Travurple

Monday (14 September) a trip up to Cork from our AirBnB, a 25 minute drive to some very small underground parking which was fun in our slightly large Volvo XC90!! 

Obviously every visit to a city starts with coffee, this time it was the ‘Bookshelf’ cafe including a very good double chocolate cookie. Then a slow wander across town taking in the sights along the riverside which was being redeveloped.  ‘Oliver Plunkett Street’, ‘The Grand Parade’, a Bar on ‘Sober Lane’ (only in Ireland), Saint Fin Barre Cathedral, the Fort, and the ‘English Market’.

We had a very nice lunch at the ‘Market Lane’ restaurant, wonderful food and cocktails.

Tuesday, another check out and travel day, we drove to Bantry, which if we drove directly it would have taken us 1 hr 30 mins, however we drove via lots of the coast road, including calling at:

Timoleague Friary, obviously an old friary, but what we found strange was that the interior of all the ruined buildings had been used for burials.

Clonakilty, a town, home to the maker of really good black and white pudding, that we have been buying for years whilst in the Isle of Man, so we had to visit the butcher to buy some.

The town of Skibbereen, which had an Aldi, and good coffee at Brew cafe. 

We stopped for a picnic at Red Strand Beach, then continued our drive along the coastline, before arriving at our next AirBnB,5 km along a Sheep’s Head Peninsula, near Durrus.

Wednesday, we started the day with a home cooked breakfast including the Conakilty black & white pudding, as good as we remembered. Our fellow travellers decided to have a ‘day at rest’ , so stayed at the accommodation, we headed to Gallery Cove beach so Nic could enjoy a Suana and swim, Rog walked from there to Brow Head, the southern most point on the Irish mainland (Fastnet lighthouse is further south, off the coast), a nice if windy walk.

Then we made for Mizen Head, the most south western point in Ireland, a much more touristy/commercial affair, a large carpark, cafe and  €7.50 entrance fee!, but it was worth it for the amazing view, and the old signal station. Rog saw a grey seal and Nic saw what we think was a minke whale.

Whilst driving we spotted a couple of self service fuel pumps on the side of the road in Goleen, a tiny village, quoting the cheapest diesel price we had seen in Ireland, so we had to stop!

Thursday, we headed out for another drive, calling to see the ‘Altar Wedge Tomb’ near Toormore, and on to the town of Schull for coffee and cake at Cam’s Cafe, a stroll around the harbour.  

Then to Bantry, for lunch at Wild Garlic, we all had amazing food, Sea bass, prawn scampi, hake and a toastie,

We then drove a different way back to the accommodation along the north of the sheep’s head peninsula, along ‘Goat’s path’ more amazing scenery. Got out of the car at the summit and nearly got blown off our feet! 

On route back to the AirBnB called at ‘The Tin Pub’ for a pint, then the ‘Arundel by the Pier’ for a second pint (except Nic who was driving). 

Friday, check out and moving day, we drove back through Bantry as we headed north, joined the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and over Molly’s Pass, (we decided not to do Healey’s pass as we could not see the top in the clouds).

We had a wander around Killarney, then went to ‘Ross Castle’. The only way to view the castle was joining a guided tour,  which we got free due to our Manx National Heritage membership and our friends had to pay the exorbitant fee of €4 each for a fun and interesting guided tour.

After a drive along some of the ‘Ring of Kerry’ we stopped at ‘The Oratory’ pizza restaurant in an old chapel in Cahersiveen,

A really good thin and crispy pizza.

Saturday, the boys were booked on a boat trip to ‘Skellig Micheal’ island, unfortunately it was cancelled because of the weather!

So instead we drove to see 385 million year of fossilised tetrapod ‘footprints’, a tetrapod is one of the first animals to leave the sea for land.

Then we went to the Skellig Experience, an exhibition about the Skellig islands, including the monastery built in the 6th century. Many of the readers will recognise Skellig from the Star Wars films (the Jedi temple).

We also rebooked the boat trip for Monday for Nic & Rog this time, in hope.

Sunday, we drove around the ‘Ring of Skellig’, a view of Skellig islands.

Monday (21 September) we got up early to head for the port to join the boat trip to Skellig, unfortunately half way there we got the cancellation email, the rangers who live on the island declared that the weather would not allow a landing! A real disappointment but weather can’t be controlled.

So instead of visiting Skellig, we got on the road earlier to our next AirBnB in Limerick.

We drove via the coast as much as possible, including the Dingle peninsula, over Conner’s Pass, one of the highest roads in Ireland, then through Tralee and the wonderfully named BallyBunion”.

The AirBnB in Limerick was our most ‘interesting’ accommodation, a square box of a house (1970’s?). Interestingly decorated, with lots of personal possessions around. It’s best feature was a conservatory with lovely light for our morning cuppa!

We went out to dinner to Sister Ping’s Kitchen, a Chinese and Korean restaurant. We had great food, Rog was brave and ordered Chilli Beef.

Tuesday, headed into Limerick to see the sights, we managed to see the castle, the river, the Terry Wogan statue, then the rain started and became the excuse to start a pub crawl. We managed the Glen Tavern, Flannery’s, Mother Mac’s, Half & Half and O’Driscoll’, with another visit to Sister Pings!

Rog once again with the most adventurous choice involving a gas burner and large pot of Ramen!

Wednesday, we drove around Lough Derg (Lake) via Killaloe, Mountshannon Harbour, Terryglass, with another good lunch at The Derg Inn.

Thursday, another moving day, we continued following the Wild Atlantic Way to the very drizzly Cliffs of Moher, then on to Poulnabone Dolman, both within the Burren Geo Park. Finally arriving in Galway at our best AirBnB, an amazing modern annex with huge windows overlooking a well established wildlife friendly garden, the whole place was well equipped, and just a relaxing space.

Friday, we drove into the edge Connemara National Park, a different landscape again, alternating between rocky and boggy.

Saturday, was the Oyster and Seafood Festival in Galway, so we left the car at the AirBnB, had a wander around the city, managing not to see the “main” event of the day, the world oyster shucking championships. 

We booked a table for lunch at M.Fitzgerald’s bar,  got an amazing table in a private booth, with a hatch for direct access to the bar!! As it was the Seafood Festival we order a seafood platter including Oysters to share, neither of us are usually keen on Oysters, but these ones were great.

Obviously lunch included a few drinks! 

Sunday, another pack up and travel day, we moved to our accommodation in Athlone, this time the Hodson Bay Hotel, for one night only. Athlone is also the home to ‘Sean’s Bar’ the oldest pub in Ireland and possibly the world, it was established in the 900’s (yes that makes it a 1,100 year old pub!) The boys also booked to ‘Pour the perfect pint of Guinness’ which was fun! 

We returned to the hotel for a lovely dinner! 

Monday (28 September) after breakfast (and Nic managing to get a second dip in the pool in less than 24 hours!), we checked out and headed back to Dublin for our ferry home, we stopped at a very busy Howth, on the outskirts of Dublin for lunch before heading to the port! 

You may have noticed our blogs are playing catch up again, this one gets us within two weeks of today (12 October) hopefully another blog will follow at the end of this week to get us up to date.

Monday (24 August) another day of dog walking for Rog, before handing over the lead and poo bags.

Spent the rest of the week, fine tuning the planning for our future trip (watch this space we go on 7 September), taking family to hospital appointments, seeing friends and family for food and drinks.

Sunday, we had a lovely day at Nic’s parents, celebrating their Wedding Anniversary with Nic’s paternal Uncle and family (not forgetting their pug!), fun times keeping the cat from inadvertently meeting the dog !

Monday (31 August), Bank Holiday, an easy  day

Tuesday, got the bus and the train up to Newcastle, went for a long lunch at The French Quarter, our favourite restaurant in Newcastle, and again it did not disappoint. Lots of lovely food and wine.

Checked in to the Leonardo Hotel, Nic had a ticket to see Jane McDonald (a singer known for a TV programme about Cruise Ships. )

Rog was not interested in Jane McDonald so went to the cinema to see the new Spider-Man movie.

Wednesday, had a walk in the rain around Newcastle, including down by the river, before a mid afternoon train back to York.

Spent the rest of the week eating drinking and packing for our next adventure.

Monday (7 September) our next adventure begins as we drive over to our friends in Widnes. The best journey on the M62 for ages, less roadworks, not that much traffic.

Went to ‘Pesto’ for dinner, an Italian tapas/small plates restaurant. Had a nice meal, and a couple of drinks.

Tuesday, after our friends took their dog to the kennels, we all set off towards Holyhead (North Wales) for a ferry to Dublin. On the way we stopped form lunch at the ‘Gardffon Inn’ in Y Felinheli, a good pub we used when we had our month in North Wales a couple of years ago.

It was an uneventful ferry crossing to Dublin, a short drive to the St Helen’s Hotel for our first night in Ireland.

Wednesday, after a full Irish breakfast we headed south, and stopped at the Irish National Heritage park. A really interesting walk through 9,000 years history, and development of Ireland from a Middle Stone Age campsite (currently under development) to a Norman Castle & Crimean War memorial tower.

Next we hunted out the local Aldi for supplies, before continuing the drive to our first AirBnB, a renovated old cottage near Ramsgrange (South West of Waterford).

Thursday, we visited the ‘Bunbrody Famine Ship’ in New Ross, replica of a ship which sailed across the Atlantic to Canada and America during the famine 1845-1852. An informative museum, highlighting the horrific impact of the famine and the lack of help offered by the British Establishment to those in dire need.

Despite our AirBnB being very rural, the only other building anywhere near is ‘The Hollow bar and Seafood Restaurant’ 1 minute walk away, So we went for an evening meal, the food was amazing! A choice of either deep or pan fried fish (Hake, Haddock and Monkfish Scampi was enjoyed).

Friday, we visited ‘Tintern Abbey’ and ‘Colclough Walled Gardens’, then drove to ‘Hook Head Lighthouse’ which was first built in the 1200’s, another cafe visit, we managed to just beat the 28 bikers into the cafe.

The Boys walked the costal path from the lighthouse to Slade castle, via Solomon’s Hole Swim spot’ and over interesting/slightly challenging stone styles and through a field of bullocks.

Saturday, a moving day, so we packed up the car in the rain and drove further west using the ‘Passage East ferry’ in to Waterford.

We wandered around the ‘Viking Triangle’ in Waterford.

Driving further West towards Cork via the coast road, including Tramore and Dungarvan, with a picnic lunch stop at Annestown Beach.

On the outskirts of Cork, whilst heading for a supermarket, we had an interesting detour because of roadworks. Finally got to a Tesco’s but unfortunately it was part of a larger shopping centre, so the parking was a nightmare! 

Then on to our AirBnB, again in a rural setting (which is nicer and half the price of an AirBnB in central Cork, but we are only 20mins away).

Sunday, a 40 minute drive to Blarney Castle & Gardens. a wonderful set of gardens, however we did not join the hour long queue to kiss the Blarney Stone, we decided none of us needed more Eloquence, which is what kissing the stone is supposed to give you.

After returning to the AirBnB, Nic had booked a Sauna in Kinsale, the Boys decided to accompany her, as the sauna was in the car park of the Bulman Pub! We did not go in the sauna.

The local entertainment was provided by a group of lads jumping in the water! 

Photo credits to our friends from Widnes for some of the photos.

The second instalment of the long overdue catch up!

Monday (20 July) and Tuesday, Usual domestic chores, and a bit of singing at Pop choir for Nic followed by a quick drink for the monthly choir Social!

Wednesday 22nd July – Tuesday 4 August

Early start to get Nic’s Dad to hospital by 7.30 am, for a planned surgery. Although the procedure went well, the next fortnight was spent to-ing and fro-ing to hospital until things were properly settled. Thank heavens once again for NHS services and their sterling work, under significant pressure.

Thursday, Bag repacking day ! 

Friday, Off to London, early bus to York Station, then train to Kings Cross. In the V&A museum in time for lunch, stowing bags in the cloakroom and a wander round. Our first visit, won’t be our last …. So much to see! Highlights include the cast rooms, the jewellery exhibition as well as photography and Japanese rooms.

Out by tube and DLR to the Travelodge by City Airport, ( main reason heading for Mallorca on the Monday !). Dinner at a Chinese Restaurant overlooking the airport, and the strip of water in front with Dragon boat racing going on!

Saturday, Good and reasonably priced breakfast at hotel. Then onto the Tix app to get show tickets. Secured really good tickets for a fraction of face value for Titanique Matinee that day.

To make the trip into central London more interesting we walked to Royal Wharf to get the Thames Clipper to Battersea Power Station. We then walked along the Thames to Vauxhall, and then tube to Green Park. We grabbed some lunch, M & S again ! We headed into Green Park, not looking at all green due to the number of heat waves recently. Then we joined everyone else looking for space under the trees out of the fierce sunshine!

Titanique was a blast! It was quite ‘rude’ as described by a lovely Scot  with a passion for musicals, who we met in the queue outside, but well worth it for the belly laughs!  After some drinks in a couple of London pubs, at both of which we managed to get seats outside to watch the world go by !! Rog scored a fantastic Dinner choice, at Vasinko, tiny restaurant with amazing Pizza!

Sunday, Off early today to get to the Mail Museum for our 10.30 ride on the mail train, under central London. Another great museum, inspiring Nic to start writing more letters ! Then remembered the price of stamps !  

Time for a smashing lunch at Cote Brasserie, welcome aircon again in the heat, amazing Madeleine with coffee for afters!

Then off to the next booked visit, Denis Severs House. Go on look it up ! 

Fascinating place, we booked a silent visit, very difficult not to chat to the staff, but very atmospheric, too much to take in really. More of an art installation than a museum, but so worth it. 

Monday (10 August), Nice late check out with Travelodge, so straight to the airport. Surprisingly easy security experience, so lots of time for leisurely lunch before boarding. Landed in Palma de Mallorca, with another easy experience at immigration, straight in through the e gates. Then a big queue for car hire.  Still made it to our friends lovely apartment by 8.40pm, so not a bad journey, and time to get supplies before the local supermarket closed for the night! 

Tuesday, Settling in was easy as we had visited before. We had invested extra cash in an air conditioning unit, so there was some respite from the heat to help us sleep at night! It was however fairly loud when in use, so we used it in bursts to cool the room, it also produced a significant amount of water into a bucket which needed to be emptied, another reason not to leave it running overnight !

The apartment has a pool on site, and super views of the bay, so a lazy day was had. Nic began a daily habit of at least 3 dips a day in the pool, Rog went in Once !

Another trip to the local supermarket to get a few more supplies, essentials…..beer, wine and nibbles!

Wednesday, Since arriving in Mallorca Rog had been corresponding with a restaurant on the West of the Island who were running an event for the total eclipse today. This was our main reason for being in Mallorca.

The event was quite pricey, but given the quality of the restaurant and transfers to and from the venue, not to mention the promise of Laurent Perrier Champagne, made us feel this would be worth it.

The eclipse was due to begin at 19.37 hrs, our adventure started at 17.00 hours when we were waiting outside for a taxi…..that never arrived! Rog was in communication with the sister of the Maitre De, which eventually resulted in a taxi from a local firm, to take us to Palma to join a minibus for the 45 minute journey to the Restaurant. 

We were first on the bus, once we spotted it, parked next to the enormous queue for the local tram service. Everyone on Mallorca seemed to be trying to make their way to the west, and due to Police road blocks to limit vehicle traffic, the tram was a popular choice! 

Our bus was due to take 11 people, at 18.20 hrs ( 20 mins later than planned) we set off with 8 of us on board. 

First police Road block went smoothly as our driver waved his paperwork and on we went. After a few minutes our driver pulled over after hearing something over his radio. He then started making phone calls, and even using Google translate, Rog and I could not work out what was happening. After a few minutes we set off again, Rog turned round to ask our companions if they knew what was going on. It transpired that the next road block, close to the restaurant was not going to be so easy!

We arrived at the road block at 19.00, along with a second minibus, also heading to the same event. After some discussions and the appearance of a vehicle with the restaurant logo on the side, eventually the Police waved us through. As we drove towards the restaurant it became clear why the Police had been concerned, there were lots of vehicles already parked up, on a fairly narrow road. However we arrived at the venue, we entered the restaurant to be met by the maitre de’s sister, who hugged Rog and I, as she already felt she knew us after the taxi debacle, she had considered coming to collect us in her own car !

The promised champagne arrived, along with wonderful canapés, and we were in position to see the eclipse as it began. Huge sigh of relief!

As the champagne flowed, we got to know our fellow guests, once the eclipse was over and the sun had set, we headed to our table and with our now new firm friends, we enjoyed a 4 course delicious meal, with wines, and then the same pink champagne which we had had for our Wedding, Laurent Perrier Rose. A super evening, well worth the price tag!

The adventure was not quite over! We left the restaurant at 23.30 hrs, back onto the bus, back to Palma, and into a taxi queue ! After a couple of minutes, Rog found another option, the last bus, going past our apartment block, arriving in a few minutes, so across the road we went, joined another queue, and luckily got on easily despite the busyness.  As we know the last bus is always full of characters! It did the job, we recognised our stop and fell into bed just before 1 am.

Wednesday, After a lot of water before bed and overnight, we both woke feeling much better than expected! Another lazy day, then a super Pizza at a restaurant just round the corner.

Thursday-Monday (17 August) More of the same, reading in the shade on the balcony, dips in the pool for Nic, the days passed nicely. We felt no need to go anywhere, especially given the 30+ degree heat! We had a couple of super tapas meals out, walking no more than 10 minutes away from the apartment.

Tuesday arrived. A relatively early start due to advice about being at the airport 3 hours before the flight. As it happens the car return and all queues were reasonable, so no stress and lots of time to people watch in the departure lounge!

Landing in London City was smooth, again no real queues, so we were across London and at King’s Cross 3 hours before the departure of train back to York. More people watching! The train arrived in York, we hustled through the station, knowing there was a bus due …there it was! Result !  Home by 19.50 hrs .

Wednesday (19 August) After travelling back from Mallorca yesterday, today is an unpacking and washing day, plus the tax form! The excitement never ends!

Thursday, Off to Beverley to return some clothes, don’t you just love on line shopping. Then an appointment for Nic with Oncology team. All good news, no further treatment needed. 

Friday, Some video catching up with far flung pals, and a lovely visit from Nic’s Cousin and Auntie, at Nic’s parent’s home. They had been in Leeds at the Test match for the couple of days previous.

Saturday, Nic did a volunteer stint at the local Gardens, raising money for a replacement sculpture, the current one has significant woodworm. Some dog sitting duties for Rog’s brother’s pooch. Including a visit to the cricket club, and a consolation pint as our local team sadly lost.

Sunday, A trip to Burton Constable, free entry as a perk for being a volunteer at our local gardens. Fascinating hall, and extensive parkland. The exhibits are all original to the hall and family, so a very personal history of the Constable family.

Instalment one (of two) of our long overdue blog (and hopefully long awaited ?? ) so here goes ……..

Remember us… We are finally back on the blog ….. again, it’s going to take two blogs this week to catch up.

We have had a hiatus caused by medical treatment. 

This time it was as a result of Nic’s mammogram, which instigated a 7 month process which included surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, then a couple of months of procrastinating on the blog…

We are pleased to confirm this is now over, and we have got back to some travelling, all be it, not any long haul travel yet.

As you’ll remember last September we bought a flat in our home town of Pocklington, the timing of this was a ‘godsend’, as it meant we had our own permanent base whilst dealing with the medical treatment.

Nic was fortunate to have relatively few side effects of treatment. Still keeping most of her hair by using a cold cap. The worst issue was the effect on her tastebuds, making some things less palatable, but given the effects suffered by some, she counts herself lucky! There is some residual tiredness too, but that just means pacing some days. The NHS staff were all great, and it goes without saying how grateful we are to have them, plus the opportunity to take part in screening programmes which really support good outcomes!

We have had on our first trip away, so here goes for the headlines.

Tuesday (30 June 2026) We drove across the country to our friends in Widnes, before heading back to Manchester to the Eithiad stadium to see Take That’s Circus tour, we saw the original Circus tour in 2009. It has stood the test of time well, it was a really good night, starting with  Belinda Carlisle, then The Script (who were the support act in 2009), and finally Take That including a mechanical elephant,  tight rope walker and uni-cycles.

Leaving the stadium carpark took ages! 

Friday (3 July) We headed down to South Wales, but not before our friend thankfully spotted a nail in  one of our car tyres! (Yes , bugger!). So we drove to two national brand tyre garages, neither could do anything that day, one told me they had 57 vehicles booked in that day, so following a recommendation we headed to the local tyre shop, unfortunately they confirmed the tyre could not be repaired, and we would need a new tyre (another bugger).  Obviously the tyres on the Volvo are not standard, they are 19inch all weather tyres! They surprised themselves by having a 19 inch tyre in stock, not an all weather tyre, but it was better than nothing, so we agreed to put it on, and hoped the ‘All Wheel Drive’ system was not intelligent enough to know it was the wrong tyre, thankfully it wasn’t, and we have not yet had a problem with the non-all weather tyre. 

Then we had a long drive down to South Wales, we decided not to use the Motorways, a more scenic route, later we also heard that the M6 was closed, so another lucky decision not to use the motorways. We stopped at Powis Castle, to eat our lunch and use the facilities, we didn’t have the time, or the energy, to go around the castle and gardens, we had a dinner reservation to get to at a vineyard just north west of Cardiff, yes a vineyard in Wales, who knew!

Lovely to catch up with friends, wonderful food and great wine.

We stayed at an AirBnB just down the road from the hotel( a third of the price).

Saturday, back to the vineyard to attend the wedding of Nic’s goddaughter. A lovely couple, a wonderful day.

Sunday,  We were surprisingly chipper considering all the lovely food and drink at the Wedding. As we had another night in the Airbnb, it gave us time to fit in a visit to the Royal Mint at Llantrisant, only a few minutes drive away. Not too busy on a Sunday morning, we enjoyed a guided tour, followed by a wander round the exhibition, plus a chance to press a button to stamp your own £2 coin, ( for an extra fee! ) it had to be done !

As a birthday treat, Nic’s god daughter and her mum, had kindly booked us onto a wine tasting at the vineyard on the Sunday afternoon. So we headed back towards the vineyard, via a pub for Sunday lunch, Roast turkey and all the trimmings to soak up the wine. We thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting experience, learning the history of the place, while wandering with our glasses between the vines. When we discovered there were more wines produced than the 3 we had tasted, we repaired to the bar to ensure we had not missed out. After buying a couple of bottles to take away, we wandered back to our accommodation, early enough to ensure a good nights sleep, although Nic had to dig out the antihistamine tablets as something crawled up her trouser leg and left several bites while we were in the vineyard!

Monday (6 July), Up and organised to leave Airbnb by 10 to head towards Liverpool for the evening boat to the Isle of Man. As we had plenty of time we fitted in a visit to Hereford Cathedral to see the Mappa Mundi (ancient medieval world map!), followed by lunch at an Italian restaurant, before continuing our journey to Liverpool. 

After a quick pit stop at Cheshire Oaks, mainly to use the loo! We were in Liverpool in plenty of time to check in.

After a smooth crossing we arrived with friends and headed straight for bed.

Tuesday, As we had lots of people to catch up with, we made a relatively early start to meet friends from Colby for a yummy brunch in Castletown. A lovely couple of hours of catching up, followed by a stroll round the town to see familiar places, and comment on any new developments. Back to our Isle of Man home from home, then an impromptu plan to have a meal out to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and a chance for more catching up with the Port Erin gang.

Wednesday, Off to Douglas today, meeting with our financial advisor first, then splitting up to meet different sets of pals for lunch. Nic with the girls at their usual ‘Special Meeting’ venue of the Wine Down Wine bar, never disappointing! And Rog to meet a work colleague for a catch up, then to chauffeur the girls back to the South of the Island. Taking into account road closures due to the Southern 100 motor cycle races, happening around Castletown, and dropping off our friend in Peel, so a lovely scenic drive via the Sloc road.

Thursday, Some low lying clouds around this morning, settling in the valley down to the beach close by. Ponies still need looking after, so Nic had a wander down to pat a pony nose, and avoid the Pooh picking !

After that we set off to see the seals at the Calf sound, they were more audible than visible to start with, due to the clouds, but eventually we could glimpse them lying on the rocks between the mainland and the Calf.

Plus one or two in the water.

Rog headed off to Douglas today meet more work colleagues in the evening, Nic then drove in to scoop him up, and bring him back!

Friday,  Another lovely lunch, with a friend from Douglas, Nic’s second visit of the week to Wine Down, definitely no complaints on that score! Then in the evening a meal out with more of our Colby Pals, plus a visit to the property they are renovating, great to see the plans starting to take shape and looking forward to seeing it when it’s all done !

Saturday, Plans had been hatched for a barbecue, so supplies were sourced, and a smashing time was had, no need to cook for Sunday as loads of yummy leftovers!

Sunday, Lazy day with a bit of packing done, ready for an earlystart on Monday morning.

Monday (13 July), Off to the early boat, smooth crossing again into Liverpool. Back in Pock to enjoy a buttie for lunch with Nic’s Dad while her mum was out and about.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Days for doing washing and repacking!

Thursday, Off to Tonbridge to stay with Nic’s brother and family. Long drive down, an hour queue on the M25, then enjoyed a relaxing evening and family dinner.

Friday, We took Nic’s Parents off to see her Maternal Uncle at RHS Wisley. Another steaming hot day, so after a coffee and short walk we found a shady spot for a pic nic, made it easy for ourselves with M&S butties, plus lovely baked goods from Nic’s Mum and Auntie.

In the evening, we left Nic’s Mum and Dad in Peace, and the rest of us headed off to Tunbridge Wells, for a delicious Italian meal. Yum!

Saturday, Chance for another barbecue with all the family, then relaxing in the garden, plus a dip in the hot tub! What’s not to like!?

Sunday, Repacked the car, and headed back to Yorkshire. a reasonable drive this time, with our usual stops. Cambridge Services and Downtown Boundary Mill at Grantham if anyone’s interested!

Second instalment of the catch up will be issued in a couple of days.

Monday (13 October) Back to the flat to continue the flat pack assembly, and to prepare for bedroom carpet fitting on Wednesday.

Tuesday ….. more of the same, Wardrobes completed

Wednesday – carpet fitted in the bedroom

Thursday, Nic headed off to source a piece of skirting board, 112 cm to be precise! Where we have removed a fireplace. It turns out the design we need is not readily available, so executive decision made to use a plain design and learn to live with it. Rog waited in for delivery of new radiator for the Lounge. We also received Flowers from the Estate agent ! Pic

Friday, continued with the DIY, then Nic headed off to a town a few miles away to give blood, always interesting to see which aspects of our travels need to be examined to make sure Nic is safe to donate! It’s a yes! Such a great thing to do, and there are always snacks after!! Today there were even new buttock clenching exercises to do while donating to improve the blood flow ! The mind boggles!

Rog once again waiting in for a delivery, this time a bed… which never arrived due to confusion about which Friday it was supposed to arrive …. Now scheduled for Monday !

Saturday, Had a day off! We got the bus to York, then a train “ up north” to watch our Nephew play rugby, enjoyed some local hospitality and a train ride and bus back! Still in bed by 10pm (Nic’s Mum and Dad’s sofa bed, so no drive back to the Airbnb!).

Sunday, Bit more decorating, Easy ish day after the excesses of the Saturday 😜

Monday (20 October) Full steam ahead to start decorating the Lounge, again with a carpet fitting deadline on Friday.

Amazing now many coats of white paint it takes to cover already white walls and ceilings!! Lots of aching decorating muscles.

Hooray bed arrived, Ottoman design to give lots of storage underneath…. Relief that it fits in the room, and that the wardrobe doors will open fully with it in place!

Tuesday, More painting

Wednesday, yet more painting, then Nic met up with a friend for tea.

Thursday, Rog on DIY duty, electrician came to change sockets, fit radiator and install hob. Nic supported parents on a hospital visit.

Friday, carpet fitted in Lounge, Rog built sofa and chair ….. and we moved in!

Spent the evening relaxing and ordering more IKEA furniture!

Saturday, started to empty parental loft and garage of the boxes we had left back in 2021. Amazing the stuff you keep…. Even when you think you have been ruthless!

Sunday, waited in for IKEA deliveries… 2 deliveries for one order again, more box emptying, and associated tip runs! Rog built shelf unit, table and chairs.

Monday (27 October) Had our lounge window measured for replacement, hopefully soon, as the contractor felt it needed doing urgently. We were aware of the need to get it done, so no surprise there.

Tuesday, more box collection and emptying.

Wednesday, a pottering day and met friends for drinks and dinner in the evening.

Thursday, Early start for a service of our hot water system.

Friday, more box emptying !

Saturday(1 November) Pub lunch out to celebrate a family birthday.

Sunday, Sunday lunch at Nic’s parents, with Rog’s parents too.

Monday (3 November) – Thursday, A busy few days with family, attending hospital appointments and meeting up with friends. Nic managed a Pop choir rehearsal …. Doing Christmas tunes already for December Gigs!, A fireworks!

Friday, finishing packing for a two week cruise, leaving tomorrow to visit friends before flying out to meet the ship on Sunday.

Saturday, decided to drive to visit friends on our way to Manchester airport, as the train line between York & Leeds was closed due to engineering works, guess what?.. the M62 was also closed due to an accident, so you just can’t win !

We finally got to our friends and went out for dinner at a great Chinese Restaurant, and had a couple of drinks.

Sunday, we drove to Manchester airport, used the ‘Meet & Greet’ car park as the price was OK and we are due to fly back in at 3:50am !

As we post this we are sitting in Manchester airport, having a coffee before our flight to Malaga, where we join our cruise ship bound for the Caribbean.

Monday (6 October) – more working on decorating the flat, changing our addresses on everything, who knew we had so many to do!

Tuesday, Northern Trains were doing a sale, £2 per journey, so after a bit of planning, Rog managed to book the following for £21 each.

Pocklington – York (Bus)

York – Leeds

Leeds – Settle

Settle – Carlisle (‘the most scenic rail journey in England’)

Carlisle – Newcastle

Newcastle – York

York – Pocklington (Bus)

We managed a walk around the city square in Leeds, and a fabulous lunch in Settle at ‘The Nettle’ a wine bar with small plates and organic wines.

It was a long but interesting day, because of the sights from the train, but also the sights on the trains, especially on the Settle to Carlisle route, with the coach load from Blackpool all of a certain age. One particular lady, spent equal time for the first three quarters of the journey admiring to view, and whinging about the fact that the catering trolley was not coming fast enough, then the final quarter of the journey asking her friend why they were on the train, rather than on the bus which was going to pick them up in Carlisle anyway!!

Thankfully all the trains were on time, and we got seats on all trains.

Wednesday, another day working on the flat, we were struggling to get hot water from an economy 7 system (over night electric), thankfully our new neighbour was having their electricity meter dealt with. Rog asked the Electrician, who had his head in the neighbours’s meter cupboard, if he had any ideas about ours, he explained that our meter was obsolete and needed replacing, so we rang our provider at 2:30pm, who agreed to send an engineer. We then went to the local arts centre in Pocklington to see ‘The Roses’ film with Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, a good film with loads of choice language.

Thursday, the Ikea delivery driver arrived with 46 packages, the electric engineer turned up at 9:15am, now that’s service. In the afternoon we had another trip to the shops, Curry’s for a fridge, a freezer, a cooker hob, whilst there, also bought a new speaker and a coffee machine, then to B&Q for more paint and a toilet seat.

Friday, we moved accommodation again, still staying in AirBnB’s until the flat is ready, then more DIY at the flat, and the second Ikea delivery arrived, not sure why they couldn’t send it all in go?

In the afternoon, we headed in to York for dinner at ‘The Pairings’ another wine bar, then to see Alan Davies at the Grand Opera House. It was a good show, with at least part of the entertainment provided by our fellow audience members!

Saturday, started to build the Ikea packages, the wardrobes first (4 individual ones to do!)

Sunday, yes, you’ve guessed it, more DIY!

Monday (8th September), Tuesday and Wednesday were mostly taken up with visiting the Champagne houses on the Avenue of Champagne in Epernay, drinking champagne and/or eating:

We visited:

Moet & Chandon

Mercier – including an electric train ride through their 12 Kms of Cellars

Perrier Jouet

Leclerc Briant

Collard-Picard

Le 17 Lounge bar

Restaurant Chez Françoise

Restaurant Le Sardaigne

Thursday, was time to start the trip back ‘home’, we left Epernay, truly champagned out, so much so that on our way north, we called at Veuve Clicquot Champagne in Reims and didn’t even try any!

We had an easy drive up the French motorways back to Le Shuttle, we arrived at check in early, but unfortunately there were some delays on the trains so we couldn’t get an earlier train. Eventually we got back to the UK, then headed to our overnight hotel, a Premier Inn in High Wycombe. The M25 was a pain!!

The Premier Inn was a sprawling hotel over three different buildings! Managed to get dinner in the restaurant.

Friday, drove our friends back to Widnes, we were all still talking to each other after our three week European adventures, so that was a bonus. We overnighted in Widnes with them, then drove back to Pocklington on the Saturday.

Monday (15th September) to Thursday was filled with the usual washing, unpacking and repacking, a few medical appointments for us, and family, and getting the car serviced and MOT’d. All interesting stuff!

Unfortunately the car had to be left at the Garage as it needed some work. So we set off from Malton, about a half hour drive usually, to get the bus back. Our first bus to York was half an hour late, the second bus to Pocklington took twice as long as usual due to traffic in York… we then had to borrow a car to get to our accommodation. We saw lots of interesting sights on the journey, including deer in the fields, but we were glad to make it back in the end !

Friday, we drove south back to Kent to celebrate a family 80th Birthday for the weekend, more lovely eating and drinking, including a very nice Sunday lunch at The Kentish Hare in Bidborough.

Monday (22 September) headed into Hampshire to stay at a holiday cottage at Gilbert White’s house in Selbourne. Spent the next few days seeing family locally and visiting family in hospital.

Friday, we drove back up to Pocklington, not a bad journey until we got stuck on M18/M62 junction for 1hr 20 mins following a nasty accident involving a motorbike.

Friday also saw us complete on buying a flat ! Yes, you read that correctly, we are once again property owners! It is a tiny flat in an ‘Over 55’ complex in Pocklington that we can lock up and leave, but have a base when we are back.

Saturday, picked the car up following it’s service and MOT, as it needed a little (expensive) work, but all sorted now.

We’ll be doing a some work on the flat and getting some furniture, (as we do not have any) so for the next few weeks, we have some AirBnB’s in and around Pock.

Our first one is near Brandsburton, a tiny old chapel on a working farm in the middle of nowhere. Well equipped, with lovely rural views, and lots of birds visiting the trees and bird feeders on the property.

Sunday, we started the furniture buying process, we have ordered a bed and some carpet!

Monday (29 September) as our accommodation is closer to the coast than Pock, and it was a nice day we decided to head to Hornsea for a walk along the coast. Also ended up at Hornsea Free Port for some non house related retail therapy, Rog finally managed to replace a light weight waterproof that he has been looking for for awhile.

Tuesday, a day at the accommodation doing more furniture research online and had a bit of a walk.

Wednesday, headed to ‘our’ flat, Rog started the decorating process with a little TLC on the bedroom window. Nic attended a funeral thanksgiving service of one of her secondary school teacher’s, who was also a teaching colleague of Nic’s dad.

Thursday, went to Beverley for a wander and coffee, also called at Wickes to buy paint, so do we get a prize if we manage to visit all DIY shops?

Friday, we moved accommodation again, back into Pock, to an AirBnB we have used in the past, as we want to get more of our flat sorted before moving in, and we currently don’t own any furniture.

Saturday, attended a Bedroom design appointment at IKEA in Leeds, we had a good idea what we wanted but it was good to get it designed, and obviously they then just give you a shopping list of all the bits you need, or it can be delivered! So we opted for home delivery, the 46 separate items are being delivered over two days next week! We also got a sofa and a chair.

Went out for a few beers, catching up with family.

Sunday, back to the flat for some more painting! We know how to live!

Monday (1 September), We drove to the Lalique Museum about an hour away, so took the longer cross country route. We intended to have lunch at the bistro, however they were fully booked, so we ended up in the local cafe in the village, which did the job.

The Lalique Museum is there because Rene Lalique opened his first glass making works in the area as it had many of the necessary minerals, plus wood for the furnaces.

It was also an interesting drive through the Vosges National park.

Tuesday, following recommendations we headed south to Rosheim, via Molsheim Avolsheim (yes a lot of places are called …heim). We had a wander around Rosheim then the obligatory stop for coffee and cake.

We were heading to Ottrott, but decided to go via Mount Saint Odile, Nic had looked it up online, Rog just liked the really windy road on the map !

Impressive views!

Once in Ottrott (not everything is …heim), we headed to a couple of wine houses, to try the ‘Ottrott Red’ which is a notable local red wine, several hundred years ago, the vines were brought from Burgundy by monks, who recognised that the local conditions suited the grape variety.

Wednesday, we headed into Strasbourg, it was recommended that we do ‘Park & Ride’ on the tram, so we set off to ‘Poteries’ tram stop, however nobody had told Google Maps that they were extending the tram tracks, and there were road works/closures everywhere. So we drove around in circles for a little while seeing the car park, but being unable to get there! Finally we managed to be on the right road for the car park! The car parking was €4.20 (£3.65) which included up to 5 people on the tram! What a Bargain!

We started at Strasbourg Cathedral, then wandered around the old town, finishing with lunch at ‘Masion Kammerzell’ a restaurant which opened in 1427. A really nice local meal and the odd glass of wine. (obviously not for the driver!).

Getting out of the car park was a lot easier than getting in.

Thursday, another lunch out, Le Basilic in Avolsheim, a Italian restaurant. Lovely pizza and veal.

Called at the farm shop on the way back ‘home’. Then we walked out to the local wine producer. In previous visits, we have done a tasting, and know the wine well, so we were just trying to buy wine this time, however the ‘vondage’ (grape harvest) was well underway, so we didn’t want to disturb anyone. But ‘madam’ insisted on calling ‘monsieur’ back from the vineyards. We made it worth their while by buying plenty of wine. We were also not allowed to leave without having a glass of fizz whilst he sorted out the order and the bill.

Friday, it’s a hard life but we had to go out for lunch again, we are on holiday with friends😂. This time ‘Le Marronnier’ (The Chestnut tree) in Stutzheim-Offenheim, which specialises in the local Tarte Flambée (like a pizza, but really thin with a crème fraiche base rather than tomato). We all agreed it was one of our favourite meals.

Saturday, we left the Strasbourg area and drove to Epernay, the capital of Champagne. Another easy drive on the French motorways.

Obviously when in Champagne we have to drink Champagne. So we headed out to a local bar had a couple of different champagnes, followed by dinner at restaurant Chez Francoise, where we had really good steaks.

Sunday, had a relaxing day, a little stroll up the Avenue d’ Champagne, followed by coffee and cake. Lunch back at the AirBnB flat, which is a short walk into town near a local school.

In the evening we went out for a walk looking for the Blood Moon and the lunar eclipse, but we were a little early and Epernay is surrounded by hills. So we gave up before the Moon crossed the visible horizon. We did however get to see the impressive Wineries of the Avenue De Champagne all lit up.

Again, credit for some of the photos must go to our friends.

Monday (25 August) we drove in to Cologne, a visit to the cathedral, followed by lovely cakes and coffee. Then a walk around the old town and a river cruise, interspersed with a couple of beers!

On leaving the car park, we heard a slightly strange noise, it sounded like a plastic bag trapped somewhere on the car.

Tuesday, we headed out to the local town for a walk, but quickly changed our minds and headed to the local Volvo garage as the noise had got worse. Thankfully our friend is an engineer, (not a motor engineer but more of an engineer than either of us) who diagnosed the problem! Spoke to the Volvo dealer who had some spare time to have a look later in the afternoon. We went back at the allotted time, and within 1/2 hr they had removed the offending part which was causing the noise, (the air conditioner compressor clutch housing lid!) this means that the air conditioning no longer works, but the car is drivable. They would not provide us with an invoice, and asked for €10 in the staff tips jar!! Now that is service! We decided it was probably not a Volvo approved/Sanctioned repair, but we were very happy.

Due to the issues with the car and the time it took to sort the issues out, we cancelled our plans for the day and headed back to our AirBnB and had a glass of wine/beer or two….

Wednesday, we headed to Castle Drachenburg, on the outskirts of Bonn. A ‘recently’ restored Castle, with lovely views over the River Rhine.

We then drove into Bonn to the University Botanical Gardens, Bonn was a nightmare to park in, lots of the land was owned by the University and you could only park with a University pass. In the gardens, we have never seen quite so many plant labels, everything had one!

Thursday, we headed to the local town of Nuenkirchen for a walk, coffee and cake. However it didn’t happen in that order as we parked near Cafe Stommel, so had coffee and cake first. There were lots of families with children walking about, and the children were all carrying brightly coloured large cardboard cones, full of treats. We finally worked out, with the help of Google that it was their first day of school, and the cardboard cones are a local tradition.

Friday, after starting the packing process, we went back to the Pancake restaurant for lunch!

Saturday, packed up and left our AirBnB, a 4 hr drive, to a village near Strasbourg in France, an uneventful drive, a few bits of road works but no real delays. Pretty warm due to the lack of air con, so with memories of 1970’s holidays, we just drove with the windows down ! We are staying at a family members house, whilst they are away on holiday.

Sunday, as we drank most of the wine last night, we ventured out to a recommended ‘cave de vin’ , Mosbach to taste and buy more wine in Marlenheim. We met friendly locals who told us a little of the local history while we tasted the wine. Purchases made we then had a stroll around the village, it is nice to see that most shops are closed because it is Sunday.

That evening English friends of the family who live in the village, came around for drinks, so we could get more local recommendations.

Credit for some of the photos must go to our friends.

Monday (18 August), continued with the house sitting in Kent, this afternoon we went to Chartwell House, Winston Churchill’s house. A national trust property, well volunteered, never seen so many volunteers at a National Trust property. For a Monday it was really busy, glad we booked tickets for the house, as not sure we would have got in if we had just turned up. We continue to cause interest at the National trust with our Manx National Heritage membership cards, as they have a reciprocal agreement so we get in free, but no-one has ever seen the Manx Cards, at Chartwell they even looked them up in the NT manual, to check.

Chartwell House itself was an interesting house, showing the more personal side of Churchill (less Prime Ministerial) also showing his artwork. It also had well cared for gardens and substantial grounds. Plus good flapjack at the cafe !

Tuesday, time for packing again. We did take some time out to visit a local church which had a number of stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.

Wednesday, we drove up to Widnes to collect friends for a European road trip. (We’d originally agreed to pick them up en route from Pock when heading South, before our plans changed). Today there was a lorry accident on the M6 motorway, so the drive was a little longer than expected. We still arrived in enough time to have a nice meal at a local pub.

Thursday, we drove back down to Kent, had a better drive down, had another nice meal in a local pub.

Friday, we headed to the Channel Tunnel for the Shuttle, it’s the Friday before the bank holiday weekend, so the check in was busy, our train was showing at least a half hour delay, but then staff were walking around the car park telling us just to head to passport control when we were ready, so we headed straight through, and after a bit of a wait, managed to get a train at our departure time, but not sure it was actually our allotted train.

A 3 hour drive to Namur in Belgium, for one night in the Chateau de Namur hotel, a lovely hotel which is also a catering school, so in the restaurant we had a wonderful dinner.

Saturday, after a good breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and went for a walk around the citadel of Namur, watched a wedding party around the grounds.

Then we drove on into Germany, to our AirBnB near Cologne. Did some supermarket shopping on the way, which is always fun in a foreign country/Language.

The AirBnB is in a very quiet location, it’s the most well equipped, spacious and value for money AirBnB we have stayed in. It works out at £18 per person per night.

Sunday, after all the recent driving, we had a day off, so we walked to the next village to a Pancake restaurant, which was so good we have booked again for Friday lunch.