Oldies On Tour

Monday 2nd January

Today we woke up early and still dark!!, subconsciously we knew we were having to leave early I suppose.   We had arranged to meet for breakfast around 8.30,  but with time to kill we packed the car, well we tried; there was such a heavy frost even the car doors were frozen solid!!!!   Eventually we prized open the boot and retrieved the de-icer; de-icer is something alien to me these days but I’ll just have to get used to it.

Back inside and we headed to the restaurant for breakfast where yet again, “Loch Fyne Kippers” we’re off, and even worse this morning, there was no “Haggis” either!!   As we walked into the restaurant the view over the loch was magnificent, the early morning sun as dawn came up was a “sight to behold”, a fitting view to look at whilst we breakfasted.   Monica and David soon joined us and we all had a good chuckle at Christine and her lack of “Kippers”, again!!!!!

After breakfast we said our good-byes; we were all packed, the bill was settled, so reluctantly we hit the road.   The other two lingered over breakfast, they were heading to Edinburgh so were not in any hurry.

Today the return journey along the lochs was great; no rain, sun shining and minimal traffic, what could be better though we did regret having to pass all these beauty-spots and small, interesting towns like Inveraray on Loch Fyne; maybe we should have stopped as I bet we could get kippers there!!!!!   

Once we hit the A82 on Loch Lomond we hit traffic, it was solid, creeping a few inches every five minutes, in fact the only reason we were creeping forward we suddenly realised was due to the cars in front turning around.   After watching what was happening for some time, we joined in and followed the crowd and headed up this country lane.   After a couple of miles and a left turn or two, we returned to a roundabout back on the A82!!!! fortunately after the “accident”: ok having wasted half an hour or so, decided to stop at the “Duck Bay”, again, after all I had done my 2-hours driving and time to swap.

Christine took over the driving and we continued after indulging in a couple of cakes with our coffee break.   Passing Glasgow was a cinch, traffic was light and it wasn’t long before we hit the A74M.   Our next “planned” stop was Moffat as we had “clocked” the price of diesel whilst there before, the cheapest so far!!!

Arriving in Moffat, fortunately all the floods had evaporated, we drove into the petrol station, filled up, changed drivers and off we went again.   We had a jolly good run crossing the border, wizzing past Tebay services, passing Carlisle and then, boom; traffic.   There was no let up in the traffic until we cut off onto the M56 and headed to North Wales.   

When we set up SatNav at the castle, our journey time was 6-hours but when we eventually arrived in Prestatyn it had taken eight and a half hours; a disastrous journey, two and a half hours longer than planned; ugh, motorways in the U.K.

We arrived at their new home in Prestatyn and were welcomed like long lost relatives by David and Leisha, handed a gin and tonic and some rather scrumptious cheesy bacon sticks; homemade by David of course🤪🤪.  After a wind down we were treated to a superb home-cooked curry, by which time and all our troubles from the M6 just vanished away.

After much “chatter” and “catching up”,  we headed off to bed, hacked off at the misery created by the poor motorway system yet very happy to be with our great friends, Leisha and David in their new home.

Tuesday 3rd January

Rather a leisurely day was planned today, but we had booked a table for tonight at a local restaurant pub they knew.

First thing this morning, “very early”!! David walked the dogs; their dog “Otis”and their daughter’s dog “George” before returning home in time for Leisha to head to Chester Hospital, taking George with her.  The plan was for Leisha to return George to his home in Tattenhall Marina after her appointment but the best laid plans etc., etc., don’t always work.  No, Leisha arrived an hour too early, too long to hang about with George in the car but insufficient time to get to Tattenhall and back so a ‘phone call was needed to David.   Christine, David and I had just had breakfast when the call came in, so their plan to head to the beach with Otis had to be shelved.   David rushed to Chester, picked up George and headed to Tattenhall Marina where George was “ceremonially” deposited before returning to Prestatyn.  

Whilst all this was going on, Christine and I headed to Rhyl to transfer funds to our solicitor for our new house purchase.   Whilst out and about we drove along the sea front, looked at the “grey” sea from the car at several points and stopping at “Costa” before returning to Prestatyn. 

When we returned, David had completed his “unplanned” and “unexpected” trip to Tattenhall and when Christine was booted they were ready for the long awaited beach walk with Otis, their Labradoodle whilst I stayed at home, but not “alone” for long, as Leisha returned soon after.    By mid afternoon Christine and David had returned with Otis and before long, after much more chatter and a few drinks, we realised we had a table booked!!!

Being North Wales where there is zero tolerance, we took the “prudent” option and booked a taxi to take us; at the appointed hour we were standing outside their house, in the road with a keen wind blowing waiting and waiting,  We tried ringing but that didn’t work at which point our thoughts turned to ordering a “Chinese take-away” when out of the darkness a black Ford taxi turned up, no apology from a rather miserable driver who just told us in a “matter-of-fact” way he was busy!!!   Unfortunately to add salt into our wounds, we had to book him for the return journey, and hoped he would arrive at the appointed time🤞🤞🤞🤞

We arrived at The crown in Trelawnyd and walked into a cosy, warm and inviting pub with real ales, nice one David!!!   Apart from the ales, the menu was varied and the food was first class, it was a well chosen venue for a comfortable and enjoyable evening with good friends.

The taxi driver driver had dropped us in the car park behind the pub so naturally waited there for him, only to find on this occasion he decided to pick us up at the front of the pub; plonker!!!

Back home David and I enjoyed a nightcap before retiring

Sunday 1st January 2023

A very lazy morning and a brunch rather than breakfast today, but first a breath of fresh air, and as it’s not raining, we could stand out in the car park.  

Brunch was taken in a leisurely fashion after which Monica, Christine and David headed off to walk around the Island we see from the dining room each time we sit in it.  I on the other hand was “consoling” my knee, it was complaining bitterly about last night!!!   Following their little trip to the island they joined in with the Haggis Hunt, though failed miserably by not finding it!!!

After this hectic activity we all sat in one of the many lounge / bar areas observing all the jaded people sitting quietly; I know a good time was had by all last night.    Anyway we were also patiently waiting for afternoon tea to be served; I have no idea where we are going to put it but no doubt we will indulge.

Sure enough at 1500hrs the tea bell went and there was a subdued “rush” to to “stuff-our-faces”, again!!!!!!    Tea was as expected, full-on with assorted finger sandwiches, numerous cakes and shortbreads not to mention Scones, clotted cream and jam washed down with every tea imaginable.   Why-o-why do we do this to ourselves especially as we have another gala dinner later this evening 😩😩😩😩

Next it was whisky tasting, and it was led by “Grady” our Australian maître d who talked us through the 3-Malts, (only 3😩😩) but fortunately Christine shared her three with David and me; Monica had been excused!!!

Tonight is the last meal and it is billed as a 5-course taster so there was a lot of speculation about it but the good thing it is casual dress.

Between tea and dinner we took the opportunity to pack away the kilt etc., and seal it away into its box, as well as sorting our own stuff out.   Later we got the “knock” on the door and Monica and David joined us again for pre-dinner drinks.

Upon entering the restaurant, as always there was “Grady” handing out even more glasses of bubbly before we got to our table.   Tonight the restaurant wasn’t full, obviously there are quite a few lightweights around😂😂😂, mind you our alcohol consumption was down, especially as we have a Long drive tomorrow.

We started with an interesting soup, not to everyone’s taste I must say.  This was followed by a fish concoction, tasty but only a mouthful!   At this point Monica suddenly announced she doesn’t eat Lamb and she reckoned it would be Lamb, what she based that on we had no idea but guess what, we had lamb and very nice it was too plus, there was something extra, very tasty but unknown to us so asked, sweetbreads was the answer.   I have never fancied or even had sweetbreads but now, unknown to me I ate and enjoyed them, so now I like them!!!  Monica suddenly pipes up with, “I wonder if the sorbet is coconut”, as I don’t like it to which Christine joined in, “I don’t like coconut either”, guess what, it was coconut; obviously Monica is psychic, should play the  lottery🤞🤞.   Stonefield staff were very good, they found different deserts for Monica and Christine and would have offered an alternative to the  lamb, had they been advised

The dinner went on to around 2130hrs after which people started to leave the restaurant, no doubt for an early night as we all leave tomorrow morning; seemed the sensible thing to do.   Tonight we skipped the late night drinkee-poo as we were heading out reasonably early heading to Prestatyn

Saturday 31st December 2022

Following a good night’s sleep in the extra large double bed, we headed down to breakfast where David and Christine decided to have Loch Fyne Kippers; ha ha, no chance, they hadn’t got any left!!!!!!  The jinx continues, it is now the standing joke, don’t choose anything Christine wants. 

The nearest place to Stonefield Castle is Tarbert, a small fishing village just over 2-miles away, so headed that way, parked and had a wander around.  Upon arrival this morning, as is the norm for Christine, the tide was out!!   Tarbert Loch Fyne is a picturesque conservation village that lies at the north end of the Kintyre peninsula.   The village is built around a well-sheltered natural harbour.  The harbour is home to an inshore fishing fleet and has a popular marina for leisure crafts.  On a hillside, overlooking the centre of the village, stand the ruins of the medieval Tarbert Castle.  The castle’s royal connections date back to the 11th century AD.  In 1325, the castle was completely rebuilt and extended by King Robert I (Robert the Bruce) who is depicted in this distinctive and imposing equestrian statue which stands at the battlefield of Bannockburn, Stirling.    Much of the Castle stones have been removed to build the harbour and mole.  

Monica and David climbed to the top but with my knee and Christine’s hip needing to be preserved for tonight, we took “a rain check” and wandered back along the harbour, though not very far before we spotted a “Whisky Shop”, so naturally we headed in.   I was very good, I restricted myself to just one single malt!!!!   OK, coffee time so headed into a place called a “Coffee Bistro” but turned out to be a “Tandoori Cafe”!!!    We sat for best part of ten minutes waiting for service but to no avail so just got up and left; we didn’t really relish the smell with our cuppa either so wandered over the road to see Tarbert’s big Christmas tree, wow it was constructed entirely out of lobster pots, very unique and certainly different.  The pots were stacked into the tree shape then covered with green fishing nets with fairy lights hanging on the sides, very spectacular.

By now Monica and David had caught up with us and after explaining about our Indian adventure we would look elsewhere for our “elevenses” so drove further up the road and found a place called “Lulabelles of Tarbert”.   Being away from the main part of the harbour I asked why they hadn’t got a large sign pointing out to folk where they are; council won’t give them planning permission for one; what a shame as they do excellent looking dishes, a great looking cheese counter and craft beers just to mention a few things.   Because we were staying at Stonefield who had fed us so well we could only manage to share one slice of home-made cake; oh well next time.

Leaving Tarbert, we headed towards Campbeltown to take in more of the beautiful views of the Loch and Mountains, eventually stopping at a “viewpoint” and great excitement, seals were spotted. 

Back at the castle for hot soup and sandwiches just to “keep-us-going”, as if we needed anything!!!   We then headed in different directions to start the process of “dressing” into our kilt regalia.

The anticipation is over, the moment has come, I break the seals on the box and remove my New Year’s Eve apparel out and check the items off the list; all present and correct, a good start.   I had already prepared myself on “how to dress” by looking at a YouTube Video; must do it in the right order!!!!    So after the shower we started the process.   First it’s the “hose” (long woollen socks) followed by the “garters and flashes” which had to be at 45-degrees then the “Gillie Brogues” (shoes) tied in a special way above the ankle with the tassels hanging down equally!!!   All this was accomplished successfully so on went my dress shirt accompanied by a pair of cuff links depicting the Scottish “Saltire”, loaned to me by David, (son-in-Law). Now the time had arrived anticipation is over here goes, we wound the kilt as detailed on YouTube around, did-up the first set of buckles, let go and it fell to the ground!! We decided it would be ok when did up the rest of the buckles; wrong, it fell to the ground again.   There was no chance this was going to sit on my hips.    After much discussion we telephoned reception, related our experience and they said they would send someone up with some pins etc.,   A few minutes later Grady, the Restaurant manager, stood at our door resplendent in his kilt with a handful of “hotel-type” mending kits with silly, very small safety pins inside, they were so small that the kilt material was thicker!!!

  So after much cursing I had to quickly remove the shoes, socks and tabs and go conventional with standard shoes and a normal pair of black trouser’s; fortunately at the last minute I had packed a pair, sixth sense perhaps???   I did however wear the special waistcoat and jacket so not a complete disaster!!!!   Monica and David arrived in our room around 1800hrs for photos and pre-dinner drinks before the festivities begin with a Champagne reception  at 1900hrs, naturally we were all there on the dot.

Dinner tonight was preordered at the time of booking so was a nice surprise when it came; memories eh!!   Copious amounts of wine was consumed as we ate then danced the night away to a Ceilidh Band doing highland flings, Gay Gordon’s etc., very badly!!!! Still a jolly good time was had by all.   At midnight the resident piper marched in and played a number of tunes whilst we all saw the new year in drinking some rather nice Malt Whisky.

The party wound up around 0100hrs so the 4-of us retired to our room for night caps, we hit the malt I had bought earlier in the day!!

Friday 30th December

After a leisurely breakfast we left our hotel in the rain, naturally!, but to our surprise the road heading to the A74M was flooded so much care had to be taken.   We reached the motorway but due to the heavy rain and standing water across all the lanes, progress was rather slow.    Our SatNav suggested we left the motorway due to floods but we ignored it as it was a minor road she was suggesting and we were still moving along reasonably well.    Our destination for a coffee stop was the Duck Bay Hotel on Loch Lomond; arrival time circa 1100hrs.    

Soon after we had “ignored” our SatNav instruction the traffic backed up and eventually stopped.   We then “stopped”, “started”,  and “crawled” for a couple of miles when we came across a roadworks sign sending everyone over to the fast lane, hence the crawling but no.   Having started shuffling one way we then had to shuffle the other as the motorway was closed due to floods!!!!!   Oh why did we ignore our SatNav.    Anyway as instructed by the Police, off we came in totally unknown and bleak territory; where to now?   There were two roundabouts with several roads off them but which one???  Cars were heading off in all directions so we chose one and headed off.   After 2 or 3 miles SatNav told us to turn left onto a very minor B road.   Having ignored her once, we decided to go with her this time.   Fortunately there was another car in front, “safer in pairs” as we followed this “single” lane over the top of some big hills with water “sprouting” out of the ground and “gushing” and “flooding”everywhere, nowhere to turn around we kept going; fingers crossed we would find a way to somewhere!!!!    Eventually we came to a junction and told to turn left, naturally we dutifully obliged but had a sense we were heading back to where we came from🤔🤔🤔. After a mile or so our next instruction to turn left again; now we knew we were heading back to whence we came.   Next minute we stop behind a row of cars, we’ll actually SUV’s and up ahead a jolly big flood across the road with one car “parked” in the middle.  From where we were it didn’t look that deep, what’s your problem SUV drivers???   Anyway, they all looked petrified at the prospect and just waited, for what I don’t know so I pulled out and went for it.   Into the water at a slow and steady pace so as not to create a “bow-wave”, passing the stranded BMW, obviously he went in too fast, created a bow wave, wet his electrics and that’s where he stayed.  We were out and on our way arriving at the very same roundabout so went down another road, “bingo” this one was signposted Glasgow and eventually brought us back to the motorway after the floods.   By now we had wasted about 45minutes and David being a Scotsman probably knew which road to take and would be sitting with their 4th cup of coffee wondering where we got to.   Just then the ‘phone rang, ah yes they are going to ask what happened but instead told us they had taken a wrong turning and would be late!!!    Not only had we both gone the wrong way, but they were actually following us, albeit 5-minutes later on the same back route we took!!!!

We both arrived at the Duck Bay hotel  https://duckbay.co.uk/#content__main       about the same time but not for coffee, now it was for lunch!!!    Christine ordered a bacon bap, sorry can’t serve a bacon bap here, soup, sandwiches and cakes only.    Again David, like the crumble last night, was going to have the same as Christine!!!!

We were recommended the Duck Bay as a beautiful spot to stop, sitting on the banks of Loch Lomond; just a pity it was grey and cloudy but at least the rain had stopped for a few minutes.   

After lunch we headed off but decided to stop en route at the “rest and be thankful” viewpoint https://beta.visitscotland.com , Unfortunately there were very low clouds, it was grey and it was spitting so couldn’t appreciate it much; on the return journey, perhaps🤞🤞

Once we were on the A83, a small A-road that follows the loch progress was slow, overtaking wasn’t very clever, too many bends etc but the scenery was spectacular, what we could see of it naturally.   Being later than planned we couldn’t really stop, we had Mulled Wine and Shortbread waiting for us at Stonefield, could miss out on that!!!!

We arrived about 1600hrs, enjoying  a glass or three of Mulled Wine, where we soon got into “party-mood”.   As many of you knew, we were booked into Stonefield for last year but had to postpone as Christine contracted COVID 🥵

Stonefield Castle was built in 1837 and was once the home of the Campbell family.  The title “Stonefield” came from the name of the estate which the Campbells owned on the shores of Loch Etive.   The gardens around the estate are well known for the many plants brought from the Himalayas collected around 1849/50 by a Sir Joseph hooker and still thriving today due to the sheltered shores on the northern end of the Mull of Kintyre.   The family finally sold the castle in 1946 and has been a hotel ever since.    

Tonight is casual dress so we arranged pre-dinner drinks in our room before heading to dinner where we were greeted by “Mine-host” a very nice Australian who handed us a glass of bubbly and took us to our table.

Christine and Dave were going for the Sea Bass but alas no, sea bass was unavailable, poor David, he is jinked by Christine, that’s the third time she has chosen something that is off!!!

After a lingering dinner we headed off for an earlyish night, driving through such floods and rain was quite exhausting.

Returning from Jersey (our last trip) we concentrated on looking for a home and we are pleased to say we found exactly what we wanted in South Petherton, our preferred area.   We also enjoyed an “over-indulgent” Christmas with Jane, Dave, and Mia before moving on again; Scotland this time, for Hogmanay but first, we have to get there!! 

Tuesday 27th December 2022

Before leaving we had to clean, empty and “vacate” our bedroom  as The “Littlejohns” have a full house over the few days over New Years Eve; just as well we had pre-booked our trip to Scotland!!!!

We were away around mid morning but had to stop off at Cribbs Causeway to swap a few things at Marks and Spencer’s; what a mistake that was.   There are 7,000 car parking spaces around the Mall and it was so busy when we arrived we had to join the queue of cars waiting for spaces!!!!   Eventually we found a space and headed inside.   Inside was Unbelievable as some shops had organised queueing barriers to control the numbers entering their shops and as for the cafés and restaurants, everyone had a long queues as well; the result of everything was organised chaos.   We did what we had to do in Marks and Sparks, walked the mall but couldn’t get get anywhere so grabbed a quick sandwich in the food hall and retreat.  

After fighting our way out of the car park we hit the M5 and headed to Crewe, our planned stop for the night.    Originally I had planned to have my replacement knee fitted mid-December so the medics suggested we break the journey, hence Crewe!!!   Result, cancelled surgery but still used the hotel, and what a good decision it turned out to be!!!!!

The motorway was horrendous, un-believable traffic and pouring rain.  The congestion started south of the Almondsbury Interchange (M4 x M5) and continued all the way up the M5 until it joined the M6, now it was twice as bad.    A journey that should have taken two and a half hours took nearer 4hrs, and the fastest part was the road from the motorway to Crewe!!!!

Nothing special about the Holiday Inn Express in Crewe, but within half a mile of it, we discovered a small, unassuming Italian restaurant “Gio’s” who produced first class food.   Good food, a nice Italian white and the travel woes just vanished.

Wednesday 28th December

At the best of times a Holiday Inn Express “breakfast” leaves a little to be desired,  but this breakfast was a joke.   Upon arrival no cups, plates or cutlery could be found and the breakfast looked as if a swarm of locusts had moved through; I presume no one expected everybody to arrive for breakfast around the same time!!!

Time to hit the M6 again; Christine took the wheel this morning, though it was still raining hopefully the traffic will have subsided, but first, top up with fuel, silly prices at service stations.

We joined the motorway at Junction 17 and zoomed off as there wasn’t  much traffic, a total reversal of yesterday thank goodness and whilst Christine was driving I enjoyed a snooze

With the motorway fairly clear and in spite of the constant rain we made excellent progress so pulled off at “Tebay” services for a cuppa.   Shock,Horror, so little traffic yet still had to queue to park the car at theses services, why?????    It all became clear upon entering; the place was swarming as this service area is now a “destination” place,  www.tebayservices.com and apart from the usual, this is a “farmers shop” as well as a restaurant and everything they sell is sourced locally with all employees from the local area.   All very commendable but defeats the purpose of a motorway services, in, feed, fuel and on your way!!!  To be fair, though there were queues there were several counters serving hot food and or hot drinks, so once parked service was reasonable.

Back on route and still raining, we headed north crossing the border in a “flash” then turning off to Moffat.   Finding the hotel wasn’t an issue but to note it didn’t open until 1600hrs, that worried us!!!    We headed across the road and walked in, out of the rain into a place called “Hugo’s”, a delightful warm, dry, bar, cafe, Bistro, that all rolled into one best of all, and every table had big, comfortable, arm chairs.   hugosmoffat.uk    We enjoyed a couple of Tapas etc whilst waiting for the hotel to open its doors!!!

1600hrs arrived so off we went and booked into the Annandale Arms Hotel, our home for two nights.  This interesting hotel was built in 1760’s but known then as the Kings Arms Hotel to serve the new mail coach service that ran from London to Edinburg until 1848 when the “nasty” railways took over!   The write up says the hotel has been up-graded to modern standards but still retains its old charm.   Yes charm; old, single-glazed sash windows, high ceilings and small radiators, hmmmmmmm🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶, still the modern beds were comfortable, and we slept well!!!!!     

Another “claim-to-fame” was in 1816, Count Nicholas of Russia, later to become Tsar Nicholas, and his entourage of Russian officers stayed at the hotel.   . To mark the two hundredth anniversary of the occasion in 2016, a plaque was unveiled in the foyer, by the Russian Consul General from Edinburgh.

Thursday 29th December

Another cold and wet morning ugh, so didn’t rush after breakfast to get out and about, did a few housekeeping things until the time came when we had to go; housekeeping wanted to get in.    So Coats on, brollies up and with gritted determination we headed into he rain.   Our first stop was the chemist then a mooch around Moffat.

Leaving the chemist we decided that it would be a good idea to re-visit the cosy, warm and comfortable Hugo’s for coffee and maybe a cake, a few doors up the road!!  Upon entering we think half of Moffat was there, it was bustling but fortunately there was one table for two, right by a radiator and in the middle of the bar area.   Our first task was to check the radiator was on, oops no so that went on!!!    Our drinks with cakes was slowly consumed as we watched the comings and goings of their clientele until we started to feel a little guilty.  So a discussion took place and decided the rain was too wet so ordered a bottle of “vino”;  naturally not long after we ordered food to accompany the wine!!!   Oh dear look at the time,Monica and David will be arriving soon so decided it was too late to look around Moffat now, so paid and walked back across the road to the hotel!!!    No sooner had we arrived back to the hotel when the Cunningham’s drove into the car park.

After mutual greetings we arranged to meet in the bar prior to dinner and went our separate ways.

Dinner was an experience, the food was nice but a limited menu and when Christine ordered her Rhubarb crumble, she was told it was not available being out of season!!!!!!! Out of season???   Apparently the rhubarb is grown in the hotel garden and that’s why, we were told; naturally we wondered why they hadn’t frozen some in anticipation of guests requiring it “out-of-season”, no reply!    David was also going to have said pudding, still we all had a laugh and moved on.   Tonight is music night in the bar so headed that way for a nightcap and a listen but no, no seats available anywhere so headed to Monica and David’s room as very thoughtfully they had brought a bottle of “Soberano” to enjoy; lovely-jublee 🤠🤠 .

Saturday 5th November

This morning we had a video call booked so had to stay in until it was finished, but once completed we headed out into town, me to the Jersey Museum and Christine to visit the liberation statute.

The “hike” to the Jersey museum took all of 10 minutes and we missed the rain!  Yes it has rained every bl…y day; expected in U.K. but for some reason anticipated better weather here, still it has been mild.

We parted company at the entrance, As Christine isn’t interested I went straight in, also I think she wanted piece and quiet and time to reflect on the nomadic life we are “enjoying” at present!!! 

The museum advertised 3-tickets for the price of two as it could cover a number of other sites, towers and battlements etc., but alas, only the museum was open so it was a single!

Jane had warned me that the museum was fairly small and compact, which it was but, it turned out to be very interesting and so informative.  Though it wasn’t loaded with wall-to-wall artefacts, it was certainly loaded with wall-to-wall facts.   I had no appreciation of the history of these islands, to me they were just a holiday destination and a tax haven.   This museum does have relics found from 250 million years ago, from the Neanderthal age when Jersey was attached to the European land mass.  From here they have traced their history through to the present day, and at times, “turmoil”.   Visiting the museum explained why English is the dominant language now, it hasn’t always been so hence so many signs are in French and all the captions in the museum have both languages.

1066 and the Battle of Hastings was the root cause.  The Duke of Normandy (William the Conqueror) who “owned” the Channel Islands and England, spoke French* but in 1204 when King John lost Normandy he managed to hold on to the islands, and from that time english started to flourish slowly, but maybe it is time for them to forget their French heritage 😂😂😂😂 especially seeing how often the French tried to re-capture them!!!  Below is a simple time line for anyone interested where the predominant aggressor is France.  They were also strategic it because of their proximity to continental Europe and also being close to so many sea routes, hence the islands were caught up in every war for the last 1,000 years.

The museum closed at 1600 hrs by which time I had seen everything there was to see and I left very much more informed about the interesting history of these islands.

Returning to the flat, fortunately again I missed the rain, we had a cosy evening in, out of the rain that fell like stair rods, again!!

* The French spoken in Jersey is known as “Jerriais” developed from Norman French and has been spoken for over 1,000 years, and there are numerous variations with different spellings, even between adjacent parishes!!!

Sunday 6th November

Today is Dave’s birthday so the “call” was made but his day was marred by the news Jane’s mother has taken a turn for the worst so Jane had to shoot to Essex and couldn’t be with him on his birthday, still Mia was there to cheer him up.

Today really centred around the rugby; Autumn internationals have started and England are playing Argentina this afternoon so it was a morning out only, so once collected by Jane we headed out.  Originally our plan for this morning was to visit the war tunnels but as I found out yesterday, they were also closed.   I came here in 1974 and they were closed then, here I am in 2022 and still I’ve missed seeing them!!!!   Still en-route for coffee etc., we went to the entrance for the only “look” we will get this trip, and but guess what, it was raining, again!    After our brief stop at the tunnels we headed out to “The Hungry Man” for coffee and one of their superb bacon and egg toasted baps, but upon arrival it was still pouring with rain and their “one-and-only” table under cover was heaving, so no room for us;  We were “salivating” at the thought of enjoying one as we drove, we were so looking forward to them, but then our hopes were dashed🥵🥵🥵.  

As we drove away from the harbour we noticed a small board outside, what looked like a cottage, advertising coffee, teas and breakfasts, so parked and entered.  This was a small cafe of about 5-6 tables and just one person, a very nice lady serving and working in the kitchen.   It puts real meaning into the term “Cottage Industry”!!  Anyway the three of us succumbed to full, not English but Scottish breakfasts and being a one “woman band”, everything was freshly cooked, it more than made up for the missed bacon and egg toasted bap!!

On our return to St Helier we noticed a field bursting with Jersey cows so had to stop for a “photo”!!!!  Jersey Cows, famous for its rich milk have been developed over the last 200-years and no cattle have been imported into the island since 1789 but it wasn’t until the late 1830’s when selective breeding began seriously and since the mid 1800’s Jersey cows have been exported all over the world.

Back at the flat, TV on we watched the match.   On reflection it would have been better to drive around, the English performance was inexcusable and we lost, a match we should have won easily;  come-on EJ, sort yourself and the team out, bring in some new blood and say goodbye to Farrell as Captain; good player but rubbish captain👹👹👹.  If we play like this in the coming matches, New Zealand and South Africa will crucify us.   What’s even worse, we have the RWC next year in France!

After the match, feeling very depressed “and” it was still raining, we stayed in.

Monday 7th November

This morning we headed out to town, a 3-minute walk to the high street!!!   We didn’t have any particular plans other than to have a coffee out and buy a dressmaker’s tape measure, I need to take certain measurements to order my Kilt with all the necessary accessories ready for our “Hogmanay indulgence” at Stonefield Castle in Scotland.   This was easier said than done but chasing around looking for one took us to areas we hadn’t been to including the market.   It was in this market we completed our task but without this task, we wouldn’t have seen inside this bustling, colourful, vibrant market.  This lovely Victorian, cast-iron structured building, with its ornamental fountain was opened in 1882.

After our excursion;  fortunately it wasn’t raining his morning, we returned to the flat and Jane joined us for the afternoon.

The sad thing about our visit was that all the attractions, visitor centres and castles were closed for the winter, so there wasn’t too much to entertain us however, it did give us time to re-generate ourselves ready to continue house hunting!

Tuesday 8th November

Today is our last full day on the island and Jane had arranged to take us out to lunch to the  Bass and Lobster, but on our way she was going to show us the grave of Emilie Charlotte, Lady de Bathe, better known as “Lillie Langtry”, nicknamed the “Jersey Lily”. Lily was born in Jersey in 1876, she was an actress and made numerous appearances on he London Stages, but she was best well-known for her numerous relationships with several of the English aristocracy and in particularly the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward Vll; “quite a gal”!!!    She died in 1929 in Monaco where she lived out her last few years.  She had requested to be buried in her parents tomb at St, Savours Church in Jersey, which she was.  Obviously this tomb is on the tourist route but it was strange to see little signposts in the cemetery pointing the way!!

We arrived at the Bass and Lobster and enjoyed an excellent meal from a restaurant that only buys locally produced produce and fresh fish straight from the catch, yum yum and thank you Jane for this wonderful meal and all the running around you did with us showing us the island of Jersey; we will be back.

Back at the ranch later and the pack-up and clean-up started, tomorrow we fly back.

Wednesday 9th November

Our last morning; no hanging around as we had to strip the bed and get sheets etc., into the wash, have breakfast, clear up and be ready when Jane collects us.   Unfortunately the road where the flat is, is busy with minimal parking so need to be downstairs ready and waiting for Jane to pick us up.  This system has worked well all week but today it is for the last time and we have cases!!!

We have to be at the airport just after lunch so for the last time we are heading out to the Hungry Man, for a second  attempt to get a “bacon and egg toasted bun”.   We arrived “full of expectation” but left “totally rejected”, it was closed!!!  We headed back to the farm shop and had a “consolation” lunch.

After lunch Jane dropped us at  Airport departures in good time.  No queue to check-in, a slight delay to go through security, then into the lounge but no sooner had we organised some refreshment than our flight was called.

Our plane was quite empty, I had a row to myself and Christine had an empty seat between her and the other passenger and as there was a strong tail wind, our flight arrived early.   Waiting at the carousel for our case at Gatwick rather put a downer on what, up-to-then had been very good simple journey. We eventually got out of the airport, but that hold up had put pressure on our car parking.   We had pre-paid up ‘till 1600hrs but we only got on the shuttle-bus at 1600hrs!!!   Anyway we got to the barrier some 15minutes late but the barrier lifted and we escaped.

Our destination tonight is the Holiday Inn in Northampton.

Thank you Andrew for the use of your flat in Jersey, we thoroughly enjoyed our time there and again thank you Jane for entertaining us whilst in Jersey.

Timeline of Major raids on the Islands

1205 Mercenaries led by “Eustace the Monk” ravage the Channel Islands

1215 – 16 Eustace Occupies the Islands for the French

1294 An estimated 1,500 Islanders were killed in a French raid

1336 David Bruce, the exiled King of Scotland leads a French raid

1337 The 100 years war begins, the French occupy the Islands for 6-months

1338 An 8,000 French army raids the Islands

1339 Three major raids on the Islands within a year

1372 The Island is ravaged by the French led by “Ifan” a Welsh Prince.

1373 “Betrand du Guesclin”; Constable of France raids the Island with 2,600 men

1380 – 82 A French army led by “Jean de Vienne occupies the Island

1403 A Breton Fleet, under Admiral Jean de Pehouet attacks the Island

1406 “Pierre Hector de Pontbriant” & “Nero Nino” lead 1,000 mercenaries in a major raid

1454 A reported 500 Islanders left dead after another French raid

1461 – 68 French occupation of the Island under “Jean de Carbonnel”

1549 French invasion force is defeated at “Jarin d’Oliver”

1580 The Bishop of Coutances attempted to raise an army to invade but failed

1628 Threat of yet another French invasion

1642 – 51 English Civil War on the Royalist side, unlike Guernsey who were    parliamentarians 

1651 Parliamentarians invade Jersey

1651 – 54 England at war against the Dutch

1655 – 58 England at war with Spain

1665 – 66 England at war against the Dutch

1672 – 74 England at war against the Dutch

1692 – 97 England at war with France

1702 – 13 England at war with France and Spain

1718 – 27 Britain at war with Spain

1742 – 48 Britain at war with France

1755 – 63 Britain at war with France

1775 – 83 Britain at war with the Americans

1778 – 83 Britain at war with France

1779 Attempted invasion of Jersey by the French defeated

1781 French troops land but are defeated at the “Battle of Jersey” in St. Helier

1779 – 14 Napoleonic Wars but Islands left alone!!!

1940 – 45 Islands occupied by the Germans