Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Lake District

Dad has had a couple of days in the Lake District. Yesterday he cycled part of LEJOG with Jacob and Charlie. They are cycling to raise funds for the air ambulance. Dad stopped just south of Gretna Green (think he was worried he might say "I do" at the wrong time!) and the lads carried on to Bonnie Scotland. Dad did around 35 miles, but the lads were aiming at 70 miles. Weather wasn't great, some rain and a head wind. Not good for cycling.

Today he has had a day out with his friends along the Solway coast. Brilliant weather.

Tomorrow he is heading back to Scotland to stay with a friend at Oban.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

A quick pit-stop

Dad came home last night. Had a good journey back but it was just a quick pit-stop and he was off again today just after lunch. This time he's heading for the Lake District for a few days and then back up to Oban. He's hoping to catch up with Jacob who is currently cycling Land's End to John O'Groats and raising funds for the air ambulance. Here is Jacob's just giving page.  This time Dad has packed his bike and he's hoping to maybe cycle a few miles with Jacob tomorrow.

Dad will head up to Oban probably Tuesday/Wednesday.

Friday, April 26, 2013

An update from bonnie Scotland


Spoke to Dad on Thursday. They'd had a day walking. They'd set off from the hotel and did around 10 miles with quite a bit of ups and downs round the hills (or are they classed as a Munroe!).  They'd spotted a herd of deer. Weather had been mixed with rain the morning and a sunny afternoon. 

Food still good in the hotel. On Wednesday evening Dad had had soup followed by gammon and pear and ice cream for desert.  They'd had a couple of musicians as evening entertainment which Dad had said were very good.
The shower in the room isn't working so well, so they've been having a bath. I'd bet if Dad had got his tools he'd been sorting out that shower!

The plan for Friday is walking. Probably catching the bus out to somewhere and then do a walk.

****

Well Friday was a walking day. Weather has been pretty good. Couple of hail showers but other than that the sun has been out. Mountain tops have snow on them.  The coach trip today was to Fort William so Dad and few others got dropped off and walked along the West Higherland Way. They did around 11 miles. The coach then picked them up on the way back through from Fort William.

On the menu tonight for tea is haggis - well you can't have a trip to bonnie Scotland without sampling haggis.  The entertainment is a piper, so definitely a "Scottish" theme tonight.

They head back home tomorrow. Bags need to be outside the room by 6.00 am (I'd be tempted leave mine out tonight!), breakfast is 7.00 am and then they're on the road by 8.00 am.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Trip to Oban and Mull

Spoke to Dad earlier. They'd had a great day today. They've been on a trip to Oban and then over to Mull. Weather has been good with blue skies and just a bit of rain as they boarded the ferry over to Mull. Dad also had time for a wander around Oban.

Hotel is very good and very efficient. They managed to serve meals for all 150 guests. Last night Dad's evening meal was pate for starter, fish for main course and followed by peach melba. This morning breakfast was porridge and a full English (or is that Scottish?) breakfast. Entertainment last night was an accordion player.

Tomorrow the plan is to go walking.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

He's arrived !

Just had a quick phone call with Dad. They've arrived in Bonnie Scotland. Been travelling most of the day - but hey this retired folk having nothing to rush for!  The coach was an hour late picking them up this morning so they nipped into the Salvation Army hostel and had a free cup of coffee. Dad did say he'd booked in for the night on his return journey!

They had to change coaches in Tebay and then met up with two more Heritage holiday coaches. Hotel is very nice. Got a big room with white fluffy dressing gowns !  Dad did say the hotel doors are locked at 10.45 so they won't be going far in the evening.

Tomorrow he is planning on taking the coach trip out to Oban and then taking the ferry over to Mull.

He's off to Bonnie Scotland

Well Dad is off on jollies again. This time he's off to Bonnie Scotland, on a coach holiday!  He left this morning and the coach was picking them up in Stoke. There are around 25 folks from the walking group on the trip.

The trip they are doing is the Scenic West Coast with Higherland Heritage
They are staying in The Dalmally Hotel in the village of Dalmally in Strathorchy. Looks ok but I'm wondering what the "live" entertainment will be of an evening!

I think the plan is that the coach will drop them off somewhere and then they'll do some walking.

Hopefully I'll get updates (if there is a phone signal!) so will keep you posted.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Dougie Mac Bike Ride 2013

Dad is taking part again this year - well he has to, he's managed to get his photo on the entry form again !  Here is the entry form 

Anyone fancy having a go, details are below.  Dad will be doing the 50 mile and I'll probably be hanging around Wrinehill with my camera.


Event:Ruby Bike Ride
When: Sunday 19th May 2013
Where: Michelin Athletic Club
Challenge yourself - if you have joined us before why not try a different route!
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned rider there is a route to suit all abilities from 10 -110 miles! Riding through Stoke-on-Trent, Cheshire and Wales.
  • Llangollen - 110 miles
  • Nantwich - 50 miles
  • Local - 10 miles
In our 40th anniversary year every entrant will receive a commemorative medal and t-shirt!


Friday, April 12, 2013

and some more photos from Vietnam

These are some photos that Steve from the group shared ...
A well earned break

The group


A pit stop

Trying to hitch a ride


That's quite a load.



One of the posh hotels !

Rain coming in

Rain arrived

Some photos from Vietnam

Thanks to James who was on the trip with Dad for these photos ...

So Dad did have a wash while he was there !

Doubt Dad did any washing though !


Soon to be available in the UK !

Dad making hard work of it.


Very surprised Dad didn't stop for a trim.

Deep in thought.

Out on the road

Dad and James

Looks like they wanted get their photos taken

So cute !