Category: United Kingdom (UK)

Country

It’s showtime!!!

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Is it possible that we could had the trip highlights two days into to a month long trip. Day one was spent driving up to Manchester from Heathrow but day two and three both lived up to and exceeded all expectations.

Bowes Agricultural Show

After a rare blue sky day it began raining during in the night and was pouring while we packed the car to head another twos North to attend the Bowes Show at Bowes. 

This is England after all. the drive was good and the rain did start to ease. We

decided that we would find a bakery for a late breakfast in Barnard Castle is a market town in Teesdale, County Durham, England. 


It is named after the castle around which it grew up. It is the main settlement in the Teesdale area, and is a popular tourist destination.

It was still raining a fine but persistent rain so it was off to purchase a pair of gumboots (wellies here) for me, Sharpy was all set in the trusty RMs. They may just be the best £12 I have spent. After coffee and a very tasty mushroom and cheese toastie it was off to the show. 

 


After following the signs we arrived in a what yesterday would have been a big open field with 6 to 8 inches of meadow grass and that would be all. 



Today however, they opened the gate added gatekeepers (£5 pound entry) a few marquees, portable sheep yards (wooden) seven roped off rings for horse events and there you go we have a show.  



After slipping and sliding into the parking in the adjacent field we headed in. The rain had almost stopped and the sky was lightening up so look like there was going to be a break in the weather. 

What a welcome, the gate keepers were very welcoming and gave a full run down of what to see and where to go to see it, even though it was all laid out before our eyes.  We bumped into the show president who gave us the same warm welcome. 




After chatting for a while we made a bee line for the sheep judging with a brief stop to watch the little kids and the ponies going through their paces. Oh and a quick look at the tractors Sharpy found his fathers tractor on display. 


The sheep were in two lots the registered (stud)  and unregistered (flock). 




Talk about liquorice all sorts, who’d thought sheep come in more colours than black and white or a combination of the two. Well yes they has the black the white but also blue faced, yellow, and even some with pinkish wool. 

Not treating mobs by the 1000 here





So many different breeds and not a merino not even a dorset or border which I expected. They were definitely what what we would call exotic breeds. 






It was fun to watch the judging which was the same as at home but they never once looked at the wool, conformation and muscle seemed to be the areas the judges were looking at.






After and hour of so we headed back down the hill to check out the pavilion/Marquee display of crafts, cookery and produce competition.



We detoured to a food van via the two side shows for a steak burger and chips for lunch, nary a dagwood dog to be seen. 






It was fun to watch all the little kids and their sometimes wayward ponies getting ready for their events some led some riding independently or at least going where their ponies wanted to go.



Back in the marquee which was lined with trestle tables loaded all sort of cakes, jams jellies, eggs, pies and crafted of all sorts from painted rocks to vegetable characters and the usual photography and crafts.


 
Handwriting Competition

Even a class for you Ruth Reid and Judie Lordan, handwriting competition, and just quietly you both would have been in the ribbons. 

The cakes were good but not up to standard of usual competitors at the Bourke and other local shows in NSW. 



There were definitely no Margaret Mitchell/ Marie Stephenson sponges to be seen. 


After almost two brief periods of weak sunshine the rain came back in and we decided to return to the car for our drive back to Manchester.


Remember that field of 6 inch meadow grass I described from earlier well it was well churned into mud and we slopped through mud up to ankles most of the day. 



The best part was watching people just treating it as any other day they were all dressed for the occasion which we were thanks to the wellies. 







After another long chat and photos taken by the gatekeeper Sharpy left him roaring with laughter with oldie but a goodie (slightly adapted) whats better than a 4 wheel drive (usually company car)…”a hire car’  after he asked if we would be okay negotiating the muddy car park (slippery but not boggy). 

Definition of wishful thinking




Not sure Avis weren’t planning on us driving their beautiful almost near mercedes around muddy fields and bouncing out along farm roads for a5 or 6 miles before joining the freeway again. 

What a great day that met all expectation and was exactly as I imagined and English County Show.



Flying in and heading north

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The flight…

Room to spare

Emirates has just become my number one preferred airline after fantastic flight from Sydney to Dubai
and Dubai to London.

Maybe my current feeling is due to having a spare seat between us on both legs of the journey, this may the journey very comfortable, of course

I did pick a row that I anticipated there could be a chance of achieving this outcome.

Food was excellent and crew were helpful, not that we called on them.  The entertainment options were outstanding with a very extensive variety of programs and games to choose from, anyone that couldn’t find something to watch would never be pleased.

Sharpy true to form watch back to back reruns of Big Bang Theory and I finally watched season 3 (20 something eps) of Hart of Dixie.

The trip seemed to pass relatively quickly and in no time we were touching down at Heathrow, where we had a very slow journey through customs (due to volume of people).  We eventually made it through and found our lonely bags sitting beside the conveyor belt. A quick taxi ride and we settled into the Novotel Hotel.

The first drive…

Sam we stopped by on our way out of Oxford

The old body clock that always wakes me at 5am anywhere is still working.

Our second visit
As we were both awake we decided on an early but leisurely breakfast. The buffet was extensive and certainly set us for what turned out to be a full days drive. 

After breakfast we jumped on the shuttle bus back to airport to connect with the Avis shuttle to
collect our car.

All set and of we headed, the first bit to Oxford was a breeze a quick stop of to take some photos of the school that Samantha worked at a few years ago and a milk shake from her favourite place in the covered markets it was back on the road.

We had the Chocolate Sam

It wasn’t long before it was evident that weekend traffic was starting in early and after a very slow trip we gratefully checked into the Grant Arms Hotel at

Ramsbottom.

After a pint in the bar we set off for a walk for find some food, we found just what we were looking for at the Railway Hotel just down the street.

The walk did us good and we enjoyed a small shared plate which was all that was needed to meet our needs.

After our first full day concluded as we fell into bed and slept well.

Tomorrow it is show day…

Here we go…

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London – Brussels – Amsterdam – Hungary



The last minute planning is complete and packing done. We are getting better and better at packing light, this is my best effort yet. Looking forward to filling the space with something to remember the trip by.

Finalised what I think we will do on our road trip around the english countryside
After picking up the car we will head north to Ramsbottom to take in a county agricultural show at Bowes, One Day International cricket match, National Stud at Newmarket and anything else we stumble across along the way

Niagara Falls and beyond

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Niagara Falls

On Saturday 18th August we set off to collect our second car from W34 St(near Penn Station) and drive to Buffalo NY.  Apart from needing to take a larger car (Kia Sorrento) due to no smaller cars being available getting out of Manhattan was relatively easy.

Within an hour the madness of NYC was well behind us and we were headed upstate New York. Sarah and Dan were spending their last few hours in NYC visiting ground zero before flying home. Charlie and Megs also left today for San Francisco before heading down to LA for their last week.

The day driving was pleasant it was nice to be out on the road again, we found a hotel in Rochester which would allow us to visit Niagara for the day and head towards Vermont. Hotels in the Niagara/Buffalo area are very expensive in the summer so we headed to Watertown for our next night.

Maple at Sugar Bush Farm

Niagara was just as beautiful and amazing as the last time I visited. Mum really enjoyed our day there with the Maid on the Mist ride under the falls being a highlight. After walking around the parklands and viewing both the American and the Horseshoe Falls we hit the road again. The weather was perfect for the visit not too hot and walking around the parks was pleasant.

Ben and Jerry’s  Ice-cream

After Watertown we headed further north to Plattsburgh NY were we overnighted before taking the ferry across to Burlington Vermont (VT) unfortunately we were too early for the fall colour but it was still very pretty and one can only imagine what the fall season would be like. After wandering around Burlington for a few hours we headed to Watertown to take the Ben and Jerry’s (Ice-cream Factory) tour which was okay and a good story. After the tour we checked in to our White River Junction hotel which near Sugar Bush Maple and Cheese Farm, we tried many cheeses and made purchases to bring home.

 It was a very pretty area and the farm was very authentic, and did not have the usual touristy shine to it. The drive is was worth the time in itself. One could imagine this place in winter with snow everywhere and the horses pulling the slay from tree to tree to collect the maple syrup.

After our tour we were Maine bound to experience all it had to offer. We drove up to Berlin Maine (ME) which is about 2 hours above Portland ME. After checking in we drove around to Penobscot Bay and took in the sights, dinner was at the best lobster place ever.

$17 for a great lobster dinner

We both had a whole lobster which set us back a whopping $17 each. Although probably not as good as our lobsters they were pretty close and the price is definitely right. After a restful night in our hotel overlooking the harbour we set off for Portland via the prettiest place in Maine, Camden. We booked a harbour tour of the Porland light Houses and a trolly tour of the district which included a visit to one the oldest still functioning light house. After yet another full lobster for dinner ($14 each this time) at XXXX we then set of in the evening for our hotel near the Kittery Outlet Mall where we planned to do our final shopping.

Camden Maine
Foggy Camden Maine

Our shopping done we headed to Boston where we planned to spend two days seeing the sights. We checked into the Bulfinch Hotel near TD Gardens in Boston. This was a great hotel and well within walking distance of everything that we needed including stop 4 of the ‘Old Town Trolley’ the hop on hop off tour which included a cruise around the Harbour.

We enjoyed both tours and got off at Stop 7 (near the Cheers Bar) and walked the freedom trail back to Quincy markets. Along the way we saw Mrs Mallard and her ducklings (the bronzes not the real ones), the swan boats and the frog pond (no frogs I am pleased to report).

The Floating Restaurent that saved
Portland Docks

The Boston common is a great place to spend time and there were many people spending time in the gardens playing sports, walking dogs and chasing children. All walked out we boarded our boat for a cruise around the harbour, this was made interesting by great guide who added good humour to his narration.

Oldest still operating Light House
Portland Maine

After the cruise it was time to head home neither of use were hungry so we picked up some bagels and coffee from Dunkin Donuts for a light dinner before turning exhausted from all the walking.

Bulfinch Hotel – Flatiron building
Our Hotel Boston

With only two nights before flying home and given that it was going to be a long flight(s) (including getting from NY to LA) then straight on (after 4 hour layover LA) to our long haul home we decided to spend the last two nights near JFK.

This gave me time to return the rental car and for us to reorganise all the bags to ensure they come in under the 23kg limit. This really turned out to be our only real rest day in the last month so it was certainly good to spend the day resting.

As I write this is our last night all the bags are packed and we are watch the hurricane (Isaac) in the Gulf on the weather channel. We will be in the clear by the time it sends heavy rain up the coast.

Tomorrow we wing our way home after a great trip that couldn’t have gone more smoothly for everyone. All other travellers are home and back at work and we look forward to joining them at home and catch our breath. This will be probably our last trip the USA for a while there is so much of the world left to see.

Mrs Mallard and her ducklings

Facts:
Car One Kia Forte 1280 Miles
Car Two Kia Sorrento 1800 miles
Fuel- Between 3.33g(South) to 4.09g(North)
Stayed in many hotels including La Quinta, Best Western, Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express – all less $100 per night booked on hotwire.com (most time great breakfast included)
No one in the United States drives at the speed limit

The are only 10 states left in the USA that I have not visited, they may have to wait awhile but I am determined to visit them in next few years.

Frog Pond Boston Common

Thanks for following our journey and all the positive feedback you have sent me.

Only frogs at the frog pond

Apologies for any grammatical and spelling errors. No time on the road to proof posts, I may go back one day and correct any errors.

Arrived Padstow ..Ian drove through the night

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Arrived Padstow ..Ian drove through the night

Day 17 1st April  2008

After a good crossing on the ferry we headed for Padstow at 1am in the morning.

We arrived in Padstow at 8am after a couple of stops along the way for a doze and coffee. It was a good road and although it rained most of the way the drive was not too bad.

We thought we would stay in Padstow but accommodation was scare so we decided to have the day there and head back along the road towards South Hampton. At 2pm we decided to book in somewhere for the to have the afternoon off and an early night to make up for missing the previous night.

While in Padstow we had the opportunity for a good look around and we all thought it was a great place. It was humming with activity and there were a lot of holiday makers wandering through the streets and along the waterfront.

I purchased some really lovely things in a small little store in one of the side streets. After brunch in a small café we set off back down the road towards South Hampton. All asleep by 3pm .

Not a bad effort from 7am Dublin to 3pm following day
(a couple hours sleep on Ferry and some roadside naps)
We certainly covered some country since leaving Dublin the night before last.

Dublin to Waterford…Ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard

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Dublin to Waterford…Ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard

Day 16 31st March 2008

Up early to call home via skype managed to speak with Charlie, Sarah and Mark.

Unable to get Chris but sent him a text and will try him again tomorrow. Though he was the one that called me in the middle of the night (our time) for a chat . When I said it was 1 am he said ‘Oh that’s right forgot you were away” good to know I am missed at home.  I bet Maxie misses me.

Though even he is probably quite content with Charlie cooking enough food for both of them, so
much for the rations I left.

We set off for Waterford after a very comfortable night (Clarion outside Dublin I highly recommend it) and did I mention they have the best seafood chowder I have ever eaten.

The drive to Waterford was good and the roads were not too busy.

We arrived at Waterford in time for lunch and a look around the town centre before heading to the Waterford Crystal factory. The tour was interesting and we saw some lovely crystal.

I was surprised to learn that all sporting trophies they make ie Wimbledon they actually make three of the same for each event. One is catalogued and added to the Waterford Collection as a record and the other two are sent to the event for presentation.

One for the eventual winner and the other in case disaster strikes.  

The unused trophy is returned to Waterford for display. An engraver from the factory fly’s first class to the event and is ready to finalise the trophy as soon as the event is won. A different engraver is selected to attend each time. The craft takes a long time to master whether it be a glass blower (8 yrs), a cutter (8 Yrs)or an engraver (10 Yrs).

After the tour we had a coffee before setting off to Rosslare to board the ferry. We decided to catch the ferry across at night as it takes 4 hours.


We boarded at 8.15 pm for a 9.15pm departure. The lounge is very comfortable and I have ordered beef pie for dinner .

We should disembark at 1am in Fishguard if all goes to plan we will drive through to Padstow by morning.

The irony is that we will have been to Wales and not seen any of it.

This all we have seen of Wales
despite driving across it

The Giants Causeway and Southward Journey to Eniskillan

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We decided to have a bit of a rest this morning and didn’t have breakfast until 9am.

Called everyone at home via Skype (only way to go with wifi access) or least those we could. After breakfast we set off to find the Giant’s Causeway in our first wet day. It was showering when we arrived at the causeway but it stopped raining for the time we were actually down at the causeway.

Not good for pictures but never the less it was well worth seeing.

After a spot of shopping in the gift shop (grandma at it again) we set off south via Londonderry and wound up for the night at Fort Lodge Hotel in Eniskillan. Hotel is very comfortable but we are all gasping, as with everywhere else we have stayed the heating is up very high.

It was the same in America all the hotels and stores are overheated. At least we can open the window in the room.

We had a very nice dinner in the bar and Ian had a couple of Guinness’s. Tomorrow we head to Limerick

Scotland to Northern Ireland

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Back online after few days Intenet mostly available but didn’t access for a few days(withdrawls). Will upload a number of days notes from Ireland now

Set off from Dan and Jeanette’s after a very hearty cooked breakfast. Drove to Stranraer to board the ferry arriving at 12noon and ferry due to begin boarding at 12.30pm.

We had to wait in the holding area until 1.15pm then we boarded in a very organised and orderly fashion. We booked the premium fare which gave us access to the premier lounge where complimentary tea coffee, juices and snacks were available.

We were able to order lunch which was very nice. I had internet access so was able to catch up on email banking etc while we made the 1hour 50 minute journey to Belfast.

We arrived in Belfast and we had disembarked before 5pm and set of in a northerly direction after a driving through Belfast city centre for a look. We found a very nice hotel at Ballymena no dinner needed after latish lunch on board.

We turned in early as has become the usual for us. Heading to Giants Causway tomorrow, our driver is holding up well.

Enskillian Northern Ireland to Limerick

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Set off for as far south as we could get today and we were aiming for Limerick with a stopover for lunch in Galway. Rained on and off today but the scenery was still very interesting. The rain let up long enough for us to have a look around Galway city centre and coffee in a shopping centre. Mum did some shopping and we were on our way again. Arrived in Limerick at about four pm and booked into the Two Mile Inn just outside the main town area. It was very comfortable and reasonably priced. No WiFi. I am having withdrawals. Tomorrow we are planning to get to Killarney but via the Cliffs of Mohor which will mean a back tracking a bit.
Din;t visit any major sights today just driving to get as far south as possible or we will run out of time

Glasgow and Loch Lomond – Snippet of Scotland

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We decided to take a drive to Loch Lomond and then come back to Glasgow for the day. Using the GPS we set out via the back roads to the Loch. It snowed, rained, sleeted and was sunny, that was just the first half an hour, it continued this way all day.

We saw some very beautiful country and drove up over the Duke range and back again. I can’t believe there were so many people out hiking; I thought it was a Dr (DeCourcy) thing, apparently not. Still not my cup of tea I prefer the sights as we drive by.

We headed back to Glasgow arriving at lunchtime and parked in the city centre with ease. After lunch (we knew we would regret it tonight) we set off to look around. The have a huge shopping centre in the mall with countless shops. Most of the shops are same as at home but it was nice to look around just the same.

I am surprised at the number of American stores such as GAP and TGI Fridays there are in Great Britain. At about 3pm set off to find the car, it good job one of the three of us has a sense of direction, that’s all I can say. Arrived home again at 4.30 in yet another flurry of snow but it was not a cold as yesterday. After another beautiful meal and it was time to sort out the bags for our journey to Ireland tomorrow. A
ll in all enjoyed our visit to Scotland. Albiet just a small snapshot- we will be back…..

More time needed to go further north next time