So we've been away for a short break in Portugal. All very nice. Played tennis, walked around the marina, sat in coffee shops talking about the future and most importunely on a holiday like this... picking out a shortlist of villas and apartments to buy! If only we had the money!
That'a the thing about holidays, you can dream about what it might be like to live in a place without actually doing it. I don't know if we'd really want a place on the Algarve or in Spain or somewhere similar. Truth be told, I could list a whole lot of places I'd like to spend my unlikely early retirement years.
Anyway, let's not get all melancholy about it. A week away was certainly what we needed, and it came at just the right time. Now we're back we need to begin the process of focussing on the shape of our future. Before we left we'd made the decision with the church to step down from leadership. We will finish in December in terms of all the public stuff and then we will have several months to sort out where to live and what to do next. At this point we are not thinking about another pastoral role in an established church setting.
Quite what shape the future will take is uncertain, but I'm looking at retraining in order to be financially independent, which in turn might enable us to explore new ways of being church that doesn't require starting with an established congregation meeting on a Sunday morning to sing songs and listen to a monologue. But things are far from clear at this moment in time.
Now we are back, and now it's publicly known that we are leaving our current setting, I can blog a bit more about what's been on my heart and where that might take us. We are not giving up on church, and we are not giving up on ministry. We're just stepping out of what we've been doing for the past 20 years and into a new adventure.
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tennis Break
With a little apprehension on both our parts, Anne and I set off for a few days in the wilds of Norfolk on a tennis break. We've never done this before, so we both wondered what it might be like. Anne, as a beginner, was having some specially arranged private lessons and I was joining the group course that was at the heart of the programme.
As a novice I suppose I was more concerned that everyone else would be so much better than I was and that I'd just end up embarrassing myself. I needn't have worried. Lots of encouragement and fun was the order of the day.
We came home with a few sore muscles and a new group of friends who we hope to meet again if we're ever on another break together.
Many thanks to Nick Ring Leisure who organise these things and who went out of their way to meet our needs by adding the private one-to-one lessons into the schedule for Anne.
As a novice I suppose I was more concerned that everyone else would be so much better than I was and that I'd just end up embarrassing myself. I needn't have worried. Lots of encouragement and fun was the order of the day.
We came home with a few sore muscles and a new group of friends who we hope to meet again if we're ever on another break together.
Many thanks to Nick Ring Leisure who organise these things and who went out of their way to meet our needs by adding the private one-to-one lessons into the schedule for Anne.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Home Again!
So, we've been away for a short break. Every year for the last 10 or more years, Anne's parents have spent 2 or 3 weeks in Tenerife and this year we joined them for a week. There's something very pleasing about winter sunshine. It's a very odd feeling to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt in February. It's almost surreal, but surprisingly easy to get used to!
We stayed in a place that was created from nothing as a holiday resort by the looks of old photographs of the area. Not even a hint of an old fishing village. One suspects that Tenerife has suffered a little from over development and is now suffering the consequences of the economic crises that have hit the more affluent economies of Western Europe. Testimony to this was a large abandoned hotel complex overlooking the town. What was once the boom industry of time-shares and holiday homes has fallen on very hard times indeed.
We spent 7 days in a hotel built in 1967 as the focal point of this new resort. My in-laws like it because they feel safe and they know a lot of regular visitors who come year after year. It's quite interesting to be the person with new eyes, seeing what they overlook because they like the company and the security. Luxury is no substitute for feeling comfortable in your surroundings.
The food was okay, but probably not what you might expect from the star rating of the hotel. Their idea of a vegetarian option was somewhat lacking in imagination. I don't consider a quarter of a white cabbage and a baby marrow to be a well balanced meal!
Anne and I set ourselves the target of doing 15,000 steps a day and we were well in advance of this until yours truly got floored by a nasty little virus that stole two days of the holiday and got everyone wondering about alternative travelling plans in case I wasn't fit enough for the return flight on time. I was, and we made it home, but it meant that for the first time in over 6 months I actually had a day when I didn't walk further than the bathroom, which fortunately wasn't far!! Still, I managed the equivalent of about 50 miles in only 5 days.
I spent my time when well playing tennis, swimming, reading, walking and playing more tennis. Having started to learn to play in the cold months of November and December, it was something of a revolution to have the sun on your back and dry tennis balls to hit. We had two courts at the hotel and I found a partner for a singles game and a group for social doubles in the mornings. Sadly the virus put paid to being able to play everyday, but it wasn't a total loss.
We didn't explore the island at all, too much tennis to be played. Maybe another year we'll get up into the mountains and visit a few places. To be honest, I'm not that interested in doing that. I like being active, but I'm not a great sight-seer.
We stayed in a place that was created from nothing as a holiday resort by the looks of old photographs of the area. Not even a hint of an old fishing village. One suspects that Tenerife has suffered a little from over development and is now suffering the consequences of the economic crises that have hit the more affluent economies of Western Europe. Testimony to this was a large abandoned hotel complex overlooking the town. What was once the boom industry of time-shares and holiday homes has fallen on very hard times indeed.
We spent 7 days in a hotel built in 1967 as the focal point of this new resort. My in-laws like it because they feel safe and they know a lot of regular visitors who come year after year. It's quite interesting to be the person with new eyes, seeing what they overlook because they like the company and the security. Luxury is no substitute for feeling comfortable in your surroundings.
The food was okay, but probably not what you might expect from the star rating of the hotel. Their idea of a vegetarian option was somewhat lacking in imagination. I don't consider a quarter of a white cabbage and a baby marrow to be a well balanced meal!
Anne and I set ourselves the target of doing 15,000 steps a day and we were well in advance of this until yours truly got floored by a nasty little virus that stole two days of the holiday and got everyone wondering about alternative travelling plans in case I wasn't fit enough for the return flight on time. I was, and we made it home, but it meant that for the first time in over 6 months I actually had a day when I didn't walk further than the bathroom, which fortunately wasn't far!! Still, I managed the equivalent of about 50 miles in only 5 days.
I spent my time when well playing tennis, swimming, reading, walking and playing more tennis. Having started to learn to play in the cold months of November and December, it was something of a revolution to have the sun on your back and dry tennis balls to hit. We had two courts at the hotel and I found a partner for a singles game and a group for social doubles in the mornings. Sadly the virus put paid to being able to play everyday, but it wasn't a total loss.
We didn't explore the island at all, too much tennis to be played. Maybe another year we'll get up into the mountains and visit a few places. To be honest, I'm not that interested in doing that. I like being active, but I'm not a great sight-seer.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Standing Stones
There's much speculation about the origins and purpose of these stones, but at the very least they stand as a testimony to the ingenuity and perseverance on the folk that dragged them into position.
Reliving old holidays
When I was growing up, we spent several summer holidays with my Aunt and Uncle in Swanage, Dorset. Well, this last week we've been staying on a farm in the New Forest and not too far away from there.
So we decided, or at least I proposed and everyone else agreed, that we spent a day in and around Swanage and Corfe. we took the chain ferry from Sandbanks, another nostalgia moment, and drove into the old town. Nothing much had changed. Obviously some shops had come and gone, but many familiar things were still there. The British Legion Club across the street from where my Aunt and Uncle lived, the Mowlem restuarant where my Aunt once apologiesd to some people she didn't know because of the noise we were making. We were laughing about something or other and she simply turned around and said, "I'm every so sorry about the noise, it's my sister-in-law, she's omly visiting us." Needless to say, we laughed even louder.
Then we went up to see the Tilly Whim caves, a favourite place all those years ago! I remember getting to see around the lighthouse one day, and exploring the caves too. The caves were closed to the public in 1976.
Here's the lighthouse.
From there we drove over the Corfe Castle and looked around the model village and the ruined castle.
I can't remember what age I was, but I do remember spending the day at Corfe taking photographs on an old Kodak Instamatic. One of the pictures I took was of the model castle with the real one in the background. The trees have all grown now, so it's a little more difficult to take the same photograph, but you can still do it.
Perhaps if I search through all the old photo's I'll come across the original one I took over 40 years ago!
The model village is a wonderful work of art.
So we decided, or at least I proposed and everyone else agreed, that we spent a day in and around Swanage and Corfe. we took the chain ferry from Sandbanks, another nostalgia moment, and drove into the old town. Nothing much had changed. Obviously some shops had come and gone, but many familiar things were still there. The British Legion Club across the street from where my Aunt and Uncle lived, the Mowlem restuarant where my Aunt once apologiesd to some people she didn't know because of the noise we were making. We were laughing about something or other and she simply turned around and said, "I'm every so sorry about the noise, it's my sister-in-law, she's omly visiting us." Needless to say, we laughed even louder.
Here's the lighthouse.
From there we drove over the Corfe Castle and looked around the model village and the ruined castle.
Perhaps if I search through all the old photo's I'll come across the original one I took over 40 years ago!
The model village is a wonderful work of art.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Hardknott Fort
Intrepid explorer makes it to the Fort!On a couple of previous visits to this part of the Lake District I've set off in search of the remains of the Roman fort that guarded the route over Hardknott, but never got there for one reason or another. This time we had good weather and plenty of time to get there and back.
The final part of the walk to get to the fort involves climbing a good 150m or so in less than 500m. But it was worth it for the view back down the valley.
The fort itself sits on the Roman road from Ravenglass to Ambleside. These marching routes often went over the top of fells and mountains because of the safety they offered from attack. It must be 15 miles from Ravenglass to Hardknott, which wouldn't be a bad walk if it was flat all the way.
The shortest route is probably over Muncaster Fell, which means a 700ft climb followed by a descent into the valley, then about an 8 mile walk through Eskdale, with the risk of attack, before climbing up to the fort. Perhpas the Romans would have sought out a route that took them over Irton Fell and Ilgill Head then Eskdale Fell in order to avoid the low level paths. Personally anything flat is a welcome break when your knees are aching.
Water fall at Boot
On our last full day we went for a circular walk along the river and back via Boot. The last part of the walk took us past the old water mill and fall beside it.
The morning at Fisherground
This is one of the major reasons I love the Lakes. To get up in the morning and look out to see this kind of view is amazing. And the peace and quiet of it all is something else too.
We'll be back another year, of that I'm sure.
The place we were staying is called Fisherground, and it sits in the Eskdale valley. The house sleeps 16 and is a great location for a large family party like ours.
The Lakes 2009: Tuesday
It has to be said that there can be no finer place to be on a good weather day that the English Lakes. On Monday we set off in the direction of Ravenglass from our base in Eskdale and after about 6.5 miles a small group of us arrived at our destination having enjoyed the adventure of crossing a fell after the rains.
At times we were walking upstream where no stream should have been. Tiring, but delightful and the view from the high point worth all the effort, even for Thomas. Who at 1 day short of his sixth birthday walked almost all the way.
Today we went in search of Hard Knott fort. It turned out to be hard work and almost 10 miles of walking, but once again we were rewarded with some great views.
The Lakes 2009: Sunday
I can’t remember which poet or author it was who suggested that no day in the Lake district deserves the appellation “Sunday”, but that would certainly be true of this particular Sunday. It is raining. Really raining. Still, you don’t come to the Lakes to sit on the beach, but it would be nice if the rain would move out of our valley and into someone else’s in the next couple of hours.
Yesterday was out first full day, although not all members of the family had arrived when we set out on our first walk of the holiday. A short trek across the river and up to the old church, then back via Dalegarth Station for ice-cream. It’s about 5 miles and a nice gentle stroll, just right for a Saturday afternoon.
Being in a valley you get a wonderful perspective on the fells and mountains as they rise all around you. In the sunshine, yes the sun did shine yesterday, they are quite spectacular. To the east, roughly speaking, is Muncaster and the sea, to the west, Eskdale Fell and Great How with Sca Fell and the Pike in the distance. Illgil Head and Irton Fell shadow us as does the beginnings of Birker Fell as far as I can tell form the map! Wast Water and Wasdale Head lie 10 or so miles away over the Fell and Moor that separates Boot from Wasdale, and maybe a walk for tomorrow if the weather improves. I wonder too about Seatoller, a walk I haven’t yet tried in this valley.
So we wait, patiently watching the rain and looking hopefully for signs of brighter skies. It’s not a problem because we’re all happy to spend time together and talk and laugh and remember the family history. Reminiscing about my grandmother and her brass ornaments made from First World War shrapnel, or so we were told.
I’ve brought some reading with me. Frank Viola book Reimagining the Church and some fiction, The Cellist of Sarajevo, Night train to Lisbon and a Tony Parson’s novel about a man who gets a heart transplant and wants his old life back. Not sure how much, if any, of these will get read, although I’ve started the Viola book and dipped into the Cellist.
And in case you were wondering…. It’s still raining heavily!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Ribblehead Viaduct
It was raining and we just pulled off the road to take a quick photograph of this famous viaduct. I'd like to go back with my Sony Alpha and get closer, but this picture gives you a small sense of the bleakness of the landscape and the wonders of Victorian Civil Engineering (at least I'm assuming it was the Victorians who built this thing!)
Aysgarth Falls
They may not be big, they may not be spectacular, but they are a beautiful sight. These falls are fairly typical on many in the area. There are some taller ones, not far away I think there is the tallest waterfall in England at Gaping Hill, but these will do for a place to rest and listen to the sound of water falling over rocks.
Down the valley
A couple of pictures of the rolling countryside along the valley. It really was this green.
From time to time it rained a little, but nothing too heavy.
At the halfway point we stopped at the George and Dragon in Aysgarth for lunch. Wonderful sandwiches presented in an unusual way.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Visiting The Dales
We’ve come to the end of our short expedition into the Yorkshire Dales, and what an interesting visit it has been! We managed to get out for a couple of walks, the longer of which was just over 10 miles from Askrigg to Aysgarth and back, taking in the falls at Aysgarth.
Our second walk took us up through the village of Clapham to Ingleborough Caves. The climb was fairly steep, and the advisory notice to “allow yourself at least 20 minutes” to make the ascent was rather over-optimistic for all but the fittest of walkers. But the path was good, and you can take you time.
The climb takes you up through woods, alongside a lake and within earshot of the water falls but in not sight of them. The best view comes before you enter the trail. Eventually you emerge from the woods into open skies alongside the river and you are within 300-400 metres of the cave entrance.
The tour takes you about 1.5Km underground into the cave. There are some 15-20Km of explored caves and more unexplored pathways hidden from access at the moment. The cave was first explored in the 1830’s by Victorians using candle-light. You just can’t imagine how difficult that must have been!
Anyway, we left the cave after about a 50 minute tour and set off back to the village to have some lunch. On our first day’s walking we had lunch in Aysgarth at the George and Dragon (at least I think that’s the name of the pub). They do the most amazing sandwiches! On the second day we found a small tea sop and had another good sandwich before setting of for a drive around the valley.
We took in the Ribblehead viaduct in the morning and passed it a second time as we made our way to Hawes to have a look around. It was probably the busiest settlement we’d seen. From there we made our way back to Askrigg but decide to drive over to the next valley via what turned out to be a narrow, twisty road, with a 24% gradient in places. We came back a different way!
The prize for the most amusing sign has to go the one that simply read “Crackpot 1”. I’m just surprised he stood still long enough for them to point a sign at him!
Overall we’ve enjoyed our short visit and Anne is looking out for a large house to rent for the wider family next year!
Our second walk took us up through the village of Clapham to Ingleborough Caves. The climb was fairly steep, and the advisory notice to “allow yourself at least 20 minutes” to make the ascent was rather over-optimistic for all but the fittest of walkers. But the path was good, and you can take you time.
The climb takes you up through woods, alongside a lake and within earshot of the water falls but in not sight of them. The best view comes before you enter the trail. Eventually you emerge from the woods into open skies alongside the river and you are within 300-400 metres of the cave entrance.
The tour takes you about 1.5Km underground into the cave. There are some 15-20Km of explored caves and more unexplored pathways hidden from access at the moment. The cave was first explored in the 1830’s by Victorians using candle-light. You just can’t imagine how difficult that must have been!
Anyway, we left the cave after about a 50 minute tour and set off back to the village to have some lunch. On our first day’s walking we had lunch in Aysgarth at the George and Dragon (at least I think that’s the name of the pub). They do the most amazing sandwiches! On the second day we found a small tea sop and had another good sandwich before setting of for a drive around the valley.
We took in the Ribblehead viaduct in the morning and passed it a second time as we made our way to Hawes to have a look around. It was probably the busiest settlement we’d seen. From there we made our way back to Askrigg but decide to drive over to the next valley via what turned out to be a narrow, twisty road, with a 24% gradient in places. We came back a different way!
The prize for the most amusing sign has to go the one that simply read “Crackpot 1”. I’m just surprised he stood still long enough for them to point a sign at him!
Overall we’ve enjoyed our short visit and Anne is looking out for a large house to rent for the wider family next year!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Artwork at the docks
The old docks were redeveloped for the Olympics as far as I could tell.This piece of sculpture stands at the gateway to the port area. It's quite impressive on either a sunny day or even a dull, rainy day.
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