July 22, 2010 - Aira Force Falls and Home

Greetings all,                                                                      

Today we headed back to Liverpool after a hearty full English Breakfast at our B&B, Laurel Cottage.  We have really enjoyed our stay as the location is good for heading off in all different directions in the Lake District.  A good recommendation from Fred's second cousin Mark.  The plan was to avoid the motorway for our route back to Liverpool which would make for a more scenic route though at times a bit hairy with the narrow winding and sometimes one car lane roads.  But hey that is what the adventure is all about.  Our first stop was in Aira Force Falls and grounds and stop that in Victoria time was considered a beauty spot. The walk we took is only a mile but you can hike up to five miles on different trails.  With the terrain we are again reminded of the need to get good hiking shoes for both of us if we wish to do some more serious walks in these beautiful forests and countryside.  The forest is lush and green and there are a number of people out already walking the trails.  The walk up to the falls is steep in some places but the path is well maintained by National Trust staff.

During our walk we came across this very old pine tree.  The trunk is absolutely huge. As you can see from the picture of me I cannot reach across the width of it.  If you are on Facebook I have posted more pictures and Fred will be uploading to Flickr pictures of this last mini respite of ours.  The drive home is very good and the weather  is bright and sunny with some clouds.  We stopped for a late lunch in Burscough a small town which is very close to home.
The pub, The Bull and Dog does not look extremely distinguishing on the outside  but is very quaint inside and has a very unique feature in the ceiling beams.

During World War II the pilots of HMS Ringtail, a Royal Navy Airstation in Burscough, embedded a penny into the beams of the pub as they left on missions so that they had something to return to. Unfortunately, those pennies left in the beams were of airmen who did not make it back home.

We hope you  enjoyed this segment of our little get-a-away.

Ta Ra,

Sandy & Fred

July 21, 2010- Wordworth's House and Sizergh Castle

Greetings All,

Today we headed off to Cockermouth to visit the birth place of William Wordsworth.  The picture to the right is of the town's Police Station built in 1894.  Wordsworth's house was first built at the end of the 17th century.  The house went through many changes since the first owner William Bird in 1690 until it became a National Trust Estate in 1939.  It has served as a home, doctors surgery and was finally sold to Cumberland Motor Services in 1937 and slated for demolition to make way for a bus station.  The local people of Cockermouth raised funds and purchased the house for 1625 pounds and formed the Wordsworth Memorial.  In 1938 the National Trust took over the house and opened it to the public for the first time on June 3, 1939.

Wordworth's House first became the home of John Wordsworth a 23 year old lawyer in 1764.  It was a 'tied' house which came with his job as an Agent for Sir James Lowther's Cumberland estates.  It served both as a home and office for nearly 20 years.  John and Anne Wordsworth were married in 1766 and had five children the second being William the future  poet.  The poem The Prelude recalls his early childhood with warmth and happiness.  William's happy childhood days ended sadly with the early death of his mother Anne in 1778 and later his fathers death in 1783.

We did not take any pictures of the outside of the house as it was under repair and only a couple of the gardens that were terribly over grown and in bad shape for a National Trust site.  As we were early before the house opened we did a walk through the main street and noted the number of businesses that were closed down or under going repair.  It was not until we got into the house did I realize that the town had a devastating flood in November 2009.  There was a video that told the story of the towns devastation.  The basement of the home was flooded and in the garden a marker showed how high the flood waters from the river Cocker.  I am 5'4'' and the water level came to the top of my ear.  Apparently the water rose so fast that business' had very little chance to save anything.  The volunteers have worked extremely hard on the inside of the house to get it back into showing order so thus the wildness of the gardens.  The other cool thing about this house is that some of the rooms are hands on. In one of the rooms there was a working harpsicord.  I was offered by the lady on site to play it if I so wished.  It was partially closed and she saw me looking at the keys and placing my fingers over the board.  I declined as it has been too many years since I have really played a piano though it would have been neat to do so and the offer was very nice.

We next headed off Sizergh Castle and Gardens.  This is located at the gateway of the Lake District. This National Trust site is still used as a home and has been occupied by the Strickland Family for more than 750 years.  The Elizabethan carved woodwork in some rooms is very impressive.  The most noted piece is in the Inlaid Chamber where paneling which was previously removed and sold to the Victoria & Albert Museum, then in 1999 was restored to the home.  The ground covers 1600 acres and includes gardens, a lake, pond, limestone pasture, orchards and semi-natural woodland. As well there are shops and a pub, the Strickland Arms. We spent about three hours here touring the house and grounds.

We then headed back to Bowness-on-Windermere taking back roads to see the countryside.  The day is beautiful, bright and sunny, and the roads are very windy and narrow.  Some seat clutching for me in spots but otherwise a very lovely drive.  Once back we took a walk along Lake Windermere to check out the boat cruises. We decided that the fall would be a nicer time to take a cruise as we are now at the start the the school holidays and there are too many kids for our liking.  While walking back we came across three swans that look like they are lining up for dinner.  A perfect picture moment and a laugh for us.  Next stop was The Albert, a pub for a nice 1/2 pint of cider and pint of bitter for Fred on the outdoor patio. Supper tonight was at Sutherlands and was mediocre at best though the restaurant looked very nice from the outside.  Never judge a book by it's cover  holds true.

Ta Ra for now,
Sandy & Fred

July 20, 2010 - Hadrian's Wall, Housesteads Fort

Greetings all,                                  

Today we headed off for a two day exploration of North Britain.  With a picnic lunch packed we started off somewhat early to Northumberland and Hadrian's Wall.  It was overcast and the weather looked very threatening but as it turned out we left the worst behind us.  Our travels northward took us through some beautiful but very rugged countryside.  One of the roads we traveled had some very narrow winding roads up to Housesteads Roman Fort and Hadrian's Wall.

Here is a bit of history on the construction of Hadrian's Wall.  While the Romans had pretty much conquered all of Great Britain the northern tribes (the Scots) continued to be troublesome during the reign of Hadrian (117 -138 AD).
Unlike his predecessors Hadrian decided to consolidate imperial gains and in some cases abandon previous conquests. For Britain, Hadrian ordered a wall to be built across the narrowest part of Britain from Tyne to Solway some 76 miles or 122 km long.  The wall's construction began in 122 AD, beginning at Newcastle.  The wall was constructed of stone and puddled clay and was ten feet wide.  Small Forts were built along the wall to provide protection from the invading northern tribes.  It is believed that Housesteads Fort was already in place as a garrison before the wall was even under construction.  The fort is one of the best preserved in all of Britain.

One can only imagine how the Romans defended the walls against the invaders. This area is very hilly and is now surrounded by farms.  Upon our arrival the farmer by the site was putting his collies through their paces herding the sheep. It was too bad we were so far away that we could not get a decent picture or video.

A light rain started to fall and we really would have loved to have walked along the trails and down into the valley, but we both need to invest in proper hiking boots.  Also I need to shed some more weight and get in better condition as the hilly walk back left me winded.

The ride to Bowness-on-Windermere was rather hairy.  The roads were narrow, winding and through some very rugged countryside. In some places the sheep were on the road.  Thank god most British cars are made for these narrow roads.  Meeting buses was another matter.  Our lodging in Bowness-on-Windermere was a converted School House and very cute.  Supper on our first night was at the Old John Peel Pub and as it turned out was our best evening meal while we were in Bowness.

Tomorrow we explore the Lake District.


Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred

July 4, 2010 - Independance Day

Greetings All,

I thought I would post a update of what we have been up to since our return to Liverpool from our short visit to London. The weather has been amazing and according to my brother-in-law, John, the driest he has ever seen it in all his years here. Hey I'll take some good hot summer weather anytime.

I decided that I wanted the flat to have a bit of colour and so we went in search of a nursery to get planters for the balconies.  After stopping at a couple of places, we finally found a proper nursery/garden centre near Ormskirk.  I asked for some assistance, as I wanted plants that would survive full sun and windy conditions. They got a young lady to help us and once I told her what I needed she asked how much land were we looking at?  Well needless to say Fred and I looked at each other rather sheepishly and pointed to the cart with three oblong planters.  She kindly smiled said oh I see and carried on to give us a number of choices. I opted for geraniums and later went back to pick lavender and two shrubs as she recommended.

So far so good the plants have survived.  For those of you who know me well, if it wasn't for my girlfriend Colleen watching out for our front garden in Ajax all would have been lost.  So now the place looks a little more homey.



We are still adjusting to some of the differences in the UK in the food department.  We had Fred's aunt and uncle over for dinner and as strawberries are in season, I decided strawberry pie would be a perfect dessert.  So I needed jello called jelly and corn starch called corn flour in the UK.  Jelly is quite different as it is a solid block of jelly that gets cuts into cubes rather than crystals as it is in Canada. Works the same though one cup of hot water and one cup of cold if you are making normal jello.

It is highly concentrated and you can smell the flavor in this case strawberry when the package is opened. It worked well and supper by the way was a success.

And now, finally to the title of this blog Independence Day.  As you may or may not know Liverpool Football Club is owned by George Gillett and Tom Hicks two Americans who have managed to screw up the club as well as place it in major debt.  To say they are disliked by any Liverpudlian would be a major understatement. The rally we went to today certainly made that point very clear.  Spirit of Shankly
the supporters union ran the rally with guest speakers, music and information on how they hope fans can buy shares in Liverpool FC so that any future owners of the club will not be able to saddle the club the level of debt that it has today.  The rally was held on the Plateau of St George's Square, in the City Centre. We met two elderly gentlemen who grew up in the Shankly era and one of the first questions they asked me was I American. Crap I've got to get someone to send me a badge that says I AM CANADIAN so that I don't get that question asked again.  After telling them that I was not American they apologized and we had a nice chat, they wished us well then carried on their way.
 
One speaker was Karen Gill the granddaughter of Bill Shankly.  She is the patron of the supporters' union and her speech was very moving.  So for a 500 pound investment you can purchase a share of the club. Something Fred wants to look into. How exciting to be part of a club you have supported since childhood.

 


Here is just a small look of some of the signage that was posted around the Plateau.

As if you have not guessed Independence Day  is to get free of The American Ownership the the Liverpool Foot Ball Club!

We have been checking out new pubs around town and once we leave the Rally we stop in at The Doctor Duncan for a pint of bitter and 1/2 pint of cider before heading home. This pub is a traditional style pub and quite nice.

Well that is all for now. We hope to visit some National Trust sites over the next two months and will keep you posted of any adventures.

Ta Ra for now,

Sandy & Fred

June 17, 2010 - Regents Park another Marathon Walk

Greetings All,

Today we were off again walking. We opted to take the tube up to Regents Park and then to walk back from there. While we have visited the Park on almost every occasion we have been to London we both really enjoy this park. This time the roses are the best we have seen them in bloom. The fragrance as you walk through Queen Mary's Garden is almost intoxicating. We spent almost an hour wandering around the grounds before heading back to the flat. On our way we decide to check out the Marriott's various properties in the area as we will be spending time at one of them this Christmas when Jonathan and Amy visit.  The weather today has turned very hot and sunny so walking on the hot cement now becomes hard.  We decided to take a detour though Hyde Park to get out of the sun, walk on some softer ground under the trees and cool off with a small ice-cream cone.  Chocolate mint, very yummy and refreshing. We continued on our way and came across another small park where we saw this amazing sculpture of a lioness and a kudu. The sculpture was commissioned by the Duke of Westminster for the opening of the Upper Grosvenor Gardens to the public on June 2000.

This is one of the things I love about London.  One each of our walks we continually discover new things and sites. Today we walked 5.2 miles and of course at the end of of walk stopped at the Gallery for a bit of refreshment.



Cheerio for now,

Sandy & Fred

June 16, 2010 - Windsor Castle and Area

Greetings All,  


Today we headed off to Windsor to visit the Castle and check out the surrounding countryside. Windsor is only a 45 minute drive from John's flat by the motorway but we take a longer route through the city and around Heathrow Airport.

Our last visit Windsor was by train in 1977 and did not go into the castle itself but walked around the town and had a great pub lunch as I recall. Of course the town has gone through numerous changes and upgrades in the last thirty three years. The old railway station has been upgraded with numerous eateries and boutique type shops. The riverside has also been cleaned up and offers cruises along the Thames on some old stream ships.

This time we spent most of our time in the castle itself.  While the entrance fee is a bit pricey sixteen pounds a person the tickets are good for a year so we can return again.  As we will be in London in September we plan to visit Windsor again as we were somewhat rushed this visit.


Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen.  Its rich history spans almost 1000 years.  The Castle covers an area of about 5 hectares (13 acres) and contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature.

The tour is self conducted with a audio guide to give you information and guide you on your way.  Unfortunately, the taking of pictures is not allowed inside State Apartments or Chapel.  The Doll house is unbelievable  and was a gift to Queen Mary.  It is not a toy but a collection of miniatures that all work. Right down to a mini vacuum cleaner in the maids chambers. The State Apartments are extremely opulent and I comment to Fred I wonder if the queen has a place in her residence where she can be just a normal person, run around in her dressing gown and fuzzy slippers if she should so choose.  I somehow doubt it given the British sense of what is proper.

The round tower which fly's the Queens Standard when she is in residence, which is most weekends we are told, is over 800 years old and was the last refuge of defense during times of siege. The moat at the castle is a dry moat and has in modern times been converted to a lovely garden.   The tower itself was made larger by King James increasing the height of it during his reign.

Our last stop on our tour is St. George's Chapel.  The inside of the Chapel is beautiful and worship services are held daily.  Henry the VIII is buried here but we did not see his tomb this time. It was now later in the afternoon and a few bus loads of tourists has arrived making it crowded and very busy.  The craftsmanship of the carvings in the stonework continue to amaze us considering the tools available when these structures where built. A major point of interest in the Chapel is the Order of the Garter.

The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry, or knighthood, originating in medieval England. The Order is dedicated to the image and arms of St. George as England's Patron Saint, and is presently bestowed on recipients from British and other realms; it is the pinnacle of the honours system in the United Kingdom. Membership in the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than twenty-four members, or Companions; the order also comprises Supernumerary knights and ladies (e.g., members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs). Bestowing the honour has been described as one of the Monarch's few remaining truly personal, executive prerogatives.
Once knighted the coat of arms is displayed on wooden heads in the Quyre in the Chapel. These remain on display until the knight passes away. The heads remain empty until a replacement is made to the order. Toady there are three empty heads and one had notes underneath as the person had recently deceased. 

We finish our rather quick tour in just over 2 1/2 hours and do a quick walk around the town and riverbank and pick up pamphlets on the river cruises so we can partake when we come back in September .

Before heading back to London we take a drive around the surrounding countryside looking for a pub which John had mentioned to us for a late lunch/early supper.  Alas we do not find it and so head back to the flat the motorway, which is a little quicker although it is late in the afternoon and it is very busy.  After a bathroom break for Portia, we headed out for a supper of fish and chips at the local chippy.

Pictures will be posted to our Flickr site later once Fred has sorted them out.

Cheerio,

Sandy & Fred

June 15, 2010 - Marathon Walk Day 2 Embankment

Greetings all,

Today was a very cool windy day but a good one for walking.  After lunch we took a walk along the Thames Embankment.  This is a walk I always enjoys as there always seems to be something going on or unusual to see. We walked along the south bank of the Thames until we reached Blackfriars Bridge where the walkway was closed off due to construction of the new Blackfriars tube station.  We then walked across the bridge and headed along the north side of the river.  I stopped for a number of photo ops, some of shots I had taken previously but this time without people messing up my pictures. The dragons that mark the west edge of the City of London (It's approximately one square mile in Metropolitan London) once adorned the London Coal Exchange. The Royal Air Force War Memorial is nearby,  so I got a couple of good shots of it as well.

We continued our walk along the north bank to the Parliament Buildings.  Across from the Parliament Buildings is Parliament Square, a grassy area that is now home to a tent city of  squatter/protesters that really looks disgusting. Unfortunately they cannot remove them as they are peaceful but they really detract from the sites in the area.  Of course no walk would be complete without a stop for refreshment and a short rest for my weary legs. Today's stop is at the Morpeth Arms.  A 1/2 pint of cider for me and a pint of Bombardier for Fred enjoyed on the outside patio.

It was then a short walk back to the flat. Today we covered 5.2 miles in just over 2 1/2 hours.  Hopefully a few ounces lighter and the legs a little stronger.

Cheerio for now,

Sandy & Fred