Week 7 (Glasgow to Ulverston)

We found a nice base in Glasgow to stay for two nights.  Glasgow itself appears to be a very nice area.  We went for a drive down to Ayr on the second day and jagged a beautiful sunny day.  We had lunch at Tresco Café in Ayr and discovered it has front row seats for the local racecourse (horse).  Next we got to see the house of Robert Burns (parked outside it) see how is that looking at something, then drove up the coast past Royal Troon Golf Course with some large houses in the areas around it.  On the way back in to Glasgow I pulled off for another of Denise’s photo opportunities and the carpark had about five cars with single middle aged men.  Sometimes things can just be so creepy!  We didn’t stay there too long.  Then it was on to Clydebank and back home through peak hour traffic.

The next day we left Glasgow and headed up to Inverness via Loch Lomand and Loch Ness.  With another beautiful day it made the drive so much more enjoyable.  The trip up past Loch Lomand was magical, while the trip past Loch Ness was nice, but nowhere near as picturesque.  I was disappointed we didn’t see the monster, but I was watching the road more than the Loch.  I, on the other hand had keen eyes looking for Miss Nessie, nowhere to be found.  I’m sure she left a note and I missed it.  Gone Shopping at Inverness catch you later!

I have worked out that Australian drivers must be the weird ones.  So far in every country we have visited people park on the road, park on the wrong side of the road and in general everybody accepts that as normal and without complaint or abuse.  He has learnt that he should be in the slow lane (leftist lane, yes, I know appalling English, I’ve had beers) and not the middle lane, as he gets flashed by drivers trying to run over the top of him.

The following day we drove from Inverness to Aberdeen via Pitlochry on the River Garry, and then Braemar where we stumbled on a few ski fields (Glenshee Ski Centre which was open) and Balmoral Castle.  Unfortunately, Balmoral Castle doesn’t open to visitors until 30 April (March/Eater), so we missed by that much…  The weather was a little overcast and windy, with temperatures between 3 and 11c.  The drive was another good day and about half of it was off the main roads – windy and hilly.   These were fun to drive, especially as we have a manual, although I was a little cautious about ice on bends at times.  Luckily no ice was encountered. Ohh my goodness he’s starting to sound like Sheldon or has he been like that all along!  We have been driving for over a week and are still enjoying the experience.  We said before leaving that we would stay in a place for a while, but up till Aberdeen we were enjoying the way we are doing things.

We met another St Jude’s friend for dinner in Aberdeen and she gave us some ideas about where to travel.  The one I would love to do is the Northern 500, but due to the weather forecast (rain) and time constraints we decided to leave that for another day or three.  Instead we stayed for two nights in Aberdeen and had a look around.  The North Sea ships are a strange design and the ships are big.  I am assuming to cope with the rough seas.  I think I will pass on a trip on one of them thanks.  With our dear friend we drank beers and much to Peter’s look, of what the hell are you doing, I tried Haggis!!!  I really have no idea what all the fuss is about.  We were given gifts which were gratefully received and that then started the hunt for the Hairy Coo (Cow).  (I have a beautiful Brooch!!!!)  Keeps me out of mischief.

We also went to see Dunnottar Castle.  Now that place looks like a hard place to capture with near vertical cliffs and the only entrance covered by plenty of places to fire on the attackers.  That is my castle for the trip thanks.  Not yet sunshine!

It wasn’t until we had left Aberdeen that I heard on the radio that Aberdeen had one of the highest incidents of car vandalism in the UK, particularly in the city area where we stayed.  Luckily we escaped unscathed.  Sometimes I wonder where he gets this information, does it sort him out or is he just lucky to listen to the radio at the right time!

After Aberdeen we headed South, stopping at Dundee where we went to see Scone Palace.  The good thing about travelling in the off season is some places don’t charge to get in, and this was one of them. Tight!  While there, we did the maze.  I took a photo of the maze before entering to track my progress.  I was out in a few minutes with no wrong turns.  Denise on the other hand ended up on a bridge in the middle of the maze.  I saw her there and told her the secret to getting out.  He cheats all the time.  She was soon out and it was on to Edinburgh via Perth and The Royal and Ancient St Andrews.  I was shocked to see St Andrews has five courses, or was it six.  The 18th green at St Andrews is huge but looked a little bumpy watching one group putt. He was also shocked to find out that they don’t play the British Open there every year.  Good on you Google!!!

Edinburgh is a very nice city with many old buildings.  We managed to park (for free, although illegally) beside Edinburgh Castle.  I was surprised by the slope of the area where they hold Tattoo every year. I would have had a much better time if I didn’t worry about he who was parked in the wrong place.  I would have bought/ordered Barnett scarves for the family.  Spent lots of time in the Hogwarts section and come home with a coat of arms for all families.

Walking/hiking is a big thing in the UK, and particularly in Edinburgh with some of the hills near the city covered in people.

The next day we drove to Carlisle with the idea to spend a few days in the Lakes District.  The following morning we walked a few kms to see yet another castle, and Hadrian’s Wall.  Hadrian’s Wall must have been stolen as it was not where Google said it was in Carlisle.  Instead we went to watch the last 20mins of a local soccer game.  I was really surprised with the language on the field, but when the ball came down the end we were at the referee pulled up the players and said the were women and children watching.  It didn’t stop the language, but it was reduced somewhat.  Boys will be boys.  We were near the goals and as the goalkeeper was one of the biggest with language, every time the ball went over the fence I just watched it.  I believe he thought I would do him a favour and retrieve the ball, but as he didn’t ask I didn’t even make an effort to get the ball.  I think that upset him a little, but who cares.  That’s my referee background coming out.  Awful to the End!  Players will eventually realise you are not going to run off and get the ball for them.

So I on the other hand, I had a lovely time taking photos of the players.  I couldn’t believe what was coming out of this man’s mouth and I said something, and Peter told me not to antagonise the situation.  Doesn’t sound like me at all!

After that we drove through the Lakes District.  What a beautiful place.  We spent most of our time on backroads.  For all the cyclists out there, this is the place to ride and if you want a recommended loop, try the one that goes through Borrowdale.  It’s got a gradient of over 20% in places and the ride itself is very undulating.  Sharky’s Shortcuts have nothing on this.  I’m not sure if the roads are actually walkways that allow cars on them or they are roads.  Some of the walkers don’t even get off the road and that is a problem on blind corners when you are doing 40-50mph.

That night we ended up in Ulverston and decided on a pub dinner so went down the street.  We walked in to a very noisy (talking) pub and somebody came up and said this was a private function.  After asking where we could get a good meal the owner told up it was a private function to open the refurbished pub.  He told us to go into the kitchen and get what was left and order drinks at the bar.  After a few beers we thought we should go home to bed.

While on this UK journey, I have realised I don’t like memorial chairs.  Not in the numbers they are over here.  They are everywhere.  We heard something on the radio about one place banning them as they were becoming an eyesore.  I agree.  Old fuddy duddy!!

Although Denise doesn’t have her camera with her, she does have a new iPhone that appears regularly.  I am sure those on Facebook already know this.  I am sure she is redoing Googles Street View for them. Hahahaha

Something I have noticed is the number of expensive cars on the roads.  I have also noticed that the cars that go faster than us are usually VW Golfs.  Much of the time we are sticking to the speed limits, with I must say are quite reasonable.

Another thing I have noticed lately are the number of all weather ski areas.  These are matted areas on the sides of hills.  Coming out of Dundee I think it was is a big area serviced with a ski lift.  I have’nt tried this, but time permitting, I may give it a go.  Not a hope!

You will be all pleased to know we/he is/are not getting our way all the time.  We are learning to be old fogies together.  I want coffee and I don’t do well if I am not fed.  If I don’t get enough sleep I am also a bear with a sore head.

So let’s see what is installed for us in the next week!  Will Pettie Pie get into big trouble or will he be a good boy.

So till next time

Much Lovelies

From Me and the Action Boy

xxxx

Week 6 (Crawley to Glasgow)

So we head off for Cornwall.  Lovely place they say.  We woke in the morning to overcast, raining, blowing winds (+50kph), 10c, and quite a bleak outlook.  The girls were asked what we should do for the day. Lisa wanted us to head forth and brave the elements while Alex told us it could be a rest day.  I wasn’t particularly fond of the rest day idea, as our accommodation was without power.  Once Peter was dragged out of bed he then complained there was no power for his toast and at that point all I was hearing was blah blah blah.  I’m starting to think, that where ever we are, so will the cold weather.  Every country we have been too, has turned on the crap weather.  I’m starting to think

For this part of our trip we have hired a Peugot 208.  The hiring lady wanted to put us in a more comfortable and bigger car for an additional £45 per day.  The car I had chosen was £15 per day, so no thanks.  Couldn’t see the value of a bigger car especially since it didn’t sing dance and make me a cup of tea!

The drive to Cornwell was interesting, but frustrating.  The speed limit on the dual carriageways is 70mph (I hope, as that’s what my navigator told me after consulting Dr Google), and 60mph on open roads.  The problem is you are cruising along at 70mph and suddenly there is a roundabout or a town.  Haven’t they heard of bypasses?

The drivers love to flash you even if you are not in the fast lane and you are doing the speed limit, some even got as far as finger gestures.  I get the feeling that the speed limit is optional unless you are 10mph above it.  I don’t plan to donate any additional money to the Police Service.  It’s like most drivers in all countries who think they know best!

For the last 30kms to our accommodation we were stuck in traffic.  Not sure if that is normal at that time of the day, but we eventually made it.  I don’t remember that but I’m guessing I was asleep.  Still sick!

Back to the hire car lady, they wanted £11 per day so I could be an extra driver!  Extortion!

Our Cornwall sightseeing was interesting with the cold and wet.  I still can’t fathom why the English go walking in the rain, particularly when it is windy and cold as well.  They are a strange lot… My theory for the walking in the rain, is that they would never get out of the house and smell the fresh air!

The sightseeing included looking for pirates in Penzance (none found), checking out St Michael’s Mount (from the car for me as it was raining and I’m not English), driving the coast roads/tracks to Land’s End and back.  The coastline has some amazing scenery, particularly with big swells.  At one stage we had large amounts of seaspray hitting the car (or was it a wave?), so I’m glad it is not my car.  I couldn’t believe that the locals park their cars where they get waves/seaspray over them every 30 secs.  How long do cars last here?

At one stage Denise wanted me to stop the car to take a photo, but I chickened out (he does that a lot) with the size of some of the waves coming in and how close we were to the shore, I headed a little further away from the water.

We stopped at the Minack Theatre which is an amazing place.  Just looking down at it hurt your face with the wind blowing water straight at you.  I braved the elements and went all the way to the bottom where I found a little sheltered spot.  Took a few pics and headed back up for a much deserved hot chocolate.  The rain was like having nails thrown at you!  Mind you I have no idea what that feels like but it is what I imagine.

Next it was on to Land’s End which was a even more windswept and wet.  We braved the elements again fighting headwinds, sidewinds and tailwinds together with water drops (not sure whether they were seaspray, rain or both together).  I almost lost my phone, it was almost blown out of my hand.

The roads are narrow in these parts, but fun to drive on.  Getting through some of the towns was interesting with blind corners and room for one small car, but all part of the fun of driving experience.  I was glad we took the smaller car.  Good thing Pete can reverse, cause a couple of times he had to reverse down a lane way for some time.

The following day we decided to head back to civilisation, a little, to Someset as the forecast was for worsening weather.  On the way we stopped in to Portwenn from the TV series Doc Martin (real name Port Isaac).  He had to reverse the car in places there too.  We then headed to Yeovil where we caught up with relatives of friends (That are family) in Oz.  It was great catching up with them and we promised to come back.  The next morning, we visited Fleet Air Arm Museum which was close by.  It was supposed to take a few hours – we took 4.  Afterwards we headed north to get away from the coming storms.

First stop was just out of Gloucester and the next morning we headed off once more to Morecambe. In Gloucester we went to the Jet Age Museum.  We were able to sit in a Trident cockpit and were told of the automatic landing gear that had been developed for aircraft.  Then we sat in the cockpit of a Vulcan jet that was used in the Falklands war.  Bit of a tight squeeze but I was going to be pilot!  On the way we had occasional heavy snowfalls and continual strong winds.  Three times the traffic just stopped for no known reason.  Just as quickly as it stopped we were off at the 70mph speed limit.

The next morning, we headed to Glasgow amid warnings of snow and ice.  We found snow, but luckily no ice.  We were going to drive through the Lakes District, but as there were snow and ice warnings we erred on the side of caution and stayed on the motorway.  Further on we called in to Lockerbie, but couldn’t find any memorials, so continued on our way North.  Dreadful tourist Peter  The idea is to now spend some time in Scotland before heading back to London to meet up with a Navy person we know.

So as you all can hear I’m on the improve in health, thankfully! I must have improved enough that I gave the brother of our dear friends the same sort of talking that I give our friend! You know the usual, have you been good and look after the family!!

Happy Birthday to Denise.  Ooww Thanks Pete!  We had a lovely day and he actually fed me dinner that had two beers with the gourmet burger!  Beers were Joker.

Just a final thought to all our friends and relatives in the Bega/Tathra area and hoping everyone is safe.  It looks like the bush fires missed them all, but only just.

Must away and rattle his cage!

Much love the Bee’s