From Plymouth to London to Paris

Today was a travel day. We woke to a foggy Plymouth morning, our last day in the British Isles. Our Taxi driver just got back from San Francisco and Los Angeles - we told him he should go to Canada – he said he has plans to do so. Our trip up to London initially was slow to start but as we got closet to London there were fewer stops.

We were pleasantly surprised that London Paddington National Rail station to the London Underground and up to St Pancras International Rail station was not as cluttered as we had expected.  With the 2012 London Olympics in full swing, we were worried the place might have been a zoo.  We even got a free ride on the tube courtesy of a Londoner about to travel to Ottawa, Montreal & Niagara Falls.  

                                                                                                       (last look at British Isles)

The only ripple in our travel day was the departure of the Eurostar train to Paris. There was a ‘trespasser’ on the high speed track – eventually arrested - that delayed our departure by over an hour. Once on the train we were further delayed on route – we arrived in Paris 1hr 20 min later than scheduled.

 (First look at France)

After arriving in Paris we reserved all our journeys within Europe using our Eurorail Pass to travel as required.

Got to our hotel via taxi, what a scary experience.  More than once there were three vehicles in only two lanes. Thank God our driver had nerves of steel and was skilled at his profession.  Checked into the New Candide (a clean but tiny room!), had a quick bite of Chinese & were able to Skype the girls.  Our lifeline to home.

Tomorrow should be an exciting day.

More to follow …

Exploring Plymouth

As it turned out, we did more floating and driving around Plymouth, rather than tramping. Relaxing start to the day, then down to the Barbican. Wonderful area full of shops, restaurants and historical sights to see. Unfortunately the Naval Museum that Bernie was interested in requires two days warning to vette (security check) visitors. However, there were lots of other choices. 

We took an hour long harbour cruise – got a look at the activities, past and present, of one of the busiest naval harbours in Europe and indeed the world.

Had a wonderful lunch at Platters – Chris’ clam chowder was divine and Bernie’s mussels and clams meal (18 & 36 of each) was to die for!  Sarah & Phil will be pleased to know that we saw the Devon version of Creamy Tea but did not go over to the dark side.  When you’ve had the best, why mess with rest?

Then an entertaining bus tour of the harbour area of Plymouth.  Did you know that there are just about 60 places in the world with Plymouth as part of their name - ten cities in the U.S.A. alone.

Then out for supper. In a former boat house, we had lovely seafood pasta suppers.  Meal was slow but well worth the wait. Off to Paris tomorrow – may not get a blog published for a few days – time and Internet availability will tell.

More to follow …

From Bude to Plymouth

Easy-paced morning – Gavins returned from an overnight Music Festival. Packed up our suitcases – had a late lunch of steak pasties and one last Cornish clotted Cream Tea a chez Gavin - such decadence. 

Finally got a picture of Ed with his mom, Sarah.

Travelled from Bude to Plymouth across the Cornish countryside. Phil gave us a quick tour of Plymouth and we had a short visit with Phil`s sister Joanne and husband Mick – treated to tea and biscuits. Sarah and Phil have been incredibly kind and gracious hosts – Cornish hospitality at its finest.

Checked into the Jury`s Inn that had a mysterious drop off behind the hotel. One of those ``Can`t get there from here`` situations. Roundabouts solve all problems in the UK. Looking forward to tramping around Plymouth tomorrow.

More to follow …

Taking it easy in Bude

We have finally had a down day. Although not all relaxation - laundry was on the agenda. Stayed around Phil & Sarah's most of the day. Ventured out for Fish an Chips for supper at Scrummies.

 Off to explore Bude and then along the Bude Canal Trail

Walked about 2 miles down the trail to a restaurant called the Weir. 

 

What a lovely evening walk.

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Beautiful Bude Gracious Gavins

  

What a day in Bude!  Again we were graced with a gorgeous day – 24C, sunny & light breezes. Coffee, a relaxing visit and then on with the day.  A scrumdelicious breakfast at ‘Scrummies’, followed by a breathtaking walk along the beaches and cliffs of Bude.

The hill climbing was richly rewarded with traditional Cornwall Creamy Teas at ‘the Rustic Tea Garden’. You have not lived until you have had tea, clotted Cornish cream, jam and scones on a lovely summer’s day in Bude.

Here we are with most of the Gavins (Phil, Sarah and the second photo with Beth) - Ed is away at a music festival - we will try to get a photo of him before we leave.

Phil & Sarah drove us up to a lookout … words like magnificent, stunning, awe-inspiring come to mind but they really don’t do the view justice.

Then our gracious hosts treated us to a 25^th Anniversary celebration dinner at ‘Life’s A Beach’ – wow - a mouth-watering experience from start to finish.











Then back to the house to visit with relatives and friends while we watched the opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics.  A day to remember.

More to follow …