Bilbies Banter

What a fitting finale to our time in Ireland. We had just 2 things on our list - we did them and didn’t add to them. First up, we did the Belfast Hop on-Hop off bus to orietate ourselves and to get a glimpse of what is here to see, even though we knew we didn’t have a chance to see any of them for a longer period of time. However, the ride took us right into the heart of The Troubles arena. As we had both grown up hearing about the conflict on our evening news services, it was good to see what remains of it, for ourselves. Included were some of the barriers, the high walls, the solid gates to both areas which were locked every night and reopened at 6 each morning, fhe peace walls and others aspects of this time. Our 2nd item for the day was to visit “Titanic Belfast”. It was very cleverly done, extremely interesting and informative. It took us through the start of the boom of manufacturing in Belfast, the growth of the ship building industry and was combined with the huge number of peo...

Once we had seen and walked on the Derry City Wall this morning, we headed towards Belfast but we had 2 more stops along the road before arriving at tonight’s digs. Stop 1 was the Carrickfergusg Castle on the western side of Belfast. We both agreed it was one of the best old castles we’ve seen for a long, long time; and it was brought to life by the static displays and information boards throughout the castle. The castle has guarded the entrance to Belfast since 1177. In 1210 King John successfully ordered a siege of the castle and took control of it. Besieged by Scots, Irish, English and French, the castle has seen action right up until the end of WWII. Our 2nd stop was Grey Abbey and true to form for us, it is located east of Belfast - thank goodness for ring roads that skirt our cities.  Grey Abbey was built in 1193 and was in use as a parish church until it was burnt in 1572. It lay in ruin until Hugh Montgomery, a Scot, rebuilt it in 1605 and was again used as the parish churc...

After dining with Dot last night, she urged us to find some time this morning to go into the city of Derry and walk some of the Wall. Derry is a walled city. En route we took a wrong turn and all of a sudden our satnav went crazy - would you believe that we had crossed back into the Republic of Ireland! Like! We didn’t even know the border was so close to Derry, coz we had entered Northern Ireland (NI) from a different direction last time. But the satnav went back into kms, etc until we did the u-turn and crossed back into NI. However, this time there was a Welcome to Northern Ireland sign with the word Northern scribbled out - so the sign said Welcome to Ireland. From this mishap, we made our way to the city not really knowing where we were going but Providence was on our side and we drove straight into a park, right next to a set of stairs leading to the walkway of the wall. So up we went. It was fascinating and as we looked at the various things to see we discovered that the church ...

Another full day for us here in Northern Ireland.  We had a full To-Do list and we achieved it all except for 1 (coz it was closed) which we can do en route to Belfast tomorrow. #1 on our list was to visit the ruins of Dunluce Castle, on the north coast. It was a grand place in its day. It was built right on the coastline but tragically part of it collapsed into the North Channel (which connects to the Atlantic Ocean), and taking many lives with it. The Castle was built in the 1200s by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard de Burgh, on the site of an earlier fort dating back to the time of the Vikings. The former grandeur of the Castle is evident even today. #2 was the Giants Causeway which was spectacular in its size and is spread over a reasonable piece of real estate. In parts it is unbelievably high. Of course lots of younger bodies than ours clambered to the top of some of the pillars to get their photos taken and 20-30 years ago we would have been there right with them! Today’s pho...

It’s been yet another interesting day for us as we travelled from northern Eire (or the Republic of Ireland) to Northern Ireland, UK. We’ve gone from Euros back to GB Pounds. What we found interesting is that there is absolutely no indication of crossing the border - there’s not even a dotted line drawn on the road. The first we knew that we had crossed was our satnav - it suddenly went from kms to miles for both distances and our speedo; and it happened in the middle of a town! I thought it had gone crazy until we realised what had just occurred. Funnily enough Immigration stamped our passports as having arrived in Ireland but they haven’t been stamped as we left - and our flight from Belfast to Edinburgh in a few days time is an internal one, so it would seem that we’re still in the Republic!!! Ah! Well!! Hopefully, it’s not our problem. Just as we were first in line yesterday to get on the ferry, so were we first in line after the travelcade of tractors had passed us. Today was the ...

Another “what a day!” sort of day!!!  We totally misread what was on offer for us and got the combination of timing and destination completely out of whack!!! The day started with trying to find the Tourist Information Office and had we actually asked for directions we would have saved ourselves a lot of confusion and time. Our satnav kept telling us to walk but we wanted to drive there to save time… What we hadn’t understood was that the Office was the back neighbour of our hotel, where we had been staying for 2 nights!!! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♂️ And the nearest car park was exactly where we had been parking for our overnight  stays 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♀️ And so now armed with a single map which provided all and more of our information, we set off, heading north. The friendly Tourist Officer suggested we take the ferry across the waterway instead of the long drive around. It sounded like good advice at the time … But we missed the ferry by just 5 minutes and so any time saved disappeared like smo...

Today we did the “Ring of Kerry”, a circular trip from Killarney back to Killarney, passing stunning coastal views and returning inland past lakes, rivers and just as stunning landscapes. It was spectacular and we encourage anyone visiting Southern Ireland to do it. It can take as little as 2.5 hours or as much time as you have available - we spent 6 hours but could easily have spent another 3-4 hours - sadly, we didn’t have the extra time up our sleeve. Tomorrow, we start heading north, towards the Border but at a slower pace than our trip to the south was.” Watch this space…

This evening we are in Killarney, ready for some rubber-necking tomorrow. Norm found us a great pub, complete with Irish singing from 9pm (it’s nearly 8.15pm atm). We had a fabulous tea but went shares - eating after about 7.30pm isn’t always a good idea for me!!! We drove through some beautiful scenery and some gorgeous villages to get here and even though it started to rain after about 3.30pm it didn’t spoil our views or the delight in being here.

Well!!! What a day!!! We had heaps of places to visit and see on our combined wish list here in Dublin and managed a couple of them, a result we are pleased enough with, given the circumstances. We lost some time hanging around for buses but at the end of the day, that’s part and parcel of the life of a tourist. We bought ourselves a Hop-on:Hop-off bus ticket and did one and a half circuits of the loop, as there were places of interest to get off and explore. We managed a tour of Teelings Whiskey Distillery which was fun, informative and interesting. Today’s photo is of the whiskey tasting at Teelings Distillery in Dublin. And we made it to The Temple Bar. In all, our feet are almost worn out with all the walking we did but it was a great day.

What a day!!! But Bluey saved it for us! What a hero is our Bluey. But read on… We left Norm’s cousin’s home at 9.15am for Exeter’s International Airport (which is in the same building as internal flights within the UK actually); and arrived at Dublin Airport at 1.40pm. Half an hour later, we were through Immigration and Customs. And at this point the fun began… Firstly we had to find out from where the bus to Swords left and after asking 3 different people and walking hither and thither, we finally were at the correct bus stop.  Enter Bluey… A small girl was standing at the bus stop, with her parents, wearing a Bluey coat. I introduced myself and asked if I could take a photo of her (without her face showing). Her parents agreed and of course we got to chatting. Then Norm wondered if the buses would accept credit cards as payment for the bus. No, they don’t! It’s cash or a prepaid ticket. Ah! We don’t have either of these. As Norm was about to go back inside the Terminal to get so...

It’s Easter Monday and in the UK, it’s also Bank Holiday, which means other than essential services like tourist destinations, everything is shut. Norm’s family are having an Easter Egg Hunt and all in all, there will be 24 of us here for lunch. And I believe there are 125 eggs to be found!!! Sadly though, the weather is not ideal as rain is forecast throughout the day. No matter though! Everyone will have lots of fun and there will be a ton of food for everyone to hop into. At day’s end, we’ve had a lovely day, complete with the Easter egg hunt and I’m pleased to report that all 125 eggs were found.

Our Easter Sunday started by attending church with Norm Tucker’s  cousins, followed by a scrumptious roast lunch with 11 of us.  After lunch everyone swapped Easter gifts with one another which predominantly consisted of chocolate eggs of varying sizes but not in all cases! The afternoon, being somewhat wet outside, saw us sharing time with one another chatting, enjoying a cuppa and/or taking snoozes in the lounge room. All in all it has been a lovely day just being with family.

Todays destinations were Fiddington and Bawdrip, both in Somerset. Fiddington is where Norm’s cousins keep their caravan on a seasonal pitch. The Park provides amazing facilities including swimming pools, cafes, bars and entertainment venues. Bawdrip is a quaint village which is so small it doesn’t even have its own shop - and it has a single circular road which accommodates every home. However, it does have an old Norman church dating back to the 13th century. Like the village, the church too is quaint and perfectly proportioned. The reason we called in is because my g.g.grandparents lived there and it was from there they emigrated to South Australia in 1857. If you recall the story of the horseshoe, a short while ago, then these are the same people (#13). Today’s photo is of the Parish Church In Bawdrip (as if you didn’t know that by now🤦‍♀️).

Martin took us to Kent’s Cave today which was a perfect outing for the cold and wet day that it was. We all found it really interesting, made especially so by the Tour Guide who engaged most of his group and especially the children.

Today we visited Dartmoor which is near to where we are staying. There are so many walks within the Moor, as well as several challenges (like climbing Hay Tor); and small shops, an church and a popular pub.

Another sunny day as we bid Norm’s mother’s family farewell. We are now with his father’s family in Torquay and are looking forward to spending time with them.

At last we’ve struck some wet weather - it had to happen, didn’t it! This morning we visited the Sidmouth Museum which we all found very interesting. Some famous people have either been born, died or visted this small fishing village, including royalty. Queen Victoria, as a baby, was visiting Sidmouth with her parents, when her father, the Duke of Kent, died here. Among other famous people who lived in Sidmouth was the original Miss Moneypenny from 007 fame, who retired here. Her real name was Kathleen Pettigrew OBE and she lived in Sidmouth for 30 years. This afternoon Norm and Judith spent hours poring over old family photos, letters, postcards and memorabilia passed down from her mother and their grandmother. Many going back to WWI. In the mix they discovered their Grandsd’s pet name for their Gran had been ‘Dolly Dimps’, so they both tried to remember if she had dimples!!! We all had such a rich time together sharing aspects of life in England v life in Australia and getting deeper...

Today’s photo says it all - when in Devon one simply must have a Devonshire Cream Tea - and so we did! We started today looking at the outdoor photography exhibition where a photographer captured the people of Sidmouth in extraordinary locations but consistent with their interest groups. This is one of the photos showing the group who are involved in the WHAT group (wellbeing, health action team) looking after youth mental health awareness - one of whom is Norm’s cousin. Other groups include the life boats, life guards, the schools, the photography group, care homes and the quilting group just to name a few. Sidmouth is famous for its folk festival which has been held in the town for the last 70 years. 20 years ago a statue was given to the community of The Fidler, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the festival. Each year’s memorabilia since then of the folk festival includes the Fidler, in one form or another and apparently EVERYONE has to have their photo taken next to him! We a...

Today, being Palm Sunday, we attended church with one of Norm’s cousins before another time together with all his cousins in this part of Devon. Later in the day we relocated to cousin Judith’s home for our next 3 nights. The cousins were concerned that we would be upset being passed from pillar to post but we reassured them that we have been delighted to have been able to spend quality time with each of them. We are thrilled and delighted with the arrangements they offered us; coz how wonderful is it to share breakfasts together! This evening the 3 of us walked along the Sidmouth promenade before enjoying a drink in one of the foreshore cafes. It’s been a fun-filled day with heaps of laughs, a few tears and more laughs and all along, lots of chat ter and bantering . Today’s photo is of the moon rising over Sidmouth waters.

We’ve had a wonderful day with Norm’s cousin Alison - a combination of visiting nearby Killerton House, mainly to see the 1920s fashion exhibition and then enjoying one another’s company just sitting and chatting, in between cups of tea. The 1920s fashion exhibition showed quite a range of attires, some were classics, some we liked a lot; some not so much! I was particularly drawn to the pink one above, it just rang a bell in my head as being stylish and I could instantly see myself in it. Alison and I loved critiquing each one on this or that aspect.

For several years Norm has wanted to buy himself a Devon tartan scarf - ever since we discovered there was such a thing! And yesterday his dream and wish became a reality. His cousins, Pam and Alison, drove us to Coldharbour Mill where said purchase was made. We then enjoyed a pleasant afternoon during which time we were transferred from Pam’s place to Alison’s - we’re here for 2 nights before a transfer to our 3rd abode here in East Devon - at Judith’s home. The 3 girls and their families lead busy lives and they worked out the who, when and where’s between them and then asked if we would be happy with their suggestions - we were delighted as it gives us one-on-one time with each of them! Last night all 3 girls and Bob and of course us, enjoyed a fabulous night at an Indian restaurant. What made it even better was the lengthy interaction, which was most welcome, with the Mine Host - she was a character and a half! At night’s end a couple of them received the bill and worked out how mu...

Today we had a day out with Norm’s first cousin Pam and her husband Bob; and we did a “Round Robin” trip from Paignton to Totnes to Dartmouth to Kings Weir to Paignton and each leg was on a different form of transport. It was a lovely fun day and yet again we were spoilt with the weather. We travelled from Paignton in an open top bus to Totnes, then from Totnes in a large ferry down the River Dart to Dartmouth. From there we had to cross the River Dart to Kings Weir by a small ferry to the railway station where we caught a steam train back to Paignton. It was a great day out! Today’s photo was taken at the station at Kings Weir, which is the train station for Dartmouth but across the River Dart. En route we also discovered a statue commemorating the life of William John Wills - the other half of the explorers Burke and Wills. WJ Wills was born in Totnes, here in Devon. The weather man put on yet another glorious day for us with blue skies all around - although the wind was a bit nippy!...

  We’ve had a very interesting day with a classic “Griffin” moment thrown in for good measure. We left Stow-on-the-Wold early (for us), as we wanted to call in to see Castle Combe en route to Crowcombe. And so himself entered it into the satnav and off we set. Well!!! We hardly got the car warm when we spotted the nearby village of Naunton, which looked so beautiful that we just had to turn off and have a look. We were not disappointed. And then off we went again towards our destination. After driving for about 90 minutes we arrived at our next destination but oh! No! This doesn’t look right!!! Norm had input Castle Coombe instead of Castle Combe into the satnav and guess what! They are 2 totally different places in different Counties and neither of them are a castle!!!! Anyway, he looked at the time and reckoned we could still make it, so he input the correct spelling and off we set. An hour later we finally arrived at our destination and it was truly worth the backtrack. After en...

Photo shows a simple yet elegant home in Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds, which we visited today. Did you notice the wood piled up either side of the front porch? A funny thing about this home is the sign that hangs on their front door “Oh! No! Not you again!” What a welcome!!! It’s a funny name to the uninitiated - but according to Mr Google the word slaughter actually means a muddy patch, in old English. I also went digging about the name Cotswold which in old English means: Cots = sheep; and Wold = a high flat area = a perfect place for keeping sheep! Today we went for a drive around the Cotswolds visiting villages as above (Lower Slaughter), Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, each place was quaint in its own right and well worth the visit. Tomorrow we head to Somerset before driving down to Devon on the following day, to catch up with Norm’s cousins. We’ll be in Devon for about 2 weeks. I think our time there will be hanging out with the family, drinking lots of cups of tea!

Photo of Norm, my 2nd cousin Sue and I sharing an evening together near Swindon. However, earlier in the day we had been out and about. It started out with a shuffle of rooms (at our request). Then we visited several villages including Snowshill, Stanton, a Roman Villa at Chedworth and Bibury. The shuffle of rooms came about coz I was really struggling with climbing two and a half sets of stairs going to our room and I asked for a ground floor room instead - they had been fully booked over the weekend but many had moved on (or gone home) by yesterday morning. Anyway, they agreed and in addition, they moved our stuff for us, which was a huge blessing, and relief, to us. The other highlight of the day for me was visiting the Roman Villa. It dates back to 43AD but was only rediscovered in the 1860s and excavation and restoration has been going on since then. It really is an amazing site and sight!

Last night Norm and I shared a meal with my 2nd cousin and her husband. But it wasn’t just sharing a meal which was important - it was also  to ha nd over a horseshoe our g.g.grandfather had made back in the late 1800s. He was a blacksmith (and farrier) in a country SA town after emigrating from Somerset in 1857 with his new bride. Norm and I visited his blacksmith’s ‘shop’ in Auburn many years ago and were given a horseshoe with the promise of more to follow, when the current owner of his shop cleaned the backyard up of decades of piled high rubbish, old building materials, rocks and other accumulated junk but alas that never eventuated. I promised Sue at the time I would bring her the horseshoe if we ever returned to the UK. Last night that promise was fulfilled. By the way, when we visited Auburn, his forge was still there, along with all his tools of trade.  When he retired, his ‘shop’ became a showroom for early automobiles but the ring to which the horses would be tied s...

Norm and I in between 2 Yew trees which were planted either side of a porch at the church in Stow-on-the-Wold about 300 years ago. The trees have now become one with the structure of the building. Today was a rest day for us, so we wandered around the town of Stow and sat in several public squares and green areas and simply watched life happening around us. We also had a drink in what is believed to be the oldest pub in England, which dates its history back to the 10th century. It was built by a Cornish Saxon Duke for pilgrims of the day.  It is understood that these trees and the door were the inspiration for Tolkien’s Doors of Durin that guard the western entrance to the Mines of Moria.

It’s been a pleasant drive from Chester but we both had to keep our wits about us the whole way - a reasonable amount of traffic; and cars, trucks and lorries all knowing where they’re going and then there was us, bumbling from one screen shot on the navigator to the next and hoping we’re in the correct lane before we need to be! And in spite of all that, we made it without incident. Our lodgings for a few nights is in the village square so we’re front and centre for all the action. We came via a 40-minute drive back into Wales which was a pleasant surprise for us.  We’re both loving our car and will be sorry to part with it in Exeter, when the time comes. It’s perfect for our needs. But alas! A car is a car, is a car - at the end of the day it’s got 4 wheels and gets us from A to B. We’re both keeping well and getting fitter by the day!  There’s not a lot to offer on travel days other than to let you know, we’re at Stow-on-the-Wold. Today’s pic is of himself enjoying a beer a...

We had a great day driving around North Wales to Conwy. We walked on part of the wall which surrounds the town and while visited the Castle, I enjoyed a Welsh Cream Tea. We felt the amount of stairs, ramps and unevenness under foot might have been too much of a challenge for me - and after Norm returned, he agreed it would have been, so I made the right decision. We had only paid for a 2-hour car park! After Conwy, we drove further across the sea front before heading into the barrenness of Snowdonia, sort of en route back to Chester. All in all it was a superb day and not as taxing as yesterday was. It makes it so much better these days with satellite maps onboard, we have to agree! Weather wise, we are continuing to enjoy sun-filled days with temperatures in the high teens. Did I say we were upgraded from a Ford Focus to a Citroen SUV, in a burnt orange! Are we lucky, or what🤗🤗🤗

Today we walked our shoes off and saw most of the things that Chester is famous for including: Chester Cathedral  St John’s Church  Roman Wall Roman Amphitheater  River Dee The photo is of Norm against the width of the Wall. And a heap of places in between. We will sleep well tonight.

Photo of The Old Customs House, Chester. We collected our hire car around lunchtime and immediately set off for Chester, our destination for the next 3 nights. We ordered a Ford Focus and finished with a Citroen SUV - burnt orange! We arrived just after 4o’clock to a very modern accommodation which with which we are delighted - AND it’s on the ground floor 🤗 The pub, as shown, is local to where we are staying and so on Night 1, we thought we’d just walk down the street a way and be easy on ourselves.