoff yearned for a cigarette about an hour into the flight but managed well without. Watched Gerry McGuire – good film. Bud read and worked on his new camera. Probably flattened the battery with all the zoom action. Checked out the perfume at duty free Melb. – will probably get some on the way back.
Hong Kong Airport
Hong Kong!!! – hot & steamy 27ºC– 4 hours wait for onward flight. Spent AD$39 on four beers, one mineral water and one coffee. Very expensive place. Geoff had a ciggie every few minutes. Broke the record here – (3 at recess he has). The airport is very big and very cosmopolitan. Leaving from Gate 26 near the restaurant and bar. Some of the dressing is amazing – sandals and backless shoes with everything. The Chinese need a better fashion leader. We are coping at the moment but are very tired at 9.05pm Hong Kong time. On June 1st Hong Kong goes back to China. Marg H and I have red eyes – travellers’ eyes we think. Roll on Paris!!! Boarded plane and left at 10.55 pm
Eiffel Tower
Sunday 25th May.
Paris 17ºC – Arrived at 6.00am after 14 hours flying time. We must be mad. Got through customs well, and then took time to ring the Bresil Hotel to see if we could book in early. Can get the cases in now (8.30am) and ourselves at 1.00 pm. We were a bit hassled at the airport – difficult to find a telephone that worked. Bought a phone card and that was OK. Caught the Rossi Bus to the Opera. Deposited our cases and left to try the Metro. Bresil Hotel is really nice – we have a bath /shower and Marg and Geoff have a shower. Area is great – little eating places, lots of streets and cars. Supermarket is 2 streets away and underground one block away. Beautiful day by 9.30 am. – sunny and not a cloud in the sky.
Went to the Eiffel Tower at 11.00 am. Fabulous to stand under it. Built in 1889 - 320 metres tall. We went and took photos – Marg and Geoff sat on the lawn and were moved on their way by very officious Gendarme ladies. Geoff reckoned one looked like Eva Brawn – shouting “Off the grass”, blowing whistles. You can sit on the lawns but not in the main corridor. Had a caricature done but they were too pushy so we didn’t buy. Metro is very good – smooth and punctual. Buddy is managing it well. Had a look around the area near the hotel. I bought a bread stick, some cheese. It was scrummy. Bud bought some beer. Had a lie down after a shower – slept until 5.00pm then just stayed in bed – no tea – too tired. Bud went to bed at 7.30 pm. A good first day I think!!!
Near Our Paris Hotel
Monday 26th May
Paris 18ºC. Up early – Breakfast at 8.00am. Met 2 ladies from Tassie and another couple from Mudgee in NSW – on a Lido trip. Off to look at Department stores. Really great fashion. Got two T shirts. Geoff bought a battery for the video. Weather is really great. Had a quick lunch in a café – chicken & bacon roll, coffee / drink. Then headed for “Place de Pyramids” to catch a bus. Got lost – asked 2 policemen – still in trouble. Made it by the skin of our teeth. Bussed to Fontainbleau (the lodge of Kings & Napoleon 1) Very impressive. Marg H went to men’s toilet – got locked in – saved by a nice gentleman. Much of the restoration was done in 19th Century. Not as good as 16th & 17th century stuff. Then off to Barbizon, an artist colony on the way back. Very pretty. Marg H used a very strange loo – an American lady got locked in while walls etc were washed down with water. Her lower legs etc were also washed in the dark. She was petrified. Buddy & Geoff got her out with 3 or 4 french francs. Got home to find our trip on the Seine & Lido had been bought forward 2 hours. Bloody hell we changed quickly (19mins). Seine trip was good but it was still sunlight unfortunately. Lido at 9.00pm. Champagne & beer on the house (we’d paid for it in the deal). Show was “magnificent” If you’re ever in Paris you must go. The girls were tall and slim – some bare breasted but elegant. The men were all about early 20’s etc. The girls were younger. Other acts were really good. Juggler, Balancing etc between dancing. Some very interesting engineering feats – stage up, audience in front area drop down. Middle stage a fountain and ice rink at times. Great special effects. Only thing wrong was they mimed the songs. The costumes were spectacular – ostrich feather headdresses 1 metre tall, white fur stoles and clothes. About 40 in the cast. All very professional – petite figures and long legs. Home at 12.30. Had bread roll and banana and a drink for tea. (Had no time for tea earlier) Off to bed and into another day. Weather is perfect – a little hotter than we thought. Managing language quite well. People are helpful.
Tuesday 27th May – 23ºC
Up later – good breakfast. Then to Cityrama bus trip 2 hours around the city. Very interesting. Taped talk – better to have someone telling us but too many nationalities. Went to Layfeyette Shopping Centre again to get Alanah some beautiful French Knickers. The lady at the counter was really good and very helpful. Off to Sacre Coer. Beautiful in the daylight – really white – loads of people. Inside is really dirty and grey. They are restoring it at the moment. Home to launderette – 130 francs – ripped off – however we have to have clean clothes. Went for a Chinese meal – really lovely but really small. About a bread & butter plate size. I had chicken & almonds, Bud & Geoff had sweet and sour and Marg had chicken & curry. Cost 425.50 francs. Very expensive. Sweet was nice – coffee parfait. Off to bed after packing – got to get up at 4.45 to catch our plane tomorrow. I like Paris!!
Wednesday 28th May
Arrived at Paris airport to find that we had extra time. Instead of 7.55 am departure it was 9.35 am. Departure. We filled in the time – I bought some perfume (236F AD$59). I met Leanne McDermmott from Apollo Bay on the plane and gave her some advice about Youth Hostels. The plane is very small but OK. One & half hours to Edinburgh.
Bud went to pick up the car but we decided to upgrade to a Golf station wagon – dark blue. (Cost $600 more but you need to be comfortable.
Golf Wagon
Drove up to Aberdeen through some pretty villages. Had lunch at Caupur Angus – drove into Crathes Castle to check Heritage card. Very impressive – very small stairs. I loved the carved bed. (actually carved in the room). Curtains pull around – top pops up for air. Burnett family home until 1967. Marg H not well – tired I think. Arrived in Aberdeen at 5.00pm Organised a B & B at “Roslyn House” in Kingsgate Rd. Very nice. Bed squeaky and hard but slept well. Sun came up at 4.30 am. Bud was like the sun. He wanted to talk and discuss things. Up at 7.30. Beautiful shower – normal beautiful day. Off to Whiskey trail tomorrow – Thursday.
Managing well. Marg H is keeping us on track with money!!
Thursday 29th May 21º C, My Birthday
Off to Balmoral this morning. Not allowed into the castle – only the ballroom. Very well looked after. Balmoral is the Queen Mother’s residence. Trees in the park are really old and well cared for. Then off over the Grampians Mountains (Highlands) which are really spectacular – heather dark brown & brown patches of grasses. The valleys are really deep. Skiing is a favorite pastime – saw the ski village – wonderful for skiing as there are no rocks or trees just bare ground. Arrived in Inverness at 4.30 pm. Booked a B & B (Hebrides – Brenda McDonald) for £17.00 pp per night. Had a look at the town then went out to the B & B. Very pretty rooms – ours is upstairs – all maroon and pink – roses on the walls, Bed was hard but looked comfortable. Had tea at the Loch Ness Hotel. Very nice – the place was busy – Line dancing night. Had a good birthday. Bud shouted me tea. Car going well. Bud still turns off too early. Marg H laughs and Geoff suggests what we should do to remedy the problem. All getting on well. Marg is lots better after the plane trip. Off to Culloden & whisky tour tomorrow.
Friday 30 May Inverness 24ºC
Beautiful breakfast – Scottish sausage interesting. Off to Glenfiddich distillery at Dufftown past Elgin. Called in at Johnston’s Mill – cashmere. Marg bought a really interesting woolen vest/scarf. £19.95. Headed off through very pretty country to Dufftown.
Glenfiddich Distillery
The distillery was great. Saw the whole process of whisky making. Had a dram at the end – very tasty. Headed back to Inverness. Dinner at Fores – I found a fishing shop and bought 10 flies for Russell Currie. Cost £6.15. Purchased a thermos and cups so we can have a cup of tea on the way. Bakers have really good fare but too expensive to always go into a shop for lunch. On to Fort George – built 1647 after the battle at Culloden to control Scots. There were some really interesting sights – army chaps camouflaging jeeps etc. Then off to Culloden – still a really sad place. So many highland clansmen killed. Prince Charlie a bit of a drip I think – wasted lives. Shopping – shoes for heat £23. Short sleeved blouse £20 – Marks & Spencer – No Visa Had a really good tea at the same hotel as last night. Post cards to Elliotts & St. Joseph’s. Bed at 10.00 pm Still really light.
Saturday 31st May 22º C
Up at 7.30 am. Packed up and off at 8.45 am – Mist down and quite cold. Drove beside Lock Ness – very dark and forbidding. Then on to Loch Orchy – sun came out – really pretty. Made good time. – bought a thermos flask & cups so we can now buy dinner and have a cuppa at a picnic place. It is expensive to buy food and sit down to eat it. Drove down to Glencoe. Good and the spectacular to Cairnlach. Walking trails and mountains beautiful. Snow still on “Ben Nevis”. Also snow on area around Black Mount. Sun out now and quite warm. Marg and I will have to make sure we keep our cooler clothes clean. We don’t need jumpers at the moment.
Cabin at Port Menteith
Arrived at Lake Menteith at 1.15pm. The cabin is small but compact. Christopher (Topher) – owner had dreadlocks – interesting character. Did our washing – Buddy hung his neatly along the tennis court. At last a proper iron – got a shirt pressed properly. Dinner tonight at a nice pub in Aberfoyle. Chicken, cabbage & lettuce. (interesting) Locals are interesting. All England and Scotland out for the weekend – walking, camping etc.
Sunday 1st June 20º C
Up early today. Cooked breakfast for the boys. Marg and I had yoghurt and toast. Then Bud sat in the car and waited for us to “rush out” to get started. Geoff & Marg couldn’t believe it. (He left film home). Drove in past some quite big holdings – large shedding to house animals in winter. Really neat farms – well pastured.
Meandered along into Stirling to the castle. Very similar to Edinburgh castle. They are working to restore it. Very tasteful. Chapel roof interesting fresco. Main Hall unusual beams to be organized like original. Kitchen fabulous – figures & game etc set out like a medieval kitchen.
Stirling Castle
Off to Bannockburn to see centre about Robert the Bruce. Very good – very informative. Civil war between Scots & English. Then to William Wallace (Braveheart) exhibition. They were pretty blood thirsty those Scots. Drove up to the William Wallace memorial – amazing – very steep. People of Scotland see him as a martyr – he was condemned to death by Edward 1 , beheaded and drawn and quartered. Bits of him were sent around the country. Came home for a cuppa. Organized writing of postcards etc. Off to Pub in Aberfoyle for tea. The weather is still lovely – cool morning –warm afternoon.
Monday 2nd June 20º C
Went to Edinburgh. Beautiful weather here at the cabin but we drove for about an hour and we ended up in really cold, windy weather. (8ºC) Had to buy a skivvy & Marg bought a pair of gabardine slacks. Went on the Hop on / Hop off bus and had a great trip around the Old and New Town. – Got off at the Castle. Really cold. Used these great listening devises – informative and really easy to use. Restoring going well. Like Stirling – Crown jewels were good. Wandered down the Royal Mile. – had lunch at a dear little pub – funny lady at the bar – really strange!! Walked back to Princess St. and shopped at Jennings store. Really dear. Then we went to the Scottish Shop – material in clothes was beautiful but really expensive.
Edinburgh
Came home – better weather. Called in at Aberfoyle for fish & chips. Cost £12.30. Individual serves – Marg’s spring roll looked nice. Fish was OK. Chips were not good. Had a drink and watched play back of Geoff’s video. No sound. Good picture. Channel 5. Bed at 10.15. Still light.
Tuesday 3rd June
Went to Alexandria Woollen Mill this morning – excellent shopping. Bought a really nice Navy Blue Jacket – wool £65. Also a pretty check shirt. (Tee shirts have shrunk – bloody hell!) Marg bought a ring for Alanah & Steve. Very good value at p14.99. Went out to the Trossach Pier and caught SS Walter Scott – a steamer on Lake Katrina (The Lady of the Lake – poem). Very pretty scenery – quite windy. We were on deck with a pensioner group. Marg & I had a laugh about us as pensioners – Marg felt she’d cope as long as she had some chocolate. Geoff wants to go to Northern Territory to that doctor.
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Lone Piper & Marg
Came back to Aberfoyle - looked in some Mill shops. Bud went for a beer after he found these great trousers that zip off to make shorts. Bought the boys T shirts & boxers. Will send these home via post. Cooking a meal at home tonight. Went down to the lake and watched the ducks. Met a German lady & her baby and an English couple & their little boy having a paddle. Menu tonight - sausages, gravy, peas, potatoes and carrots. Bananas for sweets. A good day!! Piper by the road – really good.
Wednesday 4th June 19º C
Had a little sleep in this morning. Started really misty – not really cold. Good run to Glasgow. Found a park right near the main mall. Lots of shops – no cars – good for walking. Buddy bought me a beautiful bangle £70. I just love it!! (B’day present). Marg bought a pretty black faced watch with little hearts for about £12.50. Got the On/Off bus for £4.50 – pensioner price – thought Bud was a senior – we all benefited from this. Glasgow was really interesting – Old house built in 504 – now a museum. Architecture really beautiful – university of Glasgow really beautiful – old and wonderful buildings – more part of the city than Melbourne University. Had lunch at a little fish & chip shop called “The Blue Lagoon”. Very plain food but hot & nice. Trip home good. Bud mounted the curb again much to our delight. Really sunny again – beautiful day. Watched the video of our trip so far. Sound has been found – great to hear the piper at Edinburgh & near Lake Katrina. Off to tea again at Aberfoyle. We are tired!!
Melrose Abbey
Thursday 5th June 19º C Kelso Border Tour
Early start today 7.37 am. Good trip down via Stirling to Galashiels. Stopped in at Melrose and had another look at the Priory (We stayed in Melrose last trip – Youth Hostel) Then onto Kelso to Floors. A misty day but a little sun about. Castle really lovely. Great furniture etc. Had a cuppa at the restaurant – scone & jam & tea. Off to Banburgh to the castle. Lovely trip – winding road – Marg slept. Castle restored by Lord Armstrong and his Italian wife. Very well done – China displays just great. Whole sets of Spode, etc. Lots of great porcelain and wonderful figurines. Very well restored – very much like Stirling & Edinburgh but much better inside. (Bud found out yesterday that our neighbors – young men were working on the beams (hammerlock) at Stirling Castle). Went for tea at Forth Inn. Raining quite heavily – started about 5.30pm. On the way home from the pub the rain stopped. Having an R & R day on Friday. Will have an early night tonight. Countryside was great today.
Friday 6th June R & R day. Wet but OK
Had a really good day. Didn’t get up until 8.30am.Amazing as Bud has been getting up at about 6.30 – 6.45 am. It is very light at that time of day. Had breakfast and then organized washing etc. Cricket on at 11.00 am – all watched and chatted. Off to Callender at 12.30 pm – walked around and had lunch at a “very old” bakery shop. Wall paper peeling – needed a pretty big upgrade. Wandered home mid afternoon. Geoff bought a really nice jumper Antarax Co. Tried to post our things home. No post packs so will have to pack them. Sunny afternoon. Vacuumed the floor and finished off the ironing. Packed cases. Australia still pretty terrible in cricket. (washed out). Went to Thornhill “Crown & Unicorn” – very expensive. Bud had Cumberland sausage and chips. I had pigeon breasts (4 little slices and port wine & currant sauce (£4.50). All decided we need to stick to the “pub” meals.
Car washed and we are ready to head for Carlisle tomorrow.
Saturday 7th June 18º – 20º C Ring Boys
Left our little cabin at 8.30 am to have breakfast on the way. Really enjoyed Loch Chalets. Will email Topher when we get home. Weather cloudy with some rain expected. Drove down towards Carlisle – turned off towards Brampton – then went on to little roads towards Stapleton. Had to ask directions but I was on the right track. Arrived at the Drover’s Arms at 12.35. Had lunch and talked to an elderly couple (ex teacher from Durham) and found out about Marg’s dad’s farm. (Hodgson’s Farm). Set off after lunch for “Greenhill” farm – needed some help but found it. People were very hospitable and allowed Marg & Geoff to film over the house and sheds. Booked into pub for B & B. Had a great meal for tea. Really cheap – lots of food. Very popular in the district. RAF boys use it to get their pilot’s license. Had a great breakfast and headed off for York. Geoff not well – too much food or too hot in the pub. B & B very good. Large rooms, airy & bright. £15 pp per night.
Sunday 8th June - 18º C
Got up early and packed up and drove to Durham. Good weather on the way down. Stopped in and saw Hadrian’s Wall (right where we stopped with Kath & Kev.) near Hexham. Arrived Durham - had a look at a great complex, (Beamish) about 19th C life but didn’t go in – cost £6.50 and would have needed all day. Drove on to Durham Cathedral – oldest Norman cathedral. St. Cuthbert buried there – a place of pilgrimage. Very big and impressive. Left Durham and come down the M74 to near York. Booked into “Blossom’s” Guest house. £20 but terrible – pokey & dirty. Geoff could go to the loo, clean his teeth and wash his feet at once in the bath area. Booked out to Queen Anne Guest House £17 just up the street. Very clean and comfortable. We are right up the top. York is lovely.
Monday 9th June
Drove out to Howard Castle again and we were still impressed. Then off to the World War II Museum at Eden Camp near Malton. Really great for history of the war. Different huts gave information about different aspects of the war. Great areas like – what it would be like to be in a submarine & being bombed. Also what it was like to be in the Blitz. Some later areas mentioned the Australians but generally it looked at the British at war. Very interesting – only about 5 schools of kids there taking notes. Bud & Geoff would have felt at home.
Eden Camp
Had a walk around York and found a really nice place for tea. I am really tired – I think we need to go a little slower. Will stay one more night here and then head for Chester. The weather has been great again today – really warm. Got some washing done tonight so that we will last the distance with clothes. The car is going well. Cases are getting a little heavy. Still really light down here – days go from 5,.30 am to 9.45 pm. People play golf and bowls without lights until this time. Must be hard on the kids. Hard to get them to bed in the light. Tea at Principal’s Restaurant – excellent. A good day but tired.
The Shambles ,York
Tuesday 10th June Weather good but muggy
Had a great breakfast after a fairly unsettled sleep. Beds here much better. Did some washing to get us through until Friday. York this morning. Castle Museum was really good – takes you back in time - but things I can remember like slow combustion stoves and the first TV etc. Really well set out. Had hair cut £7.50 – quite good & nice lass very chatty. Marg videoed it – always has me looking terrible!! Then we went into town. Marg, Geoff & Bud went to the Viking thing – quite educational and interesting. I had a look in some shops. Clothes are expensive here. Some beautiful suits though. Had a quick lunch and then a wander. I bought a really pretty sculptured candle for £12.50 in the colors of my dinner set. Also got some paper to wrap up the parcels for home. Will cost a bit but who cares. Off to town tonight for another meal out. Last night at Principal’s Restaurant – really nice. Tonight we will try a different place. Lots of school trips here over the two days. Weather really muggy tonight.
Wednesday 11th June Wet weather
Drove up to Chester – really bad weather across the Pennines (Mountain) Visibility Zero – Buddy kept pace down and kept in the slower lanes for safety. Big trucks either side. – large amount of water from the road on us. Managed quite well. Arrived at Chester for lunch – it is such a pretty place – all Tudor shops on two levels. Shopped around a bit and had a good walk. Then off to Cowly in Wales in preparation for Ferry. Drove to Cowly – quite good traveling but no B & B’s. Went into LechFechan – loved the name but nothing. Went back to Cowly – dear old lady had rooms but beds were very little. Off to Bangor – through 2 tunnels through the mountains. Had a look at the town and drove back to 2 B & B’s on way in. Beryl & Jack Hughes (Ex soldier Norway Liberation) Lovely and friendly £15 pp. Small but clean room – bathroom over hallway. Had tea at a lovely hotel on the pier – then had a walk on the pier. Geoff has gout in the ankle again. Weather OK but more rain expected. Had an early night after watching Jack Frost movie.
B & B Bangor
Thursday 12th June Wet but warm
Up at 8.30 am for breakfast – really nice. Had a good chat to Jack. Daughter a teacher in Scotland. He gave me some poppy seeds (Welsh poppy). Went to Bangor – posted parcels home £6.20 – not bad. Then off to Hollyhead – Bud rang to change day back to Thursday – had been a mistake – booked for Friday - walked around for a little while – very smelly, like tar. Then off to the ferry – 12.30 pm. Boarded boat at 1.40 pm. Lots of cars. Bigger than last time. Very luxurious. Went up to Strikers bar and got seated. Moved along very quickly. 1 hour 40 mins only – a little rolling motion. Marg found it a little worrying but settled after eating. Bought some perfume duty free £22.50 Visa. Arrived Dun Laoghaire – Port and drove out on the edge of Dublin – very busy time. Bud did not stop talking – nervous. Had to growl at him. Geoff needed binoculars for signs. Drove to Naas – got Irish money. On to Kilcullen and found a B & B £20 pp. (Hazel & Pat). Went for tea at “Berneys”. Had lunch menu. Good – tired today. Room very pretty.
Friday 13th June Wet & cool
Left at 9.15 am – went to Irish Stud at Kildare. Really quite wet but we managed. Saw Vintage Crop out grazing – good looking chestnut horse. (1996 winner Melb. Cup). Looked through the stud fairly carefully. Then after finding a really good T shirt for Graham Hodgson we left for Kilkenny. Back on little road – sometimes we headed for the hedges again. Some really pretty scenes over the “Curragh” - the race horse breeding centre of the country. Kilkenny was really busy. Went to “Woodstock” and saw Caroline and Paul Hayles. (Stephen’s friends). They were pleased to see us and we had a really good chat. Their new little baby 13 months, Holly is a real card and Caroline would have loved to have us meet her. However, we want to push on to Cork for tomorrow. Earlier in the day I dropped off some things for the archives at Tullow. Did not go in as it was lunchtime. Made to feel quite welcome though. Have settled for the night in Waterford at a really lovely B & B (£16) on the N9. We had a beaut tea at a pub called Evans. Really roomy & very nice. Toilet had its own seat cleaning set up and you could buy 4 mints to make your breath sweet. A good day.
Saturday 14th June Mild – sunny patches
Left Waterford to see the Crystal factory. Very expensive. Loved the grandfather clock £1200 – would be beautiful at home. Lovely crystal – very expensive. Saw a video for 18 mins – very good.
Now off to Cork – roads pretty good except when we get on the little R type ones. Still the same as last time – drive very fast in the middle of the road. Buddy is managing well but sometimes does dribble on. Stopped at Mallow for lunch – very busy place – right on lunchtime.
Then off to get our cottage. Drove down this long drive like a tunnel – very rough – came to an old type double storey place. Got directions to the cottage.
Doneraille Cottage
What a shock when we got there – really quaint like Hansel & Gretel. No shower!!! Kitchen really tiny – old type wash trough in enameled porcelain – dishwasher there however, coir matting on the floor – has been done up – lovely big family table in the dining room. Bedrooms nice but Marg & Geoff no wardrobe. Bidet and toilet in bathroom. My bed has built up sides – Queen Anne type. Bud’s bed a little narrow divan type bed. Had a wander and met the Percheron stallion – very big horse but gentle. The house that Dr Frankel and his wife live in is like an old country manor but the garden has really become a mess. Magnolias are huge – creepers, vines, climbing roses, foxgloves etc all growing wild. Some small areas are cleared. He has owned it for 25 years but has not done much to the garden. The cottage is warm and cosy and very peaceful. Cooked tea tonight – sausages & vegetables. Got all the washing done, dried and ironed. Keeping the heating on all the time – old fashioned oil stove that acts as a furnace. Each room has a heater. The sitting room is fairly basic – cane chairs and a funny covered couch. Lovely table in the middle. Watched our video of the last few days. Bud suggested that Geoff should run a film night at school. We could have a supper type evening. Lots of laughs!! Off to bed soon to try out this funny little bed. TV interesting – only 2 channels – News in Irish!! Cottage is good!!! Will ring the boys tomorrow.
Marg in the Cottage
Sunday 15th June Fine
Got up – not too early. Had a good breakfast and then tidied up a little. All our experiences in the bath were hilarious. It is very difficult to negotiate getting out of the bath. We have caught up on the washing and I have clean clothes again. Today has been pretty miserable. Trip to Blarney Woolen Mills was disappointing – no sales Everything was really expensive but I did get some nice slacks for London. Came home in the rain. Settled into the cottage – had a really nice roast tea. Leg of lamb (rolled) and vegetables. Great value £6.00 for everything. Found a good little shop in town with a good range of bread rolls etc. (Took out lunch today for a picnic). Noticed that the gypsies are really prevalent around here. Little groups on the side of the road everywhere. Very untidy and messy. Can’t understand the Govt. allowing it. Bud went to Mass this am – only 25 min service. They are quick in Ireland. Watched some TV. Very cosy here in the cottage. – need a shower facility though.
Monday 16th June Wet then fine. Ring of Kerry
Up really early 7.00 am. Washed hair in the bath. Nearly dislocated my elbow & knee. I’m too old to be climbing in and out of the bath. Bud got stuff for a packed lunch and off we headed for Kenmare. Good drive over but the weather not looking god. Marg coping well – no travel sickness tablets today. Kenmare has become very up market. Linen shop really dear. However the Quill Mill Shop was good. Bought a runner & circular doily and a square cloth £30. Also got a sing-a-long tape to play in the car instead of Bud’s “Nasal Bros” singing Irish songs. Ring of Kerry really good – got some sun as we went around. Very pretty –lovely colors – sea was really blue in places. Stopped off in Killarney – Americans everywhere. Lots of tourists all over. I would hate to be here much later – I think it would get very crowded.
Ring of Kerry
Came home to Mallow – however, food situation not good. I think we will have to eat at lunchtime and have a snack type tea. Got take away. Pizza for me, chicken & chips for Bud. Wrote some cards – early night.
Tuesday 17th June Bunratty Castle, Tulla
Had a later morning. Headed off to Bunratty Castle and Folk park. Very rustic – not as good as Sovereign Hill. Needs some work. However kids were really enjoying it. Irish Heritage. Had lunch at the park – homemade apple pie – old fashioned pastry. £4.50 to get in the park. Left after lunch to find Tulla. Geoff’s relatives live there (Mary & Seamus Harrison). After a phone call we found that Mary was home. A cousin of Geoff’s dad by marriage. Drove up on little roads and made our way out to the farm on a really little road. A lovely lady – very welcoming. Geoff and she talked for some time and Marg videoed around the house and yard. Very, very old buildings. 50 cows and 50 sheep – about 120 acres. Met son Seamus – he was very pleasant and interested in finding out about farming in Australia. Bud talked to his friend Martin. Came home late and had tea at home. A good day.
Bunratty Castle
Wednesday 18th June Wet / sunny / warm
Had a later start today. Headed off to Cobh to see the Heritage centre – seaport at the edge of Cork City – all migration from Ireland took place from here. 2.5 million from 1840 – 1960. Many to Australia, America & Canada. Interesting place – well done. Also the Titanic called there before it sank. Litsuana ship torpedoed in Cork Harbor by the Germans in WW II. 1500 people were drowned. Showed material about all of this. I bought a small clock of Galway crystal £16.49. Drove to Midleton to take pictures of a house for Marg – Bill at the factory’s sister. She wasn’t home. Pretty drive back here although cloudy. Still really warm in the car. Arrived home to have cooked chook for tea but no cooked chooks. Bought a fresh one and had roast again. No good places to eat here – either too expensive or they don’t serve food. Rang the boys and spoke to Jamie. Rang Chris Keane and organized Sat BBQ tea.
Thursday 19th June Wet then fine
Had a late morning and then headed over to Kilbrack (main house) for morning coffee. What an experience!! The house is really old and in reasonable repair. The back part is a real mess and they are building a new stall for the stallion. The house has a really unusual staircase, some really good furniture and some real junk. The carpets are filthy from the 3 dogs that obviously have the run of the house. Emire is the funniest thing – she was a hippy and I think she still is. Very small boned, then blond/grey hair pulled back and a very expressive face. Miles (Dr. Frankel) is a “bit of a lad” I think and seems to have “done everything & been everywhere” – likes to be the centre of attention. Coffee came – coffee pot and boiled milk & triangles of scone (hard as the hobs of Hades). We spent about 2½ hrs there – quite entertaining. Left and went to Mallow for shopping – couldn’t get lunch here at Doneraille! Had chicken stir-fry for tea. Nice.
Friday 20th June Rainy & cooler
Slept in – rained all night – very damp. Our oil ran out yesterday so we have used electric water. Enough for all of us. Got a load of washing on and into the dryer. Bundled up and went to look at Ardare – a heritage village. Absolutely poured – like buckets – rain really heavy the whole way. Hard driving – water all over the road. Town a disappointment – very expensive craft places. Catering for the Yanks we think. Got a cute teapot stand and playing cards for presents. Came home via Charleyville and had a nice lunch at the pub. Set the fire going. Oil has come and heater is on again. Read a book by John Mills – very funny. Had a little sleep and then packed the case. Still fitting everything in. Geoff & Bud cut wood with this old saw – really looked funny. Fire is very cheery. Going to eat the cupboards bare tonight – sausages, tomatoes, rolls, apple turnovers etc. etc. Ready to head for Merrijig on Galway Bay to deliver the vegemite to Chris and James.
Saturday 21st June Wet then fine
Left Kilbrack at 9.00 am having paid for our oil and power £28. Tidied the place and drove down to the manor to say goodbye. Still wet but only just a light rain. Then off through Limerick to Ballyvaughn. Stopped at the Cliffs of Mohr for a look – really beautiful but overcast again – we need the sun to see the colors of the cliffs and sea around it. Very windy & cold. Dear old chap playing button accordion – very good.
Cliff’s of Mohr
Then off to Ballyvaughn and the Keanes B & B. Made very welcome. James and Buddy went to the back farm. Marg & Geoff had a rest and I talked to Chris then had a shower – Oh what bliss!!! Came through the Burren – very interesting place – amazing structure of stone. Looks like cement on the grass – not allowed to clear it now – world heritage – James paid not to clear it. Had tea at Hylands pub. Really nice. Then went to a one room pub – no toilets – just a room – about 30 people packed in. Usually only locals. Had to pass glasses from front to back. Good day.
Merrijig B & B
Sunday 22nd June Warm & windy
Left Merrijig at 9.30 am and headed across the N6 to Dublin. Really good traveling along towards Athlone but it got very busy. Had a light lunch and headed on. Turned off and went onto the R407 to Clane where there was a race of some description – Guarda and people everywhere – lots of people in buses and cars – bands getting ready for the finish etc. Very exciting. Then we turned off to make our way to Dublin. We got lost but kept going to find Glencullen – we didn’t find it but found some great views of Dublin. Eventually managed to find the N11 and made our way to the ferry terminal – Bud booked our passage for 11.10 am tomorrow. Then drove down to Bray and got a nice B & B on the outskirts. Geoff and Marg at another one near us. £16 per night. Off tomorrow for Wales. Ireland has been good but I’m not sure Marg & Geoff enjoyed it as much. I think it is a little backward for them. Still keeping up the energy. Tired today.
Monday 23rd June
Got up early – Organised to get to the ferry early. No duty free stuff – only on the boat. Was a lot rougher crossing this time. We sat on the lower section – much calmer there. Left the boat really quickly and headed down through Carnafeon through central Wales. Called into wonderful village, Port Meirion and saw the amazing architecture. Bought some dear little china plates and an oven mitt at the second’s shop. Undercharged by about £10.
Port Meirion
Kept on through Snowdonia National Park to a place for a B & B. The scenery was wonderful – really hilly, trees and green. Very healthy fat animals grazing. Arrived Machynlleth at a guest house at 5.oo pm. Went to a wonderful old pub 457 years old with low beams and a great fire – The Black Lion – 2½ miles out. Food great. A lovely spot.
Tuesday 24th June Overcast but fine
Got up early and headed for Cirencester. Drove through Wales most of the morning. Stopped for lunch at a little pub – Axe and Cleaver. Came over the border and then into Hereford and on to Cirencester. Found our way pretty easily to Old Mill Farm. Stables are lovely – very well furnished and lots of windows – light and airy. Only one shower – we will share. Two bathrooms – heaters effective for drying washing – dryer has conked out. Met Catherine Hazel – very friendly. Had a long letter from Dot (Marg’s sister and an email from Alan & Barb. Good to hear some news. We unpacked and went shopping in Cirencester at a great big modern supermarket. Will start using the thermos again here. Had tea at the Wild Duck – Bud hated his because it was a whole fish – he wanted eggs again!! Came home and relaxed and looked at our day’s activities – Stonehenge and Salisbury tomorrow while weather holds. Bed comfortable – Lovely venue!!
Old Mill Farm
Wednesday 25th June Rain / cold
Rained all night – got up late and decided to go to Warwick and see the castle. Packed a picnic lunch and headed off about 10.15 am. Really wet but quite pretty through the Cotswolds – obviously quite well to do farming area. Warwick Castle was really good – great area near dungeon about early Lord of Warwick. Castle much better this time – not so many kids. Prince of Wales (Edward VII) dinner party interesting. I didn’t know that the Duchess was his mistress after Lily Langtry!!
Sunday 25th May.Paris 17ºC – Arrived at 6.00am after 14 hours flying time. We must be mad. Got through customs well, and then took time to ring the Bresil Hotel to see if we could book in early. Can get the cases in now (8.30am) and ourselves at 1.00 pm. We were a bit hassled at the airport – difficult to find a telephone that worked. Bought a phone card and that was OK. Caught the Rossi Bus to the Opera. Deposited our cases and left to try the Metro. Bresil Hotel is really nice – we have a bath /shower and Marg and Geoff have a shower. Area is great – little eating places, lots of streets and cars. Supermarket is 2 streets away and underground one block away. Beautiful day by 9.30 am. – sunny and not a cloud in the sky.
Went to the Eiffel Tower at 11.00 am. Fabulous to stand under it. Built in 1889 - 320 metres tall. We went and took photos – Marg and Geoff sat on the lawn and were moved on their way by very officious Gendarme ladies. Geoff reckoned one looked like Eva Brawn – shouting “Off the grass”, blowing whistles. You can sit on the lawns but not in the main corridor. Had a caricature done but they were too pushy so we didn’t buy. Metro is very good – smooth and punctual. Buddy is managing it well. Had a look around the area near the hotel. I bought a bread stick, some cheese. It was scrummy. Bud bought some beer. Had a lie down after a shower – slept until 5.00pm then just stayed in bed – no tea – too tired. Bud went to bed at 7.30 pm. A good first day I think!!!
Near Our Paris Hotel
Monday 26th MayParis 18ºC. Up early – Breakfast at 8.00am. Met 2 ladies from Tassie and another couple from Mudgee in NSW – on a Lido trip. Off to look at Department stores. Really great fashion. Got two T shirts. Geoff bought a battery for the video. Weather is really great. Had a quick lunch in a café – chicken & bacon roll, coffee / drink. Then headed for “Place de Pyramids” to catch a bus. Got lost – asked 2 policemen – still in trouble. Made it by the skin of our teeth. Bussed to Fontainbleau (the lodge of Kings & Napoleon 1) Very impressive. Marg H went to men’s toilet – got locked in – saved by a nice gentleman. Much of the restoration was done in 19th Century. Not as good as 16th & 17th century stuff. Then off to Barbizon, an artist colony on the way back. Very pretty. Marg H used a very strange loo – an American lady got locked in while walls etc were washed down with water. Her lower legs etc were also washed in the dark. She was petrified. Buddy & Geoff got her out with 3 or 4 french francs. Got home to find our trip on the Seine & Lido had been bought forward 2 hours. Bloody hell we changed quickly (19mins). Seine trip was good but it was still sunlight unfortunately. Lido at 9.00pm. Champagne & beer on the house (we’d paid for it in the deal). Show was “magnificent” If you’re ever in Paris you must go. The girls were tall and slim – some bare breasted but elegant. The men were all about early 20’s etc. The girls were younger. Other acts were really good. Juggler, Balancing etc between dancing. Some very interesting engineering feats – stage up, audience in front area drop down. Middle stage a fountain and ice rink at times. Great special effects. Only thing wrong was they mimed the songs. The costumes were spectacular – ostrich feather headdresses 1 metre tall, white fur stoles and clothes. About 40 in the cast. All very professional – petite figures and long legs. Home at 12.30. Had bread roll and banana and a drink for tea. (Had no time for tea earlier) Off to bed and into another day. Weather is perfect – a little hotter than we thought. Managing language quite well. People are helpful.
Tuesday 27th May – 23ºC
Up later – good breakfast. Then to Cityrama bus trip 2 hours around the city. Very interesting. Taped talk – better to have someone telling us but too many nationalities. Went to Layfeyette Shopping Centre again to get Alanah some beautiful French Knickers. The lady at the counter was really good and very helpful. Off to Sacre Coer. Beautiful in the daylight – really white – loads of people. Inside is really dirty and grey. They are restoring it at the moment. Home to launderette – 130 francs – ripped off – however we have to have clean clothes. Went for a Chinese meal – really lovely but really small. About a bread & butter plate size. I had chicken & almonds, Bud & Geoff had sweet and sour and Marg had chicken & curry. Cost 425.50 francs. Very expensive. Sweet was nice – coffee parfait. Off to bed after packing – got to get up at 4.45 to catch our plane tomorrow. I like Paris!!
Wednesday 28th May
Arrived at Paris airport to find that we had extra time. Instead of 7.55 am departure it was 9.35 am. Departure. We filled in the time – I bought some perfume (236F AD$59). I met Leanne McDermmott from Apollo Bay on the plane and gave her some advice about Youth Hostels. The plane is very small but OK. One & half hours to Edinburgh.
Bud went to pick up the car but we decided to upgrade to a Golf station wagon – dark blue. (Cost $600 more but you need to be comfortable.
Golf Wagon
Drove up to Aberdeen through some pretty villages. Had lunch at Caupur Angus – drove into Crathes Castle to check Heritage card. Very impressive – very small stairs. I loved the carved bed. (actually carved in the room). Curtains pull around – top pops up for air. Burnett family home until 1967. Marg H not well – tired I think. Arrived in Aberdeen at 5.00pm Organised a B & B at “Roslyn House” in Kingsgate Rd. Very nice. Bed squeaky and hard but slept well. Sun came up at 4.30 am. Bud was like the sun. He wanted to talk and discuss things. Up at 7.30. Beautiful shower – normal beautiful day. Off to Whiskey trail tomorrow – Thursday. Managing well. Marg H is keeping us on track with money!!
Thursday 29th May 21º C, My Birthday
Off to Balmoral this morning. Not allowed into the castle – only the ballroom. Very well looked after. Balmoral is the Queen Mother’s residence. Trees in the park are really old and well cared for. Then off over the Grampians Mountains (Highlands) which are really spectacular – heather dark brown & brown patches of grasses. The valleys are really deep. Skiing is a favorite pastime – saw the ski village – wonderful for skiing as there are no rocks or trees just bare ground. Arrived in Inverness at 4.30 pm. Booked a B & B (Hebrides – Brenda McDonald) for £17.00 pp per night. Had a look at the town then went out to the B & B. Very pretty rooms – ours is upstairs – all maroon and pink – roses on the walls, Bed was hard but looked comfortable. Had tea at the Loch Ness Hotel. Very nice – the place was busy – Line dancing night. Had a good birthday. Bud shouted me tea. Car going well. Bud still turns off too early. Marg H laughs and Geoff suggests what we should do to remedy the problem. All getting on well. Marg is lots better after the plane trip. Off to Culloden & whisky tour tomorrow.
Friday 30 May Inverness 24ºC
Beautiful breakfast – Scottish sausage interesting. Off to Glenfiddich distillery at Dufftown past Elgin. Called in at Johnston’s Mill – cashmere. Marg bought a really interesting woolen vest/scarf. £19.95. Headed off through very pretty country to Dufftown.
Glenfiddich Distillery
The distillery was great. Saw the whole process of whisky making. Had a dram at the end – very tasty. Headed back to Inverness. Dinner at Fores – I found a fishing shop and bought 10 flies for Russell Currie. Cost £6.15. Purchased a thermos and cups so we can have a cup of tea on the way. Bakers have really good fare but too expensive to always go into a shop for lunch. On to Fort George – built 1647 after the battle at Culloden to control Scots. There were some really interesting sights – army chaps camouflaging jeeps etc. Then off to Culloden – still a really sad place. So many highland clansmen killed. Prince Charlie a bit of a drip I think – wasted lives. Shopping – shoes for heat £23. Short sleeved blouse £20 – Marks & Spencer – No Visa Had a really good tea at the same hotel as last night. Post cards to Elliotts & St. Joseph’s. Bed at 10.00 pm Still really light.Saturday 31st May 22º C
Up at 7.30 am. Packed up and off at 8.45 am – Mist down and quite cold. Drove beside Lock Ness – very dark and forbidding. Then on to Loch Orchy – sun came out – really pretty. Made good time. – bought a thermos flask & cups so we can now buy dinner and have a cuppa at a picnic place. It is expensive to buy food and sit down to eat it. Drove down to Glencoe. Good and the spectacular to Cairnlach. Walking trails and mountains beautiful. Snow still on “Ben Nevis”. Also snow on area around Black Mount. Sun out now and quite warm. Marg and I will have to make sure we keep our cooler clothes clean. We don’t need jumpers at the moment.
Cabin at Port Menteith
Arrived at Lake Menteith at 1.15pm. The cabin is small but compact. Christopher (Topher) – owner had dreadlocks – interesting character. Did our washing – Buddy hung his neatly along the tennis court. At last a proper iron – got a shirt pressed properly. Dinner tonight at a nice pub in Aberfoyle. Chicken, cabbage & lettuce. (interesting) Locals are interesting. All England and Scotland out for the weekend – walking, camping etc.Sunday 1st June 20º C
Up early today. Cooked breakfast for the boys. Marg and I had yoghurt and toast. Then Bud sat in the car and waited for us to “rush out” to get started. Geoff & Marg couldn’t believe it. (He left film home). Drove in past some quite big holdings – large shedding to house animals in winter. Really neat farms – well pastured.
Meandered along into Stirling to the castle. Very similar to Edinburgh castle. They are working to restore it. Very tasteful. Chapel roof interesting fresco. Main Hall unusual beams to be organized like original. Kitchen fabulous – figures & game etc set out like a medieval kitchen.
Stirling Castle
Off to Bannockburn to see centre about Robert the Bruce. Very good – very informative. Civil war between Scots & English. Then to William Wallace (Braveheart) exhibition. They were pretty blood thirsty those Scots. Drove up to the William Wallace memorial – amazing – very steep. People of Scotland see him as a martyr – he was condemned to death by Edward 1 , beheaded and drawn and quartered. Bits of him were sent around the country. Came home for a cuppa. Organized writing of postcards etc. Off to Pub in Aberfoyle for tea. The weather is still lovely – cool morning –warm afternoon.Monday 2nd June 20º C
Went to Edinburgh. Beautiful weather here at the cabin but we drove for about an hour and we ended up in really cold, windy weather. (8ºC) Had to buy a skivvy & Marg bought a pair of gabardine slacks. Went on the Hop on / Hop off bus and had a great trip around the Old and New Town. – Got off at the Castle. Really cold. Used these great listening devises – informative and really easy to use. Restoring going well. Like Stirling – Crown jewels were good. Wandered down the Royal Mile. – had lunch at a dear little pub – funny lady at the bar – really strange!! Walked back to Princess St. and shopped at Jennings store. Really dear. Then we went to the Scottish Shop – material in clothes was beautiful but really expensive.
Edinburgh
Came home – better weather. Called in at Aberfoyle for fish & chips. Cost £12.30. Individual serves – Marg’s spring roll looked nice. Fish was OK. Chips were not good. Had a drink and watched play back of Geoff’s video. No sound. Good picture. Channel 5. Bed at 10.15. Still light.Tuesday 3rd June
Went to Alexandria Woollen Mill this morning – excellent shopping. Bought a really nice Navy Blue Jacket – wool £65. Also a pretty check shirt. (Tee shirts have shrunk – bloody hell!) Marg bought a ring for Alanah & Steve. Very good value at p14.99. Went out to the Trossach Pier and caught SS Walter Scott – a steamer on Lake Katrina (The Lady of the Lake – poem). Very pretty scenery – quite windy. We were on deck with a pensioner group. Marg & I had a laugh about us as pensioners – Marg felt she’d cope as long as she had some chocolate. Geoff wants to go to Northern Territory to that doctor.
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Lone Piper & Marg
Came back to Aberfoyle - looked in some Mill shops. Bud went for a beer after he found these great trousers that zip off to make shorts. Bought the boys T shirts & boxers. Will send these home via post. Cooking a meal at home tonight. Went down to the lake and watched the ducks. Met a German lady & her baby and an English couple & their little boy having a paddle. Menu tonight - sausages, gravy, peas, potatoes and carrots. Bananas for sweets. A good day!! Piper by the road – really good.Wednesday 4th June 19º C
Had a little sleep in this morning. Started really misty – not really cold. Good run to Glasgow. Found a park right near the main mall. Lots of shops – no cars – good for walking. Buddy bought me a beautiful bangle £70. I just love it!! (B’day present). Marg bought a pretty black faced watch with little hearts for about £12.50. Got the On/Off bus for £4.50 – pensioner price – thought Bud was a senior – we all benefited from this. Glasgow was really interesting – Old house built in 504 – now a museum. Architecture really beautiful – university of Glasgow really beautiful – old and wonderful buildings – more part of the city than Melbourne University. Had lunch at a little fish & chip shop called “The Blue Lagoon”. Very plain food but hot & nice. Trip home good. Bud mounted the curb again much to our delight. Really sunny again – beautiful day. Watched the video of our trip so far. Sound has been found – great to hear the piper at Edinburgh & near Lake Katrina. Off to tea again at Aberfoyle. We are tired!!
Melrose Abbey
Thursday 5th June 19º C Kelso Border TourEarly start today 7.37 am. Good trip down via Stirling to Galashiels. Stopped in at Melrose and had another look at the Priory (We stayed in Melrose last trip – Youth Hostel) Then onto Kelso to Floors. A misty day but a little sun about. Castle really lovely. Great furniture etc. Had a cuppa at the restaurant – scone & jam & tea. Off to Banburgh to the castle. Lovely trip – winding road – Marg slept. Castle restored by Lord Armstrong and his Italian wife. Very well done – China displays just great. Whole sets of Spode, etc. Lots of great porcelain and wonderful figurines. Very well restored – very much like Stirling & Edinburgh but much better inside. (Bud found out yesterday that our neighbors – young men were working on the beams (hammerlock) at Stirling Castle). Went for tea at Forth Inn. Raining quite heavily – started about 5.30pm. On the way home from the pub the rain stopped. Having an R & R day on Friday. Will have an early night tonight. Countryside was great today.
Friday 6th June R & R day. Wet but OK
Had a really good day. Didn’t get up until 8.30am.Amazing as Bud has been getting up at about 6.30 – 6.45 am. It is very light at that time of day. Had breakfast and then organized washing etc. Cricket on at 11.00 am – all watched and chatted. Off to Callender at 12.30 pm – walked around and had lunch at a “very old” bakery shop. Wall paper peeling – needed a pretty big upgrade. Wandered home mid afternoon. Geoff bought a really nice jumper Antarax Co. Tried to post our things home. No post packs so will have to pack them. Sunny afternoon. Vacuumed the floor and finished off the ironing. Packed cases. Australia still pretty terrible in cricket. (washed out). Went to Thornhill “Crown & Unicorn” – very expensive. Bud had Cumberland sausage and chips. I had pigeon breasts (4 little slices and port wine & currant sauce (£4.50). All decided we need to stick to the “pub” meals.
Car washed and we are ready to head for Carlisle tomorrow.
Saturday 7th June 18º – 20º C Ring Boys
Left our little cabin at 8.30 am to have breakfast on the way. Really enjoyed Loch Chalets. Will email Topher when we get home. Weather cloudy with some rain expected. Drove down towards Carlisle – turned off towards Brampton – then went on to little roads towards Stapleton. Had to ask directions but I was on the right track. Arrived at the Drover’s Arms at 12.35. Had lunch and talked to an elderly couple (ex teacher from Durham) and found out about Marg’s dad’s farm. (Hodgson’s Farm). Set off after lunch for “Greenhill” farm – needed some help but found it. People were very hospitable and allowed Marg & Geoff to film over the house and sheds. Booked into pub for B & B. Had a great meal for tea. Really cheap – lots of food. Very popular in the district. RAF boys use it to get their pilot’s license. Had a great breakfast and headed off for York. Geoff not well – too much food or too hot in the pub. B & B very good. Large rooms, airy & bright. £15 pp per night.
Sunday 8th June - 18º C
Got up early and packed up and drove to Durham. Good weather on the way down. Stopped in and saw Hadrian’s Wall (right where we stopped with Kath & Kev.) near Hexham. Arrived Durham - had a look at a great complex, (Beamish) about 19th C life but didn’t go in – cost £6.50 and would have needed all day. Drove on to Durham Cathedral – oldest Norman cathedral. St. Cuthbert buried there – a place of pilgrimage. Very big and impressive. Left Durham and come down the M74 to near York. Booked into “Blossom’s” Guest house. £20 but terrible – pokey & dirty. Geoff could go to the loo, clean his teeth and wash his feet at once in the bath area. Booked out to Queen Anne Guest House £17 just up the street. Very clean and comfortable. We are right up the top. York is lovely.
Monday 9th June
Drove out to Howard Castle again and we were still impressed. Then off to the World War II Museum at Eden Camp near Malton. Really great for history of the war. Different huts gave information about different aspects of the war. Great areas like – what it would be like to be in a submarine & being bombed. Also what it was like to be in the Blitz. Some later areas mentioned the Australians but generally it looked at the British at war. Very interesting – only about 5 schools of kids there taking notes. Bud & Geoff would have felt at home.
Eden Camp
Had a walk around York and found a really nice place for tea. I am really tired – I think we need to go a little slower. Will stay one more night here and then head for Chester. The weather has been great again today – really warm. Got some washing done tonight so that we will last the distance with clothes. The car is going well. Cases are getting a little heavy. Still really light down here – days go from 5,.30 am to 9.45 pm. People play golf and bowls without lights until this time. Must be hard on the kids. Hard to get them to bed in the light. Tea at Principal’s Restaurant – excellent. A good day but tired.The Shambles ,York
Tuesday 10th June Weather good but muggyHad a great breakfast after a fairly unsettled sleep. Beds here much better. Did some washing to get us through until Friday. York this morning. Castle Museum was really good – takes you back in time - but things I can remember like slow combustion stoves and the first TV etc. Really well set out. Had hair cut £7.50 – quite good & nice lass very chatty. Marg videoed it – always has me looking terrible!! Then we went into town. Marg, Geoff & Bud went to the Viking thing – quite educational and interesting. I had a look in some shops. Clothes are expensive here. Some beautiful suits though. Had a quick lunch and then a wander. I bought a really pretty sculptured candle for £12.50 in the colors of my dinner set. Also got some paper to wrap up the parcels for home. Will cost a bit but who cares. Off to town tonight for another meal out. Last night at Principal’s Restaurant – really nice. Tonight we will try a different place. Lots of school trips here over the two days. Weather really muggy tonight.
Wednesday 11th June Wet weather
Drove up to Chester – really bad weather across the Pennines (Mountain) Visibility Zero – Buddy kept pace down and kept in the slower lanes for safety. Big trucks either side. – large amount of water from the road on us. Managed quite well. Arrived at Chester for lunch – it is such a pretty place – all Tudor shops on two levels. Shopped around a bit and had a good walk. Then off to Cowly in Wales in preparation for Ferry. Drove to Cowly – quite good traveling but no B & B’s. Went into LechFechan – loved the name but nothing. Went back to Cowly – dear old lady had rooms but beds were very little. Off to Bangor – through 2 tunnels through the mountains. Had a look at the town and drove back to 2 B & B’s on way in. Beryl & Jack Hughes (Ex soldier Norway Liberation) Lovely and friendly £15 pp. Small but clean room – bathroom over hallway. Had tea at a lovely hotel on the pier – then had a walk on the pier. Geoff has gout in the ankle again. Weather OK but more rain expected. Had an early night after watching Jack Frost movie.
B & B Bangor
Thursday 12th June Wet but warmUp at 8.30 am for breakfast – really nice. Had a good chat to Jack. Daughter a teacher in Scotland. He gave me some poppy seeds (Welsh poppy). Went to Bangor – posted parcels home £6.20 – not bad. Then off to Hollyhead – Bud rang to change day back to Thursday – had been a mistake – booked for Friday - walked around for a little while – very smelly, like tar. Then off to the ferry – 12.30 pm. Boarded boat at 1.40 pm. Lots of cars. Bigger than last time. Very luxurious. Went up to Strikers bar and got seated. Moved along very quickly. 1 hour 40 mins only – a little rolling motion. Marg found it a little worrying but settled after eating. Bought some perfume duty free £22.50 Visa. Arrived Dun Laoghaire – Port and drove out on the edge of Dublin – very busy time. Bud did not stop talking – nervous. Had to growl at him. Geoff needed binoculars for signs. Drove to Naas – got Irish money. On to Kilcullen and found a B & B £20 pp. (Hazel & Pat). Went for tea at “Berneys”. Had lunch menu. Good – tired today. Room very pretty.
Friday 13th June Wet & cool
Left at 9.15 am – went to Irish Stud at Kildare. Really quite wet but we managed. Saw Vintage Crop out grazing – good looking chestnut horse. (1996 winner Melb. Cup). Looked through the stud fairly carefully. Then after finding a really good T shirt for Graham Hodgson we left for Kilkenny. Back on little road – sometimes we headed for the hedges again. Some really pretty scenes over the “Curragh” - the race horse breeding centre of the country. Kilkenny was really busy. Went to “Woodstock” and saw Caroline and Paul Hayles. (Stephen’s friends). They were pleased to see us and we had a really good chat. Their new little baby 13 months, Holly is a real card and Caroline would have loved to have us meet her. However, we want to push on to Cork for tomorrow. Earlier in the day I dropped off some things for the archives at Tullow. Did not go in as it was lunchtime. Made to feel quite welcome though. Have settled for the night in Waterford at a really lovely B & B (£16) on the N9. We had a beaut tea at a pub called Evans. Really roomy & very nice. Toilet had its own seat cleaning set up and you could buy 4 mints to make your breath sweet. A good day.
Saturday 14th June Mild – sunny patches
Left Waterford to see the Crystal factory. Very expensive. Loved the grandfather clock £1200 – would be beautiful at home. Lovely crystal – very expensive. Saw a video for 18 mins – very good.
Now off to Cork – roads pretty good except when we get on the little R type ones. Still the same as last time – drive very fast in the middle of the road. Buddy is managing well but sometimes does dribble on. Stopped at Mallow for lunch – very busy place – right on lunchtime.
Then off to get our cottage. Drove down this long drive like a tunnel – very rough – came to an old type double storey place. Got directions to the cottage.
Doneraille Cottage
What a shock when we got there – really quaint like Hansel & Gretel. No shower!!! Kitchen really tiny – old type wash trough in enameled porcelain – dishwasher there however, coir matting on the floor – has been done up – lovely big family table in the dining room. Bedrooms nice but Marg & Geoff no wardrobe. Bidet and toilet in bathroom. My bed has built up sides – Queen Anne type. Bud’s bed a little narrow divan type bed. Had a wander and met the Percheron stallion – very big horse but gentle. The house that Dr Frankel and his wife live in is like an old country manor but the garden has really become a mess. Magnolias are huge – creepers, vines, climbing roses, foxgloves etc all growing wild. Some small areas are cleared. He has owned it for 25 years but has not done much to the garden. The cottage is warm and cosy and very peaceful. Cooked tea tonight – sausages & vegetables. Got all the washing done, dried and ironed. Keeping the heating on all the time – old fashioned oil stove that acts as a furnace. Each room has a heater. The sitting room is fairly basic – cane chairs and a funny covered couch. Lovely table in the middle. Watched our video of the last few days. Bud suggested that Geoff should run a film night at school. We could have a supper type evening. Lots of laughs!! Off to bed soon to try out this funny little bed. TV interesting – only 2 channels – News in Irish!! Cottage is good!!! Will ring the boys tomorrow.Marg in the Cottage
Sunday 15th June Fine Got up – not too early. Had a good breakfast and then tidied up a little. All our experiences in the bath were hilarious. It is very difficult to negotiate getting out of the bath. We have caught up on the washing and I have clean clothes again. Today has been pretty miserable. Trip to Blarney Woolen Mills was disappointing – no sales Everything was really expensive but I did get some nice slacks for London. Came home in the rain. Settled into the cottage – had a really nice roast tea. Leg of lamb (rolled) and vegetables. Great value £6.00 for everything. Found a good little shop in town with a good range of bread rolls etc. (Took out lunch today for a picnic). Noticed that the gypsies are really prevalent around here. Little groups on the side of the road everywhere. Very untidy and messy. Can’t understand the Govt. allowing it. Bud went to Mass this am – only 25 min service. They are quick in Ireland. Watched some TV. Very cosy here in the cottage. – need a shower facility though.
Monday 16th June Wet then fine. Ring of Kerry
Up really early 7.00 am. Washed hair in the bath. Nearly dislocated my elbow & knee. I’m too old to be climbing in and out of the bath. Bud got stuff for a packed lunch and off we headed for Kenmare. Good drive over but the weather not looking god. Marg coping well – no travel sickness tablets today. Kenmare has become very up market. Linen shop really dear. However the Quill Mill Shop was good. Bought a runner & circular doily and a square cloth £30. Also got a sing-a-long tape to play in the car instead of Bud’s “Nasal Bros” singing Irish songs. Ring of Kerry really good – got some sun as we went around. Very pretty –lovely colors – sea was really blue in places. Stopped off in Killarney – Americans everywhere. Lots of tourists all over. I would hate to be here much later – I think it would get very crowded.
Ring of Kerry
Came home to Mallow – however, food situation not good. I think we will have to eat at lunchtime and have a snack type tea. Got take away. Pizza for me, chicken & chips for Bud. Wrote some cards – early night.Tuesday 17th June Bunratty Castle, Tulla
Had a later morning. Headed off to Bunratty Castle and Folk park. Very rustic – not as good as Sovereign Hill. Needs some work. However kids were really enjoying it. Irish Heritage. Had lunch at the park – homemade apple pie – old fashioned pastry. £4.50 to get in the park. Left after lunch to find Tulla. Geoff’s relatives live there (Mary & Seamus Harrison). After a phone call we found that Mary was home. A cousin of Geoff’s dad by marriage. Drove up on little roads and made our way out to the farm on a really little road. A lovely lady – very welcoming. Geoff and she talked for some time and Marg videoed around the house and yard. Very, very old buildings. 50 cows and 50 sheep – about 120 acres. Met son Seamus – he was very pleasant and interested in finding out about farming in Australia. Bud talked to his friend Martin. Came home late and had tea at home. A good day.
Bunratty Castle
Wednesday 18th June Wet / sunny / warmHad a later start today. Headed off to Cobh to see the Heritage centre – seaport at the edge of Cork City – all migration from Ireland took place from here. 2.5 million from 1840 – 1960. Many to Australia, America & Canada. Interesting place – well done. Also the Titanic called there before it sank. Litsuana ship torpedoed in Cork Harbor by the Germans in WW II. 1500 people were drowned. Showed material about all of this. I bought a small clock of Galway crystal £16.49. Drove to Midleton to take pictures of a house for Marg – Bill at the factory’s sister. She wasn’t home. Pretty drive back here although cloudy. Still really warm in the car. Arrived home to have cooked chook for tea but no cooked chooks. Bought a fresh one and had roast again. No good places to eat here – either too expensive or they don’t serve food. Rang the boys and spoke to Jamie. Rang Chris Keane and organized Sat BBQ tea.
Thursday 19th June Wet then fine
Had a late morning and then headed over to Kilbrack (main house) for morning coffee. What an experience!! The house is really old and in reasonable repair. The back part is a real mess and they are building a new stall for the stallion. The house has a really unusual staircase, some really good furniture and some real junk. The carpets are filthy from the 3 dogs that obviously have the run of the house. Emire is the funniest thing – she was a hippy and I think she still is. Very small boned, then blond/grey hair pulled back and a very expressive face. Miles (Dr. Frankel) is a “bit of a lad” I think and seems to have “done everything & been everywhere” – likes to be the centre of attention. Coffee came – coffee pot and boiled milk & triangles of scone (hard as the hobs of Hades). We spent about 2½ hrs there – quite entertaining. Left and went to Mallow for shopping – couldn’t get lunch here at Doneraille! Had chicken stir-fry for tea. Nice.
Friday 20th June Rainy & cooler
Slept in – rained all night – very damp. Our oil ran out yesterday so we have used electric water. Enough for all of us. Got a load of washing on and into the dryer. Bundled up and went to look at Ardare – a heritage village. Absolutely poured – like buckets – rain really heavy the whole way. Hard driving – water all over the road. Town a disappointment – very expensive craft places. Catering for the Yanks we think. Got a cute teapot stand and playing cards for presents. Came home via Charleyville and had a nice lunch at the pub. Set the fire going. Oil has come and heater is on again. Read a book by John Mills – very funny. Had a little sleep and then packed the case. Still fitting everything in. Geoff & Bud cut wood with this old saw – really looked funny. Fire is very cheery. Going to eat the cupboards bare tonight – sausages, tomatoes, rolls, apple turnovers etc. etc. Ready to head for Merrijig on Galway Bay to deliver the vegemite to Chris and James.
Saturday 21st June Wet then fine
Left Kilbrack at 9.00 am having paid for our oil and power £28. Tidied the place and drove down to the manor to say goodbye. Still wet but only just a light rain. Then off through Limerick to Ballyvaughn. Stopped at the Cliffs of Mohr for a look – really beautiful but overcast again – we need the sun to see the colors of the cliffs and sea around it. Very windy & cold. Dear old chap playing button accordion – very good.
Cliff’s of Mohr
Then off to Ballyvaughn and the Keanes B & B. Made very welcome. James and Buddy went to the back farm. Marg & Geoff had a rest and I talked to Chris then had a shower – Oh what bliss!!! Came through the Burren – very interesting place – amazing structure of stone. Looks like cement on the grass – not allowed to clear it now – world heritage – James paid not to clear it. Had tea at Hylands pub. Really nice. Then went to a one room pub – no toilets – just a room – about 30 people packed in. Usually only locals. Had to pass glasses from front to back. Good day. Merrijig B & B
Sunday 22nd June Warm & windyLeft Merrijig at 9.30 am and headed across the N6 to Dublin. Really good traveling along towards Athlone but it got very busy. Had a light lunch and headed on. Turned off and went onto the R407 to Clane where there was a race of some description – Guarda and people everywhere – lots of people in buses and cars – bands getting ready for the finish etc. Very exciting. Then we turned off to make our way to Dublin. We got lost but kept going to find Glencullen – we didn’t find it but found some great views of Dublin. Eventually managed to find the N11 and made our way to the ferry terminal – Bud booked our passage for 11.10 am tomorrow. Then drove down to Bray and got a nice B & B on the outskirts. Geoff and Marg at another one near us. £16 per night. Off tomorrow for Wales. Ireland has been good but I’m not sure Marg & Geoff enjoyed it as much. I think it is a little backward for them. Still keeping up the energy. Tired today.
Monday 23rd June
Got up early – Organised to get to the ferry early. No duty free stuff – only on the boat. Was a lot rougher crossing this time. We sat on the lower section – much calmer there. Left the boat really quickly and headed down through Carnafeon through central Wales. Called into wonderful village, Port Meirion and saw the amazing architecture. Bought some dear little china plates and an oven mitt at the second’s shop. Undercharged by about £10.
Port Meirion
Kept on through Snowdonia National Park to a place for a B & B. The scenery was wonderful – really hilly, trees and green. Very healthy fat animals grazing. Arrived Machynlleth at a guest house at 5.oo pm. Went to a wonderful old pub 457 years old with low beams and a great fire – The Black Lion – 2½ miles out. Food great. A lovely spot.Tuesday 24th June Overcast but fine
Got up early and headed for Cirencester. Drove through Wales most of the morning. Stopped for lunch at a little pub – Axe and Cleaver. Came over the border and then into Hereford and on to Cirencester. Found our way pretty easily to Old Mill Farm. Stables are lovely – very well furnished and lots of windows – light and airy. Only one shower – we will share. Two bathrooms – heaters effective for drying washing – dryer has conked out. Met Catherine Hazel – very friendly. Had a long letter from Dot (Marg’s sister and an email from Alan & Barb. Good to hear some news. We unpacked and went shopping in Cirencester at a great big modern supermarket. Will start using the thermos again here. Had tea at the Wild Duck – Bud hated his because it was a whole fish – he wanted eggs again!! Came home and relaxed and looked at our day’s activities – Stonehenge and Salisbury tomorrow while weather holds. Bed comfortable – Lovely venue!!
Old Mill Farm
Wednesday 25th June Rain / coldRained all night – got up late and decided to go to Warwick and see the castle. Packed a picnic lunch and headed off about 10.15 am. Really wet but quite pretty through the Cotswolds – obviously quite well to do farming area. Warwick Castle was really good – great area near dungeon about early Lord of Warwick. Castle much better this time – not so many kids. Prince of Wales (Edward VII) dinner party interesting. I didn’t know that the Duchess was his mistress after Lily Langtry!!
Warwick Castle
Came home through Stratford on Avon – shopped a bit. Marg got her Season’s plates. I am sick of being navigator – map is really hard to read and Buddy yells a lot – 4½ weeks a bit much I reckon. Cooked tea tonight. Had a bottle of red so feel better. Really sick of having to travel so far – think I’ll give Cornwell a miss – it’s only my family after all. Weather improved a bit. Thursday 26th June Marg ill - Cold & windy
Had a sleep in – really cold, windy and raining – really unseasonable even for the English. Marg not well – a tummy upset. Made an appointment to see the doctor at 2.10 pm. Bud and I went in to get some groceries and checked out the town. Very tidy city. Was a major market area so it reflects this. Two good hotels – 14th -15th century – looked like they had good meals. Bought a chook to cook tonight with vegetables. Came home – watched some TV and rested. Day was pretty miserable – Marg got tablets to fix her up. Washing dried on the heaters. It got quite cold mid afternoon. Enjoyed tea – went to bed after watching a strange show called “Bliss”. Not a good day for activities but a good R & R day.
Friday 27th June Cold, wet & rainy
Marg quite a bit better this morning so had a late breakfast and organized ourselves for Bath. Still raining (wettest June since 1982) and quite cold. Headed off at 10.15 up the 429 to Bath. Rain stopped as we entered the city. There has been info on the news that Bath is not very clean and beggars are harassing the tourists. No evidence of this – parked the car under the Hilton Hotel and walked up towards the gardens and Cathedral (52 windows of stained glass). Got the hop on, hop off bus – Bud and I seniors and headed off around the city. It really is beautiful – cream colored buildings, wonderful circles of buildings and generally really interesting. Also on River Avon. Putney bridge is great – little shops inside. Roman Baths really interesting – really hard to comprehend the age of things. Water really warm and out of the sunlight really clear. Romans were very clean – took waters 3 to 4 times a day. A very elegant city. Home for home cooked tea.
Bath
Saturday 28th June Rain / coldRaining again – quite cool. Got up late - had a leisurely breakfast and washed some clothes. All organized – packed our thermos and headed for Cheltenham & Gloucester. Raining more as we headed towards the north. Took about 35 minutes. Found the Pump Room – Cheltenham is like Bath – a Spa town – very pretty – wide streets etc. Then headed out to the race course – very impressive – huge stand and car park all numbered. It is a Steeple Chase course so quite a large area. Had a look at the museum and saw Arkle again. He won three times. Saw his skeleton at the Irish stud. Came home – a little less rain so we wandered around Cirencester. Some really good shops. Bought some stockings and looked at some things for the house. Decided to leave it all till London. Came home, watched some tennis and cooked cod for tea. Watched Inspector Morse and then hit the sack.
Cheltenham Racecourse
Sunday 29th June Not raining but coldHad a late morning –still no let up in the weather – not raining though. Had breakfast and washed clothes. Sat down with vouchers and made some plans for London – organized the trips we would take and the times. I’ve still got shopping to do so will need some time for that. Decided to go to Sunset Boulevard on the Monday before we come home. I think I might try to get to Oliver too. (Matinee). Packed our thermos for the last time and headed off to look around Stroud, Nailsworth and Michenhampton – really pretty area – shame it was not sunny. Leave here tomorrow so had steak for tea £6.35 for Geoff, Bud & Marg. I had Lasagna – very nice. Place is tidied and we have washed all our gear. We’ll pack in the morning. Heading off south to Stonehenge and Devon. Then across towards Kent. London on Wednesday. It is a shame about the weather but we are soldiering on!!
Monday 30th June Warm & drizzle
Geoff really not well. Foot playing up really badly. Rang the doctor and headed in at 9.00 am. Marg and I cleaned up – ready to go by 9.30. Stables were really good but didn’t get around as much as we should have because of the weather. Started off and headed towards Stonehenge. Wet and cold but still good to see. Interesting information about its origin. Left there and went to Salisbury – really good shopping – bought a nice blue jumper to wear in London £22. Then got onto the M and headed across the south of London to Brighton. A really interesting city – 145,000 pop – very busy in summer. Couldn’t get a B & B so headed off again to Newhaven. Marg spotted a Travel Inn. Booked in – great facility – big bed, big room, TV & ensuite £36/£40 per room. Tea great at the “Pub”. Geoff still not good but coping a little better. I hope he is OK for London. Lots of walking. Doctor said no more red meat - high protein. Still not good weather.
Tuesday 1st July Sunny & cloudy ??
Left Newhaven and had a really good look at Brighton. The Pavilion is lovely – all Chinese & Indian – very exotic. Walked out along the pier And had a photo taken in a deck hair and sitting on the pebbles. It is a really interesting place. Geoff quite a bit better so we are able to get around. I bought Helen a little Bassett and a card £18.45. Well worth it. I wonder how Tess is? Bud rang the boys. David has managed that huge rent in June. Well done! Weather has improved as we drove through Kent – it is a very pretty drive. Houses are older but pasture is good. Had a quick look at Rye. Really tiny main street and lots of black painted boards on the houses. Then off to Canterbury – I have a cold and got some tablets and linctus for tonight. I have coughed a bit over the past two days. Arrived in Canterbury and eventually got a B & B on New Nover Road. Fine £17.50 pp. Bud has gone off to find a pub he remembers from 1995. He found it – Bat and Ball – we went there for tea.
Canterbury Cathedral
Wednesday 2nd July Hyde Park Towers HotelHad a really good look at the Cathedral at Canterbury. B & B last night was pretty ordinary. Our shower Ok but M & G’s not good. Looked at some great plates but they wouldn’t send them. (I wanted 6 so it was a good sale). Then back in our car for our last day of travel. Had a good trip up to Maidstone and then onto Seven Oaks for lunch. Then we got serious and set out on the M25 ring road. It is so effective and efficient. Went through all the main intersections and finally got to the A30 and into London. Found our hotel well and then got cases in. Disappointed 2 x 2 twins – said we asked for these. Bloody hell we booked ages ago and they stuff it up. I think that they rip the tourists off with accommodation. Not nearly as nice as the Elizabetta. Good location though – with good food range down Queen’s Way. Will cope with the room and we should be fine getting around. Harro’s foot still a little swollen but he is coping better. Had a good tea £4.50 for a Chinese banquet. Good value. Cold not so good.
Thursday 3rd July Wet, cold, warm ??
Had a reasonable night – slept well after 2 tablets and syrup for my cold. Got up at 7.45 am. Showered and had a continental breakfast at the hotel. Packed up to do Hop on Hop off tour. Caught bus in our street – very convenient. Really good tour of London. Got off at Tower and had a guided tour by an entertaining “Beefeater”. Then had a light lunch at Tower Café and headed up to Tower Bridge. Very interesting – saw why it was needed and how the discussion was reached to build it so that it opens up in the middle. Geoff and Marg did not come but then we “lost” each other. After a mild run up and down the bridge four times, Bud found them. Off to Oxford St. to look at China and Doc’s for Alanah. Had a really good look and decided to go back on Saturday early before our cruise on the Thames. All a bit footsore after a pretty hectic day. Bud gone for a drink at the Prince Alfred. I’m having a red wine £1.90 for a little bottle.
Tower Bridge
Friday 4th July Warm Up ready and organised for our shopping day. Off to Harrods first – bought my plates. Typical English scenes – really nice. Then off to Regent St. Organised some china for Lorne, Pat McGregor and Delia. Shipping £44. ( need to share this). Marg got her china for Dot and herself. She also gor Doc Martens for Alanah and Steve. She took an hour to choose them!! Had a quick lunch and then off to Madame Tussard’s Wax Works. It is a great place and we took some good photos of us and famous people.
Madam Tussard’s Wax Works
Really warm when we came out and then we came home. Gathered ourselves together and did the washing – really typical cockneys ran the launderette – really friendly and helpful. Cost £3.50 – much better than Paris. Came back to the Hotel – went to get Chinese take away – really nice and filling. Kempy rang and left a message. Will ring tomorrow. Hope that we can organise to meet him – will be a good break. Feet are tired and legs sore but still working well. Another early night coming up.Saturday 5th July
Off to Changing of the Horse Guard via Buckingham Palace. Queen not in but already quite a crowd by 10.00 am. Then walked to Horse guards and watched them change their guard. Beautiful, very evenly matched colors of nearly black horses. White hats had very much lighter horses in build than Red hats. Horses were very patient waiting in line for ½ an hour. Then changed. They stand in boxes at the front of St. James’ Palace for 1½ hours. Then off to find Oliver tickets. £25 – but well worth it. A great show with Barry Humphries as Fagan Very good production at Palladium in Oxford. Whole cast really great. Bud didn’t come but delivered e to the theatre and then picked me up. London is really busy on a Saturday. Trains are really busy around this time. Going for a Pasta tea with Marg & Geoff. Bud having a burger at this stage. A great day.
St. James Palace
Sunday 6th July Sunny / warmGot up, had breakfast and went to Westminster to see the Cabinet War Rooms under the Works building. It was really interesting - saw where they discussed the war, where Churchill slept etc. Really very small but well protected. Wandered up to Buck Palace and stood for over an hour to see the bands and guards at the changing of the guard. The Gherkas were on duty last week so they changed with the Coldstream guards. Quite interesting – crowd enormous.
Windsor Castle
Then met the tour bus at the Forum for our tour of Windsor Castle. Interesting bus ride out to the castle. Really busy with tourists – over 100 buses and cars everywhere. State apartments were really good – lots of wood paneling and most furniture in excellent condition. The Queen is in residence as her standard was flying. Then off to Hampton Court. I didn’t go through the gardens but Bud said it was good. Had a really nice tea in Queen’s Way. In bed by 9.30 – very tired feet today.Monday 7th July Warm / sunny
Organised our tickets for Smokey Joe’s this morning. Really good seats – row E front stalls so will se it all. (Sunset Boulevard closed in April). Ten went to have a look at Covent Garden Market – lots of antiques. Great fun – bought Marg Yates a funny little silver brooch for £5. Got the last lot of our presents and can now relax. Very busy around London – lots of tourists from France, Germany and USA. School holidays start at the end of July – I think it would be bedlam then. Went to Check the Air Bus and sat in Hyde Parke for a while. Very relaxing – talked to a nice English girl about her dog, Lucy. Clouded over so a little bit cooler. On the way home bought a really nice black jacket for £39.95. I think I’ve blown the budget!! Home to the hotel for a rest and then out tonight at 7.00 pm to go to the theatre. We’ll taxi home. We are all ready for home. Kathy rang this morning to find out what time to pick us up. Had a great night at Smokey Joe’s and an enjoyable taxi ride home.
Tuesday 8th July
Got up, breakfasted and got organised for the trip home. Waited for the Air Bus but a taxi stopped and offered us a fare for the same as the bus. What a hair raising ride. Excessive speed the whole way. Boarded the plane without difficulty, a short stop at Singapore and home.
Ready for Home
posted by Buddy @ 6:19 PM
