Arrived at Portsmouth slightly ahead of schedule and parted our separate ways. As usual English Friday traffic prevailed as Gerry Rafferty once sang "clowns to my left..jokers to the right... stuck in the middle with you" very appropriate.
Anyway we are now as far north as Crewe with the final leg to complete tomorrow. Looking forward to home comforts and giving Karen a pat on the back for being a smarty pants :-) If Niall is reading this, hope your keeping dry!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Where is Pirate Prue
After having imbibed too much the night before the team were sluggish to rise the next day. After the usual high quality breakfast the bikes departed at different times according to blood alcohol levels. Team A (John the rotational guide) went via various coastal beaches but his GPS took him into a field chased by a tractor with only 15 minutes to get to the ferry! Team B went west to St Vincente then fast back to Santander although as usual his GPS let him down (it needs binned!). Team C (The JAFFAs) went exploring along the coast. Amazingly we all turned up at the RV at the ferry then roasted in the sun as they boarded us last rather than first. Delayed departure from Santander due to “technical” issues but eventually underway. The team was a bit sluggish about rehydration but eventually recovered. Prue and Joce jibbered jabbered until 0030 whilst the rest had an early night.
Looks like this is the final set of comments from the ship. A party of 20 kids have just marched through trying to find pirate Pete I'm sure John could stand in if he got an ear pierced!
As always a great time has been had by all with too much of life's good things being consumed, just the long trip back north endure hopefully arriving at Portsmouth on schedule..
Looks like this is the final set of comments from the ship. A party of 20 kids have just marched through trying to find pirate Pete I'm sure John could stand in if he got an ear pierced!
As always a great time has been had by all with too much of life's good things being consumed, just the long trip back north endure hopefully arriving at Portsmouth on schedule..
The Squid and the Gin
Wednesday morning in the Picos dawned grey with low cloud over the hills. As we prepared to leave it started to lift and turned into a warm, sunny day. We each took different routes towards Santilla del Mar which is near the north coast in the Santander area. Wildlife was evident everywhere. Morna and Ross were held up by a belligerent bull in the road. John and Prue were ambushed by a couple of wolves!! Mark and Joce met some mountain goats (serves then right for going up mountains). There are birds of prey all over the place.
Our arrival at Santilla was reminiscent of Santiago, as once more the tourists were scattered by the big yellow beemer on the slippery cobbles. We rolled up at the door of the Parador, dead centre of the historic area of the town. This is a well preserved 15th century town but commercialised for tourists. John, the Rotational Guide ,gave 3 separate tours of the town.
Prue and Morna checked out the local cider (yuck) however they were the lucky ones! Those that decided on the squid cooked in its own ink sluiced down with some local bucketfuls of gin tended to suffer from various ailments the next day, however we finished the night in fairly disreputable fashion. The question is can Prue ever get enough tapas?
Our arrival at Santilla was reminiscent of Santiago, as once more the tourists were scattered by the big yellow beemer on the slippery cobbles. We rolled up at the door of the Parador, dead centre of the historic area of the town. This is a well preserved 15th century town but commercialised for tourists. John, the Rotational Guide ,gave 3 separate tours of the town.
Prue and Morna checked out the local cider (yuck) however they were the lucky ones! Those that decided on the squid cooked in its own ink sluiced down with some local bucketfuls of gin tended to suffer from various ailments the next day, however we finished the night in fairly disreputable fashion. The question is can Prue ever get enough tapas?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Eee its wet oop north
Looking out the window in Leon wasn't the best sight ever... Heavy cloud, lots of water but.. the good news was we slept through the thunderstorm!
As always when we finally got under way satnav woman had been bad with the drink again and took us round Leon twice down the oddly named Antibiotic Avenue before grudgingly pointing us back towards the Picos.
The weather remained rather threatening as we headed towards Cervera de Pisuerga, however it looked a little brighter when we arrived. 5 headed off for a trip around the nearby lakes while Morna had a little rest!!! She was disturbed by a very heavy downpour and the bikers gradually reappeared in various stages of sogginess.
Dinner was taken in the Parador as it is remote from the town and alternative restaurants were not an option. We are ready now for the final day of exploring in the north before heading for the ferry in Santander.
As always when we finally got under way satnav woman had been bad with the drink again and took us round Leon twice down the oddly named Antibiotic Avenue before grudgingly pointing us back towards the Picos.
The weather remained rather threatening as we headed towards Cervera de Pisuerga, however it looked a little brighter when we arrived. 5 headed off for a trip around the nearby lakes while Morna had a little rest!!! She was disturbed by a very heavy downpour and the bikers gradually reappeared in various stages of sogginess.
Dinner was taken in the Parador as it is remote from the town and alternative restaurants were not an option. We are ready now for the final day of exploring in the north before heading for the ferry in Santander.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Kings of Leon
A good bit cooler today with some cloud hanging about, temperatures dipped to 28!
Back in Leon and caught up with the new team members Mark and Joce.
Tomorrow takes us into the Picos area again... Aguilar de Campoos, I will report back
Back in Leon and caught up with the new team members Mark and Joce.
Tomorrow takes us into the Picos area again... Aguilar de Campoos, I will report back
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tax dodge Baxter!!
This is my little space to write in again. There is apparently a Portuguese manhunt for someone who ran through the tolls without paying (accidentally)! Hope to cross the border tomorrow without being arrested! Today we motored from Lamego to Braganca via scenic routes of around 100 miles. Boiling hot but good scenery - Portuguese drivers are a challenge - nearly as bad as Kiwi drivers.
The inland Portuguese scenery is very arid but well populated. We passed a major forest fire which the locals seemed very laid back about putting out - several houses are at risk! We out-ran the fire to arrive in Braganca staying tonite in a Pousada (Portuguese equivalent of a Spanish Parador). Morna the Pants put her very brief and fetching bikini on and had a swim whilst Ross the FLWC had his usual kip. Prue and John stormed the city taking in the 15th century architecture. Tonite we had a massive meal at a local restaurant helped down by copious local wine. The evening airs are incredible - around 25-30 degrees - ideal for imbibing beer (but not the local Portuguese beer which is garbage). Portuguese locals are very friendly and we will be sorry to leave this fine country (and Port) to marry up with Mark and Joce tomorrow in Leon. Salud!
The inland Portuguese scenery is very arid but well populated. We passed a major forest fire which the locals seemed very laid back about putting out - several houses are at risk! We out-ran the fire to arrive in Braganca staying tonite in a Pousada (Portuguese equivalent of a Spanish Parador). Morna the Pants put her very brief and fetching bikini on and had a swim whilst Ross the FLWC had his usual kip. Prue and John stormed the city taking in the 15th century architecture. Tonite we had a massive meal at a local restaurant helped down by copious local wine. The evening airs are incredible - around 25-30 degrees - ideal for imbibing beer (but not the local Portuguese beer which is garbage). Portuguese locals are very friendly and we will be sorry to leave this fine country (and Port) to marry up with Mark and Joce tomorrow in Leon. Salud!
Porto-Cambres and lunch in a bus stop!
(We had no internet access yesterday)
To start composing the blog today, I am sitting under some trees in a vineyard near Cambres in deepest Portugal. It is hot, hot but there’s a breeze keeping me just right. I was assured we only had a short trip to do today, although John had planned in “the best biking road in Portugal.” Finding the location of the hotel which Ross had found on the Internet last night took quite a while this morning and used most of the Ibis Wifi capacity.
With the satnavs successfully programmed, we headed out of Porto. Portuguese drivers are maniacs, by the way. As we progressed it seemed that for every right turn John’s satnav requested, Ross’s requested a left. This resulted in much confusion, muttering and U turns. Lunch was taken in a broken down bus shelter with no seat, very salubrious.
The afternoon became hotter and we became separated. Ross and Morna failed to find the Wine House Hotel and were sent on several goose chases by the locals. Satnav woman tried to send us down a 1:2 gradient dirt track. Eventually a knight in shining armour appeared to lead us to the hotel. St James? No, John.
Prue has since told me that she had wondrous moment on the road to Cambres when she saw stars in front of her leading the way. (I think she and John had a clash of helmets.) Anyway we believe this could be a sign that St James himself, of Santiago fame, (or Jimmy the Crisp as he his known to his friends) will lead us now by the stars. To command full pilgrimage status we will require some relics. The remains of the satnav after it has been pulverised in a ditch could be suitable.
The scenery through the Douro valley was really spectacular with the road rising and falling through endless hairpin bends. The Douro river ran beneath us all the way and the steep hillsides had layers of terracing for the vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees.
And so what of our randomly selected accommodation? Could this be another Motor Stop Helder moment? Oh no! We are staying in a small hotel in a vineyard. It has been recently refurbished and is ultra modern but very tasteful (including the headless monk). It really is 5 star stuff and includes a nice young man, called Paul to carry your biker bags. We had the most fabulous meal and finished the day feeling very contented.
To start composing the blog today, I am sitting under some trees in a vineyard near Cambres in deepest Portugal. It is hot, hot but there’s a breeze keeping me just right. I was assured we only had a short trip to do today, although John had planned in “the best biking road in Portugal.” Finding the location of the hotel which Ross had found on the Internet last night took quite a while this morning and used most of the Ibis Wifi capacity.
With the satnavs successfully programmed, we headed out of Porto. Portuguese drivers are maniacs, by the way. As we progressed it seemed that for every right turn John’s satnav requested, Ross’s requested a left. This resulted in much confusion, muttering and U turns. Lunch was taken in a broken down bus shelter with no seat, very salubrious.
The afternoon became hotter and we became separated. Ross and Morna failed to find the Wine House Hotel and were sent on several goose chases by the locals. Satnav woman tried to send us down a 1:2 gradient dirt track. Eventually a knight in shining armour appeared to lead us to the hotel. St James? No, John.
Prue has since told me that she had wondrous moment on the road to Cambres when she saw stars in front of her leading the way. (I think she and John had a clash of helmets.) Anyway we believe this could be a sign that St James himself, of Santiago fame, (or Jimmy the Crisp as he his known to his friends) will lead us now by the stars. To command full pilgrimage status we will require some relics. The remains of the satnav after it has been pulverised in a ditch could be suitable.
The scenery through the Douro valley was really spectacular with the road rising and falling through endless hairpin bends. The Douro river ran beneath us all the way and the steep hillsides had layers of terracing for the vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees.
And so what of our randomly selected accommodation? Could this be another Motor Stop Helder moment? Oh no! We are staying in a small hotel in a vineyard. It has been recently refurbished and is ultra modern but very tasteful (including the headless monk). It really is 5 star stuff and includes a nice young man, called Paul to carry your biker bags. We had the most fabulous meal and finished the day feeling very contented.
Friday, July 29, 2011
El rotorno del Ibis quatro
Well,today started with a lovely run down the Atlantic coast with some great scenery and spindrift blowing across the road. Hopefully the salt water won't dissolve John the Guidedog's new bike before he gets it back home.
A fairly long drawn out battle with GPS woman meant I switched the damned thing off as the traffic in Porto got to the point of insanity.
Anyway, back to Prue to get her spin on today...Ross has just managed to steal a sip of Morna's beer before she noticed. He hasn't been able to sus out where the caviar is kept at the Ibis yet!
We set off from Baiona heading due south for Oporto trying to stick to the coast and get the wind off the Atlantic and beat the heat of the day. Ross and Morna took a more inland route. No passport control at the border - just noticed a general deterioration in the roads and the state of the houses. Portugal looks more shabby and backward than Spain but the people are very friendly. Went looking for the Portugese equivalent of a parador called a pousada - drove on bone shaking and nether-region-knackering cobble stoned roads and then onto a very narrow dirt track before turning back. Villages look very interesting from the perspective you get when you retrace your steps-always planned of course. John should have listened to my advice, but no! He told me I was right for the wrong reasons!
The basilica at Viana do Castelo was outstanding with stunning views of the port and the coast. Lots of corn, maize, tomatoes growing in the fields and John loved all the Bouganvilia in flower.
Morna and Ross had great fun getting to know the locals in Oporto after their sat nav had misled them and they were caught in a traffic jam in rush hour. In the end a friendly chap led them to the Ibis where we had booked a room each (FLWC). We then had a tour of Oporto by John the Guidedog culminating in a lovely meal alongside the Duoro river looking at the outstanding architecture of the city. We walked back to the Ibis via a funicular taking in the warm airs of this great climate. tomorrow we are on one of the best biking roads in Portugal - wait for the next instalment! If there isn't one you know we've sampled too much Mateus wine and port.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Caviar for Breakfast
So... poor souls that we are staying an a museum with a whole load of history.
Up early as Mr Inman's phone keeps calling me at 07.20 for some reason and plays me his current iTunes. Anyway, not a problem all the more caviar for us.
A slow meander around the square to try and take in hundreds of years of history in an hour. John and the girls explored the Parador. And then down into the underground garage for the bikes and terrorise the tourists yet again.
We then attempted to get out of the place but sadly my satnav woman has developed a drink problem and John the Girl Guide's GPS has become a total delinquent. Eventually we managed to find our way south through several towns with odd and sometimes appropriate names. (Pictures may be provided.)
Lunch was taken in a small town called Cambados at which point it got very hot so the decision was to get to Baiona in a hurry but.... the satnavs were now very irate or drunk and getting to the motorway was challenging to say the least.
The parador at Baiona is absolutely in line with the standard we are now getting very used to. Morna the Hopeless and Prue the Unfortunate took in the sunshine whilst John and I did our level best to keep the beer flowing with limited success.
A quick wander into Baiona for some food this evening and a very interesting little Tapas bar for sustenance. There are photos to follow proving that Prue and Morna's nether regions were blocking the traffic, I will add them tomorrow.
Porto beckons and some proper hotel called the Ibis!! bet you can't wait..
Up early as Mr Inman's phone keeps calling me at 07.20 for some reason and plays me his current iTunes. Anyway, not a problem all the more caviar for us.
A slow meander around the square to try and take in hundreds of years of history in an hour. John and the girls explored the Parador. And then down into the underground garage for the bikes and terrorise the tourists yet again.
We then attempted to get out of the place but sadly my satnav woman has developed a drink problem and John the Girl Guide's GPS has become a total delinquent. Eventually we managed to find our way south through several towns with odd and sometimes appropriate names. (Pictures may be provided.)
Lunch was taken in a small town called Cambados at which point it got very hot so the decision was to get to Baiona in a hurry but.... the satnavs were now very irate or drunk and getting to the motorway was challenging to say the least.
The parador at Baiona is absolutely in line with the standard we are now getting very used to. Morna the Hopeless and Prue the Unfortunate took in the sunshine whilst John and I did our level best to keep the beer flowing with limited success.
A quick wander into Baiona for some food this evening and a very interesting little Tapas bar for sustenance. There are photos to follow proving that Prue and Morna's nether regions were blocking the traffic, I will add them tomorrow.
Porto beckons and some proper hotel called the Ibis!! bet you can't wait..
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Ross the horizontal meets an Apostle
Well. I didn't get a chance to tell you what an AMAZING place the Parador at Leon was. The journey through the Picos was spectacular and may be repeated.
We headed off from Leon towards Santiago de Compostela (aka compost heap). Quite a big mileage today so we headed off down fast roads to eat into the distance. However managed to find a spot for a picnic, now known as the squeaky windmill spot. Then headed more steadily to Santiago. The satnavs had a bit of bother taking us directly to the Parador in Santiago. After all it is in the most central plaza in the town. Prue and I dismounted to give directional support and looked on as the boys headed off on the bikes down a pedestrian area with guided tours all over the place. The tourists promptly scattered and Prue and I considered ditching our helmets so as not to appear to be like bikers. We caught up with the boys parked up in front of the Parador, the only vehicles in the main tourist Square in the city.
Once more we are amidst ancient and wonderful buildings. We have toured the town courtesy of John the Misguided. The cathedral is particularly spectacular and is a draw for pilgrims to the resting place of St James the Apostle. Naturally Ross dashed over to have a look (after his snooze - the FLWC). Had a good local meal, then route planning. I haven't had a chance to tour my new Parador and am completely disorientated but can still find my brandy glass (I do like a drink).
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Oh no a Snowplough!
A brief note from Ross... one of these experiences you just can't believe. We set off from Fuente De and headed off over the hills from a place a long long way from civilisation.. we went up a big hill then a bigger hill then into the cloud then found a viewpoint. Just as I stopped at the viewpoint a huge French campervan parked on the bend in front, when... out of nowhere coming down the hill on collision course... a snowplough... blades down heading dead centre. Anyway nothing happened other than confusion and disbelief.
Tonight's blog proper comes from a man who needs little introduction Mr John Baxter known to many constabularies round the world. Over to John...
This is my little space to write in! We left Fuente De and zoomed down the road to a lovely church for Lesbos which had a great view. We then walked around Potes an attractive little town with a castle which has spectacular views of the town. We raided the supermarket for food then flew down the road towards Riano where we had a picnic whilst relaxing in the sun. Ross the Horizontal did some off-roading. We then hooned down the road to Leon with a bit of off roading arriving at the best Parador in Spain. Ross, the FLWC, was almost left behind whilst Morna the Pants, Prue the Hoover and John the Guide arranged a tour around Leon visiting the very historic buildings and monuments culminating in several pints of the golden throat charmer. The evening meal was at a lovely restaurant close to the Parador which made up for the meal last night which required an operating microscope to find the food. Tomorrow we have 220 miles to motor so we better get to bed! A great day averaging 25-30 degrees with fantastic biking roads with great bends as well as some good straights.It doesn't get any better!
And a note from Morna (I have insisted). The picture shows Where we are staying tonight. Slumming it in Leon. This is the most amazing place I have ever seen. I could spend a week going round it but will fill in details to those interested when I get back.
Tonight's blog proper comes from a man who needs little introduction Mr John Baxter known to many constabularies round the world. Over to John...
This is my little space to write in! We left Fuente De and zoomed down the road to a lovely church for Lesbos which had a great view. We then walked around Potes an attractive little town with a castle which has spectacular views of the town. We raided the supermarket for food then flew down the road towards Riano where we had a picnic whilst relaxing in the sun. Ross the Horizontal did some off-roading. We then hooned down the road to Leon with a bit of off roading arriving at the best Parador in Spain. Ross, the FLWC, was almost left behind whilst Morna the Pants, Prue the Hoover and John the Guide arranged a tour around Leon visiting the very historic buildings and monuments culminating in several pints of the golden throat charmer. The evening meal was at a lovely restaurant close to the Parador which made up for the meal last night which required an operating microscope to find the food. Tomorrow we have 220 miles to motor so we better get to bed! A great day averaging 25-30 degrees with fantastic biking roads with great bends as well as some good straights.It doesn't get any better!
And a note from Morna (I have insisted). The picture shows Where we are staying tonight. Slumming it in Leon. This is the most amazing place I have ever seen. I could spend a week going round it but will fill in details to those interested when I get back.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Toasted Custard
Parador Fuente de...up a big hill in a place far far away from civilisation...Tonights post title is one of our menu choices! Over to Prue to update you all.
Ross has deemed Morna's last post was "pants" and she is banned from posting till further notice so you'll have to get used to my Kiwi accent. I hope you can read Kiwi!!
Just asked Ross where I start from and he told me to start from where he left the curser.
I'll start from where we met up in Plymouth -at the same pub as last year about a mile from the port. The service was the same as last year with John placing our order and then the doddery old barman asking him 3 minutes later if he had seen him before. We had a toast to Colin and Margaret and the food arrived in its own good time.
After we fuelled up we had to scoot (actually motorbike) to the ferry so as not to be late. Then it was motorbikes chained securely in the bowels of the boat and us up on the 8th deck. It was much quieter than last year - possibly because we were missing Colin and Margaret but also because the Spanish weren't playing in the World Cup Soccer final. Sampled the beer and then a couple of bottles of red wine -because I do like a drink (mother)! Had a meal and slept soundly overnight. Three of us managed to make it up for breakfast and then we arrived in sunny Spain> Well the sun was actually hiding behind a few clouds (as my Dad used to say) and we had to drive along the coast from Santander through some Scotch mist to San Vicente before turning south for pizza and hamburgers for lunch. The sun came out from its hiding place and we travelled through stunning scenery even more dramatic than the west coast of the south island of New Zealand with rivers on one side and 2000 metre sheer cliffs on the other. Arrived at our Parador (Spanish tourist office posh hotels including many rennovated castles) for a shower and ditch the biker gear and went for a walk to the sound of cow bells ringing as they were grazing in the adjacent fields (paddocks). John and Prue went up another 900 metres from Fuente De on the cable car to see the mountain horned sheep (also with bells), Ross caught up on his beauty sleep and then we all met up for dinner-a dieter's delight. We are now planning tomorrow's route to Leon in the lounge and are fighting over the olives and crisps. Spanish law says a bar cannot serve an alcoholic beverage without serving nibbles of food with it.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Bristol
Well, not much to report. A dry journey south, monotonous in the M6. Both parties now in position for getaway on boat tomorrow. Ross grumpy due to mention of pants.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Pants Crisis
Oh dear, Ross has stared handwashing his undies before we have departed Edinburgh. It seems he has insufficient pants for his holidays. How many does he need you may ask. Well, apparently more than 2 pairs and that is the total number for which he could account......until he looked under his bed. So, pants now drip drying and should be only slightly soggy by time of departure.
Final preparation
Its that time again preparation at a fairly advanced stage.. bike semi prepared, blog hopefully now open to editing by a certain kiwi gentleman. Ready for the longest haul to Bristol or Brizzle as the natives say.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Return of the Ibis four
OK.... this is where it starts. The return of the Ibis 4...
Unfortunately the intrepid 6 are reduced to an intrepid 4. The campers are unable to join us after all, but the Ibis 4 will travel on.
Preparations for departure on Saturday are now advancing. Ross practised this weekend by enduring a proper dooking on the bike. His gloves will take the week to dry out. I'm hoping that the clouds will have had ample opportunity to empty this week and Saturday will dawn fair and dry.
Unfortunately the intrepid 6 are reduced to an intrepid 4. The campers are unable to join us after all, but the Ibis 4 will travel on.
Preparations for departure on Saturday are now advancing. Ross practised this weekend by enduring a proper dooking on the bike. His gloves will take the week to dry out. I'm hoping that the clouds will have had ample opportunity to empty this week and Saturday will dawn fair and dry.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
In training again
Wills and Kate got married and we headed off on the bike. After 2500 miles last summer I reckoned I am fairly proficient as a pillion, but any excuse for a bit of touring. We had the best weather that Scotland can provide and headed up north through the Sma Glen, to Dalwhinnie, west to Spean Bridge and north to Skye. We stayed in an odd little pub / hotel with typical Scottish hospitality. No food after 8pm, a 45 minute window of opportunity for breakfast and a bar which closed at 10.45. We returned south through Glencoe and the Trossachs; beautiful. Looking forward to our summer adventures now.
First Post
Well, its that time again. This years blog involves the same team as last year however the route is somewhat different. The initial stages of the trip are identical for us all but once we get to Santander northern Spain and Portugal beckon.
For you intrepid readers we are trying to avoid the Motorstop Helder experience from last year which on reflection was a hoot and are looking forward to another dose of Parador luxury.
Naturally we have the two happy campers no doubt armed with tent and relevant paraphernalia however the four rebels will be whooping it up at concrete camp Ibis or similar hotel chain. the question is does Colin have enough bungee cords.
For you intrepid readers we are trying to avoid the Motorstop Helder experience from last year which on reflection was a hoot and are looking forward to another dose of Parador luxury.
Naturally we have the two happy campers no doubt armed with tent and relevant paraphernalia however the four rebels will be whooping it up at concrete camp Ibis or similar hotel chain. the question is does Colin have enough bungee cords.
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