All posts by Terry Harrison

The Walled City of Chester and Faulty Towers

We arrive at our hotel on the outskirts of Chester  The small black and white sign to the right of the glass door instructs us to push the black button to ring the bell.  We look through the glass and see an empty hotel lobby.  The interior is decorated like an Englishman’s study with a darkly stained and heavily carved oak reception desk.  Continue reading The Walled City of Chester and Faulty Towers

The Road to the Ruins on a 30% Grade

We have driven into the Lake District National Park and have arrived at The HIllthwaithe House.  The hotel is on the mountainside elevated above Windermere, the largest natural lake in England.  The roads remain challenging, but I think Terry is getting the hang of the narrow roads and roundabouts.  I hear a lot of mumbling under his breath, but so far so good.  Our right side rear view mirror is still attached and that’s saying something!  Continue reading The Road to the Ruins on a 30% Grade

The Bridge of Sighs – St. Andrews

St. Andrews is on the east coast of Fife.  The university is still standing and has been expanded.  It is the third oldest in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland.  The cathedral, once the largest in Scotland, now lies in ruins.  There has been a settlement on this estuary fringe of the rivers Tay and Eden from as early as 5,000 BC.  The establishment of the present town began around 1140.  Continue reading The Bridge of Sighs – St. Andrews

Ah, Inverness

I have romantic images in my head thinking of Inverness as we drive from Portree.  I’ve seen photos of the city and loch.  Statuesque buildings reflected on the surface of the River Ness; Loch Ness surrounded by the brilliant green of the trees reflecting the brilliant blue of the sky and then there is the myth of the monster.  I’m excited to be staying in Inverness for a few days. Continue reading Ah, Inverness