Fri 10th
Sat 11th
Sun 12th
Mon 13th
Tues 14th
Weds 15th
Tip: put pole through hole in snow basket in order to keep poles joined together and easier to use when needed comme ça.
Thurs 16th
Wanderings, wonderings, Springsteen and The Chicks
Tip: put pole through hole in snow basket in order to keep poles joined together and easier to use when needed comme ça.
This trip was booked back at the beginning of the year. We didn’t then know that it would be such a necessary time away.
Mon 5th
We were late setting off from home which meant we had quite a chunk of driving along the M6 in the dark and then Google Maps took us along lots of country roads, all gradually getting smaller and smaller.
Bush Cottage is down the end of a mile of rough track. We had to stop several times to get out and clear branches that had fallen down, then we came to the ford which luckily was low enough for us to drive across.
It’s a lovely little Landmark Trust property, tucked away and feels very remote, although in actual fact the nearest neighbours are less than half a kilometre away, and they sell logs and kindling. The ground was frozen so these may well be needed.
We unpacked quickly and then had a Spanish omelette prepared by yours truly.
Sat drinking wine next to the open fire.
Tues 6th
Got up slowly and decided to walk from the cottage to Kinlet church, about 2 and a bit kilometres away through woodland and across fields. It took a little over an hour to reach the church in the fog. A very dull day, the fog barely lifting.
We explored the church and its wildly ornate Tudor effigies. Then we had our sandwiches in the church near the organ with the heater on! We left some money for the electricity.
Returned on the same route, collecting some wood for the fire although we’re not supposed to do this. I really can’t think a small bag of old windfall wood is going to be noticed. I drove about 200m to the farm next door and bought a bag of dry logs for £4, money in the honesty box.
Later we drove up the track in thick fog and through very very thick sloppy mud to The Pheasant at Neenton. In places the fog was so thick I could only just see the road.
I had a very good tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and peas. Carol had a big beef pie with chips and veg. We sampled some local pale ales.
Back through the fog and then a slide down the muddy track. Mud has been a big feature on trips this year.
Weds 7th
Drove across to Ludlow in a weak wintry sun but actually much warmer today, double figures and very little mist.
We spent a good time checking out all the nice shops and had lunch at The Green Cafe which is near to the hydro electric bit of the River Neme. It’s named for the green and isn’t an eco cafe. Carol had beef brisket with watercress, cauliflower piccalilli and mustard mayo. The bits I tried were very good. I had butternut squash gnocchi with deep fried sage leaves and taleggio cheese and leeks. This was simply excellent and good value too.
Thurs 8th
A driving around day. First to Claverley which has 3 pubs, quite a lot for the size of the place but only one operative, to look at the church which has some ancient wall paintings. And effigies of a chap with 2 wives.
Then to Cleobury Mortimer for a look but not much happening there although the ironmongers was good. Then to Bewdley for not a lot but nice clean loos in the Medical Centre which is right by the car park, if you were in need of a hairdo then this is the place to come as you will be spoilt for choice. Home to Bush Cottage via Highly which is a long sprawly village.
It’s chicken pasta chez nous tonight.
Fri 9th
Home again.
Easy travelling to Gatwick airport. Seemed much less hassle than getting to Heathrow by train.
The crowd were crazy even before the band came on. Bruce didn’t do any requests, no Sunny Day with kid thank god, but got several people up for Dancing in the Dark. Finished with Twist and Shout, no quiet solo last song for us. Bruce clearly nowhere near retirement! It was VERY LOUD. They were selling ear plugs and rain ponchos!
After buying a shirt I walked back to the hotel about half an hour away. At first a little unsure about doing this on my own but kept usual eyes in back of head and kept to lit streets. Lots of people around. Late to bed!
Sun 24th
Got up just in time for a shower and breakfast.
Out on tram for about half an hour to Saltholmen for the ferry to Vrango. Straight into big queue for boat but no trouble getting on. Direct boat no stops. Lovely sea breeze. Just under an hour. Island is small and has surprising number of houses. No cars allowed so people are on foot, on bikes with trailers in front or behind, electric golf carts and 2 stroke bikes with trailers behind or in front.
There are 2 cafes, one is entirely fish and the other ok but not brilliant. I walked a circuit of the island through a naturist area which was lovely and not a naked person in sight! Bought an ice cream from a man selling them from his garden. Used a compost loo, not as nice as the Finnish one we went to. Found a bit of sea all to myself so had a paddle.
The land on the island and in the nature reserve in the town is largely glacial. Lots of big humpy bits (roche moutonees).
Back to village and harbour. Saw the fishermen’s sheds I nearly stayed in (until I realised I might not get back there after Bruce). Went to cafe, had not very good blueberry cheesecake.
Back on stopping ferry. Trams. Very very hot. Hotel. shower. Walked to nearby pub Olstugan Tullen. Had vegan chick pea patty with roasted parsnips and carrots and salad. And soya mayo. Big glass of lager!
Hotel. Ice. Beer. Fan.
There are lots of bikes, they look quite heavy, step through and old fashioned. Some have kids in front of them in a sort of motorbike sidecar thing except in front.
There are a lot of very tiny dogs I guess chihuahuas. They have a fenced off poo park to go in and no poo on the streets and the dog area is clean too.
Man buns. Oh no! A lot of beards. And some face tattoos, they make the man buns look good.
Mon 25th
Got up late only just in time for breakfast. I’m going to try making my own granola as so much nicer.
Packed up and checked out. Tram to central station and managed to heft my suitcase into a locker above my head height so not easy as now seems to be twice as heavy and full although what with I can’t think. Not really bought anything.
Went on ye olde fashioned Liseberg tram for a round trip (free on my travel card). Took half an hour. Rammed all the way to Liseberg funfair then just me all the way back.
Another tram to Haga area where I wandered. A bit more open and busy than Fri evening. Nice shops, nice cafes. Stopped for a while at one. Resisted the famous cinnamon roll because it’s massive, the size of a dinner plate. People next to me shared 2 between 5 but didn’t eat them all. Smelled amazing though. There was a big dalecarlian horse.
Back on my last tram to central station. I loved the trams! The travel pass is very good value, I went everywhere including the return trip on the boat for under £15 on the 3 day pass. Collected bags and chatted to man who has seen Bruce 167 times. How is that possible in time to take, in money? He is self employed. His partner has only seen Bruce 3 times because they’ve been together 2 years and she only goes to nice places!
Bus to airport. Check in and security all fine. Small amount of shopping. Long queue for passports. Wait to get on bus. 15 min wait on bus not moving. Drive to plane 10 more minutes not moving. Onto plane more time waiting. Smooth flight. Bobbie the bear films. Plane in holding pattern prior to landing.
All easy at Gatwick. Checked into room with window. No extra cost and all because I said I didn’t like the lack of window when they asked for my feedback. M&S for supper wine and breakfast.
Tues 26th
Granola yoghurt and berry compote. Nowhere near as nice as Tidbloms Hotel’s. Going to try making my own granola.
Problem with fire at place controlling electrics for all trains from and to airport. Got onto first one. Crowded so standing and v uncomfortable. More people got on at Croyden so even worse hell. I hate being in contact with people and they probably do too. One woman was closer than my optician or dentist and accidentally touched my face as she got off. Totally hideous and I’m fit and healthy, would be awful if not. I feel a complaint coming on.
Had a cheese and tomato croissant with my espresso from Patisserie Valerie at King’s Cross to recover. Could do better but the coffee was fine.
Rest of journey all to plan. Home again, jiggety jig.
Fri/Sat 13th/14th May
Travelling
[vimeo 167629183 w=640 h=360]
Bears at the hide from Jak Radice on Vimeo.
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Reeds moving from Jak Radice on Vimeo.
[vimeo 167635101 w=640 h=1138]Horse and cart from Jak Radice on Vimeo.
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More horse and cart from Jak Radice on Vimeo.
Link to Julia’s photos on Flickr:
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I’m doing this walk to raise money for research into amyloidosis. My JustGiving page.
Got going at 7.30 and arrived in Aberaeron at 11.30. A stone hit my windscreen but not in my field of vision so hope it will get through the MOT next year. There was a lot of football going on so the car park was full but I got in the next one. This one didn’t want my coins and all this took so long I had to get the bus an hour later.
It turned out I could have parked at The Feathers Royal Hotel but hey ho will remember that idea for next time. I went to La Cuccina which is old Italian cafe. Quite old fashioned. I had an espresso and a large bakewell tart.
I got on the bus, 20 mins later arrived in New Quay and set off on the CCP again.
The first stretch goes along the shingle beach. A scary notice said the beach was impassable at high tide. It looked high but not that high and I could see people on the beach so decided to do it. I had no phone signal in New Quay so couldn’t check my tides app.
It was hard work on the shingle for about a kilometre and I was glad to get off it. The tide came up a little but not enough to cut anyone off plus you could always run up a dune.
The path left the sea for a bit and I popped into St. Ina’s church which was plain but wonderfully positioned.
Back on the path I bimbled along to Aberaeron.
I saw a lot of people at first all with dogs and then no one at all until I reached the town. I was able to keep up a good speed because the path was bone dry. It took me just over 3 and a quarter hours to reach Aberaeron about 6.5 miles.
It started warm and sunny then went cloudy. I had too many things for cold weather (we had over an inch of snow yesterday) and winter boots to deal with mud. The forecast yesterday had been for cold and wet. Hard to get it right.
The Feathers is fine and nice and quiet. I’ve had pate followed by chicken and chips for dinner with Peroni. Bit stuffed so waiting for it to go down before I head out to the nightlife of downtown Aberaeron.