Our much needed rest

Australia

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 01:57:48 GMT

Hello

Australian soil!! We don't know how lucky we are. This will be the last post to the journal. An end to a most wonderful fantastic journey. How lucky have we been! This afternoon we will arrive home and look forward to catching up with everyone...... especially Alyssa and Jennifer.
We'll forget about all the bills etc at least for another 12 hours or so.... then we guess we'll have to put things in place to be able to plan for our next journey.
Thanks so much to everyone who has helped out with any dramas at home .. we could not have done it without you. Love you all.

13 weeks
left on Friday August 4th
came home Monday November 6th

Travelled to Singapore, England, Scotland, Wales, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Leichenstein, Germany, Italy, Monaco, France, USA, Canada.

So many highlights, so many memories.

Signing off

B and M - the travellers

Honolulu airport

Sat, 04 Nov 2006 18:56:17 GMT

Hi all,
Yep. We like to think that people still remember us and what we look like - we are now 3 months older with a few more grey hairs and less money than we started out with. That rain that we said was around when we journalled disappeared that evening and yesterday (Friday here) was fine and sunny. Got our last swim in for a few hours in the morning and then relaxed over packing the bags and throwing away most of the clothes that we had been wearing for 3 months (we replaced them so we wouldnt be naked and scare the locals). We have even developed a bit of tanning on the skin - freckled in my case.
Last night (Fri) we did the sunset drinks thing on the beach watching the sun go down and then dressed up in some new resort wear and we shouted ourselves to a romantic dinner overlooking Waikiki beach, with some fine dining, cold wine and lots of moonlight, stars, waves on the beach, and of course Mai Tais. Am now a great fan of the Mai Tai cocktail. Very potent. What a great end to our 3 months away.
Up early this morning and out to the airport where we leave at 11.10am. Townsville is 19hrs ahead of us here so it will be Sunday. We lose a day going home. Weird feeling.

Thanks to everyone for following our journeys across the world. It made us feel very close to home when catching up through this journal and best of all we constantly remembered you all (in a good way)and we didnt get homesick. It is too hard relying on a postcard when you get it 2 weeks after we send it, if it ever arrives at all. There have been so many memories gained by us and we hope to bore you with some of them. You wont know what you are in for until I break out the old slide projector and then it will be too late - you will have to stay for the duration (as the doors will be locked).
Will probably finalise this journal at The Quantas club before we leave Brisbane to fly back to Townsville Monday so everyone will know we arrived safely.

All our love

B and M - The travellers on the way home.

Hawaii USA -

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 20:06:29 GMT

Hi all (if anyone is still out there),
Its now Thursday and raining here in Hawaii.
On the Saturday we arrived here, American Airlines lost one of our bags. It went off on a trip of its own to San Juan, an Island somewhere off USA. It enjoyed its trip and came back to us early Monday morning, all intact, so all was well.
On the Sunday, we explored the area where we are staying in downtown Waikiki and had a swim. Lovely water and sand, great just floating looking around at all the activity of surfers, swimmers and catermarans (and also lots of Asians in swim rings).
Monday we indulged in some retail therepy at a 4 storey shopping centre but didnt buy too much but enjoyed the experience. Had a swim late in the afternoon and then sat on the beach and enjoyed the sunset (helped by a few Rum and Colas)
Tuesday we geared up and caught the local bus to Diamond Head and walked upto the top. .8 of a mile up a steep slope. Fantastic view of the Waikiki beach area and coastline from the top with lots of cool breezes as very hot whilst walking. Similar the Townsville summer temps with the humidity to go with it. Another swim later and more sunset watching from the beach ( and drinks).
Wednesday caught the bus to Pearl Harbour and did the Arizona Memorial (built over the USS Arizona, a battle cruiser sunk by the Japanese 1941 Pearl Harbour. Still over a 1000 bodies still on the boat and oil still trickling to the surface. Very sad. This is where the weather than turned a bit rainy etc. The sun has gone out and it has been showery since. We were going to do a susnset sail on a Catermaran but decided against it due to cloud and rain.
We are still wandering around in it as its is light most of the time. Lucky we got a few fine hot days. Still planning to go for a sim this afternoon though, rain or not.
For our last night here we have planned a dinner out overlooking the beach, something to remember it all by.
Jen / Lys, it appears that when the computer had troubles, we cant access our E mail any more. We are this close to coming home so will look at it when we get home, but just be aware that if you are waiting for E mails to come through to our home address, they wont get there.
We hopefully will post again at the airport on Saturday. Lys/Jen, will give you a ring on Sunday with time to pick us up on Monday afternoon. Dony stress too much - if you are busy, we can get a taxi.

All our love

B and M - The travellers (only for a short few days now).

LA, USA

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 20:55:11 GMT

Hello to all,
Currently in LA, USA. 6hr flight to here and hanging around drinking bourbon/scotch until our Hawaii flight goes in 2 hrs. Nice weather here and just right for a Disneyland/Universal visit (if we had time).
See you in Hawaii.

B and M - The American travellers

JFK airport, New York

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:16:50 GMT

Hi all,
Raining today (8am here) and it seems a good time to leave. The rain seems to come in after we leave so it doesnt affect our holiday, so it has been excellent weather for us (a bit cold now and then - 4 degress wind chill in New York).
Had a good drive into New York on Thursday. We negotiated the roads and safely got into Jamaica Queens, NY. We drove across Staten Island and Brooklyn to get here (we have now been in all five boroughs of New York city). That afternoon we arrived we caught the metro into Times Square ( 30min trip)and joined the seething number of people in that area, all doing what we were doing, checking it out. Wandered around and saw a few more things there and enjoyed the ambience and did Sak on 5th Avenue etc. Very pricey there but nice. Saw them iceskating outdoors at the Rockerfeller Centre (just like in the movies). Dined out on American Maccas coffee and Wraps (same as home really).
Yesterday we left Merv and Anne at Motel (they left that day around midday to get to JFK airport) and drove into downton manhattan through Harlem. Made it alive and no dents on the car or carjackings. Took about an hour and drove alongside central Park for a nice scenic view (once through Harlem). It is exactly like the movies with vents in the street expelling steam into the air and millions of yellow taxis and everyone sounding their horns constantly. After the car drop off, wandered down to Times square area again (30 blocks) and stood outside TGI Fridays in front of the EarthCam. Contacted Lys and she saw us live, waving like crazy people. There were other crazy people there doing the sanme thing( from Sweden). Technology is amazing.
Last night just packed and repacked everything and when we arrived at airport, bags were too heavy and it would havge been a charge of $25 for each bag as each bag has a set weight and we had gone 10 pounds over that on 2 big bags. The girl at the desk saw we were a bit tense and waived the charge as we had come in from London on international flight and they allow more on those flights.
Now in Admirals Club at airport, drinking coffee and waiting on our 10am flight to LA and then leaving LA at 3.10pm (LA time). System here chaotic and lots of security checks.
Bye for now and catch you from future points if we can find a computer.
Hello to the girls - luv ya's and scratch behind the ears for Hunter.

Love B and M - The travellers.

Maryland USA

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 14:21:42 GMT

Hi all,
Currently on our way to Gettysberg Pennslavania from Washington DC. Will make this short as way to go.
When in Williamsberg a few days ago visited the historic area where the entire old town centre is presevred and a lot of the places are operational in making furniture, blacksmith etc. The next day went out to a military park where they were having 225yrs since the revolution. There were a few thosand people dressed up in the uniforms and civilian dress of the day with cannon firing, soldiers drilling amd marching to the fifes and drums. Great day out. We also visited a guided missile cruiser nearby for a full tour. Carries 120 missiles etc.
Went to a Plantation also to see how the rich lived in those days. Good life.
Then to Washigton DC where took a trolley tour of al the sights and for the next two days visited the White House, Capitol Hill, Arlington Cemetary and all the big monuments including high in the area in the Washinton monument (55ft ) up. Great views. From our first motel saw a Pro working a picking up customers.

Having a great time still but not many days left.

All the best to all and especially love to Lys and Jen

Love B and M - The Travellers - its 8 degrees maximum

Goergetown, South Carolina

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 15:19:33 GMT

Hi all,
Again in a library we located in Georgetown on our way to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Last entry we had been heading from Florida to north. Stopped off at St Augustine and hit the outlet shopping area. Around 200 shops (only took half a day here much to the girls disappointment). A few items were purchased and now have to make room in the bags to get them home. We will do it somehow (and may even stop again for purchases). Afetr the spree, we headed off to Downtown St Augustine and explored the old Spanish Quarter and Fort, dating back to the 1500's. Lots of narrow paved streets, old spanish style houses etc. Very humid day (just like being at home).
Headed off from there and went towards Savannah georgia and spent all day yesterday there. Took a trolley on - off tour of the historic town. Fantastic 1700's houses and buildings, parks and grid system roads and found a 240 year old live oak tree. Huge. Great weather and we walked around a lot and absorbed the history. This town was the start of the state of georgia and was spared from burning in the civil war as it was a very impressive laid out town (and still is). Lots of photos.
This morning we drove to Charleston to see more historic stuff on way through, but heavy fog had set in so views no good. Went to an old plantation run by National Parks and checked out the 1800's house there. This place used to be owned by one of the signaturies of the American Constitution and one of the Presidents had stayed there.
Now meandering our way along the coast and still having a great time. (running out of holiday time fast).
Great to chat to Jen and Lys a few hours ago.

Love B and M - The Travellers.

Orlando Coast, Florida USA

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:44:26 GMT

Hi all,
Currently on our way from Orlando Florida to a place called St Augustine, north up the coast from Orlando by about 130 miles. When last on the net we left a short message from Orlando last Friday. On Saturday we did the Disneyworld thing and got there early in time for the park to open, planned our attack on the rides and started the day (caught the free shuttle from the hotel to make it easy). The plan fell apart straight away as two of the rides we were doing first didn't open till 10am (it was only 9.15am) so we warmed up on a kids ride. Went well from there. Did heaps of rides - Splash Mountain, Space Mountain etc. Longest wait was just over an hour but worth it. Saw a fantastic light parade at night followed by great fireworks over thye Disney Castle (lots of photos) and then joined the hundreds of thousands going home. Got back to Hotel after 11pm so a long day, but very satisfying.
Sunday we headed off to the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral (along with thousands of others as it was Florida day where all the locals get out and about). Saw actual shuttle launch sites, where they assemble and check the equipment for the International Space Station and Apollo 8 rocket and lunar landing modules. All very impressive and massive. Also saw some alligators as this area is in a Wildlife Refuge with lots of water. They put fences up to keep the Alligators away from annoying the staff working in the area. Went to a great Space IMAX story and all the separate centers had films to go with them. Another great day. Heard last night about the earthquake in Hawaii and hpong that they have sorted things out before we head off there in 2 weeks.
Today, Monday, we headed off to the Kennedy Space Centre Astronaut Hall of Fame and saw lots of aeronautic spacey stuff including some of the stuff that they have taken to the moon with them. Again saw films of actual walking around on the moon. We both went on a G force ride at 4 g's to see what pressures they may experience. Good fun. Then back to the Space Centre for another IMAX film on (you guessed it) Space regarding the walking fottage on the moon in 3D. Pretty good. It has been great weather. Like Townsville.
Thats all for now so see you next journal.
Hi and love to our girls.

Love B and M - The Travellers

Florida Orlando

Sat, 14 Oct 2006 00:51:30 GMT

Hi all,
Now in Florida ready for Disneyworld tomorrow. Yesterday we visited Andersonville and saw the old Prison setup for the Civil War and thousands of graves. Very sad. Today we have been on a Airboat ride in the Upper Everglades and saw Alligators. Great ride. Saw a Racoon and almost run over a turtle. Thats our wildlife story for today. Saw a few hillbilly farms and stopped for a coffee on the side of the road and heard gunshots in the distance so moved as Anne was a bit worried it was someone called BillyBob.
On;y a few minutes left on free net.

Bye for now

Love B and M - The Travellers

Madison Georgia

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 15:00:14 GMT

Hi all,
Now in Madison Georgia and just finished looking around an ald Town full of old Georian Homes from the civil war era. Great sunny weather. When last we spoke we were in Tennessess and we headed to Gatlinberg on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains Nationa Park (near Dollywood Theme Park (Dolly Parton owns it). Like Airlie the Town is. Spent all of Tuesday at the Park - meandering streams, old homes, falls foliage and lots more. Very beautiful but lots of cars as its popular.
Moved off from there yesterday and down to Georgia and a Miltary Historical park and Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Saw the site of a huge civil war battle btn Union and Confederate soldiers. 34,000 casualities there. Now getting an idea of the history here.
Then drove towards Madison through Atlanta, skirting what we thought was the busy part. Took 2.5hrs doing so and at one time there was 16 lanes of traffic as well and 5 flyovers going all around us. Horrendous traffic james but we made it there to a sleepy little town.
Just after we left Atlanta, there was a tornado hit and they had hail and wind. We only got a bit of rain here 100 miles away.
Now off to a Civila war prison and cemetary to continue our discovery journal.
Thanks for the photo of the so called workers. Didn't look like much action , more like bunch of ladies who lunch. But thanks for your help.
Love to the girls and all others. Great to talk to them this morning.

Bye from us

B and M the Travellers

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:45:36 GMT

The sprinklers are fixed thanks to Nathan, Brett and Barry! They slaved away for many hours, you can just see the sweat and determination on their faces (almost). They expect a BBQ for this!

P.s. They were bickering like old women!

USA country finally

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 14:28:53 GMT

Hi all,
Finally made it to an internet, in all places at a library out inthe middle of nowhere called London Kentucky. The route we are travelling is not full of internets. Lots of wireless ones but need lap top for that.
Last time we spoke was in New York from Times Square Friday the 29th. On the Saturday we headed out to have a day in Central Park. Walked down past the Dakota Apartments (where John Lennon lived and Yoko still does). It is where John was shot as we walked outside his apartments. We then went straight across the road into Central Park, using the entrance that he used to wander. Just there is Strawberry Fields. Very peaceful area with a mural on the ground with the one word 'IMAGINE' inscribed on it. Took some good photoes for you Jen and they should blow up nicely. Then wandered through almost the entire Central Park for the rest of the day, having a picnic lunch. Passed trees, lakes, boathouses etc and lots of squirrels. Weather was fantastic and there were thousands of people out and about enjoying the sun. Once again lots of photos taken.
Sunday: Picked up car and drove out of NY to Boston. Car is a SUV Saturn Vue - bigger and better than a full size (ran out of full size so we got this one for same deal). Some troubles out of NY but we survived driving through the Bronx and Harlem.
Boston for the full day on Monday where we caught the train in and walked the historic trail chcking out all the history in the city. Very nice place.
Tuesday from Boston to Bar Harbour Maine and the Arcadia National Park. Impressive viws of coastlice and we watched the sun going down from a very high cold mountain top. The Fall clours on the way were beyond belief and nothing we had ver seen before. Stayed in Bangor Maine overnight.
Wednesday drove to Rutland Vermont through Maine and New hampshire, enjoying the fall colours and on a side note had morning tea in Mexico (I think they stole the name from somewhere else). Enjoyed the White Mountains National Forest area. Lots of colour, mountains, babbling streams and falls. Everything we like.
Thursday drove from Vermont to Upstate New York to Niagria Falls. Only one word for it and that is stupendous. If we used a 2nd word it would be awesome. Stayed right near the falls and took lots of walks and photoes and met up with Merv and Annes American friends. That night we walked across the bridge into Ontario Canada and had tea there, taking more photo of the falls (they are lit up at night). Great day.
Friday wandered to the Falls and took a Maid of the Mist tour (going since 1840's) and this entailed on a boat with ponchoes and standing on the deck and travelling close to the falls and getting covered in water. Once again great photos. What an exhilerating experience and one we will always remember. Beats a theme ride any day at an amusement park. Headed off after lunch to Pennsylvania and then onto Medina Ohio. Lots of viewing of the lakes and changing leaf colours on trees.
Saturday we headed off to Columbus Ohio for an Amish people day. Went to Berlin Ohio and saw huge tourist trap there in Main street - shops selling goods from India under thye name Amish. Then went to a little town nearby called Farmerstown and Charm and there saw heaps of Amish people cruising around in their buggies and bicycles. Great lifestyle. Great day for us with again lots of photos.
Sunday went from Columbus to Lexington kentucky. On the way went to Maysville on the Ohio River (very old Town) and then drove through some hillbilly area complete with hillbillies and old trailers to live in and old cars. Eevn saw one with 2 guns and chewing baccy. Then off to the Daniel Boone National Forest and saw lots of water, trees, coulours, mountains and took a long uphill walk to the Natural Bridge (mountain Top) and had a view of the entire gorge. Another great day. As we were in Kentucky, we had Kentucky Fried Cheken for dinner (invented by Sanders in Kentucky). Tasted the same as Townsville.
Today we are heading to The great Smokey Mountains National Park the cnr of Tennesse and North Carolina staying at Pigeon Forge (known for that great amusement park DOLLYWOOD - owned by Dolly Parton)
We have read all the comments but didnt reply due to time factor today but great to see that everyone is still with us. We often get mistaken for people from England and most of the places we are going they have never seen anyone from Australia (very rare).
Unsure where next post will be. We have had great weather and in very good health and enjoying our time with Merv and Anne. Laugh a lot and enjoying everything.

Until next time

All our love to all

B and M - The Travellers.

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:20:41 GMT

Cliff on the Yorkshire Moors

USA New York

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:56:33 GMT

Hi all,
Finally here took 2.5hrs from Airport to here and saw lots of crazy drivers, millions of cars nd people. Walked down to Times Square the first night. AWWWesome is the only word for it. The last couple of days we have been hopping on a open double decker bus seing all the sightsd too numerous to mention,. Went to Statue of Liberty yesterday as well as top of Empire Stte Building. NY is everything we imagined and more. Tomorrow going to Central Park for Picnic. went past spot today awhere John Lennon shot outside his apartments. At the moment in Times Square shopping.
All is going well and having a great time with Merv and Anne.
Lys and Jen, if you didnt get my Text tried to phone byt wont allow me at the moment. Will keep trying.

Al;l our love

B and M The Travellers (PS only 10 minutes on net here for free so posting this in a hurry.
Chcked on car today and its all go for Sunday. Think OK getting out but back in might be different.

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 06:29:42 GMT

Hey Mum,

I bought this dress off ebay for $14! Everyone hates it but I think it will look alright on!

Love you

You'll be making heaps of dressies when you get back because you'll have too much free time!!!

London UK

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:18:52 GMT

Hi all,
Arrived safely in London this morning at6.30am after spending the evening at a motorway Travelodge 18 miles from London. Good striking distance and we left early to beat a lot of the traffic. Only saw a couple of hundred thousand cars instead of a million and we only got a little lost once, but that was easily recovered. Its raining here today and we walked from our Hotel near Russell Square back to Kensington where Meredith has picked up her new multimillion dollar glasses (looking good) and we both got a haircut as we were looking a bit shabby in the head region. Looking great elsewhere though.

When last we spoke, we were at Canterbury with the rellies. Moved back to Ramsgate to other rellies and relaxed. Great to have a phone call from Pat and David whilst we were there. On way to overnight last night, visited Sandwich (rumour has it that the Earl of Sandwich invented something with two slices of bread and a filling). Town of Ham nearby but we didn't visit that. Sandwich full of quaint 1500s buildings and a street called NO NAME street as they didn't know what to call it. Then went to a little village called Fordwich (Englands smallest Town) Great Town hall and population increased by 2 when we were there. Went around Faversham again through lots of villages etc that David would know.
Had lunch at place called Sittingbourne (in car park of supermarket as no eating places nearby).

Heading back to Hotel now to get motivated for next leg. Have already repacked everything last night to discover that the room in the bags is dwindling fast. It helped that we left the bag of Medicines behind (somewhere) in Hastings but thats OK. We haven't been sick (except for Ms cold earlier on) at all so hopefully wont need any.

Flying out to New York at 1.40pm (london time) tomorrow and getting there at 4.10pm (new York time). 16 hrs behind Australia. We will try and send a short message tomorrow from the Quantas Club at the airport.
Hi to the girls (goes without saying). Love you and miss you both.
Love for now

B and M - The Travellers

Canterbury Kent

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 14:59:02 GMT

Hi all,
Finally located an internet in Canterbury.
When last we journalled, we were in Treyanon Bay, Cornwall. Once we left there, we dropped into a place called the Lost Gardens Of Heligan - fine gardens only discovered in 1990 and dating back to the 1700's. Very impressive what the have become. It shows a good life of the lord of the Manor with exotic fruits and plants growing all year around. We spent quite a few hours there. Even had a Cornish Pastie there (invented in Cornwall and tastes better than the dodgy variety in Australia. Then we needed to make up a heap of time and headed to Portland on the Motorway ( to Pat and David - this is where we have now found out that Tom had his last Ministry there). Stayed at Portland YHA, old Admirals house 103yrs old overlooking the bay. There are holding the 2012 olympics sailing in the bay there. Great locaction for it and we walked to top of hill for an impressive vista.
Then the next morning, went to a little village called Cerne Abbas where we saw a 60metres of 55 metre giant man carved into the local chalk hills. No one knows where it came from only that it is hundreds of years old. The story goes that it doesn't need viagra (if you know what we mean).
Then went through St Austell and had lunch there by the river and of course an old Castle and Priory(they are everywhere). Spoke to the girls whilst there. Good to hear theirs voices.
Then off along the coast Brighton where we saw the world famous Brighton Pier and the old one that burnt down that Meredith once went on. Then wandered along the coast road, passing pure white chalk cliffs (seven sisters) and then onto Hastings where stayed in an old Manor House.
Yesterday we left Hastings and went to a little village called Rye where the inner Town area is an ancient medival town full of cobbled streets, old tudor houses etc. Time hasn't moved on here building wise. Then went to Faversham where in a little drizzly rain, we visited all of Merediths old haunts (she lived there for two years when she was 7-9 yrs old). Found her old house in St Marys Road, visited her old church (didnt find her name carved in the pews). Generally enjoyed walking around there bringing back some memories for her. Got a few photos.
Then headed off to Ramsgate via sea villages of SeaSalter and Whitstable. No sand, only shells and pebbly beaches and lots of coloured sea side huts for changing into your swimmers. (do DTs in sight). Arrived at Merediths Aunt and Uncles place in Ramsgate and caught up with them and Merediths cousin, susan. Much talking, laughing and swapping of stories. Stayed there overnight with double bed and towels that dry you. Heaven.
Today, up and after Breakky, headed off to Canterbury where we visited Merediths Uncle Tom and her cousin Phillip. Great to catch up with them and they took us to the Canterbury Catherdral for a few hours looking at a great old catherdral and church full of buried royalty. Then had lunch nearby and then strolled the streets of the city, looking at it through the eyes of a local. They left us to do this journal, so after this we are walking back to Toms house and then returning to Ramsgate where we will stay with her Aunt overnight and then head off to London.
We have bought a detialed London map so (hopefully) will find our way back there OK. Dont know where we are staying tomorrow night near London. Play that as it happens, as we want to be close to the car drop off point for Monday morning. Then off to pick up Merediths glasses in Kensington and then wander around, filling in the day and generally relaxing before we fly to USA tuesday.
Happy Birthday for Barry for today (old guy) and congrats to Brett and Angela for their fine baby daughter, Emily Maddison.

Thats all for now.

Bye from B and M - The Travellers.

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 03:41:44 GMT

Hi all,

Currently at Cornwall in YHA right on the beach. Saw a perfect sunset tonight

whilst drinking some aussie red wine. Sensational.

Update on the last few days: When last we spoke, we were at Bath. headed off

from there yesterday morning and headed off towards Cheddar and the world

famous Cheddar Gorge and Caves. Climbed the Gorge to the top, Meredith testing

out her new trekking shoes and they passed the test. Great view of the

surrounds. Then went and visited the Cheddar caves that people have been going

too for 100yrs. Saw a 4000 year old skeleton that they found buried in the

caves. Bought some smoked Cheddar cheese (which we ate that night). Looked

around village and hit the YHA at Cheddar.

Next morning, today, headed off early and went through Quantock Hills and Exmoor

forest / moors. Headed down to Lands End where the Atlantic ocean kicks in. The

furtherest point of England. Getting there we travelled a coastal road on cliff

tops. Great view. Had lunch on the beach at Bude. tasty. Saw the town of St Ives

and St Micheals mount. Great locations and great views. Arrived here at YHA late

and straight away got a sensational sunset over the water (YHA on the beach

front). Had a few red wines to celebrate (any reason will do).

For Pat and david, have contacted Margaret and have arranged to stay with her

Fri and Sat night. Have had a few E mails from Ruth as well. Will be doing

Faversham on Friday so a big day planned. What was the address in Faversham

where you were bough up (David).

To all the schoolies out there, have a good holiday.

To Lys and jen, love you both muchly and will try tp phone Thursday latish

hopefully to catch you both at home. All our love.

Tomorrow off to Dorset so see the carving in the chalk cliffs of a man who obviously doesn’t need Viagra. Hopefully will also see the Gardens of Heligan (of

we haven’t spent our allowance on wine)

Love always

B and M - The Travellers

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 17:07:10 GMT

Hi all,

Currently in Bath, Alyssa city she would like to move to. Before getting here we travelled across the Cotswold to Stratford on Avon, checked out Shakespeare’s House and the Town. Great location. Still doesn’t make his words any better though. Went through a few windy country lanes having a look at everything and came across a hald Tudor, half Norman church in the hills. Weaved our way to Welsh Bicknor, which is a YHA high in the hills overlooking the Wye Valley. Used to be a vicarage couple of hundred years ago. Yesterday we headed off for a day in the Cotswolds, starting with Bourton on Water. Great Town - lovely scenery and bridges.

Then went on a 1.5 mile walk through meadows to Lower Slaughter and the Mill there. Apparently one of the most photographed villages in England. Great yellow rich brick homes, covered in flowers and lots of greenery with meandering stream through village with lots of centuries old bridges. Then walked .5mile to Upper Slaughter. Checked out great old church and more great stone buildings. M bought pair of hiking boots to keep up with me on the trails.

On way home, we stopped of at a village called Great Tew and had some pints of Ale in the Falkland Arms, a 600yr old pub, still original. This village has thatched roofs and is very old. Then off to painswick, another Town of windy small streets and rich coloured brick homes. Fantastic day had by all. Lots of photos. last night M fixed my camera up by fiddling. Today we drove to Bath via the seven Bridge and Bristol. The hostel here is an old Italian Mansion on the hill where we have a top floor room overlooking the city. Walked down to the Roman Baths and spent a few hours there. What an eye opener and then went to Evensong at the Bath Abbey. Music echoes nicely in there. Walked back here and back to chores of washing etc. Tomorrow off to Cheddar Gorge, staying at YHA Cheddar Village.

Love to all

B and M - The Travellers

Leominster, England

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:52:18 GMT

Hi all,
I bet this is a suprise so soon. We are stayin overnight at Leominster YHA and they have free internet, so though we would jump right in (after we finished a bottle of red wine to get the creative juices going).
Yesterday, when we left you, we found our way from Chester (not getting lost) and headed off on the trek to Wales, passing through many unpronouncable places, arriving at a little village at the base of mountains, Betw-y-coed. Pronounce this as you want to - have no idea of the correct way to do it. Very scenic country to get there, with it being a base for walkers , mountain climbers and mountain bike riders. We stayed at the YHA about 2 miles ouside of the Village at Swallow Falls. We delighted in a delux Hotel room- with double bed, TV, ensuite and real towels to dry yourself on. The only possible down side to the holiday is using one of those space saver speedo towels. Its like drying your car with a chamois, so when a real towel comes in, it is memorable. When we woke this morning, it was raining for the first time. We headed off towards here, going to Shrewsbury. What a great city. The Town centre full of Tudor houses (16th century and in great condition. The only problem was the rain. Very hard to read the lonely planet guidebook in the rain. Didi as much as we could, seeing the castle, old narrow streets, chruches etc. It would have been perfect in sunshine. Meredith got soaked but I had one my new wet weather gear and waterproof walking boots. Very good investment at a sale some days ago. It was so wet that going to a toilet in the city, I slipped on the stairs and bumped my way to the bottom (at least I hope it was water on those steps and not something else). To my suprise some hours later, I found that I had lost my wedding ring. It must have came off when I slipped as I grabbed at the steps to halt my slide during about 12 steps down. Feels funny without it but may have to borrow Merediths scarf ring to put there for the time being - don't want to be too available for hotel women looking for a good looking available guy (thats me if you didn't realise).
After Shrewsbury, we popped into a place called Ludlow - lots more Tudor buildings and quaint village life. Here at Leominster, the YHA is next to the church in the old Priory building, with part of the building dating back to 660AD. As I am typing this, the church bells have been ringing (its 8.42pm now and they have been ringing since 7pm) Mad apprentice bell ringer I would imagine or he is twisted up in the bell rope and trying to get free. Probably read about him in the paper tomorrow. Went for a walk before tea and thought we had seen fantastic Tudor buildings until we went to the Town Centre nearby. Fantastic. Old cobbled streets full of balck and white Tudor buildings and narrow laneways called Butchers Lane, Ironmongers Lane, Drapers lane etc. Can just imagine that is where those occupations plied their trade. Got a few photos on the Nikkon but that dont campare to the Lumix quality. Oh well.
Tomorrow we are heading off to Statford on Avon, the Shakespeare hang out. Tried to get into YHA there but fully booked so we will be having the next 2 nights at a YHA within 20 mile of there, in a 16th century manor house on 25 acres of Woodlands. Sounds like we will be doing it tough - not.
Nice catching up with Jen today (sorry didn't get to talk to Lys).
Catch you all next time we get to an internet.

Alls well here and having a ball.

Love B and M - the travellers.

Chester - near the Wales border

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 12:05:41 GMT

Hi All

Looks like things have been sorted. So to keep you up to date for the last couple of days. Spent a couple of days at a place called Borrowdale - in the Lakes district. We sent the last post from Cockermouth.in that area. After we left here we travelled over some very scenic countryside - high up in the mountains and on through windy passes. Also saw one of the country's nuclear power stations. Lovely country. After leaving Borrowdale YHA we passec through Windemere - Windemere Lake - very famous in the Lake's district. and then onto the Yorkshire Dales. Stooped in a market town - Hawes - in the middle of the dales. Bought some very tasty cheeses which were farm made. Teh countryside very hilly - just like the TcV show with Vet. Herriott? There are lots of sheep, cows, stone fences, green grass and blackberries. Last night was spent in an old manor house - YHA - at Mankinholes. Just outside of the dales. Mankinholes - the village dates back to the 1300's. Walked through the pastures and talked to the sheep. Sad day as the Panasonic Lumix camera died. Starts up but has no features.... one of the buttons jammed which nmay have caused the upset... still under warranty but no good to us in England. Just as well M brought her 4 megapixel tiny nikkon with her... at least we will have photos!!! What a dilema!

Chester is a walled city - lots of tudor buildings - very nice. We have walked aroung the wall which encases the city centre. - actually walked on the wall. Great vantage point for pictures. saw wgere cannon balls have left dints in some of the outer walls we under seige years age.

This morning we spent a lot of out time on the motorways - up until now we have avoided them... useed them to bypass Manchester and Liverpool etc.

This afternoon we head into Wales - into the northern part - up in the Mountains..... So until we post again take care. Miss you all.

We are going to try to post a photo. see how we go. Is not going to happen... we will probably lose this update if we try.

Catch you all soon

Love to the girls.

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 04:30:42 GMT

Bloody Scottish internet just shut us down as we were half way through the journal entry for posting. We will wait until we can get to one back in England in a few days time.

As of 8/9 we are in Pitlochry Scotland and have been to York, Boggle Hole (on the Moors) and Whitby and then Melrose in Scotland (7/9) . We are well and having a great time. Lots to see and do and fantastic scenery. Went to Edinburgh and St Andrews today and at golf course bought St Andrews stuff for home. Sending this before it shuts off again.

Love B and M

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 02:05:24 GMT

TEST
I tested it with a very long entry and it all seemed to be working fine on this end. Maybe you just lucked out with a dodgy computer. Which email address are you using? And I am sure you are, but remember to check previous entries for replies to your replies. If you still have problems with livejournal but not email, send me the post and I will put it up.
Lys

york England

Sun, 03 Sep 2006 15:54:00 GMT

Hi all

So long since we've been able to get to an internet. Have seen and done so much since then.

We saw our show in london - WE will rock you. Fantastic..... even though we were quite a way to the back. A quirky story using Queen's (the band - Freddy Mercury) music. We walked all the way back to the hotel via Oxford and Regent street and passt Marble arch where they had found a body some hours earlier.

Got ourselves prpped for the hire car pick up. Shouted ourselves a taxi seeing as we had walked so much.... £12.00 which was Ok. Have a lovely little blue Ford Focus - similar to Jen's Laser, We thought our trip to Colchester would take us about 2 hours. We left London at about 10.45am. After about 2 minutes we ended up the wrong street.... street marking to get out of London is dreadful... back on track then about 20 minutes out Brendan turned 50metres too soon. well ... we asked several locals how to get out of our bind... they also led us up the garden path.... we even ended up heading for Dover..... we knew this was the wrong way..... turned around and actually found that we were going the same way that we had entered London on the coach from the Europe trip, We passed Victoria Station and back up through Kennsington and finally on a road out of the city.... thank goodness.... very stressful. Off to |Colchester... when we got there we couldn't find the YHA - Castke Hedingham.... There is a castle at Colchester but not the YHA one??? The service station we askled at hadn't heard of it.... Oh dear.... We were going to get Henri and Veronical something from Colchester... sorry but we didn't stop.

We did eventuall y find Castle Hedingham some 60 miles away... a beautiful little sleepy village with a castle... however the castle was closed. Our firts foray into YHAing. Sewparate beds and rooms. However great chats with English YHAers and some tips on where to go etc.

Next we headed off towards Cambridge, but on the way we found a enchanting village - Grantchester - 1 mile from Cambridge... we stopped and strolled across the cow paddfock to the brook... picked and ate blackberries from the bush. Cambridge a bautiful city with lovely gardens. On to Ely where there is a lovely old cathedral - Cromwell also lived here for 10 years with his family. Had lunch by the canal with the swans. Threatened to rain and did so for 5 minutes only. This country is on the Fens.... very similar to Holland and Venice.

Then onto Hunstanton where we stayed for two nights... an interesteing hostel.. 3 stories.... Hunstanton is near Kings Lynn - couldn't get in here but we think this was better. Hunstanton is on the ocean. Lovely cliffs and beaches.... an old Victorian holiday place. Yestrerday we drove through all of this area and saw the beaches and tidal creeks and marsh areas. Lovely little old villages... truely English "stuff" It is a bit of a shame that you have to pay for parking everywhere... therefpore we only stopped when we cold find free parking. We discovered an old Hall - Holkham hall -famous for housing the Erls of Leicester since the 1700's ... Deer everwhere in the deer park - fantastic. They were setting up for a concert in the grounds. We also saw Cromer - famous for crabs .. and found another grand home... Felbrigg Hall. We didn't go into the home but spent some time wandering the gardens... and we did peek a look through the windows.

On the way back yesterday we found a farm where you could pick fruit. so we picked apples plums and raspberries... Brendan must have eaten twice as ,uich as what we actually paid for... but very cheap. and delicious. Also visited an art gallery in a 300 yr old stables for a pub - Gin trap inn in Rindstead. Also visited the gardens of Sandringham (Royal house) and the chapel nearby. Beautiful chapel and gardens.

Today we have had a good drive except for when we got to York... yes... we got lost again.... we are alwys getting lost. Found an old abby - Tjorton Abby along the road... We climbed all through the gate house (1200's) and still standing and over the ruins of the actual abby.. this one was free... and held a loy more interest for us. Picniced on the grounds outside.

Crossed the toll bridge - Humber bridge across Great Ouse river which runs into the sea. Very grand. York hostel is very pleasant and we have a room together for the first time. 2 x bunks!!! Will explore York tomorrow.

Happy Father's Day to all who fit this bill. All our love to the girls. Hope all is going well at both of our work places. (Who cares) Not missing it at all.

Bye for now ... do not know when we will find an internet again... but will keep trying. and you need to keep checking!!!

Bye the B & M Travellrs

London

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 18:15:49 GMT

Hi all,

Last time we entered we had had a very big stroll around London ... after Buckingham Palace... well we made our way back to the hotel... walking.... and had to have a rest. We slept soundly for 2 hours. Kindy nap only.   We decided we would walk to the Nottinghill festival... the festival that we had heard rave reports about.   We wound our way through many streets and the closer we got the more people we came across, coming and going in all directions. There wre people from all cultures - especially dark people. There were people vomittimg and people peeing in the streets. We kept forging on. Police were everywhere - on horseback as well.   We caught the end of a street procession.   We heard someone ask the police bobby why there were so many police this year - he told them that someone had got shot at the festival two years ago.   We finally decided that they were far too many people, and drunks to keep going. A shame but when I asked a police officer what we would be missing he said nothing more than drunk people.   We came back to the street we needed via some back streets so as to miss people lining up for one of th stations.... that was a treat...   so many lovely little terace houses.    We had our quiche and red wine for dinner.
Happy Birthday to Terry for the 28th August.
Yesterday we caught the tube....a new but relatively easy experience... to Black Friars. We saw St Paul's Catrhedral... alittle peek inside... it is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Then strolled across the Millenium Bridge over the Thames River with a view of the Tower bridge in the distance. Checked out the Tate Modern (Artb Gallery)... very "modern" art!   Not to our tastes. But outside we saw a peregrine falcon up on the tower.   More exciting than the art. Commenced our Thames walk and came across the house where \Christopher Wren lived whilst he was designing St Pauls catherdral Catherine of Aragon, one of Henry the 8th's wives also stayed there when she first arrived in London. Just a couple doors down we came across the Globe Theatre (Shakespearean Theatre). Brendan wants me to tell you what the Shakespeares theatre is! It is where Shakespreares plays were first performed and where he was heckled, because people thought they were "crap" - ah how times have changed!
Continued on our Thames walk - came across areplica of Drake's ship the Golden Hinde - moored in one of the original moorings of the docklands area.    Lots of little alleys etc in this area. passed the London clink - one of the original prisons in London. from here we came across the Southwark Cathedral... far more interesting than many of the others we have seen in the past 4 weeks and St Pauls. It has a Gothic origin but also has a history of religious ceremonies dating back 1000 years. Many of the crypts remain in the church and therre are some very interesting notes on the tomb stones.
Passing a moored world war 2 cruiser we came to the Tower Bridge, which no doubt all of you have seen on pictures/movies etc. Very impressive close up... we even walked across it - took lots of photos.
Once off the bridge we went to the Tower of London. - made it just in time for the minimum 2 hours time visit, and also the Beef eaters Tour of the day. A good time to visit as we didn't need to line up, as we would have needed to do if we had gone ealier.
First used as a palace and then it became a place for traiteors who were tortured and beheaded, these included King Henry's wives.(x2) They are buried in the chapel, which we were lucky to be able to visit. These days the crown jewels are on display at the Tower of London. We also saw the ravens (myth legend that if all the ravens leave the monarchy will fall - that is why they have some in cages just in case.   we didn't know that the Beefeaters (yeoman warders) actually live in the Tower of London precinct with their families. We must have walked miles and miles yesterday.
After this we made our way back to the train and on home.... to a frugal dinner to allow us to spend money on the internet.
Today which is 29th August .... we walked miles and mioes again today.. should have firm butts by the time we get back.
This morning we headed of to see the British museum .   Along the way we found Wedgewood and Royal Doulton shop (Leigh you would drool) and the famous shop which parallels Harrods - Fortnums and Mason - bought a Raisin Crunch - tasty. On to Picadilly Circus where we purchased our tickets for tomorrow afternoons matinee of We will rock you, featuring music by Queen and written by Ben Elton. Should be good. (1/2 price tickets).   We found where we have to go to get our hire car on Thursday - fairly close to the museum. and Sue P you will be glad to know that they did have our booking.
British museum is massive with far too much to see in the time we had.... and one does get a little over awed with some much history.... We have had history overload.... we didn't bother looking at the Roman ruins section.
On ther way home (yes we did walk) we wondered why there were police in the subway at Picadilly and then hen we emerged emergency vehicles and police everywhere - even a helicopter in the sky... and lots of smoke. It turns out it was only a fire behind the academy of arts ... a little bit of excitement for us. and then it poured for 5 minutes. (weather has actually been great)
Mum and Dad (Pat and David) remember the money - well we got it changed at the bank.. ... we have had our high tea at the Wolseley (160 Picadilly) read about it in the paper...... how grand it was - three tiers - one of scones, (jam and clotted cream), ribbon sandwiches ( x 5) amd a selection of three pastries - we shared the plate but had our own bottomless pots of tea. a total sum of   £23.91 including taxes and gratutuies. Well worth the treat. Thank you.   We needed to stop for a toilet break on our walk home due to quantity of tea drunk. On the way home we found the Serpentine Lake in the Hyde Park... what a lovely spot.
After this we are going to purchase our dinner from the Marks and Spencers food hall. Amazing what you can buy already preprepared.
Will probably have cold quiche again.....
Any way tomorrow we have another exciting day planned....with lots of walking.
Mum and Dad we have not b een able to phone Margeret..... have sent a letter and we will still attempt to see them when we get to Kent in late September.

All our love

B and M Travellers.

PS All our love to Jen and Lys.

PPS Merv and Anne got your email and can't think of anything else you need to bring...... not too much because we will probably not be able to have too much hand luggage on the planeback to Australia.