After having an overcast day today for that 'special' day the drive down here from Edinburgh was fairly ineventful except for the usual taking wrong turns or being in the wrong lane at the roundabout!!
You can be on a 4 lane road and when you come to a roundabout you then have 4 lanes going ahead and woe etide being in the wrong lane as very few indicate anything so it is useless to try and change lanes if you happen to be in the wrong lane. By 4 lane road I meant 2 in each direction not all going the one way. Just clarifying!!
Temp when we left Edinburgh at 10am was 10 deg. At 2pm after crossing the border it had moved to 9deg. Yes that breeze was chilly and cut through you.
My sister Julie had arranged a 'surprise' for me here at the hotel, chocolate birthday cake, and the reception staff even sang happy birthday. Thanks little sis.
We called into Berwick on Tweed for lunch and took some photos there of an old stone railway bridge still standing firm high above the river.
Also called into Alnick to check out the castle, was the one 'Blackadder' rode in front of in the tv series however, lots of people and little parking meant that we kept on driving and then we found Warkworth Castle instead so took some photos of that, and used there FREE toilet.
You might laugh but in Edinburgh it cost 20p every time you wanted to use their facilities until we found out the ones in Jenners store were free
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Bits and pieces from Edinburgh
The new town of Edinburgh was started in 1766 as the old town perched oe stony bas e below the castle was becoming so overcrowded and very unsanitary as there was no sewage system (due to the rock)
As the new town was built (for the richer residents) the loch that separated the old from the new was drained and the current Princes Gardens were established.
The iconic Sir Walter Scott sandstone monument on Princes St is the tallest monument to an individual in the world.
King George IV was the original 'Georgie Porgie' of the nursery rhyme fame.
Queen Victoria used chloroform that had been invented by a Scot, and she was pleased with it's use and decreed that women would be allowed to enjoy the benefits it bestowed. Prior to this women were supposed to bear all and not partake of any pain reducing assistance. Thanks Your Majesty!!
Sir Arthue Conan Doyle (educated in Edinburgh) practiced medicine all his life and tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes as he did not like the character he had created. However public opinion forced him to keep his character alive as he wrote more stories. Doyle also had afalling out with Houdini as Doyle really did believe in magic and fairies etc and when meeting Houdini he praised him as being 'truly magic' and Houdini told him that was not so and Doyle would not have it.
As the new town was built (for the richer residents) the loch that separated the old from the new was drained and the current Princes Gardens were established.
The iconic Sir Walter Scott sandstone monument on Princes St is the tallest monument to an individual in the world.
King George IV was the original 'Georgie Porgie' of the nursery rhyme fame.
Queen Victoria used chloroform that had been invented by a Scot, and she was pleased with it's use and decreed that women would be allowed to enjoy the benefits it bestowed. Prior to this women were supposed to bear all and not partake of any pain reducing assistance. Thanks Your Majesty!!
Sir Arthue Conan Doyle (educated in Edinburgh) practiced medicine all his life and tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes as he did not like the character he had created. However public opinion forced him to keep his character alive as he wrote more stories. Doyle also had afalling out with Houdini as Doyle really did believe in magic and fairies etc and when meeting Houdini he praised him as being 'truly magic' and Houdini told him that was not so and Doyle would not have it.
Edinburgh
Decided the only way to see Edinburgh and save ourselves some stress was to do it by bus.
We could catch the bus to the city out front of our hotel and it was only about 10mins to Princes St in the heart of the new city.
From here there were 5 tour buses that had different routes and for one inclusive cost we could use them all for 48hrs so with that and a ticket to the castle we have filled our 2 days completely.
The history just takes our breath away and to visit the castle where the first part was built in 1100 and is still standing is amazing.
Edinburgh loosly translated means 'fort on the hill' and so appropriate. The castle surrounded by its wall stands high above the old city and would have been very daunting to any intending raiders.
I lined up (Lawrie sat and waited) while I went to see the 'crown jewels' and the Destiny Stone deep in the castle tower.
Scotland's kings could not be recognised unless they had been annointed or crowned sitting on the Destiny Stone. The circlet of the crown is said to date from the 14th century and Robert the Bruce and it was later that arches were added and the crown decorated with pearls. The sword, scabbard and belt were a gift from the Pope and were first used in the crowning of James IV (son of Mary Queen of Scots I think). There has been so many names thrown at us over the last few days that even my notes are getting confused.
We spent a couple of hours up there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves despite the biting wind. So much to see and absorb it really is great. You just have to do it.
Greyfriars Bobby, Holyrood Palace, Royal Mile, and the list goes on. One great thing in Scotland is that all public museums and galleries are free to enter so you could have a very cost effective stay if that was your interest.
We have totally enjoyed ourselves to date and sadly leave Scotland tomorrow to head back into England and the last 2 weeks of our UK touring.
We could catch the bus to the city out front of our hotel and it was only about 10mins to Princes St in the heart of the new city.
From here there were 5 tour buses that had different routes and for one inclusive cost we could use them all for 48hrs so with that and a ticket to the castle we have filled our 2 days completely.
The history just takes our breath away and to visit the castle where the first part was built in 1100 and is still standing is amazing.
Edinburgh loosly translated means 'fort on the hill' and so appropriate. The castle surrounded by its wall stands high above the old city and would have been very daunting to any intending raiders.
I lined up (Lawrie sat and waited) while I went to see the 'crown jewels' and the Destiny Stone deep in the castle tower.
Scotland's kings could not be recognised unless they had been annointed or crowned sitting on the Destiny Stone. The circlet of the crown is said to date from the 14th century and Robert the Bruce and it was later that arches were added and the crown decorated with pearls. The sword, scabbard and belt were a gift from the Pope and were first used in the crowning of James IV (son of Mary Queen of Scots I think). There has been so many names thrown at us over the last few days that even my notes are getting confused.
We spent a couple of hours up there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves despite the biting wind. So much to see and absorb it really is great. You just have to do it.
Greyfriars Bobby, Holyrood Palace, Royal Mile, and the list goes on. One great thing in Scotland is that all public museums and galleries are free to enter so you could have a very cost effective stay if that was your interest.
We have totally enjoyed ourselves to date and sadly leave Scotland tomorrow to head back into England and the last 2 weeks of our UK touring.
Cairngorm Mountains
Our first fine sunny morning. What a difference to wake up and have the sun shining in the window so our planned trip to the mountains will be a correct decision for today.
We had been in awe of the scenery previously but this was something different.
We first found our way out to Aviemore which is the nearest village to the access to the mountains. Certainly seemed a popular place with lots of sight seeing planned. We even had a couple from near Ballaratt in Victoria in the information centre with us.
10 miles from Aviemore is the base station for the Funicular Railway and chair lifts to the ski fields on the mountains. The train takes you to within 150yds of the peak of the 6th highest mountain in Scotland where there is a gift shop, cafe and viewing area.
All I can say is wow, wow and then some more wow.
There had been fresh snowfalls just a few days previously so the mountains were covered with white. Down in the carpark at the base station you could still make snowballs as someone did and then had the hide to throw it at me!!!! What a big grin on his face I saw after it. Needless to say I also had to have a go.
The railway works by having two carriages that are connected by wire ropes around a pully system so that they counter lever each other as one goes up and one comes down.
The base station is at 645 m above sealevel and the railway takes you to nearly 1100m above sea level in around 7 mins. The majority of the line is single track with a double set in the middle where the two carriages pass on each trip.
We had been in awe of the scenery previously but this was something different.
We first found our way out to Aviemore which is the nearest village to the access to the mountains. Certainly seemed a popular place with lots of sight seeing planned. We even had a couple from near Ballaratt in Victoria in the information centre with us.
10 miles from Aviemore is the base station for the Funicular Railway and chair lifts to the ski fields on the mountains. The train takes you to within 150yds of the peak of the 6th highest mountain in Scotland where there is a gift shop, cafe and viewing area.
All I can say is wow, wow and then some more wow.
There had been fresh snowfalls just a few days previously so the mountains were covered with white. Down in the carpark at the base station you could still make snowballs as someone did and then had the hide to throw it at me!!!! What a big grin on his face I saw after it. Needless to say I also had to have a go.
The railway works by having two carriages that are connected by wire ropes around a pully system so that they counter lever each other as one goes up and one comes down.
The base station is at 645 m above sealevel and the railway takes you to nearly 1100m above sea level in around 7 mins. The majority of the line is single track with a double set in the middle where the two carriages pass on each trip.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Isle of Skye
Driving up the west coast zigging and zagging our way to Fort William for an overnight stop gave us some magic scenery, more snow last night and sunshine late in the afternoon gave some impressive postcard views.
Fort William is on the canal system that links the lo hs and enables boats to travel from the sea at Inverness through the lochs via locks to Fort William and then out to the open water.
The weather seems to improve later in the afternoon each day as we have driven in bright sunshine for the last few days. The sun glasses have had to come out so that has been a change.
Leaving Fort William we headed further north, really into highland country now, and headed west to Kyle of Lochlash. There is a bridge there across to Skye and the scenery up through the Great Glen heading west was just wow by ten. The mountains are just so rugged and the lakes are so numerous that you twist and turn and there is another postcard view around the next corner and we just continued to ooooh and aaah at each turn. The little villages are mostly white washed buildings that gleam in the sunshine and the sparkle of the waves on the lochs, well what can I say but wow.
We have arrived in Inverness the northern most city in Scotland and tomorrow we explore.
Petrol is around £1.40 per litre up here so only about 8 pennies more than down in Glasgow so not too bad.
Lawrie is happy with the way the car is going, he just wishes it had a little more oooomph when he wants to overtake but otherwise it is ok. We have done nearly 1000 miles since coming over from Ireland so still plenty to go.
Fort William is on the canal system that links the lo hs and enables boats to travel from the sea at Inverness through the lochs via locks to Fort William and then out to the open water.
The weather seems to improve later in the afternoon each day as we have driven in bright sunshine for the last few days. The sun glasses have had to come out so that has been a change.
Leaving Fort William we headed further north, really into highland country now, and headed west to Kyle of Lochlash. There is a bridge there across to Skye and the scenery up through the Great Glen heading west was just wow by ten. The mountains are just so rugged and the lakes are so numerous that you twist and turn and there is another postcard view around the next corner and we just continued to ooooh and aaah at each turn. The little villages are mostly white washed buildings that gleam in the sunshine and the sparkle of the waves on the lochs, well what can I say but wow.
We have arrived in Inverness the northern most city in Scotland and tomorrow we explore.
Petrol is around £1.40 per litre up here so only about 8 pennies more than down in Glasgow so not too bad.
Lawrie is happy with the way the car is going, he just wishes it had a little more oooomph when he wants to overtake but otherwise it is ok. We have done nearly 1000 miles since coming over from Ireland so still plenty to go.
Loch Lomand and the Trossachs
The day couldn't have been better with clear skies and sunshine. Our friends took us for a drive up to Loch Lomand and through the Trossachs National Park. Tall fir trees are everywhere and the luchness of the vegetation just gave so many shades of green.
Overnight the temperature had dropped quite low and there had been a dusting of snow on the mountain tops making them look as though they were dusted with icing sugar. So pretty. We visited the conservation village of Luss where all the buildings are from the 1700's. Quaint little buildings and narrow lanes as streets entice with cafes etc .
We were also on the lookout for deer as we drove back through the park later in the day and sure enough we saw 3 that had come down for the new shoots but of course not too close to those humans.
We are certainly seeing some beautiful scenery and keeping warm despite the wind. The cameras are getting a strong workout but you have to see it firsthand as words cannot describe it properly.
Overnight the temperature had dropped quite low and there had been a dusting of snow on the mountain tops making them look as though they were dusted with icing sugar. So pretty. We visited the conservation village of Luss where all the buildings are from the 1700's. Quaint little buildings and narrow lanes as streets entice with cafes etc .
We were also on the lookout for deer as we drove back through the park later in the day and sure enough we saw 3 that had come down for the new shoots but of course not too close to those humans.
We are certainly seeing some beautiful scenery and keeping warm despite the wind. The cameras are getting a strong workout but you have to see it firsthand as words cannot describe it properly.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
GLASGOW
The drive up into Scotland from Whitehaven took us first to the edge of Carlisle and then acrosthe border to Greta where the English lads and lasses used to run to in order to marry without parents consent. History says it was to the blacksmiths workshop where the marriage was performed.The building has been transformed into a gift shop cafe etc and is a popular tourist attraction.
After leaving Gretna we headed further west and made our way north following the coast of Scotland. There had been mist all the way and it looked as if it wanted to rain but it was just grey. The coastline was quite rugged and the small villages we passed through were usually tucked down between or behind hills to provide protection from the winds that would come from the Atlantic. I would imagine that fine clear days would be few and far between.
The hills were green and there were white sheep everywhere, a spinners delight.
We finally drove out of the mist and into sunshine that made the car quite warm. However it was not to last and as we journeyed further and came right beside the coast near Garvin I could only think of the line 'the mist rolling in from the sea' from Mull of Kintyre by the Beatles. You really could see it happening. There were ferries that crossed from here over to Belfast in Northern Ireland and was evidently a major crossing for trucks as we saw lines of semi's coming and waiting to load.
Our road along the coast was quite good compared to some we have travelled since leaving home. Drivers still speeding but seems to be the norm here.
One big difference vor the touring driver here is that unlike home you don't drive into a new village or town and find the local Lions, Apex or Rotary park and the usual block of toilets. They are almost non existant over here. If you do see a sign for a WC they are probably locked even though the sign on the door says 'open 10am to 8pm'.
It seems here you have to visit the local pub or cafe and hope they don't mind. We are calling into more McDonalds than usual but out in the remote areas they are few and far between. This would be our biggest headache so far I guess but no big problem really. We just have to adjust to their ways.
We have been making good use of being able to download maps to my tablet to help us find our way to our hotels. McDonalds do not have wifi over here it is some KFC's and another coffee chain but out of the main towns it is non existant so as we travel further north in the next few days we will find it a bit more remote. After all we will be heading for the 'Highlands'.
Yesterday we went into Glasgow by train (about 40mins from here) and then enjoyed a ride on the city sights tour bus. The day was fine and sunny (till the last 5 mins) so I was able totake lots of photos from our seats at the top in the open air. Just a shame I cannot get them up to the blog but so be it. The tour lasted for nearly 2hrs and we really enjoyed it. After lunch we then did a free guided tour of the City Hall and wow!! The building is 125yrs old and was built in just 5 yrs but the attention to detail is fantastic. The architect was a local but very influenced by the Italian style of the day so there is lots of marble and mosaic tiles used. The domed ceiling is Wedgewood and is magic. The ceilings on all 4 floors are mosaic tiles and the design on the ceilings, either square or round are reflected in the tiled patternson the floor. The civic side of the building is very grand with marble used throughout whilst the 'working' side of the building has plaster panels that look like marble.
Queen Victoria opened the 'Council' as it is called and the chair she sat in is still used by the Lord High Provost to this day. This is like our Lord Mayor of the city. We were invited to sit on the chair so I took the opportunity to do so.
We had dinner last night with my friend Marion and her husband George and we sat in a hotel bay window looking across the Clyde river as the sun disappeared behind clouds (about 9.30pm) and watched sailing boats race as we enjoyed our meal. What a delightful end to the day.
After leaving Gretna we headed further west and made our way north following the coast of Scotland. There had been mist all the way and it looked as if it wanted to rain but it was just grey. The coastline was quite rugged and the small villages we passed through were usually tucked down between or behind hills to provide protection from the winds that would come from the Atlantic. I would imagine that fine clear days would be few and far between.
The hills were green and there were white sheep everywhere, a spinners delight.
We finally drove out of the mist and into sunshine that made the car quite warm. However it was not to last and as we journeyed further and came right beside the coast near Garvin I could only think of the line 'the mist rolling in from the sea' from Mull of Kintyre by the Beatles. You really could see it happening. There were ferries that crossed from here over to Belfast in Northern Ireland and was evidently a major crossing for trucks as we saw lines of semi's coming and waiting to load.
Our road along the coast was quite good compared to some we have travelled since leaving home. Drivers still speeding but seems to be the norm here.
One big difference vor the touring driver here is that unlike home you don't drive into a new village or town and find the local Lions, Apex or Rotary park and the usual block of toilets. They are almost non existant over here. If you do see a sign for a WC they are probably locked even though the sign on the door says 'open 10am to 8pm'.
It seems here you have to visit the local pub or cafe and hope they don't mind. We are calling into more McDonalds than usual but out in the remote areas they are few and far between. This would be our biggest headache so far I guess but no big problem really. We just have to adjust to their ways.
We have been making good use of being able to download maps to my tablet to help us find our way to our hotels. McDonalds do not have wifi over here it is some KFC's and another coffee chain but out of the main towns it is non existant so as we travel further north in the next few days we will find it a bit more remote. After all we will be heading for the 'Highlands'.
Yesterday we went into Glasgow by train (about 40mins from here) and then enjoyed a ride on the city sights tour bus. The day was fine and sunny (till the last 5 mins) so I was able totake lots of photos from our seats at the top in the open air. Just a shame I cannot get them up to the blog but so be it. The tour lasted for nearly 2hrs and we really enjoyed it. After lunch we then did a free guided tour of the City Hall and wow!! The building is 125yrs old and was built in just 5 yrs but the attention to detail is fantastic. The architect was a local but very influenced by the Italian style of the day so there is lots of marble and mosaic tiles used. The domed ceiling is Wedgewood and is magic. The ceilings on all 4 floors are mosaic tiles and the design on the ceilings, either square or round are reflected in the tiled patternson the floor. The civic side of the building is very grand with marble used throughout whilst the 'working' side of the building has plaster panels that look like marble.
Queen Victoria opened the 'Council' as it is called and the chair she sat in is still used by the Lord High Provost to this day. This is like our Lord Mayor of the city. We were invited to sit on the chair so I took the opportunity to do so.
We had dinner last night with my friend Marion and her husband George and we sat in a hotel bay window looking across the Clyde river as the sun disappeared behind clouds (about 9.30pm) and watched sailing boats race as we enjoyed our meal. What a delightful end to the day.
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