Spontaneous Planning

Here I sit, wistfully counting down the days to my trip (currently 28 days, 6 hours, 15 minutes and 27 seconds). So much has transpired in the short time since I last wrote.

UT Informal Classes has written me to tell me that they want to schedule a class for me to teach. Here’s the itinerary.

England and the Romantic North

Night 1: History of England with focus on the north
Night 2: History of English culture, colloquialisms, and dialects
Night 3: Travel! Where to go, what to pack, how to get there...
Night 4: English cuisine – samples from local British restaurants

I told them I’d do the class (in May), but haven’t heard anything further.

As far as trip planning… I really have to reign myself in. I find spontaneous travel much more interesting than the pre-planned stuff, but I’m too organized for my own good! Some trips (honestly) I have to *plan* my spontaneous time! How silly is that???

This time, I have blocked out four days in the Lake District. I want to do some hikes, so I figure I have to do at least *some* planning and research, right?

I’ve been following a few Lake District hikers on Facebook and have located some great information. There was a guy named Alfred Wainwright who was an avid walker. He walked all over England! In the 50s, he began selling books that helped hikers find their way around various walks. You can read more about Mr. Wainwright here:

Alfred Wainwright

I’ve just ordered two of his pictorial books for hikes in the Northwest Lakes and the Eastern Lakes.

So, I shall have books of walks to take with me.

I also dropped into REI this weekend to see if there was any hiking gear I might need. I’m new to hiking, so it was more a chance to acquaint myself with the accoutrements than it was anything else (besides, I had a 20% discount and some rewards cash to use!). I walked out with some very cool stuff!

One thing you need for a day hike is a day pack. It carries all sorts of things you might require on your hike (water, food, etc.). I looked at various varieties… most in the price range of about $60. With the assistance of a shop clerk, though, I am very pleased to have located not ONLY a lightweight pack, but one that packs into a bag the size of my hand and travels well. AND it was only $29.50!

REI Stuff Travel Pack

It can also double for a souvenir bag – and I am typically badly in need of one by the end of my trips!

My next stop was socks. You don’t want cheap socks when you’re going on a several mile hike.

Note: I also recommend blister-proofing your feet with patches. Blister Patches

One of the main causes for blisters on your feet is the friction of the shoe/sock against your skin. One way to protect your feet from this is to get sock liners so that the friction is between the sock and the liner and not the sock and your foot! You can find waterproof liners and socks as well as waterproof shoes. I had already gotten my Ebay gortex shoes (Merrell Siren Sport):

Merrell Siren Sport

And saved about 50% off the store price.

The socks I found that I loved were:

Bridgedale X-Hale TrailBlazer Socks

They were lightweight, yet just heavy enough. Padding just where you need it. And they were purple!

My final coup that day at REI was my on clearance convertible pair of pants. These are hiking pants (lightweight and waterproof) that you can unzip halfway down the leg and convert to a pair of shorts if needed!

NorthFace Women's Convertible Pants

The original price (as you can see) is $65. I picked them up for a mere $30. Yay me!

That was my shopping spree for the month.

Back to the trip planning.

A car has been rented and will be dropped off to me at Penrith train station. I’ve told my B&B landlady to warn the locals of impending doom and to stay off the roads. She tells me she has made all arrangements per my request.

The only thing that’s left now is… more spontaneous planning!

Where's the beef? Er... modified textured vegetable protein...

I guess you’ve noticed my low-keyedness lately. Yes, I’ve been out of touch – even though I am heartily excited about my next trip to England!

Let’s see, what has transpired…

I decided, after creating a very exhausting schedule covering London, Oxford, Wales, and the Isle of Wight (all in 10 days) that I just didn’t like the idea of running around everywhere. I’m looking for respite, darnit!

To that end, I scrapped said former schedule!

Yes, and I asked myself – what would a wonderfully relaxing and mentally/emotionally stimulating trip look like?

So, here it is, my dears.

I’m flying into London, but leaving the next day for Woking (a smallish town on the west side of London). There to meet up with some VERY distant relatives for a tour of the Cotswolds! They will drop me off at my B&B in Oxford, and I will spend the next day doing a tour of that city (which I’ve never seen before).

Sound relaxing and fun so far?

After that, it’s “hoppa train to the Lakes!” I know what you’re going to say. “But Joy, you ALWAYS go to the Lakes!”

It’s because there’s a reason! Gosh, how many can I give you?

It’s some of the most gorgeous landscape on the planet. From the lakes to the mountaintops and from artists to poets… everyone finds something here to stimulate the mind and body. I’ve been looking into doing some short hikes (which will be fun), and I’m renting a car (which will be scary).

If you see someone in a mini driving on the wrong side of the road near Keswick… say hi to me. 

I plan to do some conscious art in the form of photography and video. I’m barely a beginner at each, but it will be great to work on a “craft” whilst there. Poetry too, of course. I really wish I’d booked a few more days.

At any rate, that’s the plan as it stands for now! I am heartily hoping that I can see my friends somehow, some way. Say a prayer for Kim, who has lost her job. The economy is in tough times, for sure.

I am sad, in a way, because I think this really will be the last trip I can afford. I hate to be pulled from my beloved England by a gulf of dollars. However, to be more upbeat about it – I plan to make this one of the best trips EVER!

Photo by Mark LJ

My Very First Video Travel Log!

Anyone reading this knows I travel to the UK as often as possible.  Well, I threatened last time I was there to do a "compilation" video.  Of course, it only took me a year and a half to do it!

I'm thrilled with how it came out!  I was very touched when one lady told me it had made her cry (she loves Ireland as much as I love England).  But... you know I love all of the UK, really.  I know England better than other parts, but it's all gorgeous and thick with history, breathtaking landscapes, and interesting people.

So, for all you UK fans - and for my friends.  Click here:  What I Love about the UK .

This is the year!

I am back on track for a visit to the olde country.  Yes, airfares went down an amazing $200 recently, and I snapped up a ticket.

I'm scared, but hopeful that this will be a brilliant year for travel. 

So, what's on the agenda?  Well, the royal wedding for one.  I originally thought that I would grab my souvenirs and depart London the day of the wedding, but the more I look at it, the more I think I may want to just base in London this time.  Of course, a small return to the Lake District would be fun... but, I can always check the weather while I'm over there to see if I want to make the trip or not.  Spontaneous?  Me???  That could be dangerous!

:)

Thing is, I've never really toured the south.  I think it might be fun to check out Oxford, the Cotswolds, Bournemouth, Colchester, and other southern towns.  Who knows - I may even get to one of the surrounding British Isles this trip.  Now that would be a coup!

I just read that there will be a commemorative Oyster (subway) card for the wedding (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11914982).  What *will* they think of next?  How about a commemorative coin?  http://www.royalmint.com/store/WorldBase/PWKEBP.aspx.  One where the gorgeous Kate resembles Janis Joplin.

Stamps, mugs, what else are we in for?  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8264737/Royal-Wedding-Stanley-Gibbons-predicts-boost-from-stamps-and-mugs.html

Perhaps all our shopoholicism will result in a boost for the English economy.  However, my pocketbook is already squeaking.  Will work for souvenirs!

God Bless.

My top ten small towns in the UK

1. Keswick

Why?

• Derwentwater and other lakes in vicinity
• Awesome B&B (Goodwin House)
• Vicinity of many sights (Beatrix Potter museum, William Wordsworth's house, etc.)
• Amazing hiking

2. Kilburn

Why?

• White Horse Cliff
• Sutton Bank - Yorkshire Moors National Park
• Robert Thompson Woodworker

3. Knaresborough

Why?

• Market Day
• Castle
• Viaduct
• Mother Shipton's Cave

4. Ripon

Why?

• Market Day
• Ripon Cathedral
• Studley Royal Park and Fountains Abbey (vicinity)

5. Hawes

Why?

• Ropemakers museum
• Wensleydale Cheese factory/tour
• Beautiful countryside

6. Conwy, Wales

Why?

• Castle ruins
• Vicinity of Llandudno
• Lewis Carrol/Alice in Wonderland Museum
• The Great Orm

7. Pitlochery, Scotland

Why?

• Quaint town with lots of shops
• Blair Athol Distillery
• Beautiful countryside

8. Cromer

Why?

• Beach
• RNLI Museum
• Norwich Castle (vicinity)

9. Bath

Why?

• Quaint old town with shops.
• Roman Baths
• Vicinity of Stonehenge

10. Greenwich

Why?

• Greenwich mean time line
• Cutty Sark
• Lovely indoor market
• Quaint yet still on the London Oystercard zones

Dan's

It’s early morning. My eyes are barely open, and yet… I’m on my way to work. Too tired to make breakfast, I decide to dial the only restaurant I keep in my cell phone. On speed dial.

Dan’s Hamburgers.

Why Dan’s?

Well, they’re on the way to work. :)

And they make good, fattening, diner-style breakfasts. This is important to anyone who calls themselves a southerner. We revel in our eggs, fried apples, grits, and hashbrowns. Our biscuits with gravy and our ham with red-eye gravy. Well, depending on what part of the south you’re in, of course.

Today, I clicked my speed dial and ordered my usual: eggs and grits.

I entered Dan’s and the world of cheap, 1950s style diner unfolded before me. Counter help wearing white uniforms. Waitresses wearing maroon aprons.

Apparently, Dan was once married to Fran. When they split, the franchise split to become a few joints called Dan’s Hamburgers and others called Frans.

All I know is that back when I ate meat, Dan’s made a pretty darn good burger.

And they make good breakfasts.

I stepped up to the counter and gave my name.

Like they were heralding royalty, the counter help intoned: “Joy’s here!” “Joy’s here!” to the cooks in the back.

I smiled and had to stifle a royal wave.

A bag was produced, and my iced tea provided. I paid the fare and walked out to my car. There is something comforting and soothing about having breakfast at a place like Dan’s. It’s like walking into Cheers.

As I sat down at my desk to eat my creamy grits, I thought about things like warmth and friendship and good, down-home cooking. Thank God for Dan’s. It just starts my day out right somehow!

And the Wheels Turn...

I've been considering my travel exploits as of late.  Due to the ever-increasing difficulty of getting overseas airfare for a reasonable price (tickets are running about $1200 RT to the UK through Travelocity for the May/June timeframe), I am doubting my ability to make a trip to my beloved England this year. *sigh*  I'll do my best, but it will take much larger bank roll than I will likely have the wallet for.

That leaves me with lots of alternative options, of course.  As you know, I recently returned from New Orleans which is only a few short hours away.  The Ozarks, which I visited summer before last, are also an option.  I live in one of the most fun and scenic parts of the US here in Austin, so there's plenty to do right at home.  San Antonio, too, is one of my favorite cities with it's Riverwalk and El Mercado. 

There's Fredricksburg, New Braunfels, Salado, Wimberley, and Greune when I need a day trip and Walburg German food to assuage the European in me.

Here are some links for those places:

Ozarks:
Eureka Springs
Austin, TX
San Antonio
Fredricksburg
Wimberley
Salado
Greune
New Braunfels
Walburg

Of course, my folks live south of Houston, so I get to see Galveston.  A lot.  And since I was raised nearby, I know a ton of places to go there.  I'll put that information in a separate posting.

I am traveling next weekend with a friend from Tyler on a day trip... somewhere.  We'll see where we end up!

In the meantime, I'm home with my puppies and content - for a few days - to sit still and make a quick trip to Eric's place for them to run a time or two this week.

Take care, travel pals, and see you next time!

Toobin' down the Guadalupe - New Braunfels:

Walburg German Restaurant