[barryd]

Looks like we are finally getting round to going away. Probably week after next. Looks like Flamborough head for a few weeks, lake district then the Isle of Arran all being well. Back sometime in September.

That's the idea anyway. Whether it works out that way who knows. Last year we managed 17 nights before the weather and crowds got too much.

 

[barryd]

I wondered if this year the 'normal' school holidays season of high prices and crowds would be back?

Ray.

I think they already are Ray. Its a sellers market as far as accommodation, campsites etc are concerned I reckon.

I think its going it be horrendous which is why Im picking my places carefully. If its naff, Ill just come home.

 

[barryd]

Hi Barry

You must have edited first word 'Looks', because on the edition in my e-mail notification it read 'Loons' and I thought how appropriate. You spoiled a good response.

Glad you are getting away. You both like F'boro and you love Arran, so it should be a good few trips.

It sounds as though you will be away more weeks than us on our Greek trip, which is 30 days from next Tues, then Hiatus flying back for 8+ weeks, then another 5 weeks (4 in Greeece and travelling back)

The planning of administration of our trip is complex, but I think I have nearly got it under control. Basia is in charge of catering and food stocking because it will be a bit of a dash to Ancona, so not much time to enjoy Italy or shop, as we have to do the 600km in 36 hours because of Covid.

Arto goes in for a check-up tomorrow (garage too busy before) so just hope all OK. I washed it today - came up good because last year I had it professionally cleaned and waxed.

Don't forget to wrap Hank up well in duct-tape and Velcro before you set off.

Bon Voyage to all travelling soon.

Geoff

Sounds good Geoff. Gonna be a bit warm in Greece though but I envisage you stood in the sea with a cocktail in your hand. :lol:

 

[barryd]

Not too warm on the island a as it is quite small and surrounded by sea which is still cool in June - average temp for June is 24C and forecast up to mid June is max 24C and there is usually some Meltemi blowing from the North.

Most of the beaches have tamarisk trees to shelter under. My favourite isolated beach has about seven - they were planted years ago by an Englishman who loved the place, so much that he came back to die there(not on the beach). I met a young guy at the taverna there who had been his private secretary in the old guy's last months and had returned there in his memory, nice gesture. I think of the old guy every time I crest the hill and look down on the bay and see the tops of the trees.

Cocktails Me? Beer, wine and ouzo will do me.

[Note I wrote 'came back' as if I were already there, which I am in mind and soul:grin2:]

Patmos is my 'Arran' - you know what I mean.

Geoff

Sounds great. Just googled it. Sounds a bit like Paxos just south of Corfu. We used to be regular visitors to North Eastern Corfu which is just fantastic and took the seaplane down to Paxos a few times. Im really envious, miss all that. So are you taking the van to the island? Im my experience the little islands are generally not served by car ferries.

 

[barryd]

I was gently trying to wake myself up in the van this morning with a size large hangover when all of a sudden my phone springs to life with a video call and its Captain Over himself @nicholsong calling me from the Greek island of Patmos. So there I am bleary eyed having to look at his smug face with this paradise beach behind him and his van parked on it. Jammy git. It looked amazing.

Glad someone is having a proper adventure. I have asked for some photographs but dont hold your breath. Sadly I think they are flying back Thursday but will return in September.

 

[barryd]

Flying?! That doesn't count!

They drove the van down to Greece though all the way from Poland. So I guess that definitely counts. They have to return for a couple of months though before flying back down for the backend in Greece then I assume the drive home.

He has posted me some pics but I dunno if I am allowed to post them. Shall I post them anyway?

 

[barryd]

I have permission (from Basia) So here is at least one member having a great time away in the van.

Looks like some Mafioso Don!!

Here he is boring the crap out of some poor couple. "Ah yes I remember when I rounded the Horn in 62 in a bathtub with just a Queen Elisabeth Coronation Tea Towel for a sail". Jammy bugger though. Look at that for a parking spot.

Shirley Valentine

Great picture of Basia but Geoff looks like he maybe just got the bill. :lol:

The Greeks still dont know how to do proper Fish n Chips though. No mushy peas FFS or Beer Batter! ???

 

[barryd]

Why haven't we heard about Geoff's trip from himself? Or have I missed it?

He says he is too busy to get online having fun in the sun. It's either that or he doesnt know how to tether his phone to his laptop but he managed to call me on WhatsApp this morning so there is hope.