Day 40 August 20th A Day at Yosemite.
It was an early start to a very long day. We were travelling to Yosemite National park; 180 miles away with a travelling time of 3hours 40 minutes according to Google. The tour bus was due at 5:45am at the Hotel; it arrived at 5:50am. We were up early enough to be able to shower and enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits; we bought a couple of sandwiches at Starbucks across the road and ate them on the bus. The bus then toured around San Francisco picking up another 23 passengers before we entered the expressway at 7am to start the journey to Yosemite National Park; our driver was a young, polite and casually dressed young man with long hair. Just before we entered the expressway we passed through a lawless district nicknamed the “Tenderloin District” so called because the Police were reluctant to be there as it was dangerous for them but were enticed back by butchers who would give them free tenderloin meat. This according to Shaun our driver. The surface of the expressway was surprisingly rough so much so that I could not hold my camera steady to take photographs as we passed through Oakland. Here Marijuana has been legalised and licences to grow are issued by the local Authority. The expressway varied in width up to seven lanes; it was busy but free flowing. Soon we were clear of the built up area driving through rolling hill country covered with golden prairie grass; this was San Francisco’s six month dry period so there was not much green grass except where it was irrigated. On the hills were small ancient electricity windmills; apparently they were the first in California. Driver Shaun said that the towers vibrated the ground which attracted small rodents which were set upon by rare and protected eagles; some of the eagles would get killed by the windmill’s rotating blades and this caused concern to the local controlling authority. Soon the hills were replaced with rich fertile plains of the Napa Valley; corn, grape vines, and almond trees were grown. According to Shaun 80% of Americas almonds were grown here. Some dairy cows could also be seen in paddocks; they were also housed in large cow barns similar to what are proposed for New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country. At 8:30am we stopped at Oakdale for a half hour comfort and refreshments. At a supermarket we bought some bananas and peaches; the peaches were large and sweet. At 9am we continued our journey; we left the plains and started climbing steadily; at one stage the road became steep and very windy somewhat like our Crown Range Road only more so; every now and then our driver would pull into a “pullout” so that faster moving drivers could pass; he was a very courteous driver.
We reached the toll gates of the park at around 11am; we stopped at a refuelling and refreshment stop in a beautiful tall pine forest. Nineteen minutes later we had our first photo stop overlooking a large river valley between huge granite rock faces.
Our second photo stop was by the roadside high above a river meandering through very high, smooth granite cliffs. We then drove into the river valley and stopped beneath El Capitan; a huge 3000 feet (910metres) vertical smooth granite cliff; Shaun says it is very popular with rock face climbers. Some take two days and get some sleep on the way up in special hammocks which they haul up for the purpose.
Next we had to walk through open bush for about ¼ hour to see the 188 metre Bridalveil fall. The strong winds at its top whisked the falling water into a veil like cloud.
At 1:40 pm we stopped for lunch at the park headquarters. Here we were entertained by a little squirrel. It was not frightened of us and stood erect on its haunches as if asking for food. I gave it some bread but it did not like it; i followed with lettuce which it held between its little paws and ate it. It was cute.
At 2:30 we headed for the Sequoia trees; our last stop. We reached the site at 3pm. We had to walk about 2½ miles down a gentle slope to see them. The tree with a square hole cut through it that is often pictured in books is now dead but still standing. Our driver said that cutting the hole killed it. After taking a picture of Fay in the hole we started the long climb back up the hill. The hill seemed steeper on our return to the bus; after a few rest stops we made it back to the bus. At 6pm we had another comfort and meal break at Oakdale; the sun was still shining and the temperature was very hot; we finally reached our hotel around 9pm; a little tired but happy.
Try this website.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100318093300.htm
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Yosemite National Park Pictures
The first picture is of Fay in Sequoia Tree.
The Second is a little friend.
Then Fay rests on the bus.
El Capitan.
Fay with El Capitan in background.
Large granite cliffs with river valley.
Stately Pines.
Double click a picture to enlarge.
The Second is a little friend.
Then Fay rests on the bus.
El Capitan.
Fay with El Capitan in background.
Large granite cliffs with river valley.
Stately Pines.
Double click a picture to enlarge.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
San Francisco Pictures
The top two pictures are the Atrium of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The next is a night view from our room wit the Bay Bridge lit up.
Seals at the Fisherman's Wharf.
The lounge of our Hotel room.
Another view of our Hotel Atrium.
Street Scene with San Francisco Cable Car.
The next is a night view from our room wit the Bay Bridge lit up.
Seals at the Fisherman's Wharf.
The lounge of our Hotel room.
Another view of our Hotel Atrium.
Street Scene with San Francisco Cable Car.
Day 38 August 18th Day one in San Francisco.
Day 38 August 18th Day one in San Francisco.
We slept well for nine hours and awakened to a beautiful sunny day, clear sky and a light to strong breeze. After breakfast Fay found a hairdresser just across the road from the Hyatt. While she was having her first hair set since The Star Princess cruise I spent the time taking photos of our beautiful hotel. We then caught an ancient and crowded tram to the Fishermans Wharf. We walked around, enjoyed a late lunch, and watched the seals at play and the jugglers juggling before catching the tram back to the hotel again. We dined at the Ferry buildings across the road from our hotel before retiring early at 8:30pm. Although we had had a good sleep the night before we were tired by 8:30pm; must have been a little jet lagged.
We slept well for nine hours and awakened to a beautiful sunny day, clear sky and a light to strong breeze. After breakfast Fay found a hairdresser just across the road from the Hyatt. While she was having her first hair set since The Star Princess cruise I spent the time taking photos of our beautiful hotel. We then caught an ancient and crowded tram to the Fishermans Wharf. We walked around, enjoyed a late lunch, and watched the seals at play and the jugglers juggling before catching the tram back to the hotel again. We dined at the Ferry buildings across the road from our hotel before retiring early at 8:30pm. Although we had had a good sleep the night before we were tired by 8:30pm; must have been a little jet lagged.
Day 37 August 17th London to San Francisco.
Day 37 August 17th London to San Francisco.
Today was always going to be a long day. My cell phone woke Fay at 5:45am; we started breakfast at 6:45am and walked to the Tower Hill underground and caught a train at 7:31; we changed to a Piccadilly line train at Hammersmith, a level platform crossing. We arrived at Heathrow Terminal 1 at 8:10am and after a short walk we arrived at the Lufthansa check in. A bit more walking was required to pass through customs and security before reaching the Star Alliance lounge where we relaxed with drinks and morning tea. At 10:45 the gate number we were waiting for appeared and we set off on the long walk to Gate 5 where our Plane was scheduled to leave at 11:10am. We need not have hurried; the boarding time was delayed. We eventually left the terminal at 11:30 and was airborne at 11:45am. We arrived at Munich only 10minutes after schedule time at 2:10pm Munich time. The flight time was 1hour 25minutes during which time we enjoyed a light lunch. Our main flight of the day was due to leave Munich at 4:15pm. Once again there was a delay; this time a passenger had not turned up so we had to wait while all his/her luggage had to be found and taken off the aircraft. We eventually left the ground at 5:07pm Munich time. Eleven hours had now passed since we awoke for the day and we still had approximately 11 hours of daylight flying ahead of us. After about an hour we were served another lunch; the food once again was wonderful. I watched a good video; “You Have Mail” with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as the principle actors. Outside the sun was bright so Fay closed the curtains and we tried to sleep. After about an hour I gave up trying and watched some more video. Eventually I dozed for about 40 Winks as the saying goes and woke up surprisingly refreshed. Fay also managed a little sleep. The flight path took us North West, across the Norwegian Sea, Greenland and Northern Canada before heading south over Alaska and then The Rocky Mountains. I managed to take some photos of the landscape about 10900 meters below; around Northern Canada the land looked barren with icebergs in the sea; the snow covered Rocky Mountains glistened brilliantly white in the bright sun. With about two hours flying left we were served the Dinner Menu. By the time we reached San Francisco we had made up for time lost and landed as per schedule. I have come to the conclusion that the flight schedules printed have an allowance for delays as we always seem to arrive on time. We proceeded through security without the delays we have experienced in the past at San Francisco. Once again I had my finger prints taken and my eyes photographed. We caught the train 50minutes after landing and thirty minutes later we were entering the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown San Francisco. We emerged from the underground train station literally at the hotel door.
From the outside the hotel did not look impressive but on emerging from the lift at the first floor Atrium I stood in awe at the sight before us. The reception desk was at the base of a large triangle shape floor space surrounded by seventeen floors of service balconies in front of guest rooms. On the right hand side the balconies rose vertically one above the other but on the left hand side the balconies over hung each other forming a sloping ceiling from left to right and from each balcony starting at the third floor and finishing at the 10th balcony many strings of tiny white lights hung down to finish just above the dining area. To the right of reception were five oval shaped elevators moving up and down. They too were impressive with bright yellow domes top and bottom of the glass fronted compartment. We reached our room around 11pm. The quality of the room was consistent with the Atrium area I have tried to describe above. We have a large bed at one end of an eleven by four meter room; we have two couches able to seat five people, two low tables and a wide desk with a broadband cable for me to work at on my computer. We have two 32inch TVs; even the bathroom mirror has a built in 10inch remote controlled TV built into it. The 9 meter lounge window allows us to look over the ferry terminal area with the massive Bay Bridge in the background; at night it is lit up; we feel like we are in Wonderland.
We had survived the 23¾ hour day without sleep, apart from the 40 winks, better than I had expected.
Today was always going to be a long day. My cell phone woke Fay at 5:45am; we started breakfast at 6:45am and walked to the Tower Hill underground and caught a train at 7:31; we changed to a Piccadilly line train at Hammersmith, a level platform crossing. We arrived at Heathrow Terminal 1 at 8:10am and after a short walk we arrived at the Lufthansa check in. A bit more walking was required to pass through customs and security before reaching the Star Alliance lounge where we relaxed with drinks and morning tea. At 10:45 the gate number we were waiting for appeared and we set off on the long walk to Gate 5 where our Plane was scheduled to leave at 11:10am. We need not have hurried; the boarding time was delayed. We eventually left the terminal at 11:30 and was airborne at 11:45am. We arrived at Munich only 10minutes after schedule time at 2:10pm Munich time. The flight time was 1hour 25minutes during which time we enjoyed a light lunch. Our main flight of the day was due to leave Munich at 4:15pm. Once again there was a delay; this time a passenger had not turned up so we had to wait while all his/her luggage had to be found and taken off the aircraft. We eventually left the ground at 5:07pm Munich time. Eleven hours had now passed since we awoke for the day and we still had approximately 11 hours of daylight flying ahead of us. After about an hour we were served another lunch; the food once again was wonderful. I watched a good video; “You Have Mail” with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as the principle actors. Outside the sun was bright so Fay closed the curtains and we tried to sleep. After about an hour I gave up trying and watched some more video. Eventually I dozed for about 40 Winks as the saying goes and woke up surprisingly refreshed. Fay also managed a little sleep. The flight path took us North West, across the Norwegian Sea, Greenland and Northern Canada before heading south over Alaska and then The Rocky Mountains. I managed to take some photos of the landscape about 10900 meters below; around Northern Canada the land looked barren with icebergs in the sea; the snow covered Rocky Mountains glistened brilliantly white in the bright sun. With about two hours flying left we were served the Dinner Menu. By the time we reached San Francisco we had made up for time lost and landed as per schedule. I have come to the conclusion that the flight schedules printed have an allowance for delays as we always seem to arrive on time. We proceeded through security without the delays we have experienced in the past at San Francisco. Once again I had my finger prints taken and my eyes photographed. We caught the train 50minutes after landing and thirty minutes later we were entering the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown San Francisco. We emerged from the underground train station literally at the hotel door.
From the outside the hotel did not look impressive but on emerging from the lift at the first floor Atrium I stood in awe at the sight before us. The reception desk was at the base of a large triangle shape floor space surrounded by seventeen floors of service balconies in front of guest rooms. On the right hand side the balconies rose vertically one above the other but on the left hand side the balconies over hung each other forming a sloping ceiling from left to right and from each balcony starting at the third floor and finishing at the 10th balcony many strings of tiny white lights hung down to finish just above the dining area. To the right of reception were five oval shaped elevators moving up and down. They too were impressive with bright yellow domes top and bottom of the glass fronted compartment. We reached our room around 11pm. The quality of the room was consistent with the Atrium area I have tried to describe above. We have a large bed at one end of an eleven by four meter room; we have two couches able to seat five people, two low tables and a wide desk with a broadband cable for me to work at on my computer. We have two 32inch TVs; even the bathroom mirror has a built in 10inch remote controlled TV built into it. The 9 meter lounge window allows us to look over the ferry terminal area with the massive Bay Bridge in the background; at night it is lit up; we feel like we are in Wonderland.
We had survived the 23¾ hour day without sleep, apart from the 40 winks, better than I had expected.
Day 36 August 16th Day 2 in London.
Day 36 August 16th Day 2 in London.
Today was Fay’s day. At 11:30am we met her niece and nephew who live at South Croydon. We enjoyed a chat over a long lunch with them at St Kathryn’s Lock; this is a marina with expensive apartment blocks shops and restaurants built around its edge; the marina used to be shipping wharfs and warehouses. There are many expensive motor boats and yachts tied up. They enter the Thames River via the lock.
After lunch we walked with S and I across London Bridge to London Bridge Railway station where they catch their train to South Croydon. After saying good bye were returned to our hotel. On the way we rested in a small park and enjoyed “Mr Whippy” type of soft serve ice cream. Upon reaching our hotel we repacked our luggage and rested in preparation for our long flight via Munich to San Francisco the next day when we will have an early 7am start. We catch the underground at Tower Hill station about 300 meters from our hotel; it will cost £2.40 each for the 1¼ hour trip to Terminal 1 at Heathrow.
Today was Fay’s day. At 11:30am we met her niece and nephew who live at South Croydon. We enjoyed a chat over a long lunch with them at St Kathryn’s Lock; this is a marina with expensive apartment blocks shops and restaurants built around its edge; the marina used to be shipping wharfs and warehouses. There are many expensive motor boats and yachts tied up. They enter the Thames River via the lock.
After lunch we walked with S and I across London Bridge to London Bridge Railway station where they catch their train to South Croydon. After saying good bye were returned to our hotel. On the way we rested in a small park and enjoyed “Mr Whippy” type of soft serve ice cream. Upon reaching our hotel we repacked our luggage and rested in preparation for our long flight via Munich to San Francisco the next day when we will have an early 7am start. We catch the underground at Tower Hill station about 300 meters from our hotel; it will cost £2.40 each for the 1¼ hour trip to Terminal 1 at Heathrow.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Day 35 August 16th London.
Day 35 August 16th London.
We slept ‘til 9am after two late nights in a row. After breakfast we caught another Hop on Hop Off bus and travelled directly to Buckingham Palace, which was open to the public while the Queen was away. We had to queue for ½ an hour to purchase tickets for the 1:45pm session. To fill in the time waiting for 1:45pm we went for a walk to Hyde Park corner and sat for a while enjoying the “passing parade”; we joined the queue for entry at 1:40pm. We had to go through an X-ray examination; I had to start up my computer for them to see that it really was an ordinary computer, and then they made me give it up while I was in the Palace grounds. I guess it was worth it because the palace was very interesting and beautiful. We were given a personal recorded guide. We enjoyed a very expensive cup of tea and cake at the end of the tour in the Palace Cafe before strolling through the extensive park like gardens to the roadway exit. Then we reboarded the bus for some more sightseeing before alighting at St Pauls Cathedral. It was breathtaking inside. I would have had a great time taking photographs if I had been allowed.
Being close to our hotel we walked back to our hotel.
We slept ‘til 9am after two late nights in a row. After breakfast we caught another Hop on Hop Off bus and travelled directly to Buckingham Palace, which was open to the public while the Queen was away. We had to queue for ½ an hour to purchase tickets for the 1:45pm session. To fill in the time waiting for 1:45pm we went for a walk to Hyde Park corner and sat for a while enjoying the “passing parade”; we joined the queue for entry at 1:40pm. We had to go through an X-ray examination; I had to start up my computer for them to see that it really was an ordinary computer, and then they made me give it up while I was in the Palace grounds. I guess it was worth it because the palace was very interesting and beautiful. We were given a personal recorded guide. We enjoyed a very expensive cup of tea and cake at the end of the tour in the Palace Cafe before strolling through the extensive park like gardens to the roadway exit. Then we reboarded the bus for some more sightseeing before alighting at St Pauls Cathedral. It was breathtaking inside. I would have had a great time taking photographs if I had been allowed.
Being close to our hotel we walked back to our hotel.
Day 34 August 14 Edinburgh
Day 34 August 14 Edinburgh
We slept in a little after retiring at midnight following the late finish at the Tattoo. After a late breakfast I took advantage of good complimentary internet to update the blog. Then R and young A called to pick us up to attend a family and friends get-together at a nice restaurant “the Braids Hill Hotel” on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Ten people from Scotland, England and New Zealand attended. The meal was delightful. The first time I had seen Cauliflower, Broccoli and carrots together for a long time. I enjoyed Smoked Mackerel served with baby Prawns lemon and caper salad with nice wholemeal bread as a starter; Pan fried liver and bacon with red wine and onion gravy served on creamed potatoes as my main, and finished with a selection of Scottish Cheeses and oatcakes. After the meal we sat around in the grounds for a chat and a few drinks.
At 5pm it was reluctance that we said goodbye as Fay and I had to catch a plane to London. Our plane was delayed by thirty minutes by rainstorms disrupting planes around Heathrow. We took to the air at 8:25pm and landed at Heathrow at 9:20pm. We bought some nice sandwiches at the airport and caught the Tube train to London arriving at our hotel at 11:40pm. After a nice cup of tea and the sandwiches we bedded around 12:15am Sunday. Apart from the travel we had a very enjoyable day.
.
We slept in a little after retiring at midnight following the late finish at the Tattoo. After a late breakfast I took advantage of good complimentary internet to update the blog. Then R and young A called to pick us up to attend a family and friends get-together at a nice restaurant “the Braids Hill Hotel” on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Ten people from Scotland, England and New Zealand attended. The meal was delightful. The first time I had seen Cauliflower, Broccoli and carrots together for a long time. I enjoyed Smoked Mackerel served with baby Prawns lemon and caper salad with nice wholemeal bread as a starter; Pan fried liver and bacon with red wine and onion gravy served on creamed potatoes as my main, and finished with a selection of Scottish Cheeses and oatcakes. After the meal we sat around in the grounds for a chat and a few drinks.
At 5pm it was reluctance that we said goodbye as Fay and I had to catch a plane to London. Our plane was delayed by thirty minutes by rainstorms disrupting planes around Heathrow. We took to the air at 8:25pm and landed at Heathrow at 9:20pm. We bought some nice sandwiches at the airport and caught the Tube train to London arriving at our hotel at 11:40pm. After a nice cup of tea and the sandwiches we bedded around 12:15am Sunday. Apart from the travel we had a very enjoyable day.
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Saturday, August 14, 2010
Some Pictures
Star Princess in Stockholm.
Star Princess swimming pool and cinema under the stars
Canal Boat Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Canal Scene.
Building in Sigapore.
Long Tailed Lizard in Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Expensive Beef.
Our Tour Group.
Singapore Scene.
Hanging out the Washing.
Fay contemplating the Singapore Airline Menu.
Star Princess swimming pool and cinema under the stars
Canal Boat Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Canal Scene.
Building in Sigapore.
Long Tailed Lizard in Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Flowers at the International Flower show Singapore.
Expensive Beef.
Our Tour Group.
Singapore Scene.
Hanging out the Washing.
Fay contemplating the Singapore Airline Menu.
Day 33 August 13th Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo
Day 33 August 13th Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo
Fay and I were up early e Tattoo.for an early getaway to Edinburgh; Fay was meeting with her niece Jessie. After about 1¼ hours we reached the outskirts of the City; quite a fast drive along Scotland’s motorways; our trust sat-nav then led us through a maze of streets to her place. After an hour of catch-up talk she treated us to a lovely lunch. After lunch we drove to Polmont to see Bills family home. We returned to Edinburgh and found our B&B right in the centre of the city. After our evening meal we walked uphill to Edinburgh Castle to watch the Military Tattoo. It was very colourful with the castle in the background its walls being used as a screen for an ever changing background for the many Bands from different countries. New Zealand performed a very good band which performed a haka as part of its repertoire. We all enjoyed the experience, especially the young 12to 15 year olds who performed on small motor scooters. The walk “Home” all downhill took ¾ hour. We retired for the night at midnight.
Fay and I were up early e Tattoo.for an early getaway to Edinburgh; Fay was meeting with her niece Jessie. After about 1¼ hours we reached the outskirts of the City; quite a fast drive along Scotland’s motorways; our trust sat-nav then led us through a maze of streets to her place. After an hour of catch-up talk she treated us to a lovely lunch. After lunch we drove to Polmont to see Bills family home. We returned to Edinburgh and found our B&B right in the centre of the city. After our evening meal we walked uphill to Edinburgh Castle to watch the Military Tattoo. It was very colourful with the castle in the background its walls being used as a screen for an ever changing background for the many Bands from different countries. New Zealand performed a very good band which performed a haka as part of its repertoire. We all enjoyed the experience, especially the young 12to 15 year olds who performed on small motor scooters. The walk “Home” all downhill took ¾ hour. We retired for the night at midnight.
Day 32 August 12th in Pitlochry.
Day 32 August 12th in Pitlochry.
Today was a day for catchup; Fay wanted a hairdo, but all the hairdressers were fully booked, I found a drycleaner and was happy, A&H did some shopping and the rest of the day was spent just walking and wandering around. After lunch I walked up one side of the Tummel River to the Hydro-electric dam, across the top examined the fish ladder and then back to the B&B. On the way I spent some time looking at a marvellous household flower and vegetable garden. We all visited Heather Gems, a small factory shop that makes jewellery and other ornaments from the small branches of the heather shrub. Workers go in to the hills and pick the heather bushes, bring them back to the factory where they remove the bark in a small kiln. Then the white wood twig like branches are dried before being cut into 300mm lengths after which they are dyed with various colours. Then the twigs of a mixture of colours are put into a press with a clear resin and compressed into small blocks about 200mm square. After a day or two these blocks are the further dried and cut into layers which are then shaped into what look like gemstones. They are finished off by polishing and coated with three coats of lacquer before being mounted.
Tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo in the evening.
WE have had an enjoyable stay at the Ferryman’s Cottage in Pitlochry.
Today was a day for catchup; Fay wanted a hairdo, but all the hairdressers were fully booked, I found a drycleaner and was happy, A&H did some shopping and the rest of the day was spent just walking and wandering around. After lunch I walked up one side of the Tummel River to the Hydro-electric dam, across the top examined the fish ladder and then back to the B&B. On the way I spent some time looking at a marvellous household flower and vegetable garden. We all visited Heather Gems, a small factory shop that makes jewellery and other ornaments from the small branches of the heather shrub. Workers go in to the hills and pick the heather bushes, bring them back to the factory where they remove the bark in a small kiln. Then the white wood twig like branches are dried before being cut into 300mm lengths after which they are dyed with various colours. Then the twigs of a mixture of colours are put into a press with a clear resin and compressed into small blocks about 200mm square. After a day or two these blocks are the further dried and cut into layers which are then shaped into what look like gemstones. They are finished off by polishing and coated with three coats of lacquer before being mounted.
Tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo in the evening.
WE have had an enjoyable stay at the Ferryman’s Cottage in Pitlochry.
Day 31 August 11 we visit Blair Castle.
Day 31 August 11 we visit Blair Castle.
We set of for Blair Castle in light rain; the future outlook was for the weather to clear. After entering the gates we drove through a beautiful avenue of mature trees for about ¾km before reaching the car park. We walked about 400meters through manicured gardens crossing a small footbridge over a rocky stream before reaching the castle. The castle did not have the usual stone look being painted white all over. Small artillery guns were at the ready to the right of the main entrance. The walls of the entry hall were decorated with many old style flintlock rifles, all with fixed bayonets as well as the occasional sword and deer antler; we moved on to a long hall of about 100metres (my estimate ) it was adorned with many stag antlers. All the carpets were red. In the many beautiful rooms displays told of the history of the castle, the land, the ruling monarchy and the Clan Murray family. We spent three hours of interest before we reached the huge ballroom at the end of our tour. We lunched at the castle cafe.
We next set off for a new shopping complex we should visit we had been told about; on the way we stopped to view a water wheel attached to a bakery in a stone building; the wheel turned the mill to make the flour for the bakery.
The shopping centre was built in the traditional style of the towns in the area; not the modern styles we see in New Zealand. We did not buy any goods; just window shopped.
Our next visit was to a scenic viewing point high in a beautiful forest. We overlooked a lovely lake bounded by forest and farmland with small white dots in the paddocks; these were sheep a long way down below us. In the distance could be seen the mountains around Glencoe, an area we had visited several days ago. I bought a small book of Scottish jokes at the locality shop. Rain was still falling from the skies; it did not clear ‘til we were back at our B&B around 4pm.
At 5:30pm we went for a short walk and found a restaurant; we dined well.
We set of for Blair Castle in light rain; the future outlook was for the weather to clear. After entering the gates we drove through a beautiful avenue of mature trees for about ¾km before reaching the car park. We walked about 400meters through manicured gardens crossing a small footbridge over a rocky stream before reaching the castle. The castle did not have the usual stone look being painted white all over. Small artillery guns were at the ready to the right of the main entrance. The walls of the entry hall were decorated with many old style flintlock rifles, all with fixed bayonets as well as the occasional sword and deer antler; we moved on to a long hall of about 100metres (my estimate ) it was adorned with many stag antlers. All the carpets were red. In the many beautiful rooms displays told of the history of the castle, the land, the ruling monarchy and the Clan Murray family. We spent three hours of interest before we reached the huge ballroom at the end of our tour. We lunched at the castle cafe.
We next set off for a new shopping complex we should visit we had been told about; on the way we stopped to view a water wheel attached to a bakery in a stone building; the wheel turned the mill to make the flour for the bakery.
The shopping centre was built in the traditional style of the towns in the area; not the modern styles we see in New Zealand. We did not buy any goods; just window shopped.
Our next visit was to a scenic viewing point high in a beautiful forest. We overlooked a lovely lake bounded by forest and farmland with small white dots in the paddocks; these were sheep a long way down below us. In the distance could be seen the mountains around Glencoe, an area we had visited several days ago. I bought a small book of Scottish jokes at the locality shop. Rain was still falling from the skies; it did not clear ‘til we were back at our B&B around 4pm.
At 5:30pm we went for a short walk and found a restaurant; we dined well.
Day 30 August 10th Elgin to Pitlochry
Day 30 August 10th Elgin to Pitlochry
The day dawned sunny and bright; we headed for pitlochry at 9am. An hour later after travelling through green pastures and wooded hills we arrived at the small town of Rothes in a valley of trees. A sign saying Glen Grant Distillery and Garden tours beckoned to us so we answered the call. While A and I were shown how whiskey was made our two ladies spent time in the garden. At the end of the tour of the distillery we all sampled the product.
Our next stop was at the vintage Strathspey Railway. Fay and I boarded the steam locomotive hauled train at the Broomhill Station for a £5.00 ride to Aviemore where A&H picked us up to continue our journey to Pitlochry. Aviemore was a beautiful town with flower gardens in full bloom and the main street adorned with colourful hanging baskets.
I thought the flowers and hanging baskets of Aviemore were great but they were not in the same league as Pitlochry.
Our B&B is called “The Ferryman’s Cottage” which is exactly what it was way back in 1750 until 1913. It is a beautiful stone building beside the River Tummel with its own set of hanging baskets.
We are only 200 metres away from a live concert venue. As we are here for three nights we might see a show. We are only 70 metres away from a lovely restaurant as well. I reckon we will enjoy our stay in Pitlochry.
The day dawned sunny and bright; we headed for pitlochry at 9am. An hour later after travelling through green pastures and wooded hills we arrived at the small town of Rothes in a valley of trees. A sign saying Glen Grant Distillery and Garden tours beckoned to us so we answered the call. While A and I were shown how whiskey was made our two ladies spent time in the garden. At the end of the tour of the distillery we all sampled the product.
Our next stop was at the vintage Strathspey Railway. Fay and I boarded the steam locomotive hauled train at the Broomhill Station for a £5.00 ride to Aviemore where A&H picked us up to continue our journey to Pitlochry. Aviemore was a beautiful town with flower gardens in full bloom and the main street adorned with colourful hanging baskets.
I thought the flowers and hanging baskets of Aviemore were great but they were not in the same league as Pitlochry.
Our B&B is called “The Ferryman’s Cottage” which is exactly what it was way back in 1750 until 1913. It is a beautiful stone building beside the River Tummel with its own set of hanging baskets.
We are only 200 metres away from a live concert venue. As we are here for three nights we might see a show. We are only 70 metres away from a lovely restaurant as well. I reckon we will enjoy our stay in Pitlochry.
Day 29 August 9th our day in Elgin.
Day 29 August 9th our day in Elgin.
Not much happened on this morning of rain. A & H went to the seaside for a walk along the seashore near Lossiemouth while Fay and I stayed behind; Fay writing postcards and me catching up with this diary. About 1pm the weather had cleared and the sun was shining so Fay and I walked for ten minutes into town for a bite to eat and to post the postcards. Mission achieved we bought some chocolate at the supermarket and walked home. We enjoyed an evening meal at the local hotel; reasonably priced and pleasant to eat.
I could not see any high-rise buildings in Elgin. The buildings in the main street were all constructed of grey/brown stone no taller than tree stories high; the shops were on the lower levels; the centre was a pedestrian area only.
Not much happened on this morning of rain. A & H went to the seaside for a walk along the seashore near Lossiemouth while Fay and I stayed behind; Fay writing postcards and me catching up with this diary. About 1pm the weather had cleared and the sun was shining so Fay and I walked for ten minutes into town for a bite to eat and to post the postcards. Mission achieved we bought some chocolate at the supermarket and walked home. We enjoyed an evening meal at the local hotel; reasonably priced and pleasant to eat.
I could not see any high-rise buildings in Elgin. The buildings in the main street were all constructed of grey/brown stone no taller than tree stories high; the shops were on the lower levels; the centre was a pedestrian area only.
Day 28 August 8th Skye to Elgin
Day 28 August 8th Skye to Elgin
It was a with a slight sadness that we left the beautiful B&B, Cliffe House at Skye although it will be uppermost in my mind when I think of the places we have stayed at. Within five minutes we were traversing the only land link Skye has with Scotland; the Skye Bridge, then passing through Kyle before reaching open country; the highlands of Scotlands. With lakes and high green hills all around us the time passed quickly. We made frequent photo stops; the reflections in the lakes of the hills, sky and clouds being irresistible. After travelling about 53 Miles we reached Loch Ness, home of the famed monster which was nowhere to be seen. Eleven miles further we stopped at a delightful village of Drumnadrochit; the home of the Loch Ness Monster. Fay spent an hour researching the monster in the large exhibition building while I lay on a grassy slope in the warm sunshine. Then on towards Inverness to visit the Colloden Battle Field where on the 16th April 1746 the last battle to be fought on British soil took less than an hour to reach its bloody conclusion here on what is now know as Culloden Moor. It was a battle between Government and the Jacobite army which included French units and some English Jacobites. It was the last chapter in a sporadic civil war for succession to the throne that had been under way since 1688.
Onward to Elgin; we had left the highlands some miles before and were now travelling through open rolling fields of green and various shades ranging from brown to golden; a patchwork of green grass fields, brown tilled soils and ripening golden grain fields. Just before Elgin we refuelled the vehicle; diesel was £1.289 per litre. ($NZ2.65) We arrived at “The Pines” our place of rest for the next two nights at 5pm.
We had travelled about 120miles.
It was a with a slight sadness that we left the beautiful B&B, Cliffe House at Skye although it will be uppermost in my mind when I think of the places we have stayed at. Within five minutes we were traversing the only land link Skye has with Scotland; the Skye Bridge, then passing through Kyle before reaching open country; the highlands of Scotlands. With lakes and high green hills all around us the time passed quickly. We made frequent photo stops; the reflections in the lakes of the hills, sky and clouds being irresistible. After travelling about 53 Miles we reached Loch Ness, home of the famed monster which was nowhere to be seen. Eleven miles further we stopped at a delightful village of Drumnadrochit; the home of the Loch Ness Monster. Fay spent an hour researching the monster in the large exhibition building while I lay on a grassy slope in the warm sunshine. Then on towards Inverness to visit the Colloden Battle Field where on the 16th April 1746 the last battle to be fought on British soil took less than an hour to reach its bloody conclusion here on what is now know as Culloden Moor. It was a battle between Government and the Jacobite army which included French units and some English Jacobites. It was the last chapter in a sporadic civil war for succession to the throne that had been under way since 1688.
Onward to Elgin; we had left the highlands some miles before and were now travelling through open rolling fields of green and various shades ranging from brown to golden; a patchwork of green grass fields, brown tilled soils and ripening golden grain fields. Just before Elgin we refuelled the vehicle; diesel was £1.289 per litre. ($NZ2.65) We arrived at “The Pines” our place of rest for the next two nights at 5pm.
We had travelled about 120miles.
Day 27 August 7th we visit the Isle of Skye.
Day 27 August 7th we visit the Isle of Skye.
We were up early for and early start as A had booked the ferry at Mallaig for 9:30am. We need 1½ hours for the 58 mile drive. We arrived on time for the ferry and it was not long before we drove off at Armadale. We then had a half hour drive to Broadford where there was and information centre. Fay and A&H went into a snake house where Fay touched a snake. We then drove toward Portree in the north a quaint little seaside village where we stopped for lunch. We then drove North up the spectacular west coast with huge bald mountains on our left and every now and then steep cliffs into the sea on our right. We stopped at the top of one such cliff and looked over the side. To my surprise there was a large flat paddock some two hundred metres (my estimate) below us with cows grazing on lush pasture between our cliff and a seaward cliff.
Further on we stopped at a display of ancient crofters cottages. One had a peat fire burning inside it which filled the clean air with its distinctive aroma. Having reached the northern tip we completed the circle drive back to Portree, bought some ice-cream and sought out our B&B for the night.
Our B&B was a lovely surprise. It was beside the estuary that divides the isle Skye from mainland Scotland. We had arrived early and after settling in I was able to sit in the lounge at a desk overlooking the water and the large bridge that links the Isle to the mainland. As I typed I could see the occasional seal and fish break through the surface of the water.
This was the best B&B yet. I could have spent the rest of my holiday here.
We were up early for and early start as A had booked the ferry at Mallaig for 9:30am. We need 1½ hours for the 58 mile drive. We arrived on time for the ferry and it was not long before we drove off at Armadale. We then had a half hour drive to Broadford where there was and information centre. Fay and A&H went into a snake house where Fay touched a snake. We then drove toward Portree in the north a quaint little seaside village where we stopped for lunch. We then drove North up the spectacular west coast with huge bald mountains on our left and every now and then steep cliffs into the sea on our right. We stopped at the top of one such cliff and looked over the side. To my surprise there was a large flat paddock some two hundred metres (my estimate) below us with cows grazing on lush pasture between our cliff and a seaward cliff.
Further on we stopped at a display of ancient crofters cottages. One had a peat fire burning inside it which filled the clean air with its distinctive aroma. Having reached the northern tip we completed the circle drive back to Portree, bought some ice-cream and sought out our B&B for the night.
Our B&B was a lovely surprise. It was beside the estuary that divides the isle Skye from mainland Scotland. We had arrived early and after settling in I was able to sit in the lounge at a desk overlooking the water and the large bridge that links the Isle to the mainland. As I typed I could see the occasional seal and fish break through the surface of the water.
This was the best B&B yet. I could have spent the rest of my holiday here.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Day 26 August 6th we visit the Isle of Mull.
Day 26 August 6th we visit the Isle of Mull.
The day dawned with rain; we did not get our tour of the garden so we opted for a drive to visit the Isle of Mull. We set off just after nine for Lochaline where we hitched a ride on the local ferry; the road was only wide enough for one car; fortunately there were lots of small passing bays; the trick was look ahead for oncoming cars and decide who would get to the passing bay first and drive accordingly. Although the weather was still overcast and very cold with rain and a stiff breeze we passed many yachts as we sailed to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. On leaving the ferry we turned left and soon we found what looked like a nice castle and gardens to visit. It was very comfortable inside the castle with fresh flowers in almost every room; the owners still lived there. Beautiful views could be seen through large windows. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe downstairs before venturing out into the cold and wet weather again. We then drove north to the other end of the isle and found a nice little seaside village / fishing port called Tobermory. On the waterfront there was a fish and chip caravan exuding enticing smells; even though we had lunch back at the castle we could not resist and shared a large helping of really nice fish and chips before returning to the ferry and the mainland. About half way back to our B&B A turned off onto a back road, an almost unbelievably narrow road; you would have to experience it to believe. To me it seemed to have been formed without the aid of a bulldozer; it was as if the surface of the land had been smoothed with hand tools. The surface was smooth and tar sealed but undulating; the seal had been laid directly on the undulating soil surface; I dubbed it the rolly polly road. Fortunately we did not meet any oncoming vehicles. Eventually we arrived at the “boatshed”, an upmarket restaurant in a restored boat shed. After our evening meal we continued slowly along the rest of the rolly polly road carefully dodging all the sheep and eventually found the main road close to our B&B.
The day dawned with rain; we did not get our tour of the garden so we opted for a drive to visit the Isle of Mull. We set off just after nine for Lochaline where we hitched a ride on the local ferry; the road was only wide enough for one car; fortunately there were lots of small passing bays; the trick was look ahead for oncoming cars and decide who would get to the passing bay first and drive accordingly. Although the weather was still overcast and very cold with rain and a stiff breeze we passed many yachts as we sailed to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. On leaving the ferry we turned left and soon we found what looked like a nice castle and gardens to visit. It was very comfortable inside the castle with fresh flowers in almost every room; the owners still lived there. Beautiful views could be seen through large windows. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe downstairs before venturing out into the cold and wet weather again. We then drove north to the other end of the isle and found a nice little seaside village / fishing port called Tobermory. On the waterfront there was a fish and chip caravan exuding enticing smells; even though we had lunch back at the castle we could not resist and shared a large helping of really nice fish and chips before returning to the ferry and the mainland. About half way back to our B&B A turned off onto a back road, an almost unbelievably narrow road; you would have to experience it to believe. To me it seemed to have been formed without the aid of a bulldozer; it was as if the surface of the land had been smoothed with hand tools. The surface was smooth and tar sealed but undulating; the seal had been laid directly on the undulating soil surface; I dubbed it the rolly polly road. Fortunately we did not meet any oncoming vehicles. Eventually we arrived at the “boatshed”, an upmarket restaurant in a restored boat shed. After our evening meal we continued slowly along the rest of the rolly polly road carefully dodging all the sheep and eventually found the main road close to our B&B.
Day 25 August 5th Oban to Fort William.
Day 25 August 5th Oban to Fort William.
After breakfast we set off for a 45 mile drive to Fort William. After 11 miles we stopped at the Scottish Sea life Sanctuary. Inside a building we saw many fish species in small and large tanks including the rear and almost extinct NZ seahorse. At 10am we rushed to the North American otter’s enclosure for their daily feed. They were cute and performed well for their food. They differed from the Sea Otters we saw in Alaska two years previously.
We continued on towards Fort William. A wanted to climb Ben Nevis and I want to ride the antique train to Mallaig; we both missed out, the train was booked out for the rest of the month and Ben Nevis was hiding behind a mantle of thick cloud, so we drove past fort William to a spectacular valley enclosed on both sides by tall mountains disappearing into the clouds; many people were walking along tracks in the valley.
We then sought out our B&B Ard Daraich an old stone building set amongst many Rhododendrons and other shrubs; the Rhodos had all finished flowering for the season and were covered with new growth. We were promised to be shown around the garden the next day but rain intervened. After settling in we went for a short walk before driving several miles to a hotel for drinks before dinner. The hotel overlooked a tidal estuary; instead of the usual mud or sand the shore was covered with small rocks covered with gold coloured seaweed up to the green grass covered shore. It was truly scenic in the evening sun. A couple of miles further on we found our restaurant hidden away up a country lane over looking green fields sloping down and away towards a large hill covered with soft green Scottish pine trees. Back in NZ we would describe the place as the whop whops. The food was certainly not from the whops; it was Devine!
After breakfast we set off for a 45 mile drive to Fort William. After 11 miles we stopped at the Scottish Sea life Sanctuary. Inside a building we saw many fish species in small and large tanks including the rear and almost extinct NZ seahorse. At 10am we rushed to the North American otter’s enclosure for their daily feed. They were cute and performed well for their food. They differed from the Sea Otters we saw in Alaska two years previously.
We continued on towards Fort William. A wanted to climb Ben Nevis and I want to ride the antique train to Mallaig; we both missed out, the train was booked out for the rest of the month and Ben Nevis was hiding behind a mantle of thick cloud, so we drove past fort William to a spectacular valley enclosed on both sides by tall mountains disappearing into the clouds; many people were walking along tracks in the valley.
We then sought out our B&B Ard Daraich an old stone building set amongst many Rhododendrons and other shrubs; the Rhodos had all finished flowering for the season and were covered with new growth. We were promised to be shown around the garden the next day but rain intervened. After settling in we went for a short walk before driving several miles to a hotel for drinks before dinner. The hotel overlooked a tidal estuary; instead of the usual mud or sand the shore was covered with small rocks covered with gold coloured seaweed up to the green grass covered shore. It was truly scenic in the evening sun. A couple of miles further on we found our restaurant hidden away up a country lane over looking green fields sloping down and away towards a large hill covered with soft green Scottish pine trees. Back in NZ we would describe the place as the whop whops. The food was certainly not from the whops; it was Devine!
Day 24 August 4th Tarbet to Oban.
Day 24 August 4th Tarbet to Oban.
After a hearty breakfast we set forth on A83 before joining the A 82 for a 57 mile drive to Oban our next B&B town. We arrived at Oban Just before midday. Fay and I were able to buy some more cough medicine before we enjoyed a nice meal in a cafe overlooking the bay. We stayed at the Alltavona B&B, a nice everlasting stone building with a classy breakfast room situated on the waterfront overlooking the ferry terminal and small boat marina. Around 2pm Fay and A & H went walkabout while I stayed and watched a documentary on the Berlin wall.
After a hearty breakfast we set forth on A83 before joining the A 82 for a 57 mile drive to Oban our next B&B town. We arrived at Oban Just before midday. Fay and I were able to buy some more cough medicine before we enjoyed a nice meal in a cafe overlooking the bay. We stayed at the Alltavona B&B, a nice everlasting stone building with a classy breakfast room situated on the waterfront overlooking the ferry terminal and small boat marina. Around 2pm Fay and A & H went walkabout while I stayed and watched a documentary on the Berlin wall.
Day 23 August 3rd Touring around Tarbet.
Day 23 August 3rd Touring around Tarbet.
After a beautiful breakfast ( I am trying to eat less, but it is difficult) we went for a drive not knowing where we were going. After driving for about 35 miles we stumbled on the Benmore Botanic Gardens near Dunoon, Argyll. We strolled around for more than an hour through tall 100 year old American Sequoia redwoods under planted with soft green grass and many named small shrubs and trees. We photographed two large castle like homes within the Park before enjoying lunch at the cafe. After lunch we wandered on and eventally arrive at the seaside town of Dunoon, after which we retraced our track back to our B&B for a second night.
After a beautiful breakfast ( I am trying to eat less, but it is difficult) we went for a drive not knowing where we were going. After driving for about 35 miles we stumbled on the Benmore Botanic Gardens near Dunoon, Argyll. We strolled around for more than an hour through tall 100 year old American Sequoia redwoods under planted with soft green grass and many named small shrubs and trees. We photographed two large castle like homes within the Park before enjoying lunch at the cafe. After lunch we wandered on and eventally arrive at the seaside town of Dunoon, after which we retraced our track back to our B&B for a second night.
Day 22 August 2nd London to Glasgow.
Day 22 August 2nd London to Glasgow.
We were up early even though we had plenty of time we wanted to make sure the London rush hour did not hinder us. We left the guest house at 6:45am and walked to the station. The first set of stairs was not a problem as they sloped down. The train quickly appeared and we were on our way; being early meant there were seats available next to our luggage. Thirty five minutes later we arrived at South Kensington where we had to change from the Piccadilly Line to the Direct Line in order to travel to Victoria Station. There were two sets of stairs to climb; at the first a burly young man offered to help and at the second two young ladies offered; Hallelujah. Two stops later we arrived at Victoria Station and from there we walked about 500 metres to the coach station. Time taken from go to woe was 50 minutes. Victoria Coach Station was huge; there were 20 coach bays; busses were going everywhere. A sign offered a return day trip to Paris with six hours of Hop on Hop off bus in Paris. The Price £167. I spoke to a young Polish man who was about to commence a thirty hour bus journey to his home town in Poland. We boarded our bus at gate 19 and started the journey on the dot at 9am. This was an express bus which made one refuelling stop and two comfort stops for its passengers. The bus was fully loaded. At the beginning we travelled along the M1 highway for about a quarter of the journey and then we followed the M6; we left London at 09:00 and arrived at Glasgow at 17:40 after travelling 405 miles. On the way we passed by Lockerbie and Gretna Green. The bus ride was not pleasant; it was very hot inside as the air conditioning was not working. It was interesting to see how all the big trucks keep to the left lane while our bus kept in the second lane from the left; we passed an almost continuous line of trucks until over half way. As we neared the Scottish boarder the terrain changed from gently rolling plains to hill country before returning to rolling low plains just before Glasgow. The Scottish country side was not as closely populated as the English. We were met at the bus station by A & H who will drive us around Scotland for the next twelve days. A will drive and H will be our tour Guide. We travelled 40 miles to our B&B at the small village of Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond. From our room we could overlook the loch. Our B&B, Lomondview was constructed 11 years previously of light brown stone blocks of various sizes neatly patterned together.
We were up early even though we had plenty of time we wanted to make sure the London rush hour did not hinder us. We left the guest house at 6:45am and walked to the station. The first set of stairs was not a problem as they sloped down. The train quickly appeared and we were on our way; being early meant there were seats available next to our luggage. Thirty five minutes later we arrived at South Kensington where we had to change from the Piccadilly Line to the Direct Line in order to travel to Victoria Station. There were two sets of stairs to climb; at the first a burly young man offered to help and at the second two young ladies offered; Hallelujah. Two stops later we arrived at Victoria Station and from there we walked about 500 metres to the coach station. Time taken from go to woe was 50 minutes. Victoria Coach Station was huge; there were 20 coach bays; busses were going everywhere. A sign offered a return day trip to Paris with six hours of Hop on Hop off bus in Paris. The Price £167. I spoke to a young Polish man who was about to commence a thirty hour bus journey to his home town in Poland. We boarded our bus at gate 19 and started the journey on the dot at 9am. This was an express bus which made one refuelling stop and two comfort stops for its passengers. The bus was fully loaded. At the beginning we travelled along the M1 highway for about a quarter of the journey and then we followed the M6; we left London at 09:00 and arrived at Glasgow at 17:40 after travelling 405 miles. On the way we passed by Lockerbie and Gretna Green. The bus ride was not pleasant; it was very hot inside as the air conditioning was not working. It was interesting to see how all the big trucks keep to the left lane while our bus kept in the second lane from the left; we passed an almost continuous line of trucks until over half way. As we neared the Scottish boarder the terrain changed from gently rolling plains to hill country before returning to rolling low plains just before Glasgow. The Scottish country side was not as closely populated as the English. We were met at the bus station by A & H who will drive us around Scotland for the next twelve days. A will drive and H will be our tour Guide. We travelled 40 miles to our B&B at the small village of Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond. From our room we could overlook the loch. Our B&B, Lomondview was constructed 11 years previously of light brown stone blocks of various sizes neatly patterned together.
Day 21 August 1st a day in London.
Day 21 August 1st a day in London.
I was happy to have woken completely refreshed after the tiring day yesterday. We quickly had breakfast and set off to reconnoitre the route to the Victoria Coach Station where we would catch the bus to Glasgow on the morrow. I had already worked out the underground route, so it was a confirmation run in this respect. On emerging from Victoria tube station I asked taxi driver where the bus station was; he obliged; I also asked him how much a taxi would cost from our guest station to the bus station; his best guess was around £60.00; around $NZ133 compared with about £4.00 for the train. We found the Coach Station without any problems. The only problem with the train was that we had to climb about four sets of stairs with our heavy bags.
After finding the coach station the time was about ten in the morning so we bought two tickets for the “Original London Tour” hop on hop of bus. I planned that we would stay on the bus for one 2 hour round trip then start the hop on hop off bit. One of the first buildings of note we saw was the residence of England’s first woman Prime Minister; Margaret Thatcher. She owned the building, but not the land. All the land in the immediate locality was owned by a landlord Earl somebody. Every tenant of the land was obliged to repaint their homes annually with the same unique colour bought from the Earl who had it specially manufactured for him. Next stop would be Buckingham Palace and when the guide said that the changing of the guard was soon to take place i decided that we would hop off. We asked a palace spokesman where it would take place and the followed his directions. We had missed the actual changing ceremony but were able to witness the relieved guards marching through the gates back to their barracks. After a few more photos we then joined the queue in order to buy a ticket to view some of the interior; we reached the ticket seller who told us that the next entry group would be three hours into the future we decided to hop on the bus again. The next stop was the Big Ben, Parliament Buildings and Hyde Park stop. It was very difficult taking good photos from the moving bus so we hopped off again. I managed to capture Big Ben striking the hour as well as some good photos of the parliament. After spending some time sitting in Hyde Park watching the river Thames flow by we hopped back on the bus; next stop Trafalgar Square where we joined the huge crowds of people enjoying the sunshine and the music of the Jamaican steel bands. After taking photos of Nelson on top of his high column we managed to find some lunch. The National Art gallery was located here and we viewed some of the many old works. Then it was back on the bus again and after passing the Big Eye we crossed Tower Bridge and arrived at The Tower of London. I decided we would finish here as the Travelodge London Tower Bridge was nearby and I wanted to book for our last three nights in London. We then caught the underground back to our Guest House.
We enjoyed our day in London.
I was happy to have woken completely refreshed after the tiring day yesterday. We quickly had breakfast and set off to reconnoitre the route to the Victoria Coach Station where we would catch the bus to Glasgow on the morrow. I had already worked out the underground route, so it was a confirmation run in this respect. On emerging from Victoria tube station I asked taxi driver where the bus station was; he obliged; I also asked him how much a taxi would cost from our guest station to the bus station; his best guess was around £60.00; around $NZ133 compared with about £4.00 for the train. We found the Coach Station without any problems. The only problem with the train was that we had to climb about four sets of stairs with our heavy bags.
After finding the coach station the time was about ten in the morning so we bought two tickets for the “Original London Tour” hop on hop of bus. I planned that we would stay on the bus for one 2 hour round trip then start the hop on hop off bit. One of the first buildings of note we saw was the residence of England’s first woman Prime Minister; Margaret Thatcher. She owned the building, but not the land. All the land in the immediate locality was owned by a landlord Earl somebody. Every tenant of the land was obliged to repaint their homes annually with the same unique colour bought from the Earl who had it specially manufactured for him. Next stop would be Buckingham Palace and when the guide said that the changing of the guard was soon to take place i decided that we would hop off. We asked a palace spokesman where it would take place and the followed his directions. We had missed the actual changing ceremony but were able to witness the relieved guards marching through the gates back to their barracks. After a few more photos we then joined the queue in order to buy a ticket to view some of the interior; we reached the ticket seller who told us that the next entry group would be three hours into the future we decided to hop on the bus again. The next stop was the Big Ben, Parliament Buildings and Hyde Park stop. It was very difficult taking good photos from the moving bus so we hopped off again. I managed to capture Big Ben striking the hour as well as some good photos of the parliament. After spending some time sitting in Hyde Park watching the river Thames flow by we hopped back on the bus; next stop Trafalgar Square where we joined the huge crowds of people enjoying the sunshine and the music of the Jamaican steel bands. After taking photos of Nelson on top of his high column we managed to find some lunch. The National Art gallery was located here and we viewed some of the many old works. Then it was back on the bus again and after passing the Big Eye we crossed Tower Bridge and arrived at The Tower of London. I decided we would finish here as the Travelodge London Tower Bridge was nearby and I wanted to book for our last three nights in London. We then caught the underground back to our Guest House.
We enjoyed our day in London.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 20 July 31st Copenhagen to London.
Day 20 July 31st Copenhagen to London.
We had to rise at 5am in order to be at the gangplank at 6:30. Our big bags were packed and placed in the corridor by 7pm the night before where they would be collected and taken to the airport ahead of us. We breakfasted at 5:50am and arrived at the gangplank on time. The bus took 25minutes to reach the airport. I really do not know why we had to be taken so early. We had to wait until 11:30 before boarding the plane. The plane looked small but managed to seat 100. We had to buy our refreshments. I was worried because I had cashed all my Kroner for English pounds at the airport. To my relief they only accepted credit cards.
We arrived at Heathrow early and after walking for what seemed like 5 miles we cleared customs and arrived at the underground station. I topped up our Oyster cards and boarded the train. An oyster card is a train and bus pass which lasts forever providing you keep topping it up with money. When entering the train platform you touch a smiley face pad with card and the gate opens. You must go through the same process at your destination point at which point the machine calculates your fare and deducts if from your card value quicker than you can blink you eye. Twenty five minutes later we were at the Ealing Guest House. I was very weary and had a thumping headache so I lay down for a while.
At 6pm we went in search of our evening meal; we could not find a restaurant nearby but what we did fine was a small supermarket with lots of prepared meals just waiting to be put in the microwave oven and heated. We shared a nice shepherd’s pie followed by chocolate mousse and fresh fruit.
After I swallowed a couple of disprins and went straight to sleep. I awoke the next morning refreshed and with no headache.
We had to rise at 5am in order to be at the gangplank at 6:30. Our big bags were packed and placed in the corridor by 7pm the night before where they would be collected and taken to the airport ahead of us. We breakfasted at 5:50am and arrived at the gangplank on time. The bus took 25minutes to reach the airport. I really do not know why we had to be taken so early. We had to wait until 11:30 before boarding the plane. The plane looked small but managed to seat 100. We had to buy our refreshments. I was worried because I had cashed all my Kroner for English pounds at the airport. To my relief they only accepted credit cards.
We arrived at Heathrow early and after walking for what seemed like 5 miles we cleared customs and arrived at the underground station. I topped up our Oyster cards and boarded the train. An oyster card is a train and bus pass which lasts forever providing you keep topping it up with money. When entering the train platform you touch a smiley face pad with card and the gate opens. You must go through the same process at your destination point at which point the machine calculates your fare and deducts if from your card value quicker than you can blink you eye. Twenty five minutes later we were at the Ealing Guest House. I was very weary and had a thumping headache so I lay down for a while.
At 6pm we went in search of our evening meal; we could not find a restaurant nearby but what we did fine was a small supermarket with lots of prepared meals just waiting to be put in the microwave oven and heated. We shared a nice shepherd’s pie followed by chocolate mousse and fresh fruit.
After I swallowed a couple of disprins and went straight to sleep. I awoke the next morning refreshed and with no headache.
Day 19 July 30th Oslo Norway.
Day 19 July 30th Oslo Norway.
I awoke at 5am half an hour before sunrise. When I looked out the window, Norwegian houses amongst pines lined the shore, about 100 meters away; we had reached the Oslojorden fjord; in fact were probably half way through it. This one differs from the great fjord on the west coast of Norway; the one that appears in all the picture books with its tall precipitous cliffs. At this point there were a few small houses dotted along the shore but as we got closer to Oslo they grew in number and became bigger. It was a pleasant sight. There were quite a few populated islands, their only access to the city being by ferry or personal boat; there were quite a few in small harbours. We reached the pier at seven o’clock and only a short walk into town. Beside the pier was a restored medieval fort.
After breakfast we went ashore to our waiting tour bus. The weather was slightly overcast and threatening to rain. It did rain but luckily elsewhere. We drove through the centre of town through many fine buildings, plenty of trees and lots of lush parks. Some of the streets were lined with brightly coloured flowers. It was a pleasant drive. Our first stop was at a park where hundreds of sculptured human figures was the theme of the park; all of them nude!.
One beautiful waterfall had a large saucer full of water supported by six huge broad shouldered men hewn from stone which overflowed cascading down over their bodies. The park had lots of pools, very green lawns, lovely rose gardens as well as other flowers. When we rejoined our bus the driver could not start the motor, it had an electrical fault so we had extra time at the park until the repair man arrived.
We next visited a man made steel ski jump on top of a small mountain: there was no snow to be seen but in the winter there would be plenty; we were at latitude of 60 degrees. We drove further up the mountain to about 450 meters before descending through some really upmarket ski resorts and private home nestled among pine forests. Our next stop was at their National Art Gallery where we viewed many large paintings many hundreds of years old.
We were back on board moments before the ship sailed at 1:45pm. Apparently we had to sail early in order to negotiate the narrow fjord in turn with other large cruise ships (I counted five) and to arrive back in Copenhagen by 5am; it would be a busy day for the ship in Copenhagen disembarking its present 2700 passengers restocking and readying the cabins for another 2700 new passengers before sailing at 6pm.
At around 3pm we cruised past an historic island which had a military fort complete with large guns guarding the narrow waterway which we were travelling through. It also had torpedo launching tubes below the surface of the water. At the outbreak of the last world war, the day Germany had just invaded their neighbour, Denmark two German ships sailed toward this fortified this Island, one a blue ship carrying high ranking Germans and troops followed by a gunship. Norway at this point in time was not officially at war with Germany. The commander of the fort had a difficult decision to make and had not received official orders from Oslo. There was little time for communication as it was night. If he opened fire he would be damned and damned if he did not so he did. The blue boat was damaged so badly it sank in 300 feet of water not much further on; the gunship was torpedoed and also sunk. As it turned out the troops and officials on the blue were to make a surprise attack on Oslo and take over control without much fighting. The sinking of these ships allowed the royal family and the government officials enough time to take all Norway’s gold bullion and major artworks and escape to Britain. 48 hours later Norway surrendered to the Germans.
The Norwegians as recognition of the event and Britain offering asylum have a statue in the main square of Oslo.
After leaving the sheltered waters of the fjord we encountered rough waters. I was amazed at how the huge ship could be thrown round. Fortunately we reached sheltered waters again before we went to bed.
I awoke at 5am half an hour before sunrise. When I looked out the window, Norwegian houses amongst pines lined the shore, about 100 meters away; we had reached the Oslojorden fjord; in fact were probably half way through it. This one differs from the great fjord on the west coast of Norway; the one that appears in all the picture books with its tall precipitous cliffs. At this point there were a few small houses dotted along the shore but as we got closer to Oslo they grew in number and became bigger. It was a pleasant sight. There were quite a few populated islands, their only access to the city being by ferry or personal boat; there were quite a few in small harbours. We reached the pier at seven o’clock and only a short walk into town. Beside the pier was a restored medieval fort.
After breakfast we went ashore to our waiting tour bus. The weather was slightly overcast and threatening to rain. It did rain but luckily elsewhere. We drove through the centre of town through many fine buildings, plenty of trees and lots of lush parks. Some of the streets were lined with brightly coloured flowers. It was a pleasant drive. Our first stop was at a park where hundreds of sculptured human figures was the theme of the park; all of them nude!.
One beautiful waterfall had a large saucer full of water supported by six huge broad shouldered men hewn from stone which overflowed cascading down over their bodies. The park had lots of pools, very green lawns, lovely rose gardens as well as other flowers. When we rejoined our bus the driver could not start the motor, it had an electrical fault so we had extra time at the park until the repair man arrived.
We next visited a man made steel ski jump on top of a small mountain: there was no snow to be seen but in the winter there would be plenty; we were at latitude of 60 degrees. We drove further up the mountain to about 450 meters before descending through some really upmarket ski resorts and private home nestled among pine forests. Our next stop was at their National Art Gallery where we viewed many large paintings many hundreds of years old.
We were back on board moments before the ship sailed at 1:45pm. Apparently we had to sail early in order to negotiate the narrow fjord in turn with other large cruise ships (I counted five) and to arrive back in Copenhagen by 5am; it would be a busy day for the ship in Copenhagen disembarking its present 2700 passengers restocking and readying the cabins for another 2700 new passengers before sailing at 6pm.
At around 3pm we cruised past an historic island which had a military fort complete with large guns guarding the narrow waterway which we were travelling through. It also had torpedo launching tubes below the surface of the water. At the outbreak of the last world war, the day Germany had just invaded their neighbour, Denmark two German ships sailed toward this fortified this Island, one a blue ship carrying high ranking Germans and troops followed by a gunship. Norway at this point in time was not officially at war with Germany. The commander of the fort had a difficult decision to make and had not received official orders from Oslo. There was little time for communication as it was night. If he opened fire he would be damned and damned if he did not so he did. The blue boat was damaged so badly it sank in 300 feet of water not much further on; the gunship was torpedoed and also sunk. As it turned out the troops and officials on the blue were to make a surprise attack on Oslo and take over control without much fighting. The sinking of these ships allowed the royal family and the government officials enough time to take all Norway’s gold bullion and major artworks and escape to Britain. 48 hours later Norway surrendered to the Germans.
The Norwegians as recognition of the event and Britain offering asylum have a statue in the main square of Oslo.
After leaving the sheltered waters of the fjord we encountered rough waters. I was amazed at how the huge ship could be thrown round. Fortunately we reached sheltered waters again before we went to bed.
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