Pouring when we woke up and not easing up most of the day.
Togged up and set off undeterred for the bus to Going, taking the hotel brollies as extra protection. Followed one of the set routes that went along parallel to the main road before turning uphill into the ski area. Quite a strenuous climb in places, in constant straight-down rain.
Reached the restaurant at the top but sorry, closed for a Ruhetage because of the bad weather. Continued down and along to Ellmau for a brief stop-over in the room before lunch in the Mexican restaurant.
Back for a snooze.
Saturday, 5 September 2015
Austria - 4 September
Awoke to sunshine!
Set off for Salzburg in a very full Inghams coach, with people from hotels in several local villages. Nice scenery along the way, getting there in time for the pre-lunch guided tour of the old city by a British resident Trudi who gave us a well practised introduction to the main sights.
We were then let loose until 3.30 and started by going up the funicular to the Festung Hohensalzburg castle that dominates the city.
Great views in all directions. Didn't bother with the museum so came back down and found a restaurant for an al fresco lunch watching the world go by.
Walked on afterwards, crossing the bridge festooned with love padlocks and on to the Mirabellgarten. Stopped off for refreshments at the building where Mozart lived for several years, then headed back to Motzartplatz to hand in our playing cards that George used as his headcount check. Everyone back more or less promptly, heeding the warning that the bus would leave regardless.
The hotel had its gala 5 course dinner in the evening. Then the band started its delayed concert on the street but we didn't stay long, instead doing another circuit of the town before turning in.
Set off for Salzburg in a very full Inghams coach, with people from hotels in several local villages. Nice scenery along the way, getting there in time for the pre-lunch guided tour of the old city by a British resident Trudi who gave us a well practised introduction to the main sights.
We were then let loose until 3.30 and started by going up the funicular to the Festung Hohensalzburg castle that dominates the city.
Great views in all directions. Didn't bother with the museum so came back down and found a restaurant for an al fresco lunch watching the world go by.
Walked on afterwards, crossing the bridge festooned with love padlocks and on to the Mirabellgarten. Stopped off for refreshments at the building where Mozart lived for several years, then headed back to Motzartplatz to hand in our playing cards that George used as his headcount check. Everyone back more or less promptly, heeding the warning that the bus would leave regardless.
The hotel had its gala 5 course dinner in the evening. Then the band started its delayed concert on the street but we didn't stay long, instead doing another circuit of the town before turning in.
Austria - 3 September
Very overcast when we awoke, feeling that rain wasn't far away. Breakfast had magically appeared at the Claudia, with a decent spread of meats, cheeses, cereals etc. Again shown to an appointed table for the duration of our stay, in one of three small dining rooms.
Caught the free Kaiserjet bus to the neighbouring town Scheffau and set off on a walk up along the river valley along one of a number of designated walking routes. Made for Hinterschiesslingalm eventually, a popular stopping place for walkers, where we had refreshments before starting back down to Scheffau.
Found a nice eating place called Gasthaus Weberbauer where we sat outside for our lunch before catching the bus back to Ellmau. Walked around the large church before getting on the bus, intrigued by the very decorative tombstones with their mini gardens and photos of the departed inmates. Later saw similar ones in Ellmau, many with lit candles in red glass holders.
Buffet supper this time, before the wine tasting in glorious isolation at the Weinatelier Agnes, ie just us from the Inghams contingent. Interesting enough but not wowed by the selection and feeling the need of the promised great social event.
Dry day but cool.
Caught the free Kaiserjet bus to the neighbouring town Scheffau and set off on a walk up along the river valley along one of a number of designated walking routes. Made for Hinterschiesslingalm eventually, a popular stopping place for walkers, where we had refreshments before starting back down to Scheffau.
Found a nice eating place called Gasthaus Weberbauer where we sat outside for our lunch before catching the bus back to Ellmau. Walked around the large church before getting on the bus, intrigued by the very decorative tombstones with their mini gardens and photos of the departed inmates. Later saw similar ones in Ellmau, many with lit candles in red glass holders.
Buffet supper this time, before the wine tasting in glorious isolation at the Weinatelier Agnes, ie just us from the Inghams contingent. Interesting enough but not wowed by the selection and feeling the need of the promised great social event.
Dry day but cool.
Austria - Wednesday 2 September
Woken by the alarm at 4.05 and away to Stansted at 4.45.
Deposited car at the Meet & Greet and went through check-in and security without undue delay. Had a snack before the flight at about 7.30, all on time and uneventful flight to Salzburg.
The bags appeared immediately so soon onto the bus destined for Ellmau, very conscious of the elderly nature of our fellow travellers. Deposited at the Claudia hotel and moved into our functional room in what looks to be a typical ski chalet. No one around since this is an unmanned annexe to the main Hochfilzer hotel a few hundred yards away.
Had a quick tour of the town including a lunch stop at a restaurant off the main street, then bought some essential provisions. Had to cadge some cups from the chamber maid for our tea brewing.
Went for our welcome briefing from tour rep George, who'd also been on the bus where he'd given us a halting general introduction to the holiday.
After a nap went back to the Hochfilzer for our evening meal, being directed away from the main dining room to our appointed table for the week in a smaller room and our smiling waiter Marc.
Deposited car at the Meet & Greet and went through check-in and security without undue delay. Had a snack before the flight at about 7.30, all on time and uneventful flight to Salzburg.
The bags appeared immediately so soon onto the bus destined for Ellmau, very conscious of the elderly nature of our fellow travellers. Deposited at the Claudia hotel and moved into our functional room in what looks to be a typical ski chalet. No one around since this is an unmanned annexe to the main Hochfilzer hotel a few hundred yards away.
Had a quick tour of the town including a lunch stop at a restaurant off the main street, then bought some essential provisions. Had to cadge some cups from the chamber maid for our tea brewing.
Went for our welcome briefing from tour rep George, who'd also been on the bus where he'd given us a halting general introduction to the holiday.
After a nap went back to the Hochfilzer for our evening meal, being directed away from the main dining room to our appointed table for the week in a smaller room and our smiling waiter Marc.
Saturday, 7 March 2015
6 March - Penguin Island and home
Packed our bags after breakfast and stored them in the hotel's baggage room. Took the water taxi across to the island, which is now artificially joined to the mainland to make access easier. Would have been an hour or more's walk because we'd have had to go round the marina.
Walked up to the two peaks, taking in the histories of these as strategic places in the wars between France and Great Britain as ownership swapped hands, ending 7 - 7.
Had a dip and bit of snorkelling, but not much to see. Walked across to see the Atlantic side, with a lot more rollers coming in.
Then a beer, another walk, and lunch at the only restaurant with its recommended fish cakes. Caught the water taxi back at 2 pm and had a final sea and pool swim, a shower, and change for the 4.30 pm pick-up.
This was on time, and in a very big posh car. Took the west coast road as this was less winding than the one we knew so well via Soufriere, getting to the airport in about 90 minutes despite being not much more than 40 miles. Instant check-in as nobody else had arrived by then. Mooched around before the flight from Trinidad came and picked us up, on time.
Settled down after the meal and got some sleep, so the journey didn't feel too tedious. Advised that the weather would be good when we arrived, which it was, reaching middle teens. Easy drive back, in lovely weather, later well into mid-teens.
Arrived home to find a note from Laura to say there had been a leak through Jim's ceilings, coming from the attic header tanks. Didn't exactly locate it so drained the entire heating system instead and ran off the cold water from the tank.
Caught up with the rugby matches last weekend, Wales beating France and Italy beating Scotland.
Bed at 9.30 and quickly to sleep. Good rest, not really waking until after 7am.
Walked up to the two peaks, taking in the histories of these as strategic places in the wars between France and Great Britain as ownership swapped hands, ending 7 - 7.
Had a dip and bit of snorkelling, but not much to see. Walked across to see the Atlantic side, with a lot more rollers coming in.
Then a beer, another walk, and lunch at the only restaurant with its recommended fish cakes. Caught the water taxi back at 2 pm and had a final sea and pool swim, a shower, and change for the 4.30 pm pick-up.
This was on time, and in a very big posh car. Took the west coast road as this was less winding than the one we knew so well via Soufriere, getting to the airport in about 90 minutes despite being not much more than 40 miles. Instant check-in as nobody else had arrived by then. Mooched around before the flight from Trinidad came and picked us up, on time.
Settled down after the meal and got some sleep, so the journey didn't feel too tedious. Advised that the weather would be good when we arrived, which it was, reaching middle teens. Easy drive back, in lovely weather, later well into mid-teens.
Arrived home to find a note from Laura to say there had been a leak through Jim's ceilings, coming from the attic header tanks. Didn't exactly locate it so drained the entire heating system instead and ran off the cold water from the tank.
Caught up with the rugby matches last weekend, Wales beating France and Italy beating Scotland.
Bed at 9.30 and quickly to sleep. Good rest, not really waking until after 7am.
5 March - Bean to Bar, Hotel Chocolat Trip
Bit disappointed by this trip. The route was exactly as yesterday's so we knew all the answers to the questions along the way, and anticipated the things being pointed out.
Arrived at Hotel Chocolat to find that we were joining another group who had just completed the plantation tour. We thought this was part of ours but were told not. The presenter of the chocolate making session said he'd take us on a mini version after lunch, as compensation.
The chocolate making was very interesting. Given the set of ingredients and minute instruction how to grind the dried coffee nibs in a heated pestle and mortar and then add cocoa butter to make the mix into as smooth a paste as our muscles allowed. The automatic machines take 72 hours for this so not surprisingly our results were a bit gritty. Finally added sugar to taste before pouring the end mixture into a mould for sticking in the fridge while we lunched.
Duly had the quick tour of the growing stages, which was very interesting too but not all encompassing.
New plants in poly tunnel ...
Mature tree with big cocoa pods
Leaf cover removed to show beans fermenting ...
.. then left out to dry after the cocoa butter had been separated
Then back onto the bus where we were offered stops at scenic places but no-one was particularly interested so we came back direct.
Out to Delirius restaurant for our final evening meal, which was delicious. Mahi Mahi fish, aka dorado?
Back at the resort there was limbo dancing and fire eating, like in Antigua. Didn't stay too long.
Arrived at Hotel Chocolat to find that we were joining another group who had just completed the plantation tour. We thought this was part of ours but were told not. The presenter of the chocolate making session said he'd take us on a mini version after lunch, as compensation.
The chocolate making was very interesting. Given the set of ingredients and minute instruction how to grind the dried coffee nibs in a heated pestle and mortar and then add cocoa butter to make the mix into as smooth a paste as our muscles allowed. The automatic machines take 72 hours for this so not surprisingly our results were a bit gritty. Finally added sugar to taste before pouring the end mixture into a mould for sticking in the fridge while we lunched.
Lovely setting for lunch, looking out towards the Piton mountains. Supposedly a gourmet lunch but not that special.
Duly had the quick tour of the growing stages, which was very interesting too but not all encompassing.
New plants in poly tunnel ...
Mature tree with big cocoa pods
Leaf cover removed to show beans fermenting ...
.. then left out to dry after the cocoa butter had been separated
Then back onto the bus where we were offered stops at scenic places but no-one was particularly interested so we came back direct.
Out to Delirius restaurant for our final evening meal, which was delicious. Mahi Mahi fish, aka dorado?
Back at the resort there was limbo dancing and fire eating, like in Antigua. Didn't stay too long.
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
4 March - Soufriere and volcano
Picked up fairly promptly and set off in Jeep with 8 others. Bouncy and windy drive down to Soufriere, stopping at some viewing points. This one is Soufriere and the Pitons.
Visited the botanical gardens ...
Then did the mud bath, only one of the ten wanting to do this rather than the tour of the volcano.. Very gritty mud which you applied yourself from a bucket, then waited for it to cake. Washed off in a very hot and dark grey pool, fed directly from volcanic springs.
Rejoined main group for drive to the port where we waited ages for the boat.
Lots of frigate birds wheeling overhead!
Another bungle, because we had to be picked up by another catamaran that was heading straight back to Castries to rendezvous with a cruise ship.
So missed the snorkelling stop and leisurely return. Complained about this and received $60 US refund Still a nice ride though, but very choppy at times. Lots of music and dancing, as ever.
Interesting lunch near Hotel Chocolat, buffet with some exotic things but omnipresent chicken too, and throat-clutchingly hot sauce.
Visited the botanical gardens ...
Then did the mud bath, only one of the ten wanting to do this rather than the tour of the volcano.. Very gritty mud which you applied yourself from a bucket, then waited for it to cake. Washed off in a very hot and dark grey pool, fed directly from volcanic springs.
Rejoined main group for drive to the port where we waited ages for the boat.
Lots of frigate birds wheeling overhead!
Another bungle, because we had to be picked up by another catamaran that was heading straight back to Castries to rendezvous with a cruise ship.
So missed the snorkelling stop and leisurely return. Complained about this and received $60 US refund Still a nice ride though, but very choppy at times. Lots of music and dancing, as ever.
Interesting lunch near Hotel Chocolat, buffet with some exotic things but omnipresent chicken too, and throat-clutchingly hot sauce.
Tuesday, 3 March 2015
3 March - Rainforest Trip
Collected promptly at 9.25 for ride to rain forest to the west of Bay Gardens.
Got on the suspended cage and headed up through the forest, with Denise explaining the flora and fauna. Then the rain started, and didn't stop. Thought it might have been a shower but no, so pretty drenched before putting on the ripped ponchos. Saw several humming birds as well as a wide range of trees.
Arrived back and immediately set off on the walk, our numbers reduced to four now. More close up humming birds and varieties of flower and frankincense things.
Monday, 2 March 2015
2 March - Settling in
Good night's sleep then full breakfast overlooking the sea.
Checked out the resort ...
Walked down to the main part of the town and caught a ramshackle bus to Castries, the capital of the island. About the only cheap thing in the place, just $3 EC for two, about 70p.
Market in full swing, with masses of fruit and veg in one part, and clothing, exotic foods and knick knacks in the other. Stopped for cold drinks in amongst all of this then headed back to the bus stop, this time having a much more plush mini bus for the return trip.
Got our bearings in the shopping mall, and checked food prices at several restaurants, all expensive so no escaping them.
Had lunch back at the resort, or at least I did, sharing some of my burger and chips with Hilary. Swam in the sea and the nice pool, and had a long stroll along the complete length of the beach.
Back to the room for a shower and relax before supper at the resort restaurant.
Checked out the resort ...
Walked down to the main part of the town and caught a ramshackle bus to Castries, the capital of the island. About the only cheap thing in the place, just $3 EC for two, about 70p.
Market in full swing, with masses of fruit and veg in one part, and clothing, exotic foods and knick knacks in the other. Stopped for cold drinks in amongst all of this then headed back to the bus stop, this time having a much more plush mini bus for the return trip.
Got our bearings in the shopping mall, and checked food prices at several restaurants, all expensive so no escaping them.
Had lunch back at the resort, or at least I did, sharing some of my burger and chips with Hilary. Swam in the sea and the nice pool, and had a long stroll along the complete length of the beach.
Back to the room for a shower and relax before supper at the resort restaurant.
1 March - Transfer to St Lucia
Had a walk in the opposite direction from normal, towards Cocos beach. Found a deserted beach where I had a swim but Hilary didn't.
Went on to the main Cocos beach which was crowded but we didn't stay. Back for a swim and to pack, clearing the room by the 12 noon deadline.
Picked up 45 mins before the scheduled time and checked in fairly quickly. The board said On Time for the 3.20 Liat flight but the due time came and went. Then the flight disappeared off the board but eventually came back saying 5.55, which became about 6.15
At last got away at about 7.40, on a turbo prop plane that completed the trip without incident. Long wait for bags to appear, then a queue for immigration before being collected by smiley Eric for the 20 minute drive to the Bay Gardens Beach Resort.
Very sumptuous room compared with the Jolly Beach room.
Too late to eat so settled down for an earlyish night.
Went on to the main Cocos beach which was crowded but we didn't stay. Back for a swim and to pack, clearing the room by the 12 noon deadline.
Picked up 45 mins before the scheduled time and checked in fairly quickly. The board said On Time for the 3.20 Liat flight but the due time came and went. Then the flight disappeared off the board but eventually came back saying 5.55, which became about 6.15
At last got away at about 7.40, on a turbo prop plane that completed the trip without incident. Long wait for bags to appear, then a queue for immigration before being collected by smiley Eric for the 20 minute drive to the Bay Gardens Beach Resort.
Very sumptuous room compared with the Jolly Beach room.
Too late to eat so settled down for an earlyish night.
Saturday, 28 February 2015
28 February - Day spent locally
Dark rain clouds around.
Walked over to Jolly Harbour again, this time going past the golf club
and out onto the next promontory. Rain
showers as we walked so had to duck under trees or verandas until they stopped.
Back for a dip and game of pool volleyball before lunch in
Hemispheres. Stayed around pool during
afternoon apart from another walk to the end of the beach and final swim in the
sea as the sun was going down.
Watched the perfect couple competition as part of the
evening’s entertainment, funny bit where couples had to burst balloons by
sitting on them or squeezing between their bodies. One lady took flying leap at her husband and
knocked him backwards off his chair.
Made way to bed at 10.30, expecting the loud music to stop
at 11. Didn't, replaced by disco, but not too bad.
Friday, 27 February 2015
27 February - SUV Tour
Again waited dutifully at the Security gate for our pick-up
at 9.15. No sign after 15 minutes but
reassured by the security man that we
were in the right place and that the pick-up could be a little late.
By ten we were really doubting we’d be picked up so I walked
back to reception who called Chernie the Rep.
He then appeared at security and tried to speak to the driver. I eventually walked back there to discover
that a driver had been and picked up someone else. Hasty rearrangement to find another driver,
who would be there within 30 minutes
- again Antiguan time.
Eventually set off with Julius who was a great guy and made
up for all the delays by keeping up an interesting chatter about all and
sundry. Stopped first at English Harbour
and did a brief walk around before a very acceptable roast chicken lunch. Then walked around the museum with artefacts
and information about the history including Nelson’s time here.
Continued on to an old fort site with nice views over the harbour
and coast, then on to Shirley Heights for even better views. Next to Devil’s Bridge where story goes the
slaves leapt into the sea to try to escape.
Then to Betty Hope where one of the big sugar plantations had been in the days of slavery and before they gave up sugar production and started on tourism.
Then to Betty Hope where one of the big sugar plantations had been in the days of slavery and before they gave up sugar production and started on tourism.
Quick stops at a church with roof like a boat,
and the Viv
Richards cricket stadium where England will play West Indies in April.
Bit of a deluge as we drove back to Jolly Beach where we’d
booked in at Lydia’s Restaurant for a change.
Met the American couple we’d befriended earlier and had an interesting
chat to them as we ate the fishy/seafood offerings. Deluge again, stopping in time for the limbo
dancer / fire eater performance.
Thursday, 26 February 2015
26 February - Trip on Mystic
Bit windy but waited dutifully at 9.15 for the pick-up for
the day On Mystic. No sign of anyone so
eventually asked at reception. Turned
out the driver hadn't been told we were going but then set off immediately.
Headed down the coast, having the various beaches and rich
people’s houses pointed out.
Arrived at
Cades Reef after best part of 2 hours
and togged up for snorkelling. Very hard
going in the water because it was very breezy and choppy. Nothing much to see because the reef here was
killed by one of the hurricanes. Some
groups of exotic fish in places but not easy snorkelling with the waves filling
the tube at times.
Back on board for a good lunch and some very strong rum
punches. Made way back via a swimming
beach, loud Bob Marley music and congas around the deck.
Dinner in the Utsav Indian restaurant.
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
25 February - Easy day
Good sleep. Usual buffet breakfast then a walk down the beach and up onto the headland at the end.
Back to the resort for lunch, with usual accompaniment of grackles and bananaquits.
Back to the resort for lunch, with usual accompaniment of grackles and bananaquits.
Also spotted some small Antillean Crested Hummingbirds darting from blossom to blossom, great excitement!
Played pool volleyball after lunch and used the pool in between swims from the beach. Went to the Spinnaker restaurant in the adjoining hotel for supper, excellent meal of Dorado, nice surroundings but seats very low relative to the tables, particularly for Hilary.
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
24 Feb, first full day in Antigua
Not a great night’s sleep but held out until about
7.30. Went for a quick dip before Hilary
got up then to the buffet for breakfast.
Walked along beach turning right, out towards the headland. Cut in towards Jolly Harbour, walking along the board walk beside the marina. Back to the resort for a swim and lunch, full menu so tried not to eat too much. Another swim after before sitting beside the pool and reading/watching the pool volley ball.
Beautiful sunset!
Walked along beach turning right, out towards the headland. Cut in towards Jolly Harbour, walking along the board walk beside the marina. Back to the resort for a swim and lunch, full menu so tried not to eat too much. Another swim after before sitting beside the pool and reading/watching the pool volley ball.
Beautiful sunset!
Hilary went for nap afterwards and I grappled with the dodgy Internet for a while. Back to the trough, staying out until about 10pm, including some pool and table tennis.
Monday, 23 February 2015
23 February - Set off for Antigua
Came down last night, horrible drive because the M11 blocked as we joined it at Duxford after a shunt several miles down. Then again before the M25 turn-off, another shunt. Took 2 hours.
Stopped at Clacket Lane for food then checked into Travel Lodge. Second bed not made up, aircon saying filter was blocked so not cooling much from the 25C when we arrived, etc.
Slept ok until the mobile alarm went off an hour early (skiing time|) then were offered a free breakfast as compensation for the room deficiencies. Didn't take it up. Took a long time for the car park bus to leave so quite pleased we had been woken up earlier than planned.
Boarded plane ok but about 45 mins delay getting the luggage loaded. Even so the flight wasn't much overdue arriving in Antigua at about 3.40pm. Flight ok. Watched Gone Girl and The most wanted man, read a bit and had a bit of a doze.
Delay getting picked up by transfer man but interesting chat to him about the island. Looked at our Supersaver room but quickly decided it was to poky. Upgraded to a much better Standard room, also with view over beach, Good move.
Had walk to get an idea about the resort layout, then had buffet meal and a glass of rum punch, taking advantage of all-inclusive package.
Held out until 9 pm then wound down.
Stopped at Clacket Lane for food then checked into Travel Lodge. Second bed not made up, aircon saying filter was blocked so not cooling much from the 25C when we arrived, etc.
Slept ok until the mobile alarm went off an hour early (skiing time|) then were offered a free breakfast as compensation for the room deficiencies. Didn't take it up. Took a long time for the car park bus to leave so quite pleased we had been woken up earlier than planned.
Boarded plane ok but about 45 mins delay getting the luggage loaded. Even so the flight wasn't much overdue arriving in Antigua at about 3.40pm. Flight ok. Watched Gone Girl and The most wanted man, read a bit and had a bit of a doze.
Delay getting picked up by transfer man but interesting chat to him about the island. Looked at our Supersaver room but quickly decided it was to poky. Upgraded to a much better Standard room, also with view over beach, Good move.
Had walk to get an idea about the resort layout, then had buffet meal and a glass of rum punch, taking advantage of all-inclusive package.
Held out until 9 pm then wound down.
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