Arran Day 3 - Holy Island

 Left luggage with Alice and made my way to the Lamlash pier to catch the boat over to the Island. Just 8 of us on the trip and after a short talk we were off on our adventure. The fit ones took the route over the top, but in the heat, the flat shore route was enough at 5.5 miles. Caves, nunnery, lighthouses and ponies, sheep and goats. Found the saint's cave on way back, not very comfortable. Another glorious day and so peaceful with hardly any other visitors. Plenty of skulls but resisted the temptation to bring one home.

Back to Alice for bag and then the bus to my next stop in Whiting Bay. Arrived at Burlington not quite sure what to expect as very varied feedback, but met by chef that Stoke Dave knew. Opening night for new Tapas restaurant so had a pot noodle and snack bars instead   . Enjoyed a couple of G&Ts on beach instead. Table promised for tomorrow.

Arran 2025 Day 2

 I had booked onto the Mogabout tour today so I might get to see some of the places that might be difficult on foot, and it proved the right idea. Met Alex in Broddick and 2 other passengers; I thought it might have been cancelled as it did say minimum of 4, but Alex shrugged it off- been a slow season so far. Spent about 4 hours travelling the south east corner including the waterfalls and Giant's Grave - a set of 3 Clyde cairns. Amazing setting and we had place to ourselves. Alex dropped me off in Lamlash to save me the bus back. 

Treated myself to fish and chips at the Pier Head.

Arran 2025 Day 1

 A very early start. Alarm set for 6am but woke at 5.45. Bag was packed last night so a quick good bye to Debs and off I went. 7.00 bus to Macclesfield, then first train to Piccadilly to stock up on fodder for the journey north. Train fairly empty so managed to stretch out for the trip to Glasgow. Had planned to lunch there, but ticket office suggested getting first train to Troon in case of any delays. At Troon, I decided to do the 30 minute walk rather than wait for shuttle and that gave the opportunity to grab a pint in the Harbour Hotel. On to the ferry and enjoyed the views in brilliant sunshine. I was very lucky with the weather! 20 minutes wait for bus to Lamlash and then onto Alice's Vegan B&B.  Nice room overlooking hills and just a pint at the Pier Head Tavern.

A new age

 I've been meaning to start this journal up again for the last 6 weeks, to mark the start of my semi-retirement, but I've not had a moment. So much has happened.

Officially dropped down to 2 days/week on 1st June, but with 4 staff to still line manage, those 2 days were very long ones. This week, I got the confirmation that I will be relieved of duties with regard to this e 4, so it should be easier.

So what has happened since 1 June?

1. The General Election - Despite not seeing off KAren Bradley here in the Morlands, the Greens did really well - best every vote, retained their deposit, raised $570 via crowdfunder and only Stafford beat us in vote count in Staffs and Stoke. Labour should have put Darren Price forward, rather than an unknown from Stoke.

Mum - the saga to get her a 2 week stay at Christopher Grange dragged on, until she had a fall and subsequently got sent there for respite! I visited yesterday and it was a very welcoming, bright and friendly place, Obviously some very frail people there and Mum still saying she wanted to go back to flat, but we are trying to persuade her to stay. Journey by public transport was long - 4 hrs each way - and only gave me 2 hours there.

Chris - I visited a couple of times and she is in a poor state - hallucinating and very frail. All very sad, and a great worry for Anne and Ben. Dave goes in once a week. It's no life and no hope of getting better for her - she must be tormented living like that.

Kath - it would have been her 70th birthday, and here girls arranged a party at Sarah's. Me and kids went over with Darren and Alfie. Lots of laughs and a few tears. She would have been glad we did it.

Lots of other things to keep me on my toes - the i40 has developed a fairly dramatic oil leak but engine seems to be fine. Local garage had a look but can't commit to it, so need to find someone else to do it - great. Off to Skipton in the morning, so had to borrow Alice's car for weekend.

MCA = lots on the go as we head towards Leek Show and more Repair Cafes. Still not sure what we are doing about Nature in your neighbourhood project - meeting next week.

Poor Alice is worried about the house move, Darren still not recovered fom his knee injury and dreading next year's intake of kids at school - all sorts of issues.

Alfie - my little ray of sunshine. Still not talking but good at pointing at things. We try to take him out once a week to park or Tittesworth.

More soon

Another busy week

Seems like a long time ago since I was walking across the moors to get a pint in the Green Dragon at Hardraw, but in this week we had 2 more storm - yesterday's 'Eunice' was the worst for 40 years. Luckily not too bad in Leek, but Wales and the South got a hammering.

Busy at work, and seemed every night was another Zoom call

Sunday - We managed to stop at Val's for a few hours - Paul still isolating so we all went to local cafe for lunch and coffee. Lovely to see Val, Louise, Pepe, Autoro and Jack - so grown up.

Monday - Valentines so treated Deb to a night out - As you like it at the New Vic with a meal before hand. Never seen the play before but a young cast put a modern slant on it and we found it very entertaining. Shame it was only a quarter full - guess many still staying away or busy canoodling somewhere else.

Tuesday  evening was a Friends of the Earth special - Active Hope. 2 and half hours explaining how to make sense of the crazy world we live in - part buddist, part new age. Good if you don't have any responsibilities, but not sure who it works when leading a group too! Hazel and Maggie on it too

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Wednesday - Off to inspect an ancient greenhouse that is looking for a new home - said yes, but now wondering where to put it and how to fit it on a sloping bed! Had nightmares the following night. Charity Quiz at night for Mayor's Funds - did rubbish in quiz but won first prize in the raffle - spa afternoon! That was soon donated back to Debs and Alice - I have been good this week :)

Thursday - Interesting meeting with Alton Towers and Refill - lots of potential joint working and great PR if we can get involved - fingers crossed. Another FOE Zoom at night - this was the ongoing series of workshops on campaigning. This week was about getting your message  over / Elevator Pitches - will look to use this with the Road Verge campaign.

Friday - The Storm! Red alerts across south and East - luckily not too bad here. Debs out at night so made a start on the presentation for the Repair Cafe launch , a letter to Councillors about the lack of any investment in the Cliamte Action Plan and some research into a walk I'm leading around the Weaver Hills. Dane Wolves had planned to do some night navigation but it was wisely cancelled. 

And back to today. Another wet and soggy day with bits of snow. Alice off to London to see a show and sight-see  . Her booked train was cancelled so she had to catch another and stand all the way :(

So time to redraft the letter to councillors and work through the 'How to set up a Repair Cafe' guides - launch meeting in two weeks !

Birthday update

 

A lovely day yesterday with cards from family and presents including booze, socks, aftershave and a wonderful picture of the Roaches.

Off to Leyburn to explore the market and the Shawl overlooking the valley. Poppy got scent of rabbits and took some time to return! Heading back we stopped at West Burton for a 5 mile circuit to Asygarth Falls. Stopped for outdoor lunch at tearooms - dogs meant we had to freeze in the garden but soup warmed us up.

Lovely walk through fields and hardly a soul about.

Tried to get a photo of the hay barns but failed so here is one I pinched !

Back home for slap up meal at local pub - stuffed!

Unfortunately, the promised rain has materialised so looks like a trip to the museum beckons. Will I pass as 60 to get the 50p discount?

New (Birthday) Year

Hello again

• Been a while
• Stuff happening
• Covid
• Comings and Goings
• Planning for the future

Been meaning to start a diary this year - in a old fashioned paper diary, like in the old days. But this is easier :)

So today is my new year. 59 years old. Possibly as cold today as when I was born? -4C in Hawes overnight.

Debs has hired a cottage for 4 nights for us and the dogs. She is still in bed as I write this - she does not like the cold, and so I thought best to get out and walk the dogs. They enjoyed the crisp frost on the grass - Maggie chasing after sticks, and Molly chasing rabbit scents. Back now for their breakfast and me to grab a coffee before I dare stir Debs with a brew.

So another year gone - lots happened, maybe look back another day. But today, I'm looking forward.

One more year at work? That is the plan, but then what? Maybe become a trainer? Maybe become a councillor? Maybe travel?

Alice moving in with Darren at Easter - house to be sold. Rich doing his Marathon. Maybe that trip with Tim we've talked about. 

Various gigs planned / delayed. Bunnymen in a few weeks with Tim (again!). A summer holiday back in Northumberland with Deb's clan. Nieces weddings in Bolton and Scarborough.

And fitness - will I get to do the 1000 mile challenge? On the plans last year until the car accident and then Covid. I need to buck my ideas up if I am to do it. Richard is talking about a 26 mile walk in the summer - that will need some preparation. I feel like I can walk all day, but my dodgy Achilles complains the next day. We will see.

So today is a day for presents, markets, waterfalls and slap up meal tonight - Happy Birthday to me 🎂 

Greek Adventure 2012

The Odyssey continues .........

Along the Kalistrata between Horio & Yialos

At last, we've returned to Greece after too many years away. The sea is still blue, the skies clear, the people friendly...it's just the prices that have changed! 5€ for a draught Amstel!

Returning to Symi 22 years since our honeymoon, but with many more Greek islands since explored, it somehow seems bigger than I remembered it...a few more bars, wider pavements, another sponge shop, menus in Russian!

After a bit of a nightmare start to the journey - plane at E.Midlands broke, so bussed to Manchester, another 5 hour wait, missed ferry, so put up in Faliraki overnight - we eventually arrived a day late to the bustle of Yialos harbour and taken up to Taxiarchis apartments to be met by the jovial Frank.

Sesklia Island with Deb sunbathing

Looking back on the first week, we've done a far bit of walking - Emborio and Agios Nikolaos Stenou, Pedi valley, around to St Nic's beach, up to the windmills and the Kastro. Also managed to squeeze in 3 boat trips on the Triton, allowing us to revist Sesklia Island and St Emilianos.

Panorama from above the stonecircle at Pontikokastro

Took a photo walk with Neil Gosling on Sunday morning, looking out for unusual photo opportunities and generally talking about life, the universe and everything. Posted a fair few on the F'Book album, and might even get round to printing some off.

A quiet corner on the Kalistrata

Looking over to Harani

Sun is still shining, despite threat of evening lightning storms over Turkey, so much that I got a bit too much yesterday on the 'round the island' boat trip, so taking it easy today...hence the blog update.

Autumn flowers in Pedi valley

We've revisited some of the bars from 22 years ago - Metapontis Tavern @ Emborio - only €2.50 for a big beer! and Neraida @ Yialos still in business and great service & value. Many of the shops are winding down, so will be bargain hunting next week.

Still a lot to see / explore - hope to get in some day-long walks if we get some cloud cover, or it will be the beach again!

Siesta time........

A day at the races!

somephotos from last October - a windy day on the Wirral

Port Sunlight, Mersey and Dock Road

Camping in North Wales - August 2011

Valley below Capel Curig

Llanberis Pass

Campsite  - just south of Caenarfon

Base Camp

Dusk on the beach #1

Dusk on the beach #2

Breakfast

Lovely old chapel in Pistyll

View back towards Anglesey from Tre'r Ceiri- hillfort on top of Yr Eifl

We made it! top of  Yr Eifl, looking towards Snowdon

One Rich and his dog

Roaches

Late afternoon on the Roaches - August Bank Holiday 2010

Scotland July 2010

The Scottish Adventure

Tryal

Ship's Log

Mon 19th July - left Grimsby by train for Aberdeen via Doncaster, Darlington and Edinburgh. Quick unpack and then back into Aberdeen for Mexican dinner.

Tues 20th - Early start planned, but engine stalled, so called out engineer to give all clear. Girls took opportuntity for a final shopping spree! Headed for Peterhead in good weather - no wind for sails. Minkie whale kept us company for a while.

Skipper Jon

Shipmate Shirley

1st mate Deb

Captain Birdseye

Cabin girls Alice and Ebony

Wed 21st - Rain overnight and set off in choppy seas after filling up with fuel. Heading for Whitehills via Rattray Head. Sea soon deteriorated to gale force 6 and big swells - girls stayed down below while I hung on for dear life. Once past Fraserburgh, let out sails - Jon enjoyed himself - if no-one else! Arrived Whitehills 7 hours later - very compact harbour - couple of bumps as sea still rough. Rafted up to another yacht and all slept soundly.

Whitehills Harbour

Sunset at Whitehills

Thurs 22nd - Crew mutiny - asked for day ashore. Explored Whitehills - pottery, great fish shops with lots of samples. Picnic lunch on beach before Deb and shirley collected a ton of rocks and driftwood. Jon and Mike explored walk to Banff - seas and gypsy park, before all went for slap up meal in Rockwish cafe with the world's largest  puddings. Girls braved the harbour for a swim, to the amusement of the local lads!

Come on in...it's lovely

Friday 23rd - Sail to wick - 47 miles. Seals and dolphins kept us company on the long trip over open sea. I managed to catch a seagull on the fishing line! Wick was a bit of a dump, so had BBQ on board followed by a couple in the Wetherspoons.

Sat 24th - Despite the suggestion from the very chatty harbourmaster to stop for the Wick carnival, we set off for Orkneys, via Penttland Firth and Copinsay (more dolphins). Another chatty harbournaster in Kirkwall, then out for chinese meal - still no haggis!

Land ahoy!

Copinsay 1

Copinsay 2

Sunday 25th - Exploring 'city' with an afternoon tour of the Highland Park distillery, for a 'peedie' dram or two of the good stuff.

Memorial to HMS Royal Oak

Highland Park

Monday 26th - Island bus tour, taking in  Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar and  the Italian Chapel. Excellent tour and driver, stopping to point out landmarks at Scapa Flow and stopping at Orkney Wine Company store for Deb to stock up!. Deb did lots of stone hugging, I nearly got left behind and had to run  after bus. Took advantage of all day ticket to visit Stromness, while girls went to cinema. Stomness very quaint, but closed!. Disappointing meal but excellent Scapa Flow pale ale. Bus back for late night session at yacht club - pool and malts.

Stones of Stenness

Italian chapel 1

Italian Chapel 2

Skara Brae 1

Skara Brae 2

Ring of Brodgar

Alice 1

Alice 2

Deb and Alice

Tuesday 27th - Off to Westray via eday. Stopped for  swim at Calf of Eday. After an hour moored in bay, ventured out to open sea, past Red Head and Grey Head. Arrived in tiny Pierowall harbour with just one other yacht. Just one hotel on far side of bay, so ate in.

Stronsay

Seals in Pierwall Bay

Links of Noltland dig

Wed 28th - Exploring Westray! Deb and I headed off towards western coast, spotting seals and rabbits, before stumbling upon a 'time team' dig of a 5000 year old village, being excavated before sea washes it away. On to uncompleted Noltland Castle, before returning to village for pint and butty. Met bloke from north Wales telling us stories of his time on Papa Westray - 40' waves, free fish and discounted tickets for world's shortest schedule air journey. Bought selection of fresh fish for fish pie. Girls had been taken on tour of island by yet another charing harbourmaster, stopping to collect bags of scallop shells. Girls had fish and chips, delivered directly to the boat. Set off lantern across the harbour (click below).

Eynhallow Sound

Thursday 29th - Very early start to catch tides. Left Pierowall at 7.15am heading north. Once in open seas, weather got worse and only Jon and I on deck. Force 6, so got sails out which only made things worse! Initial plan to follow coast to get good view of puffins at Noup Head abandoned, as poor visability, rough seas and crew all below. Rough crossing via Rousay, but once in Eynhallow Sound, all became much calmer. Saw a minkie travelling in opposite direction. Back into Kirkwall to dock and tie up for next crew. After showers and some retail therapy, went to see local band 'Saltfishforty' at Church hall - so good we bought a CD. Back to boat via 'Theme Bar - Oud Motor Hoose'.

Friday 30th - Packing, cleaning and generally making ship shape for next crew. Museum in afternoon and splash out meal at Kirkwall Hotel before long overnight ferry back to Aberdeen, and on via train back home. Until next time.......