Sorry for the gap in blogging but the two of us have been busy catching up with old friends of mine (and meeting new people too) so there’s been little time for blogging. Plus, we’ve had one day where the weather changed to glorious sunshine so we kicked back and spent most of our time by the hotel pool, making the most of it before the rains returned – which they did – with a vengeance! It’s not that it rains all day, every day, but we’ve had some spectacular thunder and lightning storms with torrential downpours to accompany them. Then, everything dries up and the heat and humidity make a return. Having such variable weather’s actually rather nice. It gives you a break from temperatures that hover around 31-32 degrees and sunshine that’s really intense – especially when you’ve come from the UK where we’ve had such a miserable summer that we’ve not had chance to catch much of a tan.
Here’s a small selection of pictures of life in Ubud.
Not a sign that you’re likely to see in many places, but then – this is Monkey Forest Rd!Yes guys, that sign means you! These critters have spread beyond the confines of the forest with one troupe taking up residence in a half finished multi-story building, from which they raid the surrounding area.Needless to say, the monkeys are represented in local art and sculpture like this…Moneky Forest Rd is one of the main North-South streets in Ubud and it gets incredibly busy at times. Here it is during a quieter moment. These scooter-based food stalls aren’t as common as they once were in central Ubud (compared to less touristy towns) but they still provide a service of cheap eats to the people who work in shops around town. The band – again! We went out again on Monday night to catch the guys playing at a place down the road from where we’re staying. Only this time I took the camera… We passed this gathering of the local men earlier today. I’ve no idea what it was about but it lasted for several hours.Another old friend I had time to catch up with at his cafe (Maha on Monkey Forest Rd) was Putu Sukalawa. It’s as if I’d never been away…How’s this for a splash of colour? Some of the guys from the local Vespa scooter club.Mingling at Mingle cafe on Jalan Dewisita. A great place to sit and have a coffee (or something stronger) and watch the world go by. Needless to say we’ve not been slow in trying various local Indonesian dishes. Here’s a Nasi Campur, which is different to the standard Nasi Goreng in that it contains sweetcorn and comes with a sliced omlette and chicken satay.
Tomorrow we take a break from Ubud to spend a couple of nights in Padangbai, which is a little town on the coast. It’s the port for ferries between Bali and Lombok, but it also has a couple of really nice little beaches. Oh, and great seafood! Expect updates from there…
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Today we woke up to the sound of rain bouncing off the swimming pool and roofs outside our room, so it seemed as good a day as any to relax and enjoy a bit of a lie-in. Apparently, Bali has had a very wet wet season so far this January. But, it’s a minor inconvenience compared to back in the UK as – if nothing else – it’s warm rain and it can be quite spectacular, as it was the previous evening.
By mid morning the rain had abated and the sun popped out for a while, drying out most of what was left, so the two of us ventured out to explore different parts of Ubud before ending up at Mingle cafe for brunch and a rendezvous with my old friend Alison. We timed it well as the rain returned whilst we were there, a great excuse to linger and chat for longer whilst also watching the world go by. People watching is a particular pleasure here due to the combination of nationalities, backgrounds (and dress). Plus, the food’s always good. I tried something different, crispy fried tempe and tofu with a home-made sambal sauce.
Finally, the rain called it a day, giving us the opportunity to explore more of the backstreets, nooks and crannies of Ubud before returning home to relax. Here’s a couple of shots from our explorations.
A woman lies out offerings to the Gods on a street corner next to a sigh advertising just how many shops and places to stay there are down that particular street. There’s nothing like hedging ones bets! A house displays both Hindu and Chinese symbols for prosperity
We tried somewhere different for our evening meal – a cafe just a few doors down the road from where we’re staying. The food was perfectly edible, but nothing to write home about. What was far more enjoyable was our next venue. Alison had told us that Made (another old acquaintance) was playing with a band at Otokafe, on the corner of Monkey Forest Rd and Jalan Pengosekan. I’ve been coming here long enough to remember when the site was rice paddies, but I was impressed by the venue and Made and the band were excellent. They covered a lot of rock and blues classics with real style, so much so that we stayed right to the end of their set. Gosh, a late night in Ubud, whatever next?
The band belting out some classics…
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The pair of us are beginning to unwind after all our travels. This bit is the real holiday, where there’s no pressure to do much of anything other than enjoy being here. Of course, there’s slightly different perspectives. For Dawn, all this is new, for me, it’s a bit like slipping into an old and familiar routine. Whilst things have undoubtedly changed sine I was last here in 2017 a lot also feels very, very familiar – such as meeting up with Alison.
Alison’s an old friend of 25 plus years. We’ve met in many different countries in that time but for many years after leaving her native Australia she’s been living here and running the ‘Mingle’ cafe here in Ubud. Despite the gap in seeing each other we just took up where we left off, reminiscing about old times whilst at the same time talking about the present and future. It was a lovely interlude.
The weather’s been cool today. Well, cool for Bali. There’s been a fair amount of cloud around too, which meant I rejected the opportunity for a swim in order to catch up with some work and picture editing back at our room. Having edited over a hundred pictures from this trip I managed to upload them onto my Zenfolio website. You can find the travel pictures here and the railway ones here. Oh, there’s a bonus gallery. I took a series of shots of the rag-bag of ferries used on the route between Java and Bali. They’ve been added to the shipping gallery which you can find here.
To be honest, it was a good day to be staying close to home as late this afternoon the heavens opened and we were treated to another torrential downpour. Earlier, Alison told us that Bali’s experienced a very wet rainy season this year, which has caused a number of problems and led to the death of two tourists in the nearby Monkey Forest when a tree whose roots had been eroded eroded fell and crushed them.
Fortunately, by the time we headed out to eat the rain had abated. Tonight we tried a new eatery on Monkey Forest Rd called Tulasi vegetarian which specialises in Balinese food. This was my meal – and it was delicious!
Tomorrow’s plan is to have some pool time – and to get more pictures edited and on my website. After that who knows? Besides, when you can walk straight out of your room (ours is the first on the right) into this, why wouldn’t you want pool time?
See you tomorrow…
I’ve a small favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website – https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/
Today’s been a hanging around sort of day, but not in a bad way. We were up early as Dee had some shopping to do for her parents before the pair of us headed over the their home in Huddersfield where I whiled away a few hours editing more old pictures whilst Dawn went off too to do ‘girly’ things, like get her nails done. Afterwards, the four of us went out for lunch. We’d originally planned to head over the Pennines to Delph where there’s a lovey pub we frequent, but with the weather forecast warning of the potential for lots of snow arriving we hedged our bets and went somewhere more local. The weather has already been unkind to the area with the trans-pennine railway through the Colne valley closed due to flooding, so the last thing we wanted to do was get stranded.
We’d eaten at the nearby Olive Branch Inn (just outside Slaithwaite, on the Manchester Rd) for the first time just a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the food, so decided a revisit was on the cards. Having booked a table for 14:30 you can imagine our surprise to find we were the only customers in what’s normally a busy place. The young lady serving us said they’d had several cancellations due to people being put off by the threat of snow. Good for us, not so good for the restaurant. So, we had an excellent meal and the kitchen’s undivided attention!
Both Dawn and I opted for the same meal we’d had during our last visit – beef cheeks. It’s not a dish we’d seen before but the Olive Branch does it superbly. The meat is melt-in the mouth delicious! We’d certainly recommend it.
Beef cheek cooked for 4 hours, with button mushrooms, bacon, shallots and red wine sauce, served with creamy mash and brocolli.
Suitably stuffed and with one eye on the weather we dropped John and Norah back at their house before heading home ourselves. Now we’re relaxing in the warm (it’s Baltic outside), waiting to see what the weather may bring. The forecast keeps changing. Snow was meant to arrive around 21:00, now it’s 23:00. Here in the Pennines we’re meant to be getting between 20-40cm of the stuff, which is why we didn’t want to get caught earlier. Some of the cobbled hills around where we live are bad enough in the wet, add snow and ice and they can be lethal.
Still, I’ve had chance to add dozens of pictures to my Zenfolio website, including this one from a private visit to Toton depot in 2012.
In 2012 DB Schenker had started a ‘Super 60’ scheme, which involved rebuilding long-stored Class 60 locomotives, this included engines, traction motors, bogies, control gear, cabs and electrical systems. 60020 was one of the first batch. It’s seen here on the 7th September 2012, sat inside the depot waiting it’s turn for the work to begin.
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Lazy Sunday? Not a bit of it! We were both up early in order to seize the day. Admittedly, the weather didn’t exactly inspire as it’s been dull, dull, dull. But, as the intent was to work around the house that didn’t really matter. Dawn decided that her office (what many people pre Covid used to call a living room) needed even more of a sort-out then she’d given it yesterday, so the house was full of the smell of polish and the sound of paper being shredded.
In order to allow Dee to do that I’d promised to cook the evening meal. So, after busying myself in the garden I popped up to the local supermarket – taking the long way around in order to get my daily steps in. Walking through the local woods I felt like a kid again as I was ankle-deep in leaves. Remember the fun of walking to/from school, kicking up a storm in dead leaves? That all came back to me today. Shame the weather was so dull as I’d loved to have taken a few pictures of the rustic colours on display around my feet.
Back home after a cheeky pint in our local I knuckled down to cooking a cocq au vin with a medley of veg, which seemed like an ideal meal for the season. It was a recipe I’d never done before so I winged it. (Actually, he used thighs: Ed) but it turned out rather well. Now the pair of us have knocked off for the day, so it’s time for me to sign off. Tomorrow’s another week – which will see me being anything but a home-bird. Tomorrow I’ll be in London for a rather special event.
In the meantime, here’s today’s picture, which is part of my cooking preparation. I like to have everything measured and arranged beforehand as it makes life so much easier.
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What a lovely day! Today’s been my ‘significant’ birthday, although not as significant as it used to be before the rules on when you qualify for the state pension were changed. So, no carriage clock or long-service medal for me then. Those days are way gone – and the fact I’ve been self-employed freelancer for the past 25 years means they’ve not applied to me for a very long time anyway!
Instead, today’s been just another birthday, although I don’t mean to make that sound bad, or ungrateful. Dawn’s done a fantastic job in arranging things which we’ve both enjoyed. The weather here in the Lake District was predicted to be mixed today so we were up bright and early in order to make the most of the conditions. That meant an 08:30 breakfast, after which we headed North through Windermere and Ambleside to Thirlmere. The amount of traffic on the road through Ambleside meant the trip took far longer than it should, but once we were past that bottleneck things eased. Taking the road on the West side of Thirlmere eased us out of more traffic and let us enjoy some lovely lakeside sights like this as the trees shed their multicoloured leaves around streams filling the lake.
Looking South along Thirlmere before we started the climb to Raven Crag.
We’d originally considered climbing Helvellyn but the forecast suggested it’s be an unwise choice. Instead, we opted to ascend one of the smaller Wainwrights in the shape of Raven Crag which sits at the North end of the lake. It’s 450m and quite a fierce climb as it’s steep and unrelenting. That said, the views from the top are well worth it.
The walk down was far easier as we elected to follow a forestry track that was built for off-road vehicles. It certainly saved our knees. The climbing I don’t mind so much, it’s the descending that’s the killer.
Once back at ground level we decided to pay a quick visit to Keswick for a pitstop at a pub as well as check out some of the outdoor shops before braving the traffic on our return. We’d booked in for an evening meal at our hotel. So, after a shower and change of clothes we adjourned to the restaurant for a gorgeous meal of local lamb that was beautifully cooked and tasted delicious!
Now it’s time to call it a day. We head back tomorrow but we’re in no rush – even through the weather forecast is looking less than kind.
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The pair of us have evacuated Bigland Towers for the weekend and decamped to a lovely place near Windermere as I have what used to be (but isn’t anymore) a significant birthday tomorrow, but that was when the pensionable age wasn’t a moveable feast dependent on what year you were born in.
We’re staying in a place Dawn booked for my birthday last year and that we both rather fell in love with. The Wild Boar at Bowness on Windermere. The drive here from West Yorkshire’s a lovely trip as it takes in some fantastic scenery. Today the weather was ideal, showing off places like the Lune valley to their best.
The hotel has a lot of different attractions. One is the fact they brew their own beer. Like this.
What better place to quaff a pint of real ale than sat in front of this?
We ate in the restaurant which serves a range of food, much of it locally sourced. Admittedly, Dawn’s choice of fish may have come from a few miles away!
We’re here for two nights with the intention to spend tomorrow exploring and doing some walking although it looks like today was the best of the climactic conditions. No matter – we’ll enjoy our time whatever the weather deals us.
See you tomorrow!
I’ve a small favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website – https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/
Today’s been one dominated by the weather which has been a complete contrast to the day we arrived here in Wales. We had very heavy rain on and off throughout the night, which made sleeping just under an old barn roof interesting to say the least!
Upon waking we found the area around us was blanketed in low cloud and fog, so there there was little point in rushing out to sight-see. Instead we had a leisurely morning at ‘home’, giving me chance to catch up on some work emails and Dawn to relax.
Eventually we ventured out to head over to Pwllheli our first stop of the day. Whilst it’s the biggest town on the peninsula and the railhead for the area, it’s hardly the most attractive town. Admittedly it has some interesting buildings but the place has a shabby air redolent of so many faded seaside towns, especially at the end of the season. That wasn’t helped by the fact it was blanketed in fog! We stayed long enough to pick up some fresh hake from the excellent Llyn seafoods and for me to visit the station to see how busy the incoming train from Birmingham was, then it was time to head off to explore further.
The crew of 158830 exchange banter having arrived with 2J07, the 0808 Birmingham International to Pwllheli.
The weather cleared as we headed East, the sun almost managed to break through at one point en-route, but that didn’t last. However, we did manage to beat the same train on its return, which allowed me to get this shot of it leaving Portmadog.
Hello again! 158830 leaves Porthmadog as 2I24, the 1338 Pwllheli to Birmingham International. It will join another set from Aberystwyth at Machynlleth, working forward as a -4-car to Brum.
Porthmadog is a far nicer and more interesting town for a whole host of reasons. There’s much more going on thanks to the two narrow gauge railways which are a huge tourist draw. There’s a far better selection of shops too, including many small businesses. The air is more bohemian and arty and less traditionally touristy. Plus, there’s also the excellent Moose Head brewery, brewery tap and next door shop.
Needless to say, we couldn’t resist calling in to see activity at the Ffestiniog railway station where two of the line’s steam engines were present.
‘Linda’ waits in the sidings with the stock of the ‘Quarryman’ train to Blaenau Ffestiniog whilst ‘Palmerston’ shunts a train of coal wagons.
Sadly the rain arrived not long after we did so we decided not to hand around but risk our luck by heading into Snowdonia to visit Beddgelert. It was a lovely drive due to the changing seasons and colours that have appeared in the trees along the route. Plus, the Afon Glaslyn river which the road follows made a fine, swirling sight due to the heavy rains.
Beddgelert was quiet but still an enjoyable diversion despite the rain. The low clouds meant we played hide and seek when it came to views of the surrounding hills whilst fog on the river added to the climactic effects.
Whatever the weather (and there’s normally no shortage of rain in Snowdonia) the place is always worth a visit.
With the day rolling on and the weather determined to rain on our parade we made our way back West with one last stop. We had a wander around Cricceith, yet another Welsh town blessed with a castle – although I know that’s not how the Welsh saw them at the time! We didn’t stay long as the fog was really rolling in, it was atmospheric but rather wet! I’d love to see it like this at dawn with the colours of the new day illuminating the mist.
Now we’re back at home, toasting in front of the fire. The forecast for tomorrow is vastly improved and we have plans for further explorations. Let’s see…
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It may be Sunday but it’s been anything but lazy. Both of us have been busy here at Bigland Towers, finishing off stuff and preparing for the week ahead, which sees us relocate to the Lleyn peninsula in North Wales for a few nights. But before we go there’s been work to sort out. Dawn’s been busy getting ahead of herself with work for her organisation whilst I’ve been occupied getting last weeks pictures out to clients.
Then there’s been a cooking marathon. The pair of us have been fighting over space in the kitchen to come up with creations new and old. I’d plumped for having a crack at a new recipe for pork in a red curry done in a slow cooker, whilst Dee’d decided to bake us one of her fantastic Bakewell tarts to take away. Well, if you’re going to be out walking, what could be better than a sweet sugar rush?
So, today’s pictures are of our joint cooking efforts.
I enjoyed making this but I’d certainly tweak the recipe next time. Our tastes are more Asian, so we can take the spices, whilst the original recipe is a little more pedestrian for Western tastes. Dawn’s divine Bakewell tart, a confection that she’s honed to perfection. It’s Gluten free too…
I’ve a small favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website – https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/
We’ve had a home-based day today here at Bigland Towers, partly due to the weather (it’s rained most of the day until the evening) but partly because we’ve both had stuff to do. Whilst I’ve been kept occupied picture editing and type-swiping upstairs Dawn’s been busy downstairs exercising both her body and her cooking skills!
So, here’s pictures from both our activities.
Hello stranger! Class 195s are rare visitors to Huddersfield but because of the Calder valley line being closed whilst the railway bridge over the M62 at Castleton’s being replaced, the units are finding gainful employment on other routes. Here’s 195007 at Huddersfield on Friday, before working 2W24, the 1835 to Leeds.Meanwhile, here’s one of the three dishes Dawn’s prepares today. Gluten-free apple pie. What a shame this photo’s not ‘scratch and sniff’!
Oh, whilst I’m on the theme of food and drink, here’s a rather special collaborative offering the was available in my local pub tonight.
A collaboration between Phoenix brewery in Heywood and Riverhead in Marsden this strong (6%) ale is apparently based on the famous ‘Wobbly Bob’. It’s a limited edition, so if you find it – enjoy!
I’ve a small favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website – https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/
Paul Bigland 