Guest Post - Hiking Snowden

Hi everyone!  Mum decided to let me write this post since it was my favourite part of the trip.  It was definitely a little scary and some parts were hard – but it was worth it. 

After breakfast on Tuesday morning, mum and dad packed their backpacks and we drove to the starting place for our hike.  I sure am glad that I don’t have to carry around a heavy backpack all day.  Plus it would make it hard to go swimming (stay tuned – more on swimming later). 

I like hiking a lot because I usually get to explore on my own.  And let me tell you – there would have been lots to explore on this hike.  But unfortunately I had to stay on leash because there were SHEEP!  I LOVE sheep – so much.  But for some reason they just don’t want to play with me.  I don’t get it. 

Our hike started with a steady back and forth climb through field of sheep after field of sheep.  After a bit it evened out and was much easier – but only for a little while.  I took this opportunity to take a refreshing drink from some of the streams running down the mountain.  Fresh, cold water.  My favourite! 

Then we began climbing again.  It seemed like the mountain just kept going.  We did stop a few times so that dad could take pictures (cough – catch his breath). 

Not sure who could cycle up this mountain

From about half way almost to the top the path turns into a lot of loose gravel and slate.  This part was pretty tough on me and sometimes it was hard to find the best place to walk – but I didn’t let that stop me.  I’m a tough pup!  And mum and dad were really encouraging and helped me find the best paths.  I guess I’ll keep them. 

For all the tourists who can’t handle hiking up the mountain, there is a train that goes to the top.  I think it’s cheating a bit – but not everyone is as fit as me.  And everyone should be able to enjoy the view up there.  It was stunning.  We could see the Irish Sea and all the other mountains and valleys.  Our reward once we got to the top was lunch which was probably my favourite part.  Mum is a good sharer. 

While the day all around Snowden was beautiful with blue skies, the one, lonely, black cloud had decided to perch itself over the peak which meant it was quite chilly at the top.  Fortunately I have fur and mum and dad packed fleeces. 

And after lunch, we started our way back down the mountain and back to the car.  It was hard going back over all that slate on the way down – but we made it.  And by the time we got to the top valley we were hot again.  I decided it was time for a swim and found the deepest spot in the closest creek.  Oh boy it felt good.  I tried to tell mum and dad that they could go on and I’d catch up but that dang leash rule spoiled my fun. 

The hike was supposed to take us 6 hours.  I think it took us less than 5 because we’re awesome.  So we had the whole afternoon free to keep exploring.  Mum had read something about there being lots of waterfalls in Wales and dad found one that didn’t require any hiking to get to.  (I think he was worn out.)  So we turned on the GPS and drove on.  The waterfall is in the little town of Dyserth and doesn’t give anything way when you first look at it.  Dad thought this was the waterfall at first and was a bit underwhelmed. 

Then I helped him find this one – and he was happy. 

Since it wasn’t quite time for dinner (according to mum – I’m always ready for dinner), they decided to drive to another coastal town.  Llandudno was a lot bigger than we expected and they had a really nice boardwalk to stroll along.  Mum had read that there was an award winning fish & chips shop in this town so we decided to eat there for dinner.  It definitely deserved the awards.  I LOVE fish. 

And after grabbing ice cream, we headed back to the car to drive to the hostel for our last night.  Tomorrow we head home where I’ll get to sleep in my own spots again.  I love traveling, but the floor is not very comfortable.

Love you lots!

Luther

Guest Post - Fancy House & Gardens

Hi all!  Luther here.  Mum and dad have finally taken me on an adventure worthy of sharing with you, my loyal readers.  Please don't blame me for the lack of adventure in my life lately.  If only they'd let me take the bus by myself....

Spring tends to be on again, off again here in England from what I can tell.  And today happened to be mostly on again so mum decided it was a good day for an adventure.  Dad has been working really hard lately, but it seems to be paying off.  But because of all his hard work, it's been hard to plan outings for the weekends.  He had now turned in his 1st year review paper and given his presentation at Oxford, so off we went. 

Mum and dad renewed their Historic Scotland membership because we used it so much last year and we get to go to sites managed by English Heritage for free.  Mum found this place on the site and found out that we could get to it pretty easily - so that's what we did.  

So two buses later, we started walking to Audley End House & Gardens.  It is about 1.5 miles from the bus stop - but since we're so used to walking, we didn't mind.  When we got to the property, mum and dad kept saying something about how they felt like they were at Downton Abbey - whatever that is.  I just kept thinking - look at all the grass and the water and the birds.  THIS PLACE IS GREAT!  If only I could run around properly.  But - stupid rules said I had to stay on leash.

Bus 1

Bus 2

We saw this door on our walk to the property.  I bet it leads to a secret garden full of lots of squirrels. 

It was lunch time when we got to the property, so we headed over to the cafe to grab some sandwiches.  After lunch, we walked through the kitchen garden which supplies the property with organic fruits and veggies.  I wasn't that interested because there weren't any chickens.  Chicken - yum!  Salad - I'll pass.

On our way to the cafe we stopped by the stables so that dad could practice to become a 'fine English gentleman'.  Whatever that means.

Apple trees 

Then, before heading to the house, we strolled through some of the other gardens.  

I wasn't allowed in the house but mum told me that it has been restored to look like it would have in its prime.  Because I'm not allowed, dad and I went to watch a cricket match while mum explored.  Then they switched.  I don't understand cricket - but if you get to play it in places like this, then sign me up!

After we got tired of cricket (which didn't take long), we wandered to the back of the property where there is a temple and a lovely view of the house.

On our way out, we learned a bit about life 'under the stairs' - the dairy, laundry and kitchen.  Nothing big to share here.

And then we headed home.  It was a great day.  I am now sufficiently tuckered out and I think it's time for bed.

Thanks for reading!

Luther x

Touring with the Kinates - Eilean Donan and the Isle of Skye

Photo thanks to the Kinates

After our full day's adventure to the west coast of Scotland, we woke (relatively) early the next day to see what we could see.  We hadn't had a chance to stock up on food yet, so we headed to the nearest town to find a place to eat breakfast.  We didn't want Luther to be cooped up in the cabin all day and I knew that there would be lots for him to explore once we got to Skye, so we found a nice little restaurant In Kyle of Lochalsh with outdoor seating and had a nice little meal.  And because you can't go anywhere in Scotland without wanting to take a photo, we did that too.

Photo thanks to Aunt Benja - I mean, really, who can resist taking this dude's photo?

After breakfast, we headed down the road to Eilean Donan Castle.  

Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland - and you can see why.  Unfortunatley we caught it at low tide - otherwise it would have looked like it were sitting on an island.

The castle was different than any of the others that Luke and I have visited because it is privately owned and the family still actually stays there occasionally.  Someone who works there told us that a college aged family member had been there over the weekend.  Can you imagine what an awesome pick up line that is - "Hey, would you like to go with me to my castle for the weekend?"  That dude has no problems.

Because the castle is privately owned, the owners have set up the inside to be habitable and no indoor pictures were allowed.  But I have plenty of the outside for you to enjoy!

After leaving the castle, we headed across the Skye bridge.  Aunt Benja & Uncle Chris wanted to visit at least one distillery while visiting so we opted to visit Talisker Distillery on Skye.  Talisker is the only distillery on the island so it is a popular destination for visitors.  Luckily we had booked ourselves on to a tour and had no problems.

On the way to the distillery, we stopped to check out a waterfall - because they're everywhere.

And after the distillery, we headed to an area called the Fairy Pools.  Uncle Chris had seen picture somewhere and added it to the "Need to do whilst in Scotland" list - so off we went.  And the pools did not disappoint.  They are essentially created by a stream that flows out of the Cuillin Mountains which turns into waterfall after waterfall separated by pools as it meanders down the valley.  For some reason the water in the pools appears turquoise and it is absolutely stunning.

You could see where thousands of years of running water had worn groves in the rocks.

Side note - when Aunt Benja and Uncle Chris were packing for their trip, I told them to bring layers because you never know what the weather is going to do and there was no chance it would be hot.  I was wrong and happy to be so.  It was hot enough that we decided we needed to cool down stick our feet in the cold water.

Photo thanks to the Kinates

Photo thanks to the Kinates

After our hike around the Fairy Pools, we decided it was time for dinner.  I had heard great things about a town on the mainland called Plockton and I had read that they had a dug friendly pub, so we hopped in the car and headed that way.  Dinner was great and the town was cute.  It made for a great way to end the day.

Time to rest up for our next adventure.  Stay tuned for PUFFINS!!!!

Love you & miss you,
Aubs, Luke & Luther