Adventures of a Retired Nomad

We boarded the bus for Gills Bay and then boarded the Ferry for Orkney Islands and Kirkwall.

BUS ABOARD FERRY

ROAD CONNECTING ISLANDS BUILT TO KEEP GERMAN U-BOATS OUT OF HARBOR IN WWII

MONUMENT TO ITALIAN PRISONERS OF WAR THAT WERE KEPT AT A PRISON CAMP HERE

PRISONERS CONVERTED A QUONSET HUT INTO THIS CHURCH SO THEY COULD WORSHIP

USING FAUX PAINT TO MAKE FLAT SURFACES INTO 3 DIMENSION

EVEN THE PIGEONS HAVE INTERNET IN ORKNEY

CHRIS MATTHEWS OUR GUEST GUIDE THAT TOLD US EVERYTHING ABOUT THE ORKNEY ISLANDS…EVERYTHING! We checked into our Hotel in Kirkwall.  Our group was split between two close Hotels.  I checked in and joined Chris on a guided tour of Kirkwall on our way to St Magnus Cathedral where a Choral Concert was being held that night.

Then there was much anticipated beautiful dinner at the North Shore Restaurant before retiring to my room after a long day.

This was a Crab and Seafood Tart…like a Quiche that was part of one of the three best meals I enjoyed this trip.  The Third meal would be Fish Pie tomorrow at this same restaurant.

FRESH SEA BASS ON A BED OF ASSORTED FRESH VEGETABLES WITH A BAKED POTATO

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We left Thurso for Dunnet Head Lighthouse then Duncansby Head Lighthouse on the way to our destination John O’Groats.  Not the end of the tour but our objective.

 Finally we arrived at our destination…John O’Groats…the Northernmost point of the British Isle.   Not the end of the tour but it completes our journey from Land’s End in the Southernmost point.

OK…
SEEM TO BE HAVING PROBLEMS SO WILL PUBLISH THIS AND START A CON’T POST

A quick note:   I was trying to keep up a journal so when I returned I could piece it together with the photos to make a daily blog.  Some of the journal got erased after I returned and was so confusing that I didn’t have it in the right order…so most is pretty accurate. Also the evening before we left, I was having a drink with David and Jimmy. Jimmy went to the bar to get a drink and he told the barmaid that he could tell where she was from….Singapore.  She was amazed. He returned with the story, explaining he traveled a lot in the oil business and was good at guessing where people were from.  We invited her to the table and she asked if Wei Ling Lee was the sister of the Prime Minister because he looked so familiar.  David admitted she was and the woman said she was a big fan of Wei’s and followed her life in Singapore and couldn’t believe she was staying at this Hotel in Inverness Scotland where she was bartender.  Later she told us she called her Mother and excitedly told her about her experience.

We departed Inverness for Thurso and make a few stops along the way. 

We check in to different hotels in Thurso and I had just enough time to get the key to my room before we continued to Castle Mae…the summer home of the late Queen Elizabeth II the Queen Mother.

MUSEUM WAS FARM IMPLEMENTS BUT THE COFFEE AND OVERPRICED HOMEMADE COOKIES WERE GOOD

There  is a BRISK WIND when we arrived at Castle Mey.  Cameras were not allowed in the Castle so we missed out on remembering the interesting things…like a little covered dish the Queen Mother kept in front of her every time she ate there.  I asked what was that doing on the dining room table? Toothpick container.  I liked the kitchen and where the help ate and brought the food up the dumbwaiter to the serving area.

THE QUEEN MOTHER’S BENCH

QUEEN MOTHER’S GARDENS

MY ATTEMPT AT A SELFIE WITH THE CASTLE

ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT A SELFIE BUT SOMEONE WANTED IN.

WE HEADED HOME FOR DINNER AT THE Y-NOT HOTEL WHERE SOME US WERE STAYING

LOOKS GOOD BUT IT’S NOT…NEVER ORDER MASHED PEAS. We had breakfast the following morning.

Off for Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands but first our destination John O’Groats, the Northern most part of the Isle of the United Kingdom.

        Today I opted out of the morning excursion to a Battlefield where the Jacobites were defeated and the war was over.  I paid for the internet and was going to stay in my freezing room and use it. Well the lighting speed they promised only allowed me to upload 4 photos in two hours…now our group was returning and my efforts had been wasted.  I complained at the front desk and they suggested I use the lobby to do my work. I returned to my computer with one hour before we left to a Village Culloden to visit a 1504 Priory ruin.  I now had lighting speed so managed to upload about 50 photos before I left.
          We had a nice afternoon at the Priory while others went to a Distillery. 

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WEI LIN POINTING OUT THE HEALING WELL

So we did and I returned early to have dinner next to the hotel then go to back to the internet some more.  The restaurant was full and no reservations were available….I went down to another that some of the group was eating at but they made reservations and without them…they were full. I returned to the expensive restaurant we ate at last night but there wasn’t anything on the menu that I wanted at those prices so went to a chain Italian restaurant that I ate at in another town a few days ago and they were full.  Now it’s starting to rain so I noticed a Pub and ran in there ordered a pint of Guinness a Tuna sandwich and a bowl of Lentil soup. 

 8 English pounds for a real meal and it was good.  I discovered they were having a live Scottish Band playing at 9:30 so decided to return in the pouring rain and see what it was about.  I did and the place was packed the music was great and I wanted to close the place but left to get some sleep.

We departed and toured the Lake District.

We visited Hadrians Wall and the remains of Birdoswald Fort.    We had lunch in tourist trap then continued on tours the countryside before crossing over to Scotland.

LANERCOST PRIORY

BLACKSMITH’S SHOP

We arrived in Glasgow, where we picked up a new couple from Seattle and dropped off those who wanted to stay in the city while the rest of us went North to stay in a 8th century Culcreuch Castle.

FRESH LAMB , POTATO, BROCCOLI ACCOMPANIED BY HAGGIS

EXCELLENT CHEESE, CHUTNEY, GRAPES, AND 18 YEAR OLD SHERRY!!!

        I checked in then showered and joined the rest for drinks. I ate early and ran to my room to sell some of my stocks to pay my dinner bill.  Had a good dinner  and a better dessert.
       The next morning we enjoyed an outstanding breakfast of Smoked Haddock and Poached Eggs.

Now heading out for Glencoe then to the city of Inverness for two nights.

Glencoe to me was the most beautiful part of Scotland.

We stopped around Fort Augustus where there were some locks.  Had an Ice Cream and met the Laird of the Loo.

Our day ended in Inverness where we checked in to another Premier Inn.
David bought us a drink at Johnny Foxes then we had a lovely dinner next door at the Prime Restaurant.  The room was cold and the heater blew more cold air.  I had to pay $8.50 for 24 hours of internet connection AFTER paying $400 for two nights!  I decided to cancel my room at the Premier (same chain) Hotel in Glasgow that I booked for 5 nights at $700 but was informed that if I did, I would be charged the full price!  I would never recommend Premier Hotels or if you do…read the fine print.

         Sunday we are off to Liverpool then on to the Lake district.  We started by visiting the local town of Chester.    It was empty at 9:30 Sunday morning but we got out and walked around the wall of this once Medieval City and took some photos and then started our trip.

SUNDAY…THOUGHT ALL WERE IN CHURCH…TURNS OUT THE “BETTING PARLOR”

      We stopped on the way to Liverpool in Sunnydale or something like that.  It was an industrial town that revolved around a soap manufacturer…like Hershey Pennsylvania with his Chocolate factory.  He provided units for all his workers to live and built a whole town around his factory…Sun Soap.  There was a huge Marathon going on in the town on Sunday and the streets were all blocked off so we didn’t get out.

     We reached Liverpool and drove around with some getting off at the Mersey River tourist area after having toured the wharf and the huge long long sugar factories and warehouses.   I went on to the downtown area and had coffee at Costas while searching the web for a nice seafood lunch.

I discovered the highly rated San Carlos and walked up the street to this high end Italian Seafood restaurant with only an hour left.  It was Father’s day so I treated myself to Poached Salmon Hollandaise with Fresh Sauteed Spinach and garlic.  It was the best Salmon I had ever eaten.

    I ran back just in time to catch the bus and off we headed for the Lake District.  A huge National Park that 15 million people visit every year. 

We were divided between two hotels, mine being the second one and we couldn’t get the bus up the drive so called to see if they had a back entrance.  David was on the phone explaining that we were at the entrance and causing a traffic jam and needed to know if they had a back entrance for large Coaches.  While arguing with the lady…Jimmy the driver got out in the rain and walked up to the hotel then returned and said…I can do that.  So we ventured up the road when one car parked at one hotel casita was blocking our way.  The owner came out in the rain and moved it and we arrived at the front door.  There were only about 7 of us staying at this place but the Front Desk women was so disorganized it took a while for her to take each of us to our Casita and  go back for another.  Finally I made a reservation to eat and took a shower and unpacked then returned. 
       I enjoyed a great Venison Dinner with Lemon Tart and Raspberry Ice cream for dessert with Cognac.

There was a man sipping his wine as I was leaving that we had met while checking in that was doing the same trip as us…from Land’s End in Cornwall to John Groats in the Northernmost part of the UK…1100 miles.  He did it on a bike and was 66 year old recently retired CEO of a Silicon Valley company that just sold.  He started biking a few years ago around San Francisco where he lived and kept extending his trips for two weeks to Vancouver or down to Mexican border and decided to do 1100 miles in England .  He almost quit a couple times but is still at it.  Wonderful man and very sincere and a bit overweight but in good condition.  I left for my room and to rest for my strenuous bus journey tomorrow.

        So the Sun rises around 4:15 am and sets at 10:00pm so I am on a new biorhythm.
This morning I arose around 5 then 6 then didn’t hear my alarm and it was 7:15 am.  No problem until I jumped in the shower and discover the maid broke the faucet and there was no water.  I filled my water/piss bottle in the sink…jumped into the shower and lathered my hair then wash cloth . Washed my body and rinsed with the water bottle.  I ran downstairs with my luggage and reported the problem …ate some organic yogurt, ordered poached eggs on toast.   I was presented with Hard Poached Eggs so ate half and got another yogurt.
       We loaded the bus and stopped in Stratford upon the Avon, home of Will Shakespeare.  I wandered around taking photos of other tourists wandering around, had some coffee and headed back to the bus.

          The Ironbridge, signaled the start of the Industrial Revolution when it was built, was under restoration and wrapped up in some protective material.   We didn’t even stop.

We stopped in Shrewsbury for lunch.   I ended up at an Italian chain restaurant. 

ONE OF THE OLDEST TRAIN STATIONS IN BRITAIN

When we loaded the bus the whole town was lined up waiting for a parade…so we waved to everyone and they waved back as if we were the beginning of the parade. 

        On to Wales and an World Heritage site…the Pontcysylite Aqueduct, in 1805 tallest aqueduct in the world that you could transport goods in a canal boat across and also walk it.

Then the Chirk Aqueduct…not so famous. 

 We took pictures and headed to Wrexham Wales and the night at a Premier Hotel…love the room hate the food.

       One Happy Hour, and there were many, J.P (Buck) and Hilda, his wife were talking about my service in the Army.  Hilda asked me one day.  I had told her and now her husband was interested.  I told him briefly and mentioned that my Dad also served 10 years from 1935-45 he had been stationed in Panama for 6 years when the war broke out and he was sent to Papua New Guinea for the rest of the war.  Buck immediately said…with the 32nd Infantry Regiment.  I was surprised because it was not an outfit in the current Army that was mentioned and few people knew of it as I believe it was disbanded after the war. 
        Later I asked if he was a Military Buff and why did he know that.  My father served in the 32nd for his entire 10 years.  He said his father had also been sent to the 32nd when the war broke out and died in Papua. He recommended a book. The Ghost Mountain Boys about the Papau New Guinea Campaign and the battle they fought.  He said it is pretty disturbing.  I bought it on Kindle that night and now I’m home reading it.  Battles fought there were worse than Guadalcanal with twice the men lost.
        If you noticed the sign a few photos back, you would know that we are now in Wales for the night.

FRIDAY AROUND THE COTSWOLDS
       This morning we had a great Breakfast at this fabulous Highway Inn that we are staying at.  It was bought last November by a London husband and wife that had been working for hotel corporations for over 30 years.  They refurbished 7 of the rooms in this 1470 house.  Yes…built in 1470!  I am sleeping in the attic with low original beams that I keep knocking my head into.  I’ve gotten in the habit of walking around stooped over wherever I go here…to be safe.  I really am impressed with this place…they provide you with wash cloths.  First hotel out of the last 12 I have stayed in that do that.  I guess wash cloths are personal as they are used in intimate places and probably the most stolen item in any hotel.  The toilet paper is the best too!
5G Wi-Fi for the Internet!  If your ever in Burford…this is the place to stay.
      So we toured the Cotswold, the most beautiful part of England, then some of the group got off to hike from Upper Slaughter town to Lower Slaughter while I stayed on with the rest and slept while we toured some more until the bus picked up the rest of the group in the other Lower Slaughter.  We then visited Burton on the Water .

 
      We passed some horses on the way to our next stop was Broadway where I had lunch at Hunter’s Tea Room which was ranked 4 stars and worth it.  I wandered around a bit before meeting back up with the bus for more touring.The homes in the Cotswold are all made of limestone from various quarries around the 700 square miles the area covers.  The stone varies in color depending on which quarry it came.  Honey , Oat , Grey and colors in between.

Cricket Club House

POLO ANYONE

     
We tried to stop in another village but a festival was in progress so we returned to the hotel for a short break before moving on.  I stayed to take a break. We are meeting at the “Mermaid Pub” where David is buying us all a drink at 4:30.
     My cold is still hanging on but the medicine allows me to breath now and sleep at night.  My shoulder that I injured in Mexico back in March is still bothering me.  I got heating patches for it but reluctant to use them on tour.  I will wait until the end. My neck is almost all healed so I got my fingers crossed that nothing else happens.
   

   The group returned so after walking down to the church for some quick photos, I met David and the group at the Mermaid Pub for our Happy Hour, compliments of David.  We chatted a bit and I debated where I wanted to go for dinner.

        I checked google but was beginning to think all the food reviews were fixed and decided to return to the hotel where I had a great dinner and breakfast.  I asked the Manager what he recommended…Fresh Pork Loin stuffed with Chorizo and Blood Sausage, Butter Beans in Cider Sauce with Broccoli garnished with a poached Japanese Mini Pear. OK.  Give me a Hendrick’s Gin and Indian Fever Tree tonic to go with it.  It was so good and I was so hungry that I started shoveling in and quick chew and swallow…well on the third bite I swallowed but it got stuck in my air pipe and I knew immediately I was going to die if I didn’t get someone to administer the Heimlich maneuver before I passed out.  No air or ability to dislodge that chunk of meat that I didn’t bother chewing thoroughly.  I couldn’t talk so started moving my arms to get attention…the manager ran over but all I could do was point to my mouth and turn my back on him grab his arms around me.  He didn’t know what to do and put me in a hammer lock.  I grabbed his hands from around my neck and put them on my upper abdomen …then he pulled and dislodged the food.  He saved my life.  I went back to my meal and chewed everything 25 times.  Then treated myself to a Remy Martin Cognac when I was done.

WITNESSES TO NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE…GUY IN THE BLUE SAVED ME

      I really enjoy Burford and this hotel and if I wasn’t on a paid tour, I would stay another few nights in this village.  I went out and joined the locals who lived here the last 10 years and they agreed….at least in the summer…winter they go to Egypt or Spain or…..
     Well another reason to count my blessings…I’m alive.

THURSDAY TO THE COTSWOLDS to Oxford and Burford.
    This morning we left Bristol and traveled through the Cotswolds stopping in Castle Combe then Bilbury…not sure which photos are which.

 and Bilbury with “Arlington Row”  to take pictures before visiting Oxford.

ENTERING OXFORD

HOME OF THE CHINA BURGER…ANCIENT RECIPE UPDATED

FAMILY RUN

I took off to have a China burger as soon as we arrived.  The recipe dates back to 1037 BC .  The take out “Taste of China” was family run and very popular with the students in Oxford.  I sat with Tina, an Oriental young lady who grew up in Toronto and was hear for one year attending school.  Final exams take place this week then lots of students will be returning home. 

Almost 15% of all the Parliament of Britain are Oxford Grads.  Kenny and I were hanging together and exploring when we ran into Linda and Regina.  Linda, a Cornell Grad, grew up in Albany and lived in NYC most of her life but now is retired in Ft Lauderdale, has been to Oxford 8 times for classes in July and living in the dorms for a week.  We followed her to the campus and she got us into the Dining Room and Chapel for free and in front of everyone in line.  Smooth talker and knew some of the attendants that ran the tours. 

THE DEAN WAS INSPIRED WATCHING HIS DAUGHTER PLAY HERE IN THE GARDENS…SO WROTE ALICE AND WONDERLAND

We had a great day and will tour the Cotswold again tomorrow. 

I had a wonderful Salmon Hollandaise with Asparagus,some wine at the bar with Carolyn from Boston that just joined the tour today and a retired man from Reno that is with his wife but can’t remember his name. They retired in Casa Grande but didn’t care for it so moved to Reno. Our Highway Inn was built in 1470!!!!!!  I stayed in the Penthouse.

First stop is Port Issac, famous for the series Doc Martin, which was filmed there if this is the right town???

Then Tintagel and the Castle Ruins on the hill….quick lunch.

A GOOD QUICK LUNCH…CORNISH PASTIE

..brief photo stop at Boscastle…on to Bristol. Can’t find the photo.

Famous bridge before entering Bristol…

SS GREAT BRITAIN…1800’S…?

ROOM WITH A VIEW

ANOTHER DAY FOR OUR HAPPY GROUP