Yesterday we were in Northern Ireland with a lunch stop and walking tour of Derry/Londonderry. Our night was spent in Ballygally Castle. Our castle/hotel didn't have WiFi so I am using our coach WiFi for this posting.
Right now we are waiting in line to drive onto our ferry taking us to Scotland where we will stay for the remainder of our trip.
I must add a bit more about the roadways we have been traveling along. Those narrow and winding roads have no shoulders and often there is a vertical rock wall straight up from the edge of pavement or a hedge taller than the coach also trimmed up vertical from the edge of the pavement and that is on both sides.
Signs that in the US say yield here they are the same triangle shape but say "give way". As we leave a village there is a sign that reads "haste ye back".
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
last night in the Republic of Ireland
Tomorrow we cross into Northern Ireland which is part of the UK. Our currency there changes from the Euro to the pound sterling.
Today we had lunch in Galway and after lunch we were sitting in the Eyre Square waiting for our coach to arrive when I looked up to see that we were sitting under a flag with the crest of the Martin Clan, a picture was taken. Later just before we arrived at our Hotel in Sligo Bay we stopped at a small church cemetery where W. B. Yeats is buried. In that cemetery were several Shaws.
All of the cars here are small. A Toyota Corolla would be a large one. There are a couple of reasons for that which are first the price of gas. Most stations have posted prices of 1.45 euros per liter which would be around $6/gal. The second reason would be the width of their roadways. Most lanes appear to be less than 8' wide and our full sized motor coach has to slow down and pull over when meeting another large vehicle. There are also bicycles and pedestrian traffic to avoid on those narrow and twisty roadways.
Today we had lunch in Galway and after lunch we were sitting in the Eyre Square waiting for our coach to arrive when I looked up to see that we were sitting under a flag with the crest of the Martin Clan, a picture was taken. Later just before we arrived at our Hotel in Sligo Bay we stopped at a small church cemetery where W. B. Yeats is buried. In that cemetery were several Shaws.
All of the cars here are small. A Toyota Corolla would be a large one. There are a couple of reasons for that which are first the price of gas. Most stations have posted prices of 1.45 euros per liter which would be around $6/gal. The second reason would be the width of their roadways. Most lanes appear to be less than 8' wide and our full sized motor coach has to slow down and pull over when meeting another large vehicle. There are also bicycles and pedestrian traffic to avoid on those narrow and twisty roadways.
halfway
It's hard to believe that our time in Ireland is half over. It has sure been great so far and looking forward to the next seven days.
Yesterday we drove (at least our coach driver did) from Killarney to Limerick. Along the way the countryside was just beautiful. We had a stop for pictures at the cliffs of Moher where those vertical cliffs rise 680 feet above the Atlantic ocean. After checking into our hotel in Limerick we took the coach out for a super 15th century medieval dinner at a castle complete with entertainment and gayety.
We are just here in Limerick for the one night but the hotel (wait for pictures) and dinner show have been a great experience.
Limerick is the town that the five lined poem where the first two lines rhyme, the next two lines rhyme, and the last line rhymes with the first two such as this one told to us by our tour guide.
There once was a lady named Cat
who birthed triplets named Tom, Tess, and Tat.
There was no problem with the birthing
but when it came time for the nursing
She found there was no tit for tat.
Yesterday we drove (at least our coach driver did) from Killarney to Limerick. Along the way the countryside was just beautiful. We had a stop for pictures at the cliffs of Moher where those vertical cliffs rise 680 feet above the Atlantic ocean. After checking into our hotel in Limerick we took the coach out for a super 15th century medieval dinner at a castle complete with entertainment and gayety.
We are just here in Limerick for the one night but the hotel (wait for pictures) and dinner show have been a great experience.
Limerick is the town that the five lined poem where the first two lines rhyme, the next two lines rhyme, and the last line rhymes with the first two such as this one told to us by our tour guide.
There once was a lady named Cat
who birthed triplets named Tom, Tess, and Tat.
There was no problem with the birthing
but when it came time for the nursing
She found there was no tit for tat.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
the ring of Kerry
After breakfast this morning we took our coach for a trip around the peninsula to the west and south of Killarney called the Ring of Kerry. This is a most scenic trip around and through the highest mountains (reeks in the local language) of Ireland. After our return we had a jaunting car (horse drawn cart) tour to a local castle for some nice photo ops and then it was back to the hotel for a dinner time on our own.
A little language lesson, there are many places in Ireland with the name of Kil-something such as Killarney, Kilkenny, or Kildare. The Kil translates as church and the something is what the church is of.
Jo is developing a taste for Irish coffee. We have been here 4 days now and Jo has had three Irish coffees while I have had four. We have also enjoyed all the food so far with several servings of lamb because there are many herds of sheep around the countryside mostly in open ranges.
Our GWF is also following us here across the pond from the US. Our trip today, because of the mountain area, they say is often in the clouds so not as scenic as we had it today.
We can't get over all the beautiful flowers along all the roadways and in all the yards.
A little language lesson, there are many places in Ireland with the name of Kil-something such as Killarney, Kilkenny, or Kildare. The Kil translates as church and the something is what the church is of.
Jo is developing a taste for Irish coffee. We have been here 4 days now and Jo has had three Irish coffees while I have had four. We have also enjoyed all the food so far with several servings of lamb because there are many herds of sheep around the countryside mostly in open ranges.
Our GWF is also following us here across the pond from the US. Our trip today, because of the mountain area, they say is often in the clouds so not as scenic as we had it today.
We can't get over all the beautiful flowers along all the roadways and in all the yards.
Friday, August 14, 2015
the Blarney Stone
We are now in Killarney for two nights. On the way here we stopped at the Blarney Castle for the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. It was many, many steps up a spiral stairway to the top of a castle tower but not a tiring climb because there were so many folks making the trip that we would take a couple of steps and wait for a minute or two because of the queue to kiss the stone. The position for the kiss wasn't very comfortable but I did do the deed and when able will post a picture to prove it. Then it was another spiral stairway down another tower back to ground level. I will have to wait until we get back home to scan the picture that they sold me. Tonight we have a group dinner and after dinner we head to another Irish music show.
foreign hotels
These past few nights have brought back memories of our European tour back in 2006. Beds here only have one sheet and the top cover is a duvet which is usually more than necessary warmth this time of year. In Dublin the hotel there did have face cloths but not this one in Cork, we brought some from home as a result of our previous experience. They consider a face cloth to be a personal item.
Light switches are also a big puzzle to figure out. This one when we came in none of the switches turned anything on until I found the box by the door where you have to insert a room key and leave it there in order for the lights to work. Most hotels in the older parts of towns are quite old while still nice. This one in Cork is like that and the floor definitely slopes so that our feet are higher than our head.
We are off today heading to Killarney where I will have the chance to kiss the Blarney stone. They say there are many steps to climb and require hale and hardy limbs and lungs, we'll just have to see about that.
Light switches are also a big puzzle to figure out. This one when we came in none of the switches turned anything on until I found the box by the door where you have to insert a room key and leave it there in order for the lights to work. Most hotels in the older parts of towns are quite old while still nice. This one in Cork is like that and the floor definitely slopes so that our feet are higher than our head.
We are off today heading to Killarney where I will have the chance to kiss the Blarney stone. They say there are many steps to climb and require hale and hardy limbs and lungs, we'll just have to see about that.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
travel day
This morning we left Dublin heading south through Waterford to Cork. Along the way we stopped at the Irish National racehorse stud farm. Horse racing is big money here and we got up close and personal with the breeding process. Then we had a stop in Waterford, Ireland for a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory, lots of pretty stuff. Tonight we are in Cork and just finished a very good seafood dinner on our own away from the group.
great evening
It was a very nice evening at an Irish Cabaret with Irish music, dancing, and comedy along with a very nice dinner that ended with an Irish coffee.
Yesterday's good news-bad news story was not complete as I only told you the bad news. The good news was that after all the re-directions of our flights our checked bags arrived with us. That was something that I sure didn't expect.
Yesterday's good news-bad news story was not complete as I only told you the bad news. The good news was that after all the re-directions of our flights our checked bags arrived with us. That was something that I sure didn't expect.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Day one in Ireland
The trip here was very eventful but now we are on track to enjoy the remainder of our visit to the Emerald Isle.
The first leg of our flight was canceled due to weather around Chicago so we were re-routed through Dallas and London in order to get to Dublin in time to join our tour.
This morning our tour included a guided bus tour of the old part of the city pointing out all the historical and important points of interest including the St Patrick's Cathedral. It also included a tour of the Guinness brewery with a complementary pint. Since Jo doesn't do beer very much I actually had one and two thirds pints. ;-)
The biggest surprise (not) was to find that there were 2-3 Irish Pubs in every block throughout the city, well duh! A few pictures of the day will be posted when I have a connection that will allow that uploading. Our tour bus has a Wi-Fi connection that I will be able to try out over the next two weeks.
The first leg of our flight was canceled due to weather around Chicago so we were re-routed through Dallas and London in order to get to Dublin in time to join our tour.
This morning our tour included a guided bus tour of the old part of the city pointing out all the historical and important points of interest including the St Patrick's Cathedral. It also included a tour of the Guinness brewery with a complementary pint. Since Jo doesn't do beer very much I actually had one and two thirds pints. ;-)
The biggest surprise (not) was to find that there were 2-3 Irish Pubs in every block throughout the city, well duh! A few pictures of the day will be posted when I have a connection that will allow that uploading. Our tour bus has a Wi-Fi connection that I will be able to try out over the next two weeks.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
back at the Ranch
Backed into the ol' Martin Manor RV park a little past 1:00 this afternoon. This was a very nice trip, especially the visit with Phyllis and Tammy. The quiet time in the Pennsylvania woods was very relaxing and enjoyable.
Now the trailer will be resting until after our trip to Ireland in August. Our thoughts about a visit to Nebraska in September is in doubt as I'm still on call for Jury duty and just may wait until October to take the trailer out again. If we have hotel wifi in Ireland I will post a few comments from that trip. We leave for the Emerald Isles on Aug. 10, 2015.
Thanks for following along and stay tuned.
Now the trailer will be resting until after our trip to Ireland in August. Our thoughts about a visit to Nebraska in September is in doubt as I'm still on call for Jury duty and just may wait until October to take the trailer out again. If we have hotel wifi in Ireland I will post a few comments from that trip. We leave for the Emerald Isles on Aug. 10, 2015.
Thanks for following along and stay tuned.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
central time zone
After crossing Indiana we are settled down in Casey, IL and as we crossed the line into IL we gained our lost hour back and are now in our comfortable time table.
We fueled up just before we left Ohio as I try not to buy fuel in either IN or IL. With our 50 gal fuel tank it will not be a problem to make it to the Flying J at Truxton, MO. I haven't bought fuel in IL for many years because while working at MoDOT I knew that the IL fuel taxes did not go to the transportation department but instead go to the general fund to be controlled by politics. Just recently I quit buying fuel in IN because all the truck stops advertise their prices on billboards but the price shown is noted as exempt which means that their fuel taxes are not included. The trucking industry pays their taxes other than at the pump so the truck pumps do not have the tax included. RVs and autos must buy at the auto pumps where the tax has been added and is many, many cents higher than the advertised price.
We fueled up just before we left Ohio as I try not to buy fuel in either IN or IL. With our 50 gal fuel tank it will not be a problem to make it to the Flying J at Truxton, MO. I haven't bought fuel in IL for many years because while working at MoDOT I knew that the IL fuel taxes did not go to the transportation department but instead go to the general fund to be controlled by politics. Just recently I quit buying fuel in IN because all the truck stops advertise their prices on billboards but the price shown is noted as exempt which means that their fuel taxes are not included. The trucking industry pays their taxes other than at the pump so the truck pumps do not have the tax included. RVs and autos must buy at the auto pumps where the tax has been added and is many, many cents higher than the advertised price.
Monday, July 20, 2015
remembrance
Today we are back on the move heading toward the ranch. Tonight we are in a suburb of Columbus Ohio on the West side of the beltway.
As we drove through the farm lands of western PA and northern OH we passed by several Amish farms. We saw several fields of harvested wheat that were bundled and shocked which I don't remember seeing for many years. I'm sure that they were cut with a horse drawn reaper/binder and then put into the shocks waiting for the thrashing.
This reminded me of perhaps 65 years ago and my first paid job. I don't remember the pay but perhaps 50 cents per day, I don't remember. A couple of summers I helped a neighbor, Mr. Netzer (not sure of the spelling), once in putting up loose hay after he had cut and cured it in the field and then raked it into piles in the field. Then I helped him pitch the hay onto the wagon until there was a bunch there and then my job was to climb onto the wagon and tromp it down and compact it so we could load the wagon more fully. While I was on the wagon I would drive the team to the next pile and when the wagon was full he let me drive them to the barn. He had a rope and pulley system with a big fork that would pull big bunches of the hay into the hay loft. He would unhitch the team from the wagon and hitch them to the rope to pull the hay into the loft. My job at that time was to be in the loft and stomp the hay again to compact it so we could get the whole field into the loft. Then it was back to the field for another load.
The next year he plowed that field and planted wheat. When it was ripe he cut it with a reaper/binder and then ask me to assist in building the shocks which I did after he gave me instructions on how to build a proper one. Then when the thrasher came I helped again tossing the shocks onto the wagon making sure the heads were toward the center of the wagon so if any grain shook loose it was on the wagon and could be scooped up with a shovel. We had to be alert when picking up the shocks as snakes liked to curl up under them away from the hot sun. With a wagon full of grain we then hauled it to the thrasher and pitched the bundles onto the loading belt. This was probably in the early 50s when I was just starting my teen years.
Enough of the past now tomorrow we head west again for a night in Casey, IL.
As we drove through the farm lands of western PA and northern OH we passed by several Amish farms. We saw several fields of harvested wheat that were bundled and shocked which I don't remember seeing for many years. I'm sure that they were cut with a horse drawn reaper/binder and then put into the shocks waiting for the thrashing.
This reminded me of perhaps 65 years ago and my first paid job. I don't remember the pay but perhaps 50 cents per day, I don't remember. A couple of summers I helped a neighbor, Mr. Netzer (not sure of the spelling), once in putting up loose hay after he had cut and cured it in the field and then raked it into piles in the field. Then I helped him pitch the hay onto the wagon until there was a bunch there and then my job was to climb onto the wagon and tromp it down and compact it so we could load the wagon more fully. While I was on the wagon I would drive the team to the next pile and when the wagon was full he let me drive them to the barn. He had a rope and pulley system with a big fork that would pull big bunches of the hay into the hay loft. He would unhitch the team from the wagon and hitch them to the rope to pull the hay into the loft. My job at that time was to be in the loft and stomp the hay again to compact it so we could get the whole field into the loft. Then it was back to the field for another load.
The next year he plowed that field and planted wheat. When it was ripe he cut it with a reaper/binder and then ask me to assist in building the shocks which I did after he gave me instructions on how to build a proper one. Then when the thrasher came I helped again tossing the shocks onto the wagon making sure the heads were toward the center of the wagon so if any grain shook loose it was on the wagon and could be scooped up with a shovel. We had to be alert when picking up the shocks as snakes liked to curl up under them away from the hot sun. With a wagon full of grain we then hauled it to the thrasher and pitched the bundles onto the loading belt. This was probably in the early 50s when I was just starting my teen years.
Enough of the past now tomorrow we head west again for a night in Casey, IL.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Slight change of plans
Today is a day of "off and on" showers as the 50% chance would predict.
Thursday as we were returning from Titusville we came to a fork in the road with our route back to the campground being the left fork. The right fork was to be the original intended route for Monday's departure from this area. Just before we made our turn I saw a vertical clearance sign that concerned me. Yesterday back here in camp I checked that route out using Google Earth where I can actually drive the road and see what it looks like. A few miles from that fork in the road this route crossed the Allegheny River with a truss bridge that was posted as 13'-3" clearance and it was a long multi-span bridge. Definitely this couldn't be a route that semi-trucks could use as they are normally 13'-6" height.
We have a measured height of 12'-11" which would allow a full big 4" clearance and should not cause us a problem. Instead I decided not to chance a bounce from a rough road and selected an alternate path for our route toward Ohio in order to save our AV unit for sure. This new route added about 12 miles to our trip and maybe 20 minutes to the drive so we will just have to leave a little bit earlier than originally planned.
Thursday as we were returning from Titusville we came to a fork in the road with our route back to the campground being the left fork. The right fork was to be the original intended route for Monday's departure from this area. Just before we made our turn I saw a vertical clearance sign that concerned me. Yesterday back here in camp I checked that route out using Google Earth where I can actually drive the road and see what it looks like. A few miles from that fork in the road this route crossed the Allegheny River with a truss bridge that was posted as 13'-3" clearance and it was a long multi-span bridge. Definitely this couldn't be a route that semi-trucks could use as they are normally 13'-6" height.
We have a measured height of 12'-11" which would allow a full big 4" clearance and should not cause us a problem. Instead I decided not to chance a bounce from a rough road and selected an alternate path for our route toward Ohio in order to save our AV unit for sure. This new route added about 12 miles to our trip and maybe 20 minutes to the drive so we will just have to leave a little bit earlier than originally planned.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Shopping time
Today was a time for restocking the pantry so the nearest WM supercenter was found 15 miles north of our campsite in Titusville, PA. Titusville is known as the birthplace of the oil industry in America as the first lamp oil was found in a natural oil spring near here. Then in 1859 Edwin L Drake successfully drilled the first producing well just south of town.
The drive today was also very scenic as this part of PA is mountainous and tree covered. The roads, not being Interstate that are limited to 5% & 6% grades, have grades of 8% & 9%. Monday on our drive here with the trailer we encountered those same grades and the downhills were more difficult than the uphill. Our truck does great on Interstate by automatically downshifting to maintain speed on the 5% & 6% grades without needing to use brakes. Just before we arrived at our campsite we had a few miles of 9% downhill with the speed posted for trucks at 20 mph. I was down in 1st gear and still had to hit the brakes occasionally to maintain that speed and keep the RPMs down.
The drive today was also very scenic as this part of PA is mountainous and tree covered. The roads, not being Interstate that are limited to 5% & 6% grades, have grades of 8% & 9%. Monday on our drive here with the trailer we encountered those same grades and the downhills were more difficult than the uphill. Our truck does great on Interstate by automatically downshifting to maintain speed on the 5% & 6% grades without needing to use brakes. Just before we arrived at our campsite we had a few miles of 9% downhill with the speed posted for trucks at 20 mph. I was down in 1st gear and still had to hit the brakes occasionally to maintain that speed and keep the RPMs down.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Movie time
We are without network stations but we do have all the Dish Network listing. This afternoon we have watched a few movies that we were interested in. First good one was "Gravity" with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney while Sandra was on all the movie George only lasted a little while before drifting off into space, it was an interesting look at fictional outer space. Then we saw "Twelve years a slave" which was, I believe, a great movie. I have read the book and the film represented the book very well with only some abbreviation for time of airing.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
quiet day
Today was a day of rest with a brief shower early this morning but just very nice the rest of the day. Jo whipped up a batch of soup for lunch and I did a couple of small maintenance items on the trailer. It seems there is always something which is why I carry a few necessary tools.
Here is a view of our campsite. behind us a few yards is Tionesta Lake but the growth is so thick there is no way to walk to it. Behind me as I take this picture and across the highway is the Allegheny River. The empty campsite in front of us could be empty for most of our stay as the post indicates it is reserved for next Saturday and we will leave on Sunday.
Here is a view of our campsite. behind us a few yards is Tionesta Lake but the growth is so thick there is no way to walk to it. Behind me as I take this picture and across the highway is the Allegheny River. The empty campsite in front of us could be empty for most of our stay as the post indicates it is reserved for next Saturday and we will leave on Sunday.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Wonderful weekend with DD
While it was a great time with darling daughter it was good to get back "on the road again." I had about 6 raindrops hit me as I hooked up to leave this morning and then after we got on the highway we drove through a couple of light showers but then our GWF sent us a rainbow and the rest of the day was great, not too hot and no bad weather.
We are set-up in a COE campground on the western edge of the Allegheny National Forest on the banks of the Tionesta lake. Our campsite doesn't have any water views but it is in the woods and should be very quiet. There are no over-the-air television signals here but the telephone signal, both voice and data are good. I have found an opening through the trees so will be able to set up our satellite dish for some television viewing.
We are here for a week and that will mostly be R&R.
We are set-up in a COE campground on the western edge of the Allegheny National Forest on the banks of the Tionesta lake. Our campsite doesn't have any water views but it is in the woods and should be very quiet. There are no over-the-air television signals here but the telephone signal, both voice and data are good. I have found an opening through the trees so will be able to set up our satellite dish for some television viewing.
We are here for a week and that will mostly be R&R.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
super visit
This has been a great visit with Phyllis even if our grand-kits weren't loveable. They kept to their safe areas out of our sight most of the time. Today was a little bit of help to Phyllis in her rearrangement of some of her house plants but mostly a nice couple of games of cards. One that was really great in that yours truly was the winner. Phyllis won the other game as well as yesterday's game so she is feeling good on that score. We went out for dinner to a very nice restaurant that we have visited while here before called "Bare Bones" and their short ribs are superb. My half rack came up bare after I was finished.
Tomorrow Jo and I head north toward the Allegheny National Forest in northwestern PA for a week of R&R.
Tomorrow Jo and I head north toward the Allegheny National Forest in northwestern PA for a week of R&R.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
nice day
We had a very nice day and visit with Phyllis. Drove in to her house mid morning and then took her to Lowe's for a new dehumidifier. Her basement is totally below ground with a sump pump to remove any water that may get in. She keeps a dehumidifier going to keep the humidity from causing mold with the drain hose running directly into her sump. She then had a set of shelving to be assembled for a corner of her storage area so she and I got that put together.
After an afternoon game of cards we went out to her favorite diner for dinner. This diner is a fabulous place and only a few blocks from her house. She doesn't cook at home so this is her normal eating place and always with a go-box for another days meal in the microwave. She is such a regular customer that as she walked in one of the counter servers had already set up her spot at the counter. When she ask for a table for three they let her select her server from today's list of those on duty.
After an afternoon game of cards we went out to her favorite diner for dinner. This diner is a fabulous place and only a few blocks from her house. She doesn't cook at home so this is her normal eating place and always with a go-box for another days meal in the microwave. She is such a regular customer that as she walked in one of the counter servers had already set up her spot at the counter. When she ask for a table for three they let her select her server from today's list of those on duty.
Friday, July 10, 2015
longest leg
OK we are now in our campground near Phyllis' house. This leg of the trip is the longest as it takes us 7 hours of driving time. Most of our trips we try to keep in the 5 to 6 hour range. However this is one of the most scenic drives of all our travels. The drive through the West Virginia and western Maryland mountains is just beautiful. The steady ups and downs of 5 and 6 percent grades sure is hard on the fuel economy though. Today's fill up of fuel only calculated to be 9.9 mpg while our overall average is at 11.2 mpg while pulling the trailer.
One of those ups and downs is over Martin Mountain in western Maryland.
Now we are all set up and heading to Phyllis' house for a nice dinner with both her and Tammy.
One of those ups and downs is over Martin Mountain in western Maryland.
Now we are all set up and heading to Phyllis' house for a nice dinner with both her and Tammy.
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