Brittany Christmas Markets, 7 December 2025

Brixton, London

So we are home.  We got up fairly sharpish this morning, and headed to Auchan, where I did a Last Shop in France, and then headed over to the Eurotunnel terminal, where we were pleased to be offered a crossing half an hour earlier than booked.  But we nearly lost it, as we were sent to go through that horrible machine where you have to get out while they send your vehicle through the machine while you stand outside and it makes a horrible noise!  However, we just made the crossing by the skin of our teeth, and got back to the UK about 11:30 local time

And it was not only raining, but foggy with it - the most appalling weather!  But we were able to drive safely and with no hold-ups  we stopped at Clackett Lane to eat our lunch, and got to No 6 by about 14:30.  By the time it was all redd up, it was about 17:00, and we got home just before 19:00.  The weather, fortunately, has improved, although it was very windy when we arrived in London.

So that's it for the WoMo for the next few months.  We will be sleeping in it over Christmas, but after that, apart from much-needed servicing, it will be garage up until March.  We will have other adventures, though - watch this space.

Meanwhile, since I have taken no photos today, here is a picture of the back of the sweater.  I started it while waiting for the WoMo to be ready for us to leave on this holiday, and finished it this afternoon.  It will now go into hibernation while I knit a matinee jacket for my newest great-nephew to wear at his baptism in January. 

Brittany Christmas Markets, 6 December 2025

Blériot-Plage, Calais, France

We discovered that La Rivière-Saint-Sauveur had a Christmas market today, literally just behind our motor home! 

It didn't open until 10, so before that we went for a walk round the Parc de la Morelle, which we always enjoy.  It is neither as nice, nor as far, as the lakes at Cesson-Sevigné, but still enjoyable, none the less.  After that, the Swan Whisperer had a quick coffee, and then we popped next door to enjoy the festive atmosphere - which wasn't, very, as it was still very early!  There were several stalls outside, including one selling local apple products - cider, apple vinegar, various jellies, calvados and pommeau.  There might have been some spending going on, as the prices were incredibly reasonable, given the event.  There were more stalls inside the hall, although these were more of the handicrafts variety, and we didn't buy anything there, although I was rather tempted by a felt waistcoat.... 

Outside, we chatted to some human and canine representatives of Aquadogs Normandie; these are huge Newfoundland dogs who go into the water to rescue people in distress, wearing a distinctive harness with grab handles. 

 

Then it was time to go, and we headed on, trying to believe the Satnav that it knew best which was the quickest way.  We had a very enjoyable drive, actually, much of it not on the motorway, although we were on it a bit, and stopped at the Aire de la Baie de Somme for lunch.  We didn't go into the building, but to the part of the car park set aside for motorhome picnics.  The SW had a quick leg-stretch, and then it was on and on again until we finally reached the aire here in Calais.  

The Blériot-Plage Christmas Market is on this weekend, but it is a good 30 minutes' walk away, and it was raining, so we decided that one small market was enough.  However, after a cup of tea, we did set out again in the WoMo to drive round Calais and enjoy its Christmas lights.  And now back to the aire for the final night of our holiday.

Brittany Christmas Markets, 5 December 2025

La-Riviere-Saint-Sauveur, 5 December 2025

How is it Friday already?  This week has gone so fast, and tomorrow is our last full day!

This morning, the Swan Whisperer went and bought croissants and a baguette for our breakfasts, and after it he went for a short walk round the town. I, for some reason, fell asleep!

We weren't quite sure what we wanted to do today, but eventually decided to go to Camembert and see if we could buy some artisanal cheese from a dairy there. Then we would see, but probably end up in Falaise, as I needed to shop and we needed to buy gas.  As it happened, we drove past a supermarket where we could do both those two things not very long after we had set off, so we went straight to Camembert - only to find that the dairy had closed for the weekend at 12:30, and wasn't going to open again until Tuesday morning!  Bummer! Oh well.  So we ate our lunch in its car park, and then decided to drive at least as far as here - La Riviere-Saint-Sauveur - today, and then see whether we wanted to add an extra hour's drive to where I had originally intended for us to spend the night.  We decided we would rather stay here - there is a nice walk to go on in the morning, although it will be a very long drive from just south of Le Havre to Calais, and it would be nice to visit the Christmas Market in Blériot-Plage if there is time.  At that, there is one here this weekend, not at all far from the Camping-Car park, so maybe we could do that instead?  We'll see.

Meanwhile, I haven't taken any photographs today, supermarkets not being very photogenic affairs, but here is a photo of my eye drops bottle - as tonight is the VERY LAST drop to put in.  This journey started on 29 August - well, before that really, when I was first referred to Tommy's - and now, 5 December, it is finally OVER!  And I can see really well, especially when wearing my glasses, but I can also see well enough to read in bed without them, if I want to!

Brittany Christmas Markets, 4 December 2025

Condé-sur-Vire, Normandy, France

We are headed north again now, and, rather disappointingly, ended up going back up the same motorway we came down. We should have asked the Satnav to find us a different route.  However, that was later.

The Swan Whisperer went for a run this morning, and after breakfast, I went for a walk round the lakes - it is supposed to be 3k, but my smartwatch only registered 2.2k.  I think it is a bit slow! 

Anyway, I made sure of getting my heart rate up by playing martial music on my phone to walk to, which really does make such a difference - I am not good at walking fast without some sort of help!   And yes, I went the whole of the red route!

Our first port of call was supposed to be the local Carrefour, but we couldn't find anywhere to park, so while the SW was getting diesel, I decided to programme the Satnav to our destination for this evening, and added in a supermarket while we were at it.  We decided not to go to the aire I'd originally thought of, but to a Camping-Car Park in a nearby town, as that would have electricity and services, and the one I had chosen may well have locked its services out of use for the winter.  And we were really rather low on water, not having been able to get any yesterday.  The SW has topped up the tank with the 11 litre watering-can we keep for just such emergencies, and we will do a proper "vidanges" in the morning.

It had been a lovely sunny morning, but just as we got to the outskirts of Condé-sur-Vire, the heavens opened and there was a serious rainstorm, and it has rained on and off ever since.  We arrived here in time for a late lunch, and it really wasn't worth going much further today.   The SW did do a short leg-stretch in the rain, but I have stayed in the WoMo all afternoon!

Brittany Christmas Markets, 3 December 2025

Cesson-Sevigné, near Rennes, France

Very tired today, for some reason, so have done nothing except reading and knitting. We were unable to get water this morning as it appears to have been cut off due to road works outside the winery, but we think we have enough to do us. 

It was not a long drive today, so we decided to go via Châteaubriant, where there is a beautiful castle 

 The Swan Whisperer walked round it, and after lunch we drove up here, where we have been several times before, and he went for a hike. Tomorrow I shall walk round the lake here, such a lovely walk!

We have just had our Advent Bible Study, which was good, and are now about to have our final cup of tea! 

Brittany Christmas Markets, 2 December 2025

Vertou, near Nantes, France

After the storm, it was sort of a lovely morning, so after breakfast we went on another walk around Port-Louis, this time going along by the sea and the river, and then back through the town, by which time it was raining again! Today has definitely been sunshine and showers, either clear blue sky or else pouring with rain, but very little in between! 

After coffee, we used the services and headed off, stopping at an Intermarché to shop. The Swan Whisperer suggested we could go via Carnac, as it wasn't too far out of our way, so we did, and had our lunch parked up by one of the fields of menhirs, which you have to pay to actually go in, but can see from outside (just as well, really, when you come to think about it, otherwise you would get gangs of youths with cans of spray paint!). 

After lunch, we drove on to this place, which is a wine growers not far from Nantes. It is France Passion, but as well as parking, you get services and electricity in exchange for a wine tasting. A very copious wine tasting, I should add! Both of us are a tad light-headed now. Anyway, we have bought two bottles of a very nice, very dry white wine, a 5l box of rosé and two 3l boxes of grape juice, also very nice! The latter will be donated to the Church Christmas party on the 13th. There were several other kinds of red, white and rosé, including sparkling, but this were our favourites. 

Brittany Christmas Markets, 1 December 2025

Port-Louis, Brittany

There was nobody about at the cactus farm this morning, either, so we softly and silently vanished away once we had had breakfast (boiled eggs this morning) and cleared up. As it is 1 December, I broke out my Christmas socks for the first time this year. 

Our first port of call was going to be an Intermarché, but the Lidl was nearer, so I went there - no real coupons, like they have in the UK, but plenty of offers if you had the app. They also do on-line shopping, as they do in Germany, but that hasn't made it to the UK as yet. 

However, the Swan Whisperer needed milk, and Lidl in France only sells UHT, which is fine for yoghurt, but he won't touch it in his tea or coffee. So we did go to the Intermarché, and I finally found my favourite black pepper Boursin, which I have been looking for ever since I got to France. Also some Kouign Amann, which is kind of the local equivalent of lardy cake, and very good it is, too! 

We then set off towards Port-Louis, stopping for an early, and light, lunch as the SW felt rather sleepy. When we got here, we had real trouble finding the aire, but finally found the local campsite, which has now been taken over by Camping-Car Park's ever-expanding empire. It is actually next door to the CCP we had been meaning to go to, but it's fine. The only difference is that it isn't hard-standing, and as it is rather wet, the SW is worried that we will stick.... I don't expect we will. 

We had a cup of tea, and some more kouign amann, and then set off for a walk round the town, which was rather wet and extremely windy! I don't think there is a named storm going on, but it is nearly as windy as if there were! So we didn't stay out all that long, as although it was exhilarating, it was very tiring to walk against it! So back to the WoMo and snugged in for the night! I am making a sort of chicken curry/casserole for our supper, and then there will be fruit and maybe a tub of café liégeoise for pudding. 

Brittany Christmas Markets, 30 November

Guipavas, Brittany, France

It has been lovely and sunny all day. We had a leisurely morning, and at about 10:30 we used the services and set off to the local P&R, which was really nice, and positively welcomed motorhome! You took a ticket to enter, and this also entitled you to 24 hours' free travel on local buses in Saint-Malo. The bus timetable was easily available on-line, and we had about 20 minutes, so the Swan Whisperer had a quick cup of coffee, and we arrived at the bus stop just as the bus did. 

The bus terminus at the other end of the line was just by the Old Town and the Christmas markets, and we spent a lovely morning walking around both. We explored the Old Town first, which is sort of within a walled fortress, and then walked back down to the harbour where the Christmas Market was. By then it was pretty much lunchtime, so we treated ourselves to a galette and mulled cider from a stall, and very good it was, too. Not quite as good as the one we had in Caen two days ago, but not bad! 

When we had finished eating, it was nearly time for the next bus back to the P&R, so we caught that, and ate ice-cream for our pudding before we used the services and set off to drive here, which is near Brest. It is a France Passion place, but there was nobody around, so we have parked up and will introduce ourselves in the morning. They grow cacti, of all things, and I gather one can have a guided tour of the greenhouses. We shall see. 

There has just been a sharp shower of rain, and I am not sure what the forecast for the next few days is. I hope we will have as much sunshine as we did today, which was really lovely, and not too cold, considering we had both forgotten to put on our hats! Photos on Facebook, as usual. 

Brittany Christmas Markets, 29 November

Les Ilots, St-Malo, Brittany

There was a huge band of rain crossing Northern France and Southern England this morning - I gather it scuppered our usual tai chi class in the park, and it certainly made our morning rather unpleasant.  First we couldn't get out of the Camping-Car park, but when I entered the code the person on the phone gave me, the barrier suddenly stopped sulking and worked, although the person behind was obviously still having trouble by the time we had used the services (outside the barrier) and were ready to leave.  When we had arrived the previous day, the barrier had been completely broken off, probably by someone who had got fed up of it, but by the time we got back from our visit to the town, someone had put it back.

Our first port of call was a local supermarket, where I did some shopping and the Swan Whisperer tried to get gas, but they didn't have the kind we used; however, we called in at an Intermarché in Villedieu-les-Poeles en route and were able to get some there.  We had to wait, though, as the kiosk was closed until 14:00, so we had some lunch while we waited, and then there was no problem except for the rain!

We asked the Satnav to take us on a more scenic route to Les Ilots, despite the rain, and it was very pleasant driving along the coast, although rather slow, as it was village after village, so 50 kph, with random blasts of 30 kph, all the way.  However, we eventually arrived at this motorhome park, which is not a Camping-Car park, although about the same price and with the same amenities.  There is, however, a staffed reception, which is nice.  And the band of rain had passed over, so I am hoping that tomorrow's weather will be better.  The forecast is for it to be colder, though.

The original plan was to have been to get a bus to Saint-Malo to their Christmas Market, but when push came to shove, I felt really tired and slightly unwell, so the Swan Whisperer went for a long walk - and took some lovely photos, two of which are reproduced below - while I knitted and then rested on the bed while he got our usual Saturday sausages and mash!

Brittany Christmas Markets, 28 November 2025

Caen, Normandy, France

We didn't hurry all that much this morning, but nevertheless were away by 10:00.  We drove down to Caen via the motorway, and were interested - or startled, perhaps, is the more appropriate term - to discover that the A13 now has what they call "free-flowing" tolls; in other words, they have removed the toll booths, and just pick up ANPR; you have 72 hours then to pay your toll, although if you have a Liber-T pass, as we do, that is also picked up so the tolls are already paid.  At least, we hope so.  I don't know how well this will work in practice, but it is certainly a great time-saver.

We arrived in Caen shortly before 13:00, after a hideously wet drive,

and decided to lunch out.  Google Maps showed us there was a creperie about 10 minutes; walk away, and we went there.  The Swan Whisperer had the day's special - I forget what it was - but I was intrigued to see that they had what they called "Galettes burgers" all named after the D-Day beaches, so of course I had to get the Gold one, didn't I, since my father landed on Gold Beach a few days after D-Day in 1944!  It was delicious, but far too much - two fried eggs, a burger, and various bits underneath - I think onions, cheese and tomato, and bacon, too.  And a bowl of lettuce. 

I ate half of my helping, and the Swan Whisperer demolished the rest of it, although I did leave some salad.  We had cider to drink.  And very good it was, too, but we only wanted coffee after that.  The waiter was so nice, and told me all about his English friend who had driven one of the barges across the Channel, as I'd mentioned that the Gold was because of Daddy.

By this time, the rain was away, and, indeed, the sun came out. We caught a bus into Caen - memo to self: do try to find out how the buses work and how you buy tickets before you try to catch one.  Fortunately the driver was very patient and showed us what to do.  Basically you get issued a card on which he or she programmes the number of tickets you want, and then you validate them on a machine.  So coming back we got new tickets loaded on to the same card, which must be a great saving of paper!

Anyway, we got off the bus in the centre of Caen, and had a lovely walk round the centre; we didn't get as far as the Cathedral, but we saw the Eglise Saint-Jean, and wondered how badly it had been damaged in the war.  Sadly, although there were posters explainng the damage and the reconstruction, they were in a side chapel, which was full of people praying a rosary, so we couldn't go in to look.  

After that, we walked on to the Place de la République, where the Christmas Market was busy setting up; it doesn't open until tomorrow, but some stalls were selling things already, although most weren't.  We agreed it was rather nice to wander around without feeling obliged to buy something, even if only mulled wine!  

We then headed on further towards the Castle, wandering down at least one lovely alley en route; I was beginning to flag by then, so we didn't go up to the Castle itself, but walked round it until we found the bus stop that would take us back to the campsite.  After a much-needed cup of tea, the SW decided he would go out for another walk, picking up bread for supper on his way back, and I knitted for a bit, and then did part of the tai chi form before settling down to write this!  More photos on Facebook, as usual.

Brittany Christmas Markets, 26-27 November 2025

La Mesnière-en-Bray, Normandy

Our annual visit to various Christmas markets (probably only 2 this trip) actually began yesterday.  Wonderfully, with a text from the opticians saying my new glasses were ready - since I had cataracts and other impedimenta to my vision removed, I have been managing without glasses, but the operations did not correct my astigmatism, so I still need them most of the time, especially for computer work, which was being very difficult.  So that was delightful, and I rushed up to get them, and then to the second half of my bi-weekly tai chi class, while the Swan Whisperer loaded the car and came down to meet me.  We headed straight to Sussex, stopping at Tesco's in Sutton to buy a sandwich lunch, and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening with my mother and sister, except for an  hour spent participating in the first Advent Bible Study on Zoom.

We slept in the motor home and were up long before dawn; we showered in the house, and then slipped away to start our journey; it must have been about 07:00 when we left.  First stop was Clackett Lane Services, where we cooked breakfast, and then a straight run to the Channel Tunnel, where we got a crossing 30 minutes earlier than scheduled.  It felt odd not having unpacking or bedmaking to do during the crossing, but I did various anti-senility puzzles and was actually surprised when we came out into daylight again.

Next stop was Cité Europe, where I did a quick shop in Carrefour while the SW got diesel, and then we had lunch.  We then discovered that our beloved coffee grinder had broken, in that  the charging socket seems to have died.  So we will have to get another one when we return to the UK; meanwhile I dashed back into Carrefour to get some ground coffee instead.  

We had planned to spend the night at Neufchatel-en-Bray, but when we got there, we found that the motorhome parking was closed for the winter, which neither of us had realised it was going to be.  However, the SW remembered that we had recently stayed here, at Mesnière-en-Bray, only a few minutes' drive away.  The only problem is that it doesn't have electricity, but we can manage without, especially as we now have a new leisure battery!

I don't seem to have taken any photos today, so here is one of me yesterday with my new specs.

The Richmond Draw-Off, 13 November 2025

 IanVisits recently posted an interesting article about the Richmond Draw-Off, so we decided that, as we hadn't been out together for ages, we would go and have a look.  Low tide this evening was scheduled to be around 16:45, which is, of course, nearly dark, but not yet outdoors dark.  We thought we might try to get there about 16:00, so left here about 15:15; we took a 35 to Clapham Junction and then a slow train out to Richmond - this may have been a slight mistake; we might have been better to  have waited a few minutes for the express.  Anyway, we got to Richmond eventually.  I should have got my phone out to take a picture of Richmond Station, which has been restored, and, indeed of a M&S that is still selling clothes - I didn't think they did any more; all the ones round here have been turned into upmarket supermarkets, indistinguishable from Waitrose or Sainsbury's.

Anyway, we walked down to the river, but I don't think  IanVisit's timetable was quite accurate, as the tide was already beginning to come in.  But it was much lower than usual, and the slipways all went down to mud.  We walked along a bit, but it was getting dark, so we decided, just for fun, to take a 190 bus to West Brompton - which took ages, but we knew it would.  I did take a very bad photo of Richmond Station, as the bus went past.  It went over Chiswick Bridge, and eventually along Lillie Road.  I would have quite liked to have turned off to see the house where I lived when I first came to London, over 50 years ago, but somehow we didn't.  We didn't have long to wait for a Mildmay line to Clapham Junction.  When we got there, the rain had started.  A 35 bus took us home, via En Root, where we bought a takeaway but - disaster - it was so wet that the carrier bag disintegrated and most of our supper landed on the pavement!  The Swan Whisperer very kindly went back for more, but it was a sad ending to a pleasant afternoon!

October Break, 12 October 2025

 Home.

I had set the alarm for 06:00 this morning, and we got straight up, showered, dressed, and had a quick cup of tea; we were away before 7:00!  We did stop at a services to have breakfast - and as said services had a McDonald's, we enjoyed one of their delicious breakfasts!  I had a sausage and egg McMuffin, and the Swan Whisperer had a bacon and egg one.

The drive turned into a bit of a nightmare, though, as we think we turned where we ought not, as we got confused by road works, and this added 30 minutes to our journey.  And then it didn't want us to go on the M27, probably because there was a huge tailback on it, but instead of sensibly taking us on the A272 and down through Lavant and Goodwood, the way I used to go to school, it took us on all sorts of tiny roads, and then on to the A27 before Chichester, all those dreadful roundabouts!  We ended up not getting to No 6 until just after noon.

We did quite a lot of the sorting out and then had lunch with my mother and sister, and the latter's partner, and then after lunch my older nephew and his family turned up, including the latest addition, 12-day-old Rowan!  It was lovely to see them, and to meet Rowan as well as the two older boys, who we have, of course, seen occasionally.  

Then it was time to go - we wanted to get back in daylight, or at least get the first part of the journey done.  And nearly 2 hours later we were home, and had to unload the car and unpack, and then get the first loads of washing on.... 

October break, 11 October 2025

Heightington, Shropshire

The Swan Whisperer went for a short run this morning before breakfast, along the Lancaster canal! After breakfast, we both went down to explore a bit, and saw varies narrow boats,

as well as trains on the WCML in the background, one of which must have been a special, although I don't seem to have any photos of it. 

We had a fairly long drive down today, and went a rather more scenic route via Chester and Shrewsbury, which meant we didn't have to negotiate the Birmingham system. We arrived at the Swan Whisperer's brother-in-law's place about 15:30, and had a cup of tea with him and his son who popped in later. Then we all drove down to our niece's place, where we are parked up for the night. Their local church had its Harvest Festival service this evening, so we went to that with them and then back to theirs for a meal, which was lovely. And so to bed, as we have a very early start in the morning! 

October break, 10 October 2025

Claughton-on-Brock, Preston, Lancashire

We had to start heading south this morning, but before we did so, we the Swan Whisperer went for a walk around the area. It was low tide, so not very beautiful, but I still took a couple of photos! 

It was about 11:00 when we set off, as we had to use the services before we could go anywhere. But once the grey was empty, the water full, and the loo empty, we set off. 

Our first port of call was Tesco's in Dumfries, which we first went to many years ago when we were at a skating competition there and then took a couple of days' break afterwards. I hope I won't need to shop again until we get home, although we might have to get milk. Once I had shopped, we had lunch, and then set off on the long, dreary route down the A75 and M6. I slept a lot of the way - I haven't been knitting lately because of my eyesight, although I probably could again now, and I can't read in a moving car, so there's nothing much else to do. 

We arrived here at this very nice Certificated Location (tiny campsite on someone's farm) at about 5:00. The owner was very friendly and welcoming, and showed us where things were, and made change for the EHU, which only takes coins. The SW went out for a walk to discover the Lancaster canal and the nearby railway line - I hope to do so in the morning, but we have another long drive, and are meeting family, so mustn't be too long. Also, we have to be away by 11:00.

October break, 9 October 2025

Gairlieston, Dumfries & and Galloway

This morning after breakfast I stewed up the plums and cooking apples I'd bought the other day - quite delicious, even if I do say so myself! We didn't set off until just before 11:00, only narrowly missing having to pay a late fee! But we didn't have far to go, and wanted to make a bit of a day of it. 

First port of call was a small Morrissons where I bought some stuff for lunch and some flowers for our hostess this evening. Then we headed south to the Irish sea, passing Ailsa Craig,

until we got to Cairnryan, where we had hoped to stop for lunch. However, the picnic area we had planned to stop at boringly had height restrictions, so that was a bust. I suppose they don't want lorries taking up the car park, fair enough, but they might think of us poor motorhome! So we headed a little further south, and on the outskirts of Stranraer found a nice place to park up just outside a static caravan park, and had lunch there.

It was not much further to drive until we got to our campsite, about 20 minutes south of Wigtown, where we parked up and had a cup of tea before heading out again back to Wigtown to visit the Swan Whisperer's sister's widower's brother's widow, who is a dear friend.

One of her daughters (she has 9 children; 5 boys and at least 4 girls, although one of the girls died as a teenager, and 19 grandchildren ranging in age from 30 to 10 months old. No great-grandchildren as yet, though!) was there, and cooked us a delicious roast chicken with vegetables and mashed potatoes. One of her sons called in later on and it was good to see him, too. We had a very happy few hours with them, and then headed back down to the campsite for the night. After a very wet morning, it is a lovely evening, and the moon is just past full! 

October break, 8 October 2025

Kilkerran, Maybole, Scotland

First thing, the Swan Whisperer went for a run round the lake in Strathclyde Country Park, which I don't think was either as long or as enjoyable as he had hoped.

We had arranged to call on his sister-in-law this morning, if she felt well enough (she is never in very good health, but has good and bad days). She said she would love to see us, so after doing some shopping at Tesco's, we called on her and spent a most agreeable hour with her.

When she had had enough of us, we came away and had lunch in the WoMo, before heading over here to this very pretty campsite in Ayrshire. It calls itself "The Walled Garden", and that is just what it is. For some reason I was very, very sleepy, and slept most of the way to it, and then again while watching a video! I just hope I get a decent night's sleep tonight - I haven't slept very well for several nights, which might explain why I've been so sleepy today. 

The SW went on an explore, but it seems his phone is dying - it is an old one of mine which is why I replaced it, but it has served its purpose since he got his stolen some months ago. It runs out of battery almost before it is unplugged. And I packed two chargers for his smartwatch, but none for my own, which is now resembling a brick and will do so until I get it home! I'm still wearing it, though, as my wrist would feel very odd without. 

I haven't taken any photos today, so here is one I took in Peebles yesterday:

October break, 7 October 2025

Strathclyde Country Park, Glasgow

We had arranged to meet our friend J at the John Buchan museum in Peebles this morning, so we had no need to hurry.  The SW went for a run, and came back very out of breath - I should have sent him out to cool down properly, but was about to go into the shower, so didn't. 

It was a pleasant walk along Peebles High Street to the museum, which was very interesting.  John Buchan, as you probably know, was the author of adventure stories like "The Thirty-Nine Steps", "Prester John" and many more.  He was also a diplomat, and ended up being ennobled - he took the title Baron Tweedsmuir - and made Governor-General of Canada.  Unlike most Governors-General, he really wanted to know what life was like in the country, and to try to unite the disparate peoples - First Nations, English-speaking settlers and French-speaking ones.  Sadly, a lot of his recommendations were ignored by the then government - his role being purely advisory - but he appears to have been much respected by the First Nations.  His sister, Anna, who wrote under the name O Douglas (many of her novels being set in a fictionalised Peebles called Priorsford), is also commemorated.

After we had seen the museum, we crossed the road to the Eastgate Theatre, where we had lunch in the café - our friend is a trustee of the theatre and has been very involved in it.  It was a delicious lunch - I had a jacket potato with bacon, brie and cranberry, and the other two also had jacket potatoes with bacon and other things.  Then we walked back to the motor home along the Tweed, which was also a glorious walk, except that it began to rain.  We said goodbye to our friend, who took a short-cut across the cemetery to where she was going, and headed off on the relatively short drive to the Strathclyde Country Park and the campsite here.  Which is all right, and we have a pleasant pitch near the sanitaires, with EHU and everything.  The Satnav, for some reason, took us off the motorway (only a very short bit of the drive was motorway - most of it was lovely country roads) and literally all round the houses to get to the campsite!  We do not know why.  

Plus the fridge has taken to randomly beeping whenever it gets very wet outside - we think it is affected by condensation, but have no idea how to deal with it.  It did it the first full day, and then stopped, but started up again now.  We have had the heating on, which may have settled it.  

October break, 6 October 2025

Peebles, Scotland

I slept extremely badly, as my glasses have been rubbing my nose and made the whole thing hurt - not just while they rub.  And it was hurting badly enough to keep waking me up in the night. Which basically meant I really didn't want to get up this morning!  The Swan Whisperer went for a walk after breakfast, and we set off around 10:30, I think.  First port of call was a nearby Lidl, where I did a shopping, and then we headed up towards Scotland.  We stopped at a petrol station to get diesel, commenting on how very much cheaper it is up here - £1.39 per litre as opposed to £1.48 or thereabouts further south (you can get it for £1.44, but you have to shop around). On our way to the main road, we went past the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, where I stayed for the NCC AGM a few weeks ago!

Our first stopping point was Jedburgh, where there was a lovely free car park, so we had lunch and then walked across the bridge to visit Jedburgh Abbey, which was definitely worth the visit, although we both got rather chilled as it was exposed and windy!  We very much enjoyed seeing it, though.  

And then it was time to head on to Peebles, driving along the river Tweed.  There were anglers, and I saw at least one manipulating their landing-net, so I hope it was a good-sized trout or even salmon!  I have never fished the Tweed, but it looked a lovely place to fish.

We are parked up for the night outside a cemetery in Peebles, prior to meeting a friend for lunch tomorrow and visiting the John Buchan museum with her.  Looking forward to it!  It's our last night of "wild camping"; we are mostly in official campsites or CLs now until the last night, when we are staying with relations.  The Swan Whisperer has gone for a walk, and I'm vaguely wondering what to do with the salmon pieces I bought for supper - rice or pasta?  We shall see.....

October break, 5 October

Backworth Miners' Welfare, Backworth, Newcastle.

The Swan Whisperer went for a short run this morning before breakfast, which was our usual Sunday poached egg with leftover baked beans. Then we got redd up - emptying the loo, filling the clean water and finally emptying the grey, which, at that campsite, is the last thing you do after checking out. There was a sign suggesting one took photos:

so we did:

When we had finished fooling around (The SW said "You're cutting off your chin!", to which I replied: "Which one?"), we headed on.  As we had only a relatively short drive today, we decided to go via Scarborough, which made it a lovely drive.  We stopped there to listen to our church service - they have just installed a new camera, and the sound quality was infinitely better than it usually is, and one could hear what is going on.  It does want tweaking, but the SW and the guy who has helped set it up can do that when we get back.   After Scarborough, and with a very quick stop for me to buy tomatoes and cucumber, which I had forgotten yesterday, we had a truly lovely drive over the North Yorkshire moors, stopping in a lay by not far from Fylingdales to have lunch and to mourn the burnt heather in the area.  Eventually, of course,  our route took us back to the main roads and the Tyne Tunnel, which I slept all the way through!   Then we arrived here in Backworth, where they have a dedicated motorhome aire including services (no grey emptying alas, but water and loo emptying), and the SW went for a walk and I did some tai chi (even ten minutes is enough to set  me up for the evening!), and now we are each engrossed in our own things.  Soon I will make a chicken casserole for supper, which should be good.  I hope!

October break, 4 October 2025

Ashfield Touring Caravan Park, York

A long and rather dull day's driving up the M11, A14 and A1(M).  We set off at about 10:00 and first port of call was a Tesco where I did a shopping - goodness, the prices are eye-watering compared to Lidl.  Sadly, the petrol station was closed, so our next port of call was another Tesco, where we did manage to get diesel.  Then it was on and on, stopping at Cambridge services to have lunch, and in a random lay-by for the SW to have coffee, and mentally waving at our various friends who live in Peterborough, Leeds and Donnington.

And then, when we got to the place where we had planned to spend the night, we were turned away.  I don't know why, as it has excellent reviews and is a proper campsite, but evidently not on Saturdays.  However, there was another campsite only a couple of miles away, so I rang them up and asked whether they had room for us, and they did.  Incredibly friendly people, and a really nice place to stay!  So we are comfortably settled here for the night. I was stiff and tired, and got out of the WoMo when we were parked up and did ten minutes' or so qi gong and tai chi, and that has made all the difference.  It is still very windy - the wind rather impacted our drive up and made driving difficult in some places when there weren't high hedges.  But now there is a lovely sunset!

October break, 3 October 2025

Coopersale, Epping, London

Normally, once the schools have gone back, we try to get away for two or three weeks on an early autumn holiday.  This year, for a variety of reasons, this hasn't been able to happen, and the Swan Whisperer's driving licence is still in the possession of the DVLA pending renewal, so we can't go abroad as you need to be able to show a physical driving licence on demand.  But then there was a week in the diary with nothing happening, so we decided to grab the week, and the two bracketing weekends, and take ourselves up to Scotland, seeing various friends and relations while we are there.

We didn't get away as early as we'd hoped this morning, but arrived at No 6 in time for lunch (soup made by me and bread and cheese and fruit crumble bought and/or made by my sister).  After lunch the SW transferred stuff to the WoMo, and I helped put it away, and then we set off.  This pub, the Garnon Bushes,  allows a motorhome to park up for free as long as you have a meal there, and I had bravely rung up and booked our place for this evening.  Only I had to ring them up again en route because the traffic was terrible and ask if our reservation could be put back a bit!  The drive took longer than it ought to have done, primarily due to congestion around the M2/M25 junction, and between it and the Dartford Crossing.  After that, it was a straight run up the M25, and part of the M11 before turning off.  One of the things I am not so fond of when we holiday in the UK is that there are so very few reasonable alternatives to the motorways. 

Anyway, we got here at last and are parked up in a corner of the pub's car park, nicely sheltered from the wind.  I'm as glad that Storm Amy will have got out of the way before we head much further north!  We ate in the pub; the food was okay, quite edible, but far too much of it.  I'm sure my plateful could have fed a family of four!

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 31 July 2025

 London

So we are home!  I was too tired to blog yesterday by the time we had got  home and unpacked everything, so am catching up now.

Getting up on the last morning is always a bit fraught, as you have to juggle getting breakfast over and done with and beginning to pack up.  I wanted to get as packed up as possible so that the Swan Whisperer would have free reign in the bedroom area once we were on the Shuttle, or in the waiting area.  Nevertheless, we were away shortly after 09:00, and delighted to be booked on to a shuttle an hour early.  We were not really kept in the holding pens for very long, and were back in the UK by 10:00 am, arriving at No 6 shortly after noon.

At which point we discovered that one of our folding crates was missing - we usually bring two crates which are filled with things like the coffee grinder, tins of sweetcorn, jams, herbs & spices, and so on.  We looked everywhere - the Swan Whisperer practically got everything out of the boot of the WoMo; we checked in the back of the car; we checked in the garage of no 6.  Nowhere.  And it wasn't until I was telling Mum about our misadventures with the laundry that I realised - it must have been left in the laundry room at the campsite!  Sure enough, the SW hadn't realised it was ours, and had transferred the damp washing in the carrier bags it had been in when it was dirty laundry!  And I hadn't known that....  oh well.  What a nuisance.  We do have a spare one, but I think it's not very reliable.  I'll get another if Lidl sells them again before we next go away, or I'm sure Amazon will oblige if not.  Looking at the prices on Amazon, I hope Lidl will be stocking them again soon!

After lunch - cold trout, new potatoes and salad, followed by strawberries and cream and lemon drizzle cake - the SW finished sorting out the WoMo to his satisfaction, and also sorting out a kitchen drawer in the kitchen of no 6, which had demised, and we were ready to leave about 15:15.  For the next few weeks, if we go to Sussex, we will go the old way via the A3 and A24, as the A217 (or is it A216) is very badly blocked with road-works, and I think Streatham Hill is going to be, too.  So we'll try to avoid them.

However, we got home at last and unpacked, and of course I can't find my travel pill-box!  Didn't really matter, as I do have spare Metformin (the only thing I  have to take at night), but a bore, nevertheless.  I have ordered a new pillbox, and what do you bet I find the old one as soon as it arrives? 

And now home for the foreseeable future - can't make too many plans (although I do have some ideas!) as I have to have an operation on my eye in two weeks, and it so depends on follow-up appointments, convalescence and if/when I can get the cataract on my other eye removed....  So no plans as yet.

I meant to take a photo of my mother's geraniums, but forgot, so here is one of my favourite photos from the holiday:

A dolphin leaping over Maurach!!!

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 30 July 2025

Blériot-Plage, Calais, Hauts-de-France

The last full day of our holiday started rather well, with a champagne tasting at Boulard Bouquaire, where we had spent the night.  We tasted a rosé, but decided that we have had nicer sparkling rosés, and eventually bought two bottles of a "blanc de blanc" 2019 called Mélanie, to celebrate the owner's mother, who - I didn't gather whether she had been then, or was today - 101 years old!  

After that, the Swan Whisperer had his coffee and we headed on.  We decided to go non-toll, as we had plenty of time.  Our route took us to Landrecies, where we have stopped several times before, either overnight or for lunch, but the aire was full, so we headed on and eventually stopped for lunch in a Carrefour car park near Valenciennes.  Not that I was that hungry - my insides told me rather firmly that tasting champagne at 10:00 am was a Bad Idea.

We drove on all afternoon, getting held up in a couple of places by road works - not too badly, but at one lot there was the added misery of a very heavy shower.  However, that passed, and the afternoon was sunny and warm.

We arrived at Cité Europe at about 16:00 and had a cup of tea before I went over and did a Last Shop in France, and then drove up here to the aire.  I had suggested we go to the park-n-ride, but the Swan Whisperer preferred the aire for security reasons. Plus we have electricity here, which is always nicer.  

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 29 July 2025

Cormicy, Grand-Est, France

Today has actually been pretty fine and warm, apart from a few spits and spots of rain, but mostly sunny.  Which makes a change.  The Swan Whisperer went for a walk before breakfast, coming back with croissants and a demi-baguette, and then said there was a 7 km walk that one could do in the woods.  He was obviously longing to do it, and why not?  So he went and did that and it was late morning by the time we had used the services and headed off, and by the time I had done some shopping at a local Carrefour - which had not, I think, had its full delivery of food, as there were quite a few empty spots on the shelves.  However, I did manage to get what I wanted, mainly milk and cream cheese, although they didn't have the Madame Loic we love, but I got an own-brand version of the same thing, which will do for now.

Most of our run today was on the A4, but we came off to join the D937 across country towards Reims, and so to this champagne  place, which is France Passion.  I believe they charge €10 for a tour and small tasting, which will be most enjoyable - except the SW won't be able to have more than a couple of sips as he is driving! There is a lovely view out of the windscreen,

and it is very quiet except for some doves cooing!  We were warmly welcomed by a large golden retriever, who I think is called Leo, and his owner greeted us warmly and told us we were welcome.  The SW went for a short walk before supper, which was fish with lemon-butter sauce, green beans and mashed potato (the latter, I regret to say, bought, as we are out of potatoes and the French don't seem able to sell them in small quantities!), followed by fruit salad (nectarine, strawberries and raspberries) with yoghurt and caramel sauce.  Lush!  I bought some gooseberries the other day, and the SW has been stewing them, so we'll be having those with our yoghurt tomorrow, which will be our last night in France.  

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 28 July 2025

St-Avold, Grand-Est, France

Once again it was not raining this morning - we have had rain today, but nothing like the past two days.  I went for a brief leg-stretch to look at the Rhine, and was delighted to see the most enormous barge laden with containers going downstream.

We were in no hurry this morning, and didn't set off until well past 10.  Our first port of call was a ReWe, where I did a Last Shop in Germany (yes, Mummy, I did get those coloured eggs we like!), wondering whether to get some of the delicious-looking white wine they were selling.  Much as it pains me to say this, I think Germany and Austria may do nicer white wine than France, but nobody can compare with Mas Alart's rosé!

We then set off on today's relatively short journey back to France, stopping for lunch only about 30 minutes short of our destination.  We are in a Camping-Car park - I did book, but need not have as we are the only people here.  Nothing wrong with the place, and it's half-way between Saarbrucken and Metz, so quite a useful stopping-place.  I have to admit that I slept most of the journey - I hadn't slept terribly well last night, what with traffic noise, and the noise of the rain on the roof.

The Swan Whisperer has been for his usual walk, and I dozed and read most of the afternoon.  I am now cooking supper of a huge vegetable stew with lardons, accompanied by green beans.  The stew/hash/whatever should do us twice.

NCC Pertisau holiday, 27 July 2025

Karlsruhe, Germany

It was a bit dreich this morning, but the Swan Whisperer attempted a run anyway - not a success as he got a twinge in whatever body part it is he gets twinges in, and had to come back.  However, it wasn't raining, so after breakfast I went for a short walk, enjoying the geese by the lake.

We set off fairly soon after breakfast, as the SW wanted to get here (Karlsruhe) ASAP in case the aire was full.  When we started, we should have arrived by about 12:30, but there was hold-up after hold-up on the motorway, especially past Pforzheim where they are rebuilding it, and it was about 14:00 before we arrived.  We had stopped briefly for the SW to make and gulp down a cup of coffee, but that was all.  The weather didn't help - although the sun came out at times, there were also a great many heavy showers, too!

When we got here, we found there were still a couple of spaces in the aire, so that was all right.  As it's Sunday, no shops are open or anything, so I have spent the afternoon reading and answering emails and so on, and the SW has gone out for a long walk and got wet!  This device is running out of battery, so must stop.

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 26 July

Somewhere in Germany

I'm not quite sure where we are tonight - I think it may be somewhere called Kissing, which seems unlikely.

We had hoped to go for a last boat trip this morning, and then back to the campsite by bus, but it was raining so hard that we would have been soaked, so we decided, regretfully, that this was not going to work. So we used the services and headed off in the pouring rain down to Jenbach (well, it had to be raining there, didn't it!) and so up the Inn valley to Kufstein, where we stopped for the SW to have coffee and me to visit an Austrian Lidl, which I don't think I've done before. There was also a Bipa and a KIk in the same complex, both of which I visited, and and look how restrained I was:

Had any of those large balls been navy or even a brighter blue, I couldn't have resisted, but I resist I did!

And so we headed on in the rain up wet motorways and wet side-roads, finding a parking-space on a side road to stop and eat lunch, including this patisserie from Lidl:

But when we got to our planned stopping-place in Augsburg, it was full. I am sad, as there is a very nice Norma and an off-licence just a short walk away. Oh well. The Swan Whisperer found this place which is basically a huge, empty car park - I think there may be another WoMo here, but the lines are separated by hedges, so I can't see it. No services, no nothing, and precious little signal!

The SW went for a walk round the lake which this is the car-park for, and I fell fast asleep! I hope I sleep tonight, and I hope - probably vainly - that the rain will go away. I can't believe that a week ago I was in shorts and a light top - now it's jeans and a sweatshirt! Maybe the weather will improve as we get further north. I hope so. 

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 25 July

Maurach-am-Achensee, Tirol

Today was the last full day of the official holiday, although several people have already left.  The vast majority are leaving tomorrow, though, as, indeed, are we, although we won't be home for a few more days.

The "official" excursion was up the Rofanseilbahn, the cable car on this side of the Achensee, but after seeing the one in Mayrhofen yesterday I was a bit put off, and, frankly, bottled it!  I had planned to go to the Atoll, but when I got there, they told me they didn't accept the Erlebniskarte, which I find a bit odd, since they issue it!  So I came away and spent a quiet morning in the WoMo.  I did go up to Reception to pay our campsite fees and order rolls for tomorrow - you are supposed to pay the day before you leave.  The Swan Whisperer had gone up the Rofanseilbahn, and had walked, with some of the others, to a nearby (not very) village, where they had coffee.  He was kind enough to do some shopping for me in Maurach before catching the bus back for a very late lunch - I didn't wait!

After lunch we decided to go on the boat again, so picked up the 15:10 service from Buchau and went all round the lake and back to Buchau, joined by some of the others for various parts of the journey.  If there is time in the morning, we might just venture one last trip across to Pertisau and the bus back, but there may not be time.

It has been a lovely week with old and new friends, and lots of different excursions in the area and beyond!  

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 24 July 2025

Maurach-am-Achensee, Tirol.

We were up very early this morning.  We were going to have to catch the 09:10 to Jenbach if we were to make the steam train to Mayrhofen, today's official excursion.  However, given how packed out the bus had been on Monday, we decided we would get the bus an hour earlier, then change to the Pertisau-bound bus and stay on it to Jenbach.  This would have worked better had the driver not been a complete jobsworth who insisted we disembark and wait in the rain for him to come round again.  Which we did, although there was some shelter under the edge of the Boathouse.  Why we couldn't have waited at the terminus of Karwendelbahn, I will never know.  However, the bus wasn't too crowded when Herr Jobsworth finally brought it back round, yelling at people who weren't showing their tickets, and goodness knows what all else....

Of course, it was raining in Jenbach - I am quite convinced that if it ever stopped raining there, the town would vanish!  I've never seen it in anything other than rain!  We had almost an hour to wait for the train, which was profitably spent drinking coffee in the little café and reminding ourselves of the trip to Mayrhofen that the girls took in "Princess of the Chalet School".  Meanwhile, our tickets were obtained for us and in due course we clambered into our reserved coach at the very back of the steam train.  The wooden carriage was very beautiful, but I had a severe case of chapelbottom by the time we arrived!

We enjoyed a walk round Mayrhofen, stopping to have a not very nice lunch (at least, mine wasn't - the SW swears his was delicious!) in a random café, and then an utterly delicious ice-cream (actually a sorbet in my case) further along the road.  We then walked back to the station in good time for the 14:49.  The journey, in greater comfort than that of the outward leg, cost 1/3 as much, but then, it wasn't steam-hauled!  Back at Jenbach, the heavens promptly opened and there was a massive thunderstorm.  The kind driver - not Herr Jobsworth this time - let us all get on the bus as soon as it arrived, even though it would not be setting off for another few minutes. The bus was soon fuller than it could comfortably hold, but we got to Maurach all right, at which time it turned into the Achenkirch bus, so we had no need to change, and got back to the campsite.  The SW is having a nap and snoring very loudly - if it wasn't for the fact that I must get supper in half an hour, I'd follow his example.

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 23 July

Maurach-am-Achensee, Tirol

The planned excursion for today was a trip up the Gramaialm, in a tractor-trailor outfit called the Huttopia Express, and, while some - a majority, I think - planned to walk back, many of us chose to ride on a vintage coach called the Nostalgiebus.

We had to catch the 09:10 bus to get to Pertisau on time, which meant we were about an hour too early, but there was a coffee-shop so we sat there and the SW and the other Chaletian who is staying in Maurach both had coffee - I had only fairly recently finished my breakfast coffee, and didn't want anything.  Eventually the others turned up - two of our number had hired electric bikes to go up to that and a couple of other alms!  We were asked to buy our tickets in the sports shop rather than from the driver, which was a huge bonus as it meant we could pay by card rather than having to fork out cash.  

It was a slightly dull ride up to the alm, as we couldn't really see out of the trailer. I was in the back trailer, which the driver had recommended those of us who were "less sporty" use - the SW, needless to say, went in the front trailer, which was rather higher.  When we arrived, many people decided to go on the 20-minute hike to see a waterfall; I didn't go, but sat and drank apple juice with some friends, and took a variety of photos.  There was a helicopter which, we discovered, was pulling up a dead cow from a field, and I later saw it being carried on a forklift or similar in front of a tractor into the farmyard. 

Our crowd gradually returned from their various walks, and we had lunch at the restaurant at the top of the alm; the SW and I both chose the Tirolean "Grostli", which was a mixture of onions, bacon and fried potatoes topped with a fried egg, with cabbage salad on the side.  And very good it was, too, even though I couldn't finish half of my potatoes. We washed it down with beer.   

The bus was due to leave at 13:30, and the walkers were going to wait until it had safely gone before they set off.  I enjoyed the bus far more than the trailer - I sat near the front and we could see out of the front windows, although I didn't take any photos.  The bus dropped us near the Karwendelbahn, and I eventually got a bus from there back to Maurach.  I'd meant to go for a swim, but sadly, my insides decided to confirm my suspicion that they really can't cope with pickled cabbage any more.... Grrr!  So I just flopped and read most of the afternoon.  Either that or too many restaurant meals in too few days.... And another one tomorrow at Mayrhofen.

NCC Pertisau holiday, 22 July 2025

Maurach-am-Achensee, 22 July 2205

Today was, for me, a rest day.  Many people were going into Innsbruck, but the Swan Whisperer wanted to do one of his favourite walks, from Achenkirch back down to Pertisau, and I knew I was tired and needed to rest.  Which was justified by the fact that I slept incredibly badly - even with a rug over my duvet (the summer-weight 4.5 tog one) I was cold, and I had cramp.  Which I hope wasn't caused by the wine I'd drunk, as I've just drunk another glass of the same brew, and it was delicious!

So, anyway, I also needed to do a week's worth of washing, but when I went over to do it, the machine was occupied, and it was about 11:00 before I could get the first load on.  Washed that okay, and then put the second load on, but the dryer was in use.  And the man who was using it said crossly that it wasn't drying his clothes at all.  When the Swan Whisperer went to get some more euro coins for us to use it, he was told it was out of order!!! Wouldn't you have thought they would have put a notice on it saying so???

The SW, who is good at that sort of thing, fished out our washing-line and the poor WoMo has been festooned with damp washing ever since! It is beginning to dry, and I'm pretty sure most of it will be dry by morning, but it is annoying not having been able to dry it as tumble-drying does seem to mean we don't need to iron so much, if at all! And no, we are not installing one in our flat - an iron takes up less room and is less damaging to the environment!

I had half thought of going for a swim at the Atoll this afternoon, but when push came to shove I really wasn't feeling it, so spent the afternoon reading and dozing.  I hope I'll sleep tonight - I'll use the heavier rug, I think, and it may not be so chilly.  I don't want to put on the heavier, 10.5 tog, duvet as the lighter one has really been all we've needed during the earlier part of the holiday

.Anyway, the washing festooning the place meant I really couldn't cook without a great deal of inconvenience, so we went to the campsite's restaurant and had a delicious meal - I had beef with onions and rosemary potatoes,

which were utterly delicious, and the SW had Käsespätzle, which also looked lovely, and which came with a small salad that he shared with me.  I had been tempted to choose the same, but knew I wouldn't be able to finish the plateful - as it was, I only just finished my own!  

NCC Pertisau holiday, 21 July 2025

Maurach-am-Achensee, Tirol

The weather took a turn for the worse, but we are not made of sugar, so a considerable number of us boarded the bus to Jenbach - Robert and I were actually quite lucky to get on at Maurach; we squeezed on and spent the journey on the driver's platform - nice of him to let us.

One of these days, I'll see Jenbach in the sunshine, but today was not that day.  Some people went up to the church; others, more sensibly, went and sat in the local café opposite the station. I did try to go to the church, but it was very wet, and very steep, so eventually I gave up and went back to join the sensible ones with a very nice cup of coffee.

Eventually everybody turned up and we foregathered at the station to take the Achenseebahn up to Seespitz.

We had a reserved carriage, and made the most of the journey. The first part is a rack-and-pinion railway, which is fun, but not very scenic as it is mostly in woodland. At Eben, however, the plateau begins and the engine stops pushing the train but runs round to the front to start pulling it the rest of the way, via Maurach and Maurach Mitte to Seespitz.

The boats meet the train, so we all piled off and found our reserved tables on the boat, where we were served coffee and apfelstrudel with squirty cream. Delicious, especially as the apfelstrudel was not too sweet.

The boat took us round the lake, to Gaisalm, Achenkirch and Scholastica, before calling at Gaisalm again on the way back to Pertisau, after which the formal part of the day was at an end. Some people got off, but many stayed on - we went as far as Seespitz where we then caught the train as far as Maurach Mitte to do some shopping before getting the bus back up to our campsite, where we had a couple of hours to relax before the Centenary Gala Dinner.

This was held at one of the big hotels in Pertisau, and was extremely good.  We started with pancake strips in consommé, followed by raviolis with a herb filling.  There was a choice of main courses - we had made our choices earlier.  I had lake trout with new potatoes and almonds, and the Swan Whisperer had spare ribs with potato wedges and coleslaw.  The other choices were wiener schnitzel, which may have been delicious but which smelt of hot fat, and which came with chips, and, for the vegetarians, some kind of spinach dumpling. Pudding was Kaiserschmarrn (chopped up pancakes with, in this case, a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and the most delicious stewed plums).  I had white wine, and the SW had red.  The hotel had printed commemorative menus for us,

and there were speeches, and a presentation to the person who had done 99.9% of the organising - incredibly efficiently! 

We shared a taxi back with someone else who is staying in Maurach, and went straight to bed!

NCC Pertisau Holiday, 20 July 2025

Maurach-am-Achensee, Tirol

The thunderstorm passed, but the rain continued far into the night.  And this morning dawned cool and cloudy - no weather for eating breakfast outside.  When we had had it, we went up to the Achensee Atoll and  were able to convert our visitor passes into holiday cards.  We then came back to the WoMo and the Swan Whisperer had a cup of coffee before we decided to test out our cards by taking the boat across the lake to meet the others, which we did successfully. By which time the sun was out, and has remained so all day! 

A walk round the village followed, with sites of interest to Club members pointed out, and we ended up at the Karwendelbahn, which is a cable-car up the local mountain.  At the top there is a restaurant, or you can walk about half an hour to another one. (resstaurant, not cable car) which some of the party chose to do.  I firmly stayed local, and the Swan Whisperer and I, with some others, had lunch; he and I both had soup, his washed down with beer and mine with Apérol Spritz.  Then he left to go up tp the other mountain, and I stayed down looking at the glorious views over the lake. 

I then went down to use the loo, but when I came back, I wanted to go back to the viewpoint, but didn't see the rather high step (which should really have had a yellow stripe on it), and tripped and fell.  Fortunately my phone wasn't damaged, and nor was I, really, bar a bad scrape on one leg and generally being  shaken up! Someone had a first-aid kit with them and helped mop me up and sprayed me with antiseptic cream, and I sat and drank coffee with others of the party before the Swan Whisperer came back down to escort me down the mountain!

Several of us went into the hotel and had drinks while waiting for it to be 16:00, at which time I had promised to lead a short service, which I duly did.  The hotel was great and let us use a quiet corner, and there were 13 of us gathered - some churches I preach at, I don't have as large a congregation!

After that, the Swan Whisperer and I pottered back through the village, past both the Protestant and Catholic churches, and ended up at the boat landing.  Sadly, the first boat wasn't going to Buchau, so we wandered to the bus stop and found that the next bus left ten minutes before the next boat!  So we decided to catch it, as the SW's phone was almost out of battery and he was trying to clear up some muddle back home.  It turned out to be one of the few buses where you don't have to change, and it dropped us off at the Atoll in good time.  He is now hotting up the hash we had for supper the other night, and I am relaxing and wishing my shin didn't hurt quite so much!