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Iceland Day 1 – The Golden Circle

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Today I’ve had the grand total of half hour sleep thanks to the most uncomfortable bed at the Ibis Budget in Manchester (I got SOB lying on my front because I was basically lying on a slab) so I needed to treat myself to a cheeky Giraffe airport breaky to keep myself awake for the day ahead.

Picked up the trusted wheels that’s going to get us around for the next few days, who we’ve named Tómas the Toyota. Never driven on the opposite side before; nailed it!

Our first stop was at Þórufoss. It isn’t officially on The Golden Circle but worth the stop as it’s very scenic and peaceful. The drive up to this is stunning as the sea of purple lupins take over the side of the road.

Thingvellir National Park was our second destination; home to some of the scenes in GoT. Unfortunately it rained the majority of our time here but it was still stunning, especially Öxarárfoss. The different shades and textures around the park make it such a special destination and it’s clear why it was given World Heritage status.

Gullfoss was up next and is thought to be one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions. The natural beauty of this place made us keen to return to be snap happy once again and enjoy the lush surroundings. Loaded up on a latte as the severe lack of sleep was starting to catch up.

As the rain clouds started rolling in we hopped into Tómas and made the short drive to Geysir. What could be better than the smell of rotten egg! Luckily the main Geysir ‘Strokkur’ erupts every few minutes so armed with the Nikon and the Tripod I was able to get a good few snaps.

Last stop for today was Kerið; a volcanic crater lake. The vivid blue of the water against the shades of reds and greens surrounding it made it such a treat and a lovely but windy way to finish the trip.

Back at the hotel and no energy to go out and eat, so we made do with some sandwiches and crisps from the local supermarket. Unfortunately we might have to hang around a few street corners to pay for it. They also don’t sell any alcohol.. what a shame for Santa!

As I’m writing this it’s 22:30 and still broad daylight.. so here’s to another sleepless night!!

 

Berlin – Day 2 🇩🇪

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This morning we travelled to Potsdam. Big thanks to a very nice man who informed us the train decided to terminate and which new one to get on! The joys of having absolutely no understanding of the language. At least we looked touristy. Had our VALID tickets checked twice today; more than happy to show them this time 😉

The sun was out and the sky was blue which is always a winner when taking photos. Potsdam was very quiet which meant we pretty much had Sanssouci Park to ourselves. Unfortunately due to the time of year (this seems to be becoming a theme) the statues and fountains were boarded up and switched off, but the palaces still looked beautiful, especially against the blue sky.

Back in Berlin we headed for the East Side Gallery. We were rather ravenous by this point so decided to grab a burger at Burgermeister which used to be the local toilet. My first burger was unfortunately hairy, but it was soon replaced and it was absolutely delicious.

Bellies full we walked the length of the East Side Gallery, an absolute must if you are here. Some of the art was questionable, but really interesting to see it all.

We then headed over to Beliner Dom and used our discount card to head to the top. After another set of heart attack steps we made it to the top in time for sunset. The views were beautiful, especially over Alexanderplatz Christmas market. It’s just a shame the city is covered in cranes.

As we were right by the Alexanderplatz market, it was rude to not stop by and grab another Glühwein and festive snack; I really loved the atmosphere at this market. I also realised how awful I am at ice skating, but I eventually managed to let go of the sides!

 

 

Berlin – Day 1 🇩🇪

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A very early start this morning (2am!) for an easy run to the airport. Oh no! Stuck on the delightful M5 for what felt like forever, and we hadn’t even got to Droitwich!

After a few technical issues with the plane (why can’t our trips ever run smoothly) we arrived in Berlin. We dumped our cases at the hotel and headed off for our first tourist attraction; Charlottenburg Palace. After reading the reviews on Trip Advisor we expected the gardens to be empty shells of trees and dried up water fountains, however we were pleasantly surprised. There was still lots of Autumn colours and beautiful reflection shots.

Following this we had an unexpected detour to the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1936 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately we didn’t have much time here as it was about to close, but it was amazing to have the stadium all to ourselves, even though we did get a bollocking for being in the wrong bit.

On our way back to the hotel for our first wee of the day we went through our first experience of a proper German market, and it was beautiful. So many people enjoying all the delicious food and drink on offer. We also stopped off at the Ritter Sports shop; a chocolate lovers haven and so so cheap! I have already scoffed a whole bar. Definitely worth a visit.

After a cheeky charge we headed back out to experience the markets at night. After doing some research we started at the Potsdamer Platz Market; however there wasn’t actually much atmosphere here and decided to quickly move on to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market. This will set you back a whole Euro, but is definitely worth it. Carol singers, Glühwein and Langos (which I discovered in Budapest and is one of the best things to put in your mouth) perfect end to a long but lovely day.

 

Stonehenge

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Today we drove to see the famous stone circle; Stonehenge. Considering it was November, the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was so hot at one point, the coats came off! Something to bear in mind, if you are English National Trust members, you get in for free! Just remember to pre-book.

It’s quite a long walk (just under 2 miles) from the car park up to the stones, so for those who don’t fancy it there is a free shuttle bus. If you don’t mind the walk, you can either follow the road or walk through the neighbouring fields.

As we were incredibly lucky with the weather, the stones looked even more impressive againt the vivid blue sky. Unfortunately you can’t go right up to them but you can get close enough to really appreciate the scale of them. There is so much history here and you can learn about it from guidebooks, audioguides or reading the array of boards around the site.

Obviously after our long walk we had to sample the cafe. My advice is to take your own! Unfortunately is was very busy, very overpriced and very dirty tables. Although it was nice food, it’s not worth the price tag.

Whilst in the area it’s worth checking out the other English Heritage area; Woodhenge. About 10/15 minute drive from Stonehenge it’s another atmospheric Neolithic site. There isn’t much here but if time allows you to, come at sunset as the area looks much more dramatic. The parking is free, although not much of it.

Jackson to Salt Lake City

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Unfortunately the adventure has come to an end and today we’ve travelled back to the airport 😥

Along the way we were treated to our final lot of beautiful fall scenery. First stop was Afton (WY) with the World’s largest Elkhorn arch. We visited the local chocolate shop, however decided not to pay $16 for 2 bits of fudge!!

We stopped off at a view point of Bear Lake, also known as the Carribean of the Rockies. The photos don’t do the vivid blue of the water justice.

Final stop was in Logan for a posh sandwich before arriving in SLC airport. Hopefully the plane snacks will be as epic as the way out and I can finally finish Pretty Woman!

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

He’s found the airport pub (obvs) for a final IPA before the diet starts.

 

Tetons to Jackson

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Another chilly start to the day as we headed back into Yellowstone as a cut-through for the Tetons. We stopped off at West Thumb which is beautiful and well worth the visit. It sits alongside the Yellowstone River and features the Abyss Pool which is approx 53ft deep and is that gorgeous shade of blue that you see on all of the photos.

After leaving the South Side of Yellowstone we headed through Teton National Park on our way to Jackson. The mountain range is stunning; especially with the clear sky and fall colours surrounding them. We had a couple of stops along the way, including the Oxbow Bend and the site where ‘Shane’ was filmed (nope.. Never heard of it either!!) Some more lovely photos to add to my ever expanding collection.

After exiting Teton NP we arrived in Jackson. Right by our hotel is part of the ski slopes (just over 3 months til my ski holiday 😉) and it was lovely to watch all the biker’s do their thing on the mountain. It’s a lovely town full of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as the Elk Antler Arches at each corner in the centre. We even treated ourselves to an ice cream as the sun was out.

Dinner tonight was in the Snake River Brewery. Took on the American sized burger and ginge won the battle. Now feeling incredibly fat.

It’s our last day tomorrow which will be mostly filled with travel as we head back to Salt Lake City for our flight home tomorrow evening.

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

Santa has had far too many of ‘Rob Still Sucks’ I’m feeling a night of snoring coming on……

 

Yellowstone National Park

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I am beyond sunburnt today! If this place isn’t on your bucket list.. Get it on there right now! The park is 3500 sq miles so you will find so much to see; from the vivid colours of the many pools, the erupting displays of the Geysers and the abundance of wildlife. It is an outdoor lovers paradise (if only it was National Trust!)

On our way into the park we were incredibly lucky to pass an enormous buffalo herd and there was hundreds on them. What a privilege to see these fantastic animals and their calves in their own environment.

We visited the Fountain Paint Pot area, famous for its reds, yellows and browns. The Grand Prismatic Spring famous for being the largest hot spring in the US and the third largest in the world. And finally the area surrounding Old Faithful.

When we arrived at Old Faithful it was a good hour or so before it was due to erupt. I would recommend going to see the Castle Geyser, about a 15 minute walk from OF. You can get so close to it and it erupts for ages, giving you enough chance to get some photos then actually stand back and watch it in all its glory.

We decided to do things a little bit differently with OF and if you’re able to walk uphill over rocks, trees and other obstacles then I would recommend going to the observation point. I’ll admit the walk was a bit of a bitch, the elevation and thin air made me feel like I was about to have a heart attack!! But stick with it as your are rewarded with the most fantastic views. Whilst watching OF I heard some rustling, and just to the side of us was a Coyote, how amazing! He was very obliging and posed for a photo.

As the group we were with wanted to go back to West Yellowstone town centre and we didn’t (typical) we were dropped off at Madison River and began the 5 mile walk back to the hotel. Again we were treated to more gorgeous colours from the river and the mountain backdrop and it was amazing to be outdoors with all the nature.

I shall sleep well tonight!!

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

Had a couple of beers in the Slippery Otter, best beer selection of the holiday. Got to watch a game of football on the TV, what more could you want.

Cody to Yellowstone

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Woke up this morning to a blanket of snow! Hard to believe that yesterday we were having drinks in the sunshine outside. We headed to the Buffalo Bill and Cody museum this morning; a Wild West, Firearms and Taxidermy heaven! Definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.

We then headed to Yellowstone (something I have so been looking forward to) however it was a complete whiteout and as we had expected, the pass into the East of Yellowstone was closed. The only option for us was to begin a 6 hour drive to another entrance.. However an hour into the drive the pass decided to open, so; back we went!

The weather on the journey back to where we had originally gone had now much improved and it meant we could actually see the surrounding area, and it was beautiful. Lakes, mountains, snow covered trees and Elk, what more could you want!

We have another day in the park tomorrow but decided to have a little taster today, despite getting there a lot later than originally planned. Aside from the fact that the whole place smells like eggy farts, what we have seen already is just wow. From the mud volcano to Norris Geyser Basin. The vivid colours and the plooms of steam. And the angry Japanese tourists. As John Muir once said.. “A thousand Yellowstone wonders are calling, look up and down and round about you”

We are looking forward to another day in the park tomorrow!

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

Nothing on draught tonight so had to settle for a can.

Little Bighorn Battlesite to Cody

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Today was a beautifully hot day so I could finally wear one of the dresses I’ve brought. We started the day at the Little Bighorn Battlesite; more commonly known as Custers Last Stand. We were given a tour by Rusty (how fabulous!) who had long flowing hair (they are not allowed to cut it and you’re not allowed to touch it as they believe that is where your soul is) and double jointed arms.

The battlefield went on for miles and miles and it was so quiet apart from the wind blowing the long grasses. Make time to reflect and walk amongst the white graves. Rusty was incredibly knowledgeable but he packed so much in to a small space of time; therefore if you want to know about the battle, Wiki is a good place to go 😉

We then set off on the long trek to Cody, having another supermarket picnic en route. Cody is another Western style town which again is closing down due to being the end of the season. We walked into a bar and were basically stared back out again by the locals. On our way back to the hotel we spotted some Mule Deer who were snuffling around the locals gardens. They were very obliging and let us get some fabulous pictures of them.

Dinner tonight was of course in the local brewery. The staple burger was ordered and it was absolutely delicious.

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

Santa had so many that he can’t remember the name of the beer he had tonight! A 7% IPA which was very nice and finished off with a Porter.

Deadwood & Devils Tower

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Following a stand off for a table with the Germans at breakfast, we left Rapid City and headed for Deadwood; the town where Wild Bill was shot whilst playing poker. As it’s the end of the season it was like a ghost town, but it meant you could fully appreciate all the wild west style bars and saloons. We took a trip up to the site where he is buried alongside Calamity Jane and had a lovely view over Deadwood from here.

After Deadwood we visited Devils Tower, the first United States National Monument in 1906. It rises up 1,267 feet so is pretty impressive when you’re stood at the bottom. The surrounding area again had beautiful fall colours, and the burnt trees from historical fires added another dramatic dimension to the scenery.

Following the tower it was another long drive to our home for the night.. Sheridan (thank God for Netflix downloads!) We were greeted by the most fabulous sunset. We ate in a Sanfords pub, and these people literally have no concept of portion control. I could have had mine for breakfast, lunch and dinner!! But it was lovely food.

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

Had a pint of standard IPA at happy hour in the hotel, $2 a pint, can’t go wrong! In the evening I had a Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Apart from the 9% at Moab, the best beer of the trip so far.