Thursday 28 October 2010
Norfolk 27th 28th October
Tuesday 27th October
On Tuesday we woke to grey skies and rain. We decided to go crabbing in the rain as it was just light rain. Granny had her first real go at crabbing and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. India caught the most crabs, Cash was next then Granny. At the end of the crabbing time, the children tip the crabs back into the water. There were parents and children all lined up along the quay crabbing. The local shop sells crabbing buckets!!!
By the time we arrived home, it was pouring and very windy and it continued for the rest of the day. After lunch Annie took the children to the Water Park for a swim. It has a wave pool and a slide so they had a great time.
Wednesday 28th October
Awoke to a much nicer day. Still a few clouds hanging around but it soon cleared. Back to Blakeney for another crabbing venture. Someone had taken the spot we always take so we had to find another place. The crabs were not as prolific as they were the day before but we still managed to catch quite a few and have a fun time.
After lunch we visited Wiveton Farm then we went for a walk along the beach at Cley Next The Sea. It has a huge pebble bank and the whole beach is pebbles. It goes for miles. The sea was really calm but it covers quite a way bank. As we were on the beach, RAF jets flew overhead and left jet trails across the sky that made the sky look spectacular. We also visited Salthouse Beach which it very similar to Cley.
On Tuesday we woke to grey skies and rain. We decided to go crabbing in the rain as it was just light rain. Granny had her first real go at crabbing and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. India caught the most crabs, Cash was next then Granny. At the end of the crabbing time, the children tip the crabs back into the water. There were parents and children all lined up along the quay crabbing. The local shop sells crabbing buckets!!!
By the time we arrived home, it was pouring and very windy and it continued for the rest of the day. After lunch Annie took the children to the Water Park for a swim. It has a wave pool and a slide so they had a great time.
Wednesday 28th October
Awoke to a much nicer day. Still a few clouds hanging around but it soon cleared. Back to Blakeney for another crabbing venture. Someone had taken the spot we always take so we had to find another place. The crabs were not as prolific as they were the day before but we still managed to catch quite a few and have a fun time.
After lunch we visited Wiveton Farm then we went for a walk along the beach at Cley Next The Sea. It has a huge pebble bank and the whole beach is pebbles. It goes for miles. The sea was really calm but it covers quite a way bank. As we were on the beach, RAF jets flew overhead and left jet trails across the sky that made the sky look spectacular. We also visited Salthouse Beach which it very similar to Cley.
Norfolk Monday 26th October
Brett had to go back to work today. Caught the train back to London. We did some exploring. It was forecast to be 4 degrees but it turned out to be a lovely day and by lunch time the sun was shining brightly.
Our first stop was St Mary’s Church at Cley-next-the-Sea. It was built in the 1300s. It is a Norman church design. There is also a windmill there. Apparently, the Dutch came across to assist with the draining of the fens and used these windmills to pump the water. We visited this great deli there as well.
Our next stop was the crossing over the River Glaven at Glandford. The children put on their wellies and went for a paddle. However, they just kept going in and the water was well over the wellies!!!! They had a great time. I can’t believe they were not frozen solid but they didn’t seem to mind the cold at all.
After a late, late lunch in Holt, we drove home and went to the beach here at Weybourne. It was about 4.45 so the light was great for photography. The beach is a pebble beach and the pebbles form a huge ridge (bit like the dunes in Oz). The tide was coming in and it was surprising just how quickly it moved up the beach. On the cliff tops were several World War 2 gun bunkers so we walked to have a look at them before heading home.
Our first stop was St Mary’s Church at Cley-next-the-Sea. It was built in the 1300s. It is a Norman church design. There is also a windmill there. Apparently, the Dutch came across to assist with the draining of the fens and used these windmills to pump the water. We visited this great deli there as well.
Our next stop was the crossing over the River Glaven at Glandford. The children put on their wellies and went for a paddle. However, they just kept going in and the water was well over the wellies!!!! They had a great time. I can’t believe they were not frozen solid but they didn’t seem to mind the cold at all.
After a late, late lunch in Holt, we drove home and went to the beach here at Weybourne. It was about 4.45 so the light was great for photography. The beach is a pebble beach and the pebbles form a huge ridge (bit like the dunes in Oz). The tide was coming in and it was surprising just how quickly it moved up the beach. On the cliff tops were several World War 2 gun bunkers so we walked to have a look at them before heading home.
Norfolk
Saturday 24th October
As rain was forecast, we did not leave London until about 11 AM. As we passed over Tower Bridge we met up with road works so we were forced to make a detour. Enroute, we passed the stadium and the new velodrome being constructed for the Olympic Games. The area seems to be well on the way.
We arrived at Weybourne about 3 PM, unloaded the car. It was grey and rainy. The family all donned their rain gear and went for a walk to the beach. I stayed curled up beside the fire with a book.
On Sunday, we went for a drive along the Norfolk Coast Cromer that is famous for Cromer crabs, then back to Sherington. The steam train had pulled up at the station so we saw that before we walked to the beach. The children enjoyed a climb over the huge rocks.
Later in the day, we went to Blakeney where the children went crabbing. We were there a little early as the tide did not come in until 8PM and it was a long way to lift the crabs as their net handles were not enough. It was absolutely freezing cold but the children had a fantastic time trowing in the crab nets and catching the crabs. Before we left, they set them free again.
As rain was forecast, we did not leave London until about 11 AM. As we passed over Tower Bridge we met up with road works so we were forced to make a detour. Enroute, we passed the stadium and the new velodrome being constructed for the Olympic Games. The area seems to be well on the way.
We arrived at Weybourne about 3 PM, unloaded the car. It was grey and rainy. The family all donned their rain gear and went for a walk to the beach. I stayed curled up beside the fire with a book.
On Sunday, we went for a drive along the Norfolk Coast Cromer that is famous for Cromer crabs, then back to Sherington. The steam train had pulled up at the station so we saw that before we walked to the beach. The children enjoyed a climb over the huge rocks.
Later in the day, we went to Blakeney where the children went crabbing. We were there a little early as the tide did not come in until 8PM and it was a long way to lift the crabs as their net handles were not enough. It was absolutely freezing cold but the children had a fantastic time trowing in the crab nets and catching the crabs. Before we left, they set them free again.
Friday 22 October 2010
Devizers - 18-23 October 2010
18 – 23 October 2010
Devizers
Have spent the past five days with my friends Carolyn and Derek in Devizers. On Monday after I arrived at Chippenham on the train, Carolyn took me to the Westonbirt Arboratum where the autumn colours of the trees especially the many varieties of maples were just fantastic. Of course, went mad with my camera and got lots of shots of the different shades of the leaves.
On Tuesday, we visited one of the historical market towns, Marlborough. It also has a huge school and it seems that it occupies half the town. From there we re-visited Avebury. It is a massive Henge monument that is over 5000 years old. It was once encircled by a huge ditch that was cut to the depth of the chalk. Unfortunately the ditch is still there but has been filled in over the years. In it’s time it would have been more spectacular than Stonehenge.
Wednesday saw us off again. This time we headed to Bristol where we visited the SS Great Britain. The night before, Derek showed me a video of the process that was used to bring it home from the Falkland Islands where it was a wreck. Amazing what they have done with it to restore it and showcase it. Brunel was the engineer who designed and built it. We then went to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge that he also designed.
We read in the paper about the Arctic Swans that had arrived from Siberia to winter in England. Apparently they have arrived early again this year so the belief is that it will be a really cold winter. So we went to the wetland centre at Slimbridge to see them. We were very lucky as there were several there. Managed to get a couple of photos of them as well as lots of flamingos.
Tomorrow we are off to Norfolk for a week as it is the children’s half term break. They are excited about being able to show me how to catch crabs.
Devizers
Have spent the past five days with my friends Carolyn and Derek in Devizers. On Monday after I arrived at Chippenham on the train, Carolyn took me to the Westonbirt Arboratum where the autumn colours of the trees especially the many varieties of maples were just fantastic. Of course, went mad with my camera and got lots of shots of the different shades of the leaves.
On Tuesday, we visited one of the historical market towns, Marlborough. It also has a huge school and it seems that it occupies half the town. From there we re-visited Avebury. It is a massive Henge monument that is over 5000 years old. It was once encircled by a huge ditch that was cut to the depth of the chalk. Unfortunately the ditch is still there but has been filled in over the years. In it’s time it would have been more spectacular than Stonehenge.
Wednesday saw us off again. This time we headed to Bristol where we visited the SS Great Britain. The night before, Derek showed me a video of the process that was used to bring it home from the Falkland Islands where it was a wreck. Amazing what they have done with it to restore it and showcase it. Brunel was the engineer who designed and built it. We then went to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge that he also designed.
We read in the paper about the Arctic Swans that had arrived from Siberia to winter in England. Apparently they have arrived early again this year so the belief is that it will be a really cold winter. So we went to the wetland centre at Slimbridge to see them. We were very lucky as there were several there. Managed to get a couple of photos of them as well as lots of flamingos.
Tomorrow we are off to Norfolk for a week as it is the children’s half term break. They are excited about being able to show me how to catch crabs.
Wednesday 13 October 2010
London 3-13th October
Since arriving at the Kazakoff household in London, I have been recovering from the hectic pace that we set. The first few days were overcast and rainy so I was quite content to snuggle up on the couch watch some TV, talk with the family and catch up with my grandchildren.
Annie and I have had a couple days in London and this week, we went to the Gauguin Exhibition. The largest collection of his paintings ever assembled in one spot.
While Jo and I were driving through Scotland, Ireland and England, we saw all these signs - "Beware of the Deer" but did we see one deer? NO! Last Sunday we went to Richmond Park and it has been a deer sanctuary since 1600. I was able to get a few photos of the deer.
India's teacher invited me in to look around the school and then I went up to the school and gave them a talk on Australia - particularly the Red Centre. India is really interested in anything to do with nature and she can name the trees and the birds. She is learning about Egypt so reads everything she can find about it. There are only 16 students in India's class but she goes to school from 9.00 AM - 4.00 PM. Cash who is in reception, goes from 9.00 - 3.30 PM - long days for them. Cash is off to a birthday party today.
Yesterday, I went into London with the express purpose of photographing the Tower Bridge. Was a bit cloudy when I left but turned out to be a beautiful day. Ended up walking miles from Trafalgar Square back to Victoria Station.
Off to Devizers next week and then Norfolk - the following week.
Annie and I have had a couple days in London and this week, we went to the Gauguin Exhibition. The largest collection of his paintings ever assembled in one spot.
While Jo and I were driving through Scotland, Ireland and England, we saw all these signs - "Beware of the Deer" but did we see one deer? NO! Last Sunday we went to Richmond Park and it has been a deer sanctuary since 1600. I was able to get a few photos of the deer.
India's teacher invited me in to look around the school and then I went up to the school and gave them a talk on Australia - particularly the Red Centre. India is really interested in anything to do with nature and she can name the trees and the birds. She is learning about Egypt so reads everything she can find about it. There are only 16 students in India's class but she goes to school from 9.00 AM - 4.00 PM. Cash who is in reception, goes from 9.00 - 3.30 PM - long days for them. Cash is off to a birthday party today.
Yesterday, I went into London with the express purpose of photographing the Tower Bridge. Was a bit cloudy when I left but turned out to be a beautiful day. Ended up walking miles from Trafalgar Square back to Victoria Station.
Off to Devizers next week and then Norfolk - the following week.
Sunday 3 October 2010
Saturday 2010 October - Bath - London
After breakfast, we did another walk around the city. Jo wanted to check out Bath Glass but didn't find anything that she really loved. Just as well as she could not fit another item in her suitcase!!!
The sun was shining so that was really nice. Started our drive back to Gatwick. We expected to pay about 12 pounds for our parking and were pleasantly surprised when it was only 6 pounds. We didn't want to put any more petrol in the car, so it was a fairly tense last few miles as we watched the fuel gauge descend rapidly. We made it however. Unpacked the car and repacked the cases.
Jo then caught the express into London and Jan caught the local train to Wandsworth Common to Brett & Annie's.
The trip was a huge success and we were both so sad that it had to end.
The sun was shining so that was really nice. Started our drive back to Gatwick. We expected to pay about 12 pounds for our parking and were pleasantly surprised when it was only 6 pounds. We didn't want to put any more petrol in the car, so it was a fairly tense last few miles as we watched the fuel gauge descend rapidly. We made it however. Unpacked the car and repacked the cases.
Jo then caught the express into London and Jan caught the local train to Wandsworth Common to Brett & Annie's.
The trip was a huge success and we were both so sad that it had to end.
Friday 1st October Port Isaac – Bath
The weather bureau forecast heavy rain and they were not wrong! We left Port Isaac in light rain but by the time we had completed the 9 miles to Tintagel, it was pouring rain. We took the easy option by paying 1pound 50p to the Land Rover driver to take us to the coast. Although we were hopeful that it would ease up that was not the case. It was pouring!!! It is a serious climb up many, many steps to reach the castle so we decided it was too wet. Caught the Land Rover back and wandered the streets of Tintagel waiting for the rain to cease. It had other ideas so after a Devonshire tea with clotted cream, we decided to set out for Bath. Thought it would be easier to walk around a city rather than steep slippery steps and rocks of Tintagel.
Arrived Bath in peak hour traffic, as usual, to find the town was booked out as there is a rugby game on in Bath and the Rider Cup in Wales. We lucked it again and must have found the last bed in Bath. It was in the centre of Bath. By the time we had found the accommodation, the rain eased and we were able to walk the streets and see the city in the evening light. Even had a wonderful rainbow.!!! We have seen many rainbows on this trip but this one tonight had to be the best!!
In reality, we were on a literary, TV tour!!! Stayed in Torquay where you can do the Agatha Christie literary tour. Then on to Doc Martin’s Village. We also were in the region of the Poldark series of historical novels by Winston Graham. Next stop was Midsomer Merton and the Midsomer TV series. Finally, we were in Bath where Jane Austin lived and gained so much inspiration for her books.
Tomorrow we head back to London. Our trip is over. Neither of us can believe that we have had almost 8 weeks travelling over 4800 miles traversing some spectacular countryside in Scotland, Ireland and England. We have honed our skills in map reading, in fact we covered that distance with a couple of maps that Jan stuck together from a travel book and we seldom got lost.
We have surprised so many people with the fact that two women have driven all these places by themselves!!! We have been told how brave we were. We have learned to follow our gut instincts. We can drive a manual car, over single lane roads, up and down steep inclines. Fred Flintstone, our car in Ireland and Barney Rubble, our car in England, sometimes needed extra encouragement to get up the hills!!! Several gear changes in fact. We have turned around in some really tight places in Mousehole and Port Isaac and the fishing villages of Scotland and Ireland.
We have met some wonderful people who were always welcoming and friendly. For example, the guy who helped Jo when her port was lost was fantastic. Our trip has been fantastic and one that we will remember for many years to come.
Arrived Bath in peak hour traffic, as usual, to find the town was booked out as there is a rugby game on in Bath and the Rider Cup in Wales. We lucked it again and must have found the last bed in Bath. It was in the centre of Bath. By the time we had found the accommodation, the rain eased and we were able to walk the streets and see the city in the evening light. Even had a wonderful rainbow.!!! We have seen many rainbows on this trip but this one tonight had to be the best!!
In reality, we were on a literary, TV tour!!! Stayed in Torquay where you can do the Agatha Christie literary tour. Then on to Doc Martin’s Village. We also were in the region of the Poldark series of historical novels by Winston Graham. Next stop was Midsomer Merton and the Midsomer TV series. Finally, we were in Bath where Jane Austin lived and gained so much inspiration for her books.
Tomorrow we head back to London. Our trip is over. Neither of us can believe that we have had almost 8 weeks travelling over 4800 miles traversing some spectacular countryside in Scotland, Ireland and England. We have honed our skills in map reading, in fact we covered that distance with a couple of maps that Jan stuck together from a travel book and we seldom got lost.
We have surprised so many people with the fact that two women have driven all these places by themselves!!! We have been told how brave we were. We have learned to follow our gut instincts. We can drive a manual car, over single lane roads, up and down steep inclines. Fred Flintstone, our car in Ireland and Barney Rubble, our car in England, sometimes needed extra encouragement to get up the hills!!! Several gear changes in fact. We have turned around in some really tight places in Mousehole and Port Isaac and the fishing villages of Scotland and Ireland.
We have met some wonderful people who were always welcoming and friendly. For example, the guy who helped Jo when her port was lost was fantastic. Our trip has been fantastic and one that we will remember for many years to come.
Thursday 30 September 2010
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