Adventure on the High Seas

After much discussion, it was decided a day out on the water was just the thing to do on a wet, bleak, chilly December day. Two of the group had boat licences and were experienced, with claims of ocean fishing and water skiing to their credit, what more guarantee did I need for a successful expedition on a canal boat on the sedate Shropshire Union Canal.

The canal traverses over 65 miles from Wolverhampton to Ellesmere Port at Liverpool. We were going to do a small stretch, just south of Chester.

Plans were made, - Buffy was taken for an early morning walk, the lunch was packed, thermos filled and a bottle of wine included to keep up our spirits.

Norm, the owner of the vessel had assured us of a memorable day out (monetary incentives didn't influence him at all). He advised us to stop at the Cheshire ice cream shop and if we had plenty of time to motor on down to Beeston Castle. The Cheshire Cat Arms was where we had to return to by 4.30pm, reason being it was dark by then (the real reason was, it had fantastic meals and the notoriety of being the best pub in the area). A quick lesson was then given in reversing and undertaking 180 turns on the canal, he shook our hands and we were on our way. The throttle was in top gear and we were full steam ahead, Norm waved goodbye and shouted a farewell message but it was lost in the hum of the engine and the excitement of the journey as we set off downstream.

With our two intrepid captains at the helm, we were in safe hands. Alison and I headed towards the galley to make a cuppa. The scenery was captivating, beautiful English homes, conservatories, and cultivated lawns. Ducks and swans sailed by and we saw squirrels in the trees.
It wasn't long before we noticed that we were passing a series of canal boats tied up alongside the canal. They were all shapes and sizes and well kitted out. Deck chairs and barbecues littered the banks alongside of dogs, solar panels, windmills and garden furniture, which all added to a picture of junky domesticity. The inhabitants were very friendly , waving and coming out on deck to shout a greeting. Or so we thought!

The hand waving soon turned into dodgy hand signals and the greetings evolved into shouts of " slow down you idiots". What's a little wash good for, but to liven things up!

Our captains quickly dropped back a gear to a more sedate speed and once again life resumed its leisurely pace on the Shropshire Union Canal. We never made it to Beeston Castle but the ice cream and the scenery were fantastic.

A Very Chester Christmas

Chester is a pretty town with roman walls and lots of lovely old Tudor buildings. The town has a beautiful cathedral that was first built sometime in the 1100's. It was an hours drive south from Liverpool where the ferry had landed.
This was where we were meeting Alison and Regan who were coming all the way from Australia to spend xmas with us.
We were spoilt for choice with accommodation. There were some great pubs, The Red lion , The Pied Bull, it was hard to decide where to stay, eat and drink. The Coach Inn won out, right in the centre of town overlooking a Xmas market. Our rooms were great, spacious and comfortable and a staircase led you downstairs to a comfortable spot in front of a welcoming fireplace.
The three days went all too quickly - walking the walls and canals, exploring the wonderful shops and enjoying the mulled wine and the scrumptious meals at the pubs.
One night we all went to the local town hall to see a musical version of Dickens's " A Christmas Carol". We had arrived late, the play had been sold out, but after chatting to the director we were lucky enough to be squeezed into the second half. At intermission you could have a wine or two and then take it back in with you - very civilised. The actors had beautiful singing voices and it gave us a wonderful introduction to an English Xmas.
All to quickly our stay in Chester was over and we all squeezed into the fiesta for the trip south to Bangor on Dee in Wales. Alison and I had been relegated to the back seat and were covered with parcels and bags. Trapped! so much so that we couldn't see each other. I said a quiet prayer promising never to shop again if I survived the trip.
As usual our satnav lady took us on the scenic route. I wasn't impressed it was 5 pm, pitch black and raining. And you guessed it - no connection on the ipad.
A trip that should have taken 30 minutes lasted an hour. We arrived frazzled and not looking like the capable, trusted housesitters we were supposed to be.
Buffy, the retriever didn't appear to mind our shaken and nervy states and as the night wore on neither did the homeowners. We ate, drank and made merry late into the night, with the neighbours joining the party as well.
The little village of Bangor on Dee, near Wrexham, is close to some great attractions. One of these is a famous aqueduct.
To cross the aqueduct at Pontsycyllte, best not to have a fear of heights. Fortunately there is a rail on one side, the canal in the middle, then open space dropping down 130 feet below. A marvel of bridge building, another of Thomas Telfords, we have come across his bridges many times in our travels in the UK .
A great Xmas was held by all including Buffy who took every opportunity to enjoy the Christmas cheer. One night when the carollers were singing at our door, Buffy quietly made quick work of the mince pies in their basket, while everyone was otherwise occupied with the singing!

Goodbye Donegal, Hello Dublin...

Fantastic farewell was given to us from the Bonners Pub in Donegal. This pub had such a wonderful atmosphere, Pauline and Tom made such a great effort to make you feel welcome and there was always a roaring fire in the small front bar.
We had a great last night at the pub and left with some fond memories. This is where Mick taught me to play 25, where you heard all the local goss, where the the best irish songs were sung, where the most incredible stories were told, where I discovered Paddy's whiskey and where Pauline greeted you with such a wonderful smile that you instantly felt at home.

The drive the next day to Dublin was smooth going and we arrived at the Ferryman Hotel opposite the new harp bridge over the Liffey River, in the early afternoon. The hotel had been refurbished, it looked great with a mix mash of modern decor and old style warmth.

Saturday night in Dublin and the town was abuzz with excitement. People everywhere out shopping, Xmas decorations, beautiful old shops and pubs, Dublin was certainly in a party mood. We found out later that it was '12 pints in 12 pubs night' and after that the drinks were free. There were hundreds of revellers out trying to achieve this and having a generally good time in the process. Unfortunately our stamina only lasted for one pub and then it was time to call it a night.

The next day was spent exploring Dublin. Trinity College library was a sight to behold. A magnificent building full of wonderful old books and containing every first edition imaginable. Arched oak ceilings suspended 7 to 8 metres above you, rows and rows of bound books, old library ladders reaching several metres to the top shelf, busts of the great writers and philosophers, what more can I say to paint this awe inspiring scene. Chris made me close my eyes and then took me by the hand to the spot where I could see the whole room in my first glance.

At the end of the day we drove to the port to catch the overnight ferry to Liverpool. Our little fiesta was placed in between massive semi trailers. In fact we were the only passenger car on board. Six nights a week these truckies take their loads between the two towns, sleep on board and then drive off in the morning only to return again at night. We had a smooth crossing and as you would expect arrived to rain in the UK.

Sun, Surf, Sand & Snow?

Crystal clear waters, empty stretches of white sand - yes I did say white, and Atlantic surf rolling in onto some of the best beaches in the world.  The coastline is impressive and it certainly compares well to anything Australia has on offer. Only problem is I haven't seen anyone swimming, and I'm told in summer the swimmers are just as scarce unless of course they have a wetsuit.
The locals love to walk on the sandy stretches and on fine days they are out in droves with or without their dogs. One afternoon I met an 80 year old with her little pooch, she gave me these two words of wisdom for the secret gift of longevity,  'Keep walking'!
Not only do the locals love walking on the beach but so do the cows. They wander down off the grassy green slopes and go for a beach walk whenever they feel the urge.

There are some great links courses long the Irish coast. We had a wonderful opportunity to play golf on the Cruit Island course.
Himself got a par on one of the best links holes in Ireland, it made the top 18!  You had to drive across a huge chasm with the Atlantic ocean at the bottom - to be sure, will I never hear the end of it.
I came in frozen from from the experience, but was soon restored after a hot whiskey prepared by the manager, must have  had a lot of experience in restoring feeling to frozen golfers.

The 19th Hole

Himself - driving across the Atlantic

Putt putt

Crystal clear water

It's Ice

Open sandy stretches

Intrepid walker on sand or ice

One cold day recently we went for a beach walk and discovered the sand was covered in a thick frost. Made walking on the sand a lot easier - the surface is a lot firmer.