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Martin and Debbie Kinally
Martin and Debbie Kinally

Martin and Debbie Kinally

📍 England Read more🇬🇧Stourbridge
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  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler

    Skofja Loka

    June 23, 2024 in Slovenia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Today Weem heading off towards Ljubljana, the capital.

    To be honest Slovenia has been a culture shock after Austria, Especially when we went to drive through Kranj, gone are the individually styled house's with their ornate wooden balconies with window boxes filled with beautiful coloured flowers. Now we have rows of the same houses in dull greys and creams and blocks of high rise buildings , we were going to stop for a look around but we kept on driving.

    As we got out into the countryside a little more things started to change and we came across the lovely little town of Skofja Loka.

    We parked up in the car park on a dedicated Motorhome pitch and bonus, its free parking on Sunday, Off to explore, there's a river runs through the tow which is reportedly the oldest preserved bridge in Europe dating back some 700 years. The town has a quaint little church and a restaurant serving Real Ale, well we had to try some. Then back to the van on on to tonight's stop at the Motorhome Park in Stanwick right next to the Park and Ride ready for tomorrow's visit to the capital.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    1

    Lake Bled

    June 22, 2024 in Slovenia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    After a lazy morning un a trip over to the supermarket to stock up them pair finally gets their arses in gear un gets the bikes down so's they can go down tu the lake.

    They are gonna cycle around the lake, yeh right, about a 4 mile loop. It's starts out a bit tricky as there are so many people about, well it is Saturday un the sun's out, but soon it thins out un they can get in their stride, except her wants to stop un tek a picture of the church with the sun on it. The church is in the middle of the lake, only accessible by boats rowed by oarsmen standing on the back of the boats. Well by the time hers off ur bike got the phone out un got ready to tek the pictures the sun's gone in, this is gonna be the theme of the day.

    There's a couple of dedicated bathing areas one with slides un water play activities the other with grass un swimming area's. Apparently this is where the Olympic team practise as there is pictures and memorials in one section of the lake.

    Well they meks it most of the way round then cycle track runs out so its onto the road but there's an awful lot of traffic, round the bend they finds out why, road works, a man standing with a stop/go board directing traffic, this is a good place to stop for an ice cream.

    After refreshments they carry-on and finally meks it back to Bled and to the pub they found yesterday, after a libation, well again if would be rude not to, they heads home for a rest.

    Tonight they gets themselves all togged up un walks a little way into town for a meal, popular place, they as tu wait about 15mins for a table but it was worth it. He has a mixed platter of sausage and meat un she as the equivalent to a mixed grill, then it's back um to see who wins at the dice game.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler

    Tunnel Into Slovenia

    June 21, 2024 in Slovenia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Strewth, just got me self settled at this lovely little site, convinced that they were a little travel weary, and they decide weem off again.
    So it seems weem off agin to another country. This time it's Slovenia first time for both of um and me.
    Weem roaring up the motorways today as he's paid for the toll in Austria and Slovenia on line, gets us there quicker but not much to look at on the way., especially when we gus through the Karawankent 7km tunnel to get from Austria to Slovenia.
    First time this holiday un we meks a boo boo, not looking at the sat nav, ends up turning round up a little lane with someone waiting to get by.
    Anyroads we gets to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia's star attractions, mid afternoon, weem staying on another car park but its okay, location is everything un the campsites is full, it is the weekend after all.
    After setting up they gus fur a walk to sus out the bike route for tomorrow, you know what she's like wants cycle lane or quiet roads.
    They gets down to the lake and yes, it was worth the trip. Not as big so some of the ones they've seen this holiday but very nice. They as a wander and suddenly she notices a sign for Pub, luckily they all seems to talk good English here, which is great cause Slovienen is hard to learn. They pop's in, well it would be rude not to un they've unny some decent IPA ale in bottles. They try a local brew and very nice it is too. Back home for a curry, well it is Friday night and we'll see what tumorra brings.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    1

    Grossglockner Mountain Pass gawd help me

    June 20, 2024 in Slovenia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Well after consulting the weather apps he decided we are gonna go for it. The highest mountain pass in the Alps. OK for them but who's gonna do all the work? Yer, your's truly!
    Early start gets us south of Zell am See in Austria and after a fuel top up I start the climb forever upwards. Nice road but bugger me I ay ad to work this hard before, me last owners just lazed around posh caravan sites so I just snoozed most of the time. We had a few stops so I could catch me breath and herself could snap away, and then we med the summit with snow by the side of the road and everything.
    Has a nice break and we started down the other side. Well that really gave me brake pads a bit of a work out, but I got em down without a problem and without her giving him a bit of an earful so he was happy bless him.

    Onto a nice camp site for the night while they consider the next move in this long distance jaunt.

    As an aside, our motorhome owners like to give friendly waves to others as they go past. In the UK and France most times waves are given and received so all friendly like. On this trip through Germany and Austria she lifts her hand and nothing comes back from the passing vans. After much pondering he gently explains that it's probably they see her hand action as a Nazi salute, hence the lack of smiles and reciprication.!! oops.............    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    11

    Salzburg part 2

    June 19, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    After lunch, a lovely bowl of Goulash for her and a Bratwurst with Sauerkraut for him, they meks their way back down the Funicular and head in search of the gardens and an ice cream.
    Well, by now, her knees aching and hers rubbed up a blister on her foot so they has a sit on a bench by the river un watch the amphibiouss taxi try to dock against the fast flowing current, very entertaining.

    The view from here of the castle is stunning. E reckons it's the picture of the day.

    They walks on to the gardens, which are very pretty and well laid out, but now for a special sit-down, ice cream. Well, wouldn't you credit it? There's never a shop when you want one. After a 10 minute search, they found one, and it was well worth it, but not cheap. It's time to go home now, but they've had a good but knackering day    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    21

    Salzburg part 1

    June 19, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Well, them up early today as they are goin into town, or Salzburg to you un me. He's happy as Larry as thems goin by bus, luckily bus stop is right outside the site,

     They notice the pedestrian bridge, spanning the River Salzach, which runs through the centre of the town and its decoration. It looks like copper leaves from a distance, but on closer inspection, it's actually padlocks clipped to the bridge with names on. The river is also where you can find the amphibious taxi, hope you're not in a hurry through, it really struggles against the strong flow.

    On arriving at the old part of town, they wander up the pedestrianised streets full of shops, all beautifully presented and some bearing very ornate wrought-iron signage. A wide variety of shops from clothes shops selling up to date fashion and also some selling traditional clothes, which were not cheap, one outfit was over €1600, to chocolate shops, cheese shops and a variety of eating places.

    Them's on route to the castle when he has to do his good deed for the day. A little old lady with walking stick is trying to cross at the pedestrian crossing but is dithering, so Super Mart crosses over to help her across, she does thank him, we think, as couldn't understand a word she said.

    On to the big square surrounded by huge ornate buildings. We take the funicular railway up to the castle for stunning views an a bite to eat.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    111

    Alpine Route part 2

    June 18, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Weem off on the other part of the Alpine Route today to get us towards Salzburg, they've promised me if I'm good I can have a burn up the motorway later. Have to say these German roads am a pleasure to trundle along, wide enough and smooth as a babs botty so I doh rattle me bits at all.
    First stop at a popular viewing point at the side of Lake Sylvensteinsee to tek some photos with the mountains in the distance, beautiful place. We then stopped by Lake Schiliersee while they had a cuppa un a leg stretch. After a bit more rambling and lunch in a scenic layby I gets me wish un they let me leg it up the motorway into Austria to the stelplatz just outside Salzburg. The weather's turned up the heat, blue skies and hot 32 degrees on the van display.
    Not a bad 'car park ' designated bays, electric and a shower block, with the bus stop to Salzburg right outside for tomorrows excursion, but what do you expect for 30 Euros a night.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    21111

    Bad Holtz

    June 17, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    OK after consulting weather apps etc they have decided to stick with the original plan, so Deutchses Asplenstrasse is go!
    After stocking up at the supermarket next door, a new one for us, Edeka, they finally get started along the Alpine Route. Not sure where we am intending stopping tonight, it depends on how far I get before I'm knackered going up and down hills.
    The scenery is beautiful, the mountains getting higher, some with a bit I snow, and the villages are well kept, most of the houses have windows boxes filled with beautiful coloured flowers, and some have some really strange names, but that's something nice for me to look at while I chug along.
    After passing a couple of substantial sized lakes we arrive at Bad Holtz mid afternoon. Yes it's another stelplatz car park but this one is right beside the river, so it's better than some they tecks me to, at least I've got something interesting to look at.
    Late afternoon and they decides to get the bikes out and ride along the cycle path into town, good job too, thought they'd only bought em for the ride.
    The weather's been quite good up until this point, no sooner had they locked the bikes up and started walking along the cobbled streets but it starts to pour down. Unfortunately they can't shelter in the shops because its gone 5.30 and most of them are shutting. They shelter under the small canopy of a shop until the big black clouds move over. Then would believe it the sun comes out again.
    To be honest there's not a lot to see in Bad Holtz when the shops are shut, not so much as a bar or restaurant for a meal or drink, so its off back to find the bikes and ride back home to see a family of swans toddling down the footpath.
    During the evening we have one heck of a rain and thunder storm, hopefully it will clear the skies.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler

    Forggensee Lake, Fussen

    June 16, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    After trying out his school boy German on the bus driver to make sure they were on the right bus, they get off at the Lake. It's a very popular place with lots of locals having picnics by the shore, there was even a group of people there for a baptism in the water. I wouldn't want to be dunked in that it wasn't the cleanest of lakes. There's a good view of the castle from here. By now the sun is really hot so they sit like old folk do taking in the surroundings and watching the paragliding over the mountains in the distance. A short walk back to sit in the sun and relax, it may be a car park but when the sun shines who cares ❤Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    111

    Sunday Stroll Around Fussen

    June 16, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Sunday morning and it's sunnier than we expected after overnight rain but the clouds are still hanging over the mountains. Theym going to attempt to walk into the town, it's only about a mile. Started out and was beginning to think they would have to turn back when her knee started to protest. They should have got the bikes out as the cycle path is flat and goes straight into town. Anyhow it became easier and they med it to the town. There's not many people about and most of the shops are closed. The buildings are very pretty and many have paintings decorating them. They walk over the bridge by the Museum, the river is a really strange colour, almost white. There's a few cafés open so they stop for a German beer, well you know them, before heading for the bus station for a free bus ride to the lake.Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallySlovenia and Istria hopefully!Traveler
    2

    It's a long drive to get there ay it?

    June 15, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Hi there muckers, Bertie here to tek you through their latest trip, and a whopper it is as well. Lots of miles to stretch me rubbers and wim off to the tunnel as usual. Wow, we bombed down the motorway, got there 2 hours before time, and got put on the earlier train, so them pleased. Exit to France and did a couple of hours stopping at an oss farm for the night in Belgium . Great pitch in a quiet village. Next day onward, using free motorways, topping up with cheap diesel in Luxembourg and into Germany where, again, a peaceful night on a wine farm but a bit of a rainy night. So, five countries so far, potentially another five to go. On we go again to reach the start really of our tour at Fussen and the start of the German Alpine route, we hope to drive to Salzburg in Austria.
    Stopping at a stelplatz in Fussen town (bit of a car park really but handy for a visit tomorrow). Got free bus passes at the park, so he is well happy and cor wait for tomorrow. Two fairy tale castles and a lake here, so lots to see. But rainy, so they am reviewing the route for the next few days.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler

    Homeward Bound

    May 5, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    After checking the mileage for the journey home, we decided to come all the way back in one go instead of stopping overnight. After all, it's no more mileage than when we used to do the shows on Glasgow.

    So, on a cloudy misty morning, we start back. Martin drove the first part of the way, and then I took over once we hit the Motorway. He's letting me get some practice in ready for our next trip, we also wanted to see how many miles we could easily drive in a day.

    I drove to Shap where Martin took over, not as bad as I thought.

    Good trip home, no holdups, back home with a stop and van unpacked in 7hrs 45mins.

    A great holiday, shame the weather hadn't been a bit better.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler

    The Royal Yacht Britannia, pt 3

    May 4, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Well it had to be done, we have lunch on The Royal Yacht. On the second deck is a tea room so we join the queue for a table. A treat of sandwiches and cake overlooking the water with a few on a good day which would take in The Forth Bridge in the distance.

    The Yacht had room on board for a Land Rover and occasionally a Rolls Royce for the Royal party too use on trips to foreign countries.

    The engine room was immaculate, gleaming and shiny.

    All in all a lovey visit and well worth the money.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler

    The Royal Yacht Britania, pt 1

    May 4, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Up early this morning as we're heading to Edinburgh on the train to visit The Royal Yacht Britania. The weather's not great, cool, cloudy and misty.

    After arriving at Waverly Station we catch the tram out to Leith. Strangely the entrance to the Yacht is through a shopping cente bits well laid out.

    We can stroll round at our own pace with handheld audio devices explaining the whole tour. These are pictures of the crews quarters and recreation areas including the officers dining room, the crews living areas complete with bar. There is a full working laundry on board, a doctors surgery and an operating room.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
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    111

    North Berwick, Is This History Repeating

    May 3, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    We wake to a fairly descent day again, what's happening no rain for a couple of days?

    Today we are visiting North Berwick, will this be as bad as it's name sake or will it surprise us. We decide to park along the sea road on a spot recommended on one of our camping blogs. It's about a mile outside of the town but if we can get on we are going to bike into town. Well surprisingly enough there's a space and off come the bikes and we set off. We cycle down to the harbour and chain up the bikes ready to explore. So far so good a lovely little harbour and a hut selling fish and chips, well it has to be done, the seaside, blue skies and chips, what more could you want. They are the best chips we've ever had double fried, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, things are looking up.

    We head off to find the High Street, looking for a pub, what's this, the High Street actually has shops in it and they're not charity shops. A nice selection of independent retailers and cafés. We decide against the pub in favour of a cuppa instead before heading back to the van. This is a very nice little town.

    On the way to our site at East Fortune we call into Drem railway station to check out the car park ready for tomorrow. Whilst looking and deciding if its ok a local comes up and recommends the next station down, he says the car park is a lot bigger and it would be a lot easier, its only about 3 miles down road . That decided we head off to pitch up for the night.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
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    1111

    Dun' With Dunbar

    May 2, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 10 °C

    Well they say everywhere looks better in the sunshine and they're right. We woke up to lovely sunshine today and the view from the window was certainly an improvement.

    Today we're off to Dunbar for an 'off grid' night on the leisure centre or harbour car park.

    First off we stop at Eyemouth for a look around, parking for free on a car park above the harbour only accessible by driving through the golf course. It is a proper road don't worry.

    A lovely little working harbour town complete with fish processing plant. We walked around the harbour and even manage a walk along the beach, no paddle though, before heading back to the van and onwards to the next stop at St Abbs.

    Unfortunately after negotiating our way down to the very tight harbour car park there is nowhere to park, and not a lot to look at so we head off to Dunbar.

    We, that's the Royal we, checked out a couple of places to park up for the night. The first is a little car park by the harbour and lightboat station, not big enough. Next is a car park we can't even get down the road to , thanks to the parked cars and 90 degree bend. So after reversing back up road we try the final destination. The leisure center car park. Built up high on the headland it's very exposed and quite busy, the parking spaces are not very big so we decide to forego our walk around the town and a meal out and head for the Camping and Caravan Site 2 miles outside the town. A lovely open site with views of the sea. As a compensation we order a takeaway Curry for tea.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
    1

    It Really Is 'Grim Up North'

    May 1, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Well what a change in the weather. After yesterday's beautiful sunny day, we wake to thick grey clouds and mist.

    We are moving on to Berwick-upon-Tweed today. Driving along the coast road and hoping to pop in to check out a couple of beaches on the way but with the weather like this we change our plans and head straight to the site to catch the bus into town to spend the rest of the day there.

    We drive through Bamburgh with its impressive Castle. We've stayed here once many years ago when Tom was a toddler. An aborted nights camping, the weather was so awful we booked into the towns hotel.

    Onwards to the site, with great views of the small harbour at Spittal, which you can't see today because of the mist! We catch the bus into Berwick-upon-Tweed a walled town on the border with Scotland. Well what else can I tell you about the town, not much, unless you want me to expell the virtues of it's wide range of charity shops and grey stone buildings. Oh it does have an impressive arched bridge carrying trains from one side of the River Tweed to the other, and a very nice tea room.

    Sorry this is a grim place, 8.76 and this is being kind only saved by the great cafe we sheltered from the rain.

    So we decide to make a quick exit. But not even that goes to plan, just about to step on the bus 'and get the hell out of this town ' and we remember Martin has left his rucksack in the cafe, tragically this means we have to find something else do for the next 30 mins until the next bus!

    Back at the site we settle down to watch the local children's football match on the towns pitch, just over the wall from our van. Oh well tomorrow's another day.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
    11

    Craster

    April 30, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    Craster is a lovely little harbour village with its own smoke House supplying fresh smoked kippers.

    Rolled into the only car park and squeezed width ways into a parking space but sticking out a long way so not really in a space. Decided to risk the parking police and on going to pay at the machine a nice Geordie handed us, a day ticket, Result!!

    The little harbour is central to the village overlooked by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Apparently this is a lovely walk,over the cliff top path, the only way to get there, but too far for me so instead we sit in the garden of The Jolly Fishermen enjoying a pint watching others enjoy the walk.

    After refreshments it's on with the arduous journey of 2 miles to our next overnight stay and a sit outside to enjoy the rest of the day.

    Today's grim eating 1.67 reflecting not being able to park at Alnmouth.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
    111

    Alnwick Castle and Gardens, pt 2

    April 30, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    After a rest in the sunshine, might as well make the most of it, and a cuppa and cream tea. We set out to explore the rest of the gardens . Including the bamboo maze.. We did want to visit the Poison Garden but you have to have an escorted tour around these of and we had just missed one so would have had to wait, instead we visited the Lego replica of the gardens instead. It took over 6 weeks to make and cost over £5,000 , and that was just for the Lego bricks.we make our way back to the Motorhome through the café and gift shop watching out for the family of ducks on the way,

    We didn't get to see the castle as that was quite a walk away, and an extra entrance fee, or the country's largest tree house, complete with restaurant.

    The plan next was to visit the beach at Alnmouth, but there's only one place to park and we decided tha £10 to park for what was essentially a stroll around the village and a look at the beach was too much so we carry on to Craster,

    The scenery around here is lovely and the gorse bushes add a lovely spot of colour.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
    1

    Alnwick Castle and Gardens, pt 1

    April 30, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    The weather's taken a turn for the better today. We woke to a beautiful blue sky, lots of sunshine and a lot more pleasant temperature, even if it's a bit windier. Today we're moving on but first we are visiting Alnwick Castle and Gardens,

    Not NT so it's going to cost, but not a bad price at £18,90 but having to pay an extra £3.50 car park charge was a bit steep.

    The first thing you see when you enter the Gardens is the huge stepped fountain reaching up to the formal garden. The water display goes off at regular intervals and it's fun watching all the unsuspecting people getting sprayed with water when it starts up.

    The gardens are symmetrical on both sides of the fountain steps with huge arched frameworks with trees and bushes trained to grow over them. There are smaller fountain displays dotted all around the gardens.

    The Formal Garden is surrounded by high walls and so there are a lot of plants in flower here earlier than at home. The displays are intermingled with flowers and vegetables.

    After this we were going to walk through the cherry blossom trees but this had all gone over so we went and found the 250 year old Sycamore tree instead, before walking back down the steps to the café.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
    111

    Cragside House, Morpeth pt 2

    April 29, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

    The house has a beautiful gallery with glass ceiling and an extension which was added in time for the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales- the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra and boasts a drawing room which has a stunning 10 tonne marble fireplace and the Owl Suite bedroom.

    The house even boasts a hydraulic lift which together with all the lighting powered by the hydro electric system installed all those years sgo

    The amount of rooms you can see in this house is quite amazing, well worth the £25 entrance fee, thank god for our NT membership.

    So not at all grim today apart from being rained on walking back to the van!

    After the house we stop off for some new supplies before heading to Alnwick for overnight stay.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
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    Cragside House, Morpeth pt 1

    April 29, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    Well yesterday was a complete washout, quite literally. It rained from first thing in the morning until late afternoon. So despite the location it's grim rating is 8.76 😊 But it didn't put the rowers off so at least we had something to watch. A quiet day was spent reading and using our tablets. Martin did manage a bike ride late afternoon for some fresh air. So no post or pictures.

    Today was another day, dry when we woke and for most of the morning. We are visiting Cragside House in Morpeth but on the way we stop off to visit The Angel Of The North statue. I've seen this many times on TV especially when watching 'Vera' but it is quite a sight up close, really huge, if you look at the picture you can just see Martin standing at the bottom.

    Onwards to Cragside, a National Trust property which is well recommended in the Northumbria countryside hidden in the trees high above the river that feeds the turbine engine which used to provide the house with electricity. This was the first 'smart house' back in the late 1800's.

     Three floors of rooms to look around plus gardens and a 6 mile carriage drive through the woodland. We didn't do that as the van was too big. We walked through the rockery garden to get to the house. It is beautifully decorated and I especially liked the use of tiles on the walls in the corridors, very practical if you think about it, hard wearing and easy to wipe down, plus little fingers can't piggle them off.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyIs it really 'Grim up North?'Traveler
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    Durham Cathedral

    April 27, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    After a good but slow trip up yesterday due to roadworks we arrive safely at Durham Rowing Club. We have a spot right alongside the river.
    We woke to a flurry of activity at the club with boats of all sizes being lowered in to the water.
    After breakfast we walked into town centre along the river. We visited the two markets both inside and outside and bought a slab of Lemon Cake for later.
    We then headed up to the cathedral, wow it's another huge beautiful building that keeps you wondering how they managed to build such magnificent buildings all those years ago.
    Durham is a really nice interesting city dominated by a University presence contributing to a vibrant centre with bars and restaurants and many independent shops, we like it very much. So..... grim rating of zero!
    After the obligatory tea/coffee and cake we head back to the van to watch the Baggies on the TV, Now we are really talking grim!!! shame it wasn't the result we wanted. Never mind the bars open in the van and the sun's shining.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCarcassonne, here we come.Traveler

    Homeward Bound

    October 9, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Waking again to another beautiful day and finding an interloper in the apartment in the form of a huge grasshopper, we set about pack up our belongings and head to the hotel Martin has found for us to store our luggage before departing for the airport, can't leave it at the apartment as new guests are arriving.

    We wander down by the river but not much to see here so back to the Bastide, Martin loves saying that word, can't think why.

    We are surprised by how quiet it is and noticed quite a few shops are closed, then it dawns on us 'It's Monday ' not a lot happens in France on a Monday.

    We decide on lunch in The Plaza and sit down to eat and people watch before heading back to the hotel to pick up the bags. We ask the nice lady if she could phone for a taxi for us. In between our limited French and her slightly better English, followed by a couple of phone calls we find that taxis also do not seem to work on Monday's. Oh no what to do now, Martin is also having no luck with Uber. There is a shuttle bus from the airport to Carcassonne so we ask her about that. She kindly looks it up on the computer and tells us its running and where to catch it, off we go to the bus stop.

    By the time the Bus/Coach arrives there are about 15 of us waiting to get on, most seats are already taken and by the time we make the last pickup at the Medieval Town, no seats and people standing all along the gangway, surely not safe but hey ho the only way to get to the airport, thankfully its not far. Plane is on time and after queuing for security and passport control its straight onto the plane and homeward bound,

    Good journey back to end a great few days away,. Great place and would highly recommend Carcassonne for a short break. Thanks for the great company Fiona and Mark, now to plan the next one.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCarcassonne, here we come.Traveler

    Lac de la Cavayere

    October 8, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    After a lazy morning catching up on emails and FB we headed out to The Plaza Carnot for lunch, very civilised sitting outside to eat in the sunshine in October.

    We then colllected our towels and swimming costumes, ordered a taxi and head out to Lac de la Cavayere just a few kilometres away. The taxi driver was hilarious, he spoke quite good English and was telling us how he loved Princess Diana but not so much King Charles and his was dishing the dirt on President Macron. He also agreed the French can't, make beer 'it's piss' his words not ours.

    Lac de la Cavayère is an artificial lake close to the mediaeval town of Carcassonne. also known as Carcassonne Plage, and was created by the building of a 23 metre high dam in 1988 after severe forest fires affected the area in 1985.

    We walk down to the sandy beach and have a paddle, nowhere to change so no chance of a swim. We then take a walk around the lake watching people on the zip wires and climbing ropes high above us. We also saw a red Dragonfly, never seen one of those before

    It's a lovely place with quite few people but nowhere to get a drink or ice cream so we head home using the same taxi driver.

    Tonight Fiona and Mart walked up to the bridge to take some pictures of the Medieval City all lit up.    Read more

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