Castles and Wee Scotland

Ian and I dusted off our brooms and headed to Alnwick Castle. It was so interesting hearing about the defence of the castle in those times, death pits and dungeons people were dropped into never to be seen again! You have to wonder why would you attack a castle in the first place!!! There was also the ghostly presence of Harry and his co-horts zooming around the keep. A chattering group of children dressed for the same sporting brooms and swords added to the magic of the day. There was this amazing tree house on the grounds where a young couple were having their wedding reception at later in the day. WoW!

Scotland was our next destination and the open hills and hospitality made us feel instantly welcome. Our B&B first night was Alden Guest House in Callander, the exterior being the film location for a doctor series in the 60's apparently. I am loving the B&B experience, every night is a new location and new best friends!!! The seafood and local fare has been amazing, like the sea scollops cooked in butter and garlic and served with salad and dressing that we ate on the pier at Oban with the cry of the seagulls all around and fishing boats bobbing about in harbour. The tides here are ferocious and rush in and out of the river.

To York and Beyond

On the road again and into the ancient Roman city of York. We stayed overnight so we could stroll through the streets and visit York Minster (a huge cathedral like church in the heart of the town). It was worth the effort, really beautiful to see.

Then we headed north to the Northumberland coast and castles, castles everywhere. The daffodils are everywhere and yellow daisies through the grass in the woodlands, magic. We stopped in Alnwick where Harry Potter's castle is located. Will see that today. Beautiful blue skys today and gentle breezes with a balmy 16 degrees outside!!! Almost like home!

Had lunch in a really ye olde English cafe in Newark, Notts called 'Charles 1 Coffee House'. Apparently, a painting on the wall keeps reappearing when painted over and the place is said to be haunted.

Here we are in Rochedale outside Manchester catching up with my midlands relies Penny and James. Weather has turned cold (what a surprise) ! We are now sporting windsheeters. Mine is bright pink so Ian doesn't accidentally loose me! It is such a good look.

Travelling north

Tuesday we escaped from London and headed north to the East Anglian coast and the Norfolk broads. We followed the coast driving from Cromer through little fishing villages and impossibly narrow roads where the buildings lean in on each other. Every tiny town boasts a magnificent church in its centre that date back to 15th century when the area was prosperous and communities invested in grand structures.

The B&B at Wells-Next-the-Sea was cosy and Basil....er Michael and his wife cooked a great breakfast.

Here we are back in the old country! It is 4 in the morning and I am taking advantage of the internet connection at our hotel here in Kensington...

Weather is similar to our winter although 6 degrees upon arrival was a little fresh. Yesterday we kept ourselves awake by hopping on an open-topped bus (as you do) and saw a compressed view of the highlights of London's architecture and famous sites. The beauty of the buildings is breathtaking and magnificent, far more impressive to me now that I remember in the 70's! Carnaby Street and shopping was the appeal in those days.

We ended up in Hyde Park and ambitiously decided to walk back to our hotel, which turned out to be a 5 km walk that ensured a good night's sleep without even waiting for dinner!! London is crowded with tourist (pot? kettle?) with a bit of 'spot the pom' but everyone is friendly and helpful. However, we are keen to collect our car and head to the countryside tomorrow. Perhaps a cruise on the Thames today and Ian would like to see Kew Gardens.

3 days and counting.....! Packing and unpacking bags, keep changing me mind on what to take!

Ian will be getting involved any day now...perhaps. Ben will get off the couch and start his packing soon too; he leaves for Melbourne to hang out with brother Josh Friday; plenty of time...#*

4 weeks and counting.......

going to miss little Archie and big Ben

while we are away.