An Unplanned Year

June 1st – June 30th

June was another month where it is hard to choose the highlights.

1. Scotland North Coast 500

Whilst completing the full drive was great, the scenery on the west and north coasts was AMAZING. Every bend and rise in the road revealed something new and spectacular.

2. Faroe Islands Scenery
We know this was number one for May, but as the first days of June were also spent in Faroe Islands, it can be included this month also!

3. Puffins

We saw puffins for the first time in the Faroe Islands. For the second time in Scotland. And for the third time in Wales. Such cute little birds. Kevin was lucky enough to have a close encounter with one!

4. Steam train

Our day out on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway team train was fun. Especially when we discovered it was a miniature steam train, not a big one as we were expecting! Sitting right behind the engine was a bonus as we could see the train being operated. Afternoon tea at Dalegarth on Boot made it an occasion! We embraced our inner Michael Portillo!

5. Canoeing on the Pontcysyllte aqueduct

Paddling a canoe 40m in the air was an experience. The aqueduct itself is a World Heritage site and an engineering marvel, as well as beautiful to look at. We walked across as well so saw it three ways, above, on and under!

6. Welsh Castles

We saw the ruins of some amazing castles in Wales.

• Flint by the water and using high tide as a defence feature.
• Conwy with it’s walled town, view of the bay, three bridges right in front of it and having to cross an elevated walkway to get to it.
• Caernarfon with multiple (very high) towers, interesting information displays, rabbit warren corridors and artworks related to artisan trades.
• Rhuddlan with really cool stone colour and the castle that some guy’s head was brought to as proof he’d been killed!

7. Old Trafford

Even as non-ManU fans this was a good tour. It’s always interesting to see ‘behind the scenes’ things. Sarah thought it was smaller than expected, Kevin, a Leeds fan, is envious if their trophy room.

8. Beatrix Potter

Visiting Hill Top Farm was just a lovely morning out. Seeing so much of the house and garden reflected in the book drawings was a but surreal, to look at the drawing of the room you’re standing in, but with a dressed cat added (for example.) Love Beatrix Potter books!

9. Swimming in the Altantic

Why we didn’t swim on a 36 degree day we’re not entirely sure, but having a very brisk dip in freezing cold water the next day (28°) was still fun. And refreshing!

10. Staying in a Castle

Bucket list item checked. No ghosts seen or heard though. Whilst the castle was cool, the dinner we had at their 1851 restaurant was fantastic!