Tag: Wanderlust

Krka National Park 🇭🇷

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Today was somewhere we have been looking forward to going to, and it absolutely didn’t disappoint! Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s best known attractions, and it’s easy to see why. The naturally colourful pools provide a spectacular backdrop as you take a gentle stroll along the boardwalk that takes you through the park. There are plenty of viewpoints where you can take in the falls and admire the beauty happening below. It was an incredibly tranquil place and I would recommend this to anyone visiting Croatia. One thing to bear in mind is swimming is now prohibited to protect the biodiversity within the park. That does however mean views and photos that are free of people!

Viewpoint of the falls

Once we had finished the walk around the park, we boarded a boat to Skradin, a small town along the Krka River. As we love a viewpoint, we headed to the fortress on the hill. As with most heights so far this trip, the steps on the way up were a tad uneaven, but it’s all part of the fun! It was time for lunch so we stopped at one of the restaurants that lined the colourful street. As I wasn’t that hungry, I decided to order a cucumber salad. The waiter must have been howling to himself as he presented me with a plate with an entire cucumber cut up 🥒 whilst I was expecting cucumber to be the main ingredient.. I wasn’t expecting it to be the only ingredient! However a bit of salt and pepper and emergency chips managed to save the meal.

Delicious cucumber 🥒

It’s our last night in our Drvenik pad as we head over to Dubrovnik tomorrow via Mostar. So I couldn’t resist having a glass of Croatian wine with dinner tonight. It was delicious! Look out Tesco’s Croatian wine section.. I’m coming for you 🍷

Drvenik

Split & Trogir 🇭🇷

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As always with a coach holiday, it was a super early get up ready for a long day ahead. Although the drive to Split was 2 hours, it was incredibly scenic. You just can’t beat a coastal drive!

We arrived in Split armed with our headphones and audio ready for the guided tour. Unfortunately, so did a very large cruise ship full of Americans, and they all quickly headed to the centre like flies to shite 💩 This however didn’t ruin the day as there is so much to see in Split. We were treated to a Cathedral, a Palace and a beautiful waterfront. We went up the bell tower for wonderful views of Split’s old town, and although the steps up to the top give you super twitchy arse, it is definitely worth it. I just wish people would learn the etiquette of waiting rather than barging past you on an already incredibly narrow and steep staircase.

As I watched Joe Lycett on Travel Man before I came, I made it my mission to find the ice cream that he enjoyed. Luckily we came across a Spar, and there waiting for me was a pot of Slag. An incredibly creamy vanilla ice cream! Unfortunately it didn’t come with a spoon, so we ate it like a Frube instead. There are also other Slaggy treats.. like squirty slag cream!

After Split we set off for another UNESCO treat – Trogir. Not a place I’d heard of before, but definitely a gem worth visiting. There are so many narrow streets full of character (and pants on the washing lines!) and a fabulous mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque architecture, as well as cafes on every corner. We certainly could have spent a lot longer here, and we ended our trip with a traditional rafioli – fine thin dough which is filled with ground almonds.

Croatia 🇭🇷 – Arrival day

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We are finally here! This trip was originally planned for June 2020 which Rona cancelled and re-booked for July 2021. As that was also cancelled we decided to try for a different part of Croatia, however a month ago we found out that due to drop outs, that had also been cancelled! So.. we’re back to where we started and will be spending the next week exploring Dubrovnik, Split, Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina and the Dalmation Coast.

Due to the recent dramas at Manchester airport we decided to give ourselves plenty of time.. and that meant a 0230 alarm 😭 however they were incredibly organised and we flew through security! This meant plenty of time to sniff out somewhere suitable for breakfast. However as we are creatures of habit, we went to Pret 👍 This was our first time flying Jet2, and we somehow ended up with a whole row to ourselves!

As you know by now, we love an escorted tour holiday. We met our guide Ivan and headed for the wanker bus which will be our ride for the next week. As this was a 3 hour journey, there won’t be much more to this blog for today. However we have already started sussing out our group and there is definitely a mature friends with benefits couple on here.

We are staying in a hotel in Drvenik for the next 3 nights and were able to have a little explore this evening. The water is crystal clear and the views are beautiful. We managed to find a viewpoint up rather steep and windy road, but it was worth the sweaty walk. As its not quite the start of the season, the majority of the cafes and bars are closed (obvs) however we spotted a cute looking bar by the waterfront so we will definitely be checking that out over the next few nights.

I know many of you are wondering… where is Santa? Fear not… he’s taking his sleigh (better known as the Eurostar) to Bruges for a lads lads lads sesh.

Northumberland day 4 🌳

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A little bit late to the blog party for yesterday’s activities!

The morning was spent doing a walk which I found on Alltrails (if you don’t have this app, I highly recommend it!) and it was a lovely 3.5 mile loop to bag another trig point. We were treated to amazing views of The Cheviots, Lindisfarne and Bamburgh and this would be the perfect place for a sunrise or sunset. It also featured St Cuthberts Cave; an overhanging outcrop of Sandstone rock, supported by an isolated pillar of stone and surrounded in mystery due to its spiritual past. Unfortunately due to some idiots it has got quite a lot of fire damage so is recommended not to enter the cave, but it is still a very interesting site to walk around.

The last part of the walk was very overgrown so we had to go a different way back to the car. This meant we were later than planned getting back and ready to head to Cragside (thanks to Debbie for this recommendation) and wow the place was absolutely enormous! You definitely need a whole day here to explore and not just the few hours that we had. There is an option to do a 6 mile drive around the grounds but we opted for a walk to the house and formal gardens. It is definitely like stepping into another world, with its craggy and forested landscape giving off North American vibes. The queue for the cafe however was enormous, so bear this in mind and consider taking a picnic.

To finish off Momma’s birthday celebrations we had lunch in a treehouse! There are plenty of menu menu options here and we opted for the three course set menu 🐷 Santa enjoyed an Alnwick IPA and we toasted the occasion with a bellini. The restaurant was very quirky and decorated with hundreds of fairy lights and was the perfect setting for a celebration 🍾

We visited many beaches during our stay but the one at Bamburgh was out firm favourite, so we decided to return here for a few beers and a Schloer! It was the perfect way to end our adventure and another part of the UK ticked off.

Day 5 – This morning we started with a Full English at a farm shop which was definitely worth the wait. Momma and Poppa left us to head home whilst myself and Mark (who joined us yesterday post nights!) head to Newcastle to watch the Mighty Magpies (🤣🤣) take on Leeds tonight.

Northumberland day 2 🏰

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Our poor little trotters! Today has been very packed and we have walked 14 miles. This morning we headed to Berwick to check out the Royal Border Bridge; a grade 1 listed railway viaduct. The river was well behaved and gave some fabulous reflection shots, which of course momma loved. We then headed to the lighthouse and it was a twitchers heaven! The area surrounding the lighthouse was rich in seabirds and is definitely somewhere you could sit with a picnic and pair of binoculars. I think we probably saw more varieties of seabirds than when we were on Skomer.

When in Northumberland you have to visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne – it’s the law! The constant signs to check the tide times gives you slightly twitchy arse, but as long as you know you will be treated to a lovely walk around the island. As the castle is a new trust and another stamp in the passport, we made sure we had our slot chosen. Luckily we managed to shimmy in before the ridiculously large tour group beat us to it. As well being steeped in history, it gives great views over the island. Its not a dramatic walk, but is perfect if you love the coastal air.

Back in the Juke, across the Lindisfarne Causeway and onto Seahouses – the gateway to the Northumberland Coast. Its full of pretty fishing boats and more seabirds, and the most important thing; a doughnut van! We stopped here for a beverage and Santa was most excited to find they had Directors on tap. The Olde Ship Inn was perfect for a rest and views of Farne Island.

The final stop for today was exploring Bamburgh and the beach surrounding the castle. As I still didn’t have a coat, I had to be an honorary Imp and wear Santas Lincoln City top! The sky and light tonight was very dramatic and the photos just don’t do it justice. You can’t beat a walk along the beach with the noise of crashing waves and a fabulous castle in the distance. There is a lovely walk to the lighthouse to see Stag Rock and back along to the castle and it was definitely worth doing this at sunset.

We had hoped for a pub meal tonight, however the first pub in the village stopped serving food at 7:30 (and did look a bit local shop for local people!) the second doesn’t serve food in the week and the third didn’t have a chef! Thank god for the local Co-Op!

Pembrokeshire day 4 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Today we did a coastal road trip and spent most of it fog dodging! We have been quite lucky for most of the day, but it definitely caught up with us this evening making the coastal roads a total joy to drive on.

This morning we started in Tresaith to hunt down the beach waterfall. As is tradition with this trip, we couldn’t find the car park. If anyone decides to visit here, keep an eye out for the A5 sized sign which is just past the bus stop. I promise it’s a car park and not a building site like we originally thought 🤣 head to the beach and climb over the rocks to the right and you’ll find the fabulous falls that cascade on to the beach. There’s also a burger van with a very enthusiastic chap so it’s well worth spending time here.

Our next stop was the Dinas Head coastal walk. Luckily the fog was clearing by this point so we were able to actually see some of the views! We also managed to bag another trig. It’s a fantastic 3 mile walk which I would definitely recommend. And an added bonus.. there’s a pub at the car park overlooking the beach ⛱

Next stop.. Fishguard and time to wrap up as the temperature had definitely dropped. We had a little walk around the harbour before heading to another watering hole for a delicious burger and a real ale for Santa.

Back on the road and to St David’s- the smallest city in the UK. The fog was particularly thick now, but this meant the cathedral looked a lot more dramatic. Luckily there was a group of lads lads lads making a vlog, so we had a cheeky earwig to learn all about the place. Unfortunately we got there after 5pm so santa was unable to have a mooch around the cathedral. But it was still great to see it from the outside.

The last stop was a walk around Carew Castle, which again looked very dramatic against a misty backdrop. Parking here is free! And even after opening hours you are still able to get a very good view of the ruins.

Santa’s Sesh 🎅🏻 Santa enjoyed Jemima’s Pitchfork. A 4.5% ale named after the Welsh heroine Jemima Nicholas. A man of many words.. he described it as very very good 👍 and he’s currently munching on his 4th Welsh Cake of the day 🐷

Pembrokeshire day 2 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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This morning was all about coastal Trusting again. The car park however was a nightmare to find and a nightmare to drive in to. I’m convinced I’ve done rather a lot of damage to my car thanks to the million pot holes in the road!

We started with the Lydstep circular which gave us more spectacular views across Pembrokeshire, then headed along the coastal path to Church Door Cove. The steps up and down certainly got the old ticker going! It was a gorgeous cove with more unsual rock formations (for those who went to high school with me.. this certainly would be in Miss Humphries’ wank bank) Make sure you check tide times if you plan on visiting here.

This afternoon was all about Tenby. After lunch in a pub which had its own brewery (obvs) we headed to the beach for a spot of sunbathing and an obligatory ice cream. Unfortunately I am now one crispy ginger because I neglected the factor 30 again.. Tenby is full of charm, colourful houses, and one of the most pissy smelling multistorey car parks. I particularly enjoyed the shop selling Center Parcs rubber rings outside. I’m intrigued to know how they acquired these!

This evening we visited St Govans Chapel which is build into the cliff side. Legend has it that if you count the steps on the way down and up, the number is never the same. Unfortunately mid way, somebody decided to talk to Santa about his football shirt which totally threw the count. This is definitely worth visiting as it’s so unique!

On the way back to our gaff we stopped by Freshwater West again – this time to visit the grave of Dobby. Yes it’s just a pile of rocks for a fictional character.. but just reading the tributes on the rocks shows how much the world of Harry Potter means to people. In the words of Dobby – it’s such a beautiful place, to be with friends.

We finished off our super long day with alcohol beverages on the beach. Such lads lads lads!

Santa’s sesh 🎅🏻 Lunch & beer was at Harbwr in Tenby with its own brewery. Santa enjoyed the Caldey Lollipop – a 4.5% American style IPA. He’s purchased yet another glass to go with his ever growing collection 🍺

Pembrokeshire day 1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Today we were meant to be arriving at the airport 5 hours early to board a plane for attempt number 2 of our Croatian adventure. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.. so we jumped in the Seat Leon and along the M4 to Wales.

We are staying in Freshwater East; so decided to keep today nice and local and explore the coastline around Barafundle Bay. After firing up the Alltrails we found a 6 mile walk (including the instagramable Lily Pond) and set out for our first adventure. The views were spectacular and luckily so was the weather. A mixture of coastal national park, beaches, woodland and the most enormous lake made it one of our most varied and enjoyable walks.

As its the law to have fish and chips when you’re by the sea, we grabbed a takeaway from Pembroke and took our greasy feast to Freshwater West. Although a fair few chips did end up on the beach.. we still enjoyed the obligatory meal and finished the day off with the beautiful sky.

The Norwegian adventure begins… Via the National Trust ⛴

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What do you do when you’re 4 hours early for a flight? Find the local trust and have a mooch. Luckily for us there is one just round the corner from Manchester Airport! Quarry bank site is huge so one we will definitely return to, but probably in the summer as it was a little bit dead and crispy today.

So I’m currently sat in out little cabin, or ‘cell’ as I like to call it on my fold out bed and we’ve not long set sail. Luckily dinner tonight was a buffet so I managed to avoid the array of fishy fish. Tomorrow however is when the set menu starts, therefore operation loose a stone also begins.

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……