Not really a secret, it is just I am such a boring old fart no-one ever reads it!
These are the thoughts and doings of Glyn Cotterill. Ah but he hastens to add they are definitely not reflected or in any way echoed by his long suffering wife Susan who thinks quite independently!
Up about 0530 and a lazy day after all the tiring travel yesterday.
Had a visit from the owner of the cottage who presented us with a bottle of sparkling prosecco to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary tomorrow and to apologise for not leaving the welcome pack yesterday as she was unable to get here due to the horrendous weather.
Mmmm I think we remember! Lol.
Up at 0630 and packed raring to go. Had car Packed by 0845 so off we went to Wick Tesco for fuel and breakfast.
Set off from there at about 1000 to go to Banff. Had a great run all the way down to Inverness and decided to stop in Sainsbury's in Nairn for a sandwich and have a take away for our main meal at Banff in the evening.
So much for planning!
Went through Elgin and all was good, we passed an AA box and a while later we turned off the A96 onto the A98 and things started to change?
Within a couple of miles it started raining and by the time we got to Cullen it was coming down quite steadily. The roads were getting worse and worse until we got to Portsoy. Boy was that bad, the A98 was closed as they had problems with a bridge and we had to turn around and head back through the village past the Coop and along some lanes, over a bridge and the other side of the bridge was more like a river than a road! We managed to get through that and I have a lasting memory of pulling up to the junction and the water was coming over it like a wier and flowing toward the flood we had just come through. I feared that had we been a few minutes later we would have not got through it.
We then rejoined the main road and caught up with a bus following it for some miles until we got almost to the turning for Banff and we were diverted off the main road again by floods in excess of 2 feet deep. This diversion sent us through a village called Whitehills, at this point we were wondering if we were ever going to reach Banff so imagine out relief when we got back on the road and could see the sign BANFF! WOOHOO, 5 minutes later and we were outside our holiday home for the next week.
I think I have managed to save some of the trip on the dash cam so will edit it when I get home and put it on here via YouTube.
Well we still had our take away and lovely it was!
Woke to a lovely bright day and went off as planned heading for the west highlands.
Went through Thurso on the A9, then headed onto the A836 on the coast road. At Bighouse we headed south on the A897 which due to lack of use is a single carriageway road with passing places!
Sue with the blue (working) phone box.
Went past places with wonderful names like Achiemore, Craigtown, Dalhalvaig and Trantlemore stopping at Forsinard Station where the RSPB have a nature reserve also there is a blue phone box that is still in use!. We went on along this road to the B871 where the surface of the road was the only difference between the A & B road, oh and less passing places.
It was often very very remote and we often went for miles not passing or even seeing another car or even at times farms or people.
We continued on to Syre where we turned onto an even more remote B road, the B873! This is a truly beautiful area along the side of Loch Naver to Altnaharra.
By now it was 1230ish and the stomach was beginning to think my throat had been cut and woohoo we saw a sign for The Altnaharra Hotel so we headed for there. On turning in we could see that it was a sporting, hunting and fishing hotel as the bar was called "Gillies" for those of us in the know? Oh and very posh! Sue's face said it all and the "do you really think we can afford to eat here" said the rest!
Well you know my attitude to that, yes I said it "WELL IT'S ONLY MONEY" which made Sue wince, and in we went!
We were immediately aware that we were fish out of water but what the hell I was hungry so ordered the Menus and a pot of tea for one. The menu brought forth more wonderful expressions from Sue and I ordered a BLT open sandwich. After much umming and ahhing Sue ordered the same but with mayo as mine was without.
Out came the food and it was superb and even Sue had to admit that it was worth every penny of the cost. The pot of tea for one I also got 4 cups from so again was good value for money.
Unfortunately the weather deteriorated at this time so instead of going along the unclassified road that I had planned to go along past Ben Hope and alongside Loch Hope it was head for home time!
So up the A386 to Tongue and stay on it all the way to Castletown and our home for the week.
A nice lazy day as we rose to rain and it was forecast to be set in for the day.
Sue and June.
No matter as we had already planned lunch with two of the nicest people we have met via the internet.
Noon saw us setting off to meet Dave and June at The Weigh Inn which is the other side of Thurso on the Scrabster road.
They arrived just before us and in we went. A very warm greeting on both sides and we lost ourselves in catching up. It was 2011 the last time we had met in Morcombe it turns out when Michael was with us. June initially thought it was only 3 years ago.
Glyn and Dave.
3 haddock and one scampi later and 2 drinks each and 1430 was here and they were throwing us out as they closed at that time.
I must add that the company and food was lovely but the service was absolutely crap! Coffee when we eventually got it was cold, time waiting while they brought 2 dishes and the other 2 was at least 5 minutes, Sue asked for tartare sauce and it had to be asked for a further twice before she actually got it. I think the most surprising thing was that NO APOLOGY WAS OFFERED AT ALL. Well if that is the norm you can be assured that We certainly will not be darkening their doorsteps again and I have a feeling that the same will be for Dave and June?
If I could have remembered my log in details for trip adviser It would have been done by now but it will have to wait until we get home alas!
We stood outside talking for a good while and for the first time since we have been here the mist had cleared enough for us to see the Orkney Isles.
We then bid fond farewells and had a leisurely drive back to the cottage for a quiet evening and bed.
First I must give you a bit of history, I will take you back 8 years to when we were staying at Fearn near Inverness with my brother Michael. We set out early one morning for the long drive to John o' Groats and to visit the Castle of Mey, only to find out that they closed for the season on 30th September every year. We were just 4 days late as we arrived on October the 4th!
So back to today.
Castle of Mey on a foggy day.
Dressed, breakfasted and showered ready to leave at 0930 to go just 8 miles along the road towards John o' Groats to visit "The Castle and Gardens of Mey". This being the home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
We went on the first Guided tour of the day at 1020 although 1040 was our booked time, we were early so they sneaked us on.
Very interesting tour and they put many personal bits about the Queen Mother that really personalised her and showed the sort of person she really was. Fascinating.
Walled Garden
By the time we got out of the house the rain had stopped so I went for a walk around the grounds and walled garden while Sue sat in the car.
We then stayed for lunch and a cuppa for me and coffee for Sue.
Altogether a fascinating and enjoyable visit. Walking around the gift shop I saw a lovely mug, so thin but with a lovely big handle that I misread the price of, I thought it read £2.50 but I must have had something in my eye as it turned out to be £11.50. Do you know I walked away and am now regretting it! If we go past again I might just pop in and get one? Overall review on the visit.
Two thing I will be quite honest I was not too happy about.
[1] There did not seem any valid reason why no photography was allowed in the house but I feel it is probably tied up with the second in some way?
[2] The very obvious lack of trust among the staff in their attitude towards the people visiting the house, we were watched (very obviously) like hawks. We were escorted everywhere and even when we were, through infirmity unable to make the stairs escorted, chaperoned and obviously watched every second of the time!
I came away feeling like a naughty schoolboy that could not be trusted!
On the way back we went up to Dunnet Head again to see if we could see the Orkneys, alas still sea fog obscuring them! We may have to console ourselves that we saw them in 2011 when we were up here with Mike.
Early rise at 0545 and the usual 2 cups of tea and 0730 before opening the shutters even to look outside. Alas the same as yesterday mizzle as we call it in Cornwall. No hurry to shower and dress as it is tomorrow we are out early!
Eventually we got out of the door as we had to go find something to eat for lunch as the local hotel, like most things around here seems to only open when it feels like it, evenings for food, oh and Sunday lunch.
We set off for John o' Groats hoping for it to get brighter as we go, no chance, got foggier.
I spotted a cafe advertised on the roadside in Gill's Bay harbour but it only did snacks so continued on.
Got to John o' Groats about 1230 and I popped into the tourist information to find the best place to eat and she told me to get back in the car and go back the way we had come to the Seaview Hotel about a quarter of a mile away, she suggested that the places actually around the harbour were a rip off for tourists.
Well it seems she was right, I had Haddock, chips and veg, Sue had burger, chips and salad. Plenty on our plates, in fact too much for both of us and highly recommended.
After we went back to the harbour and hell was it cold but took a few pictures and back home by 1500.
Early night tonight as up and out by 0930 tomorrow for one of the main reasons for travelling so far?
Rose about 0630 to a very misty morning, about 0800ish it then started to rain, oh joy!
Hoorah, about 1000 it stopped raining but was still misty but decided to go out anyway and Sue chose to go and see Wick, but to go one way and return via another route past a loch, so off we went!
Quite a misty murky drive but made reasonably good time. On arrival at Wick we decided to drive through the town to see what it was like and found it, how shall I put it? I think depressing would be a apt word for it. Dark dank and miserable being 3 of the adjectives used as we went. Not even being able to park anywhere near the centre of the town we mosied on out and came across a Tesco with a cafe and decided coffee was the order of the day and, of course, a little shopping!
On conclusion of that the fog had still not cleared so headed for home for lunch!Ah that will be the stir fry that was planned for yesterday!
After lunch the mist had cleared so we set off for Dunnet Head the most northerly point of mainland UK. Well the mist may have cleared at the cottage but certainly had not there so we saw what we could and headed back looking for a little cove we spotted on the way.
Brough Bay by name was peaceful, rocky and very very pretty. So as no mist we stayed 30 minutes or so taking some pictures before heading for home getting back about 1630.
Or so I thought!
Due to an oversight we had to make a trip back to Tesco as Sue got all the ingredients for a stir fry on Saturday forgetting the chicken to go in it! Ah but that is not the best bit, having gone back for the chicken for stir fry we ended up having a roast. Why?Because Sue saw the roast chickens and they looked so appetising that she was unable to resist, so roast it was!
Apart from that hiccup the rest was a sleepy day as yes I sat dozing most of the afternoon then when Sue went to bed at 2200 I was still wide awake and retired about 45 minutes later. Goodnight all.
Lovely sleep for me on a comfy bed but alas Sue was unwell with the trots! Up by 0600 though and raring to go on the last leg of the journey.
I had a spectacularly nice scottish breakfast without black pudding or egg, this was following apple juice, crunchy nut cornflakes with strawberries and blueberry. Coffee was also good.
Thank you Rowanlea guest house for a reasonable stay, you just need to update the room and entertainment. Reasons being that the tv must have come over with Noah on the ark, sound only working on some channels, the broadband was so slow and weak that we were unable to connect on some things and the download speeds made St. Giles look speedy!
So suitably refreshed it was off about 0930 for the 223 mile drive to Castletown, Thurso expecting to arrive about 1530 with stops. Turned out it was such a trouble free journey that we were there by 1450. Found Gladstone Cottage and moved our considerable belongings in.
After a short rest and cuppa it was back to Thurso for shopping, admittedly for Sue that was as I sat in the car and made some phone calls letting all know that we had arrived safely. Back to the cottage then chill out and relax until Monday?
Totally gob smacking fuel figures, it has now gone up to 70.9mpg. Well it will not stay there as we are just local for 7 days but none the less, still amazing for a fully laden car!
Curry for tea for me and Sue had sweet and sour chicken.
Up at 0630 and ready for the day ahead.
Tea and toast for breakfast and we set off about 0930 for the 304 miles to the Rowanlea Guest House in Perth.
We had 1 hiccup being the A6 was closed due to an accident but the detour was a very pretty route along B roads to Salford taking us back onto our original route. Then the long haul along the M60, M6, M74, M80 and finally the M9 before the A9 to Perth arriving at the B&B at 1630.
Booked in and then off to Morrisons for fuel for the car and us! On that note the onboard computer was telling me that I had averaged 69.35mpg on the trip so far which takes some believing! Out came the calculator and that said 67.2mpg but that also included the trip to Derriford as well so guessing it had to be right.
Got back to the guest house about 1830 after eating and going straight to our room as knackered and ready for a good nights rest!
Michael, Dea and Sue at the National Stone Centre.
A day at Denise's to see her and rest before the trip to Perth.
Well that was the plan, but went to the National Stone Centre for breakfast and to meet up with Michael, then on to Chatsworth garden centre to get bird food, coffee and cake. Well Dea and I had cake, Sue had a pavlova mountain with enough cream to put on 5lb's. I do so wish I had taken a photo of her face when she uncovered the cream!! We then went to try to get Dea some boots and Sue came away with a pair of shoes and one of slippers! Eventually getting back to Dea's around 2.
I then helped her with a bird feeder stand, then at last a rest.
Had a lovely dinner of roast beef and seeing Emma and Amy, also meeting Charlie (Emma's hubby) for the first time.
A nice evening and bed about 10 as a long day tomorrow.
Well after a very eventful roadtrip eve that saw me at A&E in Derriford hospital for 6 or 7 hours due to heart problems, we eventually got away after packing about 1230.
After the normal crawl on the M42 and roadworks coming out of Derby we arrived at Denises' at Darley dale about 1830. So not too bad in the end
Well tomorrow it starts!
Day 1. 18-09 Travel to Darley Dale for 2 nights with Denise.
Day 3. 20-09 Stop for 1 night in Perth with B&B.
Day 4. 21-09 Travel to 1st weeks accomodation at Castletown near Thurso.
Day 11. 28-09 Onward to 2nd weeks stay at Banff.
Day 18. 05-10 On to the last weeks stay at Norham near Berwick-on-Tweed.
Day 25. 12-10 Travel back home to Cornwall?
Question mark is because if the weather is bad or the oracle (Sue) thinks I am flagging she will get me to travel part way on the Friday to perhaps Danny's in Holt or leave Thursday and spend a night with Dea in between. All options open on this?
I will keep you updated on here as we go. But then as no-one ever seems to read this now I could be wasting my time! But what the heck I enjoy doing it and I can look back on it and enjoy the memories as I often do with past posts!!!
Mind you having mentioned this to Sue I am not so sure as I have a feeling it may be a criminal offence to consider leaving and possibly losing up to 2 days of what she (we) have paid for? As I paid half I think it might have to come out of that! Lol!
Set out at 1845 with pillows, blankets and hot drinks for Sterts open air theatre.
Myself with Sue and neighbour Andy in tow.
Performers were all brilliant bar one and that was the soloist, Kate Walker who was very lacklustre and even sang out of tune on several occasions during the evening!
The rest of the cast were absolutely brilliant, and they were, Roche Brass Sterts Singers Proms Youth Ensemble
With the Master of Ceremonies David Johnson.
Here is a short video clip and photo of the Finale.
Altogether a very enjoyable evenings entertainment!
As a follow up to the treatment recently at the Heart Clinic I received this today.
Thought you folk would like to know as I hope to last long enough to enjoy our holiday in Scotland and I am sure from what was said that I will! Lol.
Then it is time to look forward to the bypass.
Came across this with the caption "MP's returning to work after the summer break" and with the shenanigans that is known as BREXIT I can well go along with that!
Now that is the question!
The reason being I cannot start any more jigsaw puzzles until after we come back off holiday.
Why is that? You may well ask.
Two reasons really, one is that I need all of the space on the table for Sunday when I am having to get 8 weeks tablets ready for going on holiday on the 18th of September.
Two, and the main reason is we have a corner unit due to be delivered any time. We were initially quoted 16 weeks but have been informed by Tom at Fairway Furniture Tavistock that it could be anywhere up to 5 weeks early!
It is the Liberty range but not in brown with a power recliner each end. We are still wondering if we can get it in hence having to virtually completely clear the corner of the room and the floor. Sue wants it to go with the corner bit sticking out into the room with my desk and chair behind it. I have a very open mind about it as I think it will be too imposing and there will be no way that the rug will fit. There as I leave all the furniture arranging etc. to her I must go along with whatever is decided as usual!
I will still have the problem of how to stay awake though! C'est la vie, what will be will be as they say!
