Road tripping to Brisvegas

I travel a lot. Living in Central Qld determines that as a necessity, I guess. With family living in the southern states and kids in the big smoke, we have to get out of our cocoon of safety from time to time. 

I was on a flight out of Mt Isa years ago, and I was seated beside a lady, 67 years of age, who was leaving the town for the very first time. 67 years and never left Mt Isa, and sadly it was for treatment for breast cancer. Often now, when I'm seated next to a nervous flyer, I wish I could reach out and hold hands for 2 hours, just like we two strangers, did on that flight.

This year, I've been away a lot. We now travel for work, and sometimes I find myself craving that big comfy bed that resides at 23 Centenary. 

This year, I've  slept in camps, pubs, castles, hotels and tents. I've also discovered it's not about where you sleep, but who you are with. Hugo, the kids, great friends and family. That's what matters.

I've been on the move so much, I've forgotten all the places where I've been this year. Reflecting on it, these last few days of 2014, I thought perhaps I better start recording more of my travels, in case dementia sets in and I not only forget where I'm going, but also where I've been.

Today. We are on a roadie to Brisbane. I was hoping all the kids could join me on one last holiday before they all grow up and start full time work. But, life and circumstance gets in the way... So we headed off with 3/5ths of my tribe, sleepily piled into the back seat of Fat Tony. Rounded the second corner before Chuck remembers his wallet, and back we go to grab it. 

Just like small children, they snuggle up, leaning their heads on each other's shoulders, asleep again before the Ag College. The picture takes me back to road trips to Finley. 2000 kilometres with 4 kids under 2, and the big fella who would have been 10. How the hell did I do that on my own? Madness! 

Today has been a quiet trip, with Hugo happily driving his pride n joy, kids sleeping and me reading.. It's a very guilty pleasure of mine, and I'm relishing the opportunity of 10 hours enforced reading time. Now, to make it to Brisbane before the weather turns.. 😄

London..

London.. It used to be one of my favourite cities in the world.. Today, I'm not so sure. We had a fantastic time, felt more than relaxed, confident and safe, even at night, but after being in Ireland, I felt a little, ummm deflated.

In saying that, Hugo and I had many laughs, met some great people, both new and old friends and experienced so much. We were there for four days, we rode bikes through the streets of London in the British Drizzle, we rode on an Inflatable RIB down the Thames to the tunes of James Bond music, we dined at Harrods, we took walks through Hyde Park, we rode the Underground, the buses, the trains. We found a local pub round the corner and mixed it with the locals. We lived like a Londoner.. But, in the end, it's a big city full of tourists. 

Londoners tolerate the tourists, whereas The Irish embrace them. The Irish have stories to tell and love to chat, the English have an air of superiority and look down their noses on the Australian peasants. In other words, Ireland has spoilt me. According to the local Londoners, Australians are loud and uncouth. Drunks and louts, and racists... I was horrified to hear this, but sad because I also had heard the same thing from the locals in Thailand.  Is that really the image we wish to portray to the world? 

Once upon a time, we were the fun loving country, now we are a land of drunken racists. This makes me sad. In Thailand it was clearly visible, but although I didn't witness it in London, it must be present for them to have the opinion. 

I caught up with a gorgeous young friend on mine, an Aussie, who speaks with an English accent now, to enable her to 'get on' in London. Sad but effective. With her hair now a beautiful ginger, she passes as a beautiful Welsh woman. She is beautiful and smart, and able to pull off her new life with aplomb, I'm so very proud of the woman she is, and incredibly happy to have had the chance to catch up with her.

We successfully navigated our way on public transport from Bayswater, to Victoria to Gatwick and settled into the Emirates Lounge to wait for our flight home. We were early, we were the only customers in the lounge for hours, but we'd done it. Without incident, without one hitch, without one hiccup. Me, the girl who struggles with left n right, had successfully navigated her way through yet another couple of countries.. I felt like I had completed the Dakar Rally.. Lol.. Just using 'um, this way' or 'maybe, that way' as commands for the driver.. Yet another reason I love my travelling partner, Hugo. His patience and his calmness. And his incredible faith in my abilities when overseas. Poor fellow. Little does he know, I am still practising my 'fake it till ya make it' routine. 

So, here I sit, in yet another airport lounge, making the most of the free champagne before boarding our last leg.. Home to the Emerald City. 

Country England

Caught the Ulysses Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, early start but it was a great time to relax, to stop, take stock and think of all the fun we had in Ireland. 

3 hours of quiet reflection taken up with wishing I could live in a place like Ireland. A place where the people are happy, trustful and all have a story to tell. A place where I felt at home, oddly, given the fact I'm of Scottish descent. I find myself yearning for the same peace in my heart when I arrive home. 

From Holyhead, Anglesey Isle, thru Lush Welsh landscapes, although in the train we saw such fleeting beauty as we barrelled along towards Newport. Alighting at Newport, we found we had just 4 minutes to locate the platform, scramble with our luggage and board the train. Asking Welsh people for directions was useless, they either had no clue or couldn't understand what I was saying.. Excuse me, do you know the way to platform 4, being difficult to comprehend in an Aussie accent apparently. A businessman came to my rescue and with one minute to spare, we tumbled out of an old lift in time to board the First  National to Country England. 

Accommodation tonight was in Bristol, and in a Rooftop Rocket, a supercool caravan on the roof of an upmarket guest house in Central Bristol. The smallest place I've ever slept but fantastic views over the city. The noise from the nearby bar was easily shut out by closing the window. On our early morning walk we discovered it was the local Aussie Bar.. Should have guessed. 

Bristol is a fast growing harbour city, gateway to Wales, and a University town. There was some great restaurants and bars along the harbour and a cool market area in the central district. Only one night here before moving on to Chippenham.

Although being in Chippenham before, it made for a great central location to do some sightseeing in the area. Stonehenge, wood henge, Avebury, Marlborough, Salisbury and the beautiful Cathedral, Bath, Castle Combe. It's still a pretty place, but one that's lost it's appeal for me now, the romance and mystique about the area replaced with other emotion. 

Stonehenge has become incredibly commercialised. No longer does the road run by the stones, no more parking and crossing under the road to visit. There's a huge visitors centre miles down the road now, with buses and shuttles to take you to the Henge, a rope barrier surrounding it. It was a beautiful clear day, and my photos are clearer than last time, but that's about all I can say.. I was disappointed at the commercialism. 

We spent a number of hours in Marlborough, a very old market town, and apparently is the burial ground of the Great Wizard Merlin according to the Latin inscription from the towns 14th century coat of arms. 

Devizes and the locks of the River Kennet and Avon. We were lucky enough to watch the long boats navigating their way through 49 locks, created to deal with the steep slope if the river at that point, so joining the river from Bristol toLondon. 

Cup of tea whilst watching the boats coast past silently.. A lovely restful afternoon.  

Accommodation was another BnB through AirBnB. Private, comfortable, close by the railway station and centre if town and best of all had a washing machine.. 

Off on our final stop, London, after three nights in the country. And for once, I'm not sad to be leaving this part of the country. 

The bests...of Ireland.

Hugo and I have done so much in the last few weeks, I'm struggling to remember what we've done. I really should have a pocket book, because every day there's been things we've done, witnessed, stumbled upon or driven by that have made us laugh, people we've met that have made us feel like family after just a brief conversation, and music that has brought me to tears.  We decided to do a Best List, to help anyone reading this compose their journey to this fabulous place.

Best accommodation by far was The Merchant House in Temple Bar. Stunning, roomy, great shower, right in the middle of the action but quiet and safe. We stayed in pubs, and Castles and BnB's and 4 star hotels, but the last three nights were like heaven. On the dearer side, but worth every cent to be in the middle of the city, able to walk everywhere, and have such luxury. 

Best band... Kilkenny in Lanagans pub the night if the Hurling Replay GF. Cannot remember their name but good fun, great music, beautiful Irish voices, banjos, tin whistles, flutes, guitars, piano accordions, the lot.

Best Street Performer: Scotty in Killarney. Outside a grey coloured bank in the Main St, near to Murphys Ice cream store. 

Best hosts: Sean and Bridie Collins at Adare Village Inn. Not often you stay for just one night in a hotel and leave next morning hugging the hosts, 

Best fish; Cafe along the dock road in Valentia island. The best fish n chips I had ever eaten. Without a doubt.

Best food: some random pub in Belfast. Sorry I don't remember the name. 

Best Scones: the ones at the cafe at Carrick a Rede bridge were fabulous and take an awful lot of beating.

Best value for Money; The bike tour through the streets of Dublin. Wobbling around tourists, businessmen, taxis in a hurry, and double decker tour buses. Being in between a bus and a lorry, and trying so hard to ride in a straight line. Lol. Although conquering my fears by walking the Carrick a rede rope bridge was pretty good fun as well! I was stoked.

Best coast line. Slea head in Dingle peninsula, the drives off the beTen track around this peninsular were amazing. Bluest sky, greenest grass, and beautiful clear water. Could see for miles.

Best walk. It's a tie for this one. Cliffs of Moher and the walks surrounding the Giants Causeway.. Breathtaking. Hugo preferred the Cliffs, my preference for the Giants Cuaseway was probably because I could we  see Scotland and the home of my clan McDonald.

Best coffee: a small ice cream shop overlooking the marina and bay in Northern Ireland. Creamiest froth, apparently from very happy local Irish Cows, happy staff, beautiful view on a warm sunny day,  and a lovely long chat with a local millionaire about his brother in Victoria. 

Best Passage Grave: Knowth.. We did Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Knock narea, Carrowmore, and whether it was the site's energy or the twinkle in Mary the tour guides eye that warmed my heart, but I felt more connected to Knowth than any if the more commercialised ones. 

Highlight of Dublin: Google tour.. Fabulous but not available to the public. 

What I'm glad we did: Northern Ireland. Political Tour of the Murals. Coast drive between Bushmills and Belfast, White Park Bay and Harbours along the northern coast. Knowth and the passage graves. Hired a car and drove the country, I loved being able to stop and take our time where it suited us, instead of being dictated by a bus tour timetable. Cliffs of Moher walks as far as we could go either direction, ditto for Giants Causeway, I had my first Guiness, Trim Castle, carrick a rede bridge, slea head coastal drive, stopped to join in a Cancer Fundraising morning tea at Caherdaniel, visited the castle ruins there also. Valentia Island ring in the Skelligs, Dublin bike tour, celebrating the Kilkenny Cats  Hurling Win, watching the Gaelic footy grand final in a Castle on the west coast,  drove down to seaside for tea n scones at Strandhill west of Sligo. Ate in the Italian Quarter of Galway, drank local beers everywhere we went, Belfast Craft Market, talked to the butchers, the bakers, the scented candle makers, ate local food and stayed out of chain stores. 

What I wished we did: stayed for one more week. 2.5 weeks just wasn't quite enough. 

What I wouldn't do again: Book of Kells, Dublinia, Paid to ride a jinky through the Gap of Dunloe, it's breathtaking but 50 Euro was ridiculous, walking would be a better option although it's 8 kilometres, time is money I guess.. Titanic experience, although once we arrived there we didn't enter but the walk around the docks was okay.  Wicklow, went on a Sunday admittedly, but it was a disappointment after such a beautiful coastline on the West and also Dingle Peninsula.

I'll add to this as we go along and more memories pop in me head.. 

Couple days in Dublin....

Woke up late... Wandered down to KC Peaches for a light breakfast.. And leisurely made our way along to the Google European Offices... Stopping for coffee along the way, along the Grand Canal. Another beautiful day, the sun is shining, we are in tshirts, not once have we needed our winter woollies from home, a light jacket and that's it, our bags are chockers full of clothes that we haven't worn. But we aren't complaining, the Irish Sun is smiling on us.

Arrived at Google HQ with plenty of time to spare, after checking out the new U2 recording studio down at docklands.  We met with the beautiful Nicole and she gave us a grand tour of the Google offices before catching up for lunch.. Now, isn't that an incredible place, each floor is decorated in differing themes, the top floor of the Engineering Dept has a mock Irish Pub, the Shaven Yak, complete with wood panelling and velvet snugs.. I was amazed at each twist and turn of the corridors,at how the office space changed, the collective imagination in that place is amazing. The food is prepared by Michelin Star chefs, and each day they feed more than 4000 people. The visit was one of our highlights..

Walking back into the city centre, we checked out Dublin Castle, and a quick burst of rain sent us into Trinity College to visit the Book of Kells, or more correctly, the page of Kells.. I was disappointed having paid about $15 to look at it, I was surprised to see all the hype was not worth it. We wandered up into the long room, the library of Trinity College, and were amazed at the size of it. The smell of pages long ago written by hand, the wooden ladders and rails, the gold lettering on beautifully polished timber.  Being an avid book reader, Ah, I was in heaven.

The rains had cleared and allowed us a walk to St Patricks Park and Cathedral. It was 5.30pm and we made it in time for Evensong. A 35 minute service, complete with choir, it was fabulous. The acoustics and timbre of the choir gave me goosebumps. We didn't get too much of a look around the church, but the service was quite an experience.

Back to Temple Bar, quick change and out to the Temple Bar Pub. That's one thing about Ireland, is the music. Every pub has music, differing singers with varied styles, it's a cultural delight. From the serious buskers, the drunken tin whistle players on the streets, to the pub scene, to U2, opera and classical music, Ireland has it all.  I will miss it.

Had a light dinner tonight at Gourmet Burger Kitchen, a NZ burger chain, created by three Kiwi's annoyed that they couldn't find a decent burger in London, so created their own. It's now a chain, and it's easy to see why. Rhe burgers were great, and hit the spot.

Next morning, up early to fit in breakfast before undertaking a See dublin by bike tour at 10. It was fabulous. Weaving in and out of the crazy Dublin traffic, having lorries and double decker tour buses pass inches from us, it was crazy fun. Hugo rode behind, poor bugger had to watch me wobble my way through cobblestone streets, malls of people, peak hour traffic. We took in the Guiness Store, the cathedrals, Parks, Squares, St Stephens Green, the Spire.. All kinds of monuments that we would never have found otherwise. There was a reservoir we stopped for a break, right in the middle of the city, with wildlife and flowers like you've never seen.. Complete with a complete of drunks that yelled, oi, put another shrimp on the barbie,Aussie.. And gave us a great wave. It was 20 Euro, and the best value for money tour we had seen. 

Walking back into town, we stopped at Dublinia, a history tour through the ages of Dublin. From Vikings, to the Normans, to the English and present day. It was really interesting. There is an archeological floor, complete with skeletons and all the information regarding the Viking settlement that were uncovered in the 1970's but covered up by new city council buildings, such a shame.

Heading back into Temple Bar, we 'accidentally' came across Queen of Tarts, one of the iconic stores in Dublin for afternoon tea. And it did. It disappoint. Lemon Meringue Pie and Aplle Tarts bigger than your hand... Along with a big pot of Irish Tea. Fab. It was in Cows Lane, an arty fatty area of town, complete with handmade craft, jewellery, clothing stores. A hour of two easily whiled away making our way along the streets toward home. We stumbled across an incredible black and white photography exhibition, all photos from the 70's from around Limerick.  Kids, men, workers, very old women, the lines in their face and the stoop in their backs showing a lifetime of hard work. There were photos of school fires, of youngsters caught in the Gangland wars, the fear and desperation caught in the expression of their faces. I'm cross now that I have already forgotten this fellows name, I would have loved to read more about his stories, and seen even more of his photos. 

Dinner last night was at the Elephant and Castle, which had been recommended to us, it was tasty, but not anything to rave about, we have been blessed with fresh food, fish straight from the boats on island jettys, local vegetables and salads, this trip accidentally turned into a gourmet food trek around the country.

Another few pubs, another few bands playing folk, modern, and traditional music and songs.. Not a big night, due to having to be on a Irish Sea crossing early tomorrow morning, but an evening stroll along the river ending the evening. It's official, I'm in love with Ireland, not Dublin so much, but the county towns, the people, the music, the food, the passion for footy and fun, and of course hurling. 

Wednesday 01st October, 5-30 am came way too quickly for me, and it's with sadness that we pile the bags into the cab to make our way to the Docks to ferry to Wales.

Kilkenny to Dublin...

Last few days in Ireland..

Hugo and I are both very quiet on our way to Dublin, more because we know our Irish holiday is coming to an end, more so than the fact we are both very very seedy after last nights celebrations. Lots of laughs but we are definitely paying for that today.

Arrived in Dublin after having to stop in a park in Wicklow, yep we took a detour to the east coast to check it out... to clean the car out and get everything that has accumulated in the car, Back into our suitcases.. No mean feat.

Arrived back to Avis, caught a cab into the city, thanking our lucky stars that we didn't have to drive into this crazy place. Even the cabbie got lost..

Found our accommodation eventually and discovered it was a door. Just a sleek shiny black door... Right beside an adult fetish store, hmmm, needless to say I am very nervous about lies ahead.. But this place is stunning. Biggest room, comfiest bed, hottest shower, most stylish demo oration and in the most fantastic spot in Dublin. Right in Temple Bar. Opposite a night club but with double window glazing, there was no noise to be heard last night. It's right I. The centre of the action, but with not the noise that goes along with it. 

I'm in love with Ireland. Dublin has not the charm of the Wild Atlantic Way nor the North, but it has a charm all of its own... If you can look beyond the American's..they're everywhere...

Killarney to Kilkenny via Cashel

Another gorgeous day weather wise. Breakfast in the BnB this morning was delicious and set us up for he rest of the day.

Off to the Rock of Cashel.. Which I had only read about on trip advisor, and to be honest I'm wishing we had more time there because it's an incredible sight. The shops were all closing early because of the Grand Final Replay between Tipperary and Kilkennyin the Hurling.. It's a replay due to a draw a fortnight ago.. Blue and yellow streamers and bunting is everywhere here.

The Rock of Cashel itself was a church ruin in the process of being restored but it is breathtaking. The cemetery and farmland that surrounds it, coupled with the brilliant blue skies made for fabulous photos.

I got caught laying on a 16th century sarcophagus, oops.. Lucky it was just some American Tourists and not the guards.

We travelled onto Kilkenny, and settled into Butler House, a very very grand Accommodation attached to Kilkenny Castle, with veiws of the castle and gardens. 

After a walk around town, we settled into Lanigans Hotel to watch the Hurling GF, barracking of course for Kilkenny. After numerous pints, I worked the rules out ( there aren't any) and enjoyed the close win with the locals. Much dancing, drinking, singing and celebrations followed.. And the walk back to the castle seemed to take a very long time...

Killarney.. Ring of Kerry

What a smashing day today!

Absolute cracker of a day weather wise, guest house served fantastic breakfast, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

We set out today to drive the Ring of Kerry. We dropped down into Kells Bay. Small harbour with a couple of brightly coloured boats, blue sky against the greenest hills! Picture postcard perfect.

After watching the car ferry travel back and forth to Valentia Island, we set off again to detour into Portmagee. Discovering a bridge, we soon found ourselves on the island, visiting Bray Head, and Knights Town before stopping for some fresh fish for lunch. Driving into the same car ferry, we found ourselves back at the same place, we'd been hours ago. 

Off we went again, stopping at Waterville and Sneem before cutting back through Black Valley to Molls Gap. With the weather being so beautiful, we were able to stop and take photos through the Valley and of all the lakes, fisherman included. I climbed rocks and fell down some castle ruins, all for the benefit of a great photo. 

We hiked through the Killarney National Park, and checked out the Torc Waterfall. We took great photos, only to discover we've lost all but half of the ones today. Dunno how that happened, one minute they were there, next minute gone.. Bugger.

Slowly made our way back into town, dinner and music at a local pub.... Holed up in bed, me blogging, Hugo web searching how to recover the SD card. A few photos of this afternoon... Bugger all the fabulous scenery was this morning! Lol

Dingle to Killarney

Hugo after being with me in the car for a week... 

Set off from Dingle,n the fog and the rain, but as usual, the weather cleared for us into a beautiful day. Drive via Killorgin to the Gap of Dunloe. Stunning gorge with fabulous veiws of the lakes. We did relent and go via the Pony Trap, but the prices are exorbitant and walking the 8 kilometres would have been a more financially smart decision. Gong via the trap allowed us to take the Gap in, in just an hour so freed up the rest of the day for sightseeing in Kenmare and Killarney.

Found a pub with music and settled in for the evening, came across some Australians of course and discovered we had a shared friend from Deni.

Needless to say we didn't upload any photos last night, after getting home very late. Discovered this afternoon, that we have somehow managed to loose all our photos up until this afternoon, which saddens me greatly as it's all the beautiful scenery from the Gap of Dunloe, the stunning scenery from today's visit to the Ring of Kerry, the Skellif Island etc.

 

Never mind, it's not life threatening, but a small glitch in the holiday. 

Dingle Peninsula

After spending the night at the Irish Trad Music last night, we had a slow start to the day.. Left Adare and made our way to Tralee for breakfast, much needed food after too many Smithwicks Pale Ales last night.

We found the Connor Pass and were stunned at the beauty of it. Ireland is an island of many surprises, it appears like the landscape changes with each days travel.

After stopping to take photos at the Pass, we made our way into the seaside town of Dingle, had a fantastic feed of fresh fish before heading off to do the Slag Head ring route. I'm so glad we did. Photos cannot capture the raw beauty of this coast line, it was pristine, with very few tourists.

It was a quieter day, a calm catch up after much frivolity last night. But beauty abounds.

I feckin' love this place. 

Galway to Adare

Breathtaking. That's all I have. The scenery around the west coast of Ireland is rugged, wild and truly beautiful.

We left Galway early for a breakfast on the run, a quick stop by a random castle, a chat with a New Zealand lady in the sidewalk, and another chance encounter with an Irishman who has lived and worked in Emerald, at the Cliffs of Moher.

Hugo and I were happy to be out of the car so chose to walk both directions at the Cliffs. The photos do not do this justice. I loved it. It was warm, but very windy, and the wind picked up the music being played by the buskers.. 

After spending the morning, we headed off to Adare, reknown as being  the prettiest village in Ireland. And again, the stories I had heard didn't disappoint. Thatched roofs on houses, pubs on every corner, music playing and happy people everywhere.

If ever you travel to Ireland remember to stay in Sean Collins BnB, which is beside his hotel. Room was spacious and clean, with the best shower we had come across in Ireland. Bridie and Sean were fabulous hosts and we left this morning after warm hugs from these lovely people.

We are heading to Dingle, Bridie has given us strict instructions to drive through the Connor Pass, we will have to try to find this on our map..

Wish us luck..

Coolloney to Galway

After spending the afternoon drinking pints of Guiness n Smithwicks whilst watching the All Ireland Footy Finals (Kerry beat Donegal by 2 points), inside a Castle that dates back to the 1600's, we are off around the Coast to Galway today.  Our occupation of the Markree Castle has ended. It is a glorious old castle, set in acres of garden and wooded lands, quiet and a welcome interlude in the middle of our week.

It was a leisurely drive today, stopping at Westport and Clifden then into Galway via the Connemarra Nafional Park it was really interesting to see the change in landscapes as we turned to travel along the west coast, the wild Atlantic Way. The contrasting colours from the trees, the rocks, the windflowers, the loughs.. Makes for some beautifully rugged landscapes. 

Arrived into Galway and once again lucked our way into finding the hotel. Checked in and walked into town having dinner in the Italian Quarter, having being served by a lovely Aussie girl from Hepburn Springs in Victoria.

Westport and Clifden have some incredible local crafts shops that featured jewellery, artwork and glass ware that you'll not see anywhere else. I'm already kicking myself for not purchasing some things there. Galway is the beginning of the tourist trail, every second shop is a souvenir store, all quite over priced and mass produced. 

Once again the weather is beautiful, the Irish are out in droves, walking their dogs, playing ball with their kids in the glorious sunshine. Hugo and I walked along the bay, and spent some time watching the boats arrive home.

Off to Adare tomorrow via the Cliffs of Moher. 

The battle of Markee Castle

We, the Scottish and the French contingent head off from Belfast in the early hours of this morning, To begin our onslaught of the West Country.

After stopping for spiritual guidance at Armagah we ventured onwards through Loch Mac Neav.  We travelled via the west coastal country, paying our respects at the Carrowmore Passage Graves. There were no troops in this vicinity, so onwards we ventured toward the west. Stopping in Sligo town for refreshments, the beach beckoned. It was a beautiful day, reminiscent of an Australian autumn day, sunny and warm. The seaside was packed with local troops who were more focused on enjoying this weather than defending their county.

We travelled further, without resistance to the Castle. We took the castle from the front, one mere wee woman held the front area, we were able to secure a stong hold into the castle without any resistance at all.

May I present to you all, the Castle Macdonald Camden Quenault.