Diary of our UK Trip.

Leaving Australia.

Melbourne. Wednesday, 6/04/2011.

Adele and Lee picked us up from home at 3.30pm, we are heading to Tulamarine Airport on our way to the UK. Met up with Cull in Melbourne for tea, a Parma and a pot of beer. On our way to the airport, dropped off around 7.00pm, cuddles and kisses all round, Adele, Cullen and Lee. Bye for now guys.
Checked in baggage, under weight, had a look around duty free and shops for a while, then into customs, no problems there. Boarded the plane, off to Abu Dhabi a 13.5hr flight, left Melbourne 10.15pm.
Food and drink not too bad, screen on the back of each seat so you can watch a movie or any other listings, listed including a map of current position of the plane, cool stuff.

Abu Dhabi.
Day 1. Thursday, 7/04/2011.

Arrived at Abu Dhabi 6.00am their time, the whole trip was in total darkness, sunrise when landing. Milled around Abu Dhabi airport, a 4hr wait for connecting flight.
Left Abu Dhbai at 10.10am heading for Manchester UK.

Manchester UK.

We are finally here, the Abu Dhabi to Manchester flight was 7.5hrs not too bad except for this annoying passenger an english muslam guy a pain in the ass, he had grog in his carry on luggage and ended up pretty pissed annoying most of the people on the flight.
Lynn and Simon picked us up from the airport Lorraine and Lynn were very happy to see each other (tears). We then went to see Tanya and the girls, Willow and Amelia on the way the Lynn's house, more tears, the girls are very cute and they took a shine to me (Woz)
Got to Lynn's an hour or so later met the boys Max and Kel, they are both very tall and a bit shy at the moment, met Nick had a couple of beers and whiskey n ice, very nice more chat then off to bed, its about 10.00pm, we are on the third story good view, gonna hate these stairs by the end of it.

Buxton.
Day 2. Friday, 8/04/2011.

After a good nights sleep, Lynn took us on a walking tour of Buxton, a hilly place, she showed us her kids old junior school, the mall, town centre, and parkland. We took lots and lots of photos. The weather is sunny and very warm.
Lynn dropped us off at Tanya's house, we enjoyed the girls both were happy to see us again. Lots of photos. Caught up with Carl, had tea and a couple of drinks with them, it was great catching up again.
10.00pm, back to Lynn's were we caught up with Lorraine's cousin Dale, Tanya and Lynn's brother, also Dales partner and son, Liz and Kyle.
A couple of drinks and chatting later......we hit the sack, it's 12.45am.

Day 3. Saturday, 9/04/2011.

After another good nights sleep, Lynn took us to Chatsworth a fantastic old
place, visited a small village and walked the grounds and saw some deer grazing, had a picnic by the river on the grounds, with: Lynn, Simon, Dale, Liz, Kyle, Tracey, Andy, Carter and Lorraine and Woz, the weather was great, Simon got a sunburnt head. After a few hours there we went back to Buxton and met up with Pat and Brian, Tanya, Carl, Amelia and Willow at the local park. Back to Lynn and Nicks for tea and drinks, we had Indian takeaway tonight, very nice, then played Australian Monopoly with Cel, Max, Kyle, Nick and Woz was banker. More chatting for the evening and a bit of tv. Bed time now it's 11.15pm.

Day 4. Sunday, 10/04/2011.

A brilliant sleep again. Lazy morning. Weather is fantastic, warm and sunny. BBQ lunch at Nick and Lynn's with Max, Kel, Simon, Pat, Brian, Tanya, Carl, Willow, Amelia, Dale, Liz and Kyle, very nice indeed. Dale, Liz and Kyle left for home, Reading UK. Went for a drive with Nick and Lynn to Longnor, Buxton, Derbyshire, beautiful scenery there and back, lots of video and photos taken. Then went too Solomon's Temple or Grinlow Tower nice walk to the top, great view over Buxton and surrounding area, more photos. Back to Lynn's for tea, and catch up with Pat and Brian. More chatting for the evening and a bit of tv. Bed time now, it's 11.00pm.

Day 5. Monday, 11/04/2011.

Still sleeping well. Brought a mobile phone to keep in touch with rallies. Our mobile number is, 07771764216. Met up with Pat and Brian for coffee at The Dome, very nice old building was once the largest dome in Europe, now part of the Buxton University, photos taken, Pat and Brian parted ways with us and headed home to Morecombe UK. Raining now, so we are trying out our new water proof coats, they done the job very well. We then had a good look around Buxton, took in it's charm and took some more photos. Missed the bus to Tanya's house, so we walked about half way then l hailed a taxi for the rest of the way. Enjoyed the girls for a couple of hours, then Carl drove us back to Lynn and Nicks house. Nick took us for a great early evening drive, through narrow lanes, past farm houses and rolling hills with dips and valleys, spectacular scenery on our way to Winkle, then on to Leek, where there were some 17th century building (1600's) no photos taken due to poor light, then we pushed on too Flash, the highest village in England, very small, only seven children in the school. Back to Nicks for hot chocolate and tv. Bed time now, it's 10.40pm.

Day 6. Tuesday, 12/04/2011.

After a big long sleep. Went for a drive with Lynn to The Goyt Valley , saw resevervors running creeks, rolling hills, steep windy roads and walking tracks. More photos taken. Just met Sally Ann and Michael Nichol, Lorraine's second cousin. Nick took us and Simon on another evening drive to Dove Hole, Castleton, Edale, Hope, Tideswell then back to Buxton. Castleton has an old ruined castle called Peveril Castle dated 1175, but first built out of timber in 1080. We all had a drink at The Old Nags Head. Relaxing, then off to bed it's 11.00pm.

Day 7. Wednesday, 13/04/11.

Up at 8.00am after a good sleep. On the 9.40am bus, great driver and views, to Matlock/Bath heading for THE HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM cable cars, caverns and hilltop park. Lorraine didn't scream! Cave tour 290 steps bloody place full of hills and stairs, but l made it (Loz) Had a nice lunch, poms have tea and cake lol, bought some fossils and birth stones cos Loz love stones. Had a nice walk around MATLOCK/BATH took more photos, caught the 4.27pm bus back to BUXTON. Went to Tanya and Carls played with the girls had tea and drinks and chat, Carl drove us back to Lynn's, it's 10.00pm. Chatted about our days with Nick and Lynn. Bed time now it's 11.55pm.

Day 8. Thursday, 14/04/2011.

Started our Blog today. www.offexploring.com/woznloz

After a brilliant sleep, Lynn took us to the UPPER DERWENT VALLEY and to the LADYBOWER RESERVOIR built b/t 1935 & 1943. It's well known for the practice runs of the DAMBASTERS b4 their daring wartime raid on Mohne, Sorpe and Ederle dams in the Ruhr. 617 Squadron flew practice sorties b4 their successful mission in 1943. Then to CASTLETON again this time for Loz to go shopping and Woz to go up to the PEVERIL CASTLE not a bad hike, breath taking views, lots of photos taken of the old castle, makes you wonder how they lived in 1175 a rugged rocky place. Back to Lynn's for a wonderful tea, more chatting, straight whiskey b4 bed, ah the good life. Nite it's 11.20pm.

Day 9. Friday, 15/04/2011.

Sleeping well over here. Simon, Loz and Woz are walking from Lynn's house to catch the 10.27am train to MANCHESTER enjoyable trip with lots to look at many bridges and tunnels on the way. 11.30am we are here, big train station, nearly got lost trying to get out. Visited PICCADILLY GARDENS, the statues near the gardens, checked out few shops for Loz, lot photos of the old building, buses, trams and shops. It didn't really grab us, to many modern building mixed in with the old, but we had a good look around, grabbed afternoon tea in an old pub, after a couple of pints we made our way back to the train station, caught the 5.27pm train back to BUXTON. Back at Nick and Lynn's for tea, a DVD, whiskey n ice, it's bed time 11.40pm.

Day 10. Saturday, 16/04/2011.

Great bed, sleeping better than at home, must be cos we are b*****ed by the end of the day. Today we went one of England's oldest and most romantic houses called HADDON HALL, built around 1150. A great big mansion made totally of stone, huge rooms and massive ceilings, so well maintained you could live in it now, at one stage it was empty for two hundred years!!! Check out the photos l took.
Then we visited Tanya, Carl and the girls. Took family photos of them all. Then Carl and l (Woz) went for a walk up near SOLOMONS TEMPLE, Carl showed me a badger den and an old pagan witch tree, spooky stuff, check out the photos.
Then off to the local called THE DUKE OF YORK for a quick pint. Back to Carls for tea and drinks, chatted some, then back at Lynn and Nicks, packing for tomorrow, for we leave for LONDON. Nite nite it's 12.20am.

London.
Day 11. Sunday, 17/04/2011.

Our first ordinary sleep, we must be excited about London.
Caught the 8.42am train from MACCLESFIELD about 12ks from BUXTON.
The train trip was ok, a bit crowed but the scenery was great, arrived EUSTON LONDON train station 11.10am. Caught a taxi to our accommodation, very nice place indeed, we are on the 6th floor room 637, swipe cards are good. The suburb we are in is BLOOMSBURY, checked out St Pancras International Train Station so we know what we doing in the morning, found out that the EURO STAR train does around 280km, can't wait. Then we went under ground and checked out the TUBE ended up at PICCADILLY CIRCUS, what a fantastic place very busy the London Marathon is just finishing.
We wondered on too TRAFALGAR SQUARE, busy as, walking towards THE RIVER THAMES, saw the guards at DOWNING ST, with guns, then saw THE HORSE GUARDS. Not far on we found BIG BEN, much much bigger than we thought, more walking we saw THE LONDON EYE over the Thames, we will go on that when we get back from Paris. Found the under ground train (tube) back to our accommodation, relaxing now with a beer or two. Paris here we come, it's 6.20pm.

Paris.
Day 12. Monday, 18/04/2011.

Fantastic sleep, huge bed, king size l reckon.
Early start today, 6.45am, taxi to train station, on the EURO STAR left London 8.55am, under the channel 9.35am, the deepest point is 100m, trains top speed is around 334km/h not sure how fast we are going, l was told around 280k. Out of the channel 9.55am, the under water channel tunnel is 50.45km long. Arrived PARIS 11.20am. Taxi ride to our hotel, not too bad, reminds me of a cave!
Exploring Paris, we tried PARIS L OPEN TOUR, HOP ON HOP OFF BUS, fantastic, we saw most of the sites on one bus, there are four different tours, we have done two in one day. Paris is very chaotic, cars vans bikes motorbikes trucks and buses going every where, much much busier than Melbourne. And yes we have seen THE EIFFEL TOWER, it is huge huge, much bigger then l ever thought.
Back to our hotel, we are buggared, watching Men in Black 2 in French very funny. Its 10.00pm.

Day 13. Tuesday, 19/04/2011.

Good sleep, room a bit small for what we are use too, my head hits the ceiling in the shower!!! We are up and about 8.00am.
Off to the EIFFEL TOWER today on the L OPEN BUS, arrived there at 11.30am in a que fooooooor three hours and five minutes (yep that's right 3 hours and 5 min) up the lift to the second floor it's 2.35pm, milled around looking and taking photos, then on to the somet the very top, had a good look and more photos, we sent three hours up there, unbelievable views. Down from the tower. Had a bite to eat, more pics of the tower with us in it. Strolled to LA SEINE river, walked along it, took in all the views, what a wonderful place, the weather is just superb, sunny warm days, found our L OPEN BUS back to our hotel for a good nights rest, enjoying a few HEINEKENS, and watching French TV, no English at all, very odd, its 10.30pm.

Day 14. Wednesday, 20/04/2011.

Sleeping too good, alarm set for 7.00am, we are up and under way with our day, for today we are off to THE LOUVRE. We walked there, what a wonderful morning it was, sun is still shining on us, arrived at the Louvre too another que 9.45am. The que is about 500m long, moving ok better than the Eiffel Tower yesterday. In the Louvre, que moved quick its 10.30am. We saw the MONA LISA, by far the most popular thing there, and heaps and heaps of wonderful things, too much to tell, we had a great time, took lots of photos. (yep they let you)
Then off to the LA SEINE river for a river cruise, went from one end to the other, whole trip is around an hour or so, nice photos from the river. Walking back to our hotel doing some window shopping and taking photos of the weird and wonderful things we saw along the way. Relaxing now before we go out for tea its 6.40pm. Had a nice meal, walked taking in the night scenery and taking some night photos, both knackered. Tomorrow we head back to London. Its 10.50pm.

London.
Day 15. Thursday, 21/04/2011.

Bit of a restless sleep last night, don't want to go just yet. A ten minute walk to Paris Nord, leaving Paris on the Euro Star at 1.04pm heading back to London town. Arrived in London at 2.30pm London time, walked to our accommodation, THE THISTLE EUSTON deluxe double room, very nice indeed.
Down to the underground trains (tube) caught a train to WATERLOO which is on the other side of the river Thames, the south side, great view of BIG BEN and the LONDON EYE, walked over Westminster Bridge and stood right beside Big Ben, he is huge as. Lots and lots of photos. Then ofF to WESTMINSTER ABBEY, were the wedding will be on the 29/04/2011, TV crews already setting up, fencing and seating as well, l got good photos though......
We wondered on too TRAFALGAR SQUARE, milled around taking in the sites, it's right on peak time, people and traffic everywhere (madness)
Back to the tube too head back to our hotel, got off at WARREN STREET station lol...... Grabbed a bite to eat, now back at our room its 11.10pm.

Day 16. Good Friday, 22/04/2011.

Very nice sleep, this place is very good and comfortable.
EVANS AND EVANS bus tour today, we are getting picked up from our hotel at 7.50am, then off to SALISBURY CATHEDRAL, STONEHENGE and THE ROMAN BATHS at BATH along day about ten hours all up. We needed more time at each one, all very good, took lots of photos, just not enough time too take it all in.
Back in London it's 6.10pm, got dropped off at HYDE PARK, we walked along PICCADILLY, and on too PICCADILLY CIRCUS, then along REGENT STREET, Loz bought PADDINGTON BEAR sizable little guy, we will need another seat on the way home lol... The weather is perfect, it hit 26c today. A heat wave, people are saying around us...
Stopped off at a noisy pub for tea, very nice though, food very good, beer was better four pints better lol... Walked to our hotel, relaxing now its 10.30pm.

Day 17. Saturday, 23/04/2011.

Sleeping great, must be the London air.
Shower playing up, (too hot) so they are going to shift us today.
Going on the London BIG BUS hop on hop off today to see the sites, BUCKINGHAM PALACE was one, lots of people there made it hard to see, photos taken. Went through the main part of tourist London including Oxford and Regent Streets etc...... Then on too the oldest part of London dating back 2000 years, romans times good stuff. Got of bus at LONDON'S TOWER BRIDGE, what a massive structure, the bridge opened while we were there, we just saw it in time! Photos taken.
On to the TOWER OF LONDON dated back to 1068 all original stuff, fantastic to see and touch, went through the vault to see the CROWN JEWELS, just unbelievable dating back to the 1500 and 1600, no photos allowed, sorry...
Had a good look around the place, very impressive and bloody old, makes you wonder how there did it, compared to nowadays.
Left there and caught a river cruise back to London (City of Westminster) fantastic photos of TOWER BRIDGE from the river, just starting to rain (buggar) but not cold, picked up a few things for home, if you know what l mean.
Had tea and pints in a nice pub we found, then home to our hotel and a new room, we were in 157, first floor, now in 358, third floor, (hope the shower is ok) its 10.00pm.

Windsor.
Day 18. Sunday, 24/04/2011.

Slept very well in our new room, the bed is huge, l needed a compass to find the other side!
Today we are leaving London (sad face)
Andy picked us up and we are off to his house in Windsor, staying one night.
Arrived there about 10.00am, great to catch up with Andy, Tracey and Carter again.
Dale, Liz and Kyle arrived, then Jean and Tony Warlaw, we had a BBQ lunch, a few drinks and chatted the afternoon away, by the way we are under a Heathrow flight path, a plane goes over every minute, yep every minute at about three to four hundred metres.
A bit of a chill out, relaxing day today, it was great. It's now 8.00pm.

Windsor & Kidderminster.
Day 19. Monday, 25/04/2011.

Really good sleep, we must of needed it.
Into Windsor town today to see the sites, a bit of shopping, Loz bought a couple of Charms for here bracelet to remind her of our trip, a bus and a Eiffel tower, very nice. Checked out Windsor Castle, l didn't realize it was right on the edge of the town, that surprised me, l thought it would be out on it's own with a bit of land around it. Had lunch just near the castle, l showed Andy how to give Carter a Turn-up!!!
Time to leave Windsor. Andy drove us to KIDDERMINSTER were we caught up with John and Jan Knott, who Loz has not seen in approx' 35years. We met their daughter Alexia and her partner John. We had a lovely roast pork dinner, then looked at old family photos, some dated back to the 1800's, we scanned lots to bring home, thanks John. Chatted the rest of the night away, bedtime now its 1.15am.

Kidderminster & Buxton.
Day 20. Tuesday, 26/04/2011.

Slept well , Loz didn't, oh well.
Chatted with John and Jan till early afternoon, then John drove us back to Buxton to Nick and Lynn's home.
Tonight Nick and l went to THE OLD SUN INN to have a pint or two, when we got there, there were a few musicians having a bit of a jam session, some left and some more arrived, they sang, played and laughed the night away, we had great night watching, clapping them on and drinking. Forgot to take camera.
Got to bed about 12.30am.

Buxton.
Day 21. Wednesday, 27/04/2011.

What do you expect, another good nights sleep after a belly full of beer.
Today we went to HATHERSAGE it is were LITTLE JOHN is buried, good friend of Robin Hood of Locksley, it is said that his grave is thirteen and a half feet long and when the his grave was excavated in 1784 they measured his thigh bone, it was 30 inches long estimating his height at eight feet. For more info:
http://www.wishful-thinking.org.uk/genuki/DBY/Hathersage/LittleJohn.html
We then drove on too EYAM its where THE PLAGUE OF EYAM happened in 1665 hundreds of people died over a fourteen month period, caused by fleas and rats, we checked out the museum, interesting stuff, check it out: http://www.eyamplaguevillage.co.uk
Enjoyed the drive and scenery back too Lynn's, now relaxing watching a DVD, its 8.50pm.

Day 22. Thursday, 28/04/2011.

After a ten hour sleep, we went for a walk in and around Buxton, a bit cold but the sun is still shinning on us, had a nice lunch at The Pavilion Gardens Cafe, a walk through the gardens and back to Lynn's house, then on to Tanya and Carls house to see them all before we head off to the Lake District on Saturday 30/04/2011, and catch up with Pat and Brian. Back to Lynn and Nicks for tea and a DVD. Nite its 11.15pm.

Day 23. Friday, 29/04/2011.

Good sleep again. Lazy day today relaxing, watched the royal wedding, we enjoyed it. Watched a DVD chatted. Said our goodbyes to Simon, and went to bed, it's 10.00pm.

Day 24. Saturday, 30/04/2011.

Bit of an ordinary sleep last night, oh well can't all be good.
Up and on the road it's 6.30am heading for Conwy Castle, stopped at a diner for beackfast on the way.
The castle was amazing, built around 1285 it is huge, it encloses the city within it's walls. We walk on the wall its self around the entire city, it was just great to be there, too touch and see something so old and still standing strong, close to 900 hundred years old, check out the photos......
Then off to Pat and Brian's house in Haysham, arrived about 5.00pm, said our goodbyes to Lynn and Nick (thanks for having us guys) had a quick look at their town, a pint in the local pub, a couple of photos of a great sunset, a lovely meal, looked at old photos and scanned some. A couple of whiskeys later, bed time its 12.25am.

Day 25. Sunday, 1/05/2011.

We both slept well.
Up early and on the road with Pat and Brian, we are heading for the Lake District for the next three days and two nights, fantastic scenery along the way, passed through Newbury Bridge, our first stop was WINDERMERE, terrific lake (WINDERMERE LAKE) boats, white swans and the sun is still shinning, hottest April in 350 years they say... Back in the car and on to AMBLESIDE then GRASMERE, had a look around in both, great little towns. Following the edge off the THIRLMERE RESERVOIR we enjoyed views of high mountains all round us, then on too CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE, reminded us of STONEHENGE, but is said to be older, interesting stuff, back on the road and off to KESWICK, then passing BASSENTHWAITE LAKE we drove on to COCKERMOUTH, all great places to visit. Photos taken......
After a meal and drinks at THE WHEATSHEAF PUB, EMBLETON we went to our hotel, we are staying at OUSE BRIDGE HOUSE between COCKERMOUTH and KESWICK for the next two nights, we are on the first floor and have a great view over LAKE BASSENTHWAITE. It's 9.30pm, nite.

Day 26. Monday, 2/05/2011.

Great sleep again, what can l say.
Full breakfast, and what a breakfast......didn't eat for the rest of the day.
Left OUSE BRIDGE, 9.30am drove drown to KESWICK, then on to the B5289 road passing the DERWENT WATER, great views, heading for HONISTER SLATE, checked out the mine and had coffee, then drove down HONISTER PASS, just stunning the scenery, mountains just tower over you, you just have to be there, photos taken. Continued on passed LAKE BUTTERMERE and CRUMMOCK WATER, the views are to die for.
Driving along through LOW LORTON and HIGH LORTON we changed to the B5292 road, onward along WHINLATTER PASS and on too BRAITHWAITE, where a lot of mountain biking is done, then back to KESWICK, a short walk around the market and shops, its cooling off now, getting late in the afternoon.
Back to THE WHEATSHEAF PUB for tea and drinks.
All tired, big day, relaxing now back at our hotel, its 8.00pm.

Day 27. Tuesday, 3/05/2011.

Slept well, again.
9.30am on the road heading for POOLEY BRIDGE where we cruised down the ULLSWATER LAKE to GLENRIDDING very enjoyable great photos taken.
Back in the car, driving through PATTERDALE and down through KIRKSTONE PASS and THE STRUGGLE, very step just stunning stuff, on then to AMBLESIDE and then to CONISTON, stopped for a stretch, then on passed CONISTON WATER, heading back to Pat and Brian's house with the Lake District behind us now, the entire three days have just been fantastic, total miles was 270, and thank you to Pat and Brian for showing us a great time, cheers guys...
Now packing for tomorrow, for we leave to fly home. Its 6.30pm.
Off to catch up with Lorraine's uncle Jimmy Catterall and his wife Gillian and their daughter Eleanor and the dog Kizzy at their home, CRAIGWELL HOTEL, we all chatted and laughed, showed us around the Hotel, is was great too catch up after thirty five years......Shut-eye time, its 10.00pm.

Day 28. Wednesday, 4/05/2011.

Good sleep.
Up at 4.15am, leaving for home today, Pat and Brian dropped us off at Manchester Airport UK at 7.00am, our flight for Abu Dhabi departed at 9.25am.
A good smooth daylight flight, just under seven hours.
Arrived Abu Dhabi 7.15pm their time, waiting for connecting flight to Melbourne at 10.15pm.
Had a delay of one hour five minutes at Abu Dhabi, finally in the air around 11.30pm heading for Melbourne Australia Home.

Day 29. Thursday, 5/05/2011.

Smooth long flight, thirteen hours, touch down at Tullamarine 6.50pm, breezed through customs, no problems.
Adele and Lee were there to greet us and take us home, all very happy to see each other, picked up Cullen on the way through to Buninyong, hugs and kisses all round, arrived home at 9.45pm, our time.
Chatting and a few drinks later the kids left, and we hit the sack, it's 1.00am.

A BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE RELLIES IN THE UK FOR HAVING US, IT WAS JUST THE BEST TOO CATCH UP AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, THANKYOU TOO EVERYONE.

WOZ n LOZ, HOME IN OZ. XOXOXO.