Saturday June 18, 2016 Glasgow -Isle of Skye

Day 15 - Glasgow – Glencoe – Isle Of Skye
Travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond towards the site of the 1692 massacre at Glencoe – ‘Glen of the Weeping'. Pass through Fort William and see Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. View Eilean Donan Castle before crossing onto the Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Dinner
Hotel
Dunolie / Kings Arms

OK OK OK ..... YES SCOTLAND IS MAGNIFICENT!

Good morning Scotland. Our stay at the Westerwood was certainly very comfortable, albeit short.. No time to socialise last night with our mates. Home late, and ready to face a big day.

As I write this I had no idea JUST HOW BIG!!

It is Saturday I think, and today we started off with a most lovely brekky in the resort dining room, I really like the fruit selection offered. One can only do so many "cooked brekkys"
Off we go to the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond for ....wait for it..YES ....ANOTHER CRUISE.... #5 now.. Too spoilt 😉  
The one hour cruise was unbelievable. Every moment was spectacular. Warren braved a nasty local beer, and I had a coffee then a nice Pino Grigio, after all it was 7.30 at home..
Our boat was called the Lomond Queen( Wazzas note and I beg to differ.. )
It was peaceful, beautiful and everything we love...water fun and great company!
Onward through Glencoe, and though Linnhe.
Our lunch stop today was at fort William, as there is a dire weather prediction for tomorrow it's decided unanimously we should do our optional Isle of Skye tour tonight. Today we had the most amazing weather...
 Fort William was a bit slow with service, so after a drink at the Great Glen with Barbara, Debbie, Marian and the always funny always gorgeous Jeff we bolted off in pursuit of a coldie for tonight given we are in the boon docks.
At the last gasp I grabbed a roast  roll.. And jumped back on board in the nick of time
All the while battling something I haven't encountered for a zillion years.. The migraine eyes.. If you have had one you know what I am talking about.
Flashes everywhere, couldn't read or see properly. I was so upset. I took a couple of pills, put my sunnies on and asked for Devine intervention.. Today was a special day for me.- A special "mum place"  didn't want to miss a bit!  I got lucky and had just a "dull headache". Very grateful.
 Today was a rough day for most, it was over 12 hours in the bus ..none more so than Liz and Lucky Phil.....great job hearding the sheep.
As I write these notes its12.05 am,  I just peeped out the window and it's still not dark.
OK lunch done, sheep herded and off we go to Commandos Memorial, a magnificent place high on the the hill with the lonely goat heard... Oh no wrong movie!!
I was very excited to know we passed our beautiful grandson Lachlans Loch . I miss you Lachie..
Isle of Skye next to drop our bags and continue onto tomorrow mornings tour, today we had the most splendid weather, tomorrow is not so good apparently. John was our local specialist .. A mixture of funny and well..... Snoring ....
I can't tell you how  12 hours in a bus is so NOT fun... But I love our Liz for ensuring we get to see the best of the best.

She is AMAZING to say the least!
So is Wazza ..this  is what I missed
Loch Lomond is 23 meters long 5 meters wide
630 feet deep and 22 islands.

Friday June 17, 2016 Glasgow Glencoe Isle of Skye

Day 14 - Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow
Cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. This afternoon, your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Regional Meal
Hotel
Started our day with a cruise on Lake Windermere, this was an optional excursion. Once again beautiful scenery. On to Waterhead where we met up with our bus. I got to pat a very excited Cavalier ... She was adorable. Made me miss Nellie even more ..
Next stop was Ambleside, there is an Apple Store (no not THAT Apple ) that has been built over a creek, as such, the owners pay no land taxes. It's a hilly but beautiful town. We got a lovely fruit bun to share for smoko from a local bakery.
Passed back through Grassmere.
WELCOME TO SCOTLAND!!!
Lunch stop was at Gretna Green, another place mum spoke fondly of. Once upon a time the local blacksmith married people here often as young as 12!
We got our lunch at the local store, had a drink, took a few photos, listened to a piper, then it was time to hit the road to Glasgow.
And it rained as we got there.... Another highlight for Warren yet one more ABC moment..(another bloody cathedral) ...and a visit to the Necropolis. More than 3000 people buried here, but only 300 head stones.
We were then dropped in Glasgow town for 2 hours free time. More rain, so we stopped in at The Counting Room (Wetherspoons Pub) a truly beautiful old Treasury building. HUGE! Then off to explore town. We found lots of lovely markets, and hello, a Hard Rock Cafe ..... Bubbly time !!!
Co-Op for supplies, and then an included dinner at the Corinthian Casinos very grand dining room. A lovely meal, with 2 drinks thrown in!  More terrible beer for Warren...
Finally after 9 pm we arrived at our hotel, all very weary travellers.
Our room was beautiful, it was sure good to get my feet up. The days are long.
We stayed at the Westerford Golf resort... Excellent ...

But the days are fun filled.

Thursday June 16,2016

Day 13 - Liverpool – Quarry Bank Mill – Lake District
After a leisurely start, visit Quarry Bank Mill, a National Trust property that brings to life how communities lived together during the Industrial Revolution. Manchester and the surrounding area was involved with textile manufacturing during this period and today's visit will give you a Cultural Insight into life during this important time in British history. Later, make your way north to the idyllic Lake District. Travel along the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried in the village of Grasmere. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast,Dinner
This morning was a very slow start for those of us who went to the Cavern last night.

Very slow

We did an optional tour around Liverpool discovering its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present. Once again, many magnificently different cathedrals. We saw Matthew Street, birthplace of the Beatles, and drove along the Mersey Sound.
Stopped for a photo at Penny Lane.
Left Liverpool at 10 am and travelled onto Quarry Bank Mill, passing Manchester and the turn off to Wigan where one of our cruise friends lives.
We had a couple of hours to explore this mill and the beautiful gardens. Lots of history and lots and lots of stairs. Several school groups were there .. All dressed in period costume. Very cute.
Next we began our drive through the Lakes District. How stunning. 4000 acres of land was donated to the National Parks by Beatrix Potter when she died.
Onto a tiny town called Grassmere where we had afternoon tea and a quick trip to the co-op for some drinks, as our hotel for tonight is out of town, and we are sick of paying the high prices in the hotels.
The hotel in Kendal is called the Castle Green, it's set on acres and acres of land and has a magnificent garden. The rooms and the staff were first class.
Dinner was in the restaurant and was very nice.
Night cap then bed. It was a BIG day.

But a great day!

Wednesday June 12, 2016

Day 12 - Dublin – Chester – Liverpool
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to Chester. Your orientation walk here includes the Roman walls and the famous Tudor ‘Rows'. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the local Town Crier – an esteemed position which dates back to medieval times. Arrive later in historic Liverpool, hometown of the legendary Beatles.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Hotel
Our day began with a 2 hour "cruise" on the Irish Ferry back Jonathan Swift into Wales.
The time we spent in Ireland was wonderful.

Another picturesque journey down to Chester, a wonderful Tudor style town.
We had a guided tour around this very beautiful place. Then free time for lunch.
We stumbled across a pub that was over 400 years old, and is included in the Ghost tours. Legend has it a ghost spooked the man making the sign for the pub he spelt Marlbourgh incorrectly!
Then onto the Off the Wall pub for a cheap feed and a drink before meeting up with the Town Crier, who had me record the fun and games on my "cheap" movie camera!
Next onto Liverpool and The Jury's Inn. Another excellent hotel.
On advice from our friend Cat, we met up with a group and walked (in the rain again) and got lost along the way (again) to the place where the Beatles used to play called the Cavern. We all had the best night! And all agreed it was so worth getting lost and wet. The music and venue were FABULOUS ......

Yet another outstanding day.

Tuesday October 13 or 14 and maybe 2016 Dublin

Day 11 - Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian squares with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Grafton Street, famous for its street performers, or consider joining an optional experience to the monastic site at Glendalough.
Meal(s)

Today I woke up with a cant be stuffed attitude, so I just fluffed around our room while Warren went to brekky. He Came back with some lovely toast and raspberry jam while I continued to fluff around till all of a sudden it was 8.30 and time for our Guinness tour.
Warrens notes are as follows.
Back in 1759 Mr Guiness signed a 9000 year lease ...the first year was £100 following years it was £49 per year.
They produce 3million pints per day. They are true philanthropists .. They are so generous to all.
The brewery uses 6 million litres of water a day. No shortage here, we got told the other day it rains for 457 days a year!! After today I believe that!
The tour was excellent, apart from the  tasting ... Guinness it terrible, even Warren groaned! Our brothers however were in their element getting everyone's free tickets for a pint up on the 7th floor observation deck. Amazing views of all of Dublin!
Off next to town to spend 2 hours shopping.. But I hadn't got a jacket or my iPad, so we walked home to gather our gear for our afternoon excursion. Liz told me I wouldn't need a coat...WRONG LIZ...VERY VERY WRONG!!
Had a quick stop at Tesco to get lunch and then popped into the Wellington Hotel while we waited for the gang. The delightful Irish publican has surely kissed the Blarney Stone.. And more than once.
Our tour began with the wonderful Adele again at 1 pm, we drove though the most fabulous countyside.
We drove to Lake Glendalough a Monastic 6th century relic. It flogged down rain, but we kept going ... The scenery was fabulous ... There was a Priests Church where all your ailments were cured if you went inside. Tomorrow I will be able to run. ....
No photos to post, as it was too wet to bring out my iPad, I have some good photos on my camera,but they won't play nicely with the iPad to share, so I shared our travel buddies pictures on Facebook.
Just enough time to have a dry off of sorts at Caseys Bar, a magnificent hotel in this divine area before we headed back to Dublin and home...
Thanks Adele, our new Irish friend .  Sensational..
Collected our laundry, gathered up a drink, and home to dry out and prepare for tomorrow's early departure back to the UK.
Happy hour downstairs at our hotel then a small shared snack at William Searsons pub..excellent service, and a grand pub..to be sure...
Home... Pooped..
Back across the Irish Sea on our "cruise ship" tomorrow and we land at Liverpool tomorrow night.
What an adventure.

Absolutely UNBELIEVABLE....

Monday June 13 2016. Belfast to Dublin

Day 10 - Belfast Sightseeing – Dublin (2 Nights)
After an orientation of Belfast, enjoy free time to perhaps explore the Titanic Quarter or shop in the bustling city centre. Later, head south to Dublin where your choice of sightseeing gives you the opportunity to visit the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration or the Little Museum of Dublin. Tonight, perhaps consider an optional experience at an Irish Cabaret.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Hotel
Mespil

We headed off after another lovely breakfast, everything has been exceptional. Cannot speak highly enough of Trafalgar and our fabulous guide Liz.
We did a drive around town, and dropped several people off at the Titanic museum. We were left at the beautiful city hall for 2 hours free time.
Our first day where the weather was not too kind, overcast and drizzle were the order of the morning!
Wandered around the city, and ended up back at the City Hall where we had morning tea. Not out of a glass... Real morning tea!!
On our way out we signed the book of condolence for the victims of yesterday's atrocity in Orlando.
We are now headed down to Dublin for a 2 night stay.  Time for a snooze.
It's a hard life on the road!!  A very quick snooze, as Liz put a video of Riverdance for us.
The weather is not improving 😩
We arrived at the hotel at 2.15 time for a pit stop before we reboarded our bus to do an orientation tour with the lovely Adele, a beautiful lilting Irish accent!
These are Warrens notes as he wrote them:
River Liffey, 1800 century part of town, gorgeous Georgian houses. St Patrick's Cathedral, now home to the Church of Ireland. It was taken from the Catholics.
Saw the Guiness Brewery, established in 1759, it sits on 64 acres,we have a visit there in the morning.
Next a drive to view the Phoenix Park 1760 acres, way bigger than Central Park. It's home to around 400 wild deer. The US Ambassadors Residence, very much like the White House and then the Irish President's building ... The Irish Prime Minister has to buy his own digs... Huh!
Passed by Temple Bar, and the Clarence Hotel, owned by U2. Homes in Temple Bar start at €6.5 million. None really appealed to me...
Arrived at our hotel at 4 pm, and all of a sudden it's  almost time to meet up with our friends to go our for dinner.
Dinner was at the Wellington Pub. Shared a meal of a irish stew.
It's a huge night in the pubs with Ireland playing Sweden... Lots of green going on here!
Another lovely hotel ... Actually has an ice machine!!
Put a bag of laundry in as we have 2 nights here.
Friends back for a nightcap ... And again, late to bed, and still light!!

Sunday June 12. Letterkenny to Belfast

Day 9 - Letterkenny – Londonderry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast
Cross the border to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Walk along the 17th century city walls with your Local Specialist and see the street murals of the Bogside. Visit the Giant's Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic natural wonders in all of Ireland. On arrival in Belfast, you will meet your Local Specialist ‘Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of the city in his Black Cab.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Hotel
Stormont

Today is a very busy day for us, 45 minutes after we got on our coach we arrived at Derry for our guided bus/walking tour, after crossing the border into Northern Ireland, where the Pound is not the same as the other pound if you know what I mean, well I am confused. In my purse I have Aussie dollars, Euros, English Pound and Northern Ireland Pound. I look quite stupid when I stop to make a purchase, then again, I look quite stupid most times!
Our guide Rhonan was a mixture of Chinese and Irish, with a Buddhist mum! He took us on a tour that was sensational to say the least! Rhonan should be classified as a national treasure! I could listen to his voice all day and not get tired of him.
When he first boarded the bus, he said "do not adjust your glasses, you are looking at a Chinese Irishman leprechaun ... We laughed and cried at his stories.
We toured town in the bus hearing the history and looking at murals and places of interest before walking the walls.
Rhonan asked Warren a question, and then asked if he always looked at men that way, Warrens retort was "only when they are weird" quick as a wink Rhonan came back with, says you in bright yellow shorts. Rhonan won that round.
Sadly our escorted tour was over and we had free time to explore what must be the grandest Town Hall ever built. Home to a pipe organ with over 3000 pipes.
We walked across the Peace Bridge and realised how lucky we are to live where we live.
Just near here was the lovely town of Bushmills.
More shades of green, an overcast day, but not at all cold. And the rain came out when we were on the bus!
Next stop was the Giants Causeway, Irelands only UNESCO site. It was a beautiful walk down, but I woosed out and spent the best pound I ever spent catching the bus back while Warren walked up.
We had our usual lunch in a pub called "The Nook" fabulous scenery here again!
We are now on our way to Belfast to take a ride in a black cab to hear more of the political history of this place.
Our Black Cab ride was hysterical, the funniest 2 fellas ever, however what we saw and heard about was unbelievable to us. So much hatred because of religion?? We learned their day of celebration is way bigger than St.Patricks day, they have HUGE Bon fires. They really are pretty crazy up here!!
We finished our tour at the magnificent city hall. Off we went to search for a place for dinner. First stop Crown Pub, a national trust property, and certainly very very ornate!
Photo on Facebook!
Dinner was at Pizza Jazz £8 for a 12 inch pizza and a glass of Prosecco or a pint of beer. Good value, and great service.
Back to the beautiful Stormont Hotel where we had drinks out in the courtyard before retreating inside to watch everyone return home from walks like drowned rats!!
Another fun fun night.