Time to go home

By 0900 we were up, dressed, packed and had breakfast and left the Premier Inn in Cockermouth and headed off for our 5-6 hour drive home. This Premier Inn was pretty good and would stay again and a lot cheaper than other much vaunted Lake District Hotels.

Jennifer took the first stint of about three hours and we stopped for a break at services on the M6 Toll road and took advantage of a Costa Coffee ham and cheese toastie before heading back south again. The traffic so far had not been to bad but we were aware that earlier in the day the M40 had been closed but now by the time we reached the South of Birmingham its was cleared and so a straightforward run home with the M25 busy as usual.

So, Thoughts on our trip, Would have been a lot better had both of us of not been under the weather although Jen is much better as I still have a cold which wont seem to go. The scenic views are something else and I am most impressed with what I saw but as usual there are to many people and cars to make it really great. Yes I would certainly like to return and try out the famous Carlisle to Settle train journey which we had booked already for the 15th October but for reasons explained earlier.. Hopefully next year we can do the same trip with better health and weather.

The not so nice part of the Lake District

It as rather misty in the morning and Noel felt a little better and so wee decided to g for a drive along the coast near Whitehaven (haven is not a good representation of where we went) Along the sea side road there were factories and all sorts of stuff including a New Balance Shoe Warehouse? . Many of the houses were extremely old and were in poor shape and some with obvious signs of serious damp. The Illegal Immigrants are treated better than this?? its a national disgrace  that this continues with the Labour bunch of loonies ( I cannot bring myself to call them a Government)casing absolute chaos to this country which many of us love dearly and our parent’s fought for.

For a light lunch we popped in to a large Tesco which had a café and so we both had a hot cheese and ham toastie in the most uninviting conditions, not surprising very few people were using it as at 1245 there was only six people there with chairs for about 40 . We took a slow drive back to the Hotel in the grey overcast weather but was surprised that so much money was being spent on the roads in the area, the A66 is almost up to French Road standards , unless it wa the French that were doing the work?

The rest of the afternoon we took it easy as Noel’s temperature had returned and late in the previous day when looking for our next stop we decided that with me being ten degrees under and the weather not as forecast that to spend another few nights in hotels was pointless and so we have decided to return home tomorrow. We enjoyed a quiet evening and the tv only had a few channels mostly about death and destruction on the road with Police chasing people and then an hour in A & E Department in Barnsley, what we did notice during this one hour program, not one non white patient or Doctor was visible which we thought rather strange as if you go to our local hospital its almost impossible to find a white person, Ah well .

Ando so to bed…

Tour of the lakes

The weather was not as promised and instead  of sunshine we got mist and cool weather of around 10 degrees centigrade however as we had planned to visit the lakes that is exactly what we will do. But first a visit to ALDI to purchase some water and some sandwiches and other bits and pieces to eat later.

Yesterday evening Jennifer had spent some time planning a route that she thought would be most interesting and it certainly was and en-route we visited the following lakes in the following order, Crummock Water, Buttermere Lake, up and over Honister Pass down in to Borrowdale and continued down to Derwent Lake and ending up in Keswick.   we stopped in Keswick for a coffee and it was quite crowded and surprised at the number of Burke’s on show. We walked around town for a short while but quite frankly with so many people there it was not the best and so back to the car. 

On the way back to the Hotel we then passed by Bassenthwaite Lake on the A66 and finally reached the hotel at about 1500 hrs. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and Noel sleeping as his cold appears to have returned and with a few Paracetamol and also some Loperamide for company the afternoon passed away quietly.

We did take a few photos en route and they will be added to the Smug Mug photo album later in the week.

Tomorrow hopefully the weather will be a bit better and we will then continue our exploration of this very attractive area of the UK

From Douglas IOM to Cockermouth- Cumbria

It was an early start to the day as the ferry is leaving at 1000 and you have to be there at least 1.5 hours in advance and so at 0650 we were up and having that required cup of tea and showering and getting ready for breakfast.

Breakfast was quick couple of slices of toast before settling the Hotel bill and then leaving at around 0755 for the 15-20 minute drive to the ferry port. Well we got there really early and were the first car plus there was a couple of vans and |I hoped, in vain, that first on meant first off, but No.  We had to go through security check including opening the front bonnet and asked a few questions about did we have guns, nuclear weapon or any hostages to which we said Of course not.   We then hung around for about 80 minutes as the number of cars increased and eventually we were allowed to board the catamaran which is the quicker of the two ways to UK for the IOM.

So by arriving first we were put at the top end of the boat which means we were to be the last off. The vessel was quite busy with lots of walk on passengers with lots of young ladies no doubt going to Liverpool for the famed nightlife, but we could be wrong but the vessels was quite busy and rather noisily and so any ideas of additional sleep fell by the wayside. We arrived in Liverpool at 1225 and although we were the last to leave it only took less than ten minutes so no complaints.

We hit the road going North to Cockermouth where we have booked to stay in Premier Inn for three nights whilst exploring the lakes. The journey was very nice indeed with lots of hills and the sun was mostly shining and we passed by a couple of smaller lakes and eventually arrived at the Hotel and checked in.

As we had both been on a diet for the last few days we decided that read meat would be good and we located Blocks Steakhouse in the town ad we both had the Sirloin and agreed it was excellent and so a good place to know.

The back to Hotel to plan out next few days travel before moving to Settle where we travel on the famous Carlisle to Settle train said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys .

And so to bed

A walk around Douglas IOM

The weather is not so great today and mostly overcast and so we had a slow morning. Following breakfast Noel charged the car and then Jennifer went for a swim in the large pool which she enjoyed very much.

As previously mentioned the author of this BLOG has not been to well over last few days what with a cold, knee hurting and some general problems in the colon area which has made life a bit difficult over the last few days. LARS is a problem that I have to live with and sometime in a week its fine and then at other times its not good at all. So Noel took a rest in the room whilst Jennifer  went for her swim.

By about 13.30 we were both getting a little hungry and Noel was not looking for a big meal just something that would not cause a problem like a baked potato and so shortly afterwards e headed offr the the main town of IOM called Douglas. In the summer and warmth it would be nice but in a grey day at 14 degrees and with a wind bowing it was not the best.

Parking in Douglas was a little difficult in the main town as there is a DISC requirement which we did not know about but eventually we found some seafront roadside parking which was free for up to 16 hours but the only problems was it was over a mile outside of the main town. So we unpacked Noel’s scooter and headed of in to town and looking for a café where we  could get something to eat, not to much but just something to tied us over. We came across a cafe which did jacket potatoes and we dived in and together with a cup of tea it filled the space.

Afterwards we walked in to town which we thought looked a bit shabby and  clearly with lots of immigrants, most of the serving staff in the Hotel appear to be from the Philippines . By this time were both feeling a little cold and with concern it could rain and we were well away from the car and so we headed back and loaded the scooter in the car and then drove back to the Hotel for a nice warm room and a cuppa.

The plan is to have a nice quiet even9ng in the room and we need an early start as our ferry leaves at 10.00 and we need to be there about 90 minutes before and so it will be get up at 0700, pack and load the car, followed by a quick breakfast and then down to the ferry port.

The ferry will take us to Liverpool and its a catamaran and so will only take two hours rather than the four hours on the regular ferry even for a shorter journey. Once we get off the ferry In Liverpool we are heading to the Lake District and starting of in a place called Cockermouth. See you to tomorrow

Time to do the North part of the Island

We enjoyed a quiet morning and also discovered the the Hotel had a charging point for EV and so we could charge the car from about 0945 for a few hours. Sitting in the lobby we looked at maps and talked about the next stage  of our travels and we wish to see as much of the Lake District that time will allow and also Noel fancies going on the Settle to  Carlisle railway ad so we need to have a hotel either near Carlisle of Settle , but we went for settle. So then we needed a Hotel for three nights after we get off the ferry at Liverpool at Saturday lunchtime and many hotel were asking outrageous prices and the we came across Premier Inn who were offering a sensible price in a place called Cockermouth and so we have booked three nights there from where we can explore as much of the Lake District as we can.

We have also booked the train from Settle to Carlisle and back for next Wednesday and so will be looking for a suitable Hotel near or at Settle. From there we hope to explore some of the Yorkshire Dales.

So that's what we have arranged for the next few days and then this afternoon e left about 2.30 and did a trip of around 40 miles from the middle and over the top of the island, the weather is a bit grey today but still it was worth it although for photos not so clear.

We arrived back at the Hotel at 17.00 and had a rest and discussed whether we should go to the restaurant or finish of the very nice prawns leftover from yesterday and also excellent baps.  In the end we decided to have the prawns and baps and all being well try the restaurant again tomorrow

A drive around the Southern part of the Island

 

Well it looks like a nice day with a little bit of sun shining thro the clouds except the author of this blog was feeling to good with perhaps and cold and also problems down below resulting in a horrible nights sleep, not the first time this has happened and probably wont be the the last.

So Noel decided he would have the morning in bed after a two slice of toast breakfast and ignoring all the other goodies and he was able to catch up on the  blogs and also start to consider where we go next after landing at Liverpool Docks in two day time. Well after a long rest and I think the lady wife was also have some issues and maybe its something that both of us have eaten in the last few days which caused the problems for us both.

We left the Hotel around 14.00 and headed south along the coast stopping to take photos and also driving thro the small villages and enjoying the drive. We eventually took a route over the centre of the island and went up some pretty steep hills which gave us some nice views . The traffic was very light and you can tell that most of the action is around Douglas the main city which was quite busy. On the way back to the Hotel we stopped to pick up some rations for the next couple of days as our first nights experience in the restaurant was not the best.

In the evening we jointly spent some watching You Tube stuff at the TV is of the older type with no additional HDMI sockets which would not allow us to watch our own programs, ah well let hope the next one will have the right type of TV.

Noel was not up to going to the restaurant tonight and so earlier we had purchased some prawns and baps which we enjoyed.

Finally at just before ten o'clock we called it a day and went to bed hoping for a better health day

Time to move on to the Isle of Man

Following an early breakfast we headed back in to town to purchase some sandwiches from Booths and the on to locater the house where Jennifer ise to live many years ago. But all changes with time as the house which previously sat by itself on the road surrounded by farmland an fields is no part of Garstang. The house is now called Richmond Hill, it would appear and has been completely rebuilt so unable to recognise from the time it was built some time in 1954.

From here we took a slow route to Heysham and in fact diverted to Morecambe where Jennifer's gran used to live although we did not look for her house. WE sat on the sea front for a while and then at about midday headed off to Heysham docks where we are joining the car and truck together passenger ferry to Douglas Isle of Man.

We had to wait around for about an hour before we could drive on board and I must say how large this vessel is and it takes about 1000 cars and 700 truck trailers plus all the passengers so its pretty big. We went to the lounge and had a relaxing seat overlooking the sea and it took just about four hours until we arrived in the Port of Douglas where it was raining.

As we arrived at around 5pm and with about 1000 cars of so getting off the ferry the local streets were blocked with cars and in the small streets it was quite chaotic.

Finally we left the town and headed off to our Hotel with is on a golf course and of course it had a large car park and nice views, even though it was raining.

We checked in at about 6.15 and then sorted a few things out and went for dinner and of course Noels list of what he can and cannot eat caused a major discussion with the kitchen and waiting staff and so I went and joined in and we agreed they would do sea bream in paupiette style ( in paper) and then some green beans and fries which they even forgot until I gave them a gentle reminder. Jennifer had the lamb which she said was good and overall it was OK although has been suffering tummy problems for the last couple of days and being careful was most important.

We returned to room and relaxed for a while and we were both in bed by ten pm as we seem to be affected by a bug which is not making life easy.

And so to bed

A day trip around Garstang.

Following breakfast we went off to visit the local town which Jennifer spent so many years of her early life here. Boy this place is buzzing with activity and the car park was quite large and very full and it was a Monday when you would assume it would be on the quiet side.

We initially visited the large local supermarket called Booths which was a bit like a mixture of M& S and Waitrose and so quite upmarket. There was a café upstairs where went for a sit down and to let the rain stop and this was also very busy and obviously a locals meeting place.

We didn't see one empty shop and in fact there was wide choice of local shops and in the old town hall and four stall market. However by the amount of shops catering to dogs, cats and wildlife there is a lot of people who have dogs. From here we also started to look for a place to charge the car, the first place we went to in town it was the wrong sort of connector and when chatting to a local he was complaining about the cost of about 80 pence per Kwh which is about tent times more than you would pay if charging at home.  From there we discovered that at a local BP garage they did charging but again this was the wrong type of connector.

As a last chance we located a place next to a pub out in the countryside which we thought would make a nice combination for charging the car and eating our sandwiches at the same time charge the car. However this was the correct socket and so we could start.

I waived my Electroplus card at the right place and it said it was not acceptable, I then waived a different card and again no good and so finally I  had to download a new app called ZEST and finally was able to get it going but then discovered that you started the charge with an app and to cancel you had to use the app and it was now I noticed by phone battery was at 9 % and so if the battery ran out I would be unable to disconnect the car from the charging unit, I guessed and so then charged it for half an hour and then disconnected. O! the fund of understanding how electric cars work. I don't have this problem at home.

From here we headed back to the Hotel where we had a quiet evening after a light dinner, we had starters only and then when in the lounge to relax and catch up with the latest news.

Hotel review, The location was fine and the Hotel not really expensive and the food up to pub standards and so overall quite good.

Next stop Garstang Lancashire

Following our usual breakfast we arranged for the staff to bring our suitcases downstairs as no way could Noel carry his down the Victorian stairs with a low handrail  which the Hotel organised without an issue.

A quick review of the Hotel as follows. The location is great and the service and food and staff were excellent but the place needs an upgrade. 

WE set the car sat/Nav to avoid motorways and so we hoped to enjoy the country roads all the way but the Lexus Sat Nav had other ideas and took us on small roads most of the way, normally ok ,

but we were not sure where we were until we arrived at the Tunnel which goes under the Mersey River and as we exited the tunnel the was the ROYAL LIVER Building 

 ( here once my ex company had their office) and we were stuck in a jam for a while. Then on leaving Liverpool via Everton we also got delayed by the football crowds on their way to see Everton play their game against Crystal Palace, Bah Humbug.

Overall it was a nice journey and taken without rushing and keeping well within speed limits and avoid all the 20 mph areas which are creeping up in towns all over the country. Soon it will be quicker to use a horse and cart

We stopped at a LIDL store for some lunch time sandwiches and a toilet stop and eventually arrived at the Garstang Hotel and Golf Club and checked in. The car park was not that full so it will interesting to see how many people are in for dinner.

We checked in and it as strange as the main reception as closed and the bar staff were handling all the arrivals but we went to our room which was fine if not a bit dak as had small windows, but Ok for two nights. Dinner was at 6pm and there were perhaps 5 other couples in the restaurant and the food was hat you might call Pub food and also very good. After dinner we moved to the empty lounge and had it all to ourselves until we returned to our room at around 10 pm. Tomorrow we plan to visit Garstang and see the sites, that is if there are any.

 

A slow day in the rain

Overnight the storm increased in strength and the rain pounded against the windows of the room and in the morning ng the views were interrupted by mist and rain, and all of this we did expect.

We had our breakfast, the Hotel upon you sitting down for breakfast brin g a big tray with orange juice, croissants, fruit and Jam and tea and then you order your hot breakfast and all quite efficient really. After breakfast we sat in the lounge and watched the wind howling past the window and the rain teeming down and late morning it was so strong I moved the car to avoid any trees falling on it but it as covered in leaves when I go to it which slowly blew away.  There were some large branches from the trees falling down and so we did not want a damaged car hence the moving of same.

About mid afternoon we retuned to the room and Jennifer discovered that her side of the bed was saturated and you could see where it had come thro the roof and so we had to call housekeeping and get them to change not only the duvet and sheets but also the mattress was also soaked. We can only presume the the wind had pushed the rain thro any open space on the roof and forced it down as there was an obvious wet mark on the ceiling and so we hoped it would not do that again whilst sleeping.

We had some wine left over from the previous two nights and we had a glass each in the room before going to the restaurant for dinner.  Noel ordered the Salmon and the waiter said the kitchen knew about his dietary requirements and then delivered the salmon as per the menu and not naked as instructed but they quickly recovered the situation and brought a new piece of grilled salmon with fries and broccoli which was fine. Jennifer had the Venison which she said was very good and for the first time we omitted a starter course and went for desert.

What with the wind the lounge was little cool and so we elected to go back to the room and turn up the heating and Jennifer read and Noel watched some you tube on Chelsea vs Liverpool game which they one 2-1, bit of a miracle really but good news all the same.

Tomorrow we move on the Garstang for two nights so as to be nearer to the ferry for Isle Of Man which we are going to on Tuesday .

And so to bed

Its not raining here also!!

Well the  storm Amy has arrived in Lake Vyrnwy and with strong winds it is not a nice day to go out and so we spent the day just relaxing and catching up with people and writing blogs. we met a couple from New Zealand South Island and we talk about the places we had visited, they were on a month long trip to Uk and were having a good time.

Noel caught up with hi blogging which he always does when travelling and started to look at the Lake Vyrnwy Dam which has an interesting past. Please see following link

Lake Vyrnry History

In the afternoon the rain and wind got stronger and so enjoyed a cup of tea in the lounge whilst watching people arriving at the hotel in the pouring rain although that could be us when we leave here on Sunday. In the evening we went for a pre dinner drink in the bar and then to have dinner. Noel had the lamb with chips and broccoli  whilst Jennifer had the Tortellini although she said it lacked a better sauce but otherwise was fine. Following dinner we sat in the lounge and looked at the latest news and shocked at the Manchester attack but also a bit pleased to see that Trumps plan for Israel and Gaza, now accepted by Israel may now be acceptable to Gaza, lets hope it all works out.

Noel also watched some You Tube videos of the practise for the Singapore Formula 1 race which will take place as we are travelling to Garstang which is the town where Jennifer spent her childhood and so we may try to find the house in which she lived.

The plan to take photos of our travels with all this rain may not work out for current days but lets see what tomorrow is like.

Leaving today for a few days break

An early start as the engineer from the water softener company is due at 08.30, he cud not make it the previous day which was the planned date, and then by around 10.30 we were pretty much ready with the car packed and we took a quick break before heading off to Lake Vyrnry.

A good friend of ours had been quite ill in hospital recently and had just been released and so a visit to see him took place at his home in Virginia waters for about an hour along with some other colleagues before we headed north on the four hour journey to our destination. The traffic was not to bad and we stopped in a service area just south of Birmingham before going round the east of the city and then joining the M54 to Telford before branching off the main roads to more country lanes before finally reaching our destination at around 5.30 pm. 

The room overlooked the Lake and its a really nice view to have when you get up in the morning.

Dinner is served from 6pm and we targeted 6.45 and I pointed out my allergies but somehow they did not pass on and so I had to send my main course back to the kitchen for them to start again. In my view,  others may disagree, the menu should show exactly what they plan to serve on the plate and although i told them about onions and garlic they also served three other items which I cannot eat, they were most apologetic and changed the plate but requested I give full written instructions which can be passed on the chef and his staff which I ill do tomorrow.

Following dinner e moved in to the lounge for a brief time before deciding that were are both very tired and so went up to bed at around 9.30 pm. And so to bed

 

NOte. My notebook comuter is playing up and the letter W will not always work which is a bit irritating.