tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39944980572894568662024-02-19T09:46:21.038+00:00The Great UK Bike TripAn account of riding my BMW R1150RT motorcycle round the coast of mainland UK, including my preparation, and daily reports from the trip, which is scheduled to take place in May 2015Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-51664635910870235492015-05-21T17:17:00.001+01:002015-11-18T09:27:50.467+00:00Back to EnglandEyemouth proved a little frustrating last night. The only pub with food also had football at loud volume from multiple screens. Chicken salad and over priced Peroni in a wine bar was the unsatisfactory result. Nevertheless the room I stayed in was private and comfortable.<br />
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Eyemouth is an old fishing port which still has a lively harbour.</div>
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And like so many of its kind, a strong religious tradition evidenced by a landmark church.</div>
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I crossed into England just North of Berwick on Tweed at about 10am. I promise this is the last selfie, it was raining and there were no obliging passers by.</div>
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Altogether I have spent nine days riding round the Scottish coast. It's a huge country, for which I have developed a great affection.</div>
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The three bridges of Berwick are impressive and in a different way the massive castle at Bamburgh demonstrates the historic importance of the Northumberland coastal region.</div>
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The sands of Alnmouth are a good example of the largely undeveloped grandeur of this coast, if sunshine could be guaranteed this would have hotels at every turn.</div>
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It's not far then to the industrial domination of Newcastle, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Middlesborough, where water fronts are often controlled by giant machinery.</div>
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I came over the river Tees into Middlesborough on the Transporter bridge, a huge gondola suspended from a Steel frame carrying up to 12 cars at a time serenely over the river. It's an ingenious solution to the conflicting demands of tall ships and vehicle crossing.</div>
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Just north of the river before getting to the transporter, the skyline is filled with images of the petrochemical industry, piles, storage vessels, condensers, essential artefacts of our modern lifestyle, and surrounded by a huge nature reserve.</div>
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The coast is a dangerous place and lighthouses are reminders of the risks.<br />
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Souter lighthouse <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black;"><a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas/</a> near Marsden in Sunderland is a classic example of the strength and shape of an iconic lighthouse.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black;">An older less obvious is Blyth High Light constructed in 1788, and no longer in use it no doubt served its purpose by saving lives and cargo.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I have a couple of days off now, then the final leg back to the Humber Bridge on Sunday</div>
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Today's route is here <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=994535489</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Stockton-on-Tees South (null)54.484134 -1.334951tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-46310240102410759642015-05-20T18:55:00.001+01:002015-05-20T18:55:45.825+01:00A day of two halvesHThis trip has not been a great journey of self discovery, but there have been some illuminations, reminders rather than revelations.<div>The first and most critical is that I don't like dormitory living. Sharing with the odd ageing outdoor type in a rural hostel is ok for the odd night, staying in an urban hostel with the beds all full is not the same. I was up at 6 this morning because that's when all the alarms went off. The other guys were not noisy, just THERE. All of the people I spoke to in Aberdeen were in the hostel because they were working locally (a couple of bricklayers from Fife), looking for work (a young woman from Hong Kong) or training (a young man originally from South Africa now working in St Andrews). He was in his late teens, working as a chef. He had financed his own offshore training course with he hope of getting work catering on one of the North Sea oil platforms.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Aberdeen is closely linked to the oil business and the view back over the town this morning shows some of the ships servicing the industry.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZn1AIAQoXnWgGXwN9fcxLWvyNyrOmMtncn9vN6nTYSLTh-VAhvrs3-E7xiFphgCRNcoQSRNQLx_Xqov7QvQkNh2clzWbGNnPFObcIMx5YdfxfweMdSnedaonIKsowsSEvYtBqnEUhG8/s640/blogger-image-1991171840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZn1AIAQoXnWgGXwN9fcxLWvyNyrOmMtncn9vN6nTYSLTh-VAhvrs3-E7xiFphgCRNcoQSRNQLx_Xqov7QvQkNh2clzWbGNnPFObcIMx5YdfxfweMdSnedaonIKsowsSEvYtBqnEUhG8/s640/blogger-image-1991171840.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG0Xlfy0Ai5TjvyKQgUh6Bd91Gei-E02gkMN3eviTBkPOCLuPg9z5uO_m35T-BygCtby7rvCyYBxxwpuDyK0Xsw9L-_BDR2tvAKivwQWUDineKot97Yt2WlYyHmxY9_vfAfQZ9k2a0CY/s640/blogger-image--1941138943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG0Xlfy0Ai5TjvyKQgUh6Bd91Gei-E02gkMN3eviTBkPOCLuPg9z5uO_m35T-BygCtby7rvCyYBxxwpuDyK0Xsw9L-_BDR2tvAKivwQWUDineKot97Yt2WlYyHmxY9_vfAfQZ9k2a0CY/s640/blogger-image--1941138943.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was taken from a golf course, because it's difficult to move in this part of the world without crossing a fairway. Later in the day I was at St Andrews where they are preparing for the Open. I walked across a fairway (actually I rode my bike as well, it's a public road) and took this photo which shows the stands in place for the big event.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisynGNmSb3cPWd4PMQ1UibaJgGbSqjE2mzEudbZ5Cs8a1ZVf0MGC4LDTnH0XC9Ym8sN7Bl2e-m51upg2Zq27k18nn2HHJb0lXNe9-MwVZJjJoHWH_XTXqUC8f32-UduPpY8fSqyE5Hfg/s640/blogger-image-765426226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisynGNmSb3cPWd4PMQ1UibaJgGbSqjE2mzEudbZ5Cs8a1ZVf0MGC4LDTnH0XC9Ym8sN7Bl2e-m51upg2Zq27k18nn2HHJb0lXNe9-MwVZJjJoHWH_XTXqUC8f32-UduPpY8fSqyE5Hfg/s640/blogger-image-765426226.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There were people playing and being interviewed, someone who knows golf may recognise them<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ehy08wCMyJKnvgU-js-ENlT6VnNCpJu7PPII8AUCH-BN8Wn8xDKwdCajLLBZFVlWDg1Pfmkr8HyUBEzej-Gh6BuFiA62GQi1aTkl-CbGySzCj7wzjgG1wGcyoakSSGxRzYEX74v5KqU/s640/blogger-image-330323000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ehy08wCMyJKnvgU-js-ENlT6VnNCpJu7PPII8AUCH-BN8Wn8xDKwdCajLLBZFVlWDg1Pfmkr8HyUBEzej-Gh6BuFiA62GQi1aTkl-CbGySzCj7wzjgG1wGcyoakSSGxRzYEX74v5KqU/s640/blogger-image-330323000.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was in St Andrews that my second piece of self understanding came to fruition. I have referred to my inadequacy with the selfie stick in previous posts. There is evidence of growing competence, but no great leaps of skill. A correspondent whose opinion I value has suggested I take the radical approach and ditch the selfie stick. Well today I offer, by way of comparison, a photo taken at the "Chariots of Fire" beach at St Andrews, it was procured in the old fashioned way by chatting to a passing American.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsksfzoawf8IdGnCb6gSUABP3j4MDmu4FgZ1UczbOTz_RGBrMfMvyUUiVvCzGIr6N4JLNbT3g5orCe1K7cwGdYc5BznlYgUukE0cqrFo_QIo-5UIyx6cQ3NKWYfV7yoxrMiZpXT-R_haI/s640/blogger-image-1386811141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsksfzoawf8IdGnCb6gSUABP3j4MDmu4FgZ1UczbOTz_RGBrMfMvyUUiVvCzGIr6N4JLNbT3g5orCe1K7cwGdYc5BznlYgUukE0cqrFo_QIo-5UIyx6cQ3NKWYfV7yoxrMiZpXT-R_haI/s640/blogger-image-1386811141.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just as a reference point, the American was one of a family of four who, before taking this pic of me, had been using a selfie stick to capture themselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Arbroath, the home of the Smokie, is a pretty town, well worth a cappuccino and a wander. They do actually Smoke the Smokies right by the harbour<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt2G-7p8Ers1wBjZOsg5Jh-t-DQAGollarz1IqUmyYQjtNEQV-TyvUEfvj7Y8l87gYWIGILLs4-I8DhUkP0YxzXXg28waVJ-JsK4B5hjKKqyRJyERuLL7QkMQ-VTTz8U8QOlXpt3CxLQ/s640/blogger-image--1777631828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt2G-7p8Ers1wBjZOsg5Jh-t-DQAGollarz1IqUmyYQjtNEQV-TyvUEfvj7Y8l87gYWIGILLs4-I8DhUkP0YxzXXg28waVJ-JsK4B5hjKKqyRJyERuLL7QkMQ-VTTz8U8QOlXpt3CxLQ/s640/blogger-image--1777631828.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuVr8PCEsIfaQzzsmuAleIwUwTSWe6iZVVOt8VrPwsMBSIy2uXEWrZcyTp7CFuwB6LozIJhGy8cS9FLDK9zFDvUvKz3QbHBKph1lUn2QMlsWMlMxuCtRmgbpP8e3Lu15uJuDjq6egHZ8/s640/blogger-image--1531275724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuVr8PCEsIfaQzzsmuAleIwUwTSWe6iZVVOt8VrPwsMBSIy2uXEWrZcyTp7CFuwB6LozIJhGy8cS9FLDK9zFDvUvKz3QbHBKph1lUn2QMlsWMlMxuCtRmgbpP8e3Lu15uJuDjq6egHZ8/s640/blogger-image--1531275724.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the harbour itself is worth a look or three<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxCDj8qYdUiNqqd92s07X0Tpz1lTltApURIYWk0ePOoHy1ur1vbVuFMxx0Qjz-L3qfoDyfkhmrfI-T7RkBnKdKJhuOLUoqFo7ZocBwXrk2vUjuU7eC5eSUKtkfYeaTInLfPthsf2AxC8/s640/blogger-image-2133577260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxCDj8qYdUiNqqd92s07X0Tpz1lTltApURIYWk0ePOoHy1ur1vbVuFMxx0Qjz-L3qfoDyfkhmrfI-T7RkBnKdKJhuOLUoqFo7ZocBwXrk2vUjuU7eC5eSUKtkfYeaTInLfPthsf2AxC8/s640/blogger-image-2133577260.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadwdgpDZ1asKF0hVdyQZhtiD6pkxSw81CJDjsjdaa1y8cVmz1oMwbKWiAj5NrzF5pGMqRUIN_OtWQ9yYKmlln8qGoR73EhZiOimq_riIQS55lg1Q5gzgkYho8WrH0US_4fKCZmHRwMhE/s640/blogger-image-1655345319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadwdgpDZ1asKF0hVdyQZhtiD6pkxSw81CJDjsjdaa1y8cVmz1oMwbKWiAj5NrzF5pGMqRUIN_OtWQ9yYKmlln8qGoR73EhZiOimq_riIQS55lg1Q5gzgkYho8WrH0US_4fKCZmHRwMhE/s640/blogger-image-1655345319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One last look back at the Highland mountains, you might just make out snow on the peaks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Vj14_emNVJJ5eXGmF5jupdOnfDWqXa-4CyFWzNpTSVGtXGFKyBEIPkZy8t4OcllQzYz9mUwUhcvbiHQO-OBog8HaCKmppbjZUpqxQrj_oGRAcd_eLd0MhUEiXjhrtPAF-ba31hTkKs/s640/blogger-image--495849640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Vj14_emNVJJ5eXGmF5jupdOnfDWqXa-4CyFWzNpTSVGtXGFKyBEIPkZy8t4OcllQzYz9mUwUhcvbiHQO-OBog8HaCKmppbjZUpqxQrj_oGRAcd_eLd0MhUEiXjhrtPAF-ba31hTkKs/s640/blogger-image--495849640.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After following the coast closely to Dundee - no photos see previous comments about iPhone battery life, and St Andrews it was the motorway round Edinburgh and the A1 south. Some welcome cruise control time with Annie Lennox providing an appropriate soundtrack (until inexplicably the audio system decided it didn't want to play my iPod again - another minor irritation for the dealer on 2 June)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eyemouth is on the coast a few miles east of the A1. Seems a pleasant little town and the guest house I am in is right on the front. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm off to find some food</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><br></div></div></div></div></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Eyemouth Eyemouth55.87272 -2.090367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-71060325492569843432015-05-19T19:21:00.001+01:002015-05-19T22:16:56.846+01:00Wet and windy (again)A gentle start from Inverness, with no one else to wake I had a leisurely shower and coffee, then set off in the sunshine. That lasted until Culloden battle field just outside Inverness. Here the rain started and never really stopped, when it waos dry for a while, the wind persisted. This is a picture of the harbour at Burghead which gives some idea of the waves.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6psgdImINuiswJHGhMNSyq2xaPJYC_wBpB8KyydmGGDtGv9CeJhwvQ2k_RLLUl1cL7l2FxuxuAOPcxYjtg6nMYlMsUTd_1WGfIOirtbvJtEtca-C5nd-ND_DBZKiohhYsZtDyaoblH8w/s640/blogger-image--1693873631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6psgdImINuiswJHGhMNSyq2xaPJYC_wBpB8KyydmGGDtGv9CeJhwvQ2k_RLLUl1cL7l2FxuxuAOPcxYjtg6nMYlMsUTd_1WGfIOirtbvJtEtca-C5nd-ND_DBZKiohhYsZtDyaoblH8w/s640/blogger-image--1693873631.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Looking away from the harbour one can see the small town of Burghead<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcp8OC5EEYzxrySNGgDkejjVkgOcV7d36qaL4o99IKE9GvkrEGdqpjK_VqSzhPGfO9P736PC1ks9jcN-Tg2jRF9XhfJ6jlCyM63xwN_g5IKFliRvOvzjaPT0rJ06TLjvYq6t5sxnnHVo/s640/blogger-image-658220872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcp8OC5EEYzxrySNGgDkejjVkgOcV7d36qaL4o99IKE9GvkrEGdqpjK_VqSzhPGfO9P736PC1ks9jcN-Tg2jRF9XhfJ6jlCyM63xwN_g5IKFliRvOvzjaPT0rJ06TLjvYq6t5sxnnHVo/s640/blogger-image-658220872.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dominated by a gigantic industrial building. That is a maltings owned by Diageo the giant multinational alcohol conglomerate.just along the road is another similarly attractive building probably two or three times larger, that is a whiskey store.</div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://whiskystory.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/roseisle-distillery-near-elgin.html?m=1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://whiskystory.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/roseisle-distillery-near-elgin.html?m=1</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">According to Wickipaedis Diageo is the wilds largest whiskey producer and owns 30 distilleries </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diageo" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diageo</a></font><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>This blog <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://whisky1.wordpress.com/distillery-owners-guide-who-belongs-to-whom/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://whisky1.wordpress.com/distillery-owners-guide-who-belongs-to-whom/</a></font></div></div><div>Although maybe a little older describes well the concentration of the whiskey production into a few multinational hands. It is for this reason that I refuse to be seduced by the wee stories about the flavours of particular malts and how this relates to the water, the peat and the loving care of generations of distillers. It may have been true, now it's a marketing lie. Last year I visited a distillery it has one of the last remaining maltings. They produce malt for distilleries all over Scotland, including those on Islay. For these the malt is smoked to produce the the distinctive smoked peat flavour, said to be a result of the "terroir " but now a product of the industrial chemist. Whiskey is a pleasant drink, but if you believe all the romantic nonsense you may be inclined to think Ferero Roche are classy chocolates.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ0N8_8D9kuM6yTTej7utuHI6EyseARcf4e5ETaAZtMVPVAEa6Qw-QPJ6DrQp8Dm7WJ4ufuo82RUFXkE4VPTGX3q8X1D6poUVVPlM82XdFVtbgA89sLT__ijW2OvnZE_OoBrg7GsPzdI/s640/blogger-image--1504761071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ0N8_8D9kuM6yTTej7utuHI6EyseARcf4e5ETaAZtMVPVAEa6Qw-QPJ6DrQp8Dm7WJ4ufuo82RUFXkE4VPTGX3q8X1D6poUVVPlM82XdFVtbgA89sLT__ijW2OvnZE_OoBrg7GsPzdI/s640/blogger-image--1504761071.jpg"></a>This is where I took s break, it's Lossiemouth, can you guess why I stopped here?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lossiemouth has an RAF base and while eating my Gelato I watched three fighters come over flying in close formation, peel away, turn and land one after the other, real classy piloting skills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I passed through the village of Crimmond famous for t<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he most well known musical setting of the 23rd psalm, which was written here.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This link <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.thelordismyshepherd.co.uk/index.php?link=crimond.htm" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.thelordismyshepherd.co.uk/index.php?link=crimond.htm</a> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gives the history and controversy associated with the tune and there is a link to listen to it as well. By odd coincide just a couple of days ago I was listening on the radio to an episode of "Soul Music" which told the story of setting the 23rd psalm to music, probably the most recent setting was written as the theme to "the vicar of Dibley" I don't know how long the programme is available but this link was live when I wrote this </font><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05tkzn5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05tkzn5</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another titbit: did you know that Peterhead is twinned with Allesund in Norway? Presumably because of the oil exploration links. I am sharing a room tonight with a young chef who is in Aberdeen on a course preparing him for working offshore on the oil rigs, it's big business round here.</font></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And this was the history a lot of small fishing villages, low housing sheltered against the harsh north west winds</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KBro4yA8El65nzlfpbFtCtV3CH7guq8gWE6pa70FM3LcPKv_AiBYuriDvor10IA7nbEtqJ2BO8g5XuPEe5oOzWy-01TGwWD1Eppx1j9ZD72XQP8RI1HPI-U-SPxrOXMUSpbTa63dHXo/s640/blogger-image--1485995898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KBro4yA8El65nzlfpbFtCtV3CH7guq8gWE6pa70FM3LcPKv_AiBYuriDvor10IA7nbEtqJ2BO8g5XuPEe5oOzWy-01TGwWD1Eppx1j9ZD72XQP8RI1HPI-U-SPxrOXMUSpbTa63dHXo/s640/blogger-image--1485995898.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With the Church of Scotland playing a dominant role. This one is Portnokie.</div><br></font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Aberdeen Aberdeen57.143116 -2.109438tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-54246941591607821702015-05-18T19:12:00.001+01:002015-05-18T19:25:02.819+01:00To the extreme,I like Inverness Youth Hostel. That's probably because I had the unexpected foresight to book a single en suite room, so I am writing this while lying on my private bed, having freshened up in my own shower, and mane a cup of coffee using my own kettle. Luxury!<div><br></div><div>Tongue looked lovely this morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgAbFRlo2716LIwvX2YHdsLtJmp3wuG3Sqg4JbeSJkyPeJ97k7HJzfEQGpqcQwcmwbjyyqdd2_I233CA9TMrJ8xhK5liFb0n33e-i3YnO32WxDNiBJG8JQ8Y_7urkEScD6-iaH5iT780/s640/blogger-image--951359186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgAbFRlo2716LIwvX2YHdsLtJmp3wuG3Sqg4JbeSJkyPeJ97k7HJzfEQGpqcQwcmwbjyyqdd2_I233CA9TMrJ8xhK5liFb0n33e-i3YnO32WxDNiBJG8JQ8Y_7urkEScD6-iaH5iT780/s640/blogger-image--951359186.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7FRwlDK-Wg0t1zG9A_4T9rhDRvJ2yuIov-51TGyyeKdR2H11K4Jm-PPnTQLtrW2gLkDsmcjnu5JhnQzWN-nmGEzwI68J0Hz2JB5kLj7cZ-H3ftIVHmJY4lkUYgGvyq4k_O2FBPuXyHM/s640/blogger-image-1863944178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7FRwlDK-Wg0t1zG9A_4T9rhDRvJ2yuIov-51TGyyeKdR2H11K4Jm-PPnTQLtrW2gLkDsmcjnu5JhnQzWN-nmGEzwI68J0Hz2JB5kLj7cZ-H3ftIVHmJY4lkUYgGvyq4k_O2FBPuXyHM/s640/blogger-image-1863944178.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4uzF6X7hlEe33E3ADh56FueP-9Xa_BKapbIPROeCMBwQuMkId0kfSM4ddcJyTd6UvhX8bgqHPgC8IDBdSgzncZy17SdgnX-5QVmxLr8nI6lX5un8dDuWdm6LgwyUzLJPAQFyT6QpLHs/s640/blogger-image-801458681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4uzF6X7hlEe33E3ADh56FueP-9Xa_BKapbIPROeCMBwQuMkId0kfSM4ddcJyTd6UvhX8bgqHPgC8IDBdSgzncZy17SdgnX-5QVmxLr8nI6lX5un8dDuWdm6LgwyUzLJPAQFyT6QpLHs/s640/blogger-image-801458681.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather stayed dry all day, with the exception of a sharp shower about ten miles out of Inverness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Driving East from Tongue. the coast road became flatter and less dramatic. Long sweeping curves and gentle undulations replacing the mountainous terrain of yesterday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_gMRkcwbg0yLZfAbItgqhdWXaohK9i2SoNsfpat0BgNaxvceqyr9LRRuN2qlwtE-LxJimoXwpfEVSklQkS2SlQYAb2uCyzsMn30Zit__c6dBf_r25bioLpL-tFvQj6SKaspwbOyZ1dw/s640/blogger-image-1068075369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_gMRkcwbg0yLZfAbItgqhdWXaohK9i2SoNsfpat0BgNaxvceqyr9LRRuN2qlwtE-LxJimoXwpfEVSklQkS2SlQYAb2uCyzsMn30Zit__c6dBf_r25bioLpL-tFvQj6SKaspwbOyZ1dw/s640/blogger-image-1068075369.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the distance in this photo you can just make out the white Sphere of Dounraey nuclear power plant. </div></div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dounreay" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dounreay</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had just ridden past the plant when a police car came towards me with lights flashing. I slowed and the car drew onto my side of the road., driving directly at me. I tried to imagine what sort of crime I had committed. , or was there a nuclear emergency which meant I wasn't going to be allowed to leave the area because I was contaminated!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The police car stopped directly in front of me. The driver signalled me into a gate entrance off the roadthen drove off I was left sitting on my bike when another police car came along this one stopped, the driver wound his window down and said in a soft highland accent "Wide load coming ". And around the corner came three large lorries carrying giant pipes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OBkYa8AAcKJcfwIr0EfydWvqzoRPq2nqZRilGR70qCF8YjcJX2x5fLIU3x4MQfSAvTIH-zMJE-3yt8gz_ogTMRtyq07N_MQJiehC3NHa8bkBXW836_oUPw6Grv0aOnolkmBHmSj_6DA/s640/blogger-image-1596558027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OBkYa8AAcKJcfwIr0EfydWvqzoRPq2nqZRilGR70qCF8YjcJX2x5fLIU3x4MQfSAvTIH-zMJE-3yt8gz_ogTMRtyq07N_MQJiehC3NHa8bkBXW836_oUPw6Grv0aOnolkmBHmSj_6DA/s640/blogger-image-1596558027.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No emergency, no contamination .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In my ignorance I thought John O'Groats was the most Northerly point on mainland UK, it's not, it is the most northerly settlement, but the point is actually Durness Head which is ten miles west of John O'Groats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's a spectacular place with no pretensions, and loads of birds.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6tI8hU86aBOtcN6yCyfsF1LnLVJWMWaO7t4oVg0Fpulx0fgIuPg7R10hdqZNjrugZWntUFTNoWu7nZooIeG8HbRiIzzW-oBl7OV4wlwE6hwZlyQhnmXQtctTJpVi0cY8_7VRHQo_jfQ/s640/blogger-image--527271216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6tI8hU86aBOtcN6yCyfsF1LnLVJWMWaO7t4oVg0Fpulx0fgIuPg7R10hdqZNjrugZWntUFTNoWu7nZooIeG8HbRiIzzW-oBl7OV4wlwE6hwZlyQhnmXQtctTJpVi0cY8_7VRHQo_jfQ/s640/blogger-image--527271216.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And a lighthouse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnrh4IY7niF_i6PH5xbzCRFQ6Wqe7hAARHH-EVed2D0XRwGJ5xshixSYR4dscswXiRcD3HCzCgyCLqjaa0GMROqSIgplBmP_Ur7bDvvunxb1EWsncB9w24N62TjJU0MBRiEhw8rg_iAA/s640/blogger-image--563314881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnrh4IY7niF_i6PH5xbzCRFQ6Wqe7hAARHH-EVed2D0XRwGJ5xshixSYR4dscswXiRcD3HCzCgyCLqjaa0GMROqSIgplBmP_Ur7bDvvunxb1EWsncB9w24N62TjJU0MBRiEhw8rg_iAA/s640/blogger-image--563314881.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And at least one idiot with a selfie stick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1Pkoglq5133FkPhrUpG-CbdGBKmKtEXkNwJVKNAShI-QbaR1A10Fwfvw_cIUpTfu96XisMU_ApVeY_-73VZOtSOnPHvBi0UC0MGRLSiXSmjqLQDSOJC__mFDemCnWlWztXrsP0G3Y9U/s640/blogger-image-1477573347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1Pkoglq5133FkPhrUpG-CbdGBKmKtEXkNwJVKNAShI-QbaR1A10Fwfvw_cIUpTfu96XisMU_ApVeY_-73VZOtSOnPHvBi0UC0MGRLSiXSmjqLQDSOJC__mFDemCnWlWztXrsP0G3Y9U/s640/blogger-image-1477573347.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By contrast J O'G had more going on. But it was much more restrained than Lands End</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVGkt_RbYScPTfC9gXikm1YwrMAXJkCOhMdBaHhOI-J8JX_I4pSdDGoL-YE1J3WqZMw2gKtovCh_F8NIa6U9ooxCon555XIEu8QcTvcz3-djJHjh_7pcOda8e413b_jGquhb-hw8eDZM/s640/blogger-image-2109350482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVGkt_RbYScPTfC9gXikm1YwrMAXJkCOhMdBaHhOI-J8JX_I4pSdDGoL-YE1J3WqZMw2gKtovCh_F8NIa6U9ooxCon555XIEu8QcTvcz3-djJHjh_7pcOda8e413b_jGquhb-hw8eDZM/s640/blogger-image-2109350482.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But you get idiots everywhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp08LCSFcSweJKkTgwo0Of0wdzV_3hzmq-yYWiV-KGrmHtp4desMZhpsTZjE0bTPXmZPhoyZIPwvThjNQUYvOT21Sm9sI3z_HxhkOveaVd25rbkkgAeHupvz34lqSrWPHKYtlSPvcGS8/s640/blogger-image--1700665874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp08LCSFcSweJKkTgwo0Of0wdzV_3hzmq-yYWiV-KGrmHtp4desMZhpsTZjE0bTPXmZPhoyZIPwvThjNQUYvOT21Sm9sI3z_HxhkOveaVd25rbkkgAeHupvz34lqSrWPHKYtlSPvcGS8/s640/blogger-image--1700665874.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just up the road is Dunnet Head, the most North Easterly point on mainland UK. Again understated with a lighthouse and a complete lack of selfie sticks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfwmkqB0OAT9tA7gN0bm4mBmpx8U8dyFpf6QSXdXOUI0yv0lUrXxceZcxNPtiQtbuAXjpXs0zzptPbWbA9gW1sEvUkTr_wYCQV9iHWr4-tCvv5oGKEKI0s4J19CKY54D4zOaRRD8ol5E/s640/blogger-image--1684593137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfwmkqB0OAT9tA7gN0bm4mBmpx8U8dyFpf6QSXdXOUI0yv0lUrXxceZcxNPtiQtbuAXjpXs0zzptPbWbA9gW1sEvUkTr_wYCQV9iHWr4-tCvv5oGKEKI0s4J19CKY54D4zOaRRD8ol5E/s640/blogger-image--1684593137.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the plaque explains these wares are where british naval vessels have sheltered and re provisioned .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Down the coast now and driving through Wick I realise that it must be at least three days since I saw a retail park with obligatory DIY store and carpet warehouse, a real measure of solitude .</div><br></div></div>Down the fast and relatively uninspiring A9 there are a number of little towns, which the main road has bypassed. I dropped into a few. Dunbeath has a lot of seabirds and a private castle, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZOXRrUEtaCCKZRGILOwgGvwbGUp7kxonC-0ogLWi8CVsNI_Y4tlv2UXMDjyKSE4hS7QG7s_7PBVm32sALE6Cv31erpcv0ZGljulvUeAPhk5KECqvjRCdwMQx-VqR87tFKZTevaaaicU/s640/blogger-image--1634383828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZOXRrUEtaCCKZRGILOwgGvwbGUp7kxonC-0ogLWi8CVsNI_Y4tlv2UXMDjyKSE4hS7QG7s_7PBVm32sALE6Cv31erpcv0ZGljulvUeAPhk5KECqvjRCdwMQx-VqR87tFKZTevaaaicU/s640/blogger-image--1634383828.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Down the coast is pretty Helmsdale, where my battery ran out so no pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Monday rant: I use an iPhone 5. Each morning on this trip I have it fully charged, I use mapmyride a tracking app that uses the phones gps. I take a few photos and send a few messages, by lunchtime I am getting low battery warnings. I am fortunate enough to have the capacity to charge my phone on my motorbike via a power socket. Apple and Samsung et al listen up: thin phones, curved screens, millions of pixels ARE NO GOOD WHEN THE BATTERY IS DEAD. Focus on the essentials 24 full hours of use between charges even if it means the phone is a tad thicker and a tiny bit heavier. End of rant</div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Inverness Inverness57.47963 -4.211174tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-36746366131796292102015-05-17T20:35:00.001+01:002015-05-17T21:02:57.243+01:00Now the wordsTongue Youth Hostel has WiFi so I am relaxing in front of a lovely fire writing this.<div>Applecross last night was wet. The pass was windy but no less spectacular for that. This morning I managed to lock myself out of my pod at about 6.30am!</div><div>As I went to the toilet I shut the door behind me realising as it clicked, that the key was inside. I eventually found where the warden lived, and half a cold hour later I was back inside.</div><div>The isolation of the ride from Applecross to Tongue is astounding, there is really only one town of size on the route Ullapool with a population of 1541 apparently <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ullapool" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ullapool</a></font></div><div>About 50% of the route was on single track roads, but they are well maintained and it was possible to keep up a good speed. I went long distances without meeting another vehicle, and was constantly amazed to come across tiny settlements of maybe had s dozen houses. </div><div>The size of the wilderness is something that must be experienced. Mountains, many with fresh snow, were dominant, with lochs and ponds of all sizes, and magnificent waterfalls. All this clearly visible from the road. Imagine what is beyond.</div><div>It is easy in the isolation to see how ancient people attributed human attributes to the physical landscape. It has power, and presence which demand attention.</div><div>A word about the bike, I am very happy with it, minor niggles with the audio system may be down to my need to read the handbook, but are not helped by some fiddly controls that are effectively useless while wearing thick gloves. I am going to try some sticky bumps, used by people with reduced vision, which I think will improve feelability (is that a word?).</div><div><br></div><div>The headlight attracts attention for the wrong reason, I can't adjust it. I have read the handbook, I have done what it says, and it won't adjust, so sorry to all those drivers who signal to me to turn it down- it's booked into the dealer on 2 June.</div><div>The other thing I am very pleased with id my back. I have a condition called Spinal Stenosis <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.spinesurgeons.ac.uk/patients/patient-information/spinal-stenosis" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.spinesurgeons.ac.uk/patients/patient-information/spinal-stenosis</a></font></div><div> From time to time this can give pain, and sitting on a bike has been painful after a couple of hours. A few years ago I fought a back support called back-a-line</div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.backaline.com/pages/home.html" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.backaline.com/pages/home.html</a></font></div><div>They come from America but can be posted to UK and presumably other countries. I have worn my Back-a-Line all the time I have been on the bike during this trip, and can honestly say I have not had any serious back pain. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Great Britain (null)58.491956 -4.427398tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-40044882717594019112015-05-17T18:11:00.001+01:002015-05-17T18:11:56.065+01:00What can I sayWifi and 3G are not universally available in North West Scotland, so I am writing this in a splendid little cafe in Durness, about 30 miles from day's end in Tongue.<div>Words are not enough to describe the views today, so I am just going to post the photos while I can, and catch up with the text later. In chronological order from Applecross this morning to Durness this afternoon:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKQzRt5LYA8zv-MhBglA5ryhhxZXvq4h6Q3h2XCleQIRPCfAKXdcWAPi4Aypqd1Kl5jQQBi87Ri102kf3O95Cu0QijpdAVOBJBg-GIKFy0nuCi-F0KcsY9kLr0UdzRVm4dNSiwF-F5aQ/s640/blogger-image-1998918960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKQzRt5LYA8zv-MhBglA5ryhhxZXvq4h6Q3h2XCleQIRPCfAKXdcWAPi4Aypqd1Kl5jQQBi87Ri102kf3O95Cu0QijpdAVOBJBg-GIKFy0nuCi-F0KcsY9kLr0UdzRVm4dNSiwF-F5aQ/s640/blogger-image-1998918960.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTo4UsAnDadWM4G0T68zuQN6QvOqLaDmcuZIfzUBcwDV_GZ_epZV3-qNh-GNs3u1Ey6Ma9w9xxh_HBejl7TYCX1PwJ9pdKU_DJEIC0gBCTvb2ALBKE2Ydxdu9xH1VhiHiAa-95zuzkJA/s640/blogger-image-889851650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTo4UsAnDadWM4G0T68zuQN6QvOqLaDmcuZIfzUBcwDV_GZ_epZV3-qNh-GNs3u1Ey6Ma9w9xxh_HBejl7TYCX1PwJ9pdKU_DJEIC0gBCTvb2ALBKE2Ydxdu9xH1VhiHiAa-95zuzkJA/s640/blogger-image-889851650.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33q_7WbD19Y8gF1jotYvVC8FIWp_Zb-V0L0La6yrgahztxcNgWi0lp4g9tMmW79t7GbahabS8QkFj7Lg27moC783cg8MuN8WnAJUWr3ei24xYgW_Mqo4Lp9mO0NcPdawD_kysX9AbH5U/s640/blogger-image-75712381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33q_7WbD19Y8gF1jotYvVC8FIWp_Zb-V0L0La6yrgahztxcNgWi0lp4g9tMmW79t7GbahabS8QkFj7Lg27moC783cg8MuN8WnAJUWr3ei24xYgW_Mqo4Lp9mO0NcPdawD_kysX9AbH5U/s640/blogger-image-75712381.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gY8Mop-Pwfo6dFhDxphK-d52i-I3AQ1GQQUAcCw-EiCcCYgPoWQNArTSOeedopBsQy29KtTpTuD2eptIgbT5icW4v8iz3BC1UgbSKcEYK7HcgQlTFS35W25pISm0U3cnhX8jeTDy9II/s640/blogger-image-196220234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljK9KIgvclcuDFUG0LjgauJF_1YqKIp59jAhJEteUcutkCAQAdp1lepT8sDxzXdoveFKj7gEH02Yg9bcYVTSUIanJFlHldp3dhR40CeGwxxs8raoWKDBQvLUizswk38knbkOR6ctbPfw/s640/blogger-image-805211267.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-31982740828370223832015-05-17T13:29:00.001+01:002015-05-17T13:29:57.856+01:00Over the sea to SkyeWhen o was young I remember my Mum singing me to sleep with "Speed Bonnie Boat like a bird on the wing, over the sea to Skye" for some reason that has stuck in my head and yet it wasn't until very recently that I actually visited the island. Today was the first visit by ferry. It's amazingly atmospheric, just half an hour on a little ship, but it makes a real journey.<div>Mallaig is an insignificant little harbour but it is the gateway to Skye.</div><div>Unfortunately my phone was nearly flat so the photos I have of Mallaig and the crossing are on my camera, and not able to be published yet. The crossing was rough and windy, in spite of lots of notices asking drivers to disable their car alarms, the ferry had barely left the dockside before the first started, to be followed all the way across, by a sympathetic orchestra. Some drivers confessed their failure, others I'm sure, resolved to brave it out.</div><div>On Skye and battery topped up, this was the view back to the mainland.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVlsrkZhLlrVfdSB4kDkm4mkRzY-mmvdBAPYK30ihzfcXxCZbfx2B5JH06QcnvKtiAuCVA0MWP2c-7thwWDfm7Y0mha1FfcZbBuL6bKJ4jLLDFWWE2hwJdrKV7K-J-8lh6HHMi8xvVbQ/s640/blogger-image-1738791304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVlsrkZhLlrVfdSB4kDkm4mkRzY-mmvdBAPYK30ihzfcXxCZbfx2B5JH06QcnvKtiAuCVA0MWP2c-7thwWDfm7Y0mha1FfcZbBuL6bKJ4jLLDFWWE2hwJdrKV7K-J-8lh6HHMi8xvVbQ/s640/blogger-image-1738791304.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dark and brooding with a hint of blue sky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Po10BnF9GhipoX_OIJ2QD8BBk6a2i44ydjpyToVixnt3IDyqouNOzYD-elzm7DeTKaUEpbvQfhB6S8wAko79AZzG3S8JfgS5Jo83irs1M3Bmi2YYzSq4noT188U4wUcQ_stPV-AZrH4/s640/blogger-image-1781854449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Po10BnF9GhipoX_OIJ2QD8BBk6a2i44ydjpyToVixnt3IDyqouNOzYD-elzm7DeTKaUEpbvQfhB6S8wAko79AZzG3S8JfgS5Jo83irs1M3Bmi2YYzSq4noT188U4wUcQ_stPV-AZrH4/s640/blogger-image-1781854449.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Too much to take in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My original plan included a circuit of Skye. The revised realistic one has a very short blustery stay. With a reluctant goodbye at Kyle of Lochalsh. While the bridge is convenient and stunning, somehow it's not the same as the ferry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtIEbXTXpJe5yxCZfp9u2JugRTY1p7vRWykqU6mr6I0Epp2d5SCvyEWbcjfHtE-TQcEt0UAbygf_4zUIX3Du6ve6L_9EYcEXR6ZhfLkVvBHPCWkbEbVm5u_zfCXnEF4ZcCpnGr-CMsEk/s640/blogger-image--930783701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtIEbXTXpJe5yxCZfp9u2JugRTY1p7vRWykqU6mr6I0Epp2d5SCvyEWbcjfHtE-TQcEt0UAbygf_4zUIX3Du6ve6L_9EYcEXR6ZhfLkVvBHPCWkbEbVm5u_zfCXnEF4ZcCpnGr-CMsEk/s640/blogger-image--930783701.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">North now with the prospect of the highest pass in the UK over to Applecross.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have ridden the pass before, both times in glorious summer sun. Today was windy and wet. On the whole the wind has not been a problem, but once or twice, in an exposed position, I have had to fight it, as a result I was a bit wary of the pass. It has narrow roads and tight bends. In the end it wasn't a problem. The awkward climb was for the most, sheltered from the Westerly wind, at the top it was blowing enough to keep most people in their cars, and there were a couple of exposed points on the way down, but nothing which caused a serious wobble. Interestingly I found two of the sharp uphill hairpins near the top more of a challenge this time than previously. I had not needed to stop for the bends on my BMW, on the Triph I had to put my feet down twice, both controlled and without problem, but somehow I wasn't able to drive through the bends as I should have. I have tried to work out why. It seems that there could be several explanations:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The fact that I am less experienced at riding the Triumph and don't have the same confidence with it as I had with the BMW</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Something about the nature of the handling of the bikes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or possibly a combination of all three.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No pictures of the ascent I'm afraid, too much concentration required, but the sun shone on top.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAWffKBpNu_HYqBXs6dk-vHkaBKKfW0dUrDdFvyJOGxSFCgn8Cknkr3QKfAGUoBPw_RMUia0MrVUCVCei-hzvv6mk4nxdQM4649slIRQ26zDWA7miK2r9ip3LMlpT1gtbHErcToNdjlw/s640/blogger-image-2000633885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAWffKBpNu_HYqBXs6dk-vHkaBKKfW0dUrDdFvyJOGxSFCgn8Cknkr3QKfAGUoBPw_RMUia0MrVUCVCei-hzvv6mk4nxdQM4649slIRQ26zDWA7miK2r9ip3LMlpT1gtbHErcToNdjlw/s640/blogger-image-2000633885.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQnARp8_J37jEyxr3s52KJn5M0Y2zRzaqGYZx4IiZli_wkUhyphenhyphenBqJ3A-IiaOZ6Cxznu8foRgqUJmYze7Lvw35CWtp0exkLE8dz4MSLPzpal2SRnF48hDZ0CYHQAEak7CHlU6X4G4XxBLw/s640/blogger-image--253759322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQnARp8_J37jEyxr3s52KJn5M0Y2zRzaqGYZx4IiZli_wkUhyphenhyphenBqJ3A-IiaOZ6Cxznu8foRgqUJmYze7Lvw35CWtp0exkLE8dz4MSLPzpal2SRnF48hDZ0CYHQAEak7CHlU6X4G4XxBLw/s640/blogger-image--253759322.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHVWfhmTbVE8E2V9Gyb8MiU7rBRuT2PmFyO-m0jw_Cd4LgoJAuQyftexmaddisLzJpQMraRGGemHP6Adz4BaDegVwNRPqddlBt3nZV2cfQaDAdD7Huel7dVGijoEUjwmGcU9EF0FPLQs/s640/blogger-image--59793837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHVWfhmTbVE8E2V9Gyb8MiU7rBRuT2PmFyO-m0jw_Cd4LgoJAuQyftexmaddisLzJpQMraRGGemHP6Adz4BaDegVwNRPqddlBt3nZV2cfQaDAdD7Huel7dVGijoEUjwmGcU9EF0FPLQs/s640/blogger-image--59793837.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am warm in my pod now. Sun is shining and tomorrow's route is planned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-26749341268318700542015-05-16T11:28:00.001+01:002015-05-16T11:28:28.691+01:00Road to the Isles I started this while waiting for the ferry <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI_xvhHSMfUB9xG8au-9LycXowrwaDuXRplbopG95zK1aaz5x9_cnAUFZsxD4-IH8xINAmSKudG1M2GX466ZZH3pFI_M_YARpMKJYWyeSWH12yGC6W8_RpMI8AH9qcAmMqgJLCmuuEek/s640/blogger-image--1357648936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI_xvhHSMfUB9xG8au-9LycXowrwaDuXRplbopG95zK1aaz5x9_cnAUFZsxD4-IH8xINAmSKudG1M2GX466ZZH3pFI_M_YARpMKJYWyeSWH12yGC6W8_RpMI8AH9qcAmMqgJLCmuuEek/s640/blogger-image--1357648936.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then deleted it accidentally so this version is probably not so expansive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oban hostel was noisy and confirmed my growing view that I annoy a hostel person. Woken at 5am I was on the road by 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-RxJzyDQAvMcHeiH97lxB-KGGHr-aeVD8ogu2t93vP_ij3yVC0ceVzgPQ6U14mXJDWrzYlE6JRtFl46sP3vpnlH0tMkbiKGWq3YqLs5OEPAGEeS4xWp-2VWR5wQ9h88Sj4L55pPpIWU/s640/blogger-image--1218824057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-RxJzyDQAvMcHeiH97lxB-KGGHr-aeVD8ogu2t93vP_ij3yVC0ceVzgPQ6U14mXJDWrzYlE6JRtFl46sP3vpnlH0tMkbiKGWq3YqLs5OEPAGEeS4xWp-2VWR5wQ9h88Sj4L55pPpIWU/s640/blogger-image--1218824057.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With sunshine and showers I rode to Fort William where Morrisons provided a decent coffee.then the Road to the Isles including the bonnie Prince Charles monument </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXvVXKitdt079f_NOspiRV98gAV68BG_ppuoJfFqvTnXqYnQZfDf5r57arzGYAcZcr2iwCfYHHl1wW2eqMRCeaSGPQ06vww9RzH0g27Z7U76Y7YKGUhdqKJyvpUsydDgcKGZ7-j1Ooz0/s640/blogger-image--65494638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXvVXKitdt079f_NOspiRV98gAV68BG_ppuoJfFqvTnXqYnQZfDf5r57arzGYAcZcr2iwCfYHHl1wW2eqMRCeaSGPQ06vww9RzH0g27Z7U76Y7YKGUhdqKJyvpUsydDgcKGZ7-j1Ooz0/s640/blogger-image--65494638.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At Glenfinnan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lots of stunning views again and not too much rain!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp9XChzcC5LXHAuocNmQYVSCDfB_14Di8-BzUJS03CU0ZgjOaNYsIDWO2SCaMo2xh1txcgIxOqGWBmJvxoOnhy1TX1-C7_rLmJBe9cqA1ZsNLwtAiMmLOkBJHbJJRsV9lbGYdX8JCI60/s640/blogger-image--1198823835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp9XChzcC5LXHAuocNmQYVSCDfB_14Di8-BzUJS03CU0ZgjOaNYsIDWO2SCaMo2xh1txcgIxOqGWBmJvxoOnhy1TX1-C7_rLmJBe9cqA1ZsNLwtAiMmLOkBJHbJJRsV9lbGYdX8JCI60/s640/blogger-image--1198823835.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Ben Nevis as I left Fort William.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEUIzvi8kVbO-KdMcpG0WfWsJASvkdkzwxWwCbhNgm6iziYappxLgpQeVEXc9quBdV_06nybkhw8bxLNgCHIIJzNQI2a6ql1fd22tDCikQN5TqPcKeu4bgzCcXrjtlvnOpxQMPiu3mog/s640/blogger-image--1518327661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEUIzvi8kVbO-KdMcpG0WfWsJASvkdkzwxWwCbhNgm6iziYappxLgpQeVEXc9quBdV_06nybkhw8bxLNgCHIIJzNQI2a6ql1fd22tDCikQN5TqPcKeu4bgzCcXrjtlvnOpxQMPiu3mog/s640/blogger-image--1518327661.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Arriving next Mallaig</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl5N_9b8DYMpvuYV5YQs8Qj7ZG-afQALl7dc-jvJZAYvCr74SZW36AKuEyOKBIB43ksGtnm1q9CR6N4UILYDNyaymsLXLg3oxFN7jQYniRYsWzsJGlk3XEqcw6kC9uhZ5OhedhH_vHkM/s640/blogger-image--1758660844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl5N_9b8DYMpvuYV5YQs8Qj7ZG-afQALl7dc-jvJZAYvCr74SZW36AKuEyOKBIB43ksGtnm1q9CR6N4UILYDNyaymsLXLg3oxFN7jQYniRYsWzsJGlk3XEqcw6kC9uhZ5OhedhH_vHkM/s640/blogger-image--1758660844.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First view of Skye.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div> </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Mallaig Mallaig57.006291 -5.828836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-3350941344137318122015-05-15T18:42:00.001+01:002015-05-15T19:18:15.736+01:00Mull of Kintyre🎶🎶Inveraray was overcast when I left. I had a room to myself at the hostel so no complaints <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafooeDSE_hpFSyfaH4BWGDAMPnXDaKs2tHByYYmAoT7qhWH02j3q9D2_lU7Tva8RKwyvEUHT4oaU2drpE77sUnATMHlZhE_VE1gu_uDQGZ0eKhmfPNlRnoiDsNv-Iolpyo51b8AxfXbE/s640/blogger-image-170788784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafooeDSE_hpFSyfaH4BWGDAMPnXDaKs2tHByYYmAoT7qhWH02j3q9D2_lU7Tva8RKwyvEUHT4oaU2drpE77sUnATMHlZhE_VE1gu_uDQGZ0eKhmfPNlRnoiDsNv-Iolpyo51b8AxfXbE/s640/blogger-image-170788784.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A pleasant quiet ride alongside Loch Fyne and to Lochgilphead, where we spent s night several years ago in a motor home. I recall at that time we judged that the town was the most miserable and depressing that we visited. This morning there was little to change that assessment, although most places look better when it's not raining.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXNnfAborvKwAk-dxwrYEcE1KfwgBYHTZXTqeF1EoWhbw4n4383dfmxtWUS4IR7ftq2JJmt67g_uSPWZlquUDtvhFJb-7oY2Oip-oRHL8RGoCO6V6IF7SSbrAhVdLew4xXiYxZMRbERc/s640/blogger-image-377389553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXNnfAborvKwAk-dxwrYEcE1KfwgBYHTZXTqeF1EoWhbw4n4383dfmxtWUS4IR7ftq2JJmt67g_uSPWZlquUDtvhFJb-7oY2Oip-oRHL8RGoCO6V6IF7SSbrAhVdLew4xXiYxZMRbERc/s640/blogger-image-377389553.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And also from a distance <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdRxa6tV_S7QVc9BNSJTp7iz_h1_QVAaN3dRm6CRChLzHh0KSOHzxh0htkoMIRn3Py3JPXA80eCWkgqVtCo_3OVa1NTwdGW7qjsq0OX1wrSwGmMvAxxxlETHkMct9voELCflLP11L-7Q/s640/blogger-image-589371934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdRxa6tV_S7QVc9BNSJTp7iz_h1_QVAaN3dRm6CRChLzHh0KSOHzxh0htkoMIRn3Py3JPXA80eCWkgqVtCo_3OVa1NTwdGW7qjsq0OX1wrSwGmMvAxxxlETHkMct9voELCflLP11L-7Q/s640/blogger-image-589371934.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I spent most of today on The Kintyre peninsula. I looked for the Mull, but in the absence of guardsmen playing bagpipes and hippies playing keyboard badly, it was not easy to identify. I took this photo somewhere near<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VQXYYy69jyRXhW6x-RV8oKlstZ0y5avImeGgTIxWcHWK2RCBWRlhF4EUAPKkAZYUk3oeHBjBTDAAWO9o2EoLygLrMNWXL3jtOIS4IaMC1Arq7dNvBMfMcfEGKyO0WWV9ibdMABCcJQM/s640/blogger-image-570953884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VQXYYy69jyRXhW6x-RV8oKlstZ0y5avImeGgTIxWcHWK2RCBWRlhF4EUAPKkAZYUk3oeHBjBTDAAWO9o2EoLygLrMNWXL3jtOIS4IaMC1Arq7dNvBMfMcfEGKyO0WWV9ibdMABCcJQM/s640/blogger-image-570953884.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then a few miles later I saw a sign to Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. It was downs rough road and 7 miles away, so I figured Paul and Linda were less important than reliably inflated tyres.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tarbert is a splendid little port about halfway down the peninsular, with ferries to Arran. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbbTvvhbPa-wgJZtaJ0DxcENuN1IyOTd_1a60kG3BX4xRyTfEdxOr2o23V9ZwOnqAN50xuKJL8iG-3w0WsZjXNdJeSJdXcSVq9yvT1qQ_Yrs9lRaABtXoTIDkKMYMzR7NXB-5pEyvk0M/s640/blogger-image--1881718589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbbTvvhbPa-wgJZtaJ0DxcENuN1IyOTd_1a60kG3BX4xRyTfEdxOr2o23V9ZwOnqAN50xuKJL8iG-3w0WsZjXNdJeSJdXcSVq9yvT1qQ_Yrs9lRaABtXoTIDkKMYMzR7NXB-5pEyvk0M/s640/blogger-image--1881718589.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had a coffe here then kept going South</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY-0HBu8iIdhX3fIRGtmS5zVlR8w9QQx8maFQsGmpGyitD1GpNRXNk_HJ4Oxc-MeTs2dmLcIy-Y0IPKERmdWLZqmbd1UYnuaWKl6RkJuen5cRlWGD6_3l4a4JYlX3guJJhEAlfqmH6Q8/s640/blogger-image-894467145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY-0HBu8iIdhX3fIRGtmS5zVlR8w9QQx8maFQsGmpGyitD1GpNRXNk_HJ4Oxc-MeTs2dmLcIy-Y0IPKERmdWLZqmbd1UYnuaWKl6RkJuen5cRlWGD6_3l4a4JYlX3guJJhEAlfqmH6Q8/s640/blogger-image-894467145.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kintyre has links with so much romance it's almost palpable. On the way round you can see Arran, Islay and Jura, not to mention coming the closest ever to Northern Ireland.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ferries are everywhere. Not the highly developed ports we are used to in the south, but little landing stages where vital links are maintained <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qTQyn4q4KapCIfrh2jMjbvWg9FU7ocJDMjPMzaXXfz1I2RwIhv6R4a3iQrES5rOy48EUfYIYod1sIi4Qn3NXoA5i24zAaSwVAShErXivqcOOJzhN5e_A8c3BQXKsGVasoChDwF4mXUs/s640/blogger-image--588228864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qTQyn4q4KapCIfrh2jMjbvWg9FU7ocJDMjPMzaXXfz1I2RwIhv6R4a3iQrES5rOy48EUfYIYod1sIi4Qn3NXoA5i24zAaSwVAShErXivqcOOJzhN5e_A8c3BQXKsGVasoChDwF4mXUs/s640/blogger-image--588228864.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The peninsular itself has farming and forestry as its main industries. The scale of the forestry is truly staggering as this landscape shows.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx8nvrxtOqwZvcpx95yfAdrq3qffFxlY6g6DJgxFfKKfZZGxvVChGlO-wF_VqV2nYJKxtGHazh9bb44nYXGUfwwtNniM1jbjqZuZKxaa8xe_ILcjrLepF74LCuPvL6EML9tNOYZO_c9Y/s640/blogger-image--1784947988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx8nvrxtOqwZvcpx95yfAdrq3qffFxlY6g6DJgxFfKKfZZGxvVChGlO-wF_VqV2nYJKxtGHazh9bb44nYXGUfwwtNniM1jbjqZuZKxaa8xe_ILcjrLepF74LCuPvL6EML9tNOYZO_c9Y/s640/blogger-image--1784947988.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather forecast had rain at 1pm. The locals said midday, in fact it came at about 2pm. After that pictures were impossible as I concentrated on keeping the bike on course. The scenic road from Lochgilphead to Obam is, I am sure, a delight. But I saw little of its delights. Just before the rain I spotted this monstrosity <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXpkTgl1bPGihgblhSBsli31iDN791ty_kHG6aNR_vx-d2ikqcU4MXNmSLDmZnQbo41R2-oZ0QcUnzqXyumCPlYkA9fBV6w848psMgpPzv8rro5saTUKydBJYOry8nCX1y3fAhw92VzM/s640/blogger-image-1235150466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXpkTgl1bPGihgblhSBsli31iDN791ty_kHG6aNR_vx-d2ikqcU4MXNmSLDmZnQbo41R2-oZ0QcUnzqXyumCPlYkA9fBV6w848psMgpPzv8rro5saTUKydBJYOry8nCX1y3fAhw92VzM/s640/blogger-image-1235150466.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Overlooking this wonderful beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmEkqx62uZN96VuQKChGgnhl5ZTQN-3-ruK_X_pKtBLlFC8an4O-Lp5_E5bUW0Ur0lOcRUMdI0ZdXDfx70nTCkIGnuSwd0GNlteCj7hyZ-4jNJxv7cJeyVO3Gm0thVwec6qWDXd6Zuvs/s640/blogger-image-1352654002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmEkqx62uZN96VuQKChGgnhl5ZTQN-3-ruK_X_pKtBLlFC8an4O-Lp5_E5bUW0Ur0lOcRUMdI0ZdXDfx70nTCkIGnuSwd0GNlteCj7hyZ-4jNJxv7cJeyVO3Gm0thVwec6qWDXd6Zuvs/s640/blogger-image-1352654002.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Presumably it had been a hotel. It's certainly not used now, with boards at the windows, but no one has had the decency to pull it down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oban is currently cold and wet. I arrived, after riding three hours in the rain, to find a pleasant modernised hostel, with a drying room that requires you to go outdoors to put clothes in it. I'm sure someone thought that through!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Weather forecast for tomorrow: Rain.</div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-59220165431087901162015-05-14T16:39:00.001+01:002015-05-14T16:42:30.841+01:00Oh perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I am posting this earlier than usual today because I am unashamedly taking advantage of the free wifi at The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.lochfyne.com/restaurant-oyster-bar/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.lochfyne.com/restaurant-oyster-bar/</a></font><div>The real one, at the head of Loch Fyne, not the imitation you find in all the trendy eating areas of major towns.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxSrJkiPLarYB17XdQgaMAmGEHtPWSwzWzAWzcPZn6tNx_buMg_ewvaSmuJoUVK4qAyApro7shiA0fcs6-4BnE7SQjWwNbUM0mHI2FRwhiTO-uoWq2A4SS_181RPQYE8qiqPaE32O8dg/s640/blogger-image--491131129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxSrJkiPLarYB17XdQgaMAmGEHtPWSwzWzAWzcPZn6tNx_buMg_ewvaSmuJoUVK4qAyApro7shiA0fcs6-4BnE7SQjWwNbUM0mHI2FRwhiTO-uoWq2A4SS_181RPQYE8qiqPaE32O8dg/s640/blogger-image--491131129.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI2L5A0BN-tKo340IsmbZrAJF8-E8A9SU8FpGszIOJ6r1PyAPxcRG1Wl5BnPD47xk0vdkAEvQCzD7oRHP5UwMTzxQ7XqYVtL9Wkt5gRwHuoW-bYVijAg0qm5hlmCPn8QJSO6aPJog4f4/s640/blogger-image--1926300858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI2L5A0BN-tKo340IsmbZrAJF8-E8A9SU8FpGszIOJ6r1PyAPxcRG1Wl5BnPD47xk0vdkAEvQCzD7oRHP5UwMTzxQ7XqYVtL9Wkt5gRwHuoW-bYVijAg0qm5hlmCPn8QJSO6aPJog4f4/s640/blogger-image--1926300858.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And yes I have just had half a dozen exquisite oysters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEx9r_CSWB6qAPuzReavO8ki8Nbx825VkwFafV_tV0741ISWR2Pmp4FOgbWU9k2nZTCftjns8-5GyC93A07lkuHDvI_eE527T1H57sOG6cOLEDeaTFWgoOnsQo2aahxWMp7ezUdvONOo/s640/blogger-image--1432849343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEx9r_CSWB6qAPuzReavO8ki8Nbx825VkwFafV_tV0741ISWR2Pmp4FOgbWU9k2nZTCftjns8-5GyC93A07lkuHDvI_eE527T1H57sOG6cOLEDeaTFWgoOnsQo2aahxWMp7ezUdvONOo/s640/blogger-image--1432849343.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Inveraray tonight's destination is labour 8 miles down the road, but I not sure what the Internet connection is like, so I am taking on some sun while writing this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is spoke to a couple of local bikers on the ferry across to Dunoon this morning. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuIDAmCdfQqCQwrxBCCgd45mo74mPP3d9HaqtqqLBZ8QyY-EytgUtNqq3r8HBUCJf22wkRjDJVgZn62r28dKnvD3Zbf1LhdsU0xnjMGmksdBCPab5kgw-KMOIXR13osa3VkPoZtIlnLY/s640/blogger-image-533672434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuIDAmCdfQqCQwrxBCCgd45mo74mPP3d9HaqtqqLBZ8QyY-EytgUtNqq3r8HBUCJf22wkRjDJVgZn62r28dKnvD3Zbf1LhdsU0xnjMGmksdBCPab5kgw-KMOIXR13osa3VkPoZtIlnLY/s640/blogger-image-533672434.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They told me a story about Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, which of course is famous for the part it played in ensuring that Tony Blair became Prime Minister in preference to Gordon Brown. Apparently Madonnas was playing a concert in Edinburg and wanted to eat at the famous oyster bar. Her people phoned to say she was on her way so could they stay open "no" came the curt reply. Bewildered the PA said "but it's Madonna and Guy Richie" . "We close at nine" came the reply.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All I can say is that Madonna missed a treat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since leaving Ayr today has been delightful, <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlZk1_P11pdOZnZBdlqQdp0zJMvcITOYSOxTpK5wMz67VJG1rgaV7rIixsnZy4F52Ati273VymTzo01ZNJ4xy5ZZL9nbsroZAiPxeEPzeCFVdk-RMhGifhkapazzprLbVU-1ekc54fM8/s640/blogger-image-1367099097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlZk1_P11pdOZnZBdlqQdp0zJMvcITOYSOxTpK5wMz67VJG1rgaV7rIixsnZy4F52Ati273VymTzo01ZNJ4xy5ZZL9nbsroZAiPxeEPzeCFVdk-RMhGifhkapazzprLbVU-1ekc54fM8/s640/blogger-image-1367099097.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lovely Inverlea guest house <a href="x-apple-msg-load://04B0EDC3-EB25-4E98-AAD2-FAFF6CD47F1F/www.inverlea.co.uk" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">www.inverlea.co.uk</a> was comfortable clean and welcoming. The ride up the coast to the ferry brought a new delight at each turn. Even the industrial landscape is gorgeous <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xUMG1m5ltnYamAt_-XWbZev1fbvQU-ivRSlXz5w7v7ZqggThC7v-tTOp9OP88C5uXZzxvVcZwgstnYNweMf4lRkwLmSF4XvxGqhdnN_r1WVqo7FNZTvP54BbcadGQCf_N9a5v00l2Bs/s640/blogger-image--2021868847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xUMG1m5ltnYamAt_-XWbZev1fbvQU-ivRSlXz5w7v7ZqggThC7v-tTOp9OP88C5uXZzxvVcZwgstnYNweMf4lRkwLmSF4XvxGqhdnN_r1WVqo7FNZTvP54BbcadGQCf_N9a5v00l2Bs/s640/blogger-image--2021868847.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hunterston Power station is behind the bike here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So over the ferry to Dunoon and open roads. Very soon this was the view</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZNEw0OjLawPs8g3tigDCMdB65tE5GcdYjqZf6i1lq_cCAPTX_1G4OrvzESft2GTNdzWCAhhCcZEN_eWaaw1DZda-cOWcGLau2PuPDVdDmuWKv9v10I1pb583xJHD_fHAHPcd4cRQgU8/s640/blogger-image-731223518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZNEw0OjLawPs8g3tigDCMdB65tE5GcdYjqZf6i1lq_cCAPTX_1G4OrvzESft2GTNdzWCAhhCcZEN_eWaaw1DZda-cOWcGLau2PuPDVdDmuWKv9v10I1pb583xJHD_fHAHPcd4cRQgU8/s640/blogger-image-731223518.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div></div></div>Stunning or what??? Looking south from Tighnabruaich viewpoint to kyles of Bute. There was a woman there who had sailed to Vancouver Island in Canada, she swore this is a better view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could have stopped every few minutes to take anothe picture, but I will add just one more curiosity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was travelling along a narrow road where there had been forestry activity. On the left all the trees were felled. On the right they were standing, apart from the first row, that had been uprooted Nd fallen over<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6OAr1GMXR99dugPVgNSQtxspNQFmHpbW57M4bgICzWlr7W489K3pnRDG6m1FDIR9WNz7Krwek7IMVVnbh5JcnVGoObzeEk71BttHy8gbhPyysP2qSJXUkt33gTMVeNzpYEuiatiYkrw/s640/blogger-image-1999498237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6OAr1GMXR99dugPVgNSQtxspNQFmHpbW57M4bgICzWlr7W489K3pnRDG6m1FDIR9WNz7Krwek7IMVVnbh5JcnVGoObzeEk71BttHy8gbhPyysP2qSJXUkt33gTMVeNzpYEuiatiYkrw/s640/blogger-image-1999498237.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The roots were large but shallow, my working assumption is that the felling of the trees on the left had opened the others to wind, from which they had been protected, and that this blew over the first row.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Any better ideas please let me know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One last picture, taken from the seat on which I have been writing this post. Bye for now.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_ktRmdxGB8QVNREnli-RZidA1wSCDXVKXBAql48EuhRInYXhVbp3IZNUgfHB1MQxhceaAIZQGS3ifrNj9Y20LNBYZgBzWQJ1_0PQPCub0qt_HTS5e_YbNNlJLJa28CAxlGXC2a3wWig/s640/blogger-image--362049367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_ktRmdxGB8QVNREnli-RZidA1wSCDXVKXBAql48EuhRInYXhVbp3IZNUgfHB1MQxhceaAIZQGS3ifrNj9Y20LNBYZgBzWQJ1_0PQPCub0qt_HTS5e_YbNNlJLJa28CAxlGXC2a3wWig/s640/blogger-image--362049367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh ok then just one more self satisfied selfie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmWQd0ai4-IeQotfq26SjCqcMskIH5utNHw_YgZvox-tS4mcDyv763ZEcamjBQtUxfiBLqtnTe78mKRNuyP_pevF-GGJj4EK5khsHalCTGz2egfiYtVlGkpXdFs0TtkWZ6m_WbSth6Rs/s640/blogger-image-1871440782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmWQd0ai4-IeQotfq26SjCqcMskIH5utNHw_YgZvox-tS4mcDyv763ZEcamjBQtUxfiBLqtnTe78mKRNuyP_pevF-GGJj4EK5khsHalCTGz2egfiYtVlGkpXdFs0TtkWZ6m_WbSth6Rs/s640/blogger-image-1871440782.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-31096845060712984972015-05-13T21:07:00.001+01:002015-05-14T08:48:01.942+01:00Phew what a scorcherThe warmest day yet, sunshine most of the day and views that just got better and better,<div>Leaving Creetown I headed South for a bit towards the Isle of Whithorn then through the Mull of Galloway.beautiful rolling hills with clear indication from the type of trees that this is a moderate climate.</div><div>This part of Scotland is closer to Belfast than to Edindurgh. At one point I got a text indicating that I was connected to a foreign mobile service provider. Presumably one from the Irish Republic <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuMiJmgQ0CrMv5e6ymMkzqgQ72P0adlt-176fvZ6sJ44do3BT2XDAMFxBOdt6UMUdT-S5_-0AW6pdUwIPFKrLkuQQ-x5q1RyThiSvPW5X9HfonyDDtQya_KjlwbXYPfwrQwwXDdY_-vY/s640/blogger-image-1681679152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuMiJmgQ0CrMv5e6ymMkzqgQ72P0adlt-176fvZ6sJ44do3BT2XDAMFxBOdt6UMUdT-S5_-0AW6pdUwIPFKrLkuQQ-x5q1RyThiSvPW5X9HfonyDDtQya_KjlwbXYPfwrQwwXDdY_-vY/s640/blogger-image-1681679152.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ireland is clearly visible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The port town of Stranraer has lost its car ferries to new facilities some 3 miles out of town on the north of the bay, presumably because this position provides better deep water docking. Past the ferry terminals the road North to Ayr is magnificent. A mini Sur if you like. Lovely views of the Itish hills. Then Ailsa Craig <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailsa_Craig" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailsa_Craig</a> </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and Arran. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1jysMP1tlSYsHj7aVf5TQaDvF6JfFlWNG7h1_bvpEsukTlgaQD9tuk4SP4dS1P6FFy0CLGSkSJvzIOPeUjKmr6nW3ud_h-TrWdBfe1O2KHaQxntCSNp0p7f55UxU74dN_AlrCF7vnU4/s640/blogger-image--636849809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1jysMP1tlSYsHj7aVf5TQaDvF6JfFlWNG7h1_bvpEsukTlgaQD9tuk4SP4dS1P6FFy0CLGSkSJvzIOPeUjKmr6nW3ud_h-TrWdBfe1O2KHaQxntCSNp0p7f55UxU74dN_AlrCF7vnU4/s640/blogger-image--636849809.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgb65r9_ft2Ly_lD_QxUcceyCDbDXtueSnds6Auk3wiy4ed_b1FxupmVhdk6uSQMprsEajsRwKkN7L6C56uYu7EFGNe2TJgocQHr3mg0hHrkXSUOLO6o2Z7NekgdZnpvcRVK0v4-JA9k/s640/blogger-image-1792540217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgb65r9_ft2Ly_lD_QxUcceyCDbDXtueSnds6Auk3wiy4ed_b1FxupmVhdk6uSQMprsEajsRwKkN7L6C56uYu7EFGNe2TJgocQHr3mg0hHrkXSUOLO6o2Z7NekgdZnpvcRVK0v4-JA9k/s640/blogger-image-1792540217.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ayr has a solid refined feel to it. I have revised tomorrow's itinerary to include a ferry across the Clyde estuary so will have some time to explore Ayr before I leave</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today's route</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=983484491</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Ayr Ayr55.452324 -4.629372tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-41480759783864259782015-05-12T21:27:00.001+01:002015-05-12T21:27:37.284+01:00First two weeks dataI took this data from the bike this morning before I set off. 14 days of travelling:<div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">2404 miles covered</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">57.1mpg</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">29.9 average mph</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">42.1 gallons of fuel used</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">81.56 hours riding</div></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">And still only 2 punctures👍👍</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-50331886034955560252015-05-12T18:27:00.001+01:002015-05-13T06:02:49.338+01:00I did it Solway 🎶Most of the day has been dominated by the Solway Firth, and what gracious domination.<div>First a little about the Youth Hostel at Cockermouth. I am beginning to think that the YHA should rebrand itself OFHA (Old Farts) I haven't seen a Young Person in any that I have stayed in, and last night was a memorable example. I have changed the names to protect the innocent but we have Mr and Mrs volunteer warden, who must be getting on for 70, he still cycles 10000 miles a year, which he took pleasure in explaining, isn't that far really, it's only 200 miles a week. Yes every week, come rain or shine, snow or hurricane. Then there is motormouth Bob, who is 70+ also a cyclist, and is prepared to tell anyone not sharp enough to get out of the room, all about his travels, his life as a policeman, his lovers and exploits Walter Mitty or not he can bore for not just England but The world. Then there was Gordon the C2C cyclist and Barry who I didn't find out much about because I was too busy ducking verbal broadsides from Bob. They were definitely late 50s so that puts the average age in the hostel last night at about 65. I think it's great.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xvNC6_7LjTyhuZAHdPCurpmPaeK-hTAlHSI_jMJPMqcV4LW_y9N3wpNoiBjor6EicaEY91F4IB0SMJuc4Zan62lXDyeXeaZQbtmKo3g85SNzxToAU2Dc9DLus8m7HkX9O8mI7m-wZCw/s640/blogger-image-72424073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xvNC6_7LjTyhuZAHdPCurpmPaeK-hTAlHSI_jMJPMqcV4LW_y9N3wpNoiBjor6EicaEY91F4IB0SMJuc4Zan62lXDyeXeaZQbtmKo3g85SNzxToAU2Dc9DLus8m7HkX9O8mI7m-wZCw/s640/blogger-image-72424073.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the hostel, which used to be a water mill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Cockermouth I hit the sea again at Maryport, a delightful little Cumbrian fishing town<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw-FHsZzvdDKptltGhe8MzFakn8e-ujfbwBv6k7amZIxPJiqiAp4GxiA6j4Ey0kfMAgSwKSdUtfORuqKoL8fNRxGOlAM0UimlNy7HG9dWLYeWhLNACaLwmmfblxqrfiA-gGfBwm2yXdA/s640/blogger-image--1335225363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw-FHsZzvdDKptltGhe8MzFakn8e-ujfbwBv6k7amZIxPJiqiAp4GxiA6j4Ey0kfMAgSwKSdUtfORuqKoL8fNRxGOlAM0UimlNy7HG9dWLYeWhLNACaLwmmfblxqrfiA-gGfBwm2yXdA/s640/blogger-image--1335225363.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With a superb beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just a little further North at Wigton was this tower that looks as if it's a watchtower. The wind was blowing hard all day, but was particularly strong along this exposed coast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWh1XC_Kj5FzL47RSYX3BoUX1gt7CRkGl_DTfz6zFSODEWDq551eedwFu-F5V2KCbESLbGdz83Cob9dneCbaHDjVwUsjRbhV5YSrrt8cOFghllEDz1oEWKHdkPLKVWLrEoXDd3yTx_9U/s640/blogger-image--1912217748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWh1XC_Kj5FzL47RSYX3BoUX1gt7CRkGl_DTfz6zFSODEWDq551eedwFu-F5V2KCbESLbGdz83Cob9dneCbaHDjVwUsjRbhV5YSrrt8cOFghllEDz1oEWKHdkPLKVWLrEoXDd3yTx_9U/s640/blogger-image--1912217748.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The wind is clearly part of the landscape with trees growing to accommodate it's pressure<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs63Z4mFNflYytwgbR27CYIs3ggdGSIkOep44yFbBay2FvpogELSl7zN_C1gMaQP-Al1jC0LlKGnBMeb6DbQ0NzLo3y4xZJO1W3hQW5ChU2G6ileDCDgQg01Pa3FSlVXA5QNaQ0ZIw5fI/s640/blogger-image-612325052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs63Z4mFNflYytwgbR27CYIs3ggdGSIkOep44yFbBay2FvpogELSl7zN_C1gMaQP-Al1jC0LlKGnBMeb6DbQ0NzLo3y4xZJO1W3hQW5ChU2G6ileDCDgQg01Pa3FSlVXA5QNaQ0ZIw5fI/s640/blogger-image-612325052.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Holme Cultram <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Abbey was just one of the interesting old buildings I came across</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58ChyphenhyphenQaggRPZqEcgGQvknYbwJaA4_j6uv-SzCwKlc25dPqWxye_naBpnLiuRZwMx9rk6icyCjjSMGgWRsqrCA-xnns605XtJ2jipsgtR5GPt_AIfodKOvuxe8-qIT03c3-OBil0at9-s/s640/blogger-image-1988846880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58ChyphenhyphenQaggRPZqEcgGQvknYbwJaA4_j6uv-SzCwKlc25dPqWxye_naBpnLiuRZwMx9rk6icyCjjSMGgWRsqrCA-xnns605XtJ2jipsgtR5GPt_AIfodKOvuxe8-qIT03c3-OBil0at9-s/s640/blogger-image-1988846880.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A magnificent old church in a tiny village.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mckqBosmvh1lgfBPxblWtRjcqBswv2qwzImjQ2bsZZYq1knwfj4Y873EjawiYrI_bis2eENs9-26rMuVCzLF2H5jNQKrIkSdYJvdF_01RK4yh0WKfUKOSZnZUcPFWxYboJmC9AdvHFw/s640/blogger-image-1338332841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mckqBosmvh1lgfBPxblWtRjcqBswv2qwzImjQ2bsZZYq1knwfj4Y873EjawiYrI_bis2eENs9-26rMuVCzLF2H5jNQKrIkSdYJvdF_01RK4yh0WKfUKOSZnZUcPFWxYboJmC9AdvHFw/s640/blogger-image-1338332841.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">New Abbey in Dumfries, but first the border, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY0fhUrKod_PDlXGGCTgjwm6aqd4p6M9g-SEmN8i2yIlL462gGb39slDGYAIDaaK57h0TL31HQbtuuRtqvvflHWzGqMDHrW5-la7Jah2s6aLd3uVfbJ2HUTw5e97IHJLuAbWwZ4uAtHI/s640/blogger-image--1164435110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY0fhUrKod_PDlXGGCTgjwm6aqd4p6M9g-SEmN8i2yIlL462gGb39slDGYAIDaaK57h0TL31HQbtuuRtqvvflHWzGqMDHrW5-la7Jah2s6aLd3uVfbJ2HUTw5e97IHJLuAbWwZ4uAtHI/s640/blogger-image--1164435110.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was taken by one of a lovy young couple who were riding their pedal cycles from Snowdpnia to Fort William. I took one of them and they returned the favour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't think they were planning an event in Gretna Green, does anyone?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93v1R7sAy8KN-5naE7CWHVjendHq215umWUS0FAYStI5BqRioUIk1B78gYapxAkW0TIuiHBnK6_0_7LUGm5ALMncakJ2Hdj9Bv0OrPFwRjhJ1KPNDpcbs72fYA5zMXbO0mdQdFwbbXbc/s640/blogger-image--1947841918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93v1R7sAy8KN-5naE7CWHVjendHq215umWUS0FAYStI5BqRioUIk1B78gYapxAkW0TIuiHBnK6_0_7LUGm5ALMncakJ2Hdj9Bv0OrPFwRjhJ1KPNDpcbs72fYA5zMXbO0mdQdFwbbXbc/s640/blogger-image--1947841918.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Onwards into Scotland. The weather was no better, but somehow being in Scptland makes it all brighter, the road was clear for miles, huge views south over the Solway were magnigicent. There is something special about looking at the satnav to see that the next turn is 15 miles away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Spomehow I had made a mistake with my final destination. I had programmed TT to a back street in Newton Stewsrt, when I needed to be in Creetown. The two are not too far apart, but it added ten miles to my day.</div>Creetown is a bit run down. It has a granite mining history, but that is finished</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creetown</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> The hotel has the look of former glory, it's too big for the town. And I'm not sure how it's making money. The food is basic, beer fizzy and the crowd in the bar small. Like many rural areas it's struggling. Will the SNP make a difference?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is today's route </div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=982309175</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div></div><br></div></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Great Britain (null)54.901214 -4.379104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-44396297015831022762015-05-11T20:13:00.001+01:002015-05-11T20:13:21.734+01:00Today's Ride<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=980658973</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sorry I missed posting yesterday's ride. Somehow I didn't set the tracker properly, so it got lost.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Cockermouth Cockermouth54.6622 -3.364835tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-61573468872039901412015-05-11T19:17:00.001+01:002015-05-11T19:57:09.599+01:00The Lake District<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Wet and dull in Preston, but the washing had dried and the coffee was good. <div>There has been a comment questioning what I was doing in Preston www I am supposed to be going round the coast. For the record here is a picture of Preston Docks<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8gGIEPytep9u0XxWFfqN3VdlmAV7GBMEeYVh3hifG9zQnJ7KTvEojXvs-3_vZscbwOWsiw1muYNsFzt7TplEn_mlgWf1PZAi6sioR5dIj6YYqik5TCGgY__qr5lZX13MkcPzzV8K6Zo/s640/blogger-image-1550186495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8gGIEPytep9u0XxWFfqN3VdlmAV7GBMEeYVh3hifG9zQnJ7KTvEojXvs-3_vZscbwOWsiw1muYNsFzt7TplEn_mlgWf1PZAi6sioR5dIj6YYqik5TCGgY__qr5lZX13MkcPzzV8K6Zo/s640/blogger-image-1550186495.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had a yearning for a bacon butty. Asking for one I was offered a Barm. Which of course is a Lancastrian breadcake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The route round to Blackpool is flat and there are enormous sandscapes. The view from Lyham St Anns<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtRkM8Xq2n3xdYMCesv1-synp5xE8l4rStUTFtcy-cCvsp3Mp00o9xsN_n1e3T7k09hz-jQGCIXYEDcInc1VzD1mkeKTDaebX5binRd9qRCicy-ZT9C_83_EKbveQj64jZMuKHapO1iA/s640/blogger-image-186997639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtRkM8Xq2n3xdYMCesv1-synp5xE8l4rStUTFtcy-cCvsp3Mp00o9xsN_n1e3T7k09hz-jQGCIXYEDcInc1VzD1mkeKTDaebX5binRd9qRCicy-ZT9C_83_EKbveQj64jZMuKHapO1iA/s640/blogger-image-186997639.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Blackpool, which yesterday had been on the horizon became a reality today. It looks as if they are preparing for the illuminations, but it seems very early. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">An interesting sign of recession, there are loads of motors suggesting a voluntary contribution of £5 per car towards the cost of the lights.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW65azw3Vzsk_6GALPkkb7bXny6y0gDmkBWuGx1LK3h0VHwN0wPNS_1O3N0K6aeJXi6tknW10JEGstIHi7qFnGt6o2zNm2taNudsBtbDZkJ9omiGwtdvLo4JH-uGcGeIHUyIuEh7T87I/s640/blogger-image--1336757289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW65azw3Vzsk_6GALPkkb7bXny6y0gDmkBWuGx1LK3h0VHwN0wPNS_1O3N0K6aeJXi6tknW10JEGstIHi7qFnGt6o2zNm2taNudsBtbDZkJ9omiGwtdvLo4JH-uGcGeIHUyIuEh7T87I/s640/blogger-image--1336757289.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blackpool has as its major benefit that it attracts people who like doing what Blackpool does, and that leaves the rest of us free to go elsewhere unimpeded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's often the case that very loud brash places have their posh counterpart. Clacton has Frinton, Blackpool has Lytham. I was riding along the front at Lytham when I came across a slowly driven Mercedes SL. Slowing behind it I could see something flapping underneath. The driver was clearly concerned at an unidentified noise. We stopped and had a look. It seems that some sort of engine protection pan had become dislodged and was flapping against the road. Nothing to be done but drive to a garage. It was last seen flapping towards Blackpool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I decided to practice the selfie skills in Fleetwood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbjr-tlAhkay9_8e3RmgEuNItaudCgZarjY4UTDwC3HGU-b7Q0BR7ZB0-XrlO_8-C5CTJNVmjNl8toT4So02eMwoeHf2UjrV8qpS-Vbz0ZcB5sUN05lHfFQkzrG-OZTJs3MNOUS6ANKc/s640/blogger-image--420982160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbjr-tlAhkay9_8e3RmgEuNItaudCgZarjY4UTDwC3HGU-b7Q0BR7ZB0-XrlO_8-C5CTJNVmjNl8toT4So02eMwoeHf2UjrV8qpS-Vbz0ZcB5sUN05lHfFQkzrG-OZTJs3MNOUS6ANKc/s640/blogger-image--420982160.jpg"></a></div>Carnforth Station has been renovated since I was last here. Brief Encounters relived<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZbRcDgYlBdsIpNCSnpsjIg_QLZs5tXWJbSL9_Lxda_n69Y9op4Dyht-lJ7ZO3IIckxe8dorYYO6EgGd20tQ60psPwzJNO-2QaIfFZUMS6gsIJx4AlxQOqQR75ghwTEJf6fMvwpKfxKU/s640/blogger-image--701849529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZbRcDgYlBdsIpNCSnpsjIg_QLZs5tXWJbSL9_Lxda_n69Y9op4Dyht-lJ7ZO3IIckxe8dorYYO6EgGd20tQ60psPwzJNO-2QaIfFZUMS6gsIJx4AlxQOqQR75ghwTEJf6fMvwpKfxKU/s640/blogger-image--701849529.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I decided to move right away from the coast for a ride up the A6 to Penrith, which wasn't as good as I had hoped because of very high winds, so speed had to be kept down, nevertheless it was a lovely picturesque ride. Then west through the the lakes to Cockermouth, where the hostel turns out to be at the bottom of an unmade road, so I ace left the bike at the top. Also no wifi or phone signal so I shall go for s walk to see what I can find. It is beautiful though.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc7TMUFagxgJN-0ot5t5bcHXMBkG9BEVC8c2wPS7vbBLbKHpB5sYVtPAaDOsOpeLQJwlGxNMUGo44NFeDNnMt6OHpcniOQyWnqn9TCtbc2Tl_NKepAuvijE5h8t6-HpW1cLE2-sn_Lk4/s640/blogger-image-955906007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc7TMUFagxgJN-0ot5t5bcHXMBkG9BEVC8c2wPS7vbBLbKHpB5sYVtPAaDOsOpeLQJwlGxNMUGo44NFeDNnMt6OHpcniOQyWnqn9TCtbc2Tl_NKepAuvijE5h8t6-HpW1cLE2-sn_Lk4/s640/blogger-image-955906007.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2-3JiSN8rHlvpFbxtbieJMoI3b59ocyFkorppJhL98Z106YpSf3g9ukws6H3P_A0Gq8E993-Xs0U-zgLZzXDqevxy58OBIgkc6EsIOvPdYB7wejphMu03-G1ckehT777hNdKrolAbuo/s640/blogger-image-1685229628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2-3JiSN8rHlvpFbxtbieJMoI3b59ocyFkorppJhL98Z106YpSf3g9ukws6H3P_A0Gq8E993-Xs0U-zgLZzXDqevxy58OBIgkc6EsIOvPdYB7wejphMu03-G1ckehT777hNdKrolAbuo/s640/blogger-image-1685229628.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Cockermouth Cockermouth54.662333 -3.364934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-32532949719299856532015-05-10T19:25:00.001+01:002015-05-10T19:50:04.931+01:00Goodbye WalesA misty, drizzly morning at the hostel near Holyhead. I slept well, and can't complain about the hostel, it was clean and comfortable, but I do look forward to a proper private room with en suite.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBR9hviAVlATqjf7jCXUcNrnuKU_xR5uGFmAp38cmQ0BRomj-gjjMEGhs-sMFIqT_zAefJ59BboKeJsuU4LguvaY1JFPYLtKJpT5qj3UTJjYdQSWeHFiFCt9gfg6NIzzgd4IkpMne1wM/s640/blogger-image--1312309043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBR9hviAVlATqjf7jCXUcNrnuKU_xR5uGFmAp38cmQ0BRomj-gjjMEGhs-sMFIqT_zAefJ59BboKeJsuU4LguvaY1JFPYLtKJpT5qj3UTJjYdQSWeHFiFCt9gfg6NIzzgd4IkpMne1wM/s640/blogger-image--1312309043.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaZ3e3mPK-ggX3XSbQNmS_Nf2Eioo1g789kzzuRjAg4AnesDdV_2ZK6sq80jiyklJBafrrw2_ZGFu36Igr4_8_ZUzNBd9frw5_jjP4rVVyKRY4eE1K6MFFvXhEHhZb61DMJyUBDKHW14/s640/blogger-image-1013851017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaZ3e3mPK-ggX3XSbQNmS_Nf2Eioo1g789kzzuRjAg4AnesDdV_2ZK6sq80jiyklJBafrrw2_ZGFu36Igr4_8_ZUzNBd9frw5_jjP4rVVyKRY4eE1K6MFFvXhEHhZb61DMJyUBDKHW14/s640/blogger-image-1013851017.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I circumnavigated Anglesey I was reminded of why I am not following the coast roads - lots of tiny narrow and slow lanes, which require so much concentration that looking at the view is impossible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Over the Menai bridge in some strong wind, and then to a real treat. Llandudno is a splendid little seaside resort with sea, sand, a decent prom without masses of amusement arcades, and the Great Orme. I had been advised to drive round the toll road and am glad I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcnc5XI7ewGI5srsduj8keD-oIlj490GUqF2DbJQ3bzswNd_fGXSqh_hDxIDiEk3Wa0QizHUCOZFgn0jMVssSDQEkS3SEDpMgf5g-InCxZVzgIyxanx4MYGlzw_aQWMKbag3lpEkte-k/s640/blogger-image-31261972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcnc5XI7ewGI5srsduj8keD-oIlj490GUqF2DbJQ3bzswNd_fGXSqh_hDxIDiEk3Wa0QizHUCOZFgn0jMVssSDQEkS3SEDpMgf5g-InCxZVzgIyxanx4MYGlzw_aQWMKbag3lpEkte-k/s640/blogger-image-31261972.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The vow back to Landudno is great, and the cliffs are spectacular, with climbers enjoying the challenge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5iv4hvoBmHD8i88GZJXadgxt0JsDugm2mqSq4wUPobEjh9L3tzFNkhuCEQ1NvLrVayNkS7LRWxFOARDn97s8ZC3CVr0V1tBMOygBCed0y2LmwJsME7haTYAdFQCte9ZX6xnJp5XTcAM/s640/blogger-image--514217146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5iv4hvoBmHD8i88GZJXadgxt0JsDugm2mqSq4wUPobEjh9L3tzFNkhuCEQ1NvLrVayNkS7LRWxFOARDn97s8ZC3CVr0V1tBMOygBCed0y2LmwJsME7haTYAdFQCte9ZX6xnJp5XTcAM/s640/blogger-image--514217146.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the top is a tramway old mine and a few other tasteful attractions.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfOlDaw85g6nIeuZ4fWMCXwOpz-ToP0A4PPNKF_Db78AYW4JmDWQHcVHGxLHKI9LGp2Uvq68y2hFxRa0LuV1rUcoGPj64Ke4aVlbGRoXuCcyt1hopojJDcI6ET7cyA-IWwkowVOk-qGA/s640/blogger-image-583735471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfOlDaw85g6nIeuZ4fWMCXwOpz-ToP0A4PPNKF_Db78AYW4JmDWQHcVHGxLHKI9LGp2Uvq68y2hFxRa0LuV1rUcoGPj64Ke4aVlbGRoXuCcyt1hopojJDcI6ET7cyA-IWwkowVOk-qGA/s640/blogger-image-583735471.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you travel east along the coast from </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Conwy to Rhyl and Prestatyn the incidence of holiday caravan parks increases, in fact the brick bungalows begin to resemble caravans in their neat rows, and the sophistication of the caravans make them look just like bungalows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">An interesting diversion East of Rhyl at Llanerch-Y-Mor, I came across The Fun Ship aka The Duke Of Lancaster <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TSS_Duke_of_Lancaster_%281956%29" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TSS_Duke_of_Lancaster_%281956%29</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARCHuY7X0G1OWaUHEpxqoV3Oq-020sx4X-gV7tW9VNjkgF_TV51N_KWgauT1LsL-lVQ7n3KO2Bgy-EOecaVS9IkRVwlf0cUCgVctYTrzG2zi5zZjkTBdcyppOL65zbFIP4yVnoI9wAmU/s640/blogger-image-479028694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARCHuY7X0G1OWaUHEpxqoV3Oq-020sx4X-gV7tW9VNjkgF_TV51N_KWgauT1LsL-lVQ7n3KO2Bgy-EOecaVS9IkRVwlf0cUCgVctYTrzG2zi5zZjkTBdcyppOL65zbFIP4yVnoI9wAmU/s640/blogger-image-479028694.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SUK33t-eQfPEB1uV1VsHzhlhII6DyEK1u7h-EDPJT3Ng45My5c1VgcHNS2sfJrsHLFOPgTIjH5OCePQcb1j-kR0w0C3juwCx77ql8KH56qpwvEhwsGEJ8dJq4l5y7P0smK3-shDouNQ/s640/blogger-image-524812543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SUK33t-eQfPEB1uV1VsHzhlhII6DyEK1u7h-EDPJT3Ng45My5c1VgcHNS2sfJrsHLFOPgTIjH5OCePQcb1j-kR0w0C3juwCx77ql8KH56qpwvEhwsGEJ8dJq4l5y7P0smK3-shDouNQ/s640/blogger-image-524812543.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's an old passenger ferry which has been beached and used as an entertainment centre, with controversy according to the Wikipedia entry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More interesting history here <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.dukeoflancaster.net/index.html" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.dukeoflancaster.net/index.html</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's an awesome sight, clearly visible from the coast road, and you can get quite close on a footpath, but gates and razor wire keep out visitors<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2xo8NnvvStwQTF21CwUHNDsqaQeaHTgUeufRzcBGFkjKpsoJYnngMD6ekATRe_EL91DssJE-4KGk4yqn0eQ5fYbuqif6fWCvkRiNKMg8W5fHztGKNZR37JmCBdj6Z3n1PdqbHrwuO24/s640/blogger-image-1275795576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2xo8NnvvStwQTF21CwUHNDsqaQeaHTgUeufRzcBGFkjKpsoJYnngMD6ekATRe_EL91DssJE-4KGk4yqn0eQ5fYbuqif6fWCvkRiNKMg8W5fHztGKNZR37JmCBdj6Z3n1PdqbHrwuO24/s640/blogger-image-1275795576.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Through the Mersey tunnel the next stop was Crosby where the Anthony Gormley installation "Another Place" makes an impressive presence on the windswept beach. I'm not a great art lover, but I do find this piece touching in its simlicity.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxQTbpZ-22Tx0_2awviX_IHoCCuunM3FmwF3uBp6CyXMqCdkVNdJppatPRdnRZXICwM_kL_CdJ9tsKhNQ5_yMasjAS8riQbUm74zakeZ1JCDfP4uhyphenhypheneDxckCs_1irMCM00jxCbZalTVU/s640/blogger-image--1993486518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxQTbpZ-22Tx0_2awviX_IHoCCuunM3FmwF3uBp6CyXMqCdkVNdJppatPRdnRZXICwM_kL_CdJ9tsKhNQ5_yMasjAS8riQbUm74zakeZ1JCDfP4uhyphenhypheneDxckCs_1irMCM00jxCbZalTVU/s640/blogger-image--1993486518.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found a new friend too<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UnPb2Syxl9g5ieXVwgrfNnRBi6byvVdCg7Ut5lJR9HuIoxU0g14gGFKXoLD1vPAaZXP_I0uWPcLgEo4J45abb53ZMEBSRIK1uiwSDtp5Jj6RcLvbVz2Kta2iHAu493GTCRP89LncVZk/s640/blogger-image-1259737033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UnPb2Syxl9g5ieXVwgrfNnRBi6byvVdCg7Ut5lJR9HuIoxU0g14gGFKXoLD1vPAaZXP_I0uWPcLgEo4J45abb53ZMEBSRIK1uiwSDtp5Jj6RcLvbVz2Kta2iHAu493GTCRP89LncVZk/s640/blogger-image-1259737033.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Out of Liverpool and through Southport. I have never been here before and was surprised to see cars parked on the beach, and a view across the sands to Blackpool. If you look carefully you can see the tower and the pleasure beach on the horizon, but they are tomorrow joys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoyiUbwr_vKA3Y-wcJIZgIz1HIb57Sxj7JfZSJ5ev9ZQsI5oAzIa0HUU2SBl1rW7U5iKminj4Wz6eVlQYnD77EgV5IG7CEsNsAKACrIBgvhyphenhyphenkxl2Nh6EeJOlWxpgf0y-cuYaiyslJZAY/s640/blogger-image--1357767125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoyiUbwr_vKA3Y-wcJIZgIz1HIb57Sxj7JfZSJ5ev9ZQsI5oAzIa0HUU2SBl1rW7U5iKminj4Wz6eVlQYnD77EgV5IG7CEsNsAKACrIBgvhyphenhyphenkxl2Nh6EeJOlWxpgf0y-cuYaiyslJZAY/s640/blogger-image--1357767125.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div></div><br></div><br></div></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Lancashire (null)53.800509 -2.715021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-61001181447887668822015-05-09T18:52:00.001+01:002015-05-09T19:18:17.331+01:00The great North Wales CoastLBorth was wild all night with wind rattling the windows. After the election night lack of sleep, I was in bed by 9.00 and barely woke till 8am.<div>First stop was the centre for alternative technology, CAT. </div><div>www.cat.org.uk </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfWD6V4x_QOPvuTUohm44PfGAVKFGcUUZs_0QSTARrCt-9qXmoHdoMqAmx4Oeb8cdseBt_R1PAWqN19hYJ67VUL6-tJsaOFfisgXeFGjbSSn5k_2nfsr7GBpATMJj8LELvcZazhqM90o/s640/blogger-image--919896020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfWD6V4x_QOPvuTUohm44PfGAVKFGcUUZs_0QSTARrCt-9qXmoHdoMqAmx4Oeb8cdseBt_R1PAWqN19hYJ67VUL6-tJsaOFfisgXeFGjbSSn5k_2nfsr7GBpATMJj8LELvcZazhqM90o/s640/blogger-image--919896020.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZyloHwgT8rY3KGAxowrQeoY4fJx62jbWXCBxFXJKQD1qS6Nllh1xp1p07mMTGYHJGnOshtbSmav7y9xg3DTQjcaoO1fq5y7jV-SvG8QmLLLQ1RWe30BHL0gqoz1_aIuOE-8qA_LJNHg/s640/blogger-image--460576941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZyloHwgT8rY3KGAxowrQeoY4fJx62jbWXCBxFXJKQD1qS6Nllh1xp1p07mMTGYHJGnOshtbSmav7y9xg3DTQjcaoO1fq5y7jV-SvG8QmLLLQ1RWe30BHL0gqoz1_aIuOE-8qA_LJNHg/s640/blogger-image--460576941.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>This excellent organisation has been championing alternative approaches to energy use since the 1970s. Many of its pioneering approaches are now part of the mainstream, solar and wind energy, wood burning stoves for instance. It is a pity therefore that this showcase site looks rather shabby an hippy. Not the place to persuade Mr and Mrs average middle class to change their energy use, and that's who needs to be convinced.</div><div>Before leaving Borth I had a conversation with Tony who is a retired man taking time to walk round the UK, makes my trip seem a bit comfortable. Tony is walking in aid of Dementia UK and Carers Trust, both excellent organisations. See Tony's progress at www.tonyscoastalwalk.co.uk and do donate if you can.</div><div>Lovely coastal views today, but some sort of reaction from TomTom led to him constantly putting my position 100 yards or so to the left of the road I was on. I think it was an attention seeking move which was designed to distract me from issuing divorce proceedings- it won't work Tom you are history when we get home.</div><div>Listen Paignton, Lands End, Cheddar Gorge, this is how you do attraction: Aberdovey</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1iKSK8JgIpe_t3SFhibFK3ZTQYPi_k2VkzgNNfoLVOY1CAfyQUOvGMbPPeYnRE6ZUSGlmiulMhieXfrB-EG2FCzPh9tBf8dOUeWPJkBjQNU8v9TQ86lgUYf6aiacLP9TA_BlqtN8Ag0/s640/blogger-image-1836771581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1iKSK8JgIpe_t3SFhibFK3ZTQYPi_k2VkzgNNfoLVOY1CAfyQUOvGMbPPeYnRE6ZUSGlmiulMhieXfrB-EG2FCzPh9tBf8dOUeWPJkBjQNU8v9TQ86lgUYf6aiacLP9TA_BlqtN8Ag0/s640/blogger-image-1836771581.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQLWUT8gdA7N6weuJXPSTqo8Kv_S35RUbea8ul4sC4QXidJYA7j0dHWDmkH-ShoLY5Cp5oDJ7fgsqW5TwysauUOrOKNISFieiGQ_mQ098J4PIfMOEW8xx7TVi6Dd0LHFheSKItwMbPx4/s640/blogger-image--1245920018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQLWUT8gdA7N6weuJXPSTqo8Kv_S35RUbea8ul4sC4QXidJYA7j0dHWDmkH-ShoLY5Cp5oDJ7fgsqW5TwysauUOrOKNISFieiGQ_mQ098J4PIfMOEW8xx7TVi6Dd0LHFheSKItwMbPx4/s640/blogger-image--1245920018.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div>Approaching Portmadog I got a tantalising view of the Ffestioniog railway across the fields, in the town I found the station, but no trains.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0WYD8RLsMIq7iU689vPja05GZZ8y_3nGAukz2ItywnGfJvS8l0j4TpAjQrqi5hKwzVomQFcEFiySRPzZYy0eo1ZlKsdwGxJAzJomV74rdF5JSswYd63js6TRDFJMz5T0P-oP36MRTKo/s640/blogger-image--722580221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0WYD8RLsMIq7iU689vPja05GZZ8y_3nGAukz2ItywnGfJvS8l0j4TpAjQrqi5hKwzVomQFcEFiySRPzZYy0eo1ZlKsdwGxJAzJomV74rdF5JSswYd63js6TRDFJMz5T0P-oP36MRTKo/s640/blogger-image--722580221.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>Tonight I am at Anglesey outdoor centre. Nice beer and food, and a room to myself, tomorrow back to England.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Great Britain (null)53.293052 -4.645403tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-55790697978707213542015-05-09T18:49:00.001+01:002015-05-09T18:49:16.935+01:00Today's ride<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=977987759</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-82463012160527474652015-05-08T19:57:00.001+01:002015-05-08T20:07:44.532+01:00Today's route<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=976706857</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Borth Borth52.488689 -4.051277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-55510728315152351542015-05-08T19:34:00.001+01:002015-05-08T19:45:36.976+01:00It's Pembroke so it's wetThe rain and wind provided the worst riding conditions so far, and it lasted all day. The heated seat and grips got good use, Pembrokeshire has some stunning scenery, I know because I have seen the pictures. Today it was necessary to concentrate, no radio or music and no sightseeing.<div>A word about my riding clothes which have served well today. Despite the rain I arrived dry and relatively warm.</div><div>BMW rallye 2 jacket and BMW trousers (not sure which model) provide a really good waterproof skin. I usually wear a thermal vest of some sort and a Paramo reversible walking shirt. Depending on the prevailing temperature I sometimes wear thermal leggings, but mostly I find the trousers are enough. Long socks are good. I have a pair of X-socks which are brilliant, but also have some Aldi specials, which will probably not last so well, but cost a lot less and do the job.</div><div>Altberg Roadrunner boots <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/roadrunner/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/roadrunner/</a> are brilliant. Handmade to order in Richmond North Yorkshire, these are as comfy as good walking boots, and just as waterproof.</font></div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The only bit of my kit that I'm not entirely satisfied is my gloves. Most of the time they are fine, a thick pair for cold and a thin pair for warm weather. Neither are waterproof though, and even with the heated grips going wet hands get cold.</font></div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not many photos today as the camera and phone were secured from the weather.</font></div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHN7fSG2pZJC_Pjx8HSbaY-JPmR_BNHJElu_DlQIdgCm1CaC69srFerYi_a7VZ61YXmhXTlw3KeyoEa0Tp38O5AEkGT9TYhzCsPoEQqhOvZQP_0MDc8-tge6iOhM9yPMWM4BmTschce_k/s640/blogger-image--612663851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHN7fSG2pZJC_Pjx8HSbaY-JPmR_BNHJElu_DlQIdgCm1CaC69srFerYi_a7VZ61YXmhXTlw3KeyoEa0Tp38O5AEkGT9TYhzCsPoEQqhOvZQP_0MDc8-tge6iOhM9yPMWM4BmTschce_k/s640/blogger-image--612663851.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The visitors centre at St David's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxkqwX-Vnv3EPolSkFZtuKV4c0wysuNa3bgQtRKKZ06u8Iz0crlkaUhoUY_aG6wPIMrzqNeuz4wMt_7tGQnaFRPd9RuYDjQmvdVcif0V4HgIVeO5tNYebvk321__U1vkpcHDJrg6DRfI/s640/blogger-image--878255315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxkqwX-Vnv3EPolSkFZtuKV4c0wysuNa3bgQtRKKZ06u8Iz0crlkaUhoUY_aG6wPIMrzqNeuz4wMt_7tGQnaFRPd9RuYDjQmvdVcif0V4HgIVeO5tNYebvk321__U1vkpcHDJrg6DRfI/s640/blogger-image--878255315.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The front at Borth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Like a seaside places it looks pleas in the rain. I am sure it's lovely in the sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The bike continues to perform well. In the rain and wind it kept steady, and provides good protection behind the large screen and fairing.</div><br></div><br></font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Borth Borth52.488572 -4.051079tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-1061244173311941872015-05-08T08:23:00.001+01:002015-05-08T08:23:33.445+01:00A depressing dayRain predicted all day today, I can deal with that; a Tory government for the next five years that's something that no decent, progressive, caring, thoughtful person should have to deal with. Understandably the Liberal Democrats suffered for their complicity, and Scotland clearly has its own view. Ed Milliband had a bad time from Tory dominated press, arguably he made too late a recovery and couldn't escape the unfair references to his looks and the ridiculous allegations of disloyalty in relation to his brother.<div>Is UKIP a long term player or a flash in the pan? We don't know yet but the worrying truth is that a lot of people voted for their divisive. paranoid politics of fear. Just heard the result for Rochester and Strood where the Conservative candidate Kelly Tollhurs beat The Reckless defector to UKIP. This may be the only Tory success I applaud, but seriously Rochester and Strood should be a Labour stronghold. A solid working class constituency it has slid to the right, a victim of New Labours rush to the centre?</div><div>Ed Balls is out, what future Ed Milliband?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Pembroke Dock51.672336 -4.705227tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-39421805879850995802015-05-07T18:44:00.001+01:002015-05-07T19:18:55.547+01:00NostalgiaThis morning I travelled back to 1971. In that year I left school and started a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST) in Cardiff. For a number of reasons I only completed the first year of the course, but in that time I lived in Barry in a former YMCA hostel used by UWIST as a hall of residence. The hostel was called Glan Y Mor, and situated right on the sea at The Knapp. As I was contemplating today's trip over dinner in Newport last night I came across the website www.glanymor.org which is about the history of the place and specifically about the UWIST connection. Out of curiosity I emailed the site and within minutes had a reply from Jeremy who organises it. <div>The old building has been dolished and replaced by houses</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfcAJ_qUkPRtGth8IUMIePsyYY_Xqun4RR4z4PlYbEo8pg0gD_ofBN9PJ3oMS2oehxzIM_bZY4moUUQCmgNWauUG_BRidFW51M1GJQgHI_zKzx8OFe4imjgDy923VdhYQe3Xe-TNBVCw/s640/blogger-image-986575429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfcAJ_qUkPRtGth8IUMIePsyYY_Xqun4RR4z4PlYbEo8pg0gD_ofBN9PJ3oMS2oehxzIM_bZY4moUUQCmgNWauUG_BRidFW51M1GJQgHI_zKzx8OFe4imjgDy923VdhYQe3Xe-TNBVCw/s640/blogger-image-986575429.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the nearest I could get, the name survives in a street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had a lovely conversation and couple of cups of coffee with a gentleman who lives opposite. He remembers the old hostel, and is friends with the man who developed some of the houses on the site. While I was there Jeremy texted to ask if I had seen the Roman remains, these were discovered when the hostel and a neighbouring hotel were demolished. It seems that the area was a Roman port.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL8TwuXfixlUPFp3grIVuHiko1DS_EGKE9p5xUXwIlMJT9LMw6FZcvwmWoO2h9kLGgRbjMN01sd_q97pOBuQakkIZnF7yqsVGlri26FvM9cDdsqAf-DVWbCQYeCFTn7svqNb-jeZYGks/s640/blogger-image-773070428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL8TwuXfixlUPFp3grIVuHiko1DS_EGKE9p5xUXwIlMJT9LMw6FZcvwmWoO2h9kLGgRbjMN01sd_q97pOBuQakkIZnF7yqsVGlri26FvM9cDdsqAf-DVWbCQYeCFTn7svqNb-jeZYGks/s640/blogger-image-773070428.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unfortunately I wasn't able to have a proper look as the retaining wall to the neighbouring garden had collapsed and the site was fenced off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlHcN1dZ5EnsIo6adBjE8KXneirlw4p3MhF_FUDzzuW6FvYUsvzv7q2TEFj_GGuNetegHlvv3DDU1zTRPJOs89xDpEFg2-G0bC_R1x6uLChz5XhvDzaEuGxrWi-iQXzb_ddi9T0BXaCk/s640/blogger-image--727843198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlHcN1dZ5EnsIo6adBjE8KXneirlw4p3MhF_FUDzzuW6FvYUsvzv7q2TEFj_GGuNetegHlvv3DDU1zTRPJOs89xDpEFg2-G0bC_R1x6uLChz5XhvDzaEuGxrWi-iQXzb_ddi9T0BXaCk/s640/blogger-image--727843198.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the view I had regularly as a student, from what was the garden of Glan Y Mor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Earlier this morning I had been to Barry Island. I knew it well before Gavin and Stacey were there, but to be honest I don't remember it well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo6k779qNxRIkYmXwVKsBXiCoPQAFRti7MNpPlehz3906_AczMmGVlCMzcjh8k5YJCEhkJNlDzMMuTRs4Nl6HSHunQhwrlB1Lx1C0MIXfdvJYT1eAjz12VrdNmxa4zQmq31DWXw_hEGY/s640/blogger-image--687978507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo6k779qNxRIkYmXwVKsBXiCoPQAFRti7MNpPlehz3906_AczMmGVlCMzcjh8k5YJCEhkJNlDzMMuTRs4Nl6HSHunQhwrlB1Lx1C0MIXfdvJYT1eAjz12VrdNmxa4zQmq31DWXw_hEGY/s640/blogger-image--687978507.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyosez2aAfuLnsD5lVF6TNfnCBLbF3_v5P6-bpfbBa07pBdCJvgjwtcbmGyeUk8J61d_9qkgUFqPpzvcOyyJ9ADI1V7guxOzWIzILiLefPyHDAQCTIk3uFeQXMJ5Dm3Q9b1-JDD7YN2g/s640/blogger-image-660359497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyosez2aAfuLnsD5lVF6TNfnCBLbF3_v5P6-bpfbBa07pBdCJvgjwtcbmGyeUk8J61d_9qkgUFqPpzvcOyyJ9ADI1V7guxOzWIzILiLefPyHDAQCTIk3uFeQXMJ5Dm3Q9b1-JDD7YN2g/s640/blogger-image-660359497.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One thing I do recall is that Barri Island was a graveyard for old steam locomotives. British Rail had abandoned steam in the 1960s and Barry was a last resting place for hundreds of them. I asked a number of people about this. They remembered it and pointed me to the sidings, but they ar empty now. It seems that the locks were mostly bought by preservation societies and they are no doubt steaming or providing spare parts all over the country now.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx-7zYGu0t-yLhm9mLOXlUuBNIo9Kci2WEnxojEqO8qBa0pal0g3Q7u98wzPBTzEPhyphenhyphenvXrd17KcFLX_CrfQZvR-0NI7-HREw03f1a06jg2H65udVYHDQkldTDrcHV6nmH4RuQQdY-CVA/s640/blogger-image--1396311447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx-7zYGu0t-yLhm9mLOXlUuBNIo9Kci2WEnxojEqO8qBa0pal0g3Q7u98wzPBTzEPhyphenhyphenvXrd17KcFLX_CrfQZvR-0NI7-HREw03f1a06jg2H65udVYHDQkldTDrcHV6nmH4RuQQdY-CVA/s640/blogger-image--1396311447.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPNUvt9YzWimwgo6dlNKLlvxOidKw97lQHHvehwuTJcdjrS2F8nIAWU1Z9jJMAbsMDhwFtVcOAft3OQl_h30rUlLbfxP6rlXQOnE19xzEuxsU4cqJvr8n4r9YSzv9LtpTi7cC3ikObCQ/s640/blogger-image-388280129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPNUvt9YzWimwgo6dlNKLlvxOidKw97lQHHvehwuTJcdjrS2F8nIAWU1Z9jJMAbsMDhwFtVcOAft3OQl_h30rUlLbfxP6rlXQOnE19xzEuxsU4cqJvr8n4r9YSzv9LtpTi7cC3ikObCQ/s640/blogger-image-388280129.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KbuHK0v_uXOtfM4vIlveMzR3GnRDrP1qKOetjx6n7o7UhyphenhyphenAb7ndeYOMeBSTPht1d2EQ73ILs43v8wKBCHCUNCIKInPtmerhBwPSeiwAOh-cW4-eeb1VnIChD08A6G02KeMgWPAyxQNI/s640/blogger-image-544246268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KbuHK0v_uXOtfM4vIlveMzR3GnRDrP1qKOetjx6n7o7UhyphenhyphenAb7ndeYOMeBSTPht1d2EQ73ILs43v8wKBCHCUNCIKInPtmerhBwPSeiwAOh-cW4-eeb1VnIChD08A6G02KeMgWPAyxQNI/s640/blogger-image-544246268.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's sad to see the dereliction in Barry, but pleasing that the old trains are giving people pleasure still.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could have stayed chatting in Barry all day. But had to get to Tenby, so Port Talbot, Swansea and the lovely Gower were on the itinerary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JVeYEXcvw1wjpFPvYYFbDgGee0CdnOh74NBM_Q_GC1DeYXDkBCrAsROGJ5vjBLueasSMD8DZ4lRg4vIEMS6eDBFNTL6_74UIg3Udts5ZgAKsOY60fSPB76WW17QNRAPQ9T3MX5qbHhI/s640/blogger-image-389305501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JVeYEXcvw1wjpFPvYYFbDgGee0CdnOh74NBM_Q_GC1DeYXDkBCrAsROGJ5vjBLueasSMD8DZ4lRg4vIEMS6eDBFNTL6_74UIg3Udts5ZgAKsOY60fSPB76WW17QNRAPQ9T3MX5qbHhI/s640/blogger-image-389305501.jpg"></a></div>How idyllic is that: Port Eynon on Gower. A wonderful place for children and adults, without amusement arcades or theme parks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The joy of meandering is that you come across chance places. I had an hour or so to go to Tenby, the sun was shining and I was feeling a bit stiff, so o pulled into a car park with the intention of having a short stretch. Opposite I saw this</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmeJCI9rk6X3gXnqYve3elVORolOq40pUAQpxrtp2WtS-SzQvq3vVY_FzYUOTxarBRbsGdYW0s6wydhNNuTlvJNHYVT50zWbGmcYFL4Z4laHTglctScJOqRxnUC5z4wXNKk3aeOGbhks/s640/blogger-image--98427054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmeJCI9rk6X3gXnqYve3elVORolOq40pUAQpxrtp2WtS-SzQvq3vVY_FzYUOTxarBRbsGdYW0s6wydhNNuTlvJNHYVT50zWbGmcYFL4Z4laHTglctScJOqRxnUC5z4wXNKk3aeOGbhks/s640/blogger-image--98427054.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Which turned out to be Laugharne Castle, one of a cluster of Notman defences along the South Wales coast. It is also close to the home of Dylan Thomas who walked and wrote extensively along the banks of the estuary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I couldn't resist the photogenic opportunity with the bike. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49DGJhyxxefea5ja1ZdR4Pp5HAGuttApAlXXJ401cigCIRDp7miI19L6GT2Y1jS8JKWzmHWpSsKl6LTAoJ5gRp1rNM3HzTTaHKrwae9ae8qDCHroZLG1-2fTypxpcGf0Ww3q3XDNFbC8/s640/blogger-image-9563367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49DGJhyxxefea5ja1ZdR4Pp5HAGuttApAlXXJ401cigCIRDp7miI19L6GT2Y1jS8JKWzmHWpSsKl6LTAoJ5gRp1rNM3HzTTaHKrwae9ae8qDCHroZLG1-2fTypxpcGf0Ww3q3XDNFbC8/s640/blogger-image-9563367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I think I'm getting better with the selfie stick!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfRmlSIY4tsnjAFLCCnRTpwkQB78nVnGyYrBPq5dAMBTaiAI8ULwb0H5iNyn1jf_BiYqAPzgVosLo0Sc0SrrrsT-7ne-pYxjfTgUjdw5Xxk4WhLqNRXMkW4C0x0s96Jy73lFAKOlIC3Y/s640/blogger-image--358361377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfRmlSIY4tsnjAFLCCnRTpwkQB78nVnGyYrBPq5dAMBTaiAI8ULwb0H5iNyn1jf_BiYqAPzgVosLo0Sc0SrrrsT-7ne-pYxjfTgUjdw5Xxk4WhLqNRXMkW4C0x0s96Jy73lFAKOlIC3Y/s640/blogger-image--358361377.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today's route can be seen at </div><br></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=975238085</span></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0Western Europe (null)51.680424 -4.617264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-72783351990962045322015-05-06T18:07:00.001+01:002015-05-06T18:07:01.749+01:00Today's route<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=973569185</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-54003732593804341942015-05-06T17:08:00.001+01:002015-05-06T17:10:53.375+01:00Cheddar Gorge and into WalesLike Lands End, the arrival at the foot of Cheddar Gorge is immensely disappointing. It's like a ramshackle collection of "tourist attractions" which imply that the gorge itself is insufficiently attractive to capture the imagination of the hordes who must be given an opportunity to spend money.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsB515iGRW4jHBLRUcJ-fWkYAH0-je9FSKHtVclwuAMvG8mpQdLMS-HAh0wAe5dhRzJey5Z9zFRzG8g4tUmhosAcnTUvZjrXaCJ8wWoqQZHUEvXRaIhk6HxH5p_gkRsC7wuHn31pd8u-Q/s640/blogger-image--729439391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsB515iGRW4jHBLRUcJ-fWkYAH0-je9FSKHtVclwuAMvG8mpQdLMS-HAh0wAe5dhRzJey5Z9zFRzG8g4tUmhosAcnTUvZjrXaCJ8wWoqQZHUEvXRaIhk6HxH5p_gkRsC7wuHn31pd8u-Q/s640/blogger-image--729439391.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This picture didn't really capture the depressing entry to the gorge, but once in it is a fine sight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RreSurTGLB_D9Rr1J8t4eGNSMf4eVcesLNg_n9MPdm4YlC-knnM66g0RJ0D3_-AAhtmpYMeFbhXgPKUCr7SBIM0-kx0sT8c11gyEydP6aQISG_PrQD53drQ7Xa2Cq2kcdMNFrsYRO2s/s640/blogger-image--485555061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RreSurTGLB_D9Rr1J8t4eGNSMf4eVcesLNg_n9MPdm4YlC-knnM66g0RJ0D3_-AAhtmpYMeFbhXgPKUCr7SBIM0-kx0sT8c11gyEydP6aQISG_PrQD53drQ7Xa2Cq2kcdMNFrsYRO2s/s640/blogger-image--485555061.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was fortunate to be there when the weather was poor and before the coaches arrived, I guess in the summer it's a place to avoid. Pity because it is lovely, and doubtless there are some excellent walks close by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had a lovely run, apart from wind and rain, through the Somerset Levels. It's not hard to imagine what it was like in the floods of last year <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_flooding_of_2013%E2%80%9314_on_the_Somerset_Levels/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_flooding_of_2013%E2%80%9314_on_the_Somerset_Levels/</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took this photo thinking it was Glastonbury Tor. It's not and I can't remember what it is called, but it illustrates the flatness of the area</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJIluEBm55A1k8nx78L1CBEe7K3fHxn6rIlWmrZGy_sAFpcMH0-u-y284AVYZk1an2g3swI3Fs7N7kbjRu1xXh9W9g5V3pHf2D8YxL2wf7rTF-REUMVg7YMbNWdPZjknEdIarg5WcTyU/s640/blogger-image--1445111734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJIluEBm55A1k8nx78L1CBEe7K3fHxn6rIlWmrZGy_sAFpcMH0-u-y284AVYZk1an2g3swI3Fs7N7kbjRu1xXh9W9g5V3pHf2D8YxL2wf7rTF-REUMVg7YMbNWdPZjknEdIarg5WcTyU/s640/blogger-image--1445111734.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't know if this makes sense or not, but it's a different sort of flatness to Lincolnshire. It has colour and perspective, not huge prairie fields.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had been concerned about wind on the Severn bridge since yesterday. Checking this morning showed the bridge was open and it was sti this afternoon . The wind was strong, but blowing along the bridge, in a more or less westerly direction , rather than at right angles to it, so while the crossing was blustery, it wasn't too difficult to keep a straight line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Motorbikes cross free which is good, cars pay £6.50 to enter Wales, but get back to England free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm on the ibis hotel Newport tonight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-6814-ibis-budget-newport/index.shtml" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-6814-ibis-budget-newport/index.shtm</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's clean and tidy. The receptionist says there is a pub that serves food on the other side of the M4. That's not as bad as it sounds, there is a walkway under the motorway. It looks reasonable so I will give it a try</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Lyceum Tavern<br>110 Malpas Road, Newport, Gwent NP20 5PL<br>http://goo.gl/maps/T0xRe</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3994498057289456866.post-1538393396781643132015-05-06T12:53:00.001+01:002015-05-06T12:53:12.087+01:00Leaving the coastThe wind was howling all night and forecast to continue at 45mph all day at Elmscott. I left at about 8.30, saying goodbye to the volunteer wardens from Northamptonshire. The hostel is staffed by a rota of volunteers who get free accommodation in return for undertaking warden duties. A great way to get a spend some time in the country.<div>I left with the intention of going to Hartland quay just along the coast, but as I got close, the wind was strong enough to put me off, so I turned back and hit the A39. This is a great biking road. Not too much traffic at this time of year. Checking in at Clovelly I was astounded to discover that I would have to pay (£6.95 I believe) just to get into the village. Ok it's a tourist attraction and who can blame residents for making the most of it, but it just feels wrong. Needless to say. I didn't pay.</div><div>I am writing this section in a nice coffee shop called Silvers Pantry near Monton Heathfield in Somerset <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://willowsofsomerset.co.uk/silvers-pantry/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://willowsofsomerset.co.uk/silvers-pantry/</a> </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. In keeping with the new philosophy of my trip I abandoned the coast to avoid high winds, and I am heading for Cheddar Gorge. In the process I have ridden along the B3227 from near Bishops Nympton to Taunton. Despite being quite wet, this road is a classic. Wide enough for two proper lanes, long sweeping bends, little traffic and great views. I'm not regretting the move from slavishly following the coast.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717161074268560838noreply@blogger.com0