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Margaret Jenkins
  • Margaret Jenkins

Margaret Jenkins

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  • Trip start
    June 20, 2018
    Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Ascot Races

    June 22, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Trip from Benalla to Heathrow went well. Thanks to David for driving to Seymour, then train to Broadmeadows, bus to Melbourne airport and two Singapore airline flights to Heathrow. Anita kindly provided transport from Heathrow to Ascot.
    We passed through Dachet, which had several large hanging baskets full of spring flowers. These were also very visible in Ascot. We saw the footbridge over the high street in Ascot which takes the race goers from one of the largest car parks to the race course.
    Later in the day we went to Watersplash lane which the Queen passes through on her way to Ascot races. There were about 200 locals within 100m. Including two groups of school children in uniform. There was also a significant police presence.
    Pictures include hanging baskets outside a pub in Dachet, flowers above a garbage container, two carriages in the royal procession and Anita and Anna in the back yard.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Picnic at the races

    June 22, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We decided today to have a picnic at the Ascot races. There is an enclosure for the locals, where they show their Heath Pass and they are allowed in free. We packed eats and drinks, arrived early and got a spot on the fence. Was a bright sunny day with a few light clouds. Had used plenty of sunscreen. The area filled up but nowhere as many people as on the other side of the track.
    The carriages came down the straight at 2pm, the band struck up God Save the Queen and the crowd sang loudly. Quite an impressive moment.
    First race was at 2.30pm. There is quite a rise in the track coming up to the finish. The horses thundered past us about 3 metres away. It was certainly a different experience and one to remember for a long time.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    A Day in Bath

    June 24, 2018 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Yesterday we set out for a day in Bath or Bath Spa as the Brit Rail calls it. It was the final day of Ascot races so Anita drove to Martins Heron. Some of the names for these places are hard to understand. However, the train took us from Martins Heron to Reading where we got our Rail Cards stamped. Then caught the train to Bath Spa. Train was impressive as it was 99% full, passed other trains in places and got up to probably 120 kph. And was a very smooth ride.
    First place we visited was the Roman Baths which is a World Heritage attraction. Stood in the queue outside for 15 minutes, then the inside queue for roughly the same time. There were about 25% more people inside than I remember last time. However the size and complexity of it made it well worthwhile for a second visit. Took some photos on the tablet. However found the camera much easier in the bright sunlight.
    After lunch went on two bus tours of Bath. First one included The Cresent and The Circle. The use of local stone in the buildings is very evident, and the age of many buildings is demonstrated by the huge number of chimney pots.
    At Ascot everyone was home for dinner including Paul, Anna and Matilda. Matilda had come home from a Biology camp in Wales.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Windsor Great Park

    June 24, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Yesterday we did a small walk in the Windsor Great Park. The weather has been very sunny each day and the temperature is in the mid 20 deg C. The Great Park is very manicured with a large number of mature trees of many varieties. There were many cyclists as well as people walking along the paths.
    When we came home Matilda persuaded Anita to finish a skirt she is wearing to a Headmasters luncheon later this week. Matilda is completing year 12 this week, and only has one more year at Reading Blue Coat.
    This morning Anita drove us to Sonning which is where Matilda's school is located. We had a look at both the front of the school and also at the Boat Shed as both girls have been involved with the rowing teams.
    We walked a very short section of the Thames path, saw the lock operating at Sonning, and enjoyed a cup of tea overlooking the Thames. The family are very fortunate to live in such a scenic area.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    At Windermere

    June 27, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Yesterday was spent travelling from Ascot to Windermere. There were train changes at Reading, Manchester, and Preston . Then at Oxenholme the train was replaced by a bus to Windermere. The train service is very efficient.
    In Windermere we met Beryl and Keith. Beryl and I have a connection through both being descendents of the Higginbottom family. It is four years since Beryl and Keith drove from Canberra to Benalla to meet us, so there was lots to catch up on.
    As soon as we left the rail station at Oxenholme it became apparent that there was an abundance of stone in this area. There are many dry stone fences all impeccably built. But what is more impressive is that the buildings are also built using these stones. Unfortunately I did not take the tablet to dinner last night so photos of these buildings will have to come with the next installment.
    Included here is a church at Sonning built of flint which is prevalent there. Anita said this is the church Theresa May attends. Also a photo from the hotel window at Windermere. Next the boat house at Blue Coat and a tub of flowers near the loch at Sonning.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    On Lake Windermere

    June 27, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Today we travelled on Lake Windermere to Lakeside where we changed boats. After the
    Very pleasant boat rides in ideal conditions we had a vintage train ride which took us to Haverthwaite. This was a tourist destination. On the platform there was a guy with his four owls which were chained to their poles, but were tame enough for some people to pat them.
    According to information given to us on the train it was supposed to be 150 yards to a lookout. The 150 yards may have been a vertical measurement, and it would not be classified as an easy walk. But the view was excellent. After that feat we treated ourselves to Thunder and Lightening icecreams. By this stage the temp was approaching 30 deg c.
    On the return leg via Bowness we saw a large number of swans, geese and other birds waddling around in the shallow water. A bit further on we met a retired pilot who was quite a character. During the day we saw four aircraft doing low runs over Lake Windermere. Keith seemed to know quite a bit about these exercises.
    In summary a delightful day with wonderful scenery and weather and good company.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    An evening at Grasmere

    June 28, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Last night after dinner Keith kindly drove us to Grasmere. This is where William Wordsworth lived for a significant portion of his life, and where he is buried. It is light here until 10pm so we were able to have a good look around without the crowds of people which we would have joined if we had visited during the day.
    We visited the area adjacent to the churchyard where there are approx 3000 inscribed pavers. The people who subscribed about £100 for each paver wanted to be part of this scheme which as well as commemorating William Wordsworth also contributes to the upkeep of the church grounds.
    Keith also drove us to see Dove Cottage which is where Wordsworth lived. It is a white washed building adjacent to a cottage with very unusual chimney pots. By turning 90 deg on the same spot you can see the Fells which surround Grasmere. These substantial hills rise to over 1000 feet, and provide a photographic backdrop to Grasmere.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Beatrix Potter's Cottage

    June 28, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Thank you Jenny for suggesting that it was worthwhile visiting Beatrix Potter's cottage. Beryl and Keith kindly drove us there this morning. It was another sunny day but a couple of degrees cooler which was good. We got there early and got ahead of the coach loads of tourists which arrived later in the morning. There can be up to 800 people visiting each day.
    The house was furnished with furniture of the era and had been left to the National Trust together with several farms and houses which the author had acquired during her lifetime. Drawing and painting had apparently run in the family as there were a series of plates which her father had painted. There were also some large paintings hanging on the wall which had been done by her brother.
    The garden was full of swathes of bright flowers whilst the vegetable garden had huge beds of rhubarb and strawberries. There were also gooseberries, beans, radishes etc.
    One interesting thing we saw during the morning was the dry stone wall opposite Hill Top cottage, which is what the house was called, beng repaired. I asked the guy for permission to photograph the process which was quite different.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Coniston and Amberside

    June 29, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    After the visit to Beatrix Potter's home we visited the Ruskin museum in Coniston. This museum contains information about Donald Campbell and the Bluebird, a replica of the remains of the Bluebird being displayed in a glass cabinet. There was also a video of Donald Campbell's life and various attempts at speed records.
    Afterwards we went to the shore of Lake Coniston where we enjoyed lunch. There were lots of people around with many boats in the water. Probably very similar to inland lakes in Australia except that the sand was a bit coarser. We sat and relaxed and watched the crowds.
    On the way home Keith kindly stopped at Amberside where there is the smallest National Trust house in England. The dry stone bridge on which the house was built was constructed in approx 1500. The house was built slightly later and has a kitchen with a stove and is approx 2m x 3m in area. If you climb some very steep stairs outside there is another room on top of the kitchen roughly the same size. The National Trust rep told us that it had been used as commercial premises for various trades including shoe repairs. One of the photos shows Beryl and Keith in the small kitchen.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    At the Regatta

    July 1, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    On Friday Keith and Beryl drove us to Oxenholme and put us on the train to Wolverhampton. From there we caught a connection to Reading, and from Reading to Ascot. It was a very memorable time we had in the Lakes District, and our thanks to Keith and Beryl for showing us so many great attractions set amongst great scenery.
    On Saturday afternoon Matilda was rowing in a regatta at Sonning. Paul and Anita took us there for a couple of hours and set us in comfortable chairs on the banks of the Thames. There were squads there from Australia, the United States as well as many school rowing crews and University squads.The reason for the international competitors was that it was excellent practice for the regatta at Henley which is in a week's time.
    Matilda was part of a double sculls team with her friend Jess. They came second out of three competitors. There was much encouragement from the spectators as they went past. It was avery much a social event for the parents and friends.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Kew Gardens

    July 1, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Today we used our bonus ticket on Brit Rail to go to Kew Gardens. Not perfectly straight forward as works were being done on the line near Richmond so were diverted to a bus for some of the journey. Hence it took 2 hours to get from Ascot to Kew Gardens.
    The temperature was very close to 30 deg c again, and there were lots of people enjoying the gardens. The map which the office gave out was a little hard to follow as there were grass tracks as well as pebbled tracts and also tarred paths.
    However we did see the plants in the heated dome, and the flower variety was stunning. The vista over the lake was impressive as well as Queen Charlotte's cottage. This thatched cottage was donated by Queen Victoria in 1898 to the Kew Gardens and consisted of 32 acres as well as the house.
    Trip back to Ascot was even more complicated as the bus did not run straight to Hounslow from Richmond but needed a second bus and a walk. However eventually Anita was able to pick us up from Ascot.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Bergen Norway

    July 2, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    This morning Anita drove us to Gatwick where we got a Norwegian flight to Bergen. Anna came with us too which was great. Traffic to Gatwick was very heavy.
    According to a sign at the airport Bergen is 60deg N, and 5deg E.
    After finding our AirBnB accomodation we set out to explore Bergen which is a mix of the very old, the quirky with a spattering of ultra modern buildings. There are many cobblestoned pavements and some very old wooden buildings. The harbour wends its way through the city and many of the old scenic buildings are clustered around the harbour. The stone hills rise sharply above the buildings providing a great backdrop.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Morning in Bergen

    July 3, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    This morning we started out to explore a little more of Bergen. First Anita and I did a small area near our AirBnB which we found very comfortable. The cobblestone streets are very prolific and we came across many more this morning.
    First photo is of our accomodation which is the apricot coloured place next to the corner house. We were up on the first floor. Second pbhoto is a modern building which I thought was interesting.
    Then we went to see an area called The Fortress. The church there was built between 1247 to 1261 and there does not seem to be any cracks. Quite amazing. Then we went into the church courtyard through an arch which was constructed in 1728. This whole area overlooked the docks, and yes Jenny Anna did take a photo of the Benalla travellers.
    We observed the very long queue for the funicular, and did not join it. Instead took photos in the market which will be the next blog.
    Cheers everyone.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Food in Bergen

    July 3, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Walking through the Bergen market was fascinating. The salmon seemed huge, and would cut into much wider portions than what we are used to. There was also a lot of dried fish hanging from hooks, some whale as well as dark unidentified fish.
    The number of tourists was amazing. This morning we saw the Queen Elizabeth which left Southampton on Sunday and is going into the fiords. Currently it is docked at Burgen.
    The weather is fantastic. Beautiful blue sky and about 20 deg c.
    Bergen was well worth seeing. There are supposed to be 230 days of rain each year. But not a drop while we have been here. Let's hope it continues for some of the next week.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    On the Polarlys

    July 4, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Yesterday afternoon we boarded the Polarlys in Bergen. The boat left at 8pm to music by the composer Grieg. Quite a moment. The boat has about 400 passengers and seven levels. There are numerous indoor and outdoor lounges. The meals are delicious with many choices.
    There was a lot of light at 2.30am and you could easily take photos. At one stage there appeared to be pink rock on the top of the mountains. However the photo was spoiled by the electric light on the ship's deck.
    We pulled into Maloy about 4.30am with the first rays of sun striking some of the town. Torvik was considerably smaller. After breakfast we came to Alesund which is about 26,000 people and apparently has a lot of commercial activity.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler
    2

    In the Geirangerfjord

    July 4, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Today after calling into Alesund the ship continued into the Geirangerfjord which is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The mountain peaks appeared to get steeper the further into the fjord the boat travelled. There were many drifts of snow on the higher reaches of the mountains which fed the numerous waterfalls. These waterfalls were quite spectacular and considering that it is summer one can only imagine the volume of water they would discharge in winter.
    When we got to Geiranger we saw almost half the boat get off to do the bus trip back to Molde. We were rather surprised to see the Queen Elizabeth boat (black boat with red funnel) and a ship of the Costa line both in the harbour there. The scenery was obviously a drawcard for the large boats and their passengers.
    Overall it was a spectacular journey.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler
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    A Morning in Trondheim

    July 5, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    This morning the Polarlys docked at Trondheim and we did an independent walking tour of the city. Trondheim which was formerly called Nidaros was founded in 997 A.D.. It was Norway's capital from 1030 to 1217 and is home to the Nidaros Cathedral which we saw during our walk.
    Trondheim is a mix of very old buildings such as the Cathedral and some old wooden buildings built on wooden stilts. These wooden buildings looked as though they had been there for many years and planning regulations have presumably changed since they were built. There were also some extremely modern buildings in Trondheim.
    We also wandered around the fishing area and admired the variety of boats we saw. Once again we had blue skies and a temperature approaching 20 deg c.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Nordland evening (almost midnight sun).

    July 6, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Greetings from Guest Blogger Anita. Last night, as sensible people were windng down at 9pm after an early, Arctic Circle start to the day, we arrived at Svolvaer 68'N. Pulling in to the quay, there was a poignant memorial to the women who have lost men at sea and behind that A frame fish drying racks. Svolvaer was a small town, and after a walk around we would have been happy to hit the hay. Alas, on reboarding at 9:45pm, an announcement was made that at 11pm we would enter Trollsfjord and that it was worthwhile seeing. Although it was cloudy we were also interested to see how light it stayed that late and so stayed up. Trollsfjord is only 100m wide (the ship is just under 20m wide) and can be visited in calm weather, which we had last night. The crew handed out delicious fish soup to sustain the crowds there. We didnt quite make midnight, and there wasn't sun, but the light was bizarre and wonderful to experience.Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler
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    Crossing the Arctic circle

    July 6, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    This morning we got up early as we were crossing the Arctic circle about 7am. Last evening the passengers were invited to submit a time when they thought this would happen, including the hour, the minute and the second. The Arctic circle is marked by a hollow globe on a small island.
    During the morning we proceeded on toward Boda past some impressive scenery. Some of the mountains appear quite close to the water.
    At Boda which has a population of 50,000 people we went on an Arctic Coastal Walk. The guide to this walk gave us a mixture of geology, agricultural and historical information. Apparently the beach could change in appearance quite considerably, and one day have lots of kelp whilst another day would just have sand. We were told that there had been a submerged coral reef in the vicinity, which contributed to the sand on the beach.
    We also came across a paddock of freshly baled hay. Due to the 24 hour light which happens above the Arctic circle, farmers can cut three lots of hay each summer. We also found cloud berries, which appeared very similar to strawberries.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler
    1

    Tromso

    July 7, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    This morning we had a visit from King Neptune to baptise passengers who had crossed the Arctic Circle. This apparently is quite a tradition and many passengers participated. Anna was very quick with the camera and it was lots of fun.
    When we reached Tromso we did a self guided tour of the town. We went by taxi to the cable car and went up into the clouds. The ride was very smooth but there had been rain so the photos were not good. After the cable car we walked our way leisurely back to the boat via several points of interest. First we saw the Arctic Cathedral the roof of which was constructed with 2 metre sheets of metal. Anna says this is to cope with expansion.
    Then we walked over the bridge and admired several buildings along the waterfront. We looked at the library and also the Tromso Cathedral which was made of wood. Finally we saw the Polaria which was a funky Aquariam and the MS Polstjerna. Altogether another very interesting day.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Honningsvag 71 deg N

    July 8, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Today is the last full day on the boat. The weather has improved with blue sky and fleecy white clouds. We stopped at Honningsvag which is 71 deg N and noted that the temperature was 11 deg C thanks to the Gulf Stream.
    Honningsvag is a beautiful fishing village with a large breakwater. The houses are painted different colours and all seem to be three stories high with little space between them. Perhaps this is to make travel between houses easier in winter.
    We did a leisurely stroll around to the lighthouse and back. The high mountains in the background are magnificent. A lot of the buildings have snow protection on them.
    The cruise has been enjoyed by all of us. The scenery has been spectacular and the food has been of high quality with many choices. Tomorrow we move onto Copenhagen.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Copenhagen

    July 9, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today was spent travelling. We started off at Kirkenes which is about 70 deg Latitude having seen Finn Whales in the water just before the Polarlys docked. Travelling in the bus to the Kirkenes airport we saw some reindeer grazing. Kirkenes was very surprising having granite hills but also stretches of water near the airport. Thankfully they had levelled the ground for the airport.
    Overnight Anita and Anna stayed up late enough to check that the midnight sun didn't fall below the horizon at midnight. They took lots of photos to prove this.
    From Kirkenes we flew to Oslo the capital of Norway. At Oslo we said farewell to Anna as she was flying back to Gatwick as she had work commitments. From Oslo we flew to Copenhagen as we had not been there before. We were lucky enough to be able to stay in Paul's apartment in Copenhagen which is about 1 km from the centre of Copenhagen and on the 8th floor of a converted silo. The number of apartments in Copenhagen is incredible as shown from a few photos taken. The main canal is shown in two of these photos. The other interesting aspect is that land is being steadily reclaimed from the sea to build these apartments on.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Copenhagen via the Canal

    July 10, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    This morning we purchased a 48 hour travel pass which covers the canal boats, bus and train travel. We only used the canal boats today, but saw a lot of different areas in Copenhagen.
    Our first ferry trip was to see the little Mermaid which is quite small. We noticed that there was at least three large cruise ships in Copenhagen including the Queen Victoria. Very close to this area we came across a military complex which was surrounded by a moat, and which had a large windmill nearby. One of the impressive buildings in this area was built in 1725.
    The architecture of Copenhagen is a mixture of the very old and the very modern. In the afternoon we visited Christianshavn and Nyhavn, the latter being a very touristy area. The brightly painted buildings, the large number of boats moored in the canal, the huge crowds eating outdoors all contributed to the atmosphere. Anita said that Hans Chrstian Anderson lived in this street for 20 years.
    There are many dedicated bike lanes in Copenhagen with different types of bikes such as children being carried in front of the bikes at ground level in what could be termed baskets. The number of canals is also surprising as well as the number of boats, some of which are obviously lived on.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Historic Copenhagen

    July 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    This morning we took the canal boat to Slotsholmen which is the seat of Denmark's national government and an area where there are many historical buildings. Some of these buildings include the Supreme Court, the Royal reception rooms, the Parliament and the prime minister's office. There is also the original Denmark stock exchange located in this area.
    Some of the buildings were extremely large and hard to photograph. However there were no cracks observed in the buildings.
    The original library houses many thousands of Denmark's historical items as well as books. The original library is integrated into a new modern section which fronts the canal. There is also a beautiful garden at the side which we walked around.    Read more

  • Margaret JenkinsMargaret JenkinsTraveler

    Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

    July 11, 2018 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    This afternoon Anita took us to the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen via the canal boat and the train to Central station. We found the Tivoli Gardens to be a mixture of well tended gardens and a theme park. Hence there were lots of people enjoying the attraction including young children, teenagers, families and also older adults.
    We found an Indian section, a Chinese area, animals including six varieties of chickens, a lake with water feature as well as many rides which were well patronised.
    When we left the Tivoli Gardens we found the Town Hall square which had a statue of Hans Christian Anderson.
    To complete the afternoon we took the canal boat to the other end of the canal and saw many new apartment buildings some of which were still being constructed.
    This is the last Blog everyone as we leave Copenhagen tomorrow morning for Melbourne. Has been a great three weeks, and thank you for reading all my Blogs. Cheers. Margaret.    Read more

    Trip end
    July 13, 2018
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