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Monthly Archives: May 2012

The Sailor Returns to the Sea

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by pat in Burnham-on-Crouch, Sailing, Travel, United Kingdom

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The first evening we came in to Burnham-on-Crouch, My Beloved Brit’s old sailing haunt, we were two beats ahead of showers. It was wonderful coming around the corner in the familiar village.

Burnham-On-Crouch...the high street. photo by me

One of the first things we did was drop off our luggage at the Inn and walk down to the seawall for a stroll…lovely as ever.

The Crouch River escaping the storm. photo by me.

MBB will be sailing this weekend in Burnham with all his mates, while I take the train in to London to witness the Diamond Jubilee celebration there.  We will both be very happy even though it has gotten quite a bit cooler and there is some rain predicted.  It is, after all, the grey country.

The marina stands ready for the weekend races. Photo by me.

 

 

Scottish weather, wait a minute and it will change

30 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by pat in Scotland, Uncategorized

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River Tay

Our last stop in Scotland was a hotel in Dundee, a stop in a big city to give us a chance to catch up on internet backlog, and do laundry.  Travel chores that must be done.

The view from our window over the River Tay is a perfect of example of Scottish weather.  In the evening it was clear and warm and lovely.

The River Tay and the bridge that we took to St. Andrews. photo by me

By morning it had disappeared in fog.  Beautiful all the same.

The River Tay in morning. photo by me

Head For The Hills

29 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by pat in Scotland, Travel, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

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Ballater, Braemer, Red Deer

On the next unseasonably warm day in Scotland, we headed to Braemar and the Glen of Lui to take a cool walk in the forest that was highly recommended to us by a knowledgable local.  My Beloved Brit even broke out the shorts. It was well in to the 70s, unheard of, especially this time of year.

Through the forest on a warm spring day in Scotland. Photo by me

We went to see the salmon run, and although the salmon were not running that day, it was still a pretty interesting walk.

The salmon were not running. photo by me.

We saw a large herd of beautiful red deer in the distance coming down from the hills to the river’s edge again.  We could not get very close, but it was still impressive.  We had also seen several cross the road right in front of our car earlier in the morning.  Less exciting, more scary, but still very cool once the shock wore off.

In the distance, a herd of red deer coming in for a drink. Photo by me

On the drive back to Braemar for lunch,  I spotted this classic red British Telephone booth…but notice at the top the inscription…”email,text,phone”.

 

An old traditional telephone box has a new twist. Photo by me.

I turned to return to the car and noticed that this mother and baby were as interested in me as I was in the telephone booth.  They just stood watching as I snapped away.

Hello. Welcome to the neighborhood. Photo by me.

We bid them goodby and retreated to Bramaer for lunch. A perfect morning in Scotland.

The hotel in Bramer and our favorite lunch stop for sandwiches in the lobby before heading back to Ballater. Photo by me.

 

 

Balmoral, A Gardener’s Paradise

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by pat in Gardens, Scotland, The Royal Family, Travel, United Kingdom

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Balmoral, Deeside, English gardesn

One of the main reasons we chose the Deeside village of Ballater to use as our base in the Scottish Highlands was its close proximity to Balmoral Castle.  I had seen photos of the royal residence on many occasions, and decided it was time we paid it a visit. The Royal Family uses this idyllic spot as their summer retreat, so there are only certain times of year you can visit.  We lucked out.

The River Dee was always rushing along. After all, it is only early spring in Scotland. They had snow the week before. Photo by me.

Winding down the road alongside the River Dee, all of a sudden we saw the small carpark area and a modest sign tucked under the trees announcing it’s presence.

The welcome sign at the carpark a short way down the lane from the main gates. photo by me.

We parked, paid our pay and display and as instructed walked over a bridge above the river and approached the gate house.

The gatehouse at Balmoral. Photo by me.

Quite an entrance.  You can only tour the gardens, one ballroom, several exhibitions set up in the stable area and then of course the usual gift shop (very tastefully done) and coffee shop. But we were happy with that and bought our tickets at the gate house and decided to walk down the road to the castle rather than wait for the tram. Less Disney, more royal.

We didn't see a squirrel in site. photo by me

We walked from the gatehouse to the welcome area through the scent of pine that shamed any Christmas Tree lot.  The pines were planted in Queen Victoria’s time, and now were massive and varied.  I have never seen anything quite like this.

The walk down the drive was incredible. The decades old pine trees smelled like Christmas morning. photo by me

As the path curved through the pines, the main building came in to view.  What can this be like to come home to after a long London winter?

Our first view of Balmoral coming down the lane. Photo by me.

Because of this unseasonably warm week, the prep for the summer gardens was in full swing and it was so complex and beautifully laid out, surrounded by the magnificent hills of the Cairngorms and the Balmoral Forest.

Spring has arrived at the Balmoral gardens. Photo by me

As we wound in to the gardening area I found so many glorious images of spring that I didn’t know where to start.  I thought I would just let the pictures speak for themselves.

The seedlings have already been started just in case warm weather came. photo by me

New plantings. photo by me

Every corner was planted with little surprises. They plant enough for the kitchen, and flowers for the castle as well as the local church. Photo by me

I am not sure if the covers are protection from frost, or the local creatures. Photo by me.

Seed potatoes for sale. The whole garden seemed so intimate, like a visit to a family farm. There just happened to be a castle in the background. photo by me

There are several greenhouses filled with potted plants preparing for the summer holidays when the royal family arrives. photo by me

Balmoral is a magical place, and visiting it in spring was really special. photo by me.

Scotland is like going through a magic mirror into a fairytale land. It was worth every penny of the high priced petrol it took to drive here.

Hello Scottish Highlands

27 Sunday May 2012

Posted by pat in Scotland, Travel

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Cairngorm Mountains, Red Deer

We managed to make it in to Scotland with little trouble, and soon were on the narrow, curvy roads that take you through the Cairngorm Mountains on our way to Ballater in the Deeside. We passed the Glenshee ski area with its bald, rolling mountains, and Mike got a bit nervous as we went through a pass and saw some snow in the distance on a high peak.

Snow in Scotland. photo by me

But not to worry.  We are having some of the warmest weather ever in Scotland, and certainly for this time of year. Lucky us.

As we rounded a curve we came into a gorgeous valley with the Clunie Water running along side us.  Mike noticed what he thought might be sheep below near the water’s edge, but as we approached we realized they were the local Scottish Red Deer, and they were gorgeous.  Two majestic beauties, one with spiked antlers.

Red Deer came down from the hills. photo by me

We pulled over and watched them move along the edge of the water, just thrilled to see them in their natural element.

When we were chatting with the woman serving us coffee the next morning, she mentioned that this was odd to see them midday. Usually they come down to the water at dusk, but she suspected the warm weather might be bringing them down earlier in the day for a cool drink.

It was the perfect introduction to Scotland.

Road to Scotland

25 Friday May 2012

Posted by pat in England, Food, Lake District, Travel, Uncategorized

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On our way to Scotland, we stopped at a motorway hotel in the countryside near the Lake District.  After a full day of driving it was a relief to get to our destination for the night, but it was a bit of a chain hotel.

The Westmorland on the motorway. Photo by me.

After looking over the high priced menu we decided to venture into the nearby village for dinner at the local pub.  I agreed to forfit my glass of wine with my meal, and drive us back along the narrow roads.

These narrow country lanes put you in fear of oncoming traffic. photo by me

It was well worth it.  We found a great pub, and enjoyed dinner with the locals. And I managed to get us back safe and sound quite easily.

The perfect spot for dinner. Photo by me.

I was quite proud of myself and we immediately retreated to the hotel bar for a glass of wine. I’m not sure I will ever get totally used to driving in this country.

Meanwhile, many areas in the country have difficulty with internet connection in the small inns.  If I miss posting for awhile, you’ll know we are enjoying the peace and quiet of a country inn.

A morning walk through Mevagissey

23 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by pat in Cornwall, Travel

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Mevagissey

I love the small, quaint seaport Mevagissey.

My Beloved Brit and I went for an early morning walk through the Cornish village and made our way out to the seawall.  There is nothing quite like a stroll when it is still quiet, and all you really hear is the gulls above.

Mevagissey in the morning. Photo by me

A lone workman works on his boat on a quiet morning. Photo by me

looking back towards the village from the seawall. Photo by me

My Beloved Brits love for the sea is rekindled here. He used to camp with his family near here in his youth. Photo by me

It was a picture perfect day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seaside Drama in Charlestown

22 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by pat in Cornwall, Sailing, Travel, Uncategorized

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Charlestowne, Tall Ships

We love Charlestown in Cornwall on the southwest coast.  We have stayed here before when visiting My Beloved Brit’s cousins. We stay in a classic pub with rooms right near the sea, and it feels like home.

Our home away from home while in Cornwall. photo by me

We had a full day of visiting and eating with the family, and went back to the Inn late afternoon to refresh. Before they came back over for dinner that evening at the “Rash”, MBB and I decided to take a stroll down to the sea at the end of our lane.

Trying to come home to its harbor. photo by me

We noticed one of the tall ships that usually sits in the Charlestown Harbour making its way through the gap in the seawall.  It seems to be a very tight fit, so of course we, along with many other spectators, decide to watch the maneuver.

Squeezing through. photo by me

Stuck? photo by me

They seem to be having some problems turning it in the tight space. And it is windy which makes things more difficult.

The crowds on shore discuss the situation. photo by me

Even the pigeons came down to look things over. photo by me

 

From a different perspective you can see just how tight a squeeze it is. photo by me

And then, to the dismay of the crew on board, the ship hits the wall and a huge rope falls in to the water and gets caught in the propeller. A diver is called in to remedy the situation in the freezing waters.

A diver is sent in to untangle the rope. photo by me.

They need to get it in to the safe harbor before the tides flood out...

...and leave it high and dry. This is what it looks like when the tide goes out. photo by me

Free at last...

They finally get the rope off the propeller, and guide it safely through the lock and in to the slip.  Then they can flood that chamber and it is at rest, safe and secure. They said before modern power was added to propel it, this was all done by hand pulling from the shore. I can’t imagine.

...and safely home for the night. photo by me

Such excitement!  I asked one of the observers why they had taken the boat out.  It turned out they had to take it up the coast to update their license and get their safety inspection.  Ironic.

We all walked back up the hill to our Inn to get ready for a carvery Sunday roast dinner. In the room, I looked out the window towards the sea to make sure all was calm before going down to the pub for dinner.  Looking down to the beer garden, i saw two pirates sitting down for their afternoon tea with friends.

Just another day in Charlestown.

Even pirates need a tea break in the afternoon. Photo by me.

 

 

The Olympic Torch Begins Its Journey

20 Sunday May 2012

Posted by pat in Cornwall, England, Olympics, Travel, Uncategorized

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Olympic Torch

What a great first day in England, jetlag and all.

We had the usual awful red-eye flight, on a totally packed plane with no sleep at all.  I’ll never get used to those dreadful overnight flights to Europe.

After arriving at Heathrow totally bedraggled, we decided to spend our Saturday driving towards Cornwall where we needed to be by Sunday to meet up with family. With frequent breaks and even a catnap in the car at a rest stop, we hit the really pretty part of Dartmoor Forest in Devon and decided to start looking for an Inn to spend the night. Of course, we had no idea that the Olympic Torch had landed at Lands End to the west of us by helicopter from Greece that morning, and was making its way through the area on the very first day of its journey, and ours, on English soil.

The torch is beginning it's journey through England. Photo by me

After searching in vain all afternoon for any kind of accommodation on the moors or along the southwest coast, we finally made it to Bodmin in Cornwall and found a great little hotel right in town that MBB had discovered online.  Checking in, we mentioned our trials and tribulations of the day because of the torch’s progress.

A great little hotel in the town of Bodmin in Cornwall. photo by me.

The gentleman behind the desk said he understood, and added that the flame was arriving in front of this hotel at 6pm with great fanfare.  What luck!  A room and the torch, and a great early supper of curry in the dining room watching the street outside as people gathered for the festivities. You couldn’t ask for a sweeter first day, and we even got some true sunshine by evening.

Everyone rushes in to town to see the torch come by. photo by me.

The excitement kept building for an hour waiting for the athlete to come running down the main street. photo by me

Then the church bells started ringing all over town, the police car escort flashed down the hill, and the crowd cheered as the runner came. photo by me

The torch bearer came by in a flash, but the crowd was thrilled. It really was an event of a lifetime. photo by me.

My Beloved Brit of course took full credit for planning such a wonderful day, although I think there was a bit of luck involved. None-the-less, I love him for turning what could have been day of only frustration into a memorable adventure.

UK weather forecast…toughen up

17 Thursday May 2012

Posted by pat in Cornwall, England, London, The Royal Family, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

For weeks now My Beloved Brit has been telling me that we need to toughen up for England.  Well, the hour has arrived.  We leave the end of this week for the “Grey Country”, and the forecast is for cold and rainy weather. How English!

And we’ve planned for a week in Scotland at the beginning of the trip before returning to the south so I can witness the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which may drive him to the edge of his sanity.  He always says he had enough of being chilled to the bone in his youth.  He never wants to be cold again and we stand a good chance of it in Scotland.  They predicted snow flurries earlier this week.

Sunny Cornish hills. Pastel by me.

Luckily our first stop is Cornwall to visit with his cousins.  A good thing.  If there is one place in England that has a chance of sun and warmth in the spring, it’s Cornwall.  And it doesn’t hurt that he gets to reconnect with family.

So until we get a bit settled and un-jetlagged, I may miss a few posts.  But then I’ll report to you from across the pond.  And hopefully the sun will shine.

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