Since our last blog we have travelled to The Lakes District in Northern England where we were looked after by Cath and Ian for 3 days. They were kind enough to take us to some spectacular lakes renowned for their beauty. Their hospitality was second to none and we thank them for looking after us. We then travelled to Gretna Green where Cal got a going over with a wash and a polish and an internal scrubbing ready for his new owner. The trip to Kilwinning was eventful with Annette (the navigator) missing the turnoff and subsequently Frank had to drive through the motorways of Glasgow. You could have cut the atmosphere with a knife and almost booked into the nearest divorce lawyer.
Arriving at Kilwinning we had no trouble finding Robert and Delina’s home where we were greeted by two worried hosts as we were two hours later than our expected time of arrival. The next day we travelled to the Southern Highlands, including Loch Lomand with them both and dined at a Scottish pub called The Drovers, with history going back hundreds of years. We were surprised to see a lad attending the fire with a kilt, he looked like someone from Monach of the Glen and the lass behind the bar was also suitably attired. The open fire and low ceilings added to the atmosphere and we decided to join into the spirit of the moment by ordering Haggis. Very tasty but not something to be added to our home menu any time soon. We have been looked after like royalty by Robert and Delina and had many laughs along with a few single malts.
On Friday night we were welcomed by John, Margare, Marie and Shaun, (more of our new Scottish friends) to have dinner with them in their home which is an old church that has been renovated into a beautiful home. Truly spectacular and only second to their spectacular hospitality. Thank you to the Cunningham family.
Cal is now standing in the driveway of Robert and Delina’s waiting for some lucky person to come along and snap him up at a very reasonable price and no doubt he will continue to delight and amaze his new owner. He has a brand new MOT certificate (like our pink slip) and looks a treat.
We are now in Edinburgh completing the “Ghouls and Ghosts” tour last night. Had dinner in a great restaurant (Italian of course) where we met some very nice people sitting near us. The Scots are very friendly and outgoing and are only too willing to help if you are lost of needing help. Today and tomorrow we will explore the city further, by the tourist buses, before returning to Glasgow to catch our flight to Singapore on Wednesday and then home to good old Oz on Saturday.
Looking forward to seeing you all and having cuddles with Emily, Will and Daisy.
Love to all
Frank and Annette
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Oxford, Bath & The Lakes
Well we have had a big drive today almost for 5 hours and although most of it was on the M6 which is a huge motorway the last 1 1/2 hours was on a very windy narrow road up hill and down dale but the most wonderful scenery as we drove up 'The lakes'. I kept saying 'wow' and Frank kept saying 'shit'. He was driving!!! Cal went well and he had some big hills to drive up and down. Tonight we are spending the night with friends of Sam and Cathy (Andrew's in-laws) and I am using their internet. They are lovely people and have welcomed us cheerfully. Tomorrow they will show us around the Lakes.
We have been on some very ordinary roads, that are just little lanes and this is quite scary when you are driving the motorhome especially when it is just one carriageway wide and you meet a tractor or truck coming the other way. One lovely little place we went to in Oxfordshire was called Swinbrooke, it was picture perfect and we looked into the old churches and then had lunch at the pub.
We stayed at a caravan park just outside Bath for a couple of nights and caught the Bus into town each day (Park & Ride). We then did a walking tour of Bath that was fantastic and then went through the Roman Baths. The architecture in Bath is beautiful dating from Roman times through to Georgian times. We went to the theatre Royal to see a play which we thoroughly enjoyed. The Cornish Pasties lived up to their reputation. Leaving Bath Frank insisted that we not leave by the same road we came in as it was very steep, narrow and curvy so Annette being the navigator had the onerous task of getting us the hell out of there without touching that particular road. We took the turn within 2 minutes of leaving the caravan park and it only got worse. I think voices were raised a couple of times - but we eventually found our way and after stopping for a coffee on the motorway we started to like each other again.
Yesterday we had great difficulty finding a caravan park late in the day, we eventually found one and then when we tried to find our way this morning out of the wilderness, the GPS was not cooperating and the map wasn't detailed enough and we were parked by the side of the road scratching our head (not yet arguing) when a man walked up to our window and said 'are you lost'. We said we needed to find our way to the M6 and he said to follow him as he was going that way. When we said we were a bit slow driving he said 'That's OK its Friday and I can take it easy.' Another Angel crosses our path. He led us all the way to the M6 - about 20 minutes and then went on his way.
A couple of days now with Cath and Ian and then off to Scotland to see Robert and Delina.
That's all for now
Love
Frank and Annette
We have been on some very ordinary roads, that are just little lanes and this is quite scary when you are driving the motorhome especially when it is just one carriageway wide and you meet a tractor or truck coming the other way. One lovely little place we went to in Oxfordshire was called Swinbrooke, it was picture perfect and we looked into the old churches and then had lunch at the pub.
We stayed at a caravan park just outside Bath for a couple of nights and caught the Bus into town each day (Park & Ride). We then did a walking tour of Bath that was fantastic and then went through the Roman Baths. The architecture in Bath is beautiful dating from Roman times through to Georgian times. We went to the theatre Royal to see a play which we thoroughly enjoyed. The Cornish Pasties lived up to their reputation. Leaving Bath Frank insisted that we not leave by the same road we came in as it was very steep, narrow and curvy so Annette being the navigator had the onerous task of getting us the hell out of there without touching that particular road. We took the turn within 2 minutes of leaving the caravan park and it only got worse. I think voices were raised a couple of times - but we eventually found our way and after stopping for a coffee on the motorway we started to like each other again.
Yesterday we had great difficulty finding a caravan park late in the day, we eventually found one and then when we tried to find our way this morning out of the wilderness, the GPS was not cooperating and the map wasn't detailed enough and we were parked by the side of the road scratching our head (not yet arguing) when a man walked up to our window and said 'are you lost'. We said we needed to find our way to the M6 and he said to follow him as he was going that way. When we said we were a bit slow driving he said 'That's OK its Friday and I can take it easy.' Another Angel crosses our path. He led us all the way to the M6 - about 20 minutes and then went on his way.
A couple of days now with Cath and Ian and then off to Scotland to see Robert and Delina.
That's all for now
Love
Frank and Annette
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
BRUSSELS, BRUGGE AND ON TO THE UK
We last left you in Maastrict, and after a great time there we travelled on to beautiful Belgium and Brussels to see cousin Alexander and Collette. Of course we had the new that our newest little cousin had arrived, Liam, son to Lexx and Christophe After speaking with Lexx she assures us that he is adorable and the perfect baby, so congratulations to you all.
Alexander and Collette welcomed us very graciously and we had a very full program with them so although our visit was short it was really entertaining and their hospitality again, is second to none. It was sad saying goodbye to them as that most likely will be the last time we will see them, unless they can travel to Australia ( I think Collette will work on Alexander).
Brugge is a city where one is easily lost but it is so beautiful you don't mind. Frank and I rode the pushbikes into town for the day, approx. 4 klm. The main square is like a mini version of The Grand Place in Brussels. Very picturesque with canals running through the town and the waffles are to die for, just as A & J found when they were here previously. We wandered aimlessly through the streets and thankfully found where we had parked our bikes.
We are becoming quite the critics when it comes to shower facilities in camp grounds. Maastrict won with the most comfortable and well equipped showers, but last night in a little town outside Oxford UK we had the strongest and hottest showers so far on the trip, we all blissed out with hot showers, there being so must steam in the room by the time I was finished I couldn’t see the wall in front of me.
After arriving late in the afternoon from France by ferry we drove looking for a camping ground down this lonely narrow tree lined road and came across the “Lidden Bell” a delightful little pub in the tiny town of Lidden. It looked so gorgeous we all decided to stop for a few beers. Being Saturday night it was quite lively with a dozen or so people there for dinner so the four of us sat around drinking beers and playing cards. The publican said we were welcome to park in the carpark for the night for 10 pound, so we did. The next day we moved on to Oxfordshire (The Cotswalds) and stayed in a lovely camping ground called Evergreen Hills. It was a farm with lots of animals, chooks wandering around the campsites, ducks and pigs (not wandering). The weather had a turn for the worst and it was bitterly cold and raining lightly, however on awaking today the sun was shining.
We called in to a little town called Swinbrook today to have a look at a church of interest to us both as we have a “brass rubbing” from there. It was delightful and very historic, we walked across green pastures to another little church and met a few other people who were tramping around the area. Lunch was at the Black Swan pub and then we made our way across Oxfordshire to a campground for the night. For a “first day” in charge we have had a good day and we look forward to a yummy curry for dinner (last nights leftovers).
Andrew and Jamie moved on to greener pastures today. It was very sad to say goodbye as we have had a lovely time with them and of course now we actually have to do some work, with Frank driving and Annette navigating with the aid of TomTom as we make our way to Glasgow.
Thank you to Andrew and Jamie for sharing their space with us for the last 4 weeks. They must have found it difficult having two extras in their little love nest, but they never complained and have been very generous.
Love to all
Frank and Annette
x x x x
Alexander and Collette welcomed us very graciously and we had a very full program with them so although our visit was short it was really entertaining and their hospitality again, is second to none. It was sad saying goodbye to them as that most likely will be the last time we will see them, unless they can travel to Australia ( I think Collette will work on Alexander).
Brugge is a city where one is easily lost but it is so beautiful you don't mind. Frank and I rode the pushbikes into town for the day, approx. 4 klm. The main square is like a mini version of The Grand Place in Brussels. Very picturesque with canals running through the town and the waffles are to die for, just as A & J found when they were here previously. We wandered aimlessly through the streets and thankfully found where we had parked our bikes.
We are becoming quite the critics when it comes to shower facilities in camp grounds. Maastrict won with the most comfortable and well equipped showers, but last night in a little town outside Oxford UK we had the strongest and hottest showers so far on the trip, we all blissed out with hot showers, there being so must steam in the room by the time I was finished I couldn’t see the wall in front of me.
After arriving late in the afternoon from France by ferry we drove looking for a camping ground down this lonely narrow tree lined road and came across the “Lidden Bell” a delightful little pub in the tiny town of Lidden. It looked so gorgeous we all decided to stop for a few beers. Being Saturday night it was quite lively with a dozen or so people there for dinner so the four of us sat around drinking beers and playing cards. The publican said we were welcome to park in the carpark for the night for 10 pound, so we did. The next day we moved on to Oxfordshire (The Cotswalds) and stayed in a lovely camping ground called Evergreen Hills. It was a farm with lots of animals, chooks wandering around the campsites, ducks and pigs (not wandering). The weather had a turn for the worst and it was bitterly cold and raining lightly, however on awaking today the sun was shining.
We called in to a little town called Swinbrook today to have a look at a church of interest to us both as we have a “brass rubbing” from there. It was delightful and very historic, we walked across green pastures to another little church and met a few other people who were tramping around the area. Lunch was at the Black Swan pub and then we made our way across Oxfordshire to a campground for the night. For a “first day” in charge we have had a good day and we look forward to a yummy curry for dinner (last nights leftovers).
Andrew and Jamie moved on to greener pastures today. It was very sad to say goodbye as we have had a lovely time with them and of course now we actually have to do some work, with Frank driving and Annette navigating with the aid of TomTom as we make our way to Glasgow.
Thank you to Andrew and Jamie for sharing their space with us for the last 4 weeks. They must have found it difficult having two extras in their little love nest, but they never complained and have been very generous.
Love to all
Frank and Annette
x x x x
Monday, October 4, 2010
So it comes to an end....
The last six months have been many things. It’s been exciting, relaxing, emotional, frustrating but most of all, adventurous. When you travel for this long, it’s no longer a holiday, it’s a lifestyle. Unfortunately our lifestyle is about to change.
Tonight is the last blog entry for the “Young” Griffo’s and it’s written with mixed emotions. On one side we’re incredibly excited that we get to see our family and friends (and puppies) again, but we’re so badly going to miss the lifestyle we’ve had over the last 6 months. Not many people get the opportunity that we’ve been given this year. Our work places have allowed us time off to experience to most amazing adventure across Europe. Not all of it has been a typical easy “holiday”, but every minute of the challenge has been worth it. Travelling via road allows you to see the real lifestyle of the local people, as well as the big tourist attractions that are the “must do’s” like Paris and Rome. Today as we make our way back into London (Of course the tube is on strike so it should add another “challenge”) we’ll be thinking back to the amazing experiences we’ve had like seeing thousands of fervent believers make the pilgrimage to Lourdes in France in the hope of a miraculous healing of a sickness, camping on the side of the toughest climb on stage 15 of the Tour De France and of course meeting with new family and making some beautiful new friends.
Although we’ve had some tough times with our mate Cal, he’s been the most important part of our adventure, and has provided a talking point with strangers time and time again (Gee I’ve never seen one like that before...). Thinking back, there is no other way that we would do this trip, travelling Europe by motorhome is THE way to see as much as possible without spending an absolute fortune. We’ve become so attached to our mate Cal, that it’s been incredibly hard putting him up for sale. We even contemplated shipping him home, but it’d cost more than he’s actually worth.
So now we’re headed back to the real world of waking up early and working. It sucks, but we have to fund our next trip somehow. Thanks VERY much for following our blog, especially those who sent us lots of messages along the way. We will see you all back in Australia, probably feeling sorry for ourselves and planning our next getaway. Keep watching the blog to see the rest of Annette and Franks travels in Scotland.
Love to all,
A&J xoxo
Tonight is the last blog entry for the “Young” Griffo’s and it’s written with mixed emotions. On one side we’re incredibly excited that we get to see our family and friends (and puppies) again, but we’re so badly going to miss the lifestyle we’ve had over the last 6 months. Not many people get the opportunity that we’ve been given this year. Our work places have allowed us time off to experience to most amazing adventure across Europe. Not all of it has been a typical easy “holiday”, but every minute of the challenge has been worth it. Travelling via road allows you to see the real lifestyle of the local people, as well as the big tourist attractions that are the “must do’s” like Paris and Rome. Today as we make our way back into London (Of course the tube is on strike so it should add another “challenge”) we’ll be thinking back to the amazing experiences we’ve had like seeing thousands of fervent believers make the pilgrimage to Lourdes in France in the hope of a miraculous healing of a sickness, camping on the side of the toughest climb on stage 15 of the Tour De France and of course meeting with new family and making some beautiful new friends.
Although we’ve had some tough times with our mate Cal, he’s been the most important part of our adventure, and has provided a talking point with strangers time and time again (Gee I’ve never seen one like that before...). Thinking back, there is no other way that we would do this trip, travelling Europe by motorhome is THE way to see as much as possible without spending an absolute fortune. We’ve become so attached to our mate Cal, that it’s been incredibly hard putting him up for sale. We even contemplated shipping him home, but it’d cost more than he’s actually worth.
So now we’re headed back to the real world of waking up early and working. It sucks, but we have to fund our next trip somehow. Thanks VERY much for following our blog, especially those who sent us lots of messages along the way. We will see you all back in Australia, probably feeling sorry for ourselves and planning our next getaway. Keep watching the blog to see the rest of Annette and Franks travels in Scotland.
Love to all,
A&J xoxo
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About Us
- Andrew and Jamie Griffioen
- Andrew and Jamie are a married couple from Brisbane, Australia. We have embarked on an overseas adventure for 6 months leaving in April and returning in October. We plan to cover the UK and a lot of Europe. To see more details, check out our posts below.