So much for me posting more regularly …what nonsense! I do have an excuse though, we have been away overseas for the past month seeing family, friends and bloggers!
Trust me, I’m no travel writer so I seriously hope that I won’t bore you with my holiday rantings.
Arriving at Heathrow airport at a sensible hour and not terribly jet-lagged, we headed to Croxley Green in Watford to stay with hubby’s Dad Bill.
For those of you that follow Frog Pond Farm you will be well versed in Bill’s expertise in the kitchen. I knew we would be assured of some excellent tucker and I wasn’t disappointed, we were spoilt with pan seared NZ venison, home made jus, baby spuds and crisp asparagus, need I say more?
Grand Union Canal, Croxley Green
A few days rest and then we were off to Witney in Oxfordshire to catch up with the beautiful Veronica who writes the blog Veronica Roth common magic.
Thames, Witney – iPhone
Living in Vancouver but spending time in the UK with her partner Robert, it was perfect that she would be visiting at the same time as we were. A catch up at the Rose Revived, a wonderful old restored pub that sits on the banks of the Thames was in order. The fish and chips were nearly as good as the riverside setting and we chatted away like long lost friends. It was a day to be remembered. Veronica is an amazing artist and gave me a wonderful painting! Thank you …
Slamseys
Crete was next on the travel itinerary and as we were flying out of Stansted airport, I had arranged to meet with another blogger who just happens to live close by in Braintree. Anne who writes Slamseys Journal and her hubby Bill were great hosts showing us their North Essex farm and after enjoying another pub meal and some interesting banter, drove us through the beautiful countryside to our hotel. Thank you so much we really enjoyed the catch up!
Countryside Braintree
Stansted Airport – iPhone magic
Chania portside – iPhone
Hubby’s Uncle Roy and Aunt Ruth have lived in Gavalochori Crete for many years and so our visit was long overdue. Roy kindly organised accommodation for us in a neighbour’s home the property boasting a swimming pool and vistas of rolling hills and distant mountains. Daytime temps were around 34 C so the pool was much needed, while nights were a more acceptable 21 C, but trust me a bedside fan is imperative.
Hubby and Phil … another meal – iPhone
Joined by great friends from the UK, our week in Crete not only included some amazing traditional food and coffee, but the beer was perfect to quench a thirst after a hike through one of the many beautiful island gorges.
Agia Irini Gorge – Hubby, Frances and Phil
Agia Irini Gorge
Imbros Gorge – iPhone
Walking the picturesque Imbros Gorge in Chania, which is approx. 7 km long, with the temp being in the vicinity of 40 C felt much like falling out of a tumble drier as we exited at the other end. I remember the view of the Libyan sea as we clambered into the car where Roy and Ruth had been patiently waiting. A swim and lunch at a seaside taverna was on the agenda.
Chania, iPhone
Chania, iPhone
Chania has a beautiful old harbour-side town which boasts cafes and tavernas, ancient architecture, markets crammed with fresh garden produce, horse drawn carriages and narrow laneways. It is a must to visit, and the shopping looked fab, although Frances and I didn’t get to enjoy it (did we 😉 ).
I’m a watermelon fan, these were amazing!
Handsome!
I’ll leave you in Crete … but will return again soon