Sunday

Today we are off to Le Havre to catch the 5 pm ferry...Doing a little stop along the way and then a 5 hour crossing..ehich looks to be a bit windy this time..Hope not to strong.. ut it is a large ship so maybe wont notice to much..Landing in Portsmouth to stay overnight..a Quick tour in the morning before heading back to Bourton on the Water to gather up ourselves cor tues  when we head to oxvord ro catch bus to London for a Thurs flight..  Home soon but a Great Trip!!  Hope you all enjoyed the blog and pics.. Toodle Pip

Friday and Saturday in HONFLEUR

We arrived late afternoon to a beautiful French Seaside town, checked into the hotel and then out to find a nice place to eat of which there is no shortage.  A very nice meal with fresh seafood off the boats in the harbour.  A stroll back to the hotel for a much needed shower and sleep. ZZZZZZZZZ
Today we split up and Dave and I wandered around Honfleur on our own...!!!  Actually we did quite well and saw alot of sites...2 very old churches, A butterfly house, an art museum, history museum, and ran into K & E only twice  LOL...We met up last time to climb a long steep hill but well worth it..a great view of the town and har our and a beautiful chapel form the 15th century and amazing group of bells outside which still ring evefy 1/2 hour...a greatway to end the day.  Wàlk back down much easier and then freshen up for our last meal in Honfleur...This little town will hold nice memories for a long time...pics later

Thurs Oct 11th More military sites

Today we went Utah Beach and also the cliffs where the Rangers came ashore and lostso ma ny men...also a new museum with lots of military vehicles, armaments and items donated to record the events..A really good display---Stopped i  St Eglisey where the paratrooper was hung up on the church steeple...then on to the Town ofBayeux..where there is a tapestry from 1050 of Williamthe conquerer..unfortuntately we did not get in as we came across an amazing church--.and time to wander a true French Town...and then on to Honfleur..Time for a nice meal in a true French Bassiere..small and friendly..great food..right on  the coast..time to get some sleep...zzzzzzz

Wed Oct 9thi

Today we head to Portsmouth to see the Mary Rose ship..It is 500 years old and was brought to the surface in 1982-.and has been being preserved and restored since..It was Henry the 8th Flagship which sunk on it maiden voyage in the harbour.  So much has been done since we last saw it.  Went on to the Ship the Victory also very old wooden sailing vessal. Stayed in a hotel right by the ferry as we had to be there by 730 for boarding..It was a pleasant sailing..boat only 20% full..lots of area to walk around and the sea was calm. Arrived about 3pm as Frances is an hour ahead in time from England. Did some of the WWII  sites Omaha Beach..and a museum and other areas as we were lockeds out of US Cemetary..due to US Shutdown..French People Very apologetic...not there fault.. Stayed over night in Isigney Sur Mer...to finish more sites in the am...Tired..long dzy but quite moving seeing what the young soldiers were up against...

Day out in Malvern

Todaywe took the train toMalvern...a very pretty victorian village in the Malvern Hills,...Wonderful views and a lovely town...Stolled around the church and streets and had lunch in a Proper Pub...very old and great food......Tonight we pack for France   even though Thanks to our Childish govt..which all the world is laughing at.....we now can not get into the American Cemetary at Normandy to pay our respects....How can any cemetary ever be closed!!!

Sunday Oct 6th Stanton Walk

Today  we headed out for a pleasent walk around the hills of Stanton...It is a true Cotswold village  that has been kept in the style of old..Beautiful Thached homes and manors....No new buildings or stores...just a quaint Cotswold village from the early 1700's at least or earlier...Ended up at the only pub the  Mount Inn  high on the hill overlooking the village..Sunday beefand yorkshire pudding...mmmmmm..-This afternoon  a quick trip to the garden allotment for a little planting and a visit from Ernie's daughter Claire......Weather Great again...warm  sunny and pleasent...We have been so lucky with the weather..

Sat Oct 5th

Today we went for a walk in Sherborne Forest with Lara...It was a really pretty walk and a nice tea shop near the carpark   ...Back home and wnet into Cirencester for lunch and a walk around...We useto go here many years ago and it is still a quaint town..Lunch at the  Bear Inn and Dessert at Jack's...Beautiful day.....for Oct...a few pics on facebook...

Friday Oct 4

Friday is ghe day Ernie and Lara and seveal mztes go walking...Dave joined again for the 6 mile walk which ends up at a pub for lunch...Karen and I were off to Witney for a little shopping and lunch..had a really nice time and helped Karen find some nice  clothes and a pair of shoes..and a delicious lunch..-beautiful afternoon sunshine...

Sudley Castle and a pub dinner

Today we went to a beautiful Castle which was Katherine Parr  Last wife of Henry the VIII    The castle was destroyed by Ctomwell during the civil war  left unoccupied for 180 years before it was then restored to its original designs..and still in the family of the Dents..The grou ds and church amazi g ..a wedding was going on so aome areas were closed  ..The  inside was well diplayed with a collection of personal items fro  the period..the best discovery was that they royalty  even had what was known as "The Groom of the Stool"  and  means just what you think...of course this was in  the 1500 hundreds....Learned alot today...A quick pub lunch and then home...Tonight ot was out to the "MouseTrap Pub"..A delicious dinner and a pleasant walk home.....

Train to Oxford

Today we took the train at Morton in  Marsh to Oxford for a look around  Have not been there since 2005..Not alot has changed...Street musicians,,artist and tourist...The main street is now closec to buses as well as cars..makes for a nice people friendly  stroll...Stopped in ag a Science and History museum   then back on the train home 4 hrs later..Sun shining all the way....A nice Day all and all..

Tuesday Oct 1st

Today we went to Morton in Marsh to the market day,,...not alot there but loked around and then caught the Villager bus to Stow in the Wold   a quaint Cotswold village ..Had  a lovely lunch in  tea room  had  a look around and then off to Tesco Supermarket as Dave is making fish chowder for dinner tonight....Ernie out to Rotary.....Karen had to work all day so
we are doing the meal...the least we can do after all they have been doing for us...  more tomorrow...::::

Monday Sept 30th

Well it was up and at it today as we have bulbs to plant and blueberry bushes to plant and a square foot garden section to put in...We hreaded out and had a little done when the rain came and slowed progress...had to take our picnic ho eand eait for a break in the weather..which did co me so off again to finish the project.we actually got it all done and home for dinner with one soaked dog and 4 semi damp adults..but hownice to see it completed!  What a good days work...We will all sleep well tonight...Good dinner and the guys odd to pub to meet some locals for a drink...all and all a superb day!  Rabbit Rabbit !  

Sunday Sept 29th Malvern Show

Today we headed out by 9 am to go to a 3 county fair...everything fro  Animals to crafts to gardening and more......It was huge...toured through the garden section and looked at the vegetable and floral winners...some largest grown veggies category...The longest root on a vegetable  and the biggest...amazing theycan grow so big  but not very pretty...The floral
and veggie arrangments werebeautiful...pics on facebook...spent several hours wandering around checking out the various tents and displays while Karen stocked up on bulbs for the garden...another great day...

Sat 28th Ploughing Show

Today we were up and on the way to the Ploughing Championships...Every thing from Horses to tractors and inbetween...Steam to gas to horses...Great show and beautiful horses....A Ferret race to support the rescue group   and chickens  wool spinning,   thatching...and all farm things...great time   now to find where we parked  LOL  really!!!   tomorrow another 3 county show....zzzzzzzzz

FRIDAY DRIVE HOME

Up early and on  the way back to Bourton by way of the coast road...First stop   a beautiful hillside village that has remained Victorian in every way...No vehicles allowed...still usd Donkeys to get supplies down...one road that did have access dor landrover to help people back up as it is very steep and a long way down...Town is callec Clovelly...  A stop for a bit to eat  a Ladies lunch  which was cucumber sandwich and scone and tea..YUM...Next stop The valley of the rocks...Tremendous view of the sea....  Now off to Lynton and Lynmouth...Another small seaside town...Rode down o  the Venicular railway...walk around and finished our Cornwall trip with Fresh Fish and Chips!!!!   now off to Bourton on the Water..  Thanks to Karen and Ernie for the tour and all the driving---.Now to rest...

Thurs 26th...

Woke today to rain... but soon let up and we were on our wayto Lostwithiel to  12th century castle still quite well preserved...amazing structure...Now off to Lanhydrock Gardens and home..This is a huge home and set up as true as possible to the times of the families that lived there...Think of Downton Abbey and you can really get a feel of what it was like then..amazing home and grounds...Now off to the beach for one last run for Lara to play as we head home tomorrow with sites along the way...Picnic on Par Sands Beach...Pate,  Bread,  Cheese and Apple Crumble   What a great way ro end the week...Back to bourton tomorrow...

WED 25th Eden Project

Today  Dave and I went to the Eden Project today..It has 2 indoor Biosheres   1 with a rain forest and 1 with Mediteranianplants ...It also has a huge outdoor plant and garden zone. Takes about 3 hours to go through...It has been being developec for many years and very educational..Karen, Ernie and Lara went fora nice walk to an old Viaduct and discovered a  large waterwheel used in mining years ago..When we got backit was off to Golant..a very small port and disco ered a really old pub and delicious meal...Great Day!

Tues 24th Doc Martin Trail

Today we set off for Port Issac  which is a quaint fishing village where they film the british show "Doc Martin"  some of you are familar with..This is one of Dave's favorite shows...We followed the streets to the places they use to film but did find out that the pub is not a real working pub anymore....So no pint out on the garden for Dave..we did climb the hill to the field overlooking the bay and had a spectacular view....(pics of course)...it was the most su we have had and took advantage of the day with special beaches thanks to our superb Navigator Karen...Our last stop was to King Arthur's Castle...of which was a steep climb up a cliff ..a bit to high for Dave so we stayed below with Karen and dog while Ernie climbed the top and took photos...We explored a cave that you could see through although with the tide coming in we did not go too far..Lara found a playmate and ro ped and played..getting late in day so back up the steep hill and on to our little cottage..to crash...more tomorrow..

Monday 23rd Lost Gardens of Heligan

Today it isoff the the Heligan gàrdens..The were discovered in ruins in 1990 ...and had last been visited in the early 50's...Tons of work has been done to get the gardens back to what they were years ago....It is amazing to see now...They have a huge vegetetable section,  a jungle area..and many other tropical and natural areas..to hard to discribe..Also have a Bee Hive colony ..using the old methods and bee boles' which are voven baskets in which the build the hive...Beautiful day out and so interesting,..pics on facebook..later..Dinner at pub and home for dark...

WIFI

Well  we finally got the wifi to work....arrived here sat by way of Bristol and A stop at the SS Britannia Ship  which had been a great ship in its time but left to rot in the Fuakland islands-.was towed back to Britain and restored....Our Cornish cottage is on a farm down a long one lane road, the main house is over 500 yrs znd the cottages are barns that have been converted, wonderful area.  Sunday it was off to Fowey where we all once stayed..Nice seaside town...very busy..  had a  cornish pasty on the harbour znd then o  to another town and pub dinner  but must get back before dark.....tomorrow off to gardens ...


Watched the Season opener of Dowton Abby!!!   But wont give anything away!

NO WIFI

very limited here in cornwall  updates later when we get back to Karens...beautidulbeaches here....untill later

Cleaning up the alloment

Morning!!!   Todzy Dave went on a 5 mile walk wirh Ernie's walking club at which they end uo at a pub for lunch....Lara the dog  along for her walk...Karenand I off toallotment for a good clearing outweeds and plantingthe new apple tree...We worked several hours with a stop for a cup of tea and the  for a quick sandwich..Well pleased with our hard work and looking really nice....Hope we can get up in the morning   LOL...We will sleep well tonight..
Tomorrow  off to the Cornwall Coast fdor some seaside fun... pic from there..!!!

Garden Center...

A short walk down to village..   Then off to a couple of Garden Centers  in search of  a nice apple tree for Karen's Allotment..Found a nice one that keeps till Jan when picked in Oct....Nice day out ...Off to Alloment tomorrow...

Flying to England

Short flight to England   Friends waiting at arrivals and short ride back to Bourtoñ on the Water..Tuesday was Laundry dayand walk down to village to get some English money...a bit rainy but not bad....Wednesday was a nice day  this afternoon we went to Batsford Arboritium for a walk...It got sunny and what  pretty place...loads of trees and flowers and time fir a cup of tea...Back home in time for Dave and Ernie to get to Pub for a meal and a game of Aunt Sally....soon to come to Holston Mountain...picts on facebookof walk..more later  nust get to bed...:::

Last Day in Dublin

Today we took inTrinty College and the Killmainham Jail Also saw a bit of the Flightfest event..all kinds of planes flying up the river andvery low for the people lining the river banks..back to B&B early to get ready for flight to England Monday...more from there....

Walking around Dublin

We set out today to check out some sights and ended uo walking over 8 HOURS....Needless to say we are tired and called it a night by 7 pm...We walkedto Christ Church and St PatricksChurch where we went into the Marsh Library..it is the 2nd oldest library in the world  no photos allowed as some of the books dzte back to the middle ages..It was and amazing collection of books..also got to try to write with a real quill penand ink..From there we toured the viking,medivial exibit next door to the Christ church..we left ther and walked towards the river through the temple bar area-.a historic area..over the bridges and to the Post Office where the Irish rebels took a stand for freeedom in the early years..then back through the temple bar area and after already stopping for a bite to eat we found the food market center where all eth nics had set ip stalls to sell good food...from there it was off to the Guiness Storehouse to learn about Guiness beer...and atthe top of the tour is the g

Drive to Dublin

Today was the big adventure....drive to Dublin to drop off car....Big City people we are not....headec out from Cashel and stopped at Holy Cross  Church only to find it is the 9 days of Novena... A HUGE Pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world...We did go around the outside but Mass was being said and we ccould not stay till it was done to go  Inside..Quite a history behind this church...On the road again and heading to Dublin-...All Dave's worrying and he breezec into the airport and car rental li,e a PRO!...Caught the16 bus and with help of friendly people on the bus we got off at the correct stop...Walked into town and had dinner at the well know Oneill's Pub... ow for a good nights rest znd tour the town tomorrow....night all""

Rock of Cashel

Arrived in the misty rain....Castle fogged in  LOL ...B and B at bottom if castle rock...Settled in and then walked up the hill to the castle..Tourec around in the misty wet rain..did follow a guide with neat information on the castle.,.Found a pub for dinner and back to B&B...Our window fa ec castle so waited for then to light it up and took a few pictures...Next morning it was hzrd to see with  morning fog..Breakfast and off to Dublin....

Kenmare....update

Arrived in Kenmare around 3 and the small town wax very busy...pulled into a grocery store to decide what B and B to stay in...Got out our Handy Rick Steves guide book and picked the Whispering Pines. Rang up tp see if any rooms arnd how to get there  we were actually close..We were greeted  b lovely lady named Mary and her visiting cousin form New York City.. Settled in and we treated to a nice cup of tea and  biscuits-.Walked down to town for dinner  and some music...Next day we got up and dropped off our laundry to be washed so we could enjou the day...we drove to the east side of the besara peninsula...to Glendgardiff and took a boat to Garrish Island..An Italian garden and preserve...Saw seals sunning on the rocks...and wzlked through the garedens..took boat back and saw Eagles on the way back...It was really warm and the sun shone all day!!!    Stopped off for tea and then headed back with  stop off agt Bonane National Park...a steep walk 1 mile in to see some druid ruins...one more stop at a local Chocolatier and back to our B and B for a rest before dinner.   Went tothe Coachman Pub for a meal with a well known Irish musician  Michael OBrian...Wonderful hour show while we ate..  Next morning another great breakfast andstop at the Natio al Lace Heritage Center before heading on to Cashel...pics on facebook...

Trip to Kenmare via Killarney National Park

Set off today for another adventure on narrow winding roads up and down the mountain. The driver is getting tired of being edged to the sideoff the road...LOL,,,It is hard for him to enjoy the sites untill we stop for picture or two (haha you know me).... It was really prettyo in a rough way..sheep on the roadside and some beautiful vistas..stopped at Muckross Abby only there since 1448.....and still quite well preserved.  onto the gardenbs...loads of roses and other pretty flowers...Did do the Horse and carriage ride as time was getting short...back on the road again with a stop at Torc Waterfall and then to the Ladies Viewing ( a vista of the largest lake named by Queen Victoria's Ladies in waiting..Through Molls Gap and down into Kenmare  just awarded the tidiest town in Ireland...  Found agreat B&B  ROCK STAR...for Marcus  LOL   Walked down into town for a meal and some nice Irish Music...Time to settled down and plan tomorrow.....Night All!!   pics on facebook

Music

Just got in from listening to some great Irish music at the Dingle Pub    wish we had gone there last night   much better then what we heard..--A good way to end our stay in Dingle.--:

Slea Head Loop

Woke up to a rainy misty morning...Headed out to do the Dingle Peninsula loop drive- Along the way many historic sites...Stone Forts,  Beehive Huts, Great Blasket Center for informatio  about the live on the remote island of which is now not inhabited. Then on to the Gallaras Oratory which was built 1300 years ago and is a well preserved stone church. Stopped to photo a lovely old church and while hurrying back to the car I stumbled onto the road..tearing my pants, skin ing my knee and hand and unfortunately damaging part of my camera..but it still works and I will heal..-So Top of the  Mornin to you All!!  pics on facebook

spelling

sorry for misspelled words I can not get it to edit them   oh well we are in Galelic country so
jest pretend it is Galelic!!!    LOL

Cliffs to Dingle Peninsula via ferry anfd Tralee

Today was an ever changing weather pattern...Started with beautiful clearing skies and headed out to Dingle Peninsula.  Nice drive to Ferry and we got
t there for the 11 run...as they were loading cars..Great timing!!!  Then we headed to Tralee a Pretty little town and stopped to wonder through the Rose Garden   The have a festival every year in mid Aug..It smellds so nice as we wondered around..Then headed out to tackle the Treacherous Conner Pass through the mountain.  That is when the rain and mist started.....headed up and up and got to a pull
 off where there was a glacier lake which you had to scamble up now wet and slippery rocks to look over the edge and see it...
.as it as so misty and wet we opted not to...now for the single lane road part!!  We waited for what looked like a clear run..and Ido mean run Dave gunned our little Skoda car and set off hoping not to meet anyone as we did not wa t to have to back up with the one side being a shear drop off..Did well till one spot but we stood our ground and made the van back up!!!  Not much further now.....YEAH  we made it to the overlook and of course the spectzcular view was socked in!!  Now an easy but still narrow drive down into Dingle...WHEW!   Found our B&B  on main street..got settled in and took a walk to the peir...Sun now teying to shine   Oh well a nice day anyway..now doe some pub grub and traditional Irish Mus

The Burren Way and Coastal Rd

Set off today to do the Burren Way Drive ...Cloudy and quite overcast .... Mid day startes to drizzle and then towards then end a bit more rain...After Burren (which means barren)  we headed around the Atlanta edge road....Stopped for Tea and Cake....enough to feed 4  (of course we didnt want to be rude and Te the whole thing)  Drove on to Lisdonvarna where ther was a match making festival   so busy for a very small village and no place to park so on to Doolon, even smaller but where the ferry rides  to thr Aran Island is and again so packes we couldnt try the well known OConners Pub:(...  Back at B&B for a rest and then a litle dinner somewhere tonight..Tomorrow off to Dingle Peninsula......pics later

Cliffs of Moher

Through tired eyes and weary bodies we made it to the Cliffs of Moher...and our B&B which is only 1 mile from the cliffs....Our little Skoda and the weary driver managed the narrow roads with ease...Turned out to be a beautiful Sunny and Windy fall day...Went to a local pub and had a lovely meal...fish and crabs right from the bay  can not get fresher then that!!  willpost pics later..

Up Up & Away!

All Packed and Ready to Go!  Hoping for some nice weather...Ireland Here we come! Thursday AM and waiting on our ride to the airport. More on Friday from the Cliffs of Mohr, Our First Stop.

Planning.......

Getting ready for a long trip in the fall.  Lots of research and planning going on...B & B's, Car Rental, Flights..thankfully our dear friends in England are planning all the trips there and to Normandy Beach. It is coming fast so must get busy with all the details...More later..