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Lou and Col
Lou and Col

Lou and Col

traveled in 8 countries Read more
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  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Lakes

    June 13, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Today we thought we would get up early and drive up to Lake Windemere. Of course we didn't get going until after 12 as usual. Travelling is so tiring.
    Windemere is very pretty but is hard to get close to as it is surrounded by private reserves and hotels on the shores. The public access areas are crowded with tourists, even midweek. We stopped off at Ambleside at the end of the lake for a bite to eat and a quick look around. We then drove on to Conniston Waters and down to the coast at Broughton in Furness before heading home. We found the lakes a bit touristy for our liking and were glad to get back to the peace of the farmstay.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Chooks at Farmstay
    Drive out of farmstayRailway bridge Yorkshire Dales

    Yorkshire Dales

    June 12, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    Today we ventured into the Yorkshire Dales. We tried our usual trick of going the back roads only to be blocked by a closed bridge so we had to backtrack to Kirkby Lonsdale and go the normal way. It was a great drive to the town of Dent and the Dent Valley. Great scenery and a wonderful drive. Returned by a different route and saw a steam tourist train crossing a viaduct on the way then the same train on another viaduct 15 minutes later.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Cumbria Farmstay

    June 11, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    For our first day we had a good sleep in before driving over to catch up with Raelene and Geoff. They are staying at Geoff's brother Mikes place about 6 miles from us. They took us for a walk to the little church where they were married passing wildflowers, fields, cows, sheep, bumble bees and some very fruity aromas as we went. It was delightful and just fantastic to see St Thomas's. The area and little hamlet where they are is quite idyllic though freezing in the winter I'm told. In the afternoon we went shopping in Kirkby Lonsdale to get some food in. Again a very pretty village with a market square and a lovely river coursing through under perfect stone bridges. After a rest we travelled back to Mike's place for dinner with a few of their friends. We were spoiled with a beautiful meal and interesting conversations. A good night was had by all. The drive home along the lanes in the dark was fun!Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Drive to the Lakes

    June 10, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Had a leisurely start as checkout was not until 11. Packed the car to leave then found that some idiot had scraped the back of our car in the carpark. Another insurance claim!
    Drove via a town called Holt as we had seen a place to stay there which we may use on the way back. Nice enough town but not that exciting.
    Drive was mostly on the M6 so was not that much fun. Finally arrived at the farmstay about 4:30. Nice cottage a mile or so up a lane off the main road. The owner Neil seems a good sort who likes a chat.
    After a short rest we drove back up the road to the Plough Inn where we had a very good dinner.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Wilfred Owen Memorial

    A Day in Shrewsbury

    June 9, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    For our day in Shrewsbury we just about walked our legs off. Shrewsbury is quite compact but there is a lot to see. We started by crossing the English Bridge to look at the Abbey. We were not able to get inside as there was a funeral service being held. We did find in the gounds behind, a memorial to Wilfred Owen, who was a WW1 soldier and poet who lived in Shrewsbury and was tragically killed just a few days before the end of the war. His memorial is etched with his prophetic words " I am the enemy you killed, my friend" Across the road was an artist studio that was open so we called in there for a look. A French woman we met there had been commissioned to replace all the stained glass in a nearby church so we had a good chat about this and other projects. We then walked on and around the river (Severn) to the Dingle which is a lovely park that sits in the bend of the river as it goes around the town. Saw the rowing club and lots of walkers and families enjoying the lovely expansive lawns and trees. Back into the town found us lunch at a nice cafe run by volunteers supporting victims of domestic violence. Actually, we've seen lots of similar groups for all sorts of causes usually through their respective church organisations. Volunteering is alive and well in the UK. Another late twilight had us eating about 8.30-9pmRead more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Shrewsbury, Dickens, and Darwin

    June 8, 2018 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today we moved on from Ludlow and parted company with Pat. After our usual breakfast of local eggs (this time Welsh from a road side stall) we packed our bags and headed to Shrewsbury. Here we dropped Pat at the train station for his trip back to London. We then drove just down the road to the Lion Hotel where we have booked in for two nights. It was too early to book in so we walked back to the station to say a final goodbye to Pat. As we walked back we saw a statue of Charles Darwin. On investigation, we discovered that the building behind was the school he went to (now a library) so we went inside and had a good look. Amazingly, there were scratched names and dates of former pupils all over wooden cladding and both upper floor rooms retain original features though now being used as library study areas. Further up the road was St Mary's Cathedral which is the oldest church in Shrewsbury dating from the 11th century. Shrewsbury was one of the few medieval towns not to be impacted by the industrial revolution so it's original layout and many buildings are still intact. There are funny little alleyways and cobbled streets and ancient wooden framed buildings everywhere, each with its own distinctive features. Remarkably and wonderfully most are still in use for contemporary purposes and you can often venture in and wander upstairs for a meal or a geek. Great fun!
    The Lion Hotel turned out to be where Charles Darwin stayed before he left to join the Beagle for his world voyage. It is also where Charles Dickens wrote The Pickwick Papers. So we are staying in the middle of history.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Inside the cottage

    Last day in Ludlow

    June 7, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Our main aim today was to have lunch at the Green Cafe down on the river under Ludlow Castle. This we achieved in some style with a delightful meal. The day came over a bit cool in the afternoon after a sunny morning. Spent the afternoon organising ourselves for the next part of our trip. Pat leaves us tomorrow for London and we are moving on to Shrewsbury for 2 nights them a farm stay in the Lakes District for 4 nights. Bought some fish for tea so a nice home cooked meal and an early night are in order.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    A day at the beach

    June 6, 2018 in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Today dawned fine and sunny so we headed of for a day at the beach at Aberystwyth in Wales. This is about a 70 mile drive so we packed our picnic lunch and hit the road. The route is mostly on minor roads and is a nice drive through the Wye Valley The country side and towns change as you drive into Wales (also the signs which are Welsh and English). After a two hour drive we arrived in Aberystwyth. It is a very pleasant seaside town in the old style. The beaches are a mixture of round stones and coarse sand. We had a good walk around the promenade and town and then headed home. We took a different route back to see some more countryside. It was a good choice. We started by heading to a place called Devils Bridge Falls. This is a chasm with waterfall. It was a bit late in the day to walk down into the chasm so we just looked from the bridge. The route from there took us through the Elan Valley. As we progressed the trees disappeared and we were presented with a wild green landscape dotted with sheep grazing on the open range. The road got narrower until it was only one car width and the scenery got more and more spectacular. Quite a drive. It took a good hour to drive the 20 miles or so of the valley.
    From there we carried on to the market town of Prestiegne where we stopped for a break. From there it was a 45 minute drive home.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Ludlow Day 4

    June 5, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    We started today by going into town to have a look at Ludlow Castle. On the way we called in to Dinham House which is next to the castle walls. This 18th century house is being used as a shopfront for slow combustion heaters, but has been set up like a museum so people can wander anywhere within the house. We had a good look around even into the basements.
    The Castle was well worth a look. Even though it is a ruin, there is enough left to give a good feeling of how it would have been when in use. The views from the towers over Ludlow and the countryside were impressive. We followed up with a visit to the Green Cafe on the edge of the Teme where a lemon scone with lemon curd and clotted cream was enjoyed. Yum!! We vowed to come back for lunch later in the week.
    Later in the afternoon we went for a short drive to see the towns and countryside to the west of Ludlow. First stop was Bishop's Castle which is another nice market town. We then drove on to Clun where we walked up the hill to the remains of Clun Castle. Not much left of the castle but great views over the town and cows in the fields around.
    On the way home we found a nice pub (Hundred House) where we stopped for a good dinner.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Ludlow Day 3

    June 4, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Today we got the car out again and went to explore the Shropshire country side. First stop was Bridgnorth where we walked the town centre, looked through the old Town Hall and rode the funicular railway. The railway connects the upper and lower parts of the town and is the steepest rail in Britain.
    Next we drove over to Ironbridge which has the first iron bridge built in the world. It is currently undergoing restoration and covered in a big plastic sheet. However they have provided a viewing platform to see the restoration works which gave a great insight into the construction of the bridge.
    After a late lunch in Ironbridge we moved on to Much Wenlock then home via Church Stretton.
    A good day out all round.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Ludlow Day 2

    June 3, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Started today with a nice feed of Shropshire bacon and eggs all round.
    Walked up into town to the antiques market being held in the main square. Had a look around the cathedral in the centre of town. Stopped at the Green Cafe down by the river, it looked good so vowed to come back for a bite to eat.
    Took the scenic route back along the other side of the Teme River and stopped off at the Charlton Arms for a beer.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Ludlow

    June 2, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    On our first morning we found it difficult to get out of our very comfortable beds. Eventually we got up and made ourselves some lovely breakfast. The markets are in in town on Saturday so we walked up and got some supplies for the next day or so. Very buzzy in town with lots of people out shopping and sightseeing. The town centre has a great feeling about it with the old buildings leaning over the footpaths.
    Kept the day pretty quiet to build up some energy for the next 6 days. Cooked up a local chicken roast for tea which we all enjoyed.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    View from cottage
    Vineyard cottageEntry to cottageLower Broad StreetWheatsheaf InnTeme river after heavy rains night before

    Ludlow here we come

    June 1, 2018 in England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today is our drive to Ludlow where we have a cottage booked for a week. We are looking forward to spending some time in one place and having a relaxing time. Sue drove us to the car rental yard close by. This was the first time we had hired from Enterprise Car Rental, and we were pleasantly surprised by the service and pick up process. They gave us a Nissan Qashqai (with satnav) which was better than the car I was expecting. We drove back to the house to pick up Pat and the bags then took off to Ludlow. The drive was about 5 hours mainky because the M25 was like a carpark for much of the first part of the drive. Once we got onto the more minor roads all went well.
    Vineyard cottage in Ludlow is more than we ever expected. It is down a little lane on the edge of town and is beautifully presented. We would like to stay here for the rest of our time in the UK.
    After unpacking we walked into town to get some food for brekky tomorrow then to the Wheatsheaf Inn next door for a lovely English dinner. The Inn was full of locals with broad country accents which added to the charm.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    New Malden

    May 31, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We woke quite refreshed from a good nights sleep went off with Sue visit Kew Gardens. Sue is a volunteer at the gardens so was keen to show us around.
    The gardens are quite something. One could spend a whole day there wandering around. The highlights are the herbaceous border and the recently restored Victorian glasshouses.
    Had a quiet afternnoon then went with our hosts to the White Swan Inn in Kingston for dinner. Nearby, we learned about Richmond Palace which was the scene of many intriques during the Tudor period. Queen Elizabeth 1 died there but unfortunately all that remains is the gatehouse and stables area. It is easy to imagine how it must have been though as it is right on the Thames and close by is Richmond Park which is a huge area now open to the public and still containing deer originally used for hunting. They say that the current herd is most likely related to the original stocks from centuries ago.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    On the train
    1Also on the train

    Fast Trains to the UK

    May 30, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌫 15 °C

    We ordered a taxi to drive us to the French town of Hendaye for our train trip. Boarded the TGV and set off exactly on time. Very few on board but it's filling up tout suite!! Its a double storey train and has no stops after Bordeaux. We read the food on board is bad so we attempted to bring some fruit etc. The train travels at over 300kph so the scenery flashes by. Very smooth ride. Surprisingly, we got onto the train and found our seats ourselves and went all the way to Paris with no one checking our tickets!
    On arrival in Paris we had to catch the metro over to Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar to London. Unfortunately the train went straight past the station we wanted and stopped at the next one. Gare du Nord underground was closed for renovation. We had to walk back about half a km to the main train station. By the time we got there and went through check in and immigation for the UK, we we called to board and were off again. Eurostar also zoomed along at over 300 kph and went through the channel tunnel.
    Arrived in London St Pancras International about 5:40 then had to get 3 more local trains to get to New Malden where we were staying with friends of Pat (Gary & Sue). Our hosts picked us up from the station then plied us with drinks and food before sending us off to bed for a well earned sleep.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Hotel Palacete

    Hondarribia

    May 29, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Had a quiet day in Hondarribia. The rain has eased up but it is still cool. Pat and Col went for a walk while Lou had a sleep in. The walled town where we are staying is very picturesque. It is a quiet and sleepy little place, ideal for a rest before the train trip tomorrow. Again, Hondarriba is situated on an inlet, however the other side is the French town of Hendaye from where we'll catch the train to Paris and connect to London.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Donkey over the road
    Misty morningBags waiting for the bus1Still waiting for the busView from old town Hondarribia over to France

    Bus to Hondarribia

    May 28, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    A nice sleep in then checked out of the hotel. Caught the bus into the town then the bus to Hondarribia. Misty rain all day and not that pleasant. Hotel Palacete was only a short walk from the bus stop and is in the old walled town. Hotel is in the style of an old palace but is just 50 years old. The first appearance of the old town is very nice despite the weather. We all had a crab scrambled egg for lunch at a pub around the corner. Found some dinner a bit later in town then off to bed.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Procession blocking bus
    PasaiaSailing ship HermioneBand in San SebastianDancers and singers in squareLou, Pat, & Evie

    San Sebastian Day 4 Trip to Pasaia

    May 27, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    With no car now, we decided to take a day trip to Pasaia in the bus. This is another little inlet hamlet about 6 kilometres from SS. The day started a bit drizzly and stayed much the same all day. As we got to Pasaia we were stopped by a local street parade. Had a great view of it all from the back of the bus. When we got off the bus there were crowds of people being a Sunday. We were surprised to find a three masted sailing ship in the harbour. The Hermione is an exact replica ship and was quite spectacular. The queue to get the bum boat to the other side of the harbour was too long so we walked up to the harbour mouth then back for a bite at a little restaurant. The little village across the inlet is just perched on one road at the base of a hill. Victor Hugo was once a resident and there is a small museum to him there. It was quite entertaining watching the passing parade of Spanish day trippers many of whom take their dogs on or off their leads. In fact the Spanish seem to be great dog lovers and have them even despite the apartment living. Most of these dogs are small breeds but not all so it must get cosy at home. Anyway, it is great to see and testimony to the nice nature's of the Spanish in general.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    San Sebastian Day 3

    May 26, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Big storm overnight with lots of thunder and lightning (all very frightening!!) We started the day by taking the car back to Avis. Just before we left the hotel, a bus slipped off the wet roads just down the road and caused a big back up of traffic. It cleared quite quickly and we got going in the car. After dropping it off we walked the length of the promenade into the old town. The sun came out and Lou and I decided to walk up to the castle fort on the headland. Pat was not up to it and stayed in town for a bite to eat. It was quite a walk up to the top of the hill but worth it for the view. Caught up with Pat again at the bottom of the hill and went off for a pinxtos and beer lunch.
    That night we could not be bothered going back into town so we ordered in some Thai. Not bad.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    San Sebastian Day 2

    May 25, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Slow start again but finally headed off into the countryside in the car for some exploring. First visited a cider museum where we learnt all about the local cider history and industry. Moderately interesting; the best part was when they serve you a cider from the barrel. The lady explained that when the new cider is ready everybody gathers and the barrel spout is opened releasing a jet of cider into the recipients glass 6 feet across the room. Well Pat was the first recipient in our group and he did quite well catching the cider, except for the bit on his sleeve!!! We then tried some from another barrel and discussed the merits of each. Then we tried 3 more apple based apperitifs and by then I needed some breakfast....
    Then off to find a place recommended by the tourist office which was a greenway up along a valley. Again we managed with the help of poor instructions and misreading of maps to go in entirely the wrong direction. Two hours later we found the place and went for a nice walk along the river. Lovely scenery in which Pat managed to get into almost every photo. We also saw many wild strawberries again. They are unbelievably pretty and apparently quite common. Very new and delightful for us though.
    For dinner went down to an area closer to the hotel where we managed to find some pretty ordinary food but enjoyed our little walk around.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Getaria

    San Sebastian Day 1

    May 24, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    A bit slow getting going this morning, but after breakfast in the hotel we headed off in the car to explore the coast. Took the coastal route west from the hotel along a narrow and twisty road along the cliff tops. Very pretty and spectacular. Arrived in a little village called Getaria where we had lunch and a walk around town. After a drive back to the hotel and a rest, we caught the bus into town for a bite to eat. Tried to find a proper meal, but finally settled on pinxtos and a beer in the old quarter. Quite a buzzy atmosphere with all the people at the many bars. Bussed it home again about 9:30. San Sebastian is a large town which comprises a new and old part. It is built on two beautiful bays/beaches, La Concha being the main one. The bay is protected by a curving high headland and Santa Clara island in the entrance to the bay. There is an opposite headland below which the old town nestles very gracefully. The town is overlooked by a statue of the Sacred Heart and a fortified castle.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    At the hotel
    View up the road from hotelView from hotel

    Back to San Sebastian

    May 23, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Today we have our big drive up to San Sebastian to meet up with Pat. After a muesli breakfast in our room we checked out of the hotel and headed off in the car. After a couple of times around the block to even get out of the hotel precinct we found the motorway. Of course we then missed a turn off and found our selves on the wrong motorway. After a bit of arguing with Mrs Google Maps we finally got back on track and headed north. As for the trip down, the drive is quite magnificent. Great roads and superb scenery all the way. With the 120kph speed limit the kms flew past. We took a diversion about half way into a town called....where we found a cafe in the plaza.
    Arrived at the Hotel Leku Eder in the late arvo and checked in. It is a delightful place set high on a hill a couple of kms out of town and with great views. After a bit of a rest we set off to pick up Pat from the bus station. Got him back to the hotel then after a cup of tea and a chat we sent him off to bed. The stress of the last few days finally caught up with us and we collapsed into bed absolutely shattered. Zzzzzzzzzzz    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Madrid Bull Ring
    Spire outside hotelLou at restaurant

    Madrid and the Embassy day 2

    May 22, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We had to wait until 3pm to pick up our emergency passports so this meant staying another night in Madrid. Went to reception to extend the stay only to be told the price of the room had gone fron 79 Euro to 290 Euro for that night. After going back to reception they felt sorry of our situation and gave us the room for 169 euro.
    Decided to use the hop on off bus for the day and headed off downtown on it. Got off in the centro again and had a wander around then back up to the embassy to get the passports. Took the metro which we thought stopped close by. It was a bit further away than we thought and it was raining so had to taxi the last bit. Walked back the hotel then metro again back downtown. Took the tourist bus again but it got caught in traffic so got off and walked. Found dinner at a local restaurant that did local food. Filling but not that exciting. Back to the hotel for an early night before our next big drive. The main square in old Madrid was very beautiful, huge even by European standards and very buzzy. We found a market adjacent to the square which was more like freestanding food stalls. It was really fun and the food and drink was so different and tasty. We got a plate of padron peppers which are like tiny green capsicums lightly fried in garlic olive oil and sprinkled with rock salt. The coffees and cakes were lovely too!    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Food market in Madrid
    Inside the marketPinxtos (Padron peppers)

    Madrid and the Embassy

    May 21, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Up early to get to the embassy as early as possible. Nice walk of about 15 minutes up the road. Embassy is on 24th floor off an office tower. Security was extreme even to get into the lobby of the building. Had to wait a bit to see anyone (a nice scottish girl) only to be told we needed to get passport photos and the nearest place was back near the hotel. We were able to fill in all the forms before leaving and only had to drop the photos back later that day. Walked back and got the photos done then back to drop them off. Had a rest before heading off to have a look at Madrid centro. Worked out how to use the metro then off downtown. Madrid is an elegant city but lots of people out and about. Wandered the streets trying to find food that was not Tapas. Finally found a little place that did a reasonable meal then back to the hotel on the metro. Noticed that lots of people smoke in Spain; the cigarettes are very cheap.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Off to Bilbao and Madrid

    May 20, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    A nice day for a drive..
    First to Bilbao airport to change the car. About an hour to get there. Avis were very good and gave us another Merc the same as the one we had but brand new with only 9 km on the clock.
    We went into the airport to use the wifi to find accommodation in Madrid then hit the road. About 400 km to Madrid. About a 5 hour drive. Spectacular drive all the way on great roads and wonderful scenery.
    Got lost getting to hotel as usual but eventually made it. Nice room and bed. Walked down the road to find some dinner then off to bed in anticipation of our visit to the embassy in the morning.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Walk out to Oma Forest
    Wild strawberriesOn the walkPainted forestFarmhouse on the walk

    A good day out that went bad

    May 19, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    After a leisurely breakfast we went exploring. Our first stop was to the Oma forest where an artist has painted the trunks of trees in a grove.
    Parked in a carpark adjacent to a restaurant. Quite a crowd around being a Saturday and a wedding on at the restaurant. Walk to forest was about 6 km return and quite hilly but through beautiful country side. Could not have been too hard as the locals were taking their kids and dogs for the walk. Painted forest was nice but not over exciting. Back at the cafe feeling quite weary we had a coffee and snack.
    That was the end of the nice day out!!
    Returned the car to find a broken window and our gear with passports etc inside gone from the boot of the car.. We had been robbed. After much gnashing of teeth and a few bad words we returned to the farmstay to see what we had to do to sort things out. The owners were extremely sympathetic and helpful and even came with us to Gernica to report the incident to police. The police were also very helpful, and called Canberra for us to find out where we had to go to get emergency passports. Unfortunately it was Madrid.
    On return to the farmstay we went out to dinner with a group of 4 Aussies who were also staying. This was a nice distraction and we had the most delicious serve of Monkfish and some gorgeous Rioja wine.    Read more

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