Thursday, 30 September 2010

Moorfields One Month Check

It was Moorfields day today which began with a train journey to London. We had to sit around for ages but Mike saw Mr Verity who was very pleased with his handiwork. Mike is having problems with his left eye as eyelashes are still in-growing and so after they were removed there was a discussion as to how to solve the situation. It looks as if he’ll have electrolysis on the rogue ones and hopefully this can be performed at Truro. He was then due to see Mr Dart but as he was on holiday it was a Mr Watson who was in charge of the Clinic. His left eye was still feeling uncomfortable so after a closer look by Mr Watson he decided that there may be a small infection and so more antibiotic drops were prescribed. After collecting his drugs from the Pharmacy we were back in a taxi and on our way home to Luton.

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

To Luton for Birthday Celebrations

I’d noticed a strange unit parked in our area – a converted Galaxy!!

There was a gentleman camping in it on his own and I asked him if I was seeing things. He said no it really was a Galaxy which he’d had converted at vast expense but he had sold his motorhome and car when he lost his wife. The Galaxy had been set up for two people but he couldn’t convince anyone to go camping with him!

We were soon on the road and after a stop at Reading Services for lunch, we arrived at Luton about 3ish. Both Jamie and Phill were at home as they were not well – they had bad colds. Really hope we don’t catch them!! It’s Phill’s birthday today and we went out in the evening for a meal at a Greek restaurant in Hitchin as the boys had recently returned from a holiday in Kefalonia. Simon and Vikki arrived from Hampshire and altogether it was a party of twelve plus Abigail of course!

It was a lovely evening which ended with Phill blowing the candles out on his cake while Abigail watched …

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Off to Devizes

After packing most of our stuff yesterday we loaded the last bits this morning and got away as planned about 11.30am. The first stop as usual was at Sourton Services for lunch and then we pushed on to the Devizes campsite that we always use. While Mike had a much earned rest I took Hamish for a walk along the towpath after his supper.

We ate and turned in early as we had a long motorway drive tomorrow.

Sunday, 12 September 2010

Restormel Castle - A Hidden Gem

It was the AGM of the Cornwall MX-5 Club today and they were all going on a run before arriving at the Jubilee Inn, Pelynt for the meeting. As Mike has had his eye surgery he didn't want to be driving in a convoy and unable to stop if he wanted to and so we decided to take our time and find somewhere nice to visit on the way. We've driven the road through Lostwithiel so many times and seen the sign to Restormel Castle that I thought it would be a good idea to stop there, have a wander round, a picnic lunch and then move on to Pelynt. I emailed Jo and asked if they fancied coming with us but Paul had his eye on a hill climb near St Austell so it meant she would have to drive herself and she wasn't over keen. However after a short time I got a message to say yes she'd give it a go which was great and very brave of her! We met up just off the A30 and then drove to the Castle with no problems at all. It is an English Heritage property but was so cheap to get in - only £2.70 for concessions and £3.20 for Jo. It's dog friendly so Hamish came with us although Fred had to be left at home as Jo was alone in her car. I was amazed at the beauty of the place ...

We went through the gatehouse ...

looked in the porter's room ..

and then climbed the steps up to the top level ...

Hamish was as nosey as ever ...

There was a walkway all around and the views were wonderful ...

We could look right down into the heart of the castle ...

With the sun shining and blue sky it was perfect for photographs ...

After walking around the top we decided to have our picnic lunch at one of the tables provided and then walk the lower route working our way through the rooms. We began with the kitchen ...

then the Great Hall ...

passing the well ...

and on to the chapel ...

We were soon back to the gatehouse ...

and then it was time to walk around the outside ...

It is easy to see what a stronghold it was with the depth of the moat and the height of the building ...

After a quick pose for photos ...

we headed back to the cars and set off for the AGM. We all gathered in the gardens at the back of the pub for a very light-hearted meeting ...

and then it was time to drive home. This was the worst part of the day for Mike as the sun was getting lower in the sky but he managed it brilliantly and well done to Jo too. We were very proud of her as this was a journey way out of her comfort zone.