We were in the Lake District on the Coast to Coast Walk across England, a 307 km journey. We were visiting Dove Cottage, one of Wordworth's home. Read on: Around this time the five Wordsworth children were born in the Lake District and the second eldest, William was to leave an indelible mark on English poetry. The middle three children, William, Dorothy and John were to maintain a close family bond throughout their lives. In 1789 the hated Bastille prison in Paris was stormed and the French … [Read more...]
Grasmere, Wordsworth and the Lake District – Part 2
September 20, 2010 by
We were in the Lake District on the Coast to Coast Walk across England, a 307 km journey. The story continues: After this pleasant interlude at Greenup Edge, there was further to go. The ridge walk continued alongside Calf Crag, Gibson Knott and Helm Crag. From here another surreal view presented itself. Down below were the narrow roads and green fields with the town of Grasmere sitting alongside its namesake – the lake of Grasmere. Through the crystal clear air, the little town seemed so … [Read more...]
Grasmere, Wordsworth and the Lake District – Part 1
September 13, 2010 by
To Grasmere Part 1 We had overnighted at the wonderful small village of Stonethwaite in England's Lake District. This was day four of a seventeen day walk from St. Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea. For any of you who want to do this walk, we have a comprehensive downloadable course available. See the ads to the right - The Coast to Coast Walk. With the taste of a delicious marmalade still lingering, we set off towards the well known Lakeland town of Grasmere. Across … [Read more...]
The second most visited church in Italy
September 6, 2010 by
Assisi's Basilica San Francesco: We had been walking around the fabulous ancient hill-top town of Assisi as part of our journey along the Via Francigena. We followed the cobble-stoned road up to Piazza S. Francesco and entered the Lower Church of the Basilica San Francesco, the numero uno site in Assisi. This basilica ranked as the second most visited church after St. Peter’s in Rome. Leaders of the world's religions meet here for summits. The Basilica was built on the site where … [Read more...]
Travel Europe – meet a guidebook writer & Charlie Chaplin
August 31, 2010 by
Lausanne, Switzerland. On the Via Francigena When on the Via Francigena, there are precious few opportunities that come your way in regards to being ferried about instead of walking. Such an opportunity arose in travelling from Lausanne to Vevey - by ferry. In the morning, with the bright sun beaming in the sky, we walked down to the wharves at Ouchy past a metal fountain with the heads of three horses drinking. Finding the tourist office we booked two seats on one of the classic lake … [Read more...]
Canal Walk – Offa's Dyke
August 26, 2010 by
In a B&B at Buttington on the Offa's Dyke Path: Over a breakfast shared with Dan, our hostess Mona told us she had been doing B&B for 36 years since her husband’s death. Her husband had just got off the bus, returning from work when he was hit by a car. Mona was a sprightly pensioner, keeping herself busy with providing accommodation for walkers, looking after the local church and caring for a bed-ridden patient. Shows you that a busy life and the fresh Welsh air contribute to … [Read more...]
South Downs Way – Walker’s snacks, accommodation and the Telscombe Youth Hostel
August 23, 2010 by
We were on the South Downs Way, one of England’s fine walking paths and staying at the Frog Firle Youth Hostel. For an interesting description of this youth hostel see the article: South Downs Way – Frogs and White Horses Breakfast with youth hostellers Alan and Jane. Alan mentioned that he made bike wheels for a hobby. In those days, one of the conditions for staying at an English youth hostel, you had to perform a task, such as cleaning, or sweeping the floor. This wasn’t a bad idea … [Read more...]
Welsh Castles: Carreg Cennen Castle
August 19, 2010 by
December 27, Wales. It was getting cold. I was staying with Jerry, a friend from Ammanford in Wales. We had placed a thermometer outside overnight and this morning it gave a conservative reading of 0°C. Apparently it had dropped to -8°C overnight. Needless to say much of the outdoors was frozen. Today’s plan was to visit Carreg Cennen Castle, a well-known fort which featured in Welsh history. However our mode of transport was playing up. We examined Jerry’s car to see if we could rid … [Read more...]
Torres del Paine – the "W" walk
August 4, 2010 by
The Famous Torres del paineOccasionally I like to include other world walks to give you a perspective. So here's our article on the famous Patagonian walk - the "W". We were at Refugio Chileno in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, Patagonia. The weather looked great. Mike, Matt and Liz got up early to try and see the towers at dawn. We decided to have breakfast and then climb up to the towers viewpoint (Mirador). This meant that we would be catching the later (7pm) bus back to Puerto … [Read more...]
La Boqueria – Barcelona’s Spectacular Food Market
August 1, 2010 by
La Boqueria is Popular with Tourists Even Though Few Come to Buy Fresh Produce: La Boqueria, Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, St. Joseph's Market.... No matter what name you use to describe it, the sights and smells of this famous Barcelona market will be the same. La Boqueria La Boqueria is one of the most spectacular food markets in Europe and it is not surprising that this bustling conglomeration of food stalls, restaurants and tapas bars is one of the most visited Barcelona … [Read more...]