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by keef & annie hellinger 8 Feb 2021, 14.45 pm Campside humour is a must for the Motorhoming community, if you wish to see our Blogs in which it features I suggest you go to the INDEX page and click on the appropriate tag. It will tickle your funny bones (hopefully) There are some jokes and associated sayings that are all things motorhome, plus a slideshow featuring the wonderful Supertramp with some visual gags attached either collected by us on our travels, I have an eye for such things, remembering our pals dropping the water cap down the sesspit at Whakapapa village site in NZ in 2017 ;) Enjoy, let us know what you think if you want! Use comments box below, thanks again for your interest. See Picture Slideshow below campsite humour

By keef & annie, Apr 14 2012 05:27PM Found these lovely signs provided by 'friends of motorhome-travels' so thought it would be nice to share them. Do you have any amusing sign pictures you may have taken on your RV / Motorhome travels that you could share with our readers? Dig them out, please. Also how about these "Campers" Comments They are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips: •“A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.” •“Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.” •“Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.” •“Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.” •“Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.” •“All the mile markers are missing this year.” •“Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse.” •“Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.” •“Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.” •“Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter.” •“Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.” •“The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.” •“Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.” •“Need more signs to keep area pristine.” •“A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.” •“The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.” •“Too many rocks in the mountains.” Haha.... Have your say ....PLEASE *smile*

By keef and annie hellinger, March 12th 2022 14.30 p.m. A KeefH Web Designs Travel Blog We have been lucky enough to travel on a few of the world's great train journeys whist we've been on our travels so I thought I would showcase them here on my Blog, to be fair on those holidays we were in a motorhome for a goodly percentage of our travels. I've included a slideshow with audio diary commentary for each plus my new Soundcloud playlist some of the worlds great train journeys Menu The Ghan, Darwin to Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia 2008 The TranzAlpine, Christchurch to Greymouth, South Island, New Zealand, 2008 The Indian Pacific Railway, Perth Western Australia to Adelaide, South Australia 2017 Soundcloud Playlist, Audiobooks Diary Words The Ghan Our Journey back in 2008 with audio diary, Red class sleeper couchettes, not sure we slept much though Coming through the Gap at Alice Springs, NT The TranzApline This was a special treat for our 30th Wedding Anniversary TranzAlpine across the gravel flats, good weather TranzAlpine, Arthurs Pass National Park Our Journey in Rain and Sunshine on our Wedding Anniversary #greatfun #railways The Indian Pacific From Perth to Adelaide, Gold Class, such Luxury Our Journey back in 2017 with audio diary Please note we only did Perth to Adelaide, but despite travelling in the opposite direction and from Sydney this is to give a flavour of it in action, hope it helps The Audiobooks of those Great Rail Journeys WORDS 2008 Diary of Great Train Journeys, The Ghan, Darwin to Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia This first part of the diary was written in reverse chronological order as we travelled hence it is a bit sparse on detail however for prosperity it is important to include , by 2022 it was now 14 years old and technology back then ain’t what it is now, some ridiculous Telstra roaming modem that only worked about 10% of the time and cost a fortune, ha-ha. So, UPDATE 29/5/2008 We have now left the Outback State Loved NT. Nice, remote and relaxed. Flew out over the various deserts, gr8 views. Bought a Didge from Andrew made by aboriginal who lives between Katherine & Darwin, Top end. Also visited Old Ghan Museum, train spotters that we are! Plus had a Didge lesson and went to the marvelous Andrew Langford's Sounds in Starlight Theatre for a contemporary Didge show and joined in. Plus, 19hr round trip from Alice to see Uluru & The Olgas, immense! Wildlife count to Uluru and back was 3 camels, 20+roos, 4 dingo’s, numerous birds, and bats. Spent the day in and around Alice by Explorer bus. Arrived on the Ghan (Gr8 fun) in Alice Springs (cooler at 27c) from Darwin via Katherine (4hrs), Tennant Creek (5hrs but night) after 27hr journey, not for the faint hearted! Average 33c in Darwin. Went to Art & History Museum Darwin (we liked Darwin) Plus Gr8 day in Darwin, visited the town, did the tourist bus (tour tub), chilled by the infinity pool and went to the sunset market at Mindil beach, spectacular Arrived and met the v helpful Lorraine at our apartment in Darwin HISTORY Arrive in Darwin via air from Broome 21/5/2008 and then catching Ghan on Sat 24/5 @ 9am thru to Alice Springs stopping off at Katherine for 4 hours. (We will see the gorge + town) In Darwin we will be staying in a Central Motel (Unit 1 @ 4 Barossa Street, Larrakeyah) and taking trips out and about in NT for a few days. In Alice we are staying at the Aurora Alice Springs for 4 nights and taking a 17hr trip to Uluru & the Olgas in Red Rock country on the 27th, looking fwd to it! Darwin is a fabulous place and was my top city after Sydney. The Ghan journey we will remember for the rest of our lives and the school of the air in Katherine as well as visiting the magical Uluru (and not being allowed to take pictures, its a sacred place) and staying in Alice, seeing the Starlight theatre performance and having Andrew Langford try out our Didge before we bought it. See our 1995 trip here and we just had to go back for our 4th , but hopefully not final time in 2013. We visited Alice again in 2017. We travelled in 2 motorhomes in our 10½ months away, the one on the eastern side being our home for 105 days. If you want to learn more about motorhomes, click here. No question Annie & I love Oz both as children & adults FACT! Summary: NORTHERN TERRITORY 9 days , Day 209-217, 21/5/2008 - 29/5/2008 See Western Australia fo Day 209 and Southern Australia for Day 218, thanks ​ Day 210 - Thursday 22nd May 2008,Darwin Walked into town, about 12ish then Hop on hop off bus, with drivers mum present $60AD saw most sights Stopped at Sky city casino had some drinks by the infinity pool then walked over to the Mindil Beach Sunset market (ace) Darwin is a nice city better than we expected.Loved the Mindil Beach Sunset market,Loads of folk at market which we went to in the eve and watched the sunset across the beach,Mindil Beach Sunset market, spray can artist, eMDee band, sunset and many many revelers (5k+), Day 211 - Friday 23rd May 2008,Darwin Went by taxi to the Museum & Arts center, spent about 2.5hrs there V interesting especially the Cyclone Tracy stuff then walked back in 33+c heat to bus stop where drunk and his even drunk aboriginal partner told us about buses Caught no4 into City center Did shopping My BNT Mosquitos shirt, Annies Tshirt and perfume plus food shopping 4 Ghan trip Then back to Unit 1, 4 Barossa st, Larrakeyah to chill ring Chris & Mum Thai meal Massaman chicken and 2 bed not too late after packing. Loved My NT rugby shirt, sweetheart the croc.photo of of ‘Tracy you bitch’ car a treat from cyclone experience in museum Day 212 - Saturday 24th May 2008,The Ghan, Darwin to Tennant Creek via Katherine White Cockatoos,Brummy bus driver in Katherine, 2 ozzie ladies in seats behind us on Ghan , Loved the Red North, long journey with very little sleep after a very early start. Day 213 - Sunday 25th May 2008,The Ghan, Tennant Creek to Alice Springs Moored up at Tenant Creek (John Flynn – 1st RFDS) from 1.30am to 6am Noone allowed out weird station no platform Neither of us slept that well in our Day/Nighter seats but gr8 trip Lots of red soil as we moved thru to Alice Springs by 11.15am 26c Caught shuttle to hotel had to wait 35mins to check in (not best pleased) but Uluru trip receipt had been faxed by Vaitor. Saw 5 red roos, 2 to keef, 3 to annie. Met 2 ladies behind us on red kangaroo (steerage class) cabin R seats r13-14 daughter in Esperance son in Darwin oh and Sid the Sloth He and his girlfriend slept (supposedly) all 27 hrs. Remember the Ghan, Annie slept for 2.5 hrs when we arrived at Aurora A-S hotel (v good with pool) deluxe room. Henley on Todd (boat race with a difference, no water so they have to carry them with their legs thru as though the river Todd had water in it which it does for very few occasions a decade, let alone a year. Loved the soil getting redder and redder as the Ghan travelled south. Day 214 - Monday 26th May 2008,Alice Springs Now been away 7 months,1st day on round Alice bus ticket. Telegraph station. Hot , Lovely views over Alice and trip round. Day 215 - Tuesday 27th May 2008,Uluru/ Olgas trip from Alice Springs Very long day 19hrs Got up 4.50am (having stayed up previous eve to see England thrash the Kiwis at cricket 2nd test) 1000k (625m) round trip. Just a very special day back in bed by 12.30am having washed our feet and red dust. Saw Mt Connor, Uluru & The Olgas, plus we did 3 walks. Met Brian the guide, pint sized Aussie who was very friendly, but it was his first day guiding. Loved Uluru but really the whole day We had sparkling wine and a picnic as the sun went down over Uluru Really strange colours on the rocks. Day 216 - Wednesday 28th May 2008,Alice Springs Up late after long trip yesterday. Had brekkie (full English) at the Red Ochre Grill attached to our hotel, the Aurora, then showered, caught 2nd day on the Alice explorer out to the Old Ghan Museum (gr8 fun) then back into Alice and the Todd mall. Did Didgeridoo lesson booked tickets for the evening show. Nice 3 course meal in restaurant Barramundi & Ginger, Steak, Fish & Chips, Pear & Apricot strudel & homemade ice-cream all for $38AD reach. The food at the hotel was very good value. Met Andrew Langford – Didge show, which we both saw and practised didge playing, fun but hard especially circular breathing. See the Sounds of the Starlight theatre images on our full website, just go to any browser and type in HOLIDAY2007-8 dot co dot uk, thanks for looking. Sadly, the Sounds of Starlight website is not secure, so I have removed it and Andrew stopped running this in about 2012 and folk in Alice told us he sadly now runs the town bus. Plus no one apart from drunk Aboriginal lady who wobbled into restaurant (sad) and security called the police. Day 217 - Thursday 29th May 2008,Alice Springs to Adelaide Up 8-ish Had gr8 cooked brekkie, then over to see Andrew and bought a Didge. Very pleased with it, made by aboriginal between Katherine & Darwin. Had it mailed home with free booklet. Then sent Craig note to say it was on its way Checked out of Hotel about 10.15 took longer cos I thought we had paid, we had not. Then shuttle bus ($34AD) to airport V nice airport Then flew to Adelaide Shuttle bus to Rockford. Not bad room although had to ask for 3 bits of maintenance Supposedly an upgrade and view of river Torrens, maybe! Annie took loads of gr8 piccies out of the plane of the Simpson & Mackay deserts and Lake Eyre. Met Andrew Didge man , plus yanks on shuttle bus to hotel in Adelaide who were very loud & opinionated MORE INFORMATION From our travels, gap year, Northern Territory Australia,9 days in total, during the period 21-29 May 2008, Ghan, Alice & Uluru, in 3 parts reconstructed Nov2020, including 159 images being a summary of the much larger collection, covering plus a whole lot more the following, Darwin, stations, tenants creek, sunset, mindil sunset market, museums, poems, artist, infinity pools, Katherine, Devonshire teas, didge, Andrew Lansford, aurora hotel, Unit 1, 4 Barossa st, Larrakeyah, Darwin, nice land lady , food, drive to ghan station, cyclone Tracy 1974,museums, salt lakes, tropical flowers, Gibson and simpson deserts, aborigines, mount connor, albert Namatjira, artist, graveyard alice, telegraph & signals stations and museums, the old Ghan, camels, the tub tour, stolen generation, river Katherine, sounds of starlight theatre, spray can art, the olgas, early morning coach trip, sunset picnic at uluru, cave art, school of the air, walking around the base of ayres rock (old name), red class travel, world hepatitis day, sleeping rough, red ochre café, camel steaks, roo steaks, telegraph camel men, history, traversing a very hostile terrain , baobab trees, frank gorton poetry, tea towels, ballooons, jim's place road house, singing dingoes, rock paintings and images of the past, lasseter highway, past kings canyon - coach swapping point We bought our willow bark didge from Andrew Lansford, it was made in the top of the Northern Territory by an indigenous man, Andrew gave us lessons on how to play, to this day (2022) I have not yet really mastered circular breathing which is essential to playing but can make the authentic didge sound. There was a fab Didge band playing at the Mendil Sunlight market in Darwin 2008 Diary of Great Train Journeys, The TranzAlpine, South Island, New Zealand Day 123 - Monday 25th February 2008,Christchurch For our 30th Wedding Anniversary the main treat was to travel on one of the worlds great train journeys on board the TranzAlpine railway from Christchurch to Greymouth on South Island New Zealand and back, we had great fun, sadly it rained most of the way across to Greymouth on the West coast, I guess not surprising for South Island and indeed New Zealand, it was also very cloudy but oh so hot and sunny on the way back and great scenery Hard to take pictures thru the slightly steamed up windows but such superb scenery, we will (and do) go back via road at some stage 2017 but train takes you in places where no roads go so it will be our special memories. We met a Brummie couple (who were amazingly well travelled) who now live in Weston Super Mare Chatted to them all the way to Greymouth because of the rain. Loving Annie so much. We also had a meal at an Italian restaurant in Christchurch in the evening after we got back from the train journey but sadly keef ill next day, probably the butter chicken, the rail journey gave us a very different view of Arthurs pass which we love having driven through it in 2008 when it rained the whole time and then again in 2017 when we were blessed with sunshine but it is very different and way more remote when on the train, which we love! See the slideshow and see what you think. 2017 Diary on a Great Train Journey, The Indian Pacific Railway, Australia Sunday 26 February Perth to Kalgoorlie on the Indian Pacific Railway Got up at 6.30am & got a taxi at 7.45am to East Perth station. The train left at 10am, so we had plenty of time to look at the Indian Pacific train memorabilia & have complimentary coffee/tea/orange juice & small cakes whilst a musician played. Allyson & I chatted to the train driver (one of two drivers for the trip) who was up at the front of the train. There was a wagon with a full car transporter which had to be hooked up to the engine, so the driver had to stop talking to us & assist with that. Took lots of photos & felt excited to be going from Perth to Adelaide on the Indian Pacific which would take 3 days/ 2 nights and crossing the Nullarbor Plain & deserts. Chris & Allyson & us had adjacent cabins near the front of the massively long train (carriage O, cabins 7 & 8). The cabins were very compact with a pull-out bed & bunk bed above with ladder, plus a small shower room with sink, mirror & toilet. The staff were all very friendly & helpful. We went to the Queen Adelaide dining car for lunch – all food & drinks were included in the ticket. The train went very slowly through the Perth suburbs & past Northam & Merredin which we had visited in the motorhomes. Sometime after Merredin and past Southern Cross (an outback town) the train stopped for about an hour. We heard on the internal PA announcement by train staff that a stowaway person had been spotted by a passing freight train & the driver had informed our driver who had then seen the man on the video surveillance cameras. The stowaway was seen moving in one of the cars on the vehicle transporter. The Indian Pacific staff radioed the police at Southern Cross & they took a while to get to the stationary train. The man was arrested and stupidly had no water or food with him in the car for the 3-day trip & with outside temperatures of 36c + he may not have survived. We went to dinner in the dining car – we were travelling gold class. Red class was lower & Platinum was the top class. When we returned to the cabin the staff had made up the bunk beds & left some gifts for us as we had mentioned that it was our 39th wedding anniversary yesterday. I got a blue pashmina scarf & Keef got a cap plus a nice note from the staff. There was a free coach trip at 9pm round Kalgoorlie & to see the gold mine (the Super Pit) which we had all signed up to do that evening. However, because the stowaway had caused a delay to our journey we did not get off the train onto the coaches until 10.30pm.The temperature had been 30c at 9.15pm and it was very dark. The coaches went to the Super Pit but did not get any idea of the scale of the gold mine as it was pitch black with lorry headlights moving in the bottom of the giant pit. Luckily Keef & I had seen it before in the daytime on a previous trip to Australia. We drove round the town & there was nobody around. The coaches all dropped everybody off at the gold museum where we saw a short 15-minute play about Paddy Hannan. He was an Irish prospector who first found gold nuggets on the ground in 1893. A woman was also in the play – we did not think it was very good. Back in our coach we did not think the driver’s commentary was very good either – he kept pausing mid-sentence (his day job was prison officer). We were very tired and after the two-hour excursion we re-boarded the train and went to bed. Monday 27 February Indian Pacific Railway I was still awake when the train finally left Kalgoorlie station at 1.20am & picked up speed. The delay in leaving was probably due to goods trains having priority on the line. The train lurched violently from side to side so much that I found it difficult to get to sleep on the top bunk. I climbed down the ladder, Keef woke up and kindly offered to swap bunks. Eventually got to sleep. We were woken up at 5.30am by train staff knocking on our door. We had all wanted to do the early breakfast outdoors at 6.15 at Rawlinna station. This was a scheduled stop on the Nullarbor Plain halfway between Perth & Adelaide. Not all the passengers wanted to be woken so early for breakfast. The temperature was 20c at 6.15 bright sunshine with a bright blue sky. This place was a lonely outpost on the railway track, with tiny station, post office plus a sheep station which covered 2.5 million acres with 70,000 sheep. When we climbed down the train steps it was some distance to the station where breakfast was being served. We all sat on benches by lots of long wooden tables & ate sausage, quiche, large mushroom, tomato plus tea & coffee. We saw local Ute & Aussie famers come to the station to pick up their post & parcels. When we re-boarded the train, the staff said on the intercom that there was a ‘creature’ on the track at the front of the train – probably a snake. We weren’t allowed to walk anywhere at all apart from the cinder track by the train to the station platform. Today we’re spending the whole day on the train crossing the Nullarbor. We had lunch in the Queen Adelaide restaurant car with pre-dinner drinks & some nice wine with our meal. I had an hours sleep in our cabin as I was knackered. Then we spent the time gazing out the window and listening to music on the cabin radio. Keef thought he saw a snake at the side of the track. At 3pm the train made a scheduled brief stop at Cook on the Nullarbor. It was a god-forsaken place in the middle of nowhere. It was named after an Aussie Prime Minister not Captain Cook. It was 38c and after the air con on the train it was like walking into a hot oven. We had 30 mins stop here as the train had to re-fuel, take on more water (arterial bore) and change drivers. There were lots of flies so had to continually swat them away from our faces or they crawled into our mouth, ears & noses. We were told before disembarking that we were not to walk into the desert but to strictly keep to the paved paths towards a few abandoned buildings. There was once a small community living there but now the population is 4. Their job is to help with re-fuelling the train. They live in a typical Aussie house – bungalow with corrugated iron roof & a small garden with picket fence. The soil was very red and dusty with a few trees around. We were told not to enter the abandoned buildings as it was too dangerous as snakes were very active at this time. Luckily saw no snakes or other animals/ reptiles thank goodness. I was very careful to watch where I was walking!! We all took photos & reboarded the train before the 30 mins were up as we felt we did not want to linger in this dangerous & desolate place. Glad to get back to our air con cabin. Crossing the Nullarbor we only saw a few cattle but no kangaroos or camels. A lot of the mammals are asleep during the day and only feed at dawn & dusk. Later in the afternoon the landscape suddenly changed from the flat desert where you could see for miles to rocky & sandy gorges with large bushes & trees and there was a dirt track alongside the railway line. This is probably so that maintenance men could drive along to check the condition of the track. We could see that once heavy rain had scored deep gullies in the red sandy soil but were dry as a bone now. We wondered if the lack of kangaroos was since they were being killed for the pet food industry. Had dinner & had a game of cards in the bar area. Very tired.

By keef and annie hellinger, Dec 3 2021 15.16 pm This is a retrospective Blog, we were away between 31st January and 14th June 2017. We went to Singapore for 2 weeks with family, C&A for 3 days in Hong Kong at the end of the trip, twas so sad parting at the end of a lovely almost 5 months. We have now reworked the original HOLIDAY2017 site so if you would prefer to see that instead of reading this blog (note the content is the same, but visually they are very different) please click HERE , thanks MENU Go to 1. Summary 2. Calendars 3. Diary Part 1, Jan-Feb 2017 4. Diary Part2, March 2017 5. Diary Part3, April - June 2017 5a. Audiobooks of the Diaries if you would prefer 6. Campsites 7. Distances travelled 8. Singapore 9. Australia Overall 10. Western Australia 11. The Indian Pacific Railway 12. South Australia 13. Northern Territory, Alice Springs 14. Victoria, Australia 15. New South Wales, Australia 16. Tasmania, Australia with rellies 17. The Cook Isles, Rarotonga 18. New Zealand Overall 19. North Island, New Zealand 20. South Island, New Zealand 21. Malaysia, Desaru what a fab holiday, loved every moment of it huge #tick Suggestion use the BIG TRIP maps to scale in and out if you wish and read the appropriate diary alongside viewing the slideshows. On the diaries each day is labelled so its fairly simple to find the text associated with a particular slideshow #justsayin Australia is made up of States and Territories on this trip we went to all of them minus Queensland and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) we visited those back in 1995 and 2008 respectively (Blogs 163 & 162), thanks for looking SUMMARY Another big trip featuring hired motorhomes but this time including the pleasure of travelling with our dear pals Chris & Allyson, who at the time lived in Alnwick in Northumberland, we had been to their wedding (see Blog 72). For Annie & I this was the 5th time back in Australia, we still have rellies there, I was there as a child and Annie as a teenagers, clearly we didn't know each other out there but both have a true affinity for the place. such a lovely BIG TRIP, will always remember it With our pals Chris & Allyson "If it moves... snap it, if it doesn't... snap it" 😉 In 2017 we explored Singapore, Australia , the Cook Isles & New Zealand with our dear friends Chris & Allyson. At the end of the trip Annie & I spent time in Singapore / Malaysia with our family and Chris & Allyson visited Hong Kong. A lot of planning and pre booking went into this adventure to ensure we had a great time. We flew to Singapore for a stop over of 2 days to break the journey down under. We visited East Coast Park and the wonderful Quentin's restaurant. We arrived in Perth a bit jet lagged but excited and cruised the Swan river to Freo and had a fab day in the Botanic gardens in Kings Park. After a few nights we picked up our Britz motorhomes and after a quick swim off the Indian Ocean Drive we initially explored Monkey Mia (sadly no dolphins due to inclement weather) then onto the tropics of Western Australia Geraldton, Northampton (gallahs and Allyson fear of the clientele 😉 and a spin in Apollo 11 at Carnarvon before doing the loop thru the Wheatbelt and Wave Rock back to Perth via Albany. Esperance and Kalgoolie at this time were off limits due to some massive rains which washed out essential roads. We then took the luxurious Indian Pacific Railway to Adelaide across the Nullarbor Plain. After that its was a quick flight to Alice Springs where we visited the fab Desert Park , ate Roo (Camel was off 😉 ) at the Red Ochre Café , avoided the cockroaches and pondered the insoluble Aboriginal problem. Then it was back to Adelaide to pick up another motorhome to explore some of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) before ending in Sydney for time with families. K&A flew down to Launceston in Tassie to visit rellies before returning to Sydney. From here we touched down in Auckland briefly before spending a fab but somewhat wet and humid week of chillin' in the Cook Isles in the Pacific ocean on the main island of Rarotonga, snorkelling, BBQ-ing or whatever took our fancy, lager at the Rarotonga brewery. Mis planned luggage allowances to Rarotonga meant a somewhat fraught early morning experience trying to retrieve K&As 3rd bag, but all OK in the end 😉. Then its was back to Auckland to pick up another pair of motorhomes to explore both North & South island of New Zealand, crossing between the two via the Interislander ferry. After much Boysenberry ice cream we returned to the UK via 2 weeks with family in Singapore and C&A 3 days in Hong Kong. Saw so much and had such a fun time shared with our pals. What an amazing journey - travel definitely broadens the mind. NOTE: All photos, videos and slideshow content on this Blog were taken by one of the 4 of us! A much more in depth appreciation of what we did and when can be gleaned from the diaries. I encourage you to use the dropdown menus to fully immerse yourselves in the Big Trip, we also have galleries by person as well as headlines by place visited whether country, island or state, #justsaying 😉 Thanks for looking. Covers Singapore, Australia (Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territories,Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania), The Cook Isles (Rarotonga), New Zealand (North & South Islands) & Malaysia (Desaru long weekend break with family) #TICK #TheBIGTRIP This is what our old HOLIDAY2017 home page looked like nostalgic view of the old site, bye bye Return to Menu CALENDERS We show both the before and after plans. Understandable they differ slightly for all manner of reasons, click buttons below to go to each, thanks. History of what the old site pre 2020 looked like is preserved for prosperity, maybe 😉 CALENDARS - BEFORE THE TRIP Pre trip, calendar of our adventures, i.e. anticipation of where we are going and when, it was our combined plan for the travels JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 Flying to Singapore via Dubai leaving January 31st early in the morning. 2 days stay with Doug and family, maybe the 1* Michelin street hawker food, then onto Perth, WA to have a good look around. Maybe a Swan river trip. Then its pick up the motorhomes at Great Eastern Highway and go off exploring. So much to see in WA - Wave Rocks, The Pinnacles, Dolphins at Monkey Mia.... can't wait! At the end of Feb we catch the Indian Pacific Railway, Gold Star Service. MARCH 2017 Having got off the train in Adelaide we will stay in a cabin on the beach before flying up to Alice Springs and bathe in the famous Todd River. C&A are off to Uluru (Ayres Rock). We fly back after 3 days and pick up the motorhomes to explore amongst others the Great Ocean Road (GOR), koala's at Kennet River, wine in the Barossa Valley, the 12 apostles, whales at Warrnmbool, Sale, Mallacoota, Tathra, Eden and so much more. APRIL 2017 In the first week of April we will still be in Sydney, K&A in their apartment with pool in Beacon Hills and C&A off with Laura and Steve having fun. K&A visit John & Diana in Tasmania. We will then stay at the Kiwi Motel in Mangere, Auckland (did the NZ census here in 2013) overnight before jetting off for a relaxing week in the Raina Beach house on Rarotonga. On return its pick up the motorhomes in mangere and off to explore North island. MAY 2017 Mid may-ish we will leave north island and take the motorhomes across on the interisland ferry from wellington to picton, and see the fab queen charlotte sound. Captain Cook knew it well. Then its off to explore south island. Milford and no doubt(ful) sound plus dunedin and a whole lot more. At the end of the month we fly out of Christchurch together to Sydney where we say our good byes JUNE 2017 After Sydney C&A are flying off to Hong Kong for a few days before making their ways back to the UK. K&A will visit family for a few weeks in Singapore and then jet back home from Changi airport. CALENDARS - AFTER THE TRIP Post trip, calendar of our adventures, i.e. where we went and when #loved every moment of it, such lovely shared memories FLIGHT DETAILS FOR THE BIG TRIP 2017 Note the only difference is that at the end Chris & Allyson flew to Hong Kong for a few days and we went to Singapore for a couple of weeks before returning to the UK. What is shown in this gallery is the complete booked flight schedule. Luckily no dates or times changed during our 6 months away, unlike in 2013 when our flight from Perth to Changi was bought forward by 3 hours meaning we almost missed it, the company allegedly had no way to contact us to warn us "as if - internet was working!" ACTUAL CALENDAR FOR THE BIG TRIP 2017 Comparing what was planned against what we actually did, surprisingly there wasn't really that much difference in the schedule, maybe a few days here and there as we hadn't gone to that level of detail. It is worth reading Annie's diary in unison with these calendar views, if you would like to please click HERE To best view the calendars click on full screen, thanks Return to Menu CAMPSITES This is a pictorial history of all the campsites we stayed at our our Big Trip 2017 in both Australia and New Zealand in our hired Britz / Maui camper vans Return to Menu DISTANCES TRAVELLED To recap we travelled in our hired motorhomes in both Australia and New Zealand on our 2017 Big Trip 9337 Miles or 15026 Kilometres, WOW! Distances travelled by Keef & Annie. NOTE Here are the distances we drove ourselves whilst on THE BIG TRIP, HOLIDAY 2017 which by implication as Chris & Allyson didn't go to Tasmania and did far more walking than us and drove the west coast of North island, New Zealand whilst we did the east coast means their total distance is likely to be some what less but in reality probably not by that much. Return to Menu SINGAPORE Marine Parade & About in the City 2 Visits, Start of Holiday 31 Jan-3 Feb the End of Hols 30 May - 12 Jun See Diaries for Annie's write up "Family Time with Doug, Phoenix & Charlie" INTRODUCTION - 2 vists at start and end of the holiday Stay 1 - Sadly just 3 days on route to the southern hemisphere to break the journey but it was a chance to catch up with family and see our lovely grand daughter again. Plus some good eats esp. Quentins Eurasian with family and C&A. The Escher exhibition at Art/ Science was a particular favourite of mine. MRT coming 2023 to a station near you at Marine Parade. Love East Coast Park, helped somewhat in the jet lag stakes. Stay2 - A much longer stay this time around. 2 glorious weeks with family. National Gallery Biennele kids exhibition, Liao Fan Michelin Hawker centre, Singapore Zoo, Wet Wet Wet (Wild) park, Mustafas, Chinatown, East Coast Park BBQ and walks, Parway Parade, The supercool Library and a fab long weekend in Malaysia at Lotus Desaru Beach Hotel and now the Singapore "talkies" videos i.e. with speech (no performing rights necessary) 😉 Return to Menu AUSTRALIA Aussie Adventures, 4th February - 9th April 2017 "From Carnavon in Northern WA, On the Indian Pacific Railway, Thru the Red Centre and then around the Coast Adelaide to Sydney, Plus Popping over to Tassie & Rellies" #tshirts Campsites we stayed at in Australia Return to Menu WESTERN AUSTRALIA Includes Perth (3 days), Freemantle (Freo), Ledge point, Pinnacle National Park, Cervantes, Thirsty Point, Jurien Bay, Indian Ocean drive, Greenhough hanging tree, Geraldton, Northampton, Nerren Nerren, Billabong & Overlander roadhouses, World heritage drive, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Shell beach, Denham, Carnavon, Nanga, Hamelin Pool (where the desert meet the sea), Space Museum, Gascoyne River, Port Denison, Badgingarra, Moora, Brand Highway, Avon River, Northam, Crossing the flooded road nr Hyden, Wave Rock, Kalgarin farm stay, Wheatbelt, Snake, Blue tounged skinks, Tin Horse highway, Kulin, Dumbleyung, Bluebird, Mens Sheds, Railway, Farming, Boot fences, Kojonup - possibly the best campsite in the world NOT!, Rosellas, Mount Barker, Porongurup, Albany Highway, Castle Rock at the Porongurup National Park, Brig Amity, Princess Royal harbour, Middleton beach , Scenic drive Wilsons bay, Denmark, Greens pool, Elephant Rocks, Parry beach (for lunch) and the hippy in the van, valley of the Giants red tingle trees and tree top walk, Quokka on the path, Northcliffe eco park and roos plus roos jumping across road at dusk,Pemberton, Augusta, Cape Leeuwin and lighthouse, Leeuwin-Naturaliste national park,Margaret river, cape Mentelle winery, Lenton Brae winery plus tour and ladies picture of a family house in Lenton, Nottingham, we will try and find it, cheeky monkey brewery, Cowaramup, Busselton and the pier / jetty, Bunbury and Koombana bay , plus non dolphin watching, although in fairness Chris & Allyson did see one on their walk. Mangrove board walk, sub tropical flowers, Lechenault inlet and estuary, swimming in the site pool, sunbathing, chilling, intersting sub tropical birds, Avalon beach, Mandurah, Rockingham, Penguin island, seals, little blue penguins, board walks, conservation areas, Freemantle or Freo, Ferries, Van bumps, Rottnest island, Quokkas again, cycle rides, swims, guided tours, walks in the sun, history, lunch, cafes, ice creams, friends, fun, rocks, boats , blowholes, blue seas and skies and ice creams , royal perth hotel, lucky shag bar and aqua bar for our 39th wedding anniversary in perth See the diaries to accompany the videos & slideshows 4th-27th February 2017 SEE THE FULL WESTERN OZ EXPERIENCE, 1hr 19mins Campsites in Western Australia on the indian pacific in western australia, crossing the nullarbor again and now the western australia videos with speech, the "talkies" Return to Menu INDIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY (IPR) We have now been on 2 of the most significant railways in Australia, this IPR from Perth to Adelaide across the Nullarbor Plain, and in 2007-8 (Blog 162) on the Ghan from Darwin to Alice Springs, on the Indian Pacific we travelled in luxury in Gold Class, on the Ghan #railway we were overnight in Red class, i.e. sleeping in a chair but what an experience in both cases, we are so privileged Sunday 26th to Tuesday 28th February, Western Australia into South Australia, complete luxury, all inclusive luxury food, wine, beer and spirits plus some fab company along the way ✅ our route on the indian pacific, compare to the road route across the nullarbor in 2013 by motorhome allyson chatting up the driver 😉 🌠 ✅ Very kind of the train's staff to help us celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary Return to Menu SOUTH AUSTRALIA gum nuts battunga park at meadows, south australia Arrived by Indian Pacific Railway to the Adelaide Parklands station, we to BIG4 campsite, C&A started their cricket ground tour. Pool, beach, swimming, relaxing, reading. Adelaide airport, lockers,off to NT for a few days in Alice springs. Glenelg,Oyster bar, sunset walk, Tram, Fringe, Marina pier, Collect the vans, Tanunda, Barossa Valley, Wolf Blass, Stockwell, Angaston, Rowland Flats, Jacobs Creek, Hahndorf, Pioneers Park, Rubble,Everything Germanic, McLaren Vale, Tintara estate, Hardys, Strathalbyn, Langhorne Creek, Milang, White cockatoos or Corellas, South Australian Light railway museum, Wellington chain ferry, Charles Sturt, Lake Albert, Salt marshes, Meningie, Chinese cigars, Birdman of the Coorong, Kingston SE, Rosetown, Larry the lobster, Cape Jaffa historic lighthosue, Norfolk pines, Robe, 9 mile beach, circular town walk, Customs House, Matt Flinders,Chinese memorial, Flag hill, Harbour, Marina, Ray, Arthur Fennell Way, Pier, The Obelisk, Millicent for lunch, Mount Gambier, Blue Lake, Crater Lakes - leg of mutton (empty), valley (green algae), Hentys Monument, Wildlife park, Centenary Tower,Limestone sculpture, Pukeko or Australian swamphen,Town centre, Cave gardens, Sink Hole, Northumberland point, Port MacDonnell, Border crossing into Victoria 28th Feb - 9th March 2017 SEE THE FULL SOUTH AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE, 18 mins Now the other slideshows mostly with text Campsites we stayed in during our time in south australia, note that when we arrived at Britz to pick up our vans off Sir Don Bradman Way our one was dramatically delayed due to the previous occupant bringing it back late, the company received there fine, but it didn't help us as we lost 1/2 a day so when we returned I claimed it back, they reimbursed us a whole day. The thing I love about all these hired motorhomes is the built in gas BBQs at the rear of the van , just wonderful. Was one hell of a job at Ledge point western australia trying to keep out the wind though, the only downside I could find and cooking fish outside the van on the BBQs is a real blessing, no lingering smells when you are tring to sleep. #hintsandtips South Oz slideshows, read the diaries alongside Camping park on the Southern Ocean that we also stayed in in 2013 (Blog 167) $200 a bottle for the Platinum wine at Wolf Blass but we preferred the Gold version at 1/5th the price. I still haven't washed my hand since Mr Wolf himself shook it way back in 2008 (see Blog 162) #claimtofame #humour #wineries we walked out to the headlands, what an incredibly hot day in robe and now the south australia talkies videos fun in handorf, all things australian #humour we stayed at Adelaide Shores Big 4 campsite having purchased our site membership back in the UK at a discount #membership annie swimming in the fab adelaide shores by the campsite Return to Menu NORTHERN TERRITORY 1st to 3rd March 2017 coming into land in alice from adelaide my all time favourite aboriginal art by helen mcarthy tyalmuty Read more about Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty Flying from Adelaide to Alice Springs over the Simpson desert and the red centre outback, MacDonnell ranges, salt lakes, dirt tracks, Elkira motel, pool, heat, humidity, flies, cockroaches (poor Allyson), Supreme Court house-fab architecture, The residency, Queen & Prince Phillip, Heritage area, RFDS-Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aboriginal Art, Anzac park, Anzac Hill lookout, Red Ochre Grill, Todd River & boat race, Alice springs desert park, Bush Bird display, Nocturnal red centre animals, Dingoes, Many Birds, Great talk from Margaret on bush tucker and medicines, Cinema experience, Roo at the Red Ochre and Pizza , Shuttle to and from airport, Airport displays, Desert scenes and clouds, close up on Adelaide and the shores.... and back in South Australia SEE THE FULL NORTHERN TERRITORIES EXPERIENCE, 10 mins we had a fab time at the Alice springs desert park, hot isn't the word for it, sadly Annie had been unwell so we scooted back to the cool interior after a while before she fainted, she really wasn't well enough to go out for the evening meal neither. keef wanted camel at the Red Ochre grill which the chef suggested wasn't a good move back in 2007-8, still not on, only kangerroo so we settled for piazza at an Italian downtown, most amusing. Also sadly the Starlight Theatre was closed and the guy who sold me my didge and taught us a little bit is now driving the hop on hop off bus around Alice, it felt a lot more run down. keef fills up on bush tukker witchetty grub man Return to Menu VICTORIA kennet river koala the campsite is the place to see them we knew from our previous trip here that this was the place to find these cuddly sleepy creatures, well not so cuddly when you see the size and sharpness of their claws (see Blog 2007-8 162) Entered Victoria from South Australia just after Mount Gambier near Portland, Koalas, Non Fish & Chips, Speeding fines, Frightened waitress, "Kind" man who disconnected my electrics, Cape Breakwater, Discovery bay, Petrified forest, Coastal Walkway, Wind farm, Port Fairy, Poor pies, 41st Folk Festival, busy busy, Flagstaff hill, Warrnambool, Logans beach, no whales but surfers, The Great Ocean Road including Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, The Grotto, London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay, Scenery and then some, bank holiday weekend, Princeton DOC, Giltbrook river, failed campsites then the 5* motorway service station outside Geelong, Echidnas, 3 Koalas at Kennett River, Snakes, Rock wallaby, Mt Macedon, The hump, Hanging rock, Reserve, Summit, Picnic at Hanging rock, Historic Woodend, Coburg, Melbourne, Federation square, Heritage Trams, MCG, Rod Laver arena, Olympic park, Shane Warne, the Don , Dennis Lillee, Greek Quarter, Chinatown, James Squire brewery , Busy drive out of Melbourne, Mornington peninsular, St Kilda, Brighton, Luna Park, Elwood (keefs old home in pine ave),Beach and pier at Mordialloc, Chris for a swim, Lunch at Mornington, Shopping in Frankton, Drive to Traralgon BIG4 on Princes Highway, Historic Port of Sale, White cockatoos, Lakes Entrance lookout, Lakes entrance connecting Gippsland lakes to the Bass Straits, 90 mile beach, Wood carvings, Fishing trawlers, Wood carvings, nice walks, Orbost, Snowy River, Marlo, Sammy the seal, Where the snowy river meets the bass straits, Banjo Paterson, Quirky Hats, Dredging, Sailors grave beach, cape Conran, Steps, MacKenzie river rain forest walk, Gypsy Point, Kangaroos, Boats, Mallacoota, Pelicans, Harbour, Nasty brown snake warning, Koala at campsite, Lucy's for brekkie, Shady Gully walk and nice plants, Tasman sea lookout, boats and more, Double Creek Victoria 9th to 19th March SEE THE FULL VICTORIA EXPERIENCE, 22 Mins Campsites stayed at in Victoria We revisited Picnic at Hanging Rock, Mount Macedon near Nagambi, this time Keef's knees were not up to climbing so we had a picnic with a guest roo doing a hand break turn 😉 Chris and Allyson did go up to the top, such an eerie place #scary we visited this victorian moonscape, cape bridgewater, petrified forest Bad news we got speeding fines, only found out about them when family back in the UK let us know and they were not cheap... 30+ mph in the equivalent in kph looking for Greek restaurants in that quarter, mostly depleted although we did find a yummy one, just had to finish with a nice beer or 3 and now for the state of victoria's talkies videos keef in THAT shirt outside mallacoota Return to Menu NEW SOUTH WALES A Potted History Entering New South Wales (NSW) from Mallacoota (Victoria), Eden, harbour & whale museum, Old Tom, Ben Boyd , Whale lookout, Twofold bay, Pambula beach, fishing, roos, birds, Rosellas, Brewery (closed), Farm stores, Horse food, Merimbula, Tura beach, Tathra wharf and beach, Catching flatheads, plaice and salmon (well almost), Bermagui, Dalmeny, Central Tilba Historic Village (went there in 2007-8 but had forgotten its name), Borrell, Meeting up with Steve & Laura, Forsters Bay, Wagonga inlet, Narooma, Wagonga princess, Sexist jokes (not good!),Eurobodalla NP, Mill Bay boardwalk, Rays, Rain (lots), Overpriced fish & chips by campsite, Mogo, Batemans Bay, Kings Highway (B52), Great Dividing Range - no pics too scary driving, Braidswood, Bungedore, Bywong, Goulburn, Marulan (what a fab town especially like the current but actually old farming memorabilia), Mittagong, Rural NSW, Balmoral, Buxton, Thirlmere, NSW Railway museum, Cockatoos, Horses, Silverdale, Warragamba dam, visitors centre, Haviland Park, Narabeen Lakes again, Class driving campaigns, Handing van back at Britz in a new area of Mascot by airport , Public transport (bus/train/bus) back to Beacon hill apartment, Chilling, Views, Pool, BBQ, Movies, Food, Wine, Beer, Friends, Family, Bus to Manly, Manly Ferry, Harbour & Manly views, Voyager of the Seas cruise liner (D&P&C were on it 2 months later), Botanic gardens, Picnic, Mrs Macquarie's chair, Sunsets, Opera, Carmen, Voyager of the Seas, last ferry back, Possum in the park in the dark, Sunny pool days around the Bali hut, No 169 bus route & timetable i.e. the Manly bus from our pad in Beacon Hill, if you are NERDY enough look below to see that full bus timetable, anorak's at the ready, Opal cards, Seeing LION at Warringah Mall on a rainy day , C&As time in Sydney with Laura & Steve visiting Blue Mountains & Parkes observatory , Jervis bay, Snakes, Walking, Rain, Hannah and Connor visited and we had a play in the pool, Balgowlah, Lamb dinner (yummy), Lovely seeing David & Hannah again, heavy rain for a day, bright sunshine, day out in Sydney centre, manly ferry, circular quay, barangaroo wharf, cockle bay wharf, darling harbour, harbourside, Hard Rock Café (no surpise there eh Keef over 50 T-shirts now, Circular ferry trip, Pyrmont bridge, History, Milsoms point, MacMahons point, Balmain East, Luna Park, Emerald Princess, Maritime museum, Endeavour, Sunsets, Rained all day so watched goldstone (poor), noctural animals (good) and oz gogglebox, Train trip to Broadmeadow, Newcastle to visit Annie's cousin Susan, Gosford, Wygong, Hawkesbury river, back from Tassie, Ibis budget airport, Crispy Creme Doughnuts for tea (never again), fire alarm, Flight to NZ #tshirts we stayed 19th March - 4th April 2017, see the associated diary entries SEE THE FULL NEW SOUTH WALES EXPERIENCE, 47 mins The campsites we stayed at in New South Wales Australian ad campaigns are so much better than ours, they are hard hitting and get the message across, try these for size! 10 years apart but still hits the nerve in true oz style. bbq around the pool, our pad for the week, beacon hill, sydney Image slideshow coming up we visited the NSW railway museum , from the outside at least, it was at Thirlmere We stayed at our place at Beacon Hill Sydney near warringah mall and Chris & Allyson did some stuff with Laura, here is the highlights love my trad Bob Marley t-shirt which sadly now is a paint rag but I did wear it on the Bob Marley tour to One Love in Jamaica in 2018 see Blog 125 and now for the New South Wales talkies videos filleting fish tathra pier NSW, careful with that axe / knife eugene I now have a landscape image of this pool just above my head in the study at home, it was bliss #GIF However for the nerds amongst you and I'm happy to be in that classification here is the bus timetable we found years later from Beacon Hill to Manly which we did often, especially as the stop was just up the hill from our residence with the pool. We used Uber Oz on the last day we left peeing with rain v early in the morning and the guy didn't come, as outside Wi-Fi range had to go back in and get a second so we didn't miss our flight to Tasmania, the second was alovely student who got us there in time, we were understandably a little panicky as well as miffed, i still have $5 credit left on Uber Oz #myexcuse2return NERDSVILLE 169. Manly – City a Sydney bus via Narraweena & Seaforth then 169 bus route sydney suburbs Our stop Highlighted - full anarak 209541. Belgrave St near Raglan St, 209542. Pittwater Rd near Steinton St, 209543. Pittwater Rd near Pine St,209544. Pittwater Rd near Collingwood St 209545. Pittwater Rd near Balgowlah Rd,209546. Pittwater Rd near Eurobin Av,210030. Pittwater Rd near Queencliff Rd, 210032. IPittwater Rd near Oliver St 210033. Pittwater Rd near Riverview Pde,210034. Pittwater Rd near Western Av,210035. Pittwater Rd near Wakefield St ,210036. Pittwater Rd near Kentwell Rd 210037. Pittwater Rd near Sterland Av,2100111. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Mall,210015. Pittwater Rd near Roger St 210016. Pittwater Rd near Winbourne Rd 210017. Pittwater Rd near Pine Av,210018. Pittwater Rd near Federal Pde,210019. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Rd,209911. Pittwater Rd near May Rd 209912. Pittwater Rd near Pacific Pde,209913. Pittwater St Davids Av ,209996. Fisher Rd near Lewis St,209997. McIntosh Rd near Vale Av,209998. McIntosh Rd near Victor Rd 209999. McIntosh Rd near Beverley Job Park,2099100. McIntosh Rd near Mundara PI,209917. Alfred St near Oceania St,209918. Alfred St near Warringah Rd, 209992. Warringah Rd near Consul Rd,209993. Warringah Rd near Northcliffe Av,210067. Warringah Rd opp McKillop Rd, 210068. Warringah Rd near Beacon Hill Rd (see 24-30 March) 210069. Warringah Rd near Willandra Rd,2100141. Warringah Rd near Earl St,210070. Warringah Rd near O'Connors Rd,210071. Warringah Rd near Goverment Rd, 210072. Warringah Rd near Jones St,208642. French Forest Rd near Patanga Rd,208643. Frenchs Forest Rd near Hurdis Av (Annie's old residence), 208644. Frenchs Forest Rd near Skyline PI,208637. Wakehurst Pwy near Frenchs Forest Rd,208674. Warrringah Rd near Bantry Bay Rd 208638. Wakehurst Pwy near Warringah Rd 208655. Wakehurst Pwy,208712. Wakehurst Pwy near Manly Dam Res,208713. Wakehurst Pwy near Kirkwood St,209254. Wakehurst Pwy near Judith St 209246. Wakehurst pwy near Burnt St,209247. Wakehurst Pwy near Armstrong St,209231. Wakehurst Pwy near Lister Av,209232. Wakehurst Pwy near Castle Cct 209233. Clontarf St near Montauban Av,209234. Frenchs Forest Rd near Montauban Av,209235. Frenchs Forest Rd near Baringa Av,209257. Frenchs Forest Rd near Macmillan St 209252. Sydney Rd near Hope St,209335. Manly Rd near Heaton Av,209212. Manly Rd near Avona Cr,208812. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,2088186. Spit Rd near Medusa St 2088187. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,2088188. Spit Rd near Stanton Rd,2088189. Spit Rd near Awaba St,2088243. Spit Rd at Clifford St,2088190. Spit road near Military Rd 2088192. Military Rd near Wudgong St,2088193. Military Rd near Lang St,2088194. Military Rd near Belmont Rd,209059. Military Rd near Cabramatta Rd 209019. Military Rd near Hampden Av,208944. Military Rd near Rangers Rd,208913. Military Rd near Wycombe Rd,208959. Military Rd at Bydown Lane,208960. Military Rd at Watson St 208912. Military Rd near Watson St,2000133. York St at Lang Park,200035. Wynyard Station, York St - Stand N,208657. Cemtery Front Gate Hakea Av,208671. Forest Way near Warringah Rd 208697. Naree Rd near Rabbett St,208649. Rabbett St near Holland Av,208664. Warrringah Rd near Bantry Bay Rd,200025. Wynyard Station, Carrington St - Stand E,200021. Wynyard Station, Carrington St - Stand A 208947. Military Rd near Watson St,208948. Military Rd near Wycombe Rd,209021. Military Rd near Hampden Av,209058. Military Rd near Cabramatta Rd,2088176. Military Rd near Prince St 2088177. Military Rd near Lang St,2088178. Military Rd near Bond St,2088179, Military Rd near Cowles Rd,2088180. Spit Junction, Spit Rd,2088181. Spit Rd near Awaba St 2088182. Spit Rd near Bickell Rd,2088183. Spit Rd near Quakers Rd, 2088184. Spit Rd near Medusa St,2088185. Spit Rd near Pearl Bay Av,208811. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,209213. Battle Bvde near Manly Rd 209214. Battle Bvd near Seaforth Cr,209215. Palmerston PI near Alan Av,209216. Ponsonby Pde near Palmerston PI,209222. Ponsonby Pde near Panorama Pde,209223. Ponsonby Pde near Sydney Rd 209224. Frenchs Forest Rd near Ellery Pde,209225. Frenchs Forest Rd near Macmillan St,209236. Frenchs Forest Rd near Baringa Av 209237. Frenchs Forest near Redman St 209238.Clontarf St near Montauban Av 209239. Wakehurst Pwy near Castle Cct,209240. Wakehurst Pwy near Lister Av, 209241. Wakehurst Pwy near Armstrong St,209242. Wakehurst Pwy near Burnt St 209243. Wakehurst Pwy near Judith St,209253. Wakehurst Pwy near Kirkwood St,208711. Wakehurst Pwy near Manly Dam Res,208630. Wakehurst Pwy,208631, Wakehurst pwy near Warringah Rd 208639. Frenchs Forest Rd near Skyline PI 208640. Frenchs Forest Rd near Romford Rd,208641. Frenchs Forest Rd near Inverness Av,208617. Frenchs Forest Rd near Patanga Rd 2100142. Warringah Rd near Jones St 2100143. Warringah Rd near Ellis Rd 2100144. Warringah Rd near Oxford Falls Rd,2100113. Warringah Rd near Cornish Av,2100114. Warringah Rd near Willandra Rd 2100139. Warringah Rd opp Beacon Hill Rd, us again on the return journey, 2100140. Warringah Rd near McKillop Rd,2099106. Warringah Rd near Princess Mary St 2099107. Warringah Rd near Waratah Pde,2099108. Warringah Rd near Alfred St,2099119. Alfred St near Warringah Rd,2099120. Alfred St near Amaral St,2099122. Alfred St near McIntosh Rd 2099115. McIntosh Rd near Mundara PI 2099116. McIntosh Rd near Victor Rd 2099117. McIntosh Rd near Vale Av 2099118. Fisher Rd near St David Av,209922. Pittwater Rd near Howard Av 209923. Pittwater Rd near Pacific Pde,210021. Pittwater Rd near Harbord Rd,210022. Pittwater Rd near Carter Rd ,210023. Pittwater Rd near Mitchell Av,210025. Pittwater Rd near Chard Rd 210026. Pittwater Rd near Orchard Rd,2100131. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Mall Stand A,210041.Pittwater Rd near Sterland Av 210042. Pittwater Rd near Corrie Rd 210043. Pittwater Rd near Wakefield St,210044. Pittwater Rd near Western Av,210045. Pittwater near Riverview Pde ,210046. Pittwater Rd near Oliver St 210047.Pittwater Rd near Aitken Av 209547. Pittwater Rd near Eurobin Av,209548. Pittwater Rd near Balgowlah Rd 209549. Pittwater Rd near Collingwood St 209550. Pittwater Rd near Pine St 209551. Pittwater Rd near Carlton St,209552. Pittwater Rd near IRagIan St,209553. Belgrave St near Sydney Rd 209554. West Esplanade Stand B - MANLY Return to Menu TASMANIA on the beach with John & Diana Coles Bay Tassie Early morning flight from Sydney to Launceston, Car hire, Evendale, Midland Highway, Powranna, Epping Forest, Cleveland, Campbelltown, Convicts and their memorial bricks laid, Nice egg and bacon pies, Wood carvings, Sunshine, Elizabeth river, Loggers, Conara, A4 Esk main road, Avoca, Fingal, St Mary's, Volcanic Mount, Purple possum café, Break O'Day municipality, Cornwall, Gray, Chain of Lagoons, Seymour, Douglas River, Tasman Highway, Bicheno, Picnics, Views, Scuba Divers, whales (if only!), Apslawn, Cranbrook, Swansea, John & Diana - so nice to see them again, wonderful hospitality, 9 mile beach, Mayfield, Rocky hill beach, Spiky bridge & beach, Swansea pier and beach, Freycinet national park, visitors centre, Wine glass bay, Cape Tourville lighthouse, the Road rage guide, Gravel roads, Friendly beaches, sunshine, fun, walks, Surfing, pristine empty beaches, Oyster bay, The Hazards, Coles bay, Triabunna, Maria island, Ferry, Tassie devils, Orford, Prosser estuary, Café, Cricket, Raspins Spit & beach & dunes, Petanque, History, East coast heritage museum @ Swansea, Tarlton, Thylacine (now sadly extinct, lets hope the Tassie Devils and Koalas don't go the same way - please!), Convicts, Family, Up early, Say goodbye, Back to Launceston Airport SEE THE FULL TASSIE EXPERIENCE, 10 Mins and now for the Tasmanian slideshows, enjoy campbeltown wood carvings now for the talkies from Tasmania 2017, when we went in 2007 we hired a car and spent 2 weeks "discovering" tassie, i remember being off road and being confronted by a wallaby Return to Menu THE COOK ISLES We stayed on RAROTONGA, Raina Beach House, 10-17 April 2017 "Paradise Home by the Sea" infinity pool, Little Polynesian Restaurant, Titikaveka, we ate here jack fruit botanic gardens cafe near our raina beach cottage for a change lets have the talkies first for rarotonga our evening out is on here, lovely food, lovely setting, lovely friends and now for the photo slideshows featuring the new yes album 2021 I'm getting a collection of pacific island driving licenses , I already have one from Tonga in 2007 mugshot & license to go with mine from tonga Return to Menu NEW ZEALAND Kiwi Adventures, 9th April - 30th May 2017 "North & South Island by Interisland Ferry, Wellington to Picton" INTRODUCTION NORTH ISLAND We landed in Auckland back from the Cook Isles and picked up our motorhomes and headed north to Cape Reinga, (don't mention the tyre). Love Northlands. We also visited Orewa & Whangerai together before C&A principally did the west coast and us the east pulling in Coromandel, Port Jackson, Papamoa beach, Gentle Annie pass, Hastings before making our way south to Wellington where we met up before catching the Interisland ferry to south island. We also met up at Whakapapa village en route. SOUTH ISLAND We landed at Picton and visited the fabulous Queen Charlotte sound before taking in such places as Nelson (WOW museum of wearable art and classic cars) , Abel Tasman NP , Kaikoura , Christchurch (although sadly still devastated by the 2010 quake), Dunedin & the Otago peninsular, Akaroa, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Te Anau and a whole lot more before returning to Christchurch and a last Lone star meal before flying back via Sydney to Hong Kong & Singapore respectively. Prior to our Tandem Bungee Jump NOT, Queenstown, South Island Te Mata from the Top, Hastings, East Coast, North Island Return to Menu NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND the fab four at cape reinga northlands Arrived (1st time) in Auckland from Sydney, Overnight then Cook Isles, Walk, Wait, Agapanthus, Arrived (2nd time) from Rarotonga, Cook Isles. 3 days central area, harbour, wharves, ferries,coast to coast walk (for C&A) , Maritime museum, murals, tepid baths,Britomart, Queens wharf, Quay st, Federal St, Churches, slopes,Hobson west marina, Masters games, Wynyard quarter, amazing architecture,Fish market, Heritage landing, North Wharf, Sarah, Pier 4, Rangitoto, Volcanic explorer tour,Summit views, Motutapu, Lava, Sunshine, Day out in Devonport, The Arcade, Esplanade Hotel,Victoria Road, King & Queens parade, various reserves, Mount Victoria, Clarys, Haircut, Hauraki gulf, Auckland art gallery, Maoiri paintings,The body laid bare exhibition, Joseph at the Civic, Collecting vans at Richard Pearce drive, Mangere, Auckland, Extra hidden costs, Orewa, Beach, Man with tourettes, Orewa beach,Countdown/Pac-N-Save/New World,shells, historic Puhoi, Twin coast highway, Mangawhai heads, Ruakaka beach, Whangerai, Hatea river, Town basin, glassblowing, canopy bridge, Tutikaka, Matapouri, Kawakawa, Ohua, Okiato, Russell, Hundertwasser, Hangi,Clapham clocks, Waterfall , Manawoara, Rawhiti, wetlands, marae, Waimarama bay, Bay of Islands, Historic Russell, pier, boat ramps, ferries, sunshine, exotic sub tropical plants, Tapeka point, Rocky bay reserve, Weka, Paihai, Water taxis, Waitangi, Whangaroa, marlin, wharfs & jetties, Volcanic plus, 90 mile beach, Twilight beach, Tapotupotu bay, DOC, Tyres R Us, Kevin the AAman, Cape Reinga, Lighthouse, Te Paki reserve, Old Kahina tree, Views to die for, Te Paki sand dunes, Broadwood, Kohukohu, Hokianga ferry, Twin coast highway, Rawene, Opononi, Aria-te-aru reserve, South heads, historic Dargaville, meeting up with C&A again in countdown car park, Donelly crossing, loggers, fab kiwi trees, Kaiwaka, farm stay, outside loo with a view, C&A visited lake Kai Iwi on the way to Dargaville, we did east coast, they did west coast, remet Whakapapa village then Wellington, Kaipara coast sculpture park, Helensville, Ginger crunch railway cafe, flat whites, Railways, Thames, Coromandel peninsular & Forest park, Wharf, Ferry, Shelly beach, Colville, Horse, Wahine, Music festival, Buddist retreat, Port Jackson, gravel road,Top of coro, Mercury bay, Tairua, freedom camping, waves, rain (lots),fishing off rocks, Waihi beach, Katikati, murals, Mount Manganui, Pilot bay, Marine parade, Motuotou & Moturiki islands, boysenberry icecream, Papamoa beach, beach street, strelitzia,Maori sculpture, bluebiyou restuarant, chalets, sunshine, relaxing, fun, chatting to guy from england , Pikowai, Pacific coast highway, Te Puke, Thornton, Whakatane, 2 islands, Smokin' volcano, Edgecumbe floods, Mt Edgecombe, Galatea road, sickly horse, Lunch at lake Aniwhenua, autumn colours, Hydro electric dam, Kopuriki, Road only just opened due to floods, Murupara, Maori funeral, Forests, Lake Taupo, Reids Carving, Breweries, Fooderies, Outrigger boats, Tourist info, icecream, Lake lookout, DOC site, Free, Tongariro views, sunsets, fishing boats, great sleep, cold at night - getting so, 5 mile bay site, Motuoapa bay, licorice (spelling haha!) cafe, flat whites, black swans, novelty VW cabins, Desert road, Turangi,National Park, Restuarant (not this time), Tranz Alpine station, Whakapapa village, rain, meeting up with C&A again at the dump station, Visitors centre, Cafe coffee, snow, Chateau Tongariro, Taihape, Gumboots, Spooner hill road, sheep, cows, Gentle annie pass, Moawhango, views to die for, Rangitikei river, Silverdale historic bridge, Valleys, Mountains, Hastings , 1930s architecture,Queens & Railway St, Westermans, Clock tower, Te Mata peak, Ocean beach, Waimarama, Blue cod, Fish & chips St Aubyn st, Surfers, Havelock north, Duart house and gardens, Murals, Wineries, Tukituki river, Kairakau beach, reflections, Paua shells, ice creams at waipawa, Waipukurau, Lake Hatuma, Wanstead, Wallingford bridge, sheep (again), Porangahau, Never finding the beach down the gravel road (cooks tooth), Longest name of place in the world (no don't ask me to spell it ;) ) ,Pacific Ocean, Cape Turnagain, Our hero Capt Cook, Herbertville, Wimbeldon, Route 52, Pongaroa, Eketahuna, Pagans, Hippies, Sacrificing virgins (ok maybe not!), Electricity, Late at night, Kiwi country, Herberts store, Steak & Cheese Pies, Museum, Masterton, Wool shed, Joseph Masters, Queen Elizabeth park, Aratoi, Maori ripoff, Tinui, Anzac church & cross, Castlepoint, Deliverance cove, Riversdale beach, Wairarapa wine region, late night into Martinborough, Memorial square, Pain & Kershaw, lake Ferry, Lake Okone and spit, old motorhomes, Cape Palliser, Paua shells, Palliser bay, Ngawi, Tractors, Rock lobster, Road slips,Putangirua pinnacles , Wellington Top10 campsite (so changed), Harbour from Pencarrow head to Lyall bay, shells, ferries, Ward island, Wellesley college, Eastbourne, Day bay,Wahine disaster,Moa point, Middle earth, Trolley buses, Waterfront at night, Te Papa, Macs Brewery, Curry, up early for Interislander ferry, Traffic jams SEE THE FULL NORTH ISLAND EXPERIENCE, 1hr 55mins north island campsites including our all time fave papamoa beach we always stay on ocean drive #namedrop now for the north island slideshows, there are a lot of them we were here for quite a while, the first is prior to slipping in and then off to cook isles then back what a lovely campsite this was, forest area, quiet by a resevoir, own waterside pitch such fabulous art work at kawakawa love russell and kiwi's and weka's and weta's if you can find them fun on the ferry after getting Chris's tyre fixed they returned to Britz in Auckland to get a solid repair before moving on, we took the scenic route down the quiet west coast of northlands, avoiding highway 1 a very different coalville #smile #humour loving this site Papamoa possibly the best campsite in the world, Darlington beach nsw ain't bad either #campsites #hintsandtips Met up with C&A again here, chris had his hand down the dunny sluice trying to retrieve the water tank lid I think that had how shall we say "get mislaid" loving this spelling bee and now for the north island talkies Return to Menu SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND 11th -29th May 2017, see the accompanying diaries these boys have muscles, havelock, south island, new zealand A Summary of some of the things we did and saw Arrived in Picton from Wellington on the Interislander ferry, Early morning start, Very wet day (haha welcome to south island), Shakespeare bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, Queen Charlotte drive, Ngakuta bay, Havelock, Green Mussels (yummy), Read all about mussels opposite (please) its very informative, Lady from Auckland, Freshness, straight from the sea, Long windy wet drive to Nelson, Town centre camp site over a bridge with a stream, nice calming stream noises, WOW museum and classic cars, so many clever costumes (see the slideshows), Lippydeema, Lord Maharajah and the Star bride, Goodbye Versaille starring Mrs Du Barry's monkey, Ishmaelian wingflapper to name but a few... go on look, you wont be disappointed.... What's the line "WOW makes Lady Gaga look like a librarian", Amazing Bras, Cars were Minis , Locomobiles, Vauxhall Vivas, Shaguar and many more, Tahunanui beach reserve , Board walks, Lunch, Winery areas, Pears, Apples, Kaiteriteri, Beach front history, sunsets, Wilsons ferries, Beached Whale pub, Fire, Singing barman, Rugby - Christchurch Vs Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, The man who emptied his loo in the water area and covered it with leaves (Yuk! Sick!), Abel Tasman boat trip, Totaroa, Awaroa, Medlands, Tonga Quarry, Torrent Bay, Bark Bay, Picnic, Coffee, Wind & Sun, New Zealand fur seal, Adele island and many other islands, kayaking, Solar panels, Tides , Motueka river, Kahurangi National park, Low cloud, Hinetai hops, Tapawera,Railways, Old police stations, Wooden Cow, Eels, Lake Rotoiti, Mr Angry and his boat, St Arnaud, Lake Rotoroa, Wet feet, nature walk, Red toadstools, Trees, colourful leaves, Buller river, Murchison, Heritage area, Fuel fillup, Buller Gorge Swing bridge, Waterfalls, Earthquakes, Floods, 2010,1929,White creek peninsular circular walk, Wagtails, Wekas, Bushline walk, Araki waterfalls, Logging on the buller,Springs junction for a pie lunch, Lewis pass, Waiau river, Kaikoura range, Road to Kaikoura Highway 70 via Rotherham and Waiau as SH1 closed due to Kaikoura earthquake 2016, Kaikoura camp site, Fish & Chips in town at No2, the best one (Tiki Takeaways) was sadly closed, Fyffe Quay, Old House chimney remains, Mountains, Snow covering, Boardwalk, The Point, Seal colony, No fishing, Smells, Views, Seals asleep on boardwalk and rocks, Road back, Many roadslips, Woodchester, Monet autumn views, man with coffee, Rejoin empty SH2 via Waiau, Christchurch, Britz office, Extra bedding, C&As van fixed - brakes/ headlamp bulb, Ours for internal light only, School party and rain at Christchurch Top10 site, Blue route bus into Bus station, Ballantynes department store, Devestation, Sad, Cathedral, Customs House, Chalice sculpture, Vintage trams, New Regent Street, Murals, Container City, Quake museum, Kiwi humour in the face of adversity, Columbo street, Mexican restaurant, Workman everywhere, often playing, Rain, Loosing each other on ring road around the airport, Sheffield pies,West coast road, Lake Lyndon, Castle Hill, snow, mountains, roads, State Highway 73, Kumara Junction, Great alpine way, Grasmere, Lake Pearson, great farming flats, Cass laggon track, Otira gorge and viaduct, Jackson tavern, Arthurs pass, Arthurs pass national park, Waimakariri river, Railways,Tranz alpine, Bridal veil falls and lookout, Visitors centre, Cobb & co stagecoach, Devils punchbowl bridge,Kumara gold town, Theatre, Hokitika, Tasman sea, Old town, Signs and chairs, Glow worms, Rainbows (lots of them), Ross Gold mining town, gaol, Heritage walk, Gold panning, Chinese influence, Jones flats, Museum, De Bakker cottage, Philip Ross May (local hero & Historian),Autumn colours, Mine shaft, Catholic church, Mining Memorabilia, New ross gold mine, Hari Hari, Guy Menzies, 1st solo flight Oz to Nz, Southern cross junior, Lunch, Whataroa river, Glacier flights, Rain, Glacier highway, Franz Josef wet walk, receding glacier, pain in knees , Lake Ianthe, Fox Glacier, Blue lake, Moraine, Haast valley, Bruce Bay, Stones for messages, Lake Matheson walks and views, Cafe, Coffee, Snow cover peaks, Knights point lookout, Whale watching, Mother and calf, Fox Glacier ski village, Pollax point peaks, Haast village, Haast campsite, Sunset, Eeerie colours on the peaks, Having to move pitches as the power didn't work at Haast Top10, Haasy-Jackson Bay road, Oturu, Harbour, Fan tails, Oturu river, Whitebait, Lobsters, Bridges (many), Neils Beach, Shearwaters, Hannahs crossing, Jackson Bay, Wharf (dodgy), Visitors centre, Whalers chimney remains, Whale (sighted by Annie), Pioneers, Fishing community, Return to Haast, Fuel station out, haast pass, Cameron Flat, Lunch, Mt Brewster and others, more snow, Mount Aspiring, Lake Wanaka, The Neck, Lake Hawea, Boundary Creek, Makarora Jack, Albert Town, Hawea, Wanaka, Snow predicted -2 it didnt arrive (hooray), Cold at night, Wanaka shore line, Luggate, Old motor cars, Town hall, Luggate - Cromwell Road, Tannersley estate vineyard, Lake Dunstan, 45th parallel, Lowburn, Mountain reflections, Cool seed pods, The Remarkables,Cromwell town - both new and old, Printing presses, Horses, Cartwheels, Paua art,Fruit town, sunshine, Goldfields, Kawarau gorge, Roaring Meg, Hydro power, A J Hackett bungy jumping, Warm outdoor fires, kawarau bridge, Shotover gorge, Queenstown campsite, Lake Wakatipu, Rainbows, Snow, Lumsden junction, Kingston, Old railway bridge, Garston, Mossburn, Stock crossing, Te Anau, lake Te Anau, Picture drome, Library, Coffee, Float planes, Kelpler track, Layby with Kea, Naughty alpine parrots - Kea, Car stripping trims, Homer Tunnel, waterfalls, Road slips, Rain, Milford sound lodge and camping ground, Milford village, Cruise terminal, Milford Mariner (our nature cruise boat), Nature cruise, NZ fur seals, Heron, Milford Sound is one of the true modern wonders of the world, Sigh loved it and nice to do it with pals, Low clouds, Mitre peak, The footstool, Sindbad gully, Many cruise liners, Massive crowds, Fur seals, Coffee, Warmth, Winds and cold,Tutoko Historic Suspension Bridge , Valley and river, Hollyford river and lookout, The Chasm walk and Kea (again) , Homer tunnel return, Mirroe lakes, such reflections, Ta Anau again, pitch where we camped in a tent in 2008, still there by the roses, Mossburn deer capital of NZ, red tussock grass, Lumsden, Gore, Clock tower and art gallery, Balclutha for a fab fish & chip lunch, Southern scenic highway, Dunedin, Otago peninsular (right hand coast), Taiaroa head scenic reserve, Royal Albatross centre, Prince Charles, Pilots beach, Blue Penguins (see video part 4), Portobello, Company bay, Broad bay, Wycliffe bay, Hooper inlet, Sandfly bay, Cape Saunders, Pilot beach viewing platform, Waiwhakeheke bay, Lighthouse, Dick Road, Allan beach, Sheep branding, Flotsam & jetsam, Lovely beach flowers, Highcliff road (scary and roadslips but great views), Dunedin city, Signal Hill lookot and memorial, University Oval cricket ground Dunedin, Baldwin street (the steepest in the world and I have the t-shirt somewhere to prove it!), Dunedin station lit up, travelling back to Portobello around the peninsular at night spectacular lights, Dunedin Vogel street murals, Blueskin Road, 19 Fathoms Foul memorial, Robert Falcon Scott memorial, Blueskin bay, Quarentine and Rakiriri islands, Waikouaiti and river, Karitane, Seacliff lookout, Pies in Waikouati village, Bushy beach reserve, Hide, Yellow eyed penguins, Oamaru victorian precinct, Jetty, Friendly Bay,Farmers market, Grain stores, Brewery, Distillery, Station, Picture frame, Steam punk (lots of it - class),Fat controller and the steam railway,Rakaia - salmon capital and goal, Banks Peninsular, Hilltop views, Akaroa, French very french, Jetty, Cinema, Passport office, Monet, Bedroom with a view, Churches, Roses, cats, Barrys bay, Little river, Silo stays, Over the hills in the rain, Gebbies pass, Dyers pass,Sugar loaf scenic reserve, Riccarton, Apollo motel (room11), Lone star last supper, Early rise, nice family, Airport off to Singapore (us), Hong Kong (C&A), tears, coffee in Sydney airport airside, Great times SEE THE FULL SOUTH ISLAND EXPERIENCE, 1 hr 57mins south island campsites To see the Dunedin Albatross live webcam, click here Albatross Cam To see Milford Sounds top 6 waterfalls click here Milford Sound Lodge and Camping was where we stayed Top 6 Waterfalls what can I say #wow museum of wearable art near nelson wow both glaciers had receded in about 10 years #COP26 Queenstown, dangerous and extreme sports watching not doing, some snow around as well especially when we were travelling time for the steepest street in the world I have the t-shirt already at the end of this we returned to Singapore and more time with the family, we all 4 flew via Sydney and said our tearful good byes Return to Menu Whilst with family in Singapore we had a luxury weekend away in Desaru, Malaysia, pretty close by ferry from Singapore MALAYSIA, DESARU Desaru Resort , Bandar Panewar,Johor Coastline 3 Day Weekend Break - 9-11 June 2017 "Family Time with Doug, Phoenix & Charlie" big pool desaru holiday resort INTRODUCTION - 3 Day Break A long weekend away in Desaru, Johor travelling by ferry from Changi ferry port by the MV Falcon 3 to Tanjung Belungkor ferry terminal in malaysia and then transported by people mover provided by hotel 35km to the beach resort. Nice facilities, 2 pools and a waterpark plus really good food and a colonial feel to the lawn and buildings plus charlie loved the old fire engine and bird house. All in all a fab family weekend away. Lotus desaru, 113 images covering amongst others tangjung belangkor, ferry from changi, the reach, buffet restaurants, paw patrol, early swimming to keep cool, amusements, tigers, block e, last rivers, meals, seafood, mexican, boats, rickshaws, fire engines, parascending, seabass, seaside fun, holiday in the sun, 3 day long weekend, mv falcon 3, fireworks, waterfall, relaxation, palm trees, taxi rides, seaview restaurant, steep down to beach, teratai coffee house, hibiscus, limbongan maju, marina island, love prata, block e room 407 and now the fun slideshows and now the talkies Return to Menu AUDIOBOOKS

By keef and annie hellinger, Dec 29 2021 12.31 pm Living The Rhythm misses a trick by not having a U-shaped lounge conversion option, as many of its rivals do. The table needs to be wrested from its mount behind the cab seat, which is no easy task. The sofas offer comfy knee rolls, so it’s a squeeze to get your legs under the 67cm-high table, but there are plenty of scatter and end cushions to pamper yourself with. Kitchen The kitchen area has an extendable section that houses the sink, so when it slides out you have a worksurface between the hob and the sink. The worktop has attractive, marble-look detailing but it can’t match the level of equipment of some similar ’vans, with only a three-burner hob and combined oven and grill. There are molded, wooden crockery bases in an overhead locker, and a Waeco fridge freezer across the galley. Washroom The Rhythm’s washroom is quite spacious (115 x 65cm at its widest), boasting three spotlights and two shower-head fixtures with a shower curtain. There’s also a tip-up basin and a Thetford bench cassette toilet. Beds We measured our prototype’s bed at 182cm by 190cm. The slatted bases pull out on support legs but the knee-roll cushions mean it’s not the flattest sleeping surface. In production models you should find integrated Remis windscreen blinds for the front window, and press-studded curtains for the side windows. Storage Storage room is at a premium but there is good access to the under-sofa spaces via locker door flaps on the bed boxes. Four overhead lockers on either side swallow lighter gear. Technical Specifications Payload 637 kg MTPLM 3500 kg Shipping Length 6.19 m Width 2.25 m autocruise rhythm #reviews #motorhome #autocruise

Best Travel Blogs Created by KeefH Web Designs , February 5th, 2026, 7.47 AM Alright, so you’ve got this brilliant idea swirling around in your head about hitting the open road in a motorhome, right? Maybe you’ve been daydreaming about it while stuck in traffic or scrolling through those best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs, which, by the way, are absolute gold mines for anyone who loves motorhome adventures. Well, buckle up, because today we’re diving deep into how to plan your ideal motorhome trip today - a motorhome trip planning guide that’s as relaxed and chatty as your favorite road trip buddy, but packed with practical tips you’ll actually want to use. Why Planning Your Motorhome Trip is a Game-Changer Let me tell you, I used to think planning was overrated. I mean, isn’t the whole point of a motorhome trip to be spontaneous? To just drive off into the sunset and see where the road takes you? Sure, that sounds dreamy, but trust me, a little planning goes a long way. Without it, you might find yourself circling a campsite at 9 PM, exhausted and hungry, only to discover it’s fully booked. Or worse, stuck in a place with no dump station or water refill nearby. Not fun. So, here’s the deal: planning your motorhome trip doesn’t mean you’re killing the vibe . It means you’re setting yourself up for a smooth, stress-free adventure with plenty of room for those spontaneous detours and quirky roadside attractions. Think of it as your safety net, your map, and your checklist all rolled into one. What to Plan First? Route and destinations : Where do you want to go? Mountains, beaches, national parks? Campsites and overnight stops : Book ahead or at least have options. Supplies and gear : Food, water, tools, and those little comforts. Budget : Fuel, campsite fees, food, and fun money. Activities : Hiking, fishing, sightseeing, or just chilling with a good book. And if you want some inspiration or detailed itineraries, don’t forget to check out the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs. They’ve got everything from hidden gems to tried-and-true routes. Motorhome parked by a lake at sunset Your Motorhome Trip Planning Guide - Step by Step Okay, now that we’re on the same page about why planning rocks, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually do it without feeling overwhelmed. I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and I’ll throw in some personal anecdotes because, well, who doesn’t love a good story? Step 1: Choose Your Motorhome Wisely Before you even think about the road, make sure your motorhome fits your needs. Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with a family? Do you want something compact and easy to drive or a big rig with all the bells and whistles? I once rented a monster of a motorhome that was basically a house on wheels - great for comfort, terrible for squeezing into tight spots. Step 2: Map Out Your Route (But Keep It Flexible) I’m a big fan of having a rough route planned. For example, if you’re heading to Scotland, you might want to check out the motorhometravel blog net for some killer route ideas. But don’t be a slave to the map. Leave room for those unexpected stops - maybe a quirky roadside café or a stunning viewpoint you didn’t know existed. Step 3: Book Your Campsites (Or Know Where to Wild Camp) Depending on the season and location, campsites can fill up fast. I learned this the hard way during a summer trip when I ended up parking in a supermarket lot (not recommended). Use apps and websites to book ahead, but also research wild camping laws if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember to respect nature and local rules. Step 4: Pack Smart and Light Space is precious in a motorhome, so pack only what you need. Think multi-use items, collapsible kitchenware, and plenty of snacks. Oh, and don’t forget your favorite playlist or audiobook - trust me, it makes those long drives fly by. Step 5: Prepare for the Unexpected Flat tires, sudden weather changes, or a fridge that decides to stop working - these things happen. Carry a basic toolkit, extra water, and a first aid kit. And keep your phone charged with offline maps downloaded. Packed motorhome kitchen with travel essentials What is the Best Route for a Motorhome in Scotland? Ah, Scotland - a dream destination for motorhome travelers with its rugged landscapes, historic castles, and cozy pubs. If you’re wondering about the best route, here’s a little insider scoop from my own travels and the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs. The Classic North Coast 500 This is the legendary route that loops around the northern coast of Scotland, covering about 516 miles of breathtaking scenery. You’ll pass through quaint villages, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Highlights include: Applecross Peninsula : Narrow roads and stunning views. Dunrobin Castle : A fairy-tale castle with beautiful gardens. Smoo Cave : A fascinating sea cave near Durness. Inverness : The gateway to the Highlands with plenty of amenities. Tips for the NC500 Start early to avoid traffic on narrow roads. Book campsites in advance, especially in summer. Take your time - this isn’t a race. Keep an eye out for wildlife like red deer and golden eagles. Alternative Routes If the NC500 sounds a bit too popular, consider the West Coast route through the Highlands or the Speyside Whisky Trail for a more relaxed pace with plenty of distillery stops. For more detailed itineraries and tips, the motorhometravel blog net is a fantastic resource to bookmark. How to Make Your Motorhome Feel Like Home on the Road One of the best parts of motorhome travel is having your own little home wherever you park. But making it cozy and functional takes a bit of thought. Here are some of my favorite hacks: Personalize your space : Throw in some colorful cushions, a favorite blanket, or even a small plant. Organize smartly : Use storage bins, hooks, and magnetic strips to keep things tidy. Cook like a pro : Bring a portable grill or a good set of pans. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal after a day of exploring. Entertainment : Download movies, podcasts, or games for those rainy days. Lighting : Battery-powered fairy lights or LED strips can make your motorhome feel magical at night. Trust me, these little touches make a huge difference when you’re parked somewhere remote and the only company is the stars. Final Thoughts on Planning Your Motorhome Adventure So, there you have it - a relaxed, chatty, and hopefully helpful motorhome trip planning guide that covers everything from choosing your rig to picking the perfect route and making your home on wheels feel just right. Remember, the key is balance: plan enough to avoid headaches but leave plenty of room for those spontaneous moments that make motorhome travel so special. And hey, if you want to dive deeper into personal stories, detailed itineraries, and practical advice, definitely check out the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs. They’re like having a seasoned travel buddy whispering tips in your ear. Happy travels, and may your motorhome adventures be filled with laughter, stunning views, and maybe just a little bit of chaos - because that’s what makes the best stories. Safe roads and open skies! motorhometravel blog net Created by KeefH Web Designs, an East Midlands website services

Created by KeefH Web Designs , January 28th, 2026, 13.04 PM Ah, Derbyshire Peak District! Nestled in the heart of England's East Midlands, this charming picturesque area might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of motorhome adventures, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem for those of us who love to hit the road with our homes on wheels. If you’re anything like me, you know that the joy of motorhome travel isn’t just about the destination but the journey itself - the quirky stops, the unexpected detours, and yes, the occasional “where on earth do I park this beast?” moments. So, buckle up (or should I say, park up?), because I’m about to share some top tips for motorhome travel essentials in Derbyshire that will make your trip smoother, more fun, and maybe even a little bit legendary. Motorhome Travels Derbyshire - Essentials: What You Really Need to Know Before you even think about turning the key in the ignition, let’s talk essentials. Now, I’m not just talking about the usual suspects like your driving license or a full tank of fuel (though those are pretty important). I mean the stuff that makes your motorhome feel like a cozy little castle on wheels, especially when you’re exploring a place like Derbyshire First off, planning your parking spots is crucial. Derbyshire isn’t a sprawling metropolis with endless motorhome-friendly parking lots, so do your homework. There are a few local campsites and motorhome stops nearby, but they fill up fast, especially in the warmer months. I always recommend booking ahead or at least having a couple of backup spots in mind. And hey, if you want some insider tips, the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs have some fantastic advice on where to park and how to make the most of your stay. Next up, packing smart is a game-changer. Space in a motorhome is precious, so think multi-purpose items. For example, a collapsible kettle or a set of nesting bowls can save you loads of room. And don’t forget the little comforts - a good travel mug, cozy blankets, and maybe a cheeky bottle of local ale to toast your adventures. Oh, and speaking of local, Derbyshire has some lovely spots for fresh supplies, especially farmers markets and artisan shops. The local markets and shops are perfect for stocking up on fresh produce, so you can cook up a storm in your motorhome kitchen without relying on pre-packaged stuff. Trust me, nothing beats a homemade meal after a day of exploring. Motorhome parked in the Derbyshire countryside Finding the perfect parking spot in Derbyshire's peaceful countryside. Navigating Derbyshire Peak District: Roads, Routes, and Roadblocks Now, if you’re anything like me, the thought of navigating narrow country lanes with a motorhome the size of a small house can be a bit daunting. Derbyshire's roads are charming but sometimes a little tight, so here’s a tip: take it slow and steady . There’s no prize for speed here, and rushing can lead to some very awkward moments (and yes, I’ve had my fair share of those). One thing I’ve learned is to use a good GPS system designed for larger vehicles. Regular car GPS units might try to send you down roads that are just not suitable for a motorhome. There are apps and devices that let you input your vehicle size and weight, which can save you from some hair-raising detours. Also, keep an eye out for local traffic signs. Derbyshire has some lovely old bridges and narrow lanes where large vehicles are restricted. It’s all part of the charm, but it’s better to know in advance than to have to do a three-point turn in the middle of nowhere. And if you’re planning to explore beyond Derbyshire, the surrounding East Midlands countryside (Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire & Rutland at a pinch) offers some stunning drives. Just remember to check the weather and road conditions, especially in winter. Slippery roads and motorhomes don’t mix well. #eastmidlands What is the best route for a motorhome in Scotland? Okay, I know this might seem a bit off-topic since we’re chatting about Derbyshire, but if you’re anything like me, your motorhome adventures don’t stop at Derbyshire. Scotland is a dream destination for motorhome travelers, and if you’re planning to head north, here’s a little nugget of wisdom. The North Coast 500 is often hailed as the ultimate motorhome route in Scotland. It’s a 516-mile loop around the northern coast, packed with breathtaking scenery, quaint villages, and plenty of motorhome-friendly stops. But here’s the thing - it’s not just about the route itself, but how you tackle it. Take your time, plan your stops, and don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path. Some of the best experiences come from those unexpected detours. #NC500 If you want to dive deeper into Scottish motorhome routes, the best travel blogs by KeefH Web Designs have some fantastic guides and personal stories that will inspire your journey. Motorhome parked by a Scottish loch Stopping by a serene loch on a motorhome route in Scotland. Local Attractions and Hidden Gems in and Around Derbyshire Alright, so you’ve got your motorhome packed, your route planned, and you’re ready to explore Sandiacre. But what should you actually do once you’re there? Well, besides soaking up the lovely local atmosphere, there are some fantastic spots you shouldn’t miss. For starters, the Erewash Canal runs right through Sandiacre and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or even a bike ride if you’re feeling energetic. The towpaths are flat and scenic, and you might even spot some wildlife. It’s a great way to stretch your legs after a long drive. If you’re a history buff, the nearby Derby Museum and Art Gallery is worth a visit. It’s just a short drive away and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, including some impressive art collections. And for those who love a good pub meal (who doesn’t?), Derbyshire has some charming local pubs where you can enjoy hearty British fare and maybe swap stories with fellow travelers. Just remember to pace yourself - you’ve got a motorhome to drive! If you want to discover more hidden gems and local tips, the motorhome travels blog is a treasure trove of information, packed with personal experiences and practical advice. Staying Connected and Safe on the Road One thing I’ve learned from my many motorhome trips is that staying connected and safe is absolutely essential. Derbyshire is a lovely place, but like anywhere, it’s best to be prepared. First, make sure your mobile phone has good coverage. Some rural spots can be a bit patchy, so having a signal booster or a backup plan (like offline maps) can be a lifesaver. Also, keep a portable charger handy because, let’s face it, running out of battery when you need GPS is a nightmare. Safety-wise, always lock up your motorhome when you’re out and about, and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. It’s not that Sandiacre is unsafe, but a little caution goes a long way. And finally, keep a basic first aid kit and some emergency supplies on board. You never know when a little bandage or a flashlight might come in handy. Wrapping Up Your Derbyshire Motorhome Adventure So, there you have it - a little guide packed with tips, tricks, and a sprinkle of humor to help you make the most of your motorhome travels in Derbyshire. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a newbie just starting out, remember that the best part of motorhome travel is the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and create stories that you’ll laugh about for years to come. If you want to keep the inspiration flowing and get even more practical advice, don’t forget to check out the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs. They’re like having a friendly travel buddy in your pocket, ready to help you plan your next great adventure. Happy travels, and may your motorhome always find the perfect spot to park!

By keef & annie, Aug 12 2013 07:13PM Then UPDATED by KeefH Web Designs , January 29th, 2025, 8.35 AM A KeefH Web Designs Travel Blog Journey to Clumber Park, First Trip No.1 42 miles Journey to Clumber Park, this is a retrospective post as I came across a few pictures of our first ever trip away in our then new motorhome. Ahhh the days. It was a very wet few days at the Caravan Club site at clumber park, not too far to drive but a great way to try out all the things that one is seeing for the 1st time since the demo when you bought the van and a great learning experience it is. We had issues with some leaks and a few other grumbles / things we couldn't remember how to do them but as it was all under warranty and our sellers were not far away we got most of them sorted. We would wholeheartedly encourage any one buying a new van to do the same, just a few days away initially to try it all out. As the UK is still cold at this time of year we even tried out all the fires, hot air blowers, gas & electric operations.... do the lot .... create a snagging list and get back to the seller /garage straight after and get them sorted then your 1st real trip away in your new van will be a pleasure. Hope it helps let us have your feedback via the comments below clumber park site, Nottinghamshire, our first ever trip away in Wendy house, name of our motorhome SLIDESHOW the sort of headers i did back in 2012, a lot of water under the bridge since then Have a look at the Travel blog routes videos, also available on our travel blog routes mega page HERE Have a look at our full collection of Travel Blog Route videos, all neatly gathered on the Travel Blog Routes mega page , where you can explore every journey in one place. If you’re planning future adventures or simply enjoy reliving past trips, it’s a great hub to dive into. We even returned to Clumber Park in 2019 — you’ll find that story in Blog 134 , when we stayed on Pitch 9 and revisited some of our earliest motorhome memories. To help you navigate the site easily, the INDEX page  includes TAGs for every blog, grouped by year, month, and topic. There’s also a full A–Z alphabetical index , plus a dedicated SEARCH page  if you’re looking for something specific. You can also use the built‑in search bar on any blog page, or follow the related‑blog links attached to each post. However you prefer to browse, there’s a wealth of routes, stories, tips, and motorhome travel inspiration waiting for you. Thanks for reading and supporting the Motorhome Travel Blog. Comments, from old website prior to Nov 2021 spotting the spammers c 2012 We returned again in 2019 see Blog 134 and were on Pitch 9. The INDEX page has TAGs for all Blogs and by year or month, A-Z INDEX alphabetically, or you can use the SEARCH page to look for something or just use the search facilities here on the BLOG or the associated Blogs attached to each Blog, entirely up to you, there is a wealth of ways to find what you want, thanks for looking motorhome-travel blog

Created by KeefH Web Designs , September 24th, 2025, 10:45 PM Welcome, fellow adventurers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recap of our major travel blogs, each paired with its own audiobook on SoundCloud. It’s a treasure trove of experiences just waiting for you to dive in! Note the social media motorhome cartoon image has been created with AI, i'm a proud campervanner! #newskill Discover the ultimate inspiration for life on the road. This blog curates four unforgettable long‑distance motorhome routes, each packed with breathtaking scenery, real‑world tips, and stories from travellers who’ve done it. Whether you dream of crossing continents or planning your first big adventure, this guide delivers the routes, insights, and wanderlust you need to start your own journey. Perfect fuel for every motorhome explorer. motorhome routes across the world, the BIG 4 KHWD available audiobooks Motorhome Routes across the World MENU Holiday 2007-8 Holiday 2010 Holiday 2013 Holiday 2017 Marketing Lets start looking at the Motorhome Routes across the World HOLIDAY 2007-8: USA, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong Ah, the memories of 2007-8! This trip was a whirlwind of excitement. We explored the vast landscapes of the USA, soaked in the sun on the Pacific Islands, and marveled at the beauty of New Zealand. Not to mention our adventures in Singapore and Hong Kong! Return to Menu HOLIDAY 2010: Across Canada in a Motorhome Oh boy, 2010 was a year to remember! We took our trusty motorhome across Canada and even dipped our toes into some states of the US. Picture this: breathtaking landscapes, cozy campfires, and the thrill of the open road. It was a trip filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Return to Menu HOLIDAY 2013: Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia & Singapore Now, let’s talk about 2013! This year was all about exploring Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. Each destination had its own charm, and we soaked up every moment. From the vibrant cultures to the stunning landscapes, it was a feast for the senses. Return to Menu HOLIDAY 2017: Singapore, Australia, Cook Islands, New Zealand & Malaysia Fast forward to 2017! This trip took us to Singapore, Australia, the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and back to Malaysia. Each stop was an adventure, filled with new experiences and stories that we still chuckle about today. Return to Menu MARKETING the Best Motorhome Travel Blogs The motorhome-travels blog aims to be your go-to resource for all things motorhome, recreational vehicle, and campervan. We share extensive personal travel experiences and practical advice to inspire and assist you in planning your own adventures. Our blog stands out by offering a deeply personal and comprehensive collection of travel stories, photos, and videos from our decades of motor homing. We provide real-world hints and tips based on our vast experience, including detailed campsite ideas and global journeys. Well, hello there, fellow wanderers! We’re Keef and Annie, and honestly, after all these years trundling about in our motorhome, we’ve gathered a rather hefty (and sometimes hilarious) collection of tales, photos, and videos from our global adventures. So, we thought, why not share our myriads of personal experiences, those little nuggets of real-world wisdom, and all our very best camping spots? It’s all here, really, to inspire and hopefully help us all plan those next great journeys, because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good road trip? Well hello there again, fellow travel enthusiasts! Keef and Annie here, and we’ve been on the road in our various motorhomes for ages, picking up all sorts of tips and tricks along the way. We share our often-rambling—but hopefully useful, maybe even a little funny—tales, photos, and videos from our global adventures. Our humble little site, powered by KeefH Web Designs , features what some might generously call the best travel blogs , all geared toward helping you plan your next amazing journey, find a cracking campsite, or just dream a little about life on the open road. It’s our real-world motor homing experience, just for you! Try major holiday links (found at the top of the home page) to read either the site or the motorhome-travels blog, thanks! Return to Menu

Created by KeefH Web Designs  , September 14th, 2025, 8.12 PM Motorhome trip No60: 13th August - 11th September 2025 Travel blog summary NOTTS-> Scotland - Mull, Orkney & Shetland -> NOTTS 1921 miles It has been 3 years since we visited our dear pals in Mull ( read blog 177 ), 40 years since we visited the Orkney islands when the boys were young ( read blog 205 ) and 24 years since we last visited the Shetland islands ( read blog 82 ). highland cattle at the italian chapel, lambsholm island, orkneys Shetland TV Series For those of you interested in the TV series, we have watched them all, love the scenery especially (no surprise there) here are some things you might remember. The show also mentions crimes on Bressay and Fetlar , both of which we have visited, indeed we revisited Bressay this time, just 7 minutes by ro-ro ferry from Lerwick (pronounced lerick!). We were surprised to find a Hollywood claim to fame plaque in the ground outside the procurator fiscal's office, used in the show as the police station #hintsandtips Anne Cleve's next book is the Killing Stones, which has Jimmy Perez return but to the Orkney Islands , do hope they create a TV show called Orkneys #wishlist This is the most northerly house in the UK, at the top of the island of Unst in the Shetlands. It surprisingly isn't the same house as we visited back in 2001 but therefore must have been built since then, it has a bit of a feel of having once been a lighthouse but who knows. It is just before you get to the Hermaness RSPB national park and is called Skaw in the wick of Skaw. Muckle Flugga shore station, it and Skaw house are the most northerly in GB annie @ skaw house 2001 Viking I am 5% Viking (certified) and visiting the Orkney brewery visitors centre in Quoyloo has really helped me feel like one, I even got a chat with the head brewer about a joint ale called North & South they jointly brew with the Oakham brewery near us in Rutland. The other Viking memorabilia is from the Hoswick visitors centre and was used in a past Up Helly Aa celebration. MENU Intro Diary Travel Route Panos The Talkies Day by Day Travelling from home MULL Ardtun, Uisken & Lochbuie Leaving Mull, heading for the Orkneys ORKNEY Arriving Orkney & Stromness Orkney South Islands Leaving Orkney / Out east SHETLAND Arrival in Shetlands / the West South Shetlands & Bressay To the Northern Isles, Shetland Scalloway, Shetlands Scotland / Northumberland Audiobook AI Summary Highlights / Lowlights Maps Campsites Docs & Info Earl Patrick The Amazing Betty Mouat Viking Beers & Whisky The End INTRODUCTION Blog 206 will take you on our journey returning to Mull, Orkney and Shetland with us. A lot has changed in the intervening years, mostly brought about by the arrival of cruise ships with mixed blessings. Have a read, take a look at the image galleries and some if not all of the slideshows, they all have great music accompanying them. If of course you would prefer the audiobook version, there are 3 of them then click here , enjoy and thanks for taking the time, love K& A xxx Return to MENU DIARY / SCHEDULE This is the diary from my early planning days, the only changes in reality were we only did 1 night on the island of Yell at Burravoe and since the Unst site never answered me after 5 attempts plus a message to the Shetland tourist board to ask if it still existed all to no avail, so we decided to return to the lovely Janet & Alans site at Scalloway / Tingwall (meaning parliament in Norse) on the 4th & 5th September for an extra 2 nights. Janet was born in the house attached to the community site that she runs, we built up quite a relationship with her after a bunch of stag doers on the golf course opposite, beers in hand and NO skill, managed to hit our motorhome with a golf ball. Since her 7 brothers and sisters also live in the valley along Tingwall loch and her niece who runs the golf course, she was contacted by aunt in strong terms. It was her dad who loved golf who built the mini golf course, only 9 holes. I personally am still of the skool that golf is "a good walk ruined" #smile Janet whom we chatted with a lot said her youngest brother who had married a Canadian lass live on one of the remote islands next to Vancouver Island, she asked if we knew it, Denman Island?, no but our ferry to Vancouver island must have gone past it. We concluded Island life was in her families DNA. Return to MENU TRAVEL ROUTE Here is a video of the route we took, so love the Lady Gaga soundtrack that goes with it blog 206 travel route, 8 ferries Return to MENU PANORAMAS This slideshow shows all the panoramas I shot arranged in a you tube slideshow featuring on my YT Channel , such great memories of a fab holiday with less than 1 day's rain in 29 and scenery to die for, so glad we return after many intervening years. The big difference especially with respect to the Orkney and Shetland islands is the introduction of cruise ships c. 200 per year. Mixed blessings from the islanders and us travellers, we used to be able to park outside Skara Brae (5000bc neolithic site) and stroll around on our own unaccompanied, this time , guess what? Still the plus side is the benefits to remote island economics. Apparently, it's called "progress" I am happy to be both a luddite and a woke in today's world #smile some widescreen memories introducing the best motorhome travel blogs Return to MENU FULL VIDEOS "THE TALKIES" This video includes all the "talking pictures" we captured on our 3 islands tour, the reality is it was way more than 3 islands if you include Mull, Mainland Orkney, Lamb holm, Burray, South Ronaldsay (the last 3 Orkney islands joined by causeways built by Italian POW's , see the image of the chapel they built on Lamb holm its wonderful),Shetland mainland, Bressay, Yell and Unst (including the very northern most house in the UK) so I guess that makes it 9 islands we visited, we are all ferried out! #smile It we include close up views of islands we can add Iona, Noss, Foula and Mousa to that list making it 13 islands. Maps These will hopefully help you in finding any place mentioned, its good positioning One interesting set of talkies are those taken at Kirkwall airport where a helicopter left Aberdeen carrying oil rig workers, couldn't land on the offshore platform beyond the Shetlands, too much fog, returned but was worried about not having enough fuel so pit stopped in the Orkneys to refuel before making the onward journey back to Aberdeen. This is where I learnt about the 165mph winds that happen here. #help all the words spoken, conversations had, but in byte sized chunks Return to MENU DAY BY DAY, writeups and slideshows To read the individual writeups on what when on where and on which days use the menu to go directly to that section of the holiday, but I also show here the campsites we stayed at and on which days. Lovely Planxty music accompanies that, so evocative of Celtic travel, and takes me back to my yoof hitching around Scotland when one guy was playing Planxty LOUDS!!! Campsites Janet's great campsite opposite tingwall loch campsites we stayed at on our trip You can also use the Diary as an aide-memoire. Return to MENU TRAVELLING TO OBAN VIA TROUTBECK Wednesday to Thursday 13th-14th August 2025 Let the adventure start. We had been packing for the previous 2 weeks around other commitments. So, on the Wednesday we travelled up to the campsite at Troutbeck head, a lovely route along the A66, passed Tarzan's Greystoke. Lovely weather all the way meant we got the table and chairs out right away and opened the very cold Henry Weston's vintage cider. Had a good chat with Aussie guy in the next pitch who had just climbed Blencathra. Bittersweet views really as Sharp Edge on Blencathra was in plain side and this is where my dear pal Pete perished whilst climbing at the start of the year. Anyhow lets not dwell there, the site and views are lovely. Next morning up early as a huge distance to cover from Troutbeck to Oban. 374 miles, all through lovely Scottish scenery on the west coast. The route around Lock Lomond is both lovely and tricky to drive in a motorhome with so much traffic and narrow winding roads, it certainly slows you down. So we stopped at the Tarbet Hotel at the start really for a lovely lunch. Haggis pakora's I can thoroughly recommend, never had them before, great idea Mr. Chef. We popped over to the loch to see the views and pleasure boats leaving or was it heaving with tourists. Then on to our campsite for the night just outside Oban at Kiel Crofts, both tired from the travel it was a light tea and to bed. This site is way better than the one we normally stay at when visiting Mull, and we only swapped because the other was greedy with a minimum 2 nights stay required now-a-days, not good. It is known as Highfields Holidays , Tralee Bay (sounds Irish but honest it's Scottish!) haggis pakora at tarbet hotel on loch lomond Home to Troutbeck Cumbria to Oban Return to MENU THE WONDERFUL ISLE OF MULL, Visiting Friends at Ardtun, plus Uisken & Lochbuie Friday to Monday15th-18th August 2025 Left the Oban campsite, which was actually in Kiel Crofts Benderloch earlyish, had a bit of a panic when the roadworks for fallen rocks on the road to the ferry meant a 10-minute delay whilst they repositioned a piece of heavy machinery. Still, we got there in time and joined the queue although the reality was, they were letting people on even up to 5 minutes before the ferry left. The Isle of Mull ferry takes between 45 & 60 minutes depending on ferry used and weather. We then drove down to Ardtun near Bunessan , Fionnphort and Iona and our pals Chris & Allyson's house. Initially we missed it, their trees have definitely grown up, although we have been a few times before, how embarrassing. Anyhow lovely to meet up in person again. We had a good show around the garden, polytunnel (great crops and fruit Allyson!) plus the new pond or loch Langthorne as I named it, its huge. Saturday, we went to the lovely Uisken beach for a walk and the ladies chatted to the knitting craft lady. The weather was lovely. We called in at their local pub (which they have a hand in, sometimes too much of a hand I understood #smile ) and sat outside in the sunshine overlooking Iona, fab times. We were introduced to the band Tide Lines during our stay, great sounds. Sunday was a somewhat longer drive for Chris almost back to Craignure to take us to the lovely Lochbuie. We had a walk to the castle, then back to the cafe (old post office) for sausage rolls, cakes , coffee and views to die for. Monday was a day of relaxion, well for us at least , we watched Chris tidying the front lawn and Allyson tending her garden and crops. Tuesday up early, goodbyes and off to catch our ferry back to Oban. What a lovely time we had catching up, laughing, drinking, eating and generally enjoying each other's company. Thanks so much pals, until the next time. The weather was amazing all 4 days and as Allyson posted me later, "you have taken the sun with you, give it back" #haha As I think I said somewhere else we were amazingly lucky with the weather, wind aside, with less than 1 days rain in 29 #result friends at Uisken the splendid Isle of Mull, with freinds Return to MENU LEAVING MULL HEADING FOR THE ORKNEYS Tues-Wed 19-20 August 2025 Left Chris & Allyson's with 90 minutes to spare to get the ferry, got there with 5 minutes to spare, not easy on Mull's busy single-track roads in a motorhome. Sad to say farewell, we had a lovely time with our pals, and the weather had been particularly kind. A lovely, cooked breakfast on the Isle of Mull ferry, full Scottish. The ferry trip is Craignure on Mull to Oban in Argyll. Once back in Oban we shopped and refueled ready for the onward journey. Then a great trip across to Inverness-shire via the Argyll coastal route, and our CAMC site at Culloden Moor , been there before back in 2013, but neither of us really remembered it and we stayed 2 nights last time. Avoiding the usual loch Ness road which is busy we climbed the great Glen along Admiral Wades Military Road #recommeded stopping at the top for some fab views back down onto loch Ness amongst other sights. We then stopped in the lovely town of Helmsdale for lunch. It is set on the river Helmsdale and was centre of the goldrush back in the 19th century, who knew there was Klondike's in Scotland? After that and a look around we went onto our CAMC campsite at Dunnet Bay, plus our usual walk on its lovely sandy beach if a little blowy this time. Next morning it was off to catch the ferry at Scrabster to Stromness in the Orkneys. (North Link ferry Hamnavoe) a bittersweet farewell to our dear pals on Mull and onto the ferry to the Orkneys Return to MENU ARRIVING IN THE ORKNEYS, STROMNESS, NEOLITHIC SITES Thurs-Fri 21-22 August 2025 Drove from Dunnet Bay C&MC site to Scrabster, visited the Lidl , got petrol and waited in line for our North Link ferry Hamnavoe to the Orkneys arriving at Stromness. This was by far the shortest of our ferry crossings and the only one that goes close past the Old Man of Hoy , which we did visit by car back in 1985, it's close to Rackwick bay on Hoy. An amazing natural beauty. We had a lovely 2 course meal on the boat. On arrival we made our way right around the town of Stromness to the campsite on the Point of Ness, a lovely site with amazing views. It is key to take this route, you are warned, as Stromness streets are incredibly narrow as you will see from the slideshow. The Old Man of Hoy, fab sea stack Having pitched up at the site we asked the warden how far to the bus stop to get into town. This was sadly lost in translation in local Orkney dialect because whilst we meant Stromness he took that to mean Kirkwall and the bus stop was at the ferry terminal in Stromness. Anyhow we started walking, a very kind couple who were on holiday as well took pity on two crumblies with walking sticks and gave us a lift thru the narrow street of Stromness, which was super kind of them , because it enabled us to walk back to the site a distance of roughly 1.2 miles, rather than 2.5, and it was a most interesting walk with lots of stuff to look at through the narrow cobbled street. We even got a glimpse of our North Link ferry returning to Scrabster. Fascinating to find an oil drum dragon boat near the Point of Ness. Also, the famous well where Cook, Sir John Franklin and Hudson bay crews drank. The next day we visited the fabulous Skara Brae (brae being Norse for community), the Ring of Brodgar and the standing stones of Stenness. These neolithic sites are what gives Orkney its UNESCO world heritage status. The huge difference we note since visiting all 3 40 years ago is that we were alone when we visited them, nowadays most are fenced off (rightly) and you are most definitely not alone, the 2 cruise ships on the day made sure of that! We then went to our central campsite along the Ness of Kirkwall from where our travels were based for the rest of our time on Orkney. Whilst at Skara Brae we also visited the house of the discover, which clearly wasn't open to the public 40 years ago as the lady was still alive and living there, quite a grand mansion, called Skaill House. Orkney arrival and UNESCO heritage sites Return to MENU ORKNEY SOUTH ISLANDS, MULL HEAD & KIRKWALL AIRPORT Sat-Mon 23-35 August 2025 Started the day leaving for our lovely campsite on Kirkwall Ness where we spent all our nights whilst in the Orkneys, except for the first night which was in Stromness. Visited the Highland Park distillery to get Doug a bottle for his collection. Highland park I partook 40 years ago. From here on the outskirts of Kirkwall we headed south, passed St Mary's onto Lamb holm and visited the Italian chapel built by Italian Prisoners of War. Then onto Burray where there was a fete and finally onto the island of South Ronaldsay, heading west initially to the lovely St Margaret's hope. You can get a ferry from here to Gill's Bay at the top of the Scottish mainland. Pentland Firth ferries run this. We have visited Gill's bay before, but I never realised it was a car ferry, always assumed it was passenger only. Had a lovely coffee and cake (K&A's cake tours again) #haha We then drove right down to the tip of South Ronaldsay, some lovely views, especially from the especially laid out viewing points. At Burwick you can get the quickest passenger ferry back to John O'Groats but judging by the port it isn't very frequent. We also visited the fabulous Mull Head and walked along to the grotto, just fab views out here and a gentle walk for us crinklies. Annie's knee is well and truly recovered now and we did 21 miles walking during the holiday. Slowly admittedly but I now am the slow coach in pain. We visited the wonderful Woolshed and chatted with the lovely lady there. We saw cruise ships on our travels and especially from our Pitch 16 at the Kirkwall Ness campsite. travelling Orkneys wonderful South Islands Return to MENU VISITING THE EAST & LEAVING ORKNEY 26th - 28th August 2025 We visited Birsay, the Broch of Gurness, Orkney Brewery at Quoyloo, Kirkwall, Tingwall to see the ferry to Rousay, and Finstown to try and find the Redlands cottage we stayed in with the boys 40 years ago. Although we found Redlands in Finstown the cottage has obviously gone after the intervening years. We also visited the Broch of Gurness, somewhere we had been in 2001, and to our great pleasure we watched a pair of seals basking in the ripples. I loved the appropriate sign there that said "heavily built" #haha All very Viking I felt at home. We visited awful Earl Patrick's palace at Birsay, had a lovely Orkney ice-cream there and marvelled at the sea views and a couple of ladies who had hired a motorhome on the island, we came across them a bit and gave them a wide berth. atlas man , broch of Gurness In Kirkwall we visited a craft fayre, met the lovely lady at the tourist centre who doubled as the North Link ferries check in lady who advised us which ferry terminal to go to (there are 3) Hatson Quay, built for cruise ships. We visited St Magnus Cathedral, the museum and gardens, community centre where we watched a video about the history of the Cathedral. Walked along the cobbled streets, found the tweed shop, way too expensive and then out to Orphir, the round castle and Orkney saga museum and video. Then waited at Finstown after leaving the campsite in Kirkwall until late for our ferry onwards. last few days on the Orkney islands Return to MENU ARRIVAL IN SHETLAND FROM ORKNEY PLUS TRIP OUT WEST 29th August - 31st August 2025 It was a short night sleep wise after finally getting on the North Link ferry Hjaltland at almost midnight and having to reverse back in between a lorry and a brick wall (Hmm not ideal when you are tired!) Got to bed and arrived after a nice 6am brekkie in Lerwick at 7am. The first thing we noticed is arriving in a brand-new commercial harbour unlike the old original in 2001 on the SS Claire, progress obviously! or was it just to cater for cruise ships? Anyhow drove south to Sumburgh, so love Sumburgh head and it was deserted. Great views, waves, birds etc. etc. Then down to the Sumburgh Hotel / Jarlshof car park to crash for an hour. Went into hotel for overpriced coffee , would have visited Jarlshof but it started raining so thought we would do later in the week. We then (as it was site check in time) went to the Scalloway campsite and set up on pitch 2, lovely setting opposite loch Tingwall in the Tingwall valley. Tingwall was the old capital (means parliament in Norse) ...remember the Isle of Man? Orkney has a Tingwall as well, the ferry goes from there to Rousay island. It was originally an island in the loch that they had to row out to, but a causeway was built across that has now blended in, all very interesting, you learn something new every day! After a good night's sleep, we headed out west, initially to the hugely unusual yet impressive Original Cake Fridge , based in Bixter, where trust is the name of the game and quality cakes. Indeed, many folks on the islands leave their homes unlocked, keys in the car and more, try that in a UK city! We then visited Sandness about as far west as you can go on Mainland Shetland and then the fabulous Walls where a group of kid entrepreneurs managed to sell us a single biscuit (shop bought hob nobs) for 50p under the pretext of charity, good for them #smile the roads out west were single track and mostly deserted apart from one solitary sheep who would not divert from the direct road in front even tried hooting #haha Walls harbour is the place to catch a ferry to Foula, but they don't run very often. We called in on the way back to Scalloway at the Stanydale neolithic site. arrival in Shetland and out west Return to MENU SOUTHERN MAINLAND SHETLAND & BRESSAY ISLAND Monday 1st - Tuesday 2nd September 2025 Having left Scalloway campsite we first went to Gulberswick Bay, where we stayed back in 2001, didn't recognise any of it, so built up now then went into Lerwick and caught the 7-minute ferry across to Bressay. We drove all over Bressay , it is only 3 by 1.5 miles , the same size as Iona. Views back over to Lerwick were wonderful, the Laird's old building interesting, the shop / post office has its own Geo address as "the Mail shop", the final road to the eastern side lighthouse was sadly closed but we saw it back in 2001, but the very best bit was the view over to the island of Noss. Take a look at the pictures. After returning by ferry to Lerwick (just caught it at 3.30 pm) we headed onto our campsite in Levenwick. A community site with no one else on it apart from one tent guy whom we saw quite often on our travels. The next day we visited Levenwick beach, Sandwick , Hoswick (equivalents to our fave Sandvik & Hosvik on the Faroes , wick and vik in Norse both meaning "place of"). The Orkney islands in our humble opinion is very much like Caithness at the top of Scotland whereas Shetland is far more akin to Faroes, much more dramatic scenery. Very blowy in both "wick" places then onto the harbour over to Mousa, where we did go by fishing boat style ferry in 2001. The ferry wasn't running today but we visited the history centre, had lunch in the van, and saw a seal. Afterwards we went to the neolithic site at Jarlshof by Sumburgh head, hugely interesting, before returning to pitch 4 at Levenwick. discovering how nice the "Wicks" are, southern mainland Shetland Betty Mouat Whilst on the Mousa pier at Sandsayre we learnt all about a fascinating woman Betty Mouat, what an experience, her bod (Norse for house) still exists , what a survival, no wonder she became the stuff of legend. Want to know more ? Return to MENU NORTHERN ISLES, Yell & Unst Wednesday 3rd - Thursday 4th September Left our Levenwick campsite, then after a bit of a wooly start at the Bod of Gremista in Lerwick and a good walk around Lerwick i.e. the cobbled Commercial road, a coffee top up in the Peerie cafe (Peerie means small or little in Norse) and hot chips from the chippie. We parked again up by " police station " and tried to gain access to Fort Charlotte but it was closed due to building restoration on some very old buildings up in the main legislative area, then we headed north. The Yell ferry leaves Toft and arrives in Ulsta on Yell. £19.30 for motorhome and us two. The merry ferryman said it was an open-ended return as you have to come back sometime, even if it's in a box. Much to our surprise it also included the ferry to and from Unst as well, great value for over 1hour ferry rides when compared to the same £19.30 for the 7-minute crossing return from Lerwick to Bressay island. Interestingly the ferry also leaves for Fetlar from Toft, we didn't go there this time but back in 2001 we went to Fetlar from Lerwick not Toft, ferry routes have obviously changed in the intervening years. Once on Yell we used the fab single track road on the east coast of Yell to get to Burravoe Pier where the wonderful community run campsite is #recommendation Great views , reminded us of our campsite in Mommark in Denmark. From Burravoe we took the ever winding and climbing east coast single-track road followed by a tractor most of the way, i did try and let him past but he declined, rejoining the main road at Mid Yell, then onto Gutcher to get the ferry to the island of Unst arriving at Belmont. We drove towards Haroldswick hoping for what was recommended as the best High Tea in Scotland but sadly Victoria's cafe was closed, we did see the Viking reenactment site (longship and longhouse), and next to the cafe was a harp community workshop, sadly no one playing that day. We then returned thru both islands to the Shetland mainland, great fish and chips in Brae, onto Hillswick, via Burrafirth with views of Papa little then back to Scalloway and Janet's fab campsite. A lot of driving but what views and experiences. the fab northern isles, yell and unst Return to MENU CHILLIN' in SCALLOWAY Friday 5th - Sunday 7th September Before embarking our overnight ferry journey on the high seas from Lerwick to Aberdeen we had a few days chilling back at Janet's lovely campsite on the edge of Loch Tingwall. The wind levels were extreme on the Sunday between 40-60 mph , the van rocked, but as the campsite was high up by the time we got down ferry side in Lerwick the winds had partially calmed. The Friday and Saturday were lovely weather, we even sat out, as Janet said this is a first for Shetland in September. We also managed a trip into Scalloway to visit in this order, the museum and learnt all about the Shetland bus ( who knew? ) plus petted their lovely Shetland ponies, then Earl Patrick's Scalloway castle, more about the most hated man in the Shetland and Orkneys in a bit, he popped up often in our travels. Then a look around Scalloway town, the original capital of the Shetlands. Try the slideshow why don't you? Earl Patrick's Scalloway Castle, repair work under way Scalloway fun The tyrannical and hated Earl Patrick, the stories of him are grim! Indeed, all historical sites we visited had not one good word to say about him. On the remote islands of Orkney and Shetland, Earl Patrick Stewart’s ruined mansions bear witness to his wealth and power.  But nothing could save Patrick when his rapacity brought him into conflict with church and king. Royal blood ran in Patrick’s veins.  He was the son of Robert Stewart (1533–1593), an illegitimate son of James V and Euphemia Elphinstone. When Robert died in 1593 his son Patrick (1566–1615) took over the earldom.  This haughty tyrant ruled the isles with great cruelty.  The earl used the people of Orkney and Shetland as slave labour ‘without meat, or drink, or hire’ (pay).  They were forced to man Patrick’s boats and ships and were treated like galley slaves.  Patrick’s splendid castle at Scalloway (1599) was funded by a tax on every ox and sheep in Shetland.  The islanders worked stone in his quarries, carried stone and lime to construct his castles, palaces and park walls, and undertook whatever other jobs he wanted doing. Local tradition says that the mortar for the walls of Scalloway castle was mixed using human hair, blood and eggs. Earl Patrick's emblem, the black line represents the illegitimate line from James V Return to MENU TRAVELLING HOME Monday 8th - Thursday 11th September We left a very windy Lerwick on the North Link ferry Hrossey and had what we can only describe as a truly scary crossing to Aberdeen with 4-meter-high waves. We not surprisingly didn't sleep that well, initially Annie felt fairly seasick but as the night wore on that passed. We helped each other around the cabin, evening meal (maybe we shouldn't have) and breakfast were good. how right were they! After landing in Aberdeen not too later than schedule , the captain had made up time as it calmed nearer the mainland of Scotland. We then went to Stonehaven, a lovely town, with an art deco hot water outdoor pool, which we have seen before plus super coffee and puds in the Waterfront cafe. The lady there showed us the floods from 2023, sea spray submerging the outside of their cafe. We visited Dunnottar castle, bit too steep for us crinklies after we started down the stairs. From there onto Forfar, not as interesting a town as we had hoped and especially unwelcoming because of the stench of muck spreading that Keef unfortunately misinterpreted as a bin strike #smile but it's redeeming feature was the quality of the CAMC campsite and Forfar loch plus the Costa coffee in the high road. Who knew 51 witches were burnt there in one year and a few were men. scary, witches of Forfar It was then across the border into Northumberland, Warkworth for lunch in the Mason's arms, the castle, which is English Heritage we walked up the steep hill to, very interesting place but had we known I would have driven up to it. Then it was onto River Beamish, all the way thru the Northumbrian national park hunting for the campsite, note the postcode doesn't work but we found the CL, after bad advice then back to the main CAMC site. Naughty people told it was "over the bridge" 10 miles later through the national park, more pheasants than I had ever seen, partridges, grouse, rabbit and an amazingly remote terrain, well worth a visit. River Breamish National Park, Northumberland From there it was home with a stop for lunch and provisions in Doncaster. All in all a great trip, scenery, history, food, fun and ferries! Homeward Bound: travelling home via stonehaven, forfar, warkworth, river beamish, doncaster Return to MENU AUDIOBOOK And now the AI version text via Audiobook, see what you think? And now with a more gentle female voice Return to MENU AI SUMMARY Here are 750 words created by AI to summarise this whole blog, see what you think. AI is getting better over time as I assumed it would. 🚐 Blog 206: Mull, Orkney & Shetland – A Motorhome Meander Through Memory Lane Three islands. Forty years. One motorhome. And a whole lot of ferry tickets. In this nostalgic yet freshly windswept travel blog, Keef and Annie embark on their 60th motorhome adventure, retracing steps from decades past across Mull, Orkney, and Shetland. The journey spans 1980 miles, a few minor misadventures, and enough panoramic photos to make your screen sigh with envy. 🏝️ Mull: Reunions and Rain-Free Miracles First stop: Mull, where old friends and older memories await. It’s been three years since the last visit (see Blog 177), and the island greets the duo with its signature charm—and, miraculously, less than a day of rain in 29. That’s practically tropical by Scottish standards. The panoramas are lovingly stitched into a YouTube slideshow, capturing Mull’s rugged beauty and the kind of scenery that makes you want to quit your job and become a sheep. Or at least a sheep photographer. 🏰 Orkney: Cruise Ships and Neolithic Nostalgia Next up, Orkney—land of ancient stones, Italian POW-built chapels, and a new breed of invaders: cruise ships. With around 200 docking annually, the once-solitary strolls around Skara Brae (circa 5000 BC) now come with a side of selfie sticks and queue etiquette. Progress, they say. Mixed blessings, mutter the locals. Keef, ever the diplomatic luddite-woke hybrid, takes it all in stride. The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, built by WWII prisoners, is a highlight—an ornate testament to resilience and artistry. Causeways connect Lamb Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay, making island-hopping feel like a scenic game of hopscotch. 🕵️ Shetland: TV Fame and Foggy Flights Shetland, the final leg, brings drama worthy of its namesake TV series. Fans of the show will recognize Bressay and Fetlar, both visited by our intrepid travellers. Bressay, just a 7-minute ferry hop from Lerwick (pronounced “Lerick,” if you’re in the know), even boasts a plaque outside the procurator fiscal’s office—used as the police station in the show. Hollywood, eat your heart out. A helicopter tale from Kirkwall airport adds airborne suspense: fog foils a landing on an offshore oil rig, forcing a refuel stop in Orkney. Cue 165mph winds and a collective “nope” from the cabin crew. Keef’s commentary? #help. 🎥 The Talkies: Nine Islands, One Epic Playlist Though billed as a three-island tour, the final tally hits nine: Mull, Mainland Orkney, Lamb Holm, Burray, South Ronaldsay, Shetland Mainland, Bressay, Yell, and Unst. That’s enough ferry rides to make Poseidon dizzy. Unst even features the northernmost house in the UK—a perfect spot for bragging rights and windburn. The “talkies” (video diaries) capture byte-sized banter, sweeping landscapes, and the occasional startled sheep. Celtic tunes from Planxty accompany the visuals, evoking Keef’s hitchhiking youth and the kind of nostalgia that smells faintly of damp wool and adventure. 🛏️ Campsites, Castles & Crinkly Knees Campsites are chronicled with precision, from scenic lochs to the occasional whiff of muck spreading (mistaken for a bin strike—classic Keef). Forfar earns a mixed review: lovely loch, great coffee, but also the site of 51 witch burnings in one year. Yikes. Even the witches were like, “Can we get a transfer?” Dunnottar Castle proves a bit too steep for the “crinklies,” but the view is worth the wheeze. Warkworth Castle in Northumberland gets a thumbs-up, though next time, Keef vows to drive up the hill instead of impersonating a mountain goat. River Beamish National Park offers remote beauty and a wildlife parade: pheasants, partridges, grouse, rabbits—basically a feathered flash mob. The hunt for the elusive campsite involves a postcode misfire and some dodgy directions (“over the bridge” = 10 miles of scenic confusion). Still, the terrain is stunning, and the detour becomes part of the charm. 🌊 The Return: Waves, Witches & Waterfront Cafés The journey home begins with a dramatic ferry ride from Lerwick to Aberdeen aboard the Hrossey. Four-meter waves and a touch of seasickness make for a sleepless night, but Annie rallies, and breakfast is surprisingly decent. Stonehaven offers art deco pool nostalgia and a café with flood stories from 2023—sea spray submerging the exterior like Poseidon’s espresso bar. Doncaster provides the final pit stop for lunch and provisions before the motorhome rolls back into Nottingham, tired but triumphant. 🎉 Final Thoughts: A Wendy House of Wonders Blog 206 is a love letter to Scotland’s islands, penned with wit, warmth, and a dash of weather-related peril. It’s a celebration of revisiting old haunts, embracing new quirks, and ferrying through the fog with a smile. Whether it’s the Italian Chapel’s quiet grace or the chaos of cruise ship crowds, Keef and Annie capture it all with humor and heart. And yes, they’re all ferried out. But not out of stories. Return to MENU HIGHLIGHTS / LOWLIGHTS Highs: Janet and her campsite at Scalloway, Haggis Pakoras at the Tarbet hotel on Loch Lomond, Seeing Chris & Allyson again, Stromness, Hoswick, Mousa pier exhibition, Fish & Chips in Brae, Viking stuff on Unst, Reaching the last house in the UK, Neolithic sites, Learning about some of the history of the island, the Woolshed and the lovely lady there, fab scenery everywhere, the Wendy house's performance, endless sunshine Lows: 4m high waves on our ferry journey, cruise ship tourists, traffic on single track roads on Mull end of highs & lows Return to MENU DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION Collected en route. Campsite Stuff Other Stuff Beers & Whisky You will see lots of images of beer places we visited, namely Orkney Brewery and Swannay, plus the Highland Park (my fave single malt of all time) distillery, there are so many new distilleries on the islands, plus gin production all trying to make a mark, plus bottles I drank and Tee shirts I bought (no surprise there!) but here's a few memories. Return to MENU THE END that's all folks Return to MENU

Created by KeefH Web Designs  , September 12th, 2025, 15.18 PM Not The Motorhome trip No 24 : 14 days, August 1985 in the Orkney Islands “Wind, ruins, and woolly jumpers—step back to the Orkneys, 1985. A family holiday full of ancient stones, salty breezes, and unforgettable memories. 📸✨ #RetroTravel #OrkneyIslands #FamilyAdventure” If you would prefer this blog as an Audiobook? Speed merchants, Ring of Brodgar Deserted beaches of Hoy introducing the best motorhome travel blogs 🏴 Our 1985 Orkneys Holiday – A Windswept Retrospective In the summer of 1985, we packed up our car, loaded the kids, and set off on a journey that would become one of our most cherished family adventures: a holiday to the Orkney Islands. Remote, rugged, and rich with history, the Orkneys offered a perfect blend of windswept landscapes, ancient ruins, and quiet moments that still linger in memory. 🚗 The Journey Begins The slideshow opens with snapshots of our trusty car, parked beside ferry terminals and winding coastal roads. There’s a sense of anticipation in those early frames—bags stacked high, maps unfolded, and the unmistakable excitement of heading somewhere new. 🌊 Crossing the Pentland Firth Boarding the ferry SS Claire (no longer in existence, replaced by North Link Ferries) across the Pentland Firth was an adventure in itself. The sea was choppy, the wind relentless, but spirits were high. There’s a photo of us bracing against the breeze on deck, hair tousled, eyes squinting toward the horizon. The Orkneys loomed ahead, mysterious and inviting. 🏡 Our Home Away from Home We stayed in a modest cottage nestled among rolling fields and stone walls. The images show a cozy setup—tea on the table, wellies by the door, and a view that stretched endlessly toward the sea. It was simple, but it felt like home. 🏰 Exploring Ancient Wonders The Orkneys are steeped in history, and we made sure to soak it all in. The slideshow features hauntingly beautiful shots of: Skara Brae , the Neolithic village, with its stone dwellings and winding paths. The Ring of Brodgar , standing proud against a moody sky. Maeshowe , where we marveled at Viking runes carved into ancient stone. Each site whispered stories of lives lived long before ours, and we listened with awe. 🐑 Rural Life & Local Charm Between the ruins and the cliffs, we found charm in the everyday. Sheep dotted the hillsides, often wandering into our photos uninvited. We visited local shops, chatted with friendly islanders, and sampled Orkney fudge that was dangerously moreish. There’s a lovely image of a local farmer waving from his tractor, and another of the kids petting a lamb—moments that grounded the trip in warmth and connection. 🌅 Windswept Beauty The landscapes were breathtaking. The slideshow captures: Craggy cliffs plunging into foaming seas Golden sunsets over calm bays Wildflowers clinging to stone walls Gulls wheeling overhead in the ever-present wind One photo, in particular, shows the family silhouetted against a glowing horizon—an image that feels like the emotional heart of the trip. 🎣 Quiet Moments & Family Fun We fished off rocky outcrops, skipped stones across glassy lochs, and played board games by candlelight when the wind howled outside. The slideshow includes candid shots of laughter, shared meals, and sleepy faces wrapped in blankets. It wasn’t just a holiday—it was a time capsule of togetherness. 📸 Final Reflections The last few images fade out with views from the ferry as we departed, looking back at the islands that had welcomed us so generously. There’s a bittersweet tone—grateful for the memories, reluctant to leave. 💬 Why It Still Matters Looking back, our 1985 Orkneys holiday wasn’t just about the places we visited—it was about the people we were then, the bonds we strengthened, and the stories we still tell. The slideshow is more than a collection of images; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest trips leave the deepest footprints. If you’ve ever considered visiting the Orkneys, let this retrospective be your nudge. And if you’ve already been, maybe it’s time to go back. We did , why not read blog 206, 40 years later... bit more old and crinkly but we loved it, then and now! What lovely memories AUDIOBOOK

By Keef & Annie, Mar 1 2012 09:32AM originally And then again Updated by KeefH Web Designs , January 28th, 2025, 15.10 PM WORLD's LONGEST MOTORHOME ? The Snakeliner Presidents Suite could well be that. It has 969 sq ft (90m²) of living space, plus "The President-Suite", which we’re assuming should be the Presidential Suite but is a victim of poor translation, it is German, measures 18m (59 ft) long and 2.5m (8.2 ft) wide - not including the driver’s cabin. But if that wasn’t big enough, both sides can be extended outward a further 1.125m (3.7ft) to make it 5m (16.4 ft) wide when fully set up. Enormous but could you drive it? even with your long distance lorry drivers license our guess is maybe! If you want to see it in more detail read the full article , it was on display at the Dusseldorf show recently. i.e. back in 2012. By 2026 this is the position The motorhome most widely claimed  to be the world’s longest in 2026 is the fictional or concept‑level “2026 Kenworth 8‑Story Giant Motorhome,” promoted in viral media as an eight‑storey, ultra‑luxury, building‑sized RV. It is not a verified production vehicle, but it is the only 2026 model publicly described as the “world’s biggest motorhome.” Snakeliner President Suite, the worlds longest in 2012? Comments left on old site pre Nov 2012 OLD SKOOL The INDEX page has TAGs for all Blogs and by year or month, A-Z INDEX alphabetically or just using the LETTERs in the Tag maps, or you can use the SEARCH page to look for something or just use the search facilities here on the BLOG or the associated Blogs attached to each Blog, entirely up to you, there is a wealth of ways to find what you want, thanks for looking motorhome-travel blog, LIKE to join our Facebook community or have a look at all our great "motorhomes" on our pin board , why not, join the conversation “motorhomes R us” 😉 🌠 ✅ 🤔 UPDATED USING AI & HUMAN POWER #smile World's longest motorhome? Maybe It's a spacious, almost surreal giant of the motorhome world, the Snakeliner President Suite stands out in this blog as a rare, record‑challenging RV whose sheer scale blurs the line between luxury apartment and road‑legal vehicle. ✨ 250‑Word Summary of this Blog This blog explores the extraordinary Snakeliner President Suite, a German‑built motorhome that may well be the world’s longest RV—at least as of its 2012 appearance at the Düsseldorf Show. The author highlights its astonishing dimensions: 18 metres (59 ft) long  and 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) wide , expanding to an impressive 5 metres (16.4 ft)  when both slide‑outs are fully extended. This creates an enormous 969 sq ft (90 m²)  of living space, making it closer to a luxury flat than a traditional motorhome. The post notes the slightly awkward translation of its name (“President-Suite”), but the grandeur behind it is unmistakable. With its vast interior footprint, the Snakeliner raises an amusing but genuine question: could anyone actually drive this thing?  Even with a long‑distance lorry license, the author suspects maneuvering such a beast would be a challenge. This blog encourages readers to explore the full article for more details and mentions that the vehicle was recently showcased at the Düsseldorf exhibition. It also includes a brief nod to the blog’s indexing system, inviting visitors to browse other posts, use the search tools, or join the wider motorhome community through Facebook and Pinterest. Overall, the piece is a light, engaging snapshot of an RV so large and unusual that it becomes a curiosity—part engineering marvel, part travel‑lover’s fantasy, and part logistical puzzle. THE END not a Snakeliner but close, we saw one like this blog 135