Eidfjord 24th August 2010.

Our first day aboard Arcadia was spent at sea; a rather rough crossing was ahead of us as we bounced up and down in the North Sea and headed for Norway.


Eidfjord

  I awoke the second morning and was surprised not to be rocking from side to side, I rather tentatively headed for the blackout curtains that lead to the balcony, I was half expecting to still be at sea but I was greeted by the most spectacular view I had ever seen. Right in front of me was the side of a huge mountain which had a tiny trickle of a waterfall tumbling down its craggy side. The air was fresh, the sky bright blue and all around was peaceful and calm.

We continued deeper into the fjord, nestled along the water’s edge is the small town of Eidfjord, it is a delightful place hosting about three shops, one restaurant and huge hotel, and on this particular day an enormous cruise ship. Arcadia dwarfed the whole town; no matter where you were you could see her freshly painted bright white stern and signature yellow funnel.

We disembarked the ship and took a leisurely stroll around Eidfjord spending our time looking around the gift shop which was selling all sorts of Norwegian goods ranging from Viking helmets to luxurious fleecy woolly jackets which were lovingly adorned with reindeer and snowflakes.

We were booked on to a pleasure boat call the Lady Anne, who was going to talk us further on down the fjord to the town of Ulvik. When boarding time came so did the cold icy rain, but it added to the already atmospheric surroundings. As we sailed away from Eidfjord the mountain tops became shrouded in clouds and the white lines of the waterfalls became hazy behind the fine rain mist. Our little boat chugged gently up the fjord past the majestic mountains making us feel like a tiny dot on  the vast waters of the fjord. The quietness and isolation of our surroundings was mesmerising, I felt like I could have been anywhere in the world totally cut off from civilisation, if it had not been for the chattering of my fellow sailors I could have been sailing along upon my own private cloud, aimlessly drifting amongst the low lying cloud gently brushing the sides of the mountains.

Once we had reached Ulvik, with its bright white buildings and lush green hillsides, the Lady Anne turned around and retraced her tracks back to Eidfjord. With Arcadia coming into view the closer we got the more the town slowly appeared behind her and it brought me back to civilisation.

My first taste of Norway left me wanting more, as Arcadia set sailed back towards the sea I watched the white buildings of Eidfjord slowly disappear behind the mountains to be hidden from view awaiting her next cruise ship visitors.

Arcadia docked in Eidfjord

The Inn at Whitewell 2nd June 2011

Situated on Her Majesty's Duchy of Lancaster estate, the Inn at Whitewell nestles in the beautiful Trough of Bowland and boasts stunning views across the Lancashire countryside.

Built in the 1300's as a manor house for the keeper of the royal forests it has managed to retain a warm family friendly feel. In the 1700's it became an inn for those travelling to and from Lancaster, the travellers may be few and far between but it does host many visitors seeking out it's renowed historical charm. It can be described as quirky most definitely, over the top it most certainly is not.



The River Hodder



The main entrance hall boasts a huge log fire, that in winter would make the ideal companion for any frosty walker looking for some hearty fayre. With stone slab flooring, old wooden furniture and low lying beams it's history encompasses every inch of the building which you can feel as you wander from one room to another. The outside of the building is just as breath taking as it's interior, as you meander along the winding and very steep roads it almost appears as if out of nowhere, set back from road slightly it has it's very own medieval church. At the rear of the building you are greeted with sublime views across the hills of Lancashire, with lush rolling green hills that are dotted with ewes and their lambs. The well stocked River Hodder meanders through the grounds and you are even invited, or challenged, to take a trip across the river by using the stepping stones, but be careful not to slip!

I had the honour to visit the Inn on a beautiful sunny evening to watch a performance of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. The play was performed in the courtyard by a local amateur group of actors who succeeded in putting on a witty and enjoyable performance. It was not without it's issues, props getting caught on costumes, actresses nearly slipping over and a few fluffed lines. But despite this it was a well received production by the packed out marquee.

It's easy to see why people travel from all corners of the north-west to visit the Inn at Whitewell, with a wonderful atmosphere, excellent food and breath taking views, it is the ideal hideaway for anyone wanting escape the fast pace of everyday life.

And Rome has it!!

Those of you who know me will know that I unable to make a decision to save my life, seriously I can't even decide what to have for breakfast in a morning. In view of this and in consideration of my endless dithering I thought it would be best to let you guys decide the destination of my next cruise. You voted in your droves, well 11 of you did,  and I wholeheartedly thank each and everyone of you for doing so, and you have decided that I am to go to Rome. (oh the pain of it!)

Now, I am a lass who is true to her word and so in May 2012 I shall be setting sail from Southampton and embarking on a voyage that takes in the sights of Gibraltar, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Ajaccio, Florence (bonus!!) and Rome.

To describe my excitement as excited is an understatement. I simply cannot wait to disembark and travel through the rolling Italian countryside and head for the Eternal City. It will be such a privilege to see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican City. I am not a particularly religious person but as a Catholic to visit St Peter's will be a true honour.  After my recent visit to Santiago I know it will be a humbling experience.

The other ports of call are of particular interest to me as well. I am an avid fan of Italian and French history so to be able to pay homage to the Medici's in Florence and Napoleon in Ajaccio is an opportunity I cannot pass up. I have read so much about their lives that to be able to visit their places of origin and walk in their footsteps will be an absolute thrill.

Now all I need to decide is what to pack, all I can say is that is a bloody good job I have a year in which to plan it and I can guarantee that I will be changing my mind right up until to moment of departure!