Hong Kong

The leg to Hong Kong in business class was smooth and comfortable – good food and wine, and great to be able to lie down and snooze for some of the night. In order to adjust to being late afternoon on arrival I sat up completed my blog for part of the time – again great to have access to power to keep the laptop alive – no such luxury tonight as we fly back to NZ but we do have an upgrade to premium economy so the meals are better.

On arrival into Hong Kong we were fortunate that Jim asked a local about how best to get to our hotel, and we were able to take the A21 bus for a fraction of the price of other options and our hotel was at its final stop at the terminus – so we got a good look at part of the city on the way in.

Smog is quite noticeable in HK. Skies were always hazy.

The most notable features were vibrant colour, neon signs and people out shopping on Nathan Rd. The worst feature was the cost of storing some of our luggage at the airport ($HK130 per bag for 2 days regardless of size), and the exhorbitant cost of all food at the hotel – over $HK200 ($NZ70) for a full breakfast and even a continental was beyond a joke. However we discovered a Maxim’s Express and a McCafe just across the road, so the hotel had to do without our patronage. Maxims proved to be a good place for a filling meal at a reasonable cost. The bed and the pool were very good though and we had a good view out over the harbour from our 18th storey room.

 

 

The next morning we slept in a bit and Jim took a swim in the pool while I relaxed a bit more in bed. In the afternoon we decided we would see if we could walk down to the harbour which turned out to involve walking into the adjacent shopping mall, down to the carpark and across some walkways across the motorways, across pedestrian crossings and finally to the port. We caught the local ferry across to Central Pier seeing the sights along the way

This was not the local ferry :->>

Nor this container carrier that had been towed up the harbour with a load earlier in the day.

This was the local ferry.

and from there caught a fast ferry to one of the islands, seeing more of the harbour area as we went

On arrival we walked through the seafood cafe areas where you could choose the fish or lobster that you wanted cooked (we passed on that)

and along pathways through market shops and housing areas towards the beach.

Jim went all the way but I turned back as we realised that there were crowds heading back to the ferries and we would need to queue – didn’t want to miss the last ferry back. It was just as well as the first ferry was full, but we got onto the second OK and that just got us back in time to catch what we think was the last ferry back to the Hung Hom area. By the time we got back all the lights were coming on along the harbour.

Shopping was still going on in the shopping mall adjoining our hotel however.

The next morning we closed the cases for the final leg home, Jim had another swim in the pool, and then we were back on the local bus headed for the airport. This time we were first onto the upper deck of the double decker bus so had the front window view.

We saw the bamboo scaffolding used on building sites and they cover all with windbreak cloth so that it all looks so much safer LOL.

 

Back at the airport we had a snack lunch, collected our stored luggage, checked in as soon as we were able, and then relaxed in the airline lounge until it was time to board the plane for the last stage of our trip. The 10+ hours in premium economy passed relatively painlessly, and before we knew it we were driving south to Pirongia and back to work.

It has been a fantastic holiday but all good things must come to an end. Will just have to wait for 2010 before starting thinking about the next trip and where that might take us – not round the world again though I suspect.

Still – dreams are free!

Inverness to Heathrow

The mists were down again as we headed for Inverness, but as the most important requirement was to busy ourselves in a laundrette it didn’t seem to matter. I enjoyed the banter and moans of the resident laundress and the various people who came to deliver, collect or set their washing. It gave me a chance to continue with blog entries too. When all completed and folded, we packed the car again, drove past the castle

gotr lost in the streets of Inverness

and finally found our way to Culloden where a few flags marked the battlefield and groups of people paid for the priviledge of walking in fallen footsteps. A few quick photos sufficed for me

and then it was on to Findhorn Community where we had a quick walk around some of the gardens and buildings

This one with its turf roof and two eyes peering out like an owl blinking in the light.

The pheasant keeping company with the . . . well your guess is as good as mine – maybe Nessy has strayed from Loch Ness:->>

and then to lunch in this quaint little old pub. A bowl of soup sufficed after the big breakfast we had enjoyed at the B&B.

We then headed for the whiskey distilling area but on the way saw the cows in the barn enjoying their lunch too.

Before visiting a distillery we stopped at the Cooperage and took the tour. Amazing the speed with which the men restored barrels. I have some video footage that I will upload later and link here.

Old tubs that could no longer be used for whiskey were put to good use outside.

We chose the Glenfiddich Distillery to visit as it was free and we have in the past enjoyed sampling that brand. The tour was very interesting and culminated in a wee dram – in fact two for us as we were on the last tour and there were spare glasses that didn’t need wasting.

Fermenting the barley in yeast and water

The residue barley mix after draining is fed to the cows – they apparently enjoy that.

Time for distillation.

and then its put into oak barrels to age for a minimum of 12 years. The previous contents of the barrel affect the flavouring so final blending combines different barrels selected by the “noser” to create the final product.

And then it was on to Boat of Garten to check into a B&B for the night.

The next morning after breakfast we drove to the RSPB centre in Loch of Garten to see the Ospreys on their nest. Before the centre opened for the day we enjoyed a red squirrel in the area. It was hard to get close enough for great photos

but those followed later when we went up to the Osprey viewing station, and the squirrels were very busy at the feeders.

The osprey viewing centre had telescopes set for the nest and also close circuit TV screens gave the close up view.

Mumma on the nest and then she flies off for a break leaving the eggs in view of the close circuit TV camera.

There are also artistic representations of the bird.

Next stop was a drive up into the Cairngorm Mountains Ski fields – already much of the snow has melted.

But people still enjoy the ride up the mountain on the funicula railway – having done this in Germany last year we didn’t bother.

A few more beautiful lochs

A few more interesting buildings and gateways

the Falls of Dochart

complete with airforce fly over and fire engine also at full flight

Some more squirrels – grey this time

and into Stirling and the road up to the castle.

And finally the Falkirk Wheel – our last tourist stop. The canal boats motor into the container, two at a time, and the wheel then raises them up to the upper loch.

And so over the bridge across the Forth of Firth to Edinburgh Airport and the beginning of the long flight home.

But one last treat awaits – an upgrade request to business class using airpoints has been successful, so we have a very relaxed 12 hours to Hong Kong where we will stay for the next two nights. Good food, a seat that reclines into a bed and power for the laptop. Ahhhh – luxury indeed.

To Loch Ness

I am finding that it pays to take photos in our overnight spot during the evening, as the morning is regularly grey and rainy, but it clears as the day goes on usually. The morning at Gairloch was wet, but it never seems to be a heavy rain – just a drizzle that you hardly notice. However the views are never the same.

We left Gairloch after breakfast and continued up the coast roads to Ullapool. Lots of similar views as we went and then gradullay more forested areas

but hard to capture the real greeness with the rather dark day and the fact that most of my photos were taken from the car while driving.

Not far from Ullapool we happened on a steep valley with lush farm land at the bottom.

Ullapool is a harbour where the ferries come in.

There were lots of interesting craft shops and I loved this one with all the different shades of home spun wool and carpets. Hilarie you would have enjoyed this shop.

We decided that we would go a little further north to Lochinver, but stopped for our picnic lunch at this little bay along the way. There was a very cold wind that chilled the fingers, and in the end we decided that it was really time to start heading back towards Inverness to be sure of having a few days to explore the other coast. And so we turned the car and headed south-east.

We drove out to the Black Isle just north of Inverness where there were a series of oil rigs

and to a spot near the lighthouse where dolphins are commonly seen chasing the fish that are swept to the surface by the converging currents on an incoming tide, but today only a ship could be seen coming in.

And then we drove to Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness where we settled in to a comfortable and friendly B&B. For dinner we drove to a very nice hotel restaurant on another nearby loch where you could get quite cheap meals until 7.30 in the evening. I enjoyed a meal of haggis, neaps and tatties while Jim decided on haddock and chips. We had a lovely armchair by the fire for our predinner drink, and then a seat by the window overlooking the loch for dinner.

After dinner we drove along part of Loch Ness in case it was raining again in the morning – it was a good decision even though starting to get a bit dark at about 8.30.

We did not see the monster.

Applecross to Gairloch

From Applecross we debated whether to take the shorter route back over the hill, or continue on around the longer coast road, but fortunately the latter won out and we found ourselves on faster roads much of the time, but also outstanding scenery and greater variety from the gentle rolling coastal strip with stone cottages and crofts dotted here and there

to fishing villages in rocky little bays

rugged stony outcrops in a variety of colours

rugged expansive areas

tumbling streams and waterfalls

harbours and fish farms

and more rocks and sea and clouds – another turn another view another photo :->>

And finally some wildlife – two deer not too far from the road.

We had hoped to find a B&B in the area so that we could look out for more wildlife, but one was a falconer with “DON’T” signs all over the place, and the other was a foreigner with a new place and it was all a bit too civilised and not terribly friendly, so we continued on to Gairloch where we found a nice B&B on the waterfront.

Around Skye and beyond

It rained a bit during the night and while consuming a delicious cooked breakfast the clouds were sitting almost on the ground – clearly a message that one is supposed to start at a relaxed pace on holiday. At the civilised hour of 9.30 the clouds were beginning to lift and by the time we drove to Portree it was really quite beautiful.

From Portree we continued on up the Eastern coast of Skye through a wide variety of landscapes – rolling green hills and country cottages, stark rugged rock formations and coastal bays. Skye lives up to it’s name – about 200 photos taken today and many have beautiful skies.

The Kilt Rocks.

We didn’t follow the coast right round the top but cut across a very narrow little road – single track with passing bays – to The Quirang – an area with sharp craggy outcrops where Jim and many others tramped out to have a look.

The winds were quite strong and icy up here, so after a spot of photography I bought a coffee to warm me up again. These little food stands are quite common in the popular hiking spots.

The road then dropped down to the port of Uig where the ferry leaves for Lochmaddy and Tarbet in the Western Isles.

We then followed the faster road back to Portree geared up for the trucks no doubt,

and enjoyed a lunch of haddock and chips to warm us up

The seagulls and this little bird came to clean up the crumbs and crispy bits.

Back on the road through more beautiful scenery

We returned to the mainland via the Skye Bridge – I had expected a much longer bridge after our ferry crossing to get there, but the gap is quite small by comparison so just a short up and down.

We had been advised that we should drive out to the little village of Pollock which we did over narrow winding roads with passing bays

and then followed even narrower roads to Stromeferry to take the spectacular road to Applecross – they warn you in the guide books and a big red sign at the beginning of the road that this is not for the beginner driver as the road is single track with passing bays, very steep in parts and zig zagging near the top – a climb to over 2000 feet. The views are worth it however. You begin with a very gentle route through this little village

and then a gradual uphill

and when the real stuff begins you stop taking photos as you drive and wait for the view at the top.

The trip down was a much more gentle contour, to the little village of Applecross at the bottom,

and rugged coast beyond.

We then took the quieter route on to Kinlochewe and Gairlock – a wide variety of scenery and some amazing views – but that’s in my next entry.

On to the Isle of Skye

Last night in Ballachulish was the best nights accommodation so far. We had a comfortable spacious room, internet acess for a small fee, hair dryer provided. access to a large guest lounge with DVDs , games and books provided, and a very extensive breakfast with 3 choices of fruit juice, 10 choices of cereal, yoghurt and fruit, and a menu of cooked options – the bacon, eggs and mushrooms were wonderful. Our hostess was also very chatty and sat and talked with us after we had eaten to discuss areas of interest plus a variety of other topics. And for no higher cost than previous nights and much less than the bulldog of Lockerbie.

If you’re ever in the Glencoe area, check out the Strathassynt Guest House.

We then set off towards Arisaig to look up our Servas guests who visited us 5 or 6 years ago. The scenery was very picturesque along the way

and we drove up the valley of Glen Nevis looking at the misty hills and waterfalls,

and some highland cattle. How do they see anything :->>

Ben Nevis was partly hiding in the clouds but the information and videos at the information centre show it to be a very extensive climb with tramping boots and walking poles essential if going to the top (which is over in the back of beyond out of view.)

We also stopped at St Finnians where you had to pay 2 pounds to park in the carpark and more to pee or to enter this monument and climb to the top. We didn’t bother with that. Didn’t even check to see what or of whom it was about. Jim felt very ripped off – but that’s not unusual LOL.

Emerging out onto the coast gave us quite a different view. It is not unlike parts of the Kaikoura Coast with a mox of rocky outcrops and white sandy beaches.

Sue is a keen gardener and has developed some bright colours amongst their rocky outcrop just above the tide.

Sue was having an afternoon nap, but we woke her up and had an enjoyable cup of coffee and discussions about the local area, and also of their travels through Morrocco and Pategonia. Ranald was out on one of his boats moored out in the bay fixing things, but we saw him head back in the dinghy a little later and Jim and dog Misty went to meet him. The next ferry was due to leave for Skye at 4.30 so we didn’t stop much longer, but it was great to catch up with them. We took the alternative coastal route to catch the ferry which wound in and arounbd and up and down past some lovely bays and sandy beaches

to the harbour at Mallaig.

We didn’t have to wait long for the ferry to arrive.

The wind was bitterly cold so I found my gloves in the suitcase before we boarded, but I needn’t have worried as after being outr on deck to take a few photos I was able to withdraw to the warmth of the lounge for a free cup of hot chocolate and a good view out the windows. There was just time for the drink to cool enough to consume before we were nearing the port and recalled to our cars.

On landing we drove to Armadale Castle and Gardens where there was no charge to have a wander – not even pay and display parking!!!

The Stables – now a restaurant and gift shop.

And then we drove on to Broadford where we found a nice B&B to stay for the night.

 

Out in the highlands

Just letting you all know we are fine but can’t access internet on my computer out here. Have lots more blog entries when I do.

Cheers,
Jill

Evening walk

It was good to get out of the car a bit earlier in the day and we went for a couple of short walks in the forest hoping to see some wildlife, but in that we were disappointed. Lovely rivers with tumbling water and more of the moods of the lochs and hills were still appreciated.

Rhododrendons are at their best.

And here’s a beagle version of Snoopy :->>

Scottish Highlands

We woke to a greyish day with misty clouds around the hills,

but a lovely cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomato, sausage, toast and marmalade, and company at our table – a couple from Ireland who had travelled the world and had many stories to tell. We were then packed up and off to Glencoe through the Scottish Highlands. The pictures speak for themselves – magnificent country with so many different moods throughout the day.

Inverary Castle where we decided to do the tour. No photos allowed inside so we paid for a guidebook.

We stopped and had lunch on the waterfront at Inverary and fed the seagulls and terns. The terns in particular were very good at flying in and wheeling to catch the bread I threw for them while still in flight. The gulls could manage it but not so gymnastically.

And then more of the Highlands.

And finally into Glencoe.

Time for a coffee and a bit of a rest. Tomorrow off to Arisaig and the Isle of Skye.

Loch Lomond

With the weather clearing rapidly as we made our way up to Glasgow and out to Loch Lomond, it was pretty near perfect by the time we drove the western side of the loch up to Tarbet arriving a little earlier than usual at our intended accommodation spot.

We inquired at the Information Centre and were given a book of B&Bs with a couple of recommendations. Unfortunately only the guests were home at our first choice and although it was highly likely that the second room was available we couldn’t be sure that someone else might reserve it on the internet. We drove around to Arrachor and did some more waiting but in the end we decided we needed coffee and a place to rest, so we chose the second option. This turned out to be very nice too but only had the twin bed option left.

We had great views from our window.

In the evening we drove over to Arrachor again for dinner and a bit of a walk. We had a table overlooking the loch and ben -

Back at Tarbet, Loch Lomond looked very tranquil and mirrorlike as the evening faded away and the lights lit up the hotel.