1st May, 2019
A few of the images which have recently caught my eye. I feel satisfied that I am beginning to notice more around me nowadays and think how I could use what I see. For example, the backlit leaves were moving in the breeze. I wondered what it would be like to play around with long exposures, colour and black and white. It's amazing the variations possible just from one image.
A few of the images which have recently caught my eye. I feel satisfied that I am beginning to notice more around me nowadays and think how I could use what I see. For example, the backlit leaves were moving in the breeze. I wondered what it would be like to play around with long exposures, colour and black and white. It's amazing the variations possible just from one image.
2nd May, 2019
A trip to Malaga this morning, however slightly later than the time we usually aim for. Walking through the port area from the car park, the later time gave us a bonus. Sunlight creates an amazing wave of shadows on the pergola along the walkway, however today, with the sun higher than it normally is when we pass through, the roofing had created a 3D effect. It was quite mesmerising. I also noticed however, very few people were looking up as they walked. Maybe they weren't interested or maybe they hadn't even noticed what was above their heads!
A trip to Malaga this morning, however slightly later than the time we usually aim for. Walking through the port area from the car park, the later time gave us a bonus. Sunlight creates an amazing wave of shadows on the pergola along the walkway, however today, with the sun higher than it normally is when we pass through, the roofing had created a 3D effect. It was quite mesmerising. I also noticed however, very few people were looking up as they walked. Maybe they weren't interested or maybe they hadn't even noticed what was above their heads!
4th & 5th May, 2019 Sailing practical
I thought I had finished with all the necessary requirements to obtain my nautical qualification with the idea of sailing in our yacht to the Balearics. Only on the last day of the motorboat practical did I learn that I was now qualified to sail a 24ft boat around all the Balearic Islands, however I wasn't qualified to actually sail there! To get this requirement I had to do a 24 hour non-stop sail.
Arrangements were made to join a few others from the theory course, sailing out of a marina near Malaga on a catamaran. The weather looked as if it would be kind, however as ever in this part of the world, the sea remained lumpy.
My colleagues (9 guys!) and I met with the skipper of the catamaran and duly left port at 3pm. There was a choice to head east or west and as I had seen the wind direction for the following day I suggested west. A few others wanted to head that way too so a course was set.
Each of us had to take a turn as lookout on the boat for one hour and then a subsequent hour as skipper. As there were nine of us and my first stint didn't come until 21.00 hours, I relaxed. Unfortunately one of the guys was seasick and to help him recover, a change in course to the east was made where we were running more with the swell.
I'd forgotten just how boring the journey between leaving port and arriving elsewhere can be. Eventually it was time for food and most of us tucked in. When it was the turn of the sick guy to take his stint at the wheel, he was ill again. I finished up covering for him and doing my own stint as well. As the guys had started to drink, I was quite happy to be apart somewhat!
We anchored off not far from where I live, however all I could do was admire the view of the coastline and wait for tomorrow.
I had elected to bunk down in the main cabin. The cabin I had been allocated was right up in the forward bow of the catamaran - extremely claustrophobic and I didn't fancy it. As the guys continued to drink and talk outside until about 4am, I didn't get much sleep, however at least half the 24 hours was gone.
Next morning we awoke to fog. I was skipper as we weighed anchor and had to use the radar to ensure there were no other boats about as well as navigate our way back towards the home port. An uneventful few hours then ensued as we whiled away the time until we could return to port. The wind did get up slightly and we were able to have a sail.
At last back on dry land, I could now truly celebrate that I had completed all requirements. It did cross my mind though, that perhaps now I wasn't so keen on a long sail to the Balearics. Maybe I was simply tired. Time will tell!
I thought I had finished with all the necessary requirements to obtain my nautical qualification with the idea of sailing in our yacht to the Balearics. Only on the last day of the motorboat practical did I learn that I was now qualified to sail a 24ft boat around all the Balearic Islands, however I wasn't qualified to actually sail there! To get this requirement I had to do a 24 hour non-stop sail.
Arrangements were made to join a few others from the theory course, sailing out of a marina near Malaga on a catamaran. The weather looked as if it would be kind, however as ever in this part of the world, the sea remained lumpy.
My colleagues (9 guys!) and I met with the skipper of the catamaran and duly left port at 3pm. There was a choice to head east or west and as I had seen the wind direction for the following day I suggested west. A few others wanted to head that way too so a course was set.
Each of us had to take a turn as lookout on the boat for one hour and then a subsequent hour as skipper. As there were nine of us and my first stint didn't come until 21.00 hours, I relaxed. Unfortunately one of the guys was seasick and to help him recover, a change in course to the east was made where we were running more with the swell.
I'd forgotten just how boring the journey between leaving port and arriving elsewhere can be. Eventually it was time for food and most of us tucked in. When it was the turn of the sick guy to take his stint at the wheel, he was ill again. I finished up covering for him and doing my own stint as well. As the guys had started to drink, I was quite happy to be apart somewhat!
We anchored off not far from where I live, however all I could do was admire the view of the coastline and wait for tomorrow.
I had elected to bunk down in the main cabin. The cabin I had been allocated was right up in the forward bow of the catamaran - extremely claustrophobic and I didn't fancy it. As the guys continued to drink and talk outside until about 4am, I didn't get much sleep, however at least half the 24 hours was gone.
Next morning we awoke to fog. I was skipper as we weighed anchor and had to use the radar to ensure there were no other boats about as well as navigate our way back towards the home port. An uneventful few hours then ensued as we whiled away the time until we could return to port. The wind did get up slightly and we were able to have a sail.
At last back on dry land, I could now truly celebrate that I had completed all requirements. It did cross my mind though, that perhaps now I wasn't so keen on a long sail to the Balearics. Maybe I was simply tired. Time will tell!
7th May, 2019
The first day of our road trip back to the UK. We were on the road and on our way to our 3 week break on time. This time our break back in the UK was going to be different as we had included a short break just for ourselves in Guernsey and Sark.
We reached our first stop in Segovia around 4pm after a smooth drive. Quickly finding our room in the hotel, which was a converted monastery, we decided to head towards the old centre of town. The hotel was only a 10 minute walk away from the Roman Viaduct, which I’d been looking forward to revisiting. Unfortunately, this time a kiddies merry-go-round right in front of it, making an artistic shot impossible!
Walking towards the main plaza and cathedral, we eventually followed the streets of the former Jewish Quarter. The views out of these narrow streets were interesting and in some cases stunning.
As ever on these sort of trip throughout Spain, we find that we have to wait until nearly 9pm to eat if we miss the afternoon sessions up until 4pm. We found the usual junk food place which was open and managed to get a burger (vegetarian in my case) to at least satiate our hunger.
The first day of our road trip back to the UK. We were on the road and on our way to our 3 week break on time. This time our break back in the UK was going to be different as we had included a short break just for ourselves in Guernsey and Sark.
We reached our first stop in Segovia around 4pm after a smooth drive. Quickly finding our room in the hotel, which was a converted monastery, we decided to head towards the old centre of town. The hotel was only a 10 minute walk away from the Roman Viaduct, which I’d been looking forward to revisiting. Unfortunately, this time a kiddies merry-go-round right in front of it, making an artistic shot impossible!
Walking towards the main plaza and cathedral, we eventually followed the streets of the former Jewish Quarter. The views out of these narrow streets were interesting and in some cases stunning.
As ever on these sort of trip throughout Spain, we find that we have to wait until nearly 9pm to eat if we miss the afternoon sessions up until 4pm. We found the usual junk food place which was open and managed to get a burger (vegetarian in my case) to at least satiate our hunger.
8th May, 2019
Leaving Segovia, we were on a mission to find Sad Hill Cemetery which featured in a Clint Eastwood film. As we made our way northwards we were surprised by a very close fly pass from one of the numerous storks in this area. I really love to see these birds during their mating season in Spain. We were treated to a spectacular as we drove passed a village and saw several nests on the roof of a church. Making a diversion, we came to a definite stork hotel. It was amazing just how many had managed to find a space in which to build a nest.
Eventually prising our way from the village, we continued on our way. The forecast wasn’t great and as we were venturing into the unknown, we hoped that the heavy showers forecast would hold off. After just over two hours driving, we headed off the main motorway and onto small, rural roads. Eventually, we about 3kms to go, even the rural road ran out and we were on a dirt track, the surface of which had big ruts due to previous heavy rain. Undaunted, we carried slowly on and on rounding yet another bend, the site we were seeking lay below us. The site was used in the climax of the film “The Good. the Bad & the Ugly, however had become overgrown and to all intents and purposes lost forever. Some locals spent years trying to rediscover the location and were eventually successful. It was certainly impressive from above and once we made our way down and could walk amongst all the graves and headstones it was even more so! Well worth the effort to find and before the place becomes a more popular tourist attraction too. We added our names to many others on various head markers throughout the area. We spent quite a bit of time looking around and just managed to get back to the car before the heavens opened.
Then it was onwards to our hotel for the night. We’d chosen a location on the coast about an hour from Bilbao. As we drove towards it and approached some salt wetlands, I felt the area was familiar. I also saw a construction which I felt sure was similar to the one on which I’d taken photos of Lourdes a few years back. Our hotel was in the opposite direction however and I had no more time to locate myself. We passed by a heavily fortified number of buildings and later inquiries confirmed that we were indeed going to spend the night close to a prison! The hotel itself was right on the beach and we had a room overlooking the sea where we worked out we could sea glimpses of both sunrise and sunset. There were plenty of English speaking people also using the hotel; it was a SAGA trip and I guess that we could’ve bluffed our way to getting a few drinks for free.
We had a lovely walk along the beach - proper sand too! I took quite a few photos of surfers and dogs messing about in the waves, only to realise later on that I’d wiped the card clear without downloading them! Duh, however lack of sleep had to catch up with me sometime and somehow. It wasn’t crucial and in the morning we were treated to a magnificent sunrise which were were able to view from our balcony.
Leaving Segovia, we were on a mission to find Sad Hill Cemetery which featured in a Clint Eastwood film. As we made our way northwards we were surprised by a very close fly pass from one of the numerous storks in this area. I really love to see these birds during their mating season in Spain. We were treated to a spectacular as we drove passed a village and saw several nests on the roof of a church. Making a diversion, we came to a definite stork hotel. It was amazing just how many had managed to find a space in which to build a nest.
Eventually prising our way from the village, we continued on our way. The forecast wasn’t great and as we were venturing into the unknown, we hoped that the heavy showers forecast would hold off. After just over two hours driving, we headed off the main motorway and onto small, rural roads. Eventually, we about 3kms to go, even the rural road ran out and we were on a dirt track, the surface of which had big ruts due to previous heavy rain. Undaunted, we carried slowly on and on rounding yet another bend, the site we were seeking lay below us. The site was used in the climax of the film “The Good. the Bad & the Ugly, however had become overgrown and to all intents and purposes lost forever. Some locals spent years trying to rediscover the location and were eventually successful. It was certainly impressive from above and once we made our way down and could walk amongst all the graves and headstones it was even more so! Well worth the effort to find and before the place becomes a more popular tourist attraction too. We added our names to many others on various head markers throughout the area. We spent quite a bit of time looking around and just managed to get back to the car before the heavens opened.
Then it was onwards to our hotel for the night. We’d chosen a location on the coast about an hour from Bilbao. As we drove towards it and approached some salt wetlands, I felt the area was familiar. I also saw a construction which I felt sure was similar to the one on which I’d taken photos of Lourdes a few years back. Our hotel was in the opposite direction however and I had no more time to locate myself. We passed by a heavily fortified number of buildings and later inquiries confirmed that we were indeed going to spend the night close to a prison! The hotel itself was right on the beach and we had a room overlooking the sea where we worked out we could sea glimpses of both sunrise and sunset. There were plenty of English speaking people also using the hotel; it was a SAGA trip and I guess that we could’ve bluffed our way to getting a few drinks for free.
We had a lovely walk along the beach - proper sand too! I took quite a few photos of surfers and dogs messing about in the waves, only to realise later on that I’d wiped the card clear without downloading them! Duh, however lack of sleep had to catch up with me sometime and somehow. It wasn’t crucial and in the morning we were treated to a magnificent sunrise which were were able to view from our balcony.
9th May, 2019
Finding our way Into the town of Santoña, I was even more sure that I had been here before. I must look through my photos when I get back home! It’s a fishing port as well as naval garrison with history, according to the statues and monuments we saw. It is probably heaving in the summer, however it was very pleasant and uncrowded in the lovely still morning as we walked along the promenade and watched as naval personnel were put through their fitness drills; rather them than me! In the distance we could see a monument high up so of course, headed towards it. There were steps up towards it and I headed upwards to see if I could get even better views. I could, however what caught my eye was a derelict fortress which obviously once guarded the entrance to the port. I was about to investigate inside when I saw a fleeting glimpse of something passing inside. Not wanting to run into anyone who was using the location as a home, I carried on the top of the fort. As I reached the sea wall, a couple of people came up some steps and gave a start when they saw me. They were the glimpses I had caught sight of earlier which meant it was clear to investigate further myself. The fortress must’ve been quite something to see in its original form and the views out from the windows were superb. Eventually I made my way back down the cliff face and before resuming our travels as we made our way to the port and our ferry back to the UK.
We boarded the ferry a couple of hours before it was due to leave port. This time we were shown to the bowels of the ship. The area was exclusive and didn’t hold too many cars along with containers and once full, we could see that a massive door in the floor was closed and the area sealed. I guess that if there’s going to be a leak, this is the area in which it’ll happen first! Our cabin was one floor higher than when we’d previously travelled and about mid-ships. I had some Stugeron seasickness pills with me from the previous weekend, not knowing how I’d feel after not being at sea for such a long time before. In the event, I didn’t really need them and had a packet full. Just as well as Chris was feeling decidedly green around the gills! I think it was a culmination of not sleeping well for several nights as well as doing the driving whilst I caught up on my sleep! Nonetheless, we both slept for 15 hours more or less straight and felt much better in the morning. With only 6 hours left after we’d had breakfast before the ship was due to dock. We could see the weather changing as a cloudy front moved away and then we spotted land. We were ready for the next tranche of our journey; stopping off to have tea with friends before our overnight stay in Stratford-upon-Avon.After an all too short visit, we left complete with huge pieces of ginger cake, especially made for us! Wonder how long it will last!
We made it to our hotel and registered. Looking out of the window in our room, we could see it was starting to rain. It was late, we were tired, however Chris still needed something in his stomach before he’d call it a night! The local fish & chip shop came to his rescue! We had an early start the next day.
Finding our way Into the town of Santoña, I was even more sure that I had been here before. I must look through my photos when I get back home! It’s a fishing port as well as naval garrison with history, according to the statues and monuments we saw. It is probably heaving in the summer, however it was very pleasant and uncrowded in the lovely still morning as we walked along the promenade and watched as naval personnel were put through their fitness drills; rather them than me! In the distance we could see a monument high up so of course, headed towards it. There were steps up towards it and I headed upwards to see if I could get even better views. I could, however what caught my eye was a derelict fortress which obviously once guarded the entrance to the port. I was about to investigate inside when I saw a fleeting glimpse of something passing inside. Not wanting to run into anyone who was using the location as a home, I carried on the top of the fort. As I reached the sea wall, a couple of people came up some steps and gave a start when they saw me. They were the glimpses I had caught sight of earlier which meant it was clear to investigate further myself. The fortress must’ve been quite something to see in its original form and the views out from the windows were superb. Eventually I made my way back down the cliff face and before resuming our travels as we made our way to the port and our ferry back to the UK.
We boarded the ferry a couple of hours before it was due to leave port. This time we were shown to the bowels of the ship. The area was exclusive and didn’t hold too many cars along with containers and once full, we could see that a massive door in the floor was closed and the area sealed. I guess that if there’s going to be a leak, this is the area in which it’ll happen first! Our cabin was one floor higher than when we’d previously travelled and about mid-ships. I had some Stugeron seasickness pills with me from the previous weekend, not knowing how I’d feel after not being at sea for such a long time before. In the event, I didn’t really need them and had a packet full. Just as well as Chris was feeling decidedly green around the gills! I think it was a culmination of not sleeping well for several nights as well as doing the driving whilst I caught up on my sleep! Nonetheless, we both slept for 15 hours more or less straight and felt much better in the morning. With only 6 hours left after we’d had breakfast before the ship was due to dock. We could see the weather changing as a cloudy front moved away and then we spotted land. We were ready for the next tranche of our journey; stopping off to have tea with friends before our overnight stay in Stratford-upon-Avon.After an all too short visit, we left complete with huge pieces of ginger cake, especially made for us! Wonder how long it will last!
We made it to our hotel and registered. Looking out of the window in our room, we could see it was starting to rain. It was late, we were tired, however Chris still needed something in his stomach before he’d call it a night! The local fish & chip shop came to his rescue! We had an early start the next day.
11th May, 2019
This was the family day which had been organised at Warwick Castle. A great place for kids to use up some of their energy. The need for vigilance was the order of the day, at least for parents! I was able to wander off with my camera and find some of the quieter locations before the sun became too bright and the place became filled with visitors! Although there was a lot of history contained within the castle buildings, it was the outside which inspired me bestA highlight of the visit for me, was the demonstration by the birds of prey. I’d positioned myself just below the small tower on from which the birds took off and landed. It was brilliant to see the birds coming head on towards me until the Condor was let loose! Boy, I sat down quickly when the bird filled the lens and wasn’t even close to landing.
As the full day turned into beautiful evening, a quintessentially English time was spent watching cricket and enjoying the atmosphere at a local social club with family. We played skittles, although it was more akin to indoor bowls. It was a great evening and I have to admit to having moments when my competitive spirit kicked in big time! My cousin won the most important game; winner takes all after everyone participating having to pay £1 for the privilege! Paid for the taxi home anyway!
This was the family day which had been organised at Warwick Castle. A great place for kids to use up some of their energy. The need for vigilance was the order of the day, at least for parents! I was able to wander off with my camera and find some of the quieter locations before the sun became too bright and the place became filled with visitors! Although there was a lot of history contained within the castle buildings, it was the outside which inspired me bestA highlight of the visit for me, was the demonstration by the birds of prey. I’d positioned myself just below the small tower on from which the birds took off and landed. It was brilliant to see the birds coming head on towards me until the Condor was let loose! Boy, I sat down quickly when the bird filled the lens and wasn’t even close to landing.
As the full day turned into beautiful evening, a quintessentially English time was spent watching cricket and enjoying the atmosphere at a local social club with family. We played skittles, although it was more akin to indoor bowls. It was a great evening and I have to admit to having moments when my competitive spirit kicked in big time! My cousin won the most important game; winner takes all after everyone participating having to pay £1 for the privilege! Paid for the taxi home anyway!
12th May, 2019
A gathering of the cousins clan for a Sunday lunch, rounded off this weekend get together with family. It seems to becoming an annual event and long may it continue. After the lunch we headed to our next hotel near Birmingham airport where we were due to catch an early flight over to Guernsey the next morning.
A gathering of the cousins clan for a Sunday lunch, rounded off this weekend get together with family. It seems to becoming an annual event and long may it continue. After the lunch we headed to our next hotel near Birmingham airport where we were due to catch an early flight over to Guernsey the next morning.
13th May, 2019
We were up at 04:30, for our 06:50 flight to Guernsey and then the 10am boat to Sark. The long anticipated trip to Sark had arrived! We found ourselves in Guernsey at 8am! A lovely day was forecast so we took the opportunity to get our tickets over to the island of Sark. This is the island where no cars are allowed and so we hired bikes to get around. After about half an hour I started to develop a headache; the tracks comprised soil and small stones and the vibration cycling along, spread from the bike, along my arms, neck and then head. It wasn’t a pleasant sensation at all. I wasn't a happy bunny! A reassessment of how to cope and I was OK; I walked a lot! In this way, Chris cycled ahead and waited for me to catch up. I liked the quiet areas of the island, however for me, it had to rely on tourism too much. It was an experience although one I doubt I’d repeat.
We were up at 04:30, for our 06:50 flight to Guernsey and then the 10am boat to Sark. The long anticipated trip to Sark had arrived! We found ourselves in Guernsey at 8am! A lovely day was forecast so we took the opportunity to get our tickets over to the island of Sark. This is the island where no cars are allowed and so we hired bikes to get around. After about half an hour I started to develop a headache; the tracks comprised soil and small stones and the vibration cycling along, spread from the bike, along my arms, neck and then head. It wasn’t a pleasant sensation at all. I wasn't a happy bunny! A reassessment of how to cope and I was OK; I walked a lot! In this way, Chris cycled ahead and waited for me to catch up. I liked the quiet areas of the island, however for me, it had to rely on tourism too much. It was an experience although one I doubt I’d repeat.
14th May, 2019
It was a more sedate kind of day as we made to explore Guernsey by car. We covered almost two thirds of it and found some lovely areas. Chris introduced me to some secret places he had found years ago and for that introduction I was truly grateful. Just off the harbour entrance was a monstrosity - a cruise ship with thousands of passengers being ferried ashore and dropped in St. Peter Port. It may help the economy of the island somewhat, however I’m not sure it does too much for tourism. We were told by one local that there were 5 of them anchored off recently!
The scenery is stunning and we were able to get away from folk by taking in the side of the island where the cold wind was blowing strongly. We had the beaches to ourselves!
It was a more sedate kind of day as we made to explore Guernsey by car. We covered almost two thirds of it and found some lovely areas. Chris introduced me to some secret places he had found years ago and for that introduction I was truly grateful. Just off the harbour entrance was a monstrosity - a cruise ship with thousands of passengers being ferried ashore and dropped in St. Peter Port. It may help the economy of the island somewhat, however I’m not sure it does too much for tourism. We were told by one local that there were 5 of them anchored off recently!
The scenery is stunning and we were able to get away from folk by taking in the side of the island where the cold wind was blowing strongly. We had the beaches to ourselves!
15th May, 2019
Our second day on the island was my most enjoyable. We went to areas which again, Chris knew from years back. First stop was at the Little Chapel, a small structure created with thousands of pieces of tiles and shells. It's on the tourist bus route and so to arrive early enough and have the place to ourselves was very good management.
Next stop was out to the cliffs and coastline. There were few tourists and beautiful coves, some accessible, others, not. We found a track to a beach which had an intriguing sign warning of the need to negotiate a ladder down to the beach. It also stated that the beach was frequented by nudists! We made our way down the very steep track until we reached the ladder. There was one lone male nudist walking along the shoreline and we decided to retrace our steps; the beauty had been compromised by the view we’d been treated to!
I’d wanted to take some sunset photos before we left the island and had made a note of a couple of places. We’d had a lovely walk trying to work out best angles to include the lighthouse I wanted in my photo. A little bit of help from a local lady out walking her rescue dog, helped us home in on the best location. We duly presented ourselves there about an hour before the sun went down. The wind was cold and we knew it would get colder. There was a large German bunker and it afforded the protection needed to while away the time until the sun went down. It wasn’t the best of sunsets, however it was enough and I managed to include the lighthouse flashes as well.
Our second day on the island was my most enjoyable. We went to areas which again, Chris knew from years back. First stop was at the Little Chapel, a small structure created with thousands of pieces of tiles and shells. It's on the tourist bus route and so to arrive early enough and have the place to ourselves was very good management.
Next stop was out to the cliffs and coastline. There were few tourists and beautiful coves, some accessible, others, not. We found a track to a beach which had an intriguing sign warning of the need to negotiate a ladder down to the beach. It also stated that the beach was frequented by nudists! We made our way down the very steep track until we reached the ladder. There was one lone male nudist walking along the shoreline and we decided to retrace our steps; the beauty had been compromised by the view we’d been treated to!
I’d wanted to take some sunset photos before we left the island and had made a note of a couple of places. We’d had a lovely walk trying to work out best angles to include the lighthouse I wanted in my photo. A little bit of help from a local lady out walking her rescue dog, helped us home in on the best location. We duly presented ourselves there about an hour before the sun went down. The wind was cold and we knew it would get colder. There was a large German bunker and it afforded the protection needed to while away the time until the sun went down. It wasn’t the best of sunsets, however it was enough and I managed to include the lighthouse flashes as well.
16th May, 2019
The last day of our stay in Guernsey was at first a bit of a drag. We had originally been due to leave in the morning until our flight was changed to an evening time. We also had to make a short hop over the Jersey rather than fly directly back to the UK. It meant whiling away the time until our flight after having already made a complete tour of the island. There was only one thing we could do - go back to the locations we both enjoyed the most; the exposed coastline with few people!
The time eventually came when we needed to reintroduce ourselves to people, noise and business! Although the plane was delayed, the pilot made up the time and we landed back in Birmingham on schedule. A quick trip to Kenilworth and we were installed in our hotel for the night. Tomorrow we were on our way to Southampton and another family reunion.
The last day of our stay in Guernsey was at first a bit of a drag. We had originally been due to leave in the morning until our flight was changed to an evening time. We also had to make a short hop over the Jersey rather than fly directly back to the UK. It meant whiling away the time until our flight after having already made a complete tour of the island. There was only one thing we could do - go back to the locations we both enjoyed the most; the exposed coastline with few people!
The time eventually came when we needed to reintroduce ourselves to people, noise and business! Although the plane was delayed, the pilot made up the time and we landed back in Birmingham on schedule. A quick trip to Kenilworth and we were installed in our hotel for the night. Tomorrow we were on our way to Southampton and another family reunion.
17th May, 2019
We were heading for another family reunion. This time the party would include a family member with whom we’d be staying in Canada later in the year. It was a fantastic evening, meeting up with people already known as well as meeting new ones. The next day we were back on the road and heading north.
We were heading for another family reunion. This time the party would include a family member with whom we’d be staying in Canada later in the year. It was a fantastic evening, meeting up with people already known as well as meeting new ones. The next day we were back on the road and heading north.
18th & 19th May, 2019
The greyness of the UK was predominant as Manchester drew closer. The forecast was good however and we were able to enjoy a lovely day at a nearby deer park under blue skies and warm sun. The only cloud really, was that it was the weekend and the place was filled with kids, whose parents hadn’t really taught them how to behave around essentially, wild animals.
The greyness of the UK was predominant as Manchester drew closer. The forecast was good however and we were able to enjoy a lovely day at a nearby deer park under blue skies and warm sun. The only cloud really, was that it was the weekend and the place was filled with kids, whose parents hadn’t really taught them how to behave around essentially, wild animals.
20th May, 2019
It was the parting of the ways for Chris and me for a few days. I was heading across the Pennines to catch up with family. Chris was heading in various directions to catch up with friends. He took me to the train station in Manchester thank goodness! The place was a nightmare to negotiate and I doubt I’d have found my way in the time we allocated. Eventually however, I was waiting on the platform for the train on which I hoped to relax for the next 2 hours.
My grandson met me when I arrived in Durham and together we travelled the last few miles together by bus. I was going to be in the same location for several days - bliss!
Fish & chips for the first meal; it's these little things in life!
It was the parting of the ways for Chris and me for a few days. I was heading across the Pennines to catch up with family. Chris was heading in various directions to catch up with friends. He took me to the train station in Manchester thank goodness! The place was a nightmare to negotiate and I doubt I’d have found my way in the time we allocated. Eventually however, I was waiting on the platform for the train on which I hoped to relax for the next 2 hours.
My grandson met me when I arrived in Durham and together we travelled the last few miles together by bus. I was going to be in the same location for several days - bliss!
Fish & chips for the first meal; it's these little things in life!
21st May, 2019
A trip to Durham was planned and organised. It became clear quite early on that it wasn’t going to pan out as anticipated! There's always a plan 'B' however and we improvised, going for a walk alongside the river instead of the original idea of climbing the cathedral tower, which was closed.
We then headed out into the countryside where the fields were yellow with rape seed crops. It made for some good photos, however the smell was pungent and hung in the air.
Then it was off to one of our favourite places to eat.
A trip to Durham was planned and organised. It became clear quite early on that it wasn’t going to pan out as anticipated! There's always a plan 'B' however and we improvised, going for a walk alongside the river instead of the original idea of climbing the cathedral tower, which was closed.
We then headed out into the countryside where the fields were yellow with rape seed crops. It made for some good photos, however the smell was pungent and hung in the air.
Then it was off to one of our favourite places to eat.
22nd May, 2019
Another train ride for me from Durham to Leamington Spa. It was an uncomfortable ride even though I had booked a seat. The train was packed and everyone seemed to have loads of luggage, me included. Most of the journey seemed to be spent with my knees tucked up under my chin! 3 hours later I was reunited with Chris and able to stretch my legs again!
Another train ride for me from Durham to Leamington Spa. It was an uncomfortable ride even though I had booked a seat. The train was packed and everyone seemed to have loads of luggage, me included. Most of the journey seemed to be spent with my knees tucked up under my chin! 3 hours later I was reunited with Chris and able to stretch my legs again!
23rd & 24th May, 2019
Our time in the UK was coming to a close. We headed for Portsmouth and our ferry back to Spain, via Salisbury and the New Forest.
Our time in the UK was coming to a close. We headed for Portsmouth and our ferry back to Spain, via Salisbury and the New Forest.
25th & 26th May, 2019
Back on Spanish soil, we were able to make a fairly quick exit from the port at Santander and be on our way home. Instead of stopping off at a hotel we'd previously booked, we decided that it was worth the cancellation fee to get more miles under our belt. It's a 10 hour drive in total and organising ourselves this way, we were also able to include a stop off at a monument to people who died in the Spanish Civil War.
I have little love for these grand gestures which for me say more about the constructors than they do about the people they are supposed to commemorate. It made a break in the journey however and I was able to play around with a few photo angles.
Back on Spanish soil, we were able to make a fairly quick exit from the port at Santander and be on our way home. Instead of stopping off at a hotel we'd previously booked, we decided that it was worth the cancellation fee to get more miles under our belt. It's a 10 hour drive in total and organising ourselves this way, we were also able to include a stop off at a monument to people who died in the Spanish Civil War.
I have little love for these grand gestures which for me say more about the constructors than they do about the people they are supposed to commemorate. It made a break in the journey however and I was able to play around with a few photo angles.