Karen's Travel Blog - Karen

Saturday, April 9, 2011
Penicuik, United Kingdom
not-for-profit store
some of Jane's pottery
Jane's pottery studio
Valleyfield House kitchen
local architecture
Penicuik's Church of Scotland
Church of Scotland
waterfall on the river
Another beautiful Spring day here. Worked in the not-for-profit grocery store that Roger runs out of the House this morning. Everything sold is organic and all produce, milk, cheeses, eggs, etc. are locally made or grown. I priced products and stocked shelves before the store opened (hours are 10-noon every Saturday) and chatted with the local customers as they came in. I will be minding the store next Saturday by myself, so it was nice to have a trial run with Roger around. Luckily, the store is on the honor system for paying, so everyone drops their money in the till and makes their own change. Pretty simple really.
After the store closed, I went up to the Town Hall where they have a Saturday gathering between 10-2p. The have tables set up and sell tea, coffee, scones, cake by the slice, and soup. I helped with the consessions and, of course, washing dishes. In addition, there was a small craft fair where Jane had a table to sell her pottery and a couple of other local artists goods. Overall, it was a good working day :)
After the Fair, Jane and Roger left to go to their granddaughter's first birthday party. I took the opportunity to take a short walk through town and down by the river and I took some photos along the way. I will be going out with Jane and Roger tonight to a friend's House (a professor) for dinner...
Love to All,
Karen
written by  Karen on April 9, 2011 from Penicuik, United Kingdom
from the travel blog: Karen's Travel Blog

April 10, 2011 - Rosslyn Chapel
Penicuik, United Kingdom
Had a wonderful time last night at dinner with Jane and Roger's friend Brennan, his collegue, Natasha from Russia, and his son Gordon. Brennan is in his 80's and was a soil scientist and professor who spent many years in Africa. Natasha was once a student of his and was here to present at a conference. She made a wonderful Russian meal for dinner. Conversation was great with lots of laughter and Story telling...mostly about traveling adventures / adversities. Also saw some of the Scottish countryside on the way there with sheep flocks and baby lambs :) and some really shaggy cows.
Matt and I walked the 4 Miles to Rosslyn Chapel this afternoon by way of an old rail line that had been converted to a walk / bike path following the river. It was a beautiful walk, but we were both exhausted by the time we walked the 4 Miles home again. It was well worth it though to see the chapel (and the castle). Incredible...
Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to photograph or video inside the chapel, so all of the photos are external.
We ate lunch in the village of Roslin at the Roslin Glen Hotel before our walk back. Gratefully, it was another beautiful, sunny day, about 65 degrees with a nice breeze, which made the journey pleasant.
Hope everyone had a great weekend,
Karen
horses (butts) along the walk
old rail tunnel on the walk
Rosslyn Castle
cemetery in back of the chapel
front of chapel
left side of chapel
stained glass windows
Matt
Matt & me outside chapel
gargoyle above the side entrance to the chapel
shrine outside the chapel
Roslin Glen Hotel where we ate lunch
written by  Karen on April 10, 2011 from Penicuik, United Kingdom
from the travel blog: Karen's Travel Blog

April 11, 2011 - Trip to Selkirk
Selkirk, United Kingdom
Started the day with a lovely group breakfast, as usual. The weather was a bit cooler today with clouds and light rain that turned to heavier rain during the morning. Matt and I worked on planting trees for a hedge along the side of the house and managed to get it done before it started raining too hard.
I dug up about 5 sapling trees (an ash, alder, beech, sycamore, and birch) from various places around the yard where they had begun to grow from seeds dropped from the adult trees and Matt transplanted them for the hedge. During the course of my work, I found out that stinging nettle is aptly named when I allowed it to touch my bare hands while digging up one of the saplings. It produces quite a burning itch (like poison ivy without the blisters)! Thankfully, I brought along some Jewelweed salve that works great on poison ivy and does a decent job on this as well. I'm hoping the effects of stinging nettle don't last as long as poison ivy though...
As it was raining, Jane decided we should go into Edinburgh to get some new glass panes for the greenhouse, because several were cracked or broken and she wanted Matt and I to replace them. So all 4 of us drove into Edinburgh and Roger gave us a "driving tour" of the city. Luckily the weather cleared on our way and it turned out to be a nice partly sunny day. After picking up the glass, Jane had us stop at an organic market for some rhubarb ginger jam (cost 4.25 pounds for a small jar; about $8...yikes!). After we got home, we ate lunch and tried the rhubarb jam...which turned out not to be rhubarb at all, but plum. Jane was terribly disappointed!
After lunch Roger, Matt, and I went on another field trip to Selkirk (about 40 miles south; check the map at the top of the blog if you want a visual idea) where Roger buys the organic eggs for the shop. It was a nice drive through the countryside where we saw lots more sheep and many lambs (unfortunately I couldn't get a good photo of the little ones). Along the way we stopped at Barony Castle in Eddleston. It was built in 1536 and is now a hotel. The trip took several hours and we returned about 5:30p.
When we got back, Jane was in her pottery studio so I got to watch her make a couple of porcelain tea pots. When she was done, we went over to a friend of hers to pick up some book shelves and a futon she was giving away because she was moving to Finland. I moved those inside when we got back and that completed the day. I imagine I will be working on the greenhouse and gardens again tomorrow if the weather holds (possibility of rain tomorrow too)...
Until tomorrow,
Karen
not so great view of Edinburgh and the sea from the mountains
sheep (we had to stop for them while they crossed the road)
Selkirk
baby lambs
Scottish countryside
more sheep and countryside
Barony Castle
written by  Karen on April 11, 2011 from Selkirk, United Kingdom
from the travel blog: Karen's Travel Blog

April 12, 2011 - Valleyfield House
Penicuik, United Kingdom
Woke up to a sunny day today, which was a pleasant surprise as the weather forcast had shown rain (or chance of) for the rest of the week. It now looks like it will be partly cloudy most of the week instead. Also, today is Jane and Rodger's 42nd anniversary :) so a good day for sunshine!
Nothing too exciting today. After breakfast, Matt and I were able to get right to work on replacing the broken panels of greenhouse glass with the glass we picked up in Edinburgh yesterday. Then we parted ways and Matt worked on getting the bikes (or 3 out of the 5) in shape so we can hopefully get in a bike ride to the sea later this week before he leaves on Friday.
While Matt worked on the bikes, I worked in the gradens again. I planted cucumbers in pots in the greenhouse and parsley and basil in the herb garden. I also planted lettuce and radishes in the upper garden plot. I told Jane she must let me know if anything I've planted actually grows well enough to be harvested, since this is my first go at planting and growing anything from seeds.
After the garden work, I continued weeding the completely overgrown flower bed at the top of the yard. I still have at least one more day's work on it, but it's looking much better.
After our work day was done, Jane and Roger's daughter, Marion, came by for lunch. During conversation, I discovered that she and her partner Tom had recently purchased 2 chickens from Feufield Farm in Symington where I will be going for my next stay. She said that one chicken is now laying eggs (although the first was rather small and the second rather pointy!) or at least an egg a day, but the other hasn't started laying yet and is a tad bit skittish and follows the other hen everywhere. According to Marion, they're quite amusing to watch...
Jane and Marion have now gone off shopping for a dress for Jane to take on their holiday to Denmark. The rest of us just finished our tea break, which is still a 4 o'clock tradition here (and I have grown quite fond of black tea with milk and surgar!). I still haven't been able to corral Jane and Roger together for a photo, but I will be sure and get one tonight, as they are leaving tomorrow morning.
I'm having a leisurely afternoon today and do not plan on doing any exporing, as my hands are still itchy from yesterdays tangling with the stinging nettle. Tomorrow I will be up early to see Jane and Roger off and to await deliveries for the store.
Until tomorrow,
greenhouse
newly planted lettuce and radishes
flower garden I've been weeding
written by  Karen on April 12, 2011 from Penicuik, United Kingdom

April 13, 2011 - Valleyfield House
Saw Jane and Roger off to the airport this morning after breakfast for their trip to Denmark. Matt and I are left to hold down the fort. The weather today is cooler and blustery...about 43 degrees with a wind chill of 38, but so far no rain. Had a slow quiet day today. Matt mowed the lawn and I stayed in and cleaned the kitchen. We also got the bikes finished up for our ride to the sea tomorrow, if the weather is good.
Not much else going on today...Matt and I will probably just watch a couple of movies on DVD and rest up for our ride tomorrow.
I managed to finally get a couple of photos of Jane and Roger last night and have included those below. Hopefully tomorrow's blog will be more interesting...
Jane and Roger Kelly
Jane, Roger, & Matt (without beard!)

April 14, 2011 - Bike ride to Musselburgh
Musselburgh, United Kingdom
Well, Matt and I were able to take our 26 mile round-trip bike ride to the North Sea at Musselburgh without any rain, despite the cloudy skies. The temperature was perfect for a long ride (about 55 degrees) and our trek out seemed effortless (maybe because it was mostly downhill!). We took the same bike path we used to get to Rosslyn Chapel and just kept going for another 10 Miles.
The ride was pleasant with lots of nice scenery and followed the Esk River most of the way. Once in Musselburgh, we took a break for lunch at the Caprice Restaurant before starting our journey back...although we both just wanted to take a nap!
The return trip was a little more arduous with a few uphill climbs and a slight uphill grade for over half the distance. And a strong headwind just to make it challenging! Needless to say, we are both quite tired and a lot saddle sore. I plan on taking a nice hot bath tonight while Matt is in Edinburgh...
For now, off to have one last afternoon tea with Matt, as he is leaving tomorrow afternoon.
Love to all,
Matt at beginning of ride
Matt in Musselburgh
Swans on the Esk River
Esk River where it enters the North Sea at the Firth of Fourth
North Sea at Musselburgh
Caprice Restaurant
double deck bus (for Lauren)
me with bikes outside restaurant
scenery on the ride home
Esk River
horses along the ride home
written by  Karen on April 14, 2011 from Musselburgh, United Kingdom

April 15, 2011 - Valleyfield House
Not much excitement today, but busy none-the-less. Today is delivery day for the store so I was up early for the first delivery. Cheese and general dry goods (teas, honey, jams, canned goods, etc.) come first at 7am and it took me several hours to price and stock everything. Then I spent some time weeding the flower gardens while I waited for the fresh vegetables to arrive at noon. After I got those sorted and into place, I had a final lunch with Matt before his departure. It was great to have him here and I'll miss his company. Safe journeys Matt!
The final delivery of bread came around 3pm, so my work day was complete after I got all the loaves sorted, priced, and shelved. Hopefully there'll be some cheese swirls left over after the store closes tomorrow...I've become quite fond of them!
I didn't have any photos today, so I've included some photos (not mine) of the local birds that I've seen, but have been unable to photograph.
Tomorrow I'll mind the store from 10-noon and then go to the open House again at the Town Hall to help with consessions and such until 2p...
Best,
Barn Owls - saw and heard one in a tree on our bike ride
Pheasant - I've seen 2 of these and they're beautiful with their bright copper coloring
Blue Tit - lots of these around
Baby Blue Tit
Magpie - basically a Crow with white
Robin (different variety than the US)

Things were a little slow all around today. Not as much traffic in the store and very few people at the Town Hall Open House made for any easy day. There were only 4 people at the Open House when I arrived at 12:30 after closing the store and no one else came by after that. We ended up closing early at 1:30. Apparently the combination of Easter/spring break and a family day event today at the partially renovated (but gutted) paper mill had everyone's attentions divided.
The paper mill, known as Bank Mill because it printed paper for bank notes, was one of 6 paper mills in Penicuik build around 1700 and the only one that hasn't been demolished. Apparently paper was made here for almost 300 years and Penicuik was known as one of the foremost papermaking centers in the world. The Bank Mill Project is attempting to restore the mill and create a small-scale paper making venture.
Anyway, I'm fairing fine on my own :) and will be off to Edinburgh tomorrow for some sight-seeing...
No photos again today so I just added a few shots of curiosities around the House.
Cheers,
Curiosity Cola - organic cola sold in Roger's store and way better than Coke or Pepsi!
Antique Singer sewing machine in drawing room

April 17, 2011 - Trip to Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
I woke up to a nice sunny day for my excursion into Edinburgh today. I spent 3 hours walking around the oldest part of the city and seeing the sights...some history below to go with the photos...
(Sir Walter) Scott Monument - stands in the East Princes Street Gardens and is the largest (200 feet tall) monument in the world to be built for a writer. It was built several years after his death in 1832 and has a series of viewing decks that can be reached from spiral staircases.
Edinburgh Castle - built on Castle Rock (a volcanic crag) around 1130AD it has been destroyed in war and rebuilt many times (the last time 1574-1578). The original chapel built in 1130 and dedicated to Queen Margaret still stands. The Honours of Scotland (the crown, sceptre, and sword) reside here in the Crown Room.Today, the castle still houses a garrison used by the Scottish regiments in the British Army.
Royal Mile - street that begins at the castle and continues east where it ends at the Palace of Hoyroodhouse.
World's End Pub - on corner of High Street (Royal Mile) and St. Mary's Street. Derives its name from its location adjacent to the former Netherbow Port. This was a defensive gateway which once once stood across the Royal Mile at this point, separating the Old Town from the Canongate. The area inside the Port gateway came to be known as the "World's End" because as far as the townspeople of Edinburgh were concerned, it was quite literally where their world ended! The base of the Port can still be seen outside the pub, marked by metal plates in the roadway. The pub's foundations also incorporate part of the Flodden Wall which was once a major part of the Town's defenses.
Palace of Holyroodhouse - founded as a monestary in 1128 the Kings of Scotland chose to live here surrounded by parkland rather than in the bleak castle. The current building is largely a 17th century creation with the tower house of the original building incorporated. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here between 1561-1567. It is a working palace and the Queen's official residence in Scotland.
Carlton Hill - site of the Nelson Monument (to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson) and the National Monument.
North Bridge - connects High Street (part of the Royal Mile) and Princes Street. Passes over the rail lines at Waverly Station.
Hope everyone enjoys the photos...
The (Sir Walter) Scott Monument
Edinburgh architecture on Princes Street
Castle from West Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh Castle from West Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh Castle from the West Princes Street Gardens
West Princes Street Garden path below the castle
Old cemetery
Edinburgh castle from below north side
Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle from south side
Edinburgh architecture
view of Royal Mile facing east from Castle Esplanade
Royal Mile posting
view of Edinburgh & North Sea from Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle
Esplanade & Gate House at Edinburgh Castle
Scotsman dressed as Braveheart on Royal Mile
church on Royal Mile
Can't escape it!
Bagpiper on Royal Mile
Royal Mile facing east
shops & architecture - Royal Mile
phone booths on Royal Mile
Parliment Building
St. Giles Church on Royal Mile
view down Convenant Close on Royal Mile
World's End Pub - High Street (Royal Mile) & St. Mary Street
beautiful pink flowering tree outside Old St. Pauls Episcopal Church
Palace of Hoyroodhouse (photo not mine)
Palace of Holyroodhouse
west gate at Holyroodhouse
north gate at Holyroodhouse
Pathway in Regent Gardens
view of North Bridge, rail lines, and Edinburgh
Nelson's Monument
flowers in front of the New Parlament Building
North Sea from top of Carlton Hill
Balmoral Hotel and Waverly Station on left
on North Bridge heading south; Carlton Highland Hotel on left, Scotsman Hotel on right
written by  Karen on April 17, 2011 from Edinburgh, United Kingdom

April 18, 2011 - Final Day at Valleyfield House
Today is my last day at Valleyfield House, so I've busied myself with doing laundry and cleaning the flat before I leave tomorrow morning. Jane and Roger will be home tonight, so I'll get to see them again before I go. I've included a couple more photos of the downtown area of Penicuik before I go...
Tomorrow at 10am I'll be off to Feufield Farm in Biggar, Scotland about 25 Miles southwest of here. I will miss Jane and Roger, but I'm looking forward to working with the baby chicks and ducklings and romping with the llamas!
Hopefully I will be able to get a blog up tomorrow, but if not, I'll get back to it as soon as possible.
Best,
Town Hall
The Royal Hotel
Shops off High Street, Penicuik

April 20, 2011 - Feufield Farm
Symington, United Kingdom
Hi all. Sorry about the gap in posts. There's stuff to be done on the farm from 8am - 9pm, but I've got lots of photos and will try hard to get a blog up tomorrow...
written by  Karen on April 20, 2011 from Symington, United Kingdom

April 21, 2011 - Feufield Farm
Symington, United Kingdom
Wow, it's been a busy few days! It's hard work running a farm...the "to do" list never seems to end. Having a good time though and enjoying all of the animals. Right now the farm is getting ready for their best time of year. Who doesn't want baby chicks, duckings, and goslings at Easter! There are rabbits too, but no little ones at the moment.
FeuField is having a 3-day event (Sat, Sun, Mon) for Easter weekend. We've set up 3 gazebo's and been tidying up the farm for the event. We'll be selling burgers and drinks and there will be egg painting and an egg hunt for the children. Apparently 100s of people come to this event every year and Kim and Jackie are hoping for a good year because the weather is so great.
There are 2 other workers here at the moment, Jon (pronounced Yon) from Germany and Ceasar from Spain who is trying to improve his English (I've been trying to help!). Both are really great and easy to work with. 3 American girls are also arriving tonight for a 1 week stay and will be tenting out in the Field (because there's no room in the House and because they were so adament that they wanted to come). So, lots of help for the weekend, which is good because Jon will be gone for 4 days starting tonight.
Well, that's all I've got time for at the moment, but I hope I'll be able to get a blog up at least every other day going forward. Below are photos of the animals and I'll be putting others up later of the House...
Cheers,
my favorite little rooster, Poirot
french toulouse geese - Fifi and Etienne (expecting triplets in 26 days if Fifi keeps those eggs warm!)
other profile of tom turkey (because both sides are his best!)
beautiful tom turkey strutting his stuff
Olive the llama
chickens
Etienne the proud frenchman protecting his mate, Fifi
ducklings
ducklings (2 11-day olds and 1 4-day old)
baby chicks
baby chickens (4 days old)
Taz
Sally and Taz
biggest rooster on the farm
Olive, Paco, and Honey
Walace & Paco
Rhea (1 of 3)
Ava the Harris Hawk
Lorenzo the llama
goats Lara & Honey
written by  Karen on April 21, 2011 from Symington, United Kingdom

April 25, 2011 - Feufield Farm
Symington, United Kingdom
Hi All,
Sorry again about the delay in postings. Time and fatigue has been an issue, but the internet connection more so. I've tried a few times late at night to get a blog up and the internet connection is either too weak to load the photos or it drops me off completely...really frustrating since they have wi-fi in the House!
Anyway, the 3-day Easter event this weekend went really well, despite the rain on the first day (Saturday). The easter egg hunt on Sunday was a hit with the kids, as were are the animals. Lots of burgers, cake, and ice cream were sold and quite a few laying hens and chicks. So, overall a very successful weekend for the farm :)
Saturday night we all went out to the Crown Pub in Biggar after all the animals were down for the night. It was karaoke night (and, no, I didn't sing!)...believe it or not, that was the first time I'd ever been to karaoke...and I hope the last :P But Kim was actually really good and so was Kathryn, Jackie's niece. There were quite a few though that made me wish I was drinking!
Tomorrow the farm will go back to it's regular routine, so at least it won't be as hectic, but I'm really glad that I was here to help and take part in the biggest event for the farm. I hope all of you had a Happy Easter as well...
Best,
P.S. KC -- I saw your comment and if I get there, I'll do my best :)
view of Feufield from the upper pasture
house
inside of store / cafe
side of house with rabbit hutches
farm store
farm
Caesar & Kathryn (Jackie's neice) manning the grill on Easter day
Easter day visitors
farm & pasture behind Feufield (horse is an English retired thoroughbred racehorse)
farm & pasture behind Feufield
goslings & ducklings
160 baby chicks!
written by  Karen on April 25, 2011 from Symington, United Kingdom

Back to Normal today at Feufield, although a busy customer day. Jon will be back tonight from his 4-day holiday and I'm certainly looking forward to a day off sometime this week! It would be nice to take in some of the local countryside and spend some time in Biggar...
Kim is off to pick up another rescue dog tonight. If anyone's curious, here is a list of all the animals on the farm:
2 border Collie mixes (soon to be 3)
1 terrier
3 rhodesian ridgebacks (dogs)
4 llamas
2 goats
3 rheas (ostrich / emu family)
2 turkeys
2 Guinea pigs
1 chinchilla
1 parrot
8 rabbits
4 Guinea fowl
and many, many, many types and varieties of
hens
cockerels
ducks
geese
and their babies
Needless to say, lots and lots of mucking to be done!!
Below are some photos of the inside of the farm House...
Cheers,
dining room
kitchen
sun room - great views of the pastures and animals
family room
bathroom - love the big, deep tubs in Europe!
bedroom
bedroom sitting area

April 27, 2011 - trip to Biggar & New Lanark
Lanark, United Kingdom
Cesar and I had the day off today...WooHoo!! Slept in (as much as possible on a farm full of noisy roosters and ducks!!!) and then did another 10 Miles, at least, of walking.
After breakfast, Cesar and I walked the 2 Miles to Symington and caught the bus to Biggar (about 5.5 Miles from FeuField Farm). We explored Biggar, which is not so big, had some tea and cake at Aroma Cafe, and caught the bus to Lanark. Once in Lanark, we walked another 2 Miles into New Lanark to visit the World Heritage Centre, which was a cotton mill, village, and school built about 200 years ago...it is now a tourist attraction, hotel, and hostel. We hiked about a mile up the river path to the water fall and back and then returned to Lanark for some lunch and more roaming about. We then returned by bus to Symington and walked the 2 Miles back to the farm...and collapsed!
Back to work tomorrow, but I will have another day off on Friday...with the rest of the country for the Royal Wedding.
I took more photos today, including a great shot of a beautiful clydesdale horse in a Field on the way to Symington, but my camera was acting up and I lost about half of them :(
town of Biggar
houses over-looking Burn Brae Park in Biggar
Cesar on slide in Burn Brae Park in Biggar
Burn Brae Park in Biggar
World Heritage Centre New Lanark
River Clyde behind cotton mill in New Lanark
River Clyde Falls in New Lanark
Cesar and me in New Lanark
written by  Karen on April 27, 2011 from Lanark, United Kingdom

Another beautiful day for feeding, watering, and mucking :) I can't believe how great the weather has been here. I guess I'm lucky though because this isn't Normal weather for this time of year.
Today, in addition to mucking out the hen and duck/goose Houses, I got to clean the dog House. And in this case "House" is literal (see photos below). The 3 Rhodesian Ridgebacks don't come in the main House like the other 4 dogs, so they have their own...complete with wood burning stove for the winter, comfy chairs, and a TV. Hmmmm...a little spoiled?
The 6 ducklings I had a photo of on an earlier blog went to a good home today and we took in a rescue Gander. We are hoping the new Gander will take a fancy to the newly widowed goose. She's only been here a short time and her mate was killed by another goose on the farm :( she spends most of her time alone now and I've been feeding her separately because she doesn't stampede the food like all the others do. Anyway, she's the only goose that stays in the yard at night (rather than a House), but now he's out there too, so maybe they'll form a bond. She showed interest in him this afternoon, so hopefully he's smart enough to see that she's the most beautiful goose out there.
Well, I'm off again tomorrow, so I'll probably be watching the royal Wedding like the rest of the UK...can you believe they have Friday and Monday off?
BTW, if you think gas prices are high there...here, $8.75/gallon US dollars is the conversion rate!! Yikes!!! Bicycle anyone?
the dog house
inside of dog house
Ally
Rhodesian Ridgebacks - Kell & Izzy

Woke up this morning with a sore throat and feeling slightly under the weather, so a good time for a day off. Needless to say, I've been a complete bum today. Slept 'til 10am, watched the royal Wedding (an all-day affair), drank tea and read. Overall, a nice slow, solitary day that I've probably been needing. One more week here at Feufield then I'm off to Ambleside, England. But, more on that later.
Hope everyone is happy and well...

May 02, 2011 - Feufield Farm
Another busy weekend with lots of customers...word seems to have gotten around after the Easter event :) Sold all of the ducklings except one (a dozen), but still have 5 goslings. Hens are also leaving the farm like crazy...sold 6 yesterday and another 20 this morning! There were definitely fewer eggs to collect this afternoon and the big hen House is now rather roomy.
Work has also started on the new "Llama's Larder Cafe" that is being created out of one of the rooms of the House. A window was taken out and french doors installed to the outside for an entrance (see photos below). That work was finished today (Monday) and soon a kitchen will be installed. Kim wants to open the cafe to the public in 3 weeks. Also Cesar was enlisted to paint the trim on the House red.
So, good things are starting to happen at Feufield Farm. It's been nice to see Kim so excited to finally see her dream being realized and to help play a part (no matter how small)...
Window removed and ready for new door
Cesar painting the house trim red
New french door in place
Cesar & Jon enjoying Cesar's wonderful Spanish omelets
written by  Karen on May 2, 2011 from Symington, United Kingdom

May 6, 2011 - Feufield Farm
Hello All,
I have today off, so I thought I'd get a blog up while I have the time. Work continues on the Cafe and the house. The past couple of days, Cesar, Jon, and I have been painting the outside of the house, giving it a new white-washing to go with Cesar's bright red trim job! Yesterday, Cesar painted the ceiling of the Cafe while I worked on painting another outside section of the house. Today, I can hear a lot of drilling, sawing, and hammering going on, so I believe the workmen are getting the wood counters installed, while Cesar paints the fireplace a nice sage green. Jon is currently outside my window on a ladder finishing painting the last section on this side of the house. I will get some photos of the Cafe to post before I leave on Monday...it should be looking more like a Cafe in another day or two.
In other farm news, 10 new chicks were hatched a few days ago, but 3 have died since. The rest are looking strong and healthy though and there are more on the way. TMy favorite goose, the widow, whom I named, Lena, seems to be bonding with the new gander, Nelson. Each day they've migrated closer to each other and now they are rarely more than a few feet apart and are even eating side-by-side out of the same food dish. She chased him away when he tried to eat with her only a couple of days ago so, he's making progress. I believe she is a Canadian goose (the only one on the farm) and he is a French Toulouse (like Fifi & Etienne) cross (I believe with a Canadian because he has the same coloring as Lena). They would make lovely goslings together!
Kim has been busy making more jams and chutneys to sell and hopefully, it will be another busy weekend for customers. I will try and get one more blog up from here before I move on to Ambleside, England and Nab Cottage. Anyone who's interested can view the website for my next location here:
www.rydalwater.com
I'm looking forward to my first european train ride...
Newborn chick
Me & Wallace (youngest at 18mo)
Lena (foreground) & Nelson
Lena & Nelson sharing dinner :)
Road to Symington
road to Symington
written by  Karen on May 6, 2011 from Symington, United Kingdom

May 8, 2011 - Feufield Farm
Happy Mother's Day! (to all you Mothers reading)
We finally got some rain yesterday and today, but the sun came out about mid-way through the day, so it was still pleasant. And tomorrow should be a good traveling day. I spent the day finishing up some painting and staining in the new Llama's Larder Cafe (photos below). Progress is coming along well...just some minor detail work left in the sitting area and the kitchen to be installed. I think it wil be a big hit with the locals :)
Well, today is my last day here at Feufield Farm. It's hard to believe that 3 weeks have past already! I'm going to miss all of the animals (especially Lena) and also all of my new human friends, Kim, Jackie, Cesar, and Jon. But, I'm looking forward to my continued adventures and meeting more new friends along the way...
Talk to you soon from Nab Cottage,
Llama's Larder Cafe
written by  Karen on May 8, 2011 from Symington, United Kingdom

May 9, 2011 - Nab Cottage
Rydal, United Kingdom
Hello from the Lake District in England. My trip went smoothly...I had no problems with my train connections or catching the bus, so that's a good start. I am however, knackered, as they say here, so this will be a short blog. Tim, his wife, Liz, and Woytek, the cottage manager, are all very nice and welcoming. Below are just a couple of photos I took on the way here...most of the countryside and lake on the 1 mile walk from the bus stop to the cottage. I look forward to exploring the towns, the lake, and the trails in the area soon...
train station at Oxenholme
countryside from the train
Nab Cottage kitchen
written by  Karen on May 9, 2011 from Rydal, United Kingdom

May 10, 2011 - Nab Cottage
Rydal, United Kingdom
So, I had my first yoga session last night, which lasted about 2 hours. Tim leads a yoga group every Monday night in the "big room" upstairs in the barn (which is no longer a barn but a workspace with 3 classrooms, a bathroom, and the staff sleeping area, which now includes me). Luckily, I wasn't the only newby there, as there are 6 folks here that arrived Sunday night for a 10-day corporate retreat/team building. They are also working on their english as part of the package. They all work for the same company (as supplier to Ikea), but none of them work at the same facility. They are from Poland, Czech Republic, and Russia (2 females, 4 males). Anyway, none of them had ever done yoga before either, so we all struggled together :)
Then, my first day working today and I had trial by fire. Wojtek was supposed to show me the ropes today, but decided to take today and tomorrow off instead. There were 12 guests this morning. I helped serve breakfast and keep everyone happy and then once Liz was done with the cooking, she had to leave to take her daughter to a job interview while Tim had a class to teach for the corporate folks. So, I was left with a list of chores to do without any guidance, which included clearing the dining room and cleaning the tables, doing all of the dishes, cleaning 2 rooms and 2 shared bathrooms, and removing the linens and towels from a room where the guests had checked out. It was a little overwhelming, but I handled it as best I could and was told I did well...so at the end of the day, that's all that matters. I am told that another worker, an Austrailian female, will be coming this weekend, so there will be extra help available soon.
After work, the weather had cleared up (because it rained last night and most of the morning) so I took one of the trails in the area around Rydal Lake. It was about 3 miles and a very pleasant walk with lots of folks out on the trails, most of them retirees. I haven't seen so many seniors in one place since I left Arizona and it was nice to see them out walking and enjoying the beautiful countryside. The photos below are from my walk today.
Looking forward to exploring other trails soon and visiting the poet William Wordsworth home, Dove Cottage, which is only about 2 miles from here in Grasmere Village...
Front of Nab Cottage
Nab Cottage driveway
courtyard at Nab Cottage (between barn & main house)
entrance to barn
Nab Cottage from other side of the lake
Badger Pub & Restaurant ( good place for the trail to end!)
written by  Karen on May 10, 2011 from Rydal, United Kingdom

May 11, 2011 - Nab Cottage
Rydal, United Kingdom
Another work day similar to yesterday...a little easier now that I know the routine. As I was clearing the dining room this morning, I had a lovely, lengthy convervation with two of the guests, two elderly women up from York and Leeds enjoying a 3-day holiday who are grandmothers-in-law (and friends). They will be checking out tomorrow morning. I was also told today that there will be a group of 5 Irishmen coming next week who were all managers for Guiness and are now retired. Apparently they've been coming here for the past 20 years! I'm sure they'll make for an intersting time. Luckily there will be more help by then, as a German girl is coming in on Friday and the Australian girl on Saturday. Hopefully our schedules will permit us to do some sight-seeing together.
Today was another nice weather day, about 60 degrees and partly cloudy, so I decided to go for a run after work...my first run in 9 months! Yeah!! I ran a nice 3.5 mile loop run down to Ambleside along the river (but on a nice paved, single-lane, road) and then back up the main road. It was a beautiful route and I will be sure to walk that way when I go to explore Ambleside and take my camera along for more photos. It felt great to run again and my shins seem okay, so looking forward to running a couple of times a week while here.
The corporate group was off on a Field trip today getting some of the history of the surrounding area and there is a barbeque planned for tonight when they return. Looking forward to hearing their tales from the day...
Woytek will be back tomorrow, so that should make the rest of the week easier.
written by  Karen on May 11, 2011 from Rydal, United Kingdom

May 12, 2011 - Grasmere Village
Grasmere, United Kingdom
After work today, I took a walk into Grasmere to see Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth lived from 1799-1808 and wrote some of his most inspired poetry. And I can see why...this really is beautiful country. So much so, that I got kind of carried away with taking photos today (around 60)!
So I'll let the photos do the talking today and just lay out the route and highlights. I left Rydal and walked toward Grasmere on another country lane, went by How Top Farm, and Dove Cottage, then into Grasmere Village. I visited St. Oswald's Church where Wordsworth and his wife and children are buried and then continued on out of the village along another country road on the far side of Grasemer Lake and eventually back to a path along the lake, which brought me back to Rydal. I didn't label all of the photos, just the significant ones and the different points of travel. Also, you can enlarge any of the photos by clicking on them.
I will definitely take this walk again and plan on stopping at the Rowan Tree Cafe on the river for some tea and cake next time!
walk to Dove Cottage
How Top Farm
Dove Cottage
lambs frolicking
Grasmere Village
The Bridge Hotel, Grasmere
The Rowan Tree Cafe (on the river)
St. Oswald's Church
Church Cemetery
Wordsworth, wife Mary, & children graves
Wordsworth Daffodil Garden
road around the lake
swan on the lake (for Mom :)
malard duck
mother duck & 3 ducklings
written by  Karen on May 12, 2011 from Grasmere, United Kingdom

May 13, 2011 - Ambleside
Ambleside, United Kingdom
Walked into Ambleside today the same route that I ran the other day and took some photos. There was a beautiful rainbow over Ambleside as I was leaving town on my way back to Rydal...photos probably don't do it justice.
St. Mary's Church is one of only two churches with spires in the lake district. It was built between 1850 -1854. Apparently, The size of the spire caused much consternation at the time as it was thought to be too ostentatious. I'd have to agree! The Wordsworth Chapel at the church was built as a memorial to the poet who had recently died in 1850.
In the next couple of days I plan on going to Rydal Hall that is said to have beautiful gardens and Rydal Mount, which was Wordsworth's home from 1813 until his death in 1850 and also to Keswick to see the Castlerigg stone Circle which is 3000 years old.
St. Mary's Church
Ambleside
rainbow over Ambleside
written by  Karen on May 13, 2011 from Ambleside, United Kingdom

Sarah, from Austrailia, arrived today and, since I had the afternoon off, we walked into Grasmere along the same route I took a couple of days ago. We stopped at the Rowan Tree Cafe on the river across from wordsworth's resting place and had tea and cake. Sarah and I are going to get on just great! I think we were destined to meet because she came here from Wiston, which was a half mile down the road from Feufield Farm and was originally where I was planning to go until Feufield contacted me and asked if I'd come help. Odd that we'd both end up here, but we have a lot in common so we should have fun sightseeing together :) She's with HelpX too and knows some good Hosts she's stayed with in Wales that I can try and arrange stays with when I get back to the UK from Ireland.
I have tomorrow off, but it's supposed to rain heavily tomorrow so I'll probably just go to Ambleside and find a bookstore and coffee shop to wile the day away in...or maybe go to a movie, something I haven't done since I left the States.
The Rowan Tree Cafe (on the river)

May 15, 2011 - Wateredge & Ambleside
Ambleside, United Kingdom
I had the day off today, so I walked down past Ambleside to Wateredge at the top of Windermere Lake and then back up into Ambleside where I met Sarah after her shift at 2pm. It rained lightly the entire walk, but it wasn't too much of a nuicance or enough to get me too wet, even without an unbrella.
On my way back to Ambleside from Wateredge, I saw a horse-drawn carriage heading to a Wedding in Rydal that was drawn by 2 beautiful, black Fresian horses. I wish I had gotten a better photo, but by the time I got my camera out they had already past me.
Sarah and I met up at one of the bookstores in Ambleside and then had lunch at Cafe Treff, where I was finally able to get a chai latte! And it was good too, as was the warm brie and cranberry Sandwich :) After lunch, it had finally stopped raining and we ambled around Ambleside and then back to Nab Cottage.
I probably won't put a blog up tomorrow, since there won't be anything of interest going on. I'll be working most of the day from 10-4, and probably just go for a run before dinner. Both of us have Tuesday off though, so we'll be heading up to Keswick to see the stone Circle at Castlerigg and check out the town, so I'll post on Tuesday...
Wateredge
skiff's for rent, Wateredge
couldn't resist taking a solo photo of the skiff called "Gypsy"
Horse drawn carriage for wedding
Ambleside
The Bridge House
Giggling Goose Cafe, Ambleside
these dry stone walls are truly an art
written by  Karen on May 15, 2011 from Ambleside, United Kingdom

May 17, 2011 - Keswick & Kendal
Keswick, United Kingdom
Sarah and I had the day off today, so we walked up to Grasmere and caught the bus north to Keswick to see the Castlerigg stone circle and the town. We had lots of cloud cover today, but very little rain, so it was a good day for sight-seeing. We got to the stone circle around 11am and there were very few people at that time, so I was able to get photos without lots of tourist in them! I guess we got lucky, because it got rather crowded as we were leaving. An older English couple were kind enough to point us in the direction of a another "forest & dale" walk to the town, so we had another scenic 2 mile walk into town. By the time we got to Keswick, Sarah was dying for coffee, as we had to toss our newly bought hot beverages before getting on the bus, so we quickly found a cafe and had lunch (well earned after no breakfast and miles of walking!).
After lunch, we explored Keswick and then grabbed the bus southbound to Kendal for more exploring. Kendal is a bigger town than Keswick and not on the lakes, so neither of us were as taken with it as the others we've seen so far, but glad we went anyway (we thought we should get our money out of the tourist-priced, day pass bus fare of 9.75 pounds!).
Anyway, we left Kendal around 5:45pm after starting out this morning at 8am and arrived back in Rydal at 6:30pm. We had dinner at the Badger Bar & Pub and walked the remaining .5 mile back to Nab Cottage, all tuckered out after 12 hours on the go!
I'm glad I have tomorrow off too, so I can recover from today! I'll probably skip blogging tomorrow, as it's due to rain more heavily, so I'll probably just enjoy a day of relaxing and reading...
walk to Castlerigg stone circle
Castle Lane
Stone circle (3000 B.C.)
me, center of stone circle
Sarah & I
stepping stones in the wall at Castlerigg
walk to Kewick from Castlerigg
I was having the same kind of hair day!
"White House" Keswick
church cemetery, Keswick
movie house, Keswick
Kendal
Clock tower atop City Hall, Kendal
written by  Karen on May 17, 2011 from Keswick, United Kingdom

May 20, 2011 - Rydal Hall
Walked down to Rydal Hall yesterday with Sarah. It turns out that this estate is rather young, being built in 1906. It had lovely gardens, which would have been more lovely if they actually had fowers in them! I suppose the term that better fits at the moment is "grounds." Anyway, they were nice and even had a very good size croquet lawn...reminded me of my childhood. Sarah had a hard time believing that I actually played croquet as a child growing up in New England!
Of course, we had to stop at the tea garden and get a coffee (and white hot chocolate for me, which I've become quite fond of!) before returning home via the Coffin Trail. The Coffin Trail is literally a trail that the pall bearers would walk carrying the deceased from Ambleside to Grasmere (at least 5 miles), because there was no church in Ambleside at that time. There are "coffin stones" along the way, although not on the section we took, where the pall bearers could place the coffins while they stopped for a rest. We passed one on the way to Grasmere on the route to Dove Cottage.
Well, I've only got 2 more days here at Nab Cottage and then I'm off to the Isle of Man for a week of couch surfing. There was only one HelpX Host on the IOM and I didn't get a reply. Unfortunately, the first ferry for the season leaving for Dublin isn't until the 31st, so I've gone to my backup of couch surfing. I'm grateful that my first Hosts in Scotland (and Matt from New Zealand) clued me into the CouchSurfing website. It's a great option to have and will save me spending money on Hostels. I plan on making use of it when I want to see some of the bigger cities on my days off...like London and Paris.
I may get one more post in before I leave, but if not I should be able to blog from the IOM. I'm kind of looking forward to a "no work" week and meeting some kind and generous souls and fellow travelers willing to put me up for a few nights. I should learn a tip or two about nomading...
Rydal Church
Church archways
Rydal Hall
Rydal Hall gardens
buildings on Rydal Hall estate
view from the Coffin Trail
The Coffin Trail
waterfall along the Coffin Trail

May 22 - Rydal
Went up to The Caves in the hill on the other side of Rydal Lake yesterday. It was cloudy and windy when we left, but didn't seem like rain. Wrong. First day I've been here where it's rained hard enough to get truly wet while walking. Luckily, I wore my heavy jacket with a hood and so only my pants got a little wet. Sarah, on the other hand, left her water-proof jacket at Nab for the first time and she ended up drenched. We took shelter in the cave for a short while, but figured we were just prolonging the inevitable, so we headed back down in the rain and stopped at the Badger Bar for some hot tea before heading back out for the half-mile to Nab in the rain that hadn't let up any.
Today was my last day at Nab. Not an easy one either. We had a meditation group of 16 for the weekend that left this morning and Sarah and I had to change and clean all of the rooms. But just to make it easy, we also had to change the configuration of every room...singles to double, and double to singles! Glad the day is done!!
I'm off to the Isle of Man by Ferry tomorrow and my first experience with couch surfing. I expect I'll have internet available at one of my hosts to get a blog up, but I can't be certain. If not, I'll be in Ireland in a week and will catch up there...

May 23, 2011
Well, it's raining like mad here today and my Ferry was cancelled due to a high-wind report on the sea, so I've re-scheduled for tomorrow. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a smoother day for sailing...

May 25, 2011 (Day 48) - Isle of Man (IOM)
Douglas, Isle of Man
Hello, from the Isle of Man! I finally made it, albeit after a 1.5 hour departure delay that put me into port at 7pm instead of 5:45. The crossing was a little rough and very windy. Getting shots from the outside deck wasn't easy...every time I let go of the railing to take a photo, I damn near got blown over! I wanted to take some photos coming into port, but it was just too windy by that time. Overall, my first ferry crossing was quite enjoyable and actual a nice way to go :)
My first CouchSurfing hosts, Tony and Laura, were gratious enough to come collect me from the ferry port. They're both wonderful people and world travelers themselves. I have to say, it's really nice to have complete strangers pick me up, bring me home, feed me, give me a nice room to stay in, and hand me the keys to their flat! Amazing...and I don't have to work for a week to boot! WooHoo!!
This morning was cloudy and very windy, but no rain in the forcast, so I decided to walk around Douglas and take in the sights. I started by walking down to the harbor and then around to the Loch Promenade, a boardwalk street that runs along the water. It was (very) low tide this morning, so the water wasn't right up against the break-wall, but still a nice view.
I saw a couple of horse-drawn trams along the Promenade. They are the world's oldest surviving horse trams, dating from 1876, with 20 of the original 51 tram cars still in use. They have operated continually since 1876 with the exception of World War II. The clydsdale horses that pull the trams are purchased as yearlings and beginning pulling when they're 4 years old. They're called "trammers" and work for about 15 years, but pulling only 2 hours a day, and are then retired to The Home of Rest for Old Horses on Richmond Hill on the outskirts of Douglas (where they can be visited).
After walking the Promenade, I took a stroll down The Strand, a parallel street behind the Promenade with lots of stores. From there, I walked up to Noble Park where the TT racestand is located. For anyone who doesn't follow motorcycle racing (like me!), the Isle of Man TT is a 2-week festival of motorcycle racing that is celebrating its 104th anniversary this year. The festival starts next Monday, May 30th, with some practice runs, so I'll see if I can get some photos before I leave Tuesday morning for Dublin.
All this walking took me about 3.5 hours, so I headed back to the flat for a rest (and to put up this blog) before Laura gets home and we set out again. Tony plays football (soccer) tonight in Peel on the other side of the island, so we thought we'd start walking that way and see how far we get. It's about 10.5 miles, so my guess is Tony will be picking us up somewhere along the way when he's on the way back from his match!
Anyway, hope you enjoy the photos. It's supposed to rain here tomorrow, so I'll probably head to the Manx Museum (free admission) to stay dry and learn more about the island's history. BTW, the island is also where the Manx (tailless) cat originated more than 300 years ago...
Ferry, Ben My Chree, in Heysham Port
ferry deck
cars & trucks on upper ferry deck
Irish Sea
Isle of Man from ferry
Demesne Rd (pronounced Demain) where I'm currently staying
architecture
Isle of Man Government building
Harbor
Tower of Refuge on St. Mary's Rock
view from the Loch Promenade
horse drawn tram
Clydsdale at work
the Promendade
Promenade flats
Low tide off the Promenade
architecture along Promenade
Gaiety Hotel & Villa Marina
horse drawn tram on Promenade
The Strand shopping behind Promenade
Promenade architecture
Douglas train station
TT Grandstand
TT Leader Board and map of course at Grandstand
TT sponsorship board
written by  Karen on May 25, 2011 from Douglas, Isle of Man

May 27, 2011 - Castletown, Port St. Mary, & Port Erin
Port Saint Mary, Isle of Man
Got to Port Erin last night and took a walk with Jason up to Milner's Tower (built 1871) on the hill. It was really, really windy, especially at the top of the Tower, but I got some good photos...
walk toward Milner's Tower
Milner's Tower
view from hill heading toward tower
view from tower
beach from road
This morning, I took the bus into Castletown on the southeast coast to see Rushen Castle...
Castle Rushen
Police Station in Castletown
and then back into Port St. Mary (also on the southeast coast) to take the Coastal Footpath all the way back into Port Erin on the southwest side of the island. A smaller island, the Calf of Man, which is a bird/animal Sanctuary, was about half-way, so you can follow in the photos. I took about 100 photos on the 4.5 hour trek (probably between 8-10 Miles), so you could all feel like you were there with me. Hope you don't get bored of seeing coastline!
After walking a total of about 6 hours non-stop today, I'm quite Knackered! Hopefully, I burned off some of the plentiful, great food I've been fed for the past 2 months!
I'll be heading back to Douglas tomorrow afternoon to stay with Nathan for the rest of my stay on the IOM. Plan on going to Peel on the west coast of the island directly across from Douglas and hopefully take in a day of practice racing before I go...depending of course, on the weather...
Start of the Coastal Footpath on Dad's Road
Coastal Footpath
Hi, Dad!
can't get away from these things!
warning sign at the "Chasms"
stone circle near the coast
stone circle
rock pyramid
Calf of Man (bird/animal sancuary)
thought about it...kept walking!
Calf of Man from west side
Half way there!!
Milner's Tower in distance. Getting closer to done!
Milner's Tower in Port of Erin
almost there!
last bit of trail into Port Erin
Port Erin
End of Trail (for me)!! WooHoo!!
Port Erin beachfront
local pub in Port Erin
Port Erin beach
written by  Karen on May 27, 2011 from Port Saint Mary, Isle of Man

May 29, 2011 - Douglas, IOM
Douglas, Isle of Man
I went for another 2-hour hike with Jason yesterday morning before leaving Port Erin. I'm really wracking up the miles on this island. We hiked, literally, straight up Bradda Head to the northwest of Port Erin and around the coastline back to Milner's Tower. It was a nice hike, but I didn't bother to take any more photos...I figured I had enough coastline shots and nobody would be interested in more!
After the hike, Jason made us luch and then he arranged with his mother, who lives across the street, to give me a lift to the bus stop. Thank goodness for mothers, because she was the one who realized that the buses wouldn't be running today due to the roads being closed for TT practice. Luckily, there's an old fashioned steam train that runs from Port Erin to Douglas as an alternative.
So, Jason's mom took me to the train station, parked, and went in with me to make sure I got my ticket okay. Then, she proceeded to walk with me to the platform and walk up and down the train cars looking for someone she knew so that I could sit with them and have a tour guide for the trip! She didn't find anyone she knew, so she saw a gentleman getting on that looked like he was local and quickly approached him and asked if he was local (he was and was also a policeman in Peel) and if it would be alright if I shared his car. She then told him all about me, including that I was an American who had been couch surfing with her son and how he'd just discovered it a short while ago himself, etc., etc.
Anyway, I had a lovely trip up to Douglas with Dave who was meeting up with a friend of his (getting on a few stops north) to try and cheer him up. He had a bottle of wine with him to start their afternoon "pubbing" off. When his friend got on we all drank wine while they pointed out everything we passed and told me all about the island. Dave gave me the name and number of a friend of his that lived outside of Cork, Ireland, in case I wanted a tour guide for that area when I get there!
We parted ways at the first pub we came to after getting off the train in Douglas, but not before they were sure I knew how to get where I was going. Great guys, both of them, and wonderful hospitality here in the Isle of Man :)
Then I walked the 1.5 miles up the Promenade to Nathan's place (my last couch surfing host). All my stories from this surf will be related verbally, as some things you just shouldn't put in (public) writing!
Today, I'm going to catch a bus to the west side of the island and the town of Peel and hopefully get together with Tony and Laura and their couch surfers later today, if she was able to arrange a gathering...
written by  Karen on May 29, 2011 from Douglas, Isle of Man

May 29, 2011 - A trip to Peel
Peel, Isle of Man
I visited Peel today on the west side of the island and actually saw the sun today, although still (and I think always) windy. Peel castle and cathedral was interesting. It was built by Vikings (under the rule of King Magnus Barelegs...you can't make this stuff up!) in the 11th century. It's built on St. Patrick's Isle and is apparently haunted by "Moddey Dhoo", a black dog ghost. Also saw the ruins of St. Peter's Church. Cute little port town and a good way to waste an afternoon.
TT Race practice starts in Douglas tomorrow night between 6:30-9pm, so I plan on finding a good spot to view some of the action tomorrow...
Peel Promenade
Peel Castle
Peel port
bay below castle
castle
Peel from castle
St. Peter's Church ruins
written by  Karen on May 29, 2011 from Peel, Isle of Man

May 30, 2011 - TT Race Practice
Douglas, Isle of Man
Happy 11th Birthday Lauren!!! :)
Today was the first TT practice day in Douglas. Luckily the weather was pretty good (i.e., no rain! because it was still damn cold!) and the practice went as scheduled. The side-car motorcycles went first and then the superbikes, which everyone came to see. I'm not into racing at all, but I have to admit it was pretty amazing to see those superbikes come screaming by the grandstand at 180+mph after their first lap around the island!! Crazy.
Anyway, lots more photos than necessary of motorcycles below...
I'm off this tiny island tomorrow and on to Ireland, a slightly bigger island. I'll be heading for Kenmare, just south of Killarney in the southwest of Ireland first to help Jackie with her dog kennel and horse stable. I look forward to blogging from there in a day or two...
Love to all,
"mini" bike at TT venue
TT grandstand pre-race
pre-race view from grandstand
side-car start
side-car, pit after first lap
side-car pit after first lap
side-car return after run
side-car return after practice run
superbike start
superbike return after run
written by  Karen on May 30, 2011 from Douglas, Isle of Man

Ireland
Collooney, Ireland
Hi All,
Sorry for the gap in postings, but I've been without wireless here in Ireland. Now that I've got it again I'm extremely busy with my 2nd host. But I've got lots of photos and will get a posting up as soon as I can, which probably won't be until next week. Hope all is well with everyone...
written by  Karen on June 10, 2011 from Collooney, Ireland

France
Auzelles, France
Hi All,
Still no wireless and not much time to blog, but here are a few photos of where I'm staying in France right now...
written by  Karen on July 14, 2011 from Auzelles, France

July 15,2011 - Chabanette
Besse, France
Some photos of the French countryside and the village of Besse (a ski village)...
written by  Karen on July 15, 2011 from Besse, France

paper, plastic, or dry-weave duralite?

front of house

view from front drive

view from front drive (right)

side yard (right side as viewed from front)

side yard (left side as viewed from front; gardens here)

my room

me transplanting strawberry plants

garden area (front left is where I planted peas)

not-for-profit store

some of Jane's pottery

Jane's pottery studio

Valleyfield House kitchen

local architecture

Penicuik's Church of Scotland

Church of Scotland

waterfall on the river

Barony Castle

more sheep and countryside

Scottish countryside

baby lambs

Selkirk

sheep (we had to stop for them while they crossed the road)

not so great view of Edinburgh and the sea from the mountains

greenhouse

newly planted lettuce and radishes

flower garden I've been weeding

Jane and Roger Kelly

Jane, Roger, & Matt (without beard!)

Matt at beginning of ride

Matt in Musselburgh

Swans on the Esk River

Esk River where it enters the North Sea at the Firth of Fourth

North Sea at Musselburgh

Caprice Restaurant

double deck bus (for Lauren)

me with bikes outside restaurant

scenery on the ride home

Esk River

horses along the ride home

Barn Owls - saw and heard one in a tree on our bike ride

Blue Tit - lots of these around

Baby Blue Tit

Magpie - basically a Crow with white

Pheasant - I've seen 2 of these and they're beautiful with their bright copper coloring

Robin (different variety than the US)

Curiosity Cola - organic cola sold in Roger's store and way better than Coke or Pepsi!

Antique Singer sewing machine in drawing room

The (Sir Walter) Scott Monument

Edinburgh architecture on Princes Street

Castle from West Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Castle from West Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Castle from the West Princes Street Gardens

West Princes Street Garden path below the castle

Old cemetery

Edinburgh castle from below north side

Royal Mile

Edinburgh Castle from south side

Edinburgh architecture

view of Royal Mile facing east from Castle Esplanade

Royal Mile posting

view of Edinburgh & North Sea from Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle

Esplanade & Gate House at Edinburgh Castle

Scotsman dressed as Braveheart on Royal Mile

church on Royal Mile

Can't escape it!

Bagpiper on Royal Mile

Royal Mile facing east

shops & architecture - Royal Mile

phone booths on Royal Mile

Parliment Building

St. Giles Church on Royal Mile

view down Convenant Close on Royal Mile

World's End Pub - High Street (Royal Mile) & St. Mary Street

beautiful pink flowering tree outside Old St. Pauls Episcopal Church

Palace of Holyroodhouse

west gate at Holyroodhouse

north gate at Holyroodhouse

Pathway in Regent Gardens

view of North Bridge, rail lines, and Edinburgh

Nelson's Monument

flowers in front of the New Parlament Building

North Sea from top of Carlton Hill

Balmoral Hotel and Waverly Station on left

on North Bridge heading south; Carlton Highland Hotel on left, Scotsman Hotel on right

Palace of Hoyroodhouse (photo not mine)

Shops off High Street, Penicuik

Town Hall

biggest rooster on the farm

Taz

Sally and Taz

baby chicks

baby chickens (4 days old)

ducklings

ducklings (2 11-day olds and 1 4-day old)

house

farm store

farm

side of house with rabbit hutches

llama pen

Etienne the proud frenchman protecting his mate, Fifi

Rhea's

chickens

Olive the llama

other profile of tom turkey (because both sides are his best!)

beautiful tom turkey strutting his stuff

my favorite little rooster, Poirot

dining room

kitchen

sun room - great views of the pastures and animals

family room

bathroom - love the big, deep tubs in Europe!

bedroom

bedroom sitting area

Olive, Paco, and Honey

Walace & Paco

Rhea (1 of 3)

Lorenzo the llama

goats Lara & Honey

inside the farm store / cafe

Caesar & Kathryn (Jackie's neice) manning the grill on Easter day

Easter day visitors

farm & pasture behind Feufield (horse is an English retired thoroughbred racehorse)

farm & pasture behind Feufield

Caesar tree trimming

Caesar taking a well earned nap in the shop

goslings & ducklings

160 baby chicks!

Jon with Berta, who was sold this weekend while he was away :(

view of Feufield from the upper pasture

inside of store / cafe

town of Biggar

Cesar on slide in Burn Brae Park in Biggar

Burn Brae Park in Biggar

houses over-looking Burn Brae Park in Biggar

me at New Lanark

Cesar and me in New Lanark

World Heritage Centre New Lanark

River Clyde behind cotton mill in New Lanark

River Clyde Falls in New Lanark

Cesar on the slide at Burn Braes Park in Biggar

inside of dog house

Ally

Rhodesian Ridgebacks - Kell & Izzy

the dog house

Window removed and ready for new door

Cesar painting the house trim red

New french door in place

Cesar & Jon enjoying Cesar's wonderful Spanish omelets

Newborn chick

Me & Wallace (youngest at 18mo)

Road to Symington

road to Symington

Lena (foreground) & Nelson

Lena & Nelson sharing dinner :)

Llama's Larder Cafe

Nab Cottage kitchen

entrance to barn

courtyard at Nab Cottage (between barn & main house)

Nab Cottage from other side of the lake

Badger Pub & Restaurant ( good place for the trail to end!)

walk to Dove Cottage

How Top Farm

Dove Cottage

lambs frolicking

Grasmere Village

The Bridge Hotel, Grasmere

The Rowan Tree Cafe (on the river)

St. Oswald's Church

Church Cemetery

Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

Wordsworth, wife Mary, & children graves

road around the lake

swan on the lake (for Mom :)

malard duck

mother duck & 3 ducklings

Oak tree growing out of rock in Millian's Park

St. Mary's Church

Ambleside

rainbow over Ambleside

B & B along the way

Wateredge

skiff's for rent, Wateredge

couldn't resist taking a solo photo of the skiff called "Gypsy"

Horse drawn carriage for wedding

The Bridge House

Giggling Goose Cafe, Ambleside

these dry stone walls are truly an art

walk to Castlerigg stone circle

Castle Lane

Stone circle (3000 B.C.)

me, center of stone circle

Sarah & I

stepping stones in the wall at Castlerigg

walk to Kewick from Castlerigg

I was having the same kind of hair day!

"White House" Keswick

church cemetery, Keswick

movie house, Keswick

Kendal

Clock tower atop City Hall, Kendal

Rydal Church

Church archways

Rydal Hall

Rydal Hall gardens

buildings on Rydal Hall estate

view from the Coffin Trail

The Coffin Trail

waterfall along the Coffin Trail

Ferry, Ben My Chree, in Heysham Port

ferry deck

cars & trucks on upper ferry deck

Irish Sea

Isle of Man from ferry

Demesne Rd (pronounced Demain) where I'm currently staying

architecture

Isle of Man Government building

Harbor

Tower of Refuge on St. Mary's Rock

view from the Loch Promenade

horse drawn tram

Clydsdale at work

the Promendade

Promenade flats

Low tide off the Promenade

architecture along Promenade

Gaiety Hotel & Villa Marina

horse drawn tram on Promenade

The Strand shopping behind Promenade

Promenade architecture

Douglas train station

TT Grandstand

TT Leader Board and map of course at Grandstand

TT sponsorship board

walk toward Milner's Tower

Milner's Tower

view from hill heading toward tower

view from tower

beach from road

Castle Rushen

Police Station in Castletown

Start of the Coastal Footpath on Dad's Road

Coastal Footpath

Hi, Dad!

can't get away from these things!

warning sign at the "Chasms"

stone circle near the coast

stone circle

rock pyramid

Calf of Man (bird/animal sancuary)

thought about it...kept walking!

Calf of Man from west side

Half way there!!

Milner's Tower in Port of Erin

almost there!

Port Erin

last bit of trail into Port Erin

End of Trail (for me)!! WooHoo!!

local pub in Port Erin

Port Erin beach

Port Erin beachfront

Milner's Tower in distance. Getting closer to done!

Peel Promenade

Peel Castle

Peel port

bay below castle

castle

Peel from castle

St. Peter's Church ruins

pre-race view from grandstand

"mini" bike at TT venue

TT grandstand pre-race

side-car practice race

side-car start

side-car, pit after first lap

side-car pit after first lap

side-car return after practice run

side-car return after run

superbike start

superbike return after run