Despite wet weather, a first on our cruise ! We were glad to stretch our legs after getting off Voyager. This involved the local, open, tenders. We made our way to Tresco Abbey gardens.

These gardens feature exotic plants to the UK, such as Echiums, Tree ferns, etc. Sound familiar ? Yes a lot of plants that we grow in TASSIE, even found some gum trees. What was done well were the contrasting foliage and tiered arrangements on the site. A well worth while visit, followed by a trip to St Mary’s for lunch with new friends. As the wind is increasing we have made our way back onboard to write blogs and prepare for another champagne supper with the Captain….Cheers !

We have just anchored at the Scilly’s, and at last have some data signal for the dongle. A quick review of the last couple of days……Isle of Skye was magnificent, and as usual Hazel has left a little bit of her heart there. The drive to Eilean Castle took us through some magnificent scenery, very hilly / mountainous compared to the outer isles.

We then had a short passage to the Isle of Mull, anchoring off Tobermory. A wet day was spent visiting Duart castle with its bloodthirsty history. Our Scottish guide was very particular with all the details, and came from a wee village called Glasgow. The day finished off with some shopping and cuddling Lexie……a beautiful Chihuaha. So much so on a return walk we called in again and she ran up to greet us and get another cuddle. We were tempted to dog snatch, apparently she likes to Kyak with her master and has her own life jacket. Just off to Tresco Abbey gardens, will attempt another post later on. Cheers Mark 

Continuing yesterday’s blog, Skara Brae had a reconstruction of one of the habitats, it gave a very good impression of how one would look with a roof.

A Neolithic double bed….

Here is a reconstructed dwelling with roof, still a squeezy entrance ! 

We then went on to Lewis overnight. A cold wet start to the day did not help when the Captain found his berth occupied. We started tendering but were able to dock prior to our tour of a black house village and Carloway Broch.

A black house, quite an improvement on Skara Brae, but still very smokey and damp inside.

The weather cleared to give us some wonderful views, and we managed to get Hazels iPad unlocked ! Unfortunately she has lost all the pics from the first part of the holiday but will be able to take more now ! Cheers M & H 

Arriving in the Orkney Islands this morning a familiar shape in the form of a Ponant Cruise ship greeted us. Le Boreal is the sister ship to Le Soleal we cruised around New Zealand early this year.

After looking around Kirkwell this morning we spent the afternoon looking at 5000 year old Neolithic sites. Skara Brae is an amazing site, the covered walkways and numerous habitats give a really atmospheric feel to the area.

I’ll have to continue this blog posting tomorrow, we’ve just left the quay and my dongle will drop out soon. To be continued on the Isle of Harris….Cheers ! 

Our first port of call are the Shetland Islands. Blessed with incredibly  smooth seas and blue skies we have arrived at our most northerly destination. Unfortunately Hazels iPad didn’t appreciate the trip and has reset it’s password locking her out. Her Mac is in Australia and there’s a distinct lack of Apple shops in the area…….we won’t be able to resume her normal operations untill we return south.

Lerwick is a great little town and we were able to moor up in the town centre ! The local museum provided a mornings entertainment, whilst this afternoon we toured to another museum, photo stops and a local silversmiths. They were able to provide something suitable for Tasotter……..

Apparently Sea Otters are frequently seen outside the shops window in the local loch.

Arriving at Lerwick harbour.

Scalloway Castle
A view out west of the islands

Tomorrow we will be at the Orkney Isles, where things will take on a prehistoric age…

Well there seem to be floods on both sides of the world at present. Our friends in Tasmania assure us the flood have left our house unscathed, but pictures and videos look a little scary. Apparently the view of the river from home is amazing.

 Meanwhile our visit to Monets garden at Giverny was almost cancelled due to the Seine flooding. The garden had been closed for 3 days previously, and although the levels were high our visit went ahead as planned. Cold , blustery weather gave way to sunshine upon arrival. An hour later the water lilies had opened, and by the afternoon we were seeking shade !

Monets garden is divided into 2. The first we visited, the lily pond, is famous for its bridges, wisteria and obviously the water lilies. I had not appreciated how sculptural it is. Having some colour the effect is more restrained,  and is obviously the work of a master gardener. Despite the increasing number of tourists coming I felt very much at home, it’s the sort of garden I’d enjoy designing and planting.

The second half, his house and its associated garden was an explosion of colour. Much like an artists palette it had blocks of colour, but these were mixed elsewhere as if mixing paint. His house was equally intriguing, quite small in areas the monochrome colour scheme in some rooms was stunning. Overall this excursion was one of the best we’ve ever done. I urge all Gardeners to visit here, if only once. Well worth while flying halfway around the world. 

Doing back to back cruises the ship appeared deserted at times during our Harwich port call. Looking from our balcony now though, passengers are starting to appear, ready for boarding and 4pm departure. With a  day at sea tomorrow, on our way to Lerwick in the Shetland Isles, will mean no blog for a while. Cheers M & H

Well whilst TASSIE and the Eastern states of Australia drown, we are on the high seas. It’s good to be on Voyager again, a limo ride down to Portsmouth saw us embarking just in time for Afternoon tea,  and Champagne !

Our first port of call is St Helier, on Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. Early fog and mist has been burnt off, it’s a sunny day perfect for shopping. As we have been here several times we’ve left the tourist attractions behind and gone bargain hunting ! Finding something for Hazel’s 30th birthday……..proved a bonus. More Jaeger, a discount outlet mum ! and some trinklets for Mark have made an enjoyable day. Situated close to France, Jersey has a unique atmosphere. Occupied by Germany during WW2, the statue below celebrates the islands liberation, and is located in the aptly named Liberation square. Tomorrow we head to France at Honfleur with a trip to Monets Garden. Cheers  M & H 

We have had a very relaxing day today, with 3 locks and 1 set of flood gates. Although cool this morning by midday the sun was out, as was half the population of Surrey. Walkers, cyclists, kayaks, and craft of all sort were on and around the Wey today. The gongoozlers were out in force at Pyrford Lock, but Hazel managed well and we didn’t disgrace ourselves. After washing T42 it was time to visit the Anchor pub for tea and a pint of Stowford Press, the best cider around ! Cheers !!!!

T42 at her lunch break, Walsham flood gates (upper pic), and the actual gates plus cottage (lower pic)

Gongoozlers at Pyrford Lock, with the Anchor pub in the background. Our home Marina is just beyond this.

Cor, that’s nice ! TVR Tuscan spotted in the Marina car park. It has Chameleon paintwork, changing from violet blue to green depending upon how much and at what angle light strikes it.