Tuesday, June 11, 2013

UK/Brussels/Scotland - April 4-Jun 11 2013

This posting is incomplete as at Jun 19th 2013... having great difficulty with WiFi connections here near the Grand Canyon..... will update when we get better connections....

 UK/Brussels/Scotland - April 4-Jun 11 2013
It is hard to know how to begin documenting our 9 week adventure in UK and Canada, without long monologue about how amazing everything was. So rather than bore everyone,  we will reduce our blog information to a minimum and précis a truly phenomenal and meaningful journey.  Regardless it will be a little lengthy. The purpose of our blog is to have a personal record of our post retirement adventures, so we have included the highlights and some of our favourite photographs. I cannot begin to explain how thankful we are to be able to embark on this 2-month sojourn, which would not have been possible without the hospitality and generosity of family and friends who opened their homes to us. You all know who you are and we are immensely grateful to you.

So here is as brief a construction of our trip as possible. 
After enjoying a leaving party at our friends mobile home in Ricon Country Rv Resort......
Fun Party at Rincon Country
Janice and Kathleen
Derek and Jim
  We left Tucson, Arizona on April 4th leaving our ‘condo’ in storage along with the truck and we flew in to Toronto, staying near the airport for a couple of days and having a quick visit to our ‘stuff’ in storage and a lovely dinner and hockey game with Janice’s brother and sister-in-law, Nick and Kathy. 



We flew to UK April 5th (landing on the 6th) and went directly to Sister and brother-in-law Sue and John in Bedford UK. And so our journey began:

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England / Belgium / Wales / Scotland– April 6th- May 20th 2013

Sun April  7th – Walk by the Canal near Bedford. Lovely day watching the narrow-boats and a pint in a pub or two.
Sign of the Day
Fun at the Locks
 
Ride on a Narrow Boat
YES! Lovely pint near the locks
Derek and Sue helping out a boater.
 Mon April 8th – Cambridge – Walked and took in the sights of this old University town. Beautiful day.
 
GO FIGURE!!!!!
Yes we were here!
Bridge over the river Cam !!!!!
One of the few colleges at U of Cambrideg

Tues April 9th – Eurostar to Brussels. Lunched on the train (crayfish salad and a glass of wine we bought from Marks and Spencer in St Pancras Station). Lovely dinner at home with Nephew Chris and his family Maria, Gabriel and Adam. Maria.

Wed April 10th – Local museum in the morning with Chris and the boys while Maria was at work, lunched on Fries and dip in town (Brussels style) then explored Brussels, including the Military Museum and several chocolatiers (Mmmmm). Met Maria for dinnner (Mussels - Brussels is famous for it’s mussels, fries and chocolate).

Thurs April 11th - After exploring more of the downtown area of Brussels including the EU buildings, we met Maria for lunch at her workplace and then picked the boys up from school before heading back to catch the Eurostar, through amazing rush-hour traffic .. kudos to Chris for getting us there in time!!!  
Pictures from Brussels:  Unfortunately it appears I did not get any pictures of Maria. Not intentional. Sorry.
 
Gabriel and Adam Exploring the Museum
Happy after Fries and dipping sauce for lunch
CUTE!!!
Chris, Derek Adam and  Janice (taken by Gabriel)
Belgian Cream desserts... YUMMMMM!
The famous Pissing Boy statue in Brussels
Demonstrators near the European Commission
ADAM!
GABRIEL!

Fri April 12th – Relaxing day with Sue and John around Bedford… walked around a local lake and had a fabulous pint (Abbot ale) in the Bell (a favourite pub). 

Parking lot posts.. local artists- great idea









Loved the bench
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Abbot Ale in the Bell
Our Favourite pub
 Sat April 13th – Northampton for the day.  Interesting tour around the Town Hall. The history and architecture around England are a constant source of fascination and enjoyment. 
Northampton Market
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Town hall

Sun April 14th. Train from Bedford to St.Pancras, London underground to Paddington, then train to St. Austell, Cornwall fro our very first visit to this picturesque part of England. Met by cousin Jackie and John at the station and enjoyed lovely dinner with them at their home. 
 Mon April 15th – Jackie and John gave us a tour of local villages (the names which escape us except Megavissey and Boscastle). In the evening Derek and I joined Jackie on her regular Monday night ‘Hash’ run  (look it up) and then celebrated in the pub where Derek and I were subjected the the ‘hash’ tradition of ‘down downs’. At which Janice displayed her natural talents. Our sin, I presume was being daft enough to travel thousands of miles to go on a hash.  It seems that people who participate in this strange sport are described as either runners with a drinking problem, or drinkers with a running problem. 

Tuesday April 16th – Trip to Port Isaac on the North Cornwall coast which is the village where British TV  series  Doc Martin is filmed. In the show it is called Portwenn.  Then on to Tintagel and afternoon cream tea at Camelot. Surprise arrival of cousin Gill to stay for a couple of nights.

Wonderful dinner at home with Jackie, John and Gill.
Wednesday April 17th – While John worked we went to Padstow and toured around the area. Pub lunch. Fantastic fish and chips at home for dinner.  
Photos from Cornwall.... will label later.................
Ice Cream in Megavissey
GRAVE FROM THE 1500'S
NOT MUCH NEWS TODAY I GUESS
Such a lovely fishing village
Tight streets
Funkiest Bus shelter EVER!!!!
View from Jackie and John's house

PARROT CAGE ON SIDE OF HOUSE
'Tremella"

CORNISH PASTY....... WONDERFUL!!!!

IS THAT THE DOC HIMSELF IN THE MIDDLE???
DEREK AT NOEL COWARD'S FAVOURITE TABLE AT CAMELOT
HAPPY TIMES WITH JACKIE IN TINTAGEL/CAMELOT
Doc Martin's surgery and house
Cream Tea in Camelot tied for best with Royal Yacht Britannia
Yum!!
Tintagel Post Office
Here's to a great day and great cousins
Padstow Harbour
Alms houses Padstow
Hanging out in Jackie and John's Kitchen
View from Jackie's and John's house lounge.
Thursday April 18th – Train back to Bedford after picking up some famous fresh Cornish Pasties for the trip and some frozen ones for another day. The train between Paddington and St Austell is picturesque and relaxing as it winds its way through the English countryside, with beautiful views of the coast around Portsmouth.  Dinner with Sue and John (lovely homemade cottage pie)

Friday April 19th – Off to Wingrave with Sue and John to visit cousin Sandra and Doug for a delicious lunch an interesting walk around this very old village… houses dating back to the 16th century… quite fascinating. Good to catch up with family. Enjoyed drive through grounds of Woburn Abbey and saw the abundant deer.

Thanks to John for doing all the driving. 
Sue, Sandra and Janice... happy after great lunch!!
Deer at Woburn Abbey estate

Saturday April 20th  - LONDON for the day. Derek and Janice braved the trains and underground alone and ‘did’ London in a day. Changing of the Guard, Churchill War rooms, Tower of London and a ride on the London Eye, and a pint in a great pub across from Big Ben. Train to Bedford was cancelled on return as the lines were down. Thank goodness John picked us up in ‘Sandy’. 
Photos from London.... WILL LABEL LATER
"Council House at the end of the street - You can't miss it"
Buckingham Palace

Changing of the guard
Liz and Phil's place

Churchill's war-room bunker
How many can you get in a phone box?? LOTS
Tower Of Londom
London Tube
London EYE
View from The Eye
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Nice Dress!!  ER!!!


Raven at Tower of London

What a fabulous Day!!!!!

 Sunday April 21st – Church with Sue and John at their regular Church, and then on to a pub for  Sunday roast dinner (lunch). VERY tasty. Toured around lovely English villages and walked off the lunch before having another quick beer before heading home for some snacks and an evening at home.



Monday April 22nd – Went with Sue and John to their regular walking group in Bedford, following by tea and a free cake tasting at their regular post-walk watering hole. They asked  the group to rate some new ideas for cakes… the group participated with great enthusiasm… (a favourite was the lemon cake). In the afternoon we went to an old abandoned country mansion (Houghton House) for a walk and then to another village (name escapes me at the moment) to explore and look around a favourite antique store. Lots of fun. 
Getting our excercise!!! LEFT RIGHT!!!
8 man rowing boat
MISTLETOE... IT IS A 'LEECH' PLANT ATTACHED TO OTHER TREES
Ruins of Houghton House
GRAFFITI FROM 1859
JOHN ACTING THE FOOL IN BRIC-A-BRAC SHOP
AND AGAIN
AND AGAIN- SEEN THIS SOMEWHERE??

Tuesday April 23rd – Bedford to Merseyside

Time to say goodbye to Sue and John and Bedford and head up to Merseyside by train. Met in Chester by Gill who drove us to our friends Derek and Lin’s house in Bebington. Settled in, unpacked and re-packed for trip to Lake District.
PACKING US A LUNCH FOR THE TRIP
FULL OF MANURE... COULDN'T;T WAIT TO PASS HIM

 

Wed April 24th – Friday 26th -Left early and drove to the Lake District for a two day sojourn in Windemere. Stayed at a lovely small hotel (Hillthwaite House). Fabulous breakfasts and a great dinner on the first night.  Over the next couple of days we walked, drove around the Lake district, seeing Coniston, taking the car ferry across Lake Windemere, visiting the Gingerbread shop in Grassmere which has been making fresh ginderbread using an old recipe for over a 100 years. We just plain enjoyed catching up with dear friends and enjoying this beautiful and scenic part of England.  All in all a great 3 day/2 night break. Unfortunately on the last day after a trek up to Lilly Tarn our friend Derek slipped in the mud and hurt his hand. This initially caused great amusement, even hilarity as we gaffawed our way back to Merseyside. We all felt a little guilty about our tireless ridiculing of his muddy fall when a quick visit to the local hospital revealed a spiral fracture in his hand, which plagued the poor guy for the rest of our stay. 
PICTURES FROM LAKE DISTRICT... WILL LABEL LATER:.....
MERSEY TUNNEL
FIRST WALK IN THE LAKES!
BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH COUNTRY ROADS
"PERMISSIVE' FOOTPATH
THE OTHER DEREK (RISKING LIFE AND LIMB)
CONSERVATORY AT HILLTHWAITE HOTEL, WINDEMERE!
HILLTHWAITE HOTEL - 2 NIGHTS ... LOVELY
VIEW FROM OUR ROOM
GRASSMERE GINGERBREAD SHOP.... DELICIOUS!!!
DEREK AND LIN... INTREPID HIKERS
PASTORAL SCENE IN THE LAKES
THE WALK WHERE LIN AND I WORRIED ABOUT A LITTLE LAMB!!
JANICE LOVES LAMBS!!!!
SO ADORABLE
MAKES YOU WANT TO PAINT!!
AWWWW  ... SO CUTE
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
NOT TO BE OUTDONE... OUR TURN!!
OUR GUIDE AND EXPERT ON POINTING THINGS OUT!!
FABUOUS PUB .. THE DRUNKEN DUCK!!
GOOD TIMES BEFORE THE 'FALL'
LILLY TARN
LAST MORNING- AT BREAKFAST.. YUMMY SMOKED HADDOCK
Sat April 27th – Reunion with the ‘Highfield cousins’ at the Wheatsheaf (The ‘Thatch”). Many lamb shanks to be seen. Attended by Gill, Hillary, Steve, Lydia, Jack, Alex, Nancy, Derek, Janice, Angus (Tony), Gail, Ryan. Visit with Harry later then off to Liverpool on the train with Derek and Lin to see a play (forgotten the title) at the Liverpool Playhouse theatre. Great fun.
MY LAMB SHANK AT THE WHEATSHEAF-- WONDERFUL
STEVE AND HIS MUM AUNTY NANCY
STEVE AND LYDIA
THE FIVE COUSINS
JACK, RYAN AND ALEX

Sun April 28th – Visit with Janice’s nephew Scott and his family, Andrea, Leyton and Taylor. Lunch at the Harvest Mouse (converted Windmill in Irby)
AWWW... SCOTT AND LEYTON
THE WHOLE FAM DAMILY!!
WAY TOO CUTE TO RESIST!!!
FUN LUNCH AT THE COUNTRY MOUSE
A BIG HUG FOR GREAT AUNT J.

Mon April 29th  -  Tue April 30th – Wales to visit with Janice’s cousin Sheila and Aunty Joan in Colwyn Bay. Stayed at Sheila’s house. Unfortunately her husband Graham was away. On Monday we went to see Aunty Joan’s new apartment and then off for lunch in Colwyn Bay. Later we went for a walk up the Little Orm and walked round Conway before a lovely homemade dinner at Sheilas. The next day we went for a walk up the hill behind Sheila’s house before setting off through Wales stopping along the way on Bets-y-Coed and then thorugh Loggerheads to climb Moel Fammau to the top (a place Janice used to go often with her family as a youngster), headed back to Derek and Lin’s for dinner.
SHEILA, AUNTY JOAN AND JANICE
MY FAVOURITE AUNTY
CUTE
I THINK THIS IS THE GREAT ORM FROM THE LITTLE ORM
LLANDUDNO, NORTH WALES
CONWAY CASTLE
LITTLEST HOUSE IN GREAT BRITAIN
AUNTY JOAN'S NEW APARTMENT
DELICIOUS DINNER AT SHEILA'S
SHEILA'S HOUSE
AT THE BACK
VIEW FROM HILL AT BACK
RE-KINDLING OLD FRIENDSHIPS WITH MY COUSIN SHEILA
STOP OFF IN BETS-Y-COED
BETS-Y-COED
ROADSIDE PHEASANT.. SAW LOTS !!
Not a one-way street!!!!! But I think he has the right of way!!!

Narrow Roads.. lovely hedge-rows
ON THE WAY TO MOEL FAMMAU
Tower at the top of Moel Fammau
Almost there!!!
Yeehaa!! Made it
Can see forever!!
Speak softly and carry a big stick

Wed May 1st – Visited Janice’s brother Tony and Jenny and went for a  lunch in Parkgate at The Old Quay.  Also went to see the Birkenhead Priory with Derek and Lin.
TONY AND DEREK
TONY AND JENNY'S COTTAGE IN GREAT SUTTON
ME AND MY BIG BROTHER
VIEW OF LIVERPOOL FROM THE BIRKENHEAD PRIORY
PRIORY GROUNDS
BIRKENHEAD PRIORY

Thur May2nd – Stratford-Upon-Avon – lunch at a pub by the Festival Theatre with a Canadian friend of Janice’s from Brock Univ. (Heather)who is teaching in UK … all went to see Hamlet at the Theatre. Said goodbyes and headed to Janice’s Nephew’s house to visit him and his family, Sam, Harriet, and new twins Jessica and Abigail. Had a fabulous lamb dinner. Sue and John also there. Stayed at local Travelodge overnight. 
ME AND CANADIAN FRIEND HEATHER (FROM BROCK U) - 
SHE IS TEACHING NEAR STRATFORD
BIRTHPLACE OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
HAMLET in Stratford... Janice's special treat

OLD BUILDING IN STRATFORD

Rather large soother... BONE!!
YUMMY!!
Happiness is! - Great Nieces!!
Happy times with Harriet
Two Sisters with three sisters































 Friday May 3rd – Janice’s Birthday. Lovely Breakfast at Robin and Sam’s followed by a walk through a park with the kids and a picnic lunch before saying goodbye’s and heading back to Derek and Lin’s and a birthday dinner at The Three Stags.
CUTE!!
AWWWW!!
Robin and Derek watching John with great fear!!!
Someone loves great uncle Derek!
BYE BYE!!! We'll miss ya!!

Saturday May 4th – We did a walk (drive) down memory lane to visit Bromborough Village, Bebington and Rock Ferry.
St Barnabas, Bromborough... Married here! LONG AGO!!
A special place!!
Giggle ---- no comment!!


Sunday May 5th – THE long walk (9 miles- 14.5 km) with Derek and Lin. Train from Spital station to Chester, walked to Ellesmere Port along the canal towpath. Great walk saw lots of narrow boats and had a little packed lunch along the way.  A rewarding cuppa at the Boat Museum, then hopped the train back to Spital station. Derek and Janice had a quick pint at the Three Stags.

Just getting started!!
Note the warm clothes are tossed off!!
Gettin tired!!
Our friends Derek and Lin... not changed in 45 years!!
Cake Allie made for hubby Lee's 40th ... all handmade... WOW!!
 Monday May 6th.  Visited Vanda (next door to Janice’s childhood home) and met her new puppy!! Then went with Lin to the Town Lane Cemetery to look up some old family gravesites.

I WANT ONE!!!!!


VANDA AND HER CANINE FAMILY!!!
Tuesday May 7th –Derek helped out at Sally’s house with the other Derek. Packed and had meal at home with Derek and Lin.


Wednesday May 8th – Said goodbyes (for now!!) and headed to Derek’s cousin Gillian, stopping for a quick visit with Janice’s brother Tony and a drink at the White Lion in Childer Thornton.

 
Yes.. this Pub was built in 1724



My Big brother Tony!

Thurs May 9th – Sat May 11th- Lovely visit with Gillian which culminated with another ‘reunion’ at Gillians (after ‘borrowing a dining set from a neighbor in the court). A relaxing and fun visit with great food, a few bottles of champagne and many laughs.


WISH I COULD REMEMBER NAME OF THESE VEGGIES

THE BEGINNINGS OF GILL'S FAMOUS FISH PIE.... YUMMMY!!

 GILL ---MAKING MIRACLES IN THE KITCHEN

JACK, HILLARY, GILL AND NANCY

LOVELY JACK!!

LOVELY ALEX


COUSINS CATCHING UP IN THE KITCHEN.. STEVE AND DEREK

Sun May 12th -Mon May 13th – Said goodbyes and headed up to Edinburgh, Scotland. Visited Edinburgh castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Stayed in B and B on fringes of Edinburgh on bus route.


EDINBURGH!!

LOVE THE BUSES

AT THE HEL OF THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

TOP DECK OF THE BUS BACK

ROYAL PROMENADE DECK.. FAMILY PHOTO PLACE

CREAM TEA - TIED WITH CAMELOT FOR THE VERY BEST!!!

LIZ'S CABIN

HOLLYROOD!

EDINBURGH CASTLE OUTLINE IN THE EVENING

Tues May 14th – left Edinburgh and headed up to a B and B in the village of Newtonmore, Passing through Pitlochry and visiting the Blair Athol Distillery (Bells) and the Dalwhinnie Distillery for a wee dram. The B and B was beautiful. Huge room with 4 poster bed, fantastic Scottish smoked salmon benedict for breakfast, full size snooker table … just lovely.

THEY MAKE BELL'S SCOTCH HERE!!

ENTRY TO DALWHINNIE DISTILLERY

OUR ROOM AT THE BEST B AND B (NEWTONMORE)





Wed May 15th – Loch Ness and Ben Nevis… up the cable car and walked up to a look-out. Stayed the night in Fort William at a much forgettable hotel.

Snow..... yipeeeee!!!Near  top of Ben Nevis

Fun on the cable car

Breathing the lovely crisp air

View from a hill we climbed on Ben Nevis

Yes it was worth the hike!!

Going down!!!
Loch Ness... no sign of Nessie
Loving Loch Ness

Thursday May 16th – Bridge over to the Isle of Skye. Toured Skye and went to see Dunvegan Castle (clan seat of the MacLeod’s), went for tour and wee dram at Talisker Distillery (favourite one) and had an amazing dinner at Harbourview Restaurant in Portree, before heading to our B and B in the village of  Kyleakin  in the shadow of the Skye Bridge. Went to local pub for a drink.. and who was there doing the highland fling??..... a bus load of Canadians from Saskatchewan on a tour of British Isles Figures!!!!!  They were having a blast... dancing and singing in the lounge area of the pub. Beautiful sunsets as we walked back to the B ad B.


Just outside Fort William.. on way to Skye

Commando Memorial on top of a hill



Derek.... had to drag him away!!!! Loved it!!



Scotland is so beautiful

Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich,  Skye... Iconic!

Dunveagan Castle (Seat of Clan MacLeod

Scots Love their guns!!!! LOL

Laird of the Castle

Portree Harbour


Portree Harbour

Appetizer at Harbourview. Restaurant... WOWOW!!!

Portree Harbour from Restaurant

Kyleakie evening
Skye Bridge from front of Kyleakie B and B



Kyleakie (pub on right... fun)

So beautiful

Sunset views

Amazing light show from the sunset!!

Friday May 17th – Headed to Elgol for a cruise to a hidden loch (Coriusk) then to see Janice’s cousin Mark (son of Sandra and Doug in Wingrave) and his wife Jenny and son Rowan in Glasnakille. They live such a great life, growing most of their own veggies, having beehives, wood heat etc etc .... such a great couple and Rowan is really sweet. After lovely visit we headed to the car-ferry to the mainland and back to a B and B in Fort William (Fassfern). Fish and Chips at a local hotel and chatted with a couple from Bristol.

Janice LOVED the black faced sheep (lambs)

Our Elgol Cruise toLoch  Coriusk


Seal Hangin out near Loch Coruisk


Loch Coruisk

Sheep got his feet wet to get the best grass (Elgol, Skye)

Elgol Harbour from the hill behind

Beehives at Mark and Jenny's

Mark and Jenny's home in Glaskanille

Poly Tunnel indoor garden!!!... wow!!

Cove on our walk

Out for a walk with Mark

Mark and Jenny's home in Glasnakille,  Skye

Garden

Yes it's the old style ... and works!!!
Great day meeting cousin Mark and Jenny and Rowan



car ferry back to mainland


Saturday May 18

Drove through Scottish countryside to Oban and had a distillery tour (and wee dram). Drove back to Fort William. 






Sunday May 19th – Drove through the country side and stopped briefly at Loch Lomond, to an Inn in Paisley (just outside Glasgow) for our last Night in Scotland … had an amazing cod meal in an Italian Restaurant close by. Packed ready for flight to Canada



Loch Lomand

Loch Lomand

 
Our Last night in Scotland - Lovely place close to airport.




 May 20th – Jun 11th

This three weeks was spent catching up with friends and family.

We stayed with Janice’s Brother Nick and Kathy, friend Tiina, friends Al and Tina and friends Hillary and Ted. We spent the time catching up on dental and doctors appointments and checking out our ‘stuff’ in storage. Had some amazing meals and fun times with everyone and will be forever grateful for all the kindness and hospitality we received from everyone. Saw an amazing play in Toronto (Kim’s Convenience) and Janice picked up her ‘Wedding Outfit’ in the Distillery District in Toronto (ready for August). We spent much time with sons Braden and Grant who have recently moved back into the area after finishing up at college/univ.

All told we had a fabulous 3-week ‘catch-up’ visit before heading back to Tucson to pick up our ‘condo’ and truck out of storage and continuing our US adventures.  Didn't take many photos while in Ontario.. but here are a couple of favourites

Walks with family

Re-kindling old friendships

Fun in the sun with friends

Meeting new additions

Handsome dudes... take after their Dad!!

ME??? Happy???? You betcha!!!

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