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
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