tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11776248751448611912024-03-06T05:58:00.810+00:00Jack Allen (AKA my Dad) Travel BlogTo keep friends and family posted on Dad's travels. 2013 was Vietnam, 2012 was Thailand and 2011 was Cuba! 2010 was cycling the coast of Ireland. 2009 cycled the coast of Britain - 16 weeks in the saddle, 4,500 miles on the legs.Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-27943245618857553372021-06-01T18:17:00.000+01:002021-06-01T18:17:04.907+01:0012 Years since Dad set off cycle the coast of Britain<p>Well good old Facebook reminded me today that it is 12 years since Dad set off from Keele to ride over to Liverpool for the start of his cycle ride round the coast of Britain ! Where has that time gone !</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The route !</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdk9DdMdvn4V0SDIzHjje2pYYCB-m_nXNOnXAtarmH95w6neDtvIS600JEe_O1r8RnUc3Th7KCnvT47oqAjt33q2KNC4S09g7WOXHABAWhjIWO6wLe1j0BlTjXU06FjoYZOu6DCNpSZ8/s2048/DSC00882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdk9DdMdvn4V0SDIzHjje2pYYCB-m_nXNOnXAtarmH95w6neDtvIS600JEe_O1r8RnUc3Th7KCnvT47oqAjt33q2KNC4S09g7WOXHABAWhjIWO6wLe1j0BlTjXU06FjoYZOu6DCNpSZ8/s320/DSC00882.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Start</b><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaWapqu4SU_wA2l0JnWrVNIHJlnRN9XiUwIBFmuLTDcBWEeVpM7oyXVac_PeKs9iYsl-c9T71UURV_4RFNgxXA_7cCD-Mczn-YpsINI4jp_4GaaX58g9MfLlwbTYLnc1l9L6LYuUzTTA/s2048/DSC00890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaWapqu4SU_wA2l0JnWrVNIHJlnRN9XiUwIBFmuLTDcBWEeVpM7oyXVac_PeKs9iYsl-c9T71UURV_4RFNgxXA_7cCD-Mczn-YpsINI4jp_4GaaX58g9MfLlwbTYLnc1l9L6LYuUzTTA/s320/DSC00890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxuhI5CHStbQJuXyI8TG2M12qkd-bnycA_yBS8_3csvN3Vco3eMLhOyGndjM0JvkZPwRt8-dk5YjD7a8IS1em3uY_YcnATB9pa-fcuyCnhvjWNntdHc6_j8sEF02_Ze99e2EYVto6I8c/s2048/DSC00896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxuhI5CHStbQJuXyI8TG2M12qkd-bnycA_yBS8_3csvN3Vco3eMLhOyGndjM0JvkZPwRt8-dk5YjD7a8IS1em3uY_YcnATB9pa-fcuyCnhvjWNntdHc6_j8sEF02_Ze99e2EYVto6I8c/s320/DSC00896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>and he was off !</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV2sO_h_zJ36itn-aZL8t46jvJMz4STbqYkazCNlzHq4Tjaqm56BIRNhVNTAKQdWmiERzj34xBIxUAzNYC0ie36fqwEsJLOJzH-olANzs-2Ut_I6-NhGySR4GIrzuxr3mrdd2YBBCHvA/s2048/DSC00897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV2sO_h_zJ36itn-aZL8t46jvJMz4STbqYkazCNlzHq4Tjaqm56BIRNhVNTAKQdWmiERzj34xBIxUAzNYC0ie36fqwEsJLOJzH-olANzs-2Ut_I6-NhGySR4GIrzuxr3mrdd2YBBCHvA/s320/DSC00897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately Dad doesn't ride his bike no more ... but the bike is waiting for me to take up the saddle and follow in his wheels !<br /></p>Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-61208629849349914152020-05-30T12:35:00.000+01:002020-05-30T12:35:39.047+01:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well hasn't 2020 been a strange year so far !</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dad is keeping well ... no longer riding the bike but still out most days for a walk. They closed the car parks on two of his favourite walks at the start of lockdown so he walked along the canal instead - it's nice and flat !</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Just recently the car parks have re-opened so he is back to his usual walk keeping a social distance from others !</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Been lovely to see people out and about walking and cycling in their local areas. I've walked around my local streets and followed the routes that I used to take walking to school. It used to feel such a long way when you were a kid !</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope everyone is keeping well and safe. Stick to the guidelines the best you can and then hopefully we will be through this strange time more safely and with a bit of luck more quickly.</span><br />
<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-60872077333231443602017-06-01T19:30:00.000+01:002020-05-30T12:36:47.463+01:00It's 8 years since Dad set off on his ride round the coast of BritainHow time flies ... it's been 8 years since Dad set off on his ride around the coast of Britain at the grand age of 74. Unfortunately Dad doesn't ride anymore, not since his heart op but he got the best part of 80 years of riding in before he hung up the bike (or whatever it is you do with a bike!). The bike is now waiting for me to take up riding ... that saddle will need to be lowered so my feet reach the floor for a start!<br />
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We made lots of news friends with the blog and fellow coast of Britain riders. Dad even inspired a few to ride the coast when they heard of his trip. Many of them are still riding and off on new adventures on their bikes.<br />
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I learnt about lots of places around the coast of Britain whilst writing the blog ... even now my ears will prick up when I hear a place name of somewhere I know Dad rode through, so what I didn't learn in Geography at school I learnt from my Dad's travels :)<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-52436822071440779782016-09-17T18:41:00.000+01:002016-09-17T18:43:17.074+01:00Coast of Britain - 7 yearsIt's 7 years today since Dad finished his cycle around the coast of Britain ... and to quote Dad "I wished I could do it again". Alas his fitness is not what it used to be and he's not been on the bike for awhile. However he did read his blog about the trip again and there was a lot he'd forgotten !<br />
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Here are a few photos of the finish after 4,500 miles of cycling !<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgu3NGE0hY0XOz7wKK3rEL6E_ui6d7qSqsN8Oj5azlzmr30cWn1P1ssci0pxTc6UV3bIuWiM6-1mBT3PMxC4Da5MuhSO3QpSgZ41Gy5VTeU1d2POXJ3F57lNKRm5FIT8CcrmfbYQne0c/s1600/DSC02530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgu3NGE0hY0XOz7wKK3rEL6E_ui6d7qSqsN8Oj5azlzmr30cWn1P1ssci0pxTc6UV3bIuWiM6-1mBT3PMxC4Da5MuhSO3QpSgZ41Gy5VTeU1d2POXJ3F57lNKRm5FIT8CcrmfbYQne0c/s320/DSC02530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading in for the finish line</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAamm7Oyscdp6b2_yNdlKUi8qC54G3UyzTulRb1j6nD64HeZVCcl5AVHcx-QVA8_EvkkbVy7CQoKpXAcV_1x4c6HUDZHkd8gJQiOed-nlraVz7Tk1tcL-BRdn1y-XyxIQej1Gn8O6_cs/s1600/DSC02531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAamm7Oyscdp6b2_yNdlKUi8qC54G3UyzTulRb1j6nD64HeZVCcl5AVHcx-QVA8_EvkkbVy7CQoKpXAcV_1x4c6HUDZHkd8gJQiOed-nlraVz7Tk1tcL-BRdn1y-XyxIQej1Gn8O6_cs/s320/DSC02531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory salute !</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mOTKZQr48MPwGwaxVoeIiMg9WR9OyfcCvPB2lXJ4PS072H1UQrVApJyLmUApAWkpUChAWBaur0uEP8kRvA8uux22p_Da2USwJAD9jSa6V9j98u-EkcuQ3Gi9UUrbxxy9JOEdgXvnekM/s1600/DSC02532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mOTKZQr48MPwGwaxVoeIiMg9WR9OyfcCvPB2lXJ4PS072H1UQrVApJyLmUApAWkpUChAWBaur0uEP8kRvA8uux22p_Da2USwJAD9jSa6V9j98u-EkcuQ3Gi9UUrbxxy9JOEdgXvnekM/s320/DSC02532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish line</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlIQvrzLGogA_y0h5to-rloS_9P5aPY7HMFk1F2oD5CZ9EDck09dXOuV58-pX1R1kxuoSF4kHuCZcLJVAeBVAVnj7t7XES9xSgk20jiKR3x_6cDo1JysvYkm1JVrkcPurH2SKa_ime1k/s1600/DSC02556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlIQvrzLGogA_y0h5to-rloS_9P5aPY7HMFk1F2oD5CZ9EDck09dXOuV58-pX1R1kxuoSF4kHuCZcLJVAeBVAVnj7t7XES9xSgk20jiKR3x_6cDo1JysvYkm1JVrkcPurH2SKa_ime1k/s320/DSC02556.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well deserved pint with the bike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4NCXfCCsMFOBMEgfTJ1XPNik0CGe0IGpmOSZjRVUckM_0IbB-p7poVcYP_tJJEjy9-Khy0Nj50S1WsmXEKGdUfE2Ah482NfXqkfPCXP18pVVUj_428pQku621dJaj9tRbUmlzEcZ-h4/s1600/DSC02544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4NCXfCCsMFOBMEgfTJ1XPNik0CGe0IGpmOSZjRVUckM_0IbB-p7poVcYP_tJJEjy9-Khy0Nj50S1WsmXEKGdUfE2Ah482NfXqkfPCXP18pVVUj_428pQku621dJaj9tRbUmlzEcZ-h4/s320/DSC02544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think he deserved it !</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuAQWm9xh7RuKlqC9b0XfI_O7ar9h-eYR8Q9KHmL4z2aOOUC3HQeK4NmOVx9WoI859pRr2fJ3cyzjxAhf-6fzc2ftpOJL3n2vlmlKgeyKq6ex-6eJvtQwpvs0vQeKh-s3l_WYX3zBwb4/s1600/DSC02553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuAQWm9xh7RuKlqC9b0XfI_O7ar9h-eYR8Q9KHmL4z2aOOUC3HQeK4NmOVx9WoI859pRr2fJ3cyzjxAhf-6fzc2ftpOJL3n2vlmlKgeyKq6ex-6eJvtQwpvs0vQeKh-s3l_WYX3zBwb4/s320/DSC02553.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bike !</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRKjVK6rr9x0XYjf_2UnHHucbAR0SBSACBa0_35jF9CZS51l8EXfjIP_EAuIW_JxTrLziL7goBvarZHxbGl-4NdNtQRG0jnY1tfEg2zSzNfJt2iY-jn2Uok8n8OSuLUaHCAlWoxzGrLY/s1600/DSC02570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRKjVK6rr9x0XYjf_2UnHHucbAR0SBSACBa0_35jF9CZS51l8EXfjIP_EAuIW_JxTrLziL7goBvarZHxbGl-4NdNtQRG0jnY1tfEg2zSzNfJt2iY-jn2Uok8n8OSuLUaHCAlWoxzGrLY/s320/DSC02570.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The route .... we kept tabs on where he'd been !</td></tr>
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-90474143840272850072016-06-01T14:04:00.000+01:002016-06-01T14:04:54.209+01:00It's been 7 years ...Well the 1st June 2009 is the day Dad started his cycle round the coast of Britain and put an extra 4,500 miles on the pedals. I can't actually believe it was 7 years ago ! <br />
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There have been quite a few "round the coast" cyclers since! I remember when we were researching the ride we couldn't find much information on other cyclists who had done the same. However during Dad's ride Mike Carter (a journalist writing an article for The Guardian) was cycling in the opposite direction to Dad. They meet up twice ... once at John o'Grouts (<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/aug/02/mike-carter-british-bike-adventure" target="_blank">article here</a>) and again in St Davids. <br />
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The following are a few links on Dad's trip.<br />
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Here is a link to Dad's blog for his ride around the coast for anyone thinking of doing the same <a href="http://jack-allen-travels.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/start.html" target="_blank">The Start</a><br />
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Here is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r11z0uqS-c" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> of Dad talking about his trip<br />
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An article in the <a href="http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Interview-Jack-Allen/story-12525934-detail/story.html" target="_blank">local newspaper</a> <br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-57943278676039557992015-09-10T17:11:00.003+01:002015-09-10T17:11:49.636+01:00Dad is back from his travelsWell he's back ... not even a strike by Lufthansa could stop him ! Folk from his party were scattered around various airports in the UK but Dad flew back to Manchester and even managed to get back earlier than his original flight!<br />
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He's had a good couple of weeks ... apparently the first week was too hot the second week too cold ... there ain't pleasing some folks !<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-70998243533198596202015-09-07T19:32:00.003+01:002015-09-07T19:32:22.631+01:00Austria tripWell Dad sounds to be having a great time in Austria. Sound like he had better weather the first week. He got himself a bus/lift pass and has been making the most of it! He hops on a bus to the ski lift and then takes the lift up the mountains and then has a walk back down and hops back on the bus back to the hotel. If he times it right he gets to have lunch at the top of the mountain ! That sounds my sort of "walking" :)<br />
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He usually manages to get back to the hotel in time to catch the end of the days cycling in the Tour of Spain ! I did tell him that the Tour of Britain has started but that's not being shown on Eurosport so I have to text him the results.<br />
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He's now moved onto <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saalbach-Hinterglemm" target="_blank">Saalbach</a> and sounds like he's had a couple of wet days. He was going to hire another e-bike but the weather was a bit wet/cold so he gave it a miss. Again he's been using the buses/ski lifts to get up the mountains. Today he's been to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zell_am_See" target="_blank">Zell am See</a> and on a steam train to visit a waterfall ! I was well jealous of the steam train until he told me it broke down ! <br />
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He's been out and about in the evening too. He went to a music and dancing pub one night (I bet he moaned it was "too loud") and tonight he is going bowling - that I would love to see !<br />
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Just one full day left tomorrow as he's back home on Wednesday !<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-61759238446630140002015-08-28T17:47:00.000+01:002015-08-28T17:47:15.223+01:00Walking up a George - you got to love Dad's text messagesYesterday his text read<br />
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<i>"Hh.gret.wether.train.bus.an walkwent up a george,,.. the" </i><br />
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followed swiftly by another text message that said<br />
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"<i>Had a gd day wethgret not dun wel on texing lv dadx"</i><br />
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I'm a bit out of practice deciphering Dad's Speak but I get the gist ... Great weather, been on a train, bus and walked up a gorge, had a good day. Had to laugh at the ... not done well on texting and using George instead of gorge :)<br />
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Today's message he'd sorted out where the blank space was so instead of using the full stop and coming out looking like a web address it read quite well.<br />
<i>"Hi gd day on the bike got bak for 4"</i> and he went on to tell me he'd watched the end of the Vuelta and a break away won.<br />
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I've told him practice makes perfect and hopefully by the end of his holiday he'll be up to speed in texting but Dad has his own text language which only a daughter can decipher. <br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-62816863393006173892015-08-26T18:31:00.001+01:002015-08-26T18:31:14.484+01:00He's off on his travel this time to AustriaYes Dad is off on his travels. After a slight hiccup with his EHIC card which expired in 2011 (did you know they have an expiry date!) we managed to sort (when I say "we", I mean me) and it arrived with several days to spare !<br />
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He set off early this morning - 3.00 am and I kindly declined his "should I ring you when I get to the airport" instead opting for a text message instead. <br />
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He's text to say he's now in Kitzbuhel ... he's sorted out a walk for tomorrow and
Friday he's out on an e-bike with a free guide ... not sure if that's a
person or a map! Either way I hope he doesn't run out of charge!<br />
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Had a quick Google, as you do, and he's staying at the Q! Resort Health & Spa .... that sounds VERY posh to me! The only link I could find in English was on TripAdvisor <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g190446-d264948-Reviews-Q_Resort_Health_Spa_Kitzbuehel-Kitzbuhel_Tirol_Austrian_Alps.html" target="_blank">here</a> and a link on Booking.com <a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/at/flairhotel-kitzbuhel.en-gb.html?aid=320752;label=metatripad-link-imagegb-hotel-70925_xqdz-d70cbb40d572964685d19ee3c563dfdb_dom-couk_curr-XXX_clkid-Vd31-AoQKU0AAC8JS1UAAAAe_tst-0;sid=d0c6e4116742408889ca580faa85eb4b;dcid=4;dist=0;sb_price_type=total;srfid=1a90fe6b5e7813387f4c1ae63ab1cd5794d6052aX1;type=total;ucfs=1&" target="_blank">here</a> definitely a step-up from the YHA !<br />
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He was just off for his evening meal, I do hope it comes on warm or even a hot plate.<br />
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Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-19527182481993885362015-03-03T18:47:00.000+00:002015-03-03T18:47:37.582+00:00Cycling the coastJust ordered Dad a copy of Anna Hughes <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1849536872?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00" target="_blank">Eat, Sleep, Cycle </a>- A Bike Ride Around the Coast of Britain. A bit of holiday reading for him and it should bring back many memories for Dad of his own trip around the coast !<br />
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Anyone interested the blurb reads ...<br />
For Anna, a cycling enthusiast, the decision to ride 4,000 miles solo
around the coast of the UK wasn’t that hard. Following the river from
London until it became the sea, then following the sea until it reached
the mouth of the Thames again was a beautifully simple idea. But after
epic highs, incredible lows, unforgettable scenery and unpronounceable
place names – as well as a hearty battle with some good old British
weather – her simple idea turns into a compelling journey of
self-discovery, and an eye-opening insight into what makes the island
where she lives so special.Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-30298688354643515492015-02-02T21:18:00.000+00:002015-02-05T18:30:33.588+00:00Crowning the PresidentA ceremony did take place to officially "crown" Dad as the President of the Staffordshire LDWA.<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-62152656420287132662015-02-02T19:14:00.000+00:002015-02-02T19:14:16.566+00:00A weekend awayWell Dad has enjoyed his first weekend away since his op. He's been staying at the <a href="http://www.woodlandsoec.org/cms/woodlands/centre" target="_blank">Woodlands Centre</a> at Glasbury-on-Wye. He's had a great weekend, even though it was a bit nippy! I did ask if he was taking his hot water bottle with him and he said no ... as he didn't want everyone to know he used a hot water bottle !<br />
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Dad did his own walks and on the Saturday he had a wander along the river. Sunday he had a walk up one the hills ! Took it at his own pace but on both days he was out walking for a couple of hours. This is yet another milestone ticked off !<br />
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He's back to see the surgeon this week, so it will be good that he can report that he's been doing a few miles walking!<br />
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He's done three weeks at the gym now so he should at least be getting the hang of what he needs to do on the equipment !<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-62221550839831113642015-02-02T19:02:00.002+00:002015-02-02T19:17:07.568+00:00The President of the Staffordshire LDWA !Well Dad may not be able to knock off the miles like he used to but he's just been made President of the <a href="http://www.ldwa.org.uk/staffordshire" target="_blank">Staffordshire LDWA</a> (that's the Long Distance Walkers Association). I don't think it's quite as grand a role as <span style="color: black;">Barack Obama has and I don't think his duties will be as involved but even so he's got the title of The President ! I think that means I can now say that I'm the President's daughter. Doesn't that sound grand. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-82691612919222308512015-01-16T19:36:00.000+00:002015-01-16T19:36:33.803+00:00The GymDad has been for his first visit to a gym! It's all part of the rehab programme but it's definitely a first for him! He'd got his own personal trainer, which was useful as I'm not sure he'd be able to suss the computerised technology! They had him walking on the treadmill, riding a bike, on one of those "arm thingies" (that's what he called it!) and then back on the treadmill. He said he enjoyed the session and he's looking forward to his next session. It's a good job as he's got seven more of these sessions ! Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-76019832167506558042015-01-10T17:01:00.000+00:002015-01-10T17:01:12.184+00:00The BikeWell they've given out gale warnings and yellow "be aware" warnings and the weather folk have been gearing up to it for a few days .... so today is the day Dad decides to get his bike out for the first time since his op and tootles off to get his paper. His words were "I didn't realise it was so windy until I started pedalling !" <br />
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Yeah Dad not the best of days to pick for your post-op maiden bike ride !<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-82262693335029371482015-01-06T16:22:00.002+00:002015-01-06T19:20:16.819+00:00A quick updateA quick update as it will be coming up to six weeks post op this week ! Dad is doing good and he's hoping to get back behind the wheel and get out and about in his car. I think that will make a huge difference in his recovery and regaining his independence.<br />
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On Saturday night we headed up to the velodrome in Manchester to watch <a href="http://www.cyclingrevolution.com/" target="_blank">Revolution</a> track racing. We'd booked the tickets a few months ago. We had a great night and after explaining to the staff at velodrome that Dad had not long had a operation and wasn't up to walking far they sent me a parking voucher to park on site which was brilliant.<br />
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Today he went AWOL ... well I couldn't get hold on him. I spoke to him first thing and then tried at lunch and got no answer. I left a message and then tried a few more times over the next few hours but still no reply. I even tried his mobile which was kind of pointless as he never has it switched on ! However he checked in a couple of hours later. He'd been out for lunch and then a walk around Westport Lake (which is a mile around - I know this as it's one of my walks) and then also popped in and had a walk around the Dingle. That'll probably be the furthest he's walked so that it great progress.<br />
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Tomorrow and Thursday he has a couple of appointments at the hospital which will be the first time he has seen anyone since getting discharged.<br />
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Will keep you posted on his progress..<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-52670805368383885422014-12-25T13:37:00.001+00:002014-12-25T13:45:27.112+00:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a quick post to say Merry Christmas ... or as Dad's hat says Bah-Humbug ! Enjoy your day. Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-35740943869188407742014-12-23T17:39:00.000+00:002014-12-23T17:39:43.324+00:00Season's GreetingsDad hasn't written any Christmas cards this year - apparently it's one of the little known side effects of a heart by-pass operation especially when the op is done in the run up to Christmas, who knew ! So if you've sent him a Christmas card and he's not sent one back, don't worry you are not alone ! Normal service will be resumed in 2015 !<br />
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Many thanks to everyone that has followed Dad's progress over the last few weeks, that have sent their best wishes, been in touch or visited. It really is appreciated.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Jack & Kendal</i></span></span></div>
Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-62549570547331286172014-12-20T13:41:00.000+00:002014-12-20T13:41:19.536+00:00It's the weekendWell Dad had a little walk along to the Drs yesterday. Took his time but he made it there and back ! Said it was cold though. This ain't cold this is fairly mild ! I gave him a call in the afternoon and I got no reply, a bit of panic sets in but I left it 10 minutes and tried again. I'd only managed to catch him in the shower :)<br />
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Today he's had his shopping delivered with my Asda online shop so I've been and dropped that off at his this morning and put it all away. His shopping cost a fraction of my weekly shop ... I'm blaming my cat for his expensive tastes !<br />
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This morning I've been to visit my Mum in the home, so Dad tagged along for a visit, a chat and a cup of tea! He usually visits Mum once a week and he's not been since before his op so she was really pleased to see him.<br />
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Mum with her frame that Dad "customised" with her name and the fairies have put tinsel on it overnight ! <br />
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Dad has also caught up reading this blog.<br />
<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-10195333925203233362014-12-18T18:46:00.001+00:002014-12-18T18:46:44.601+00:00Three Weeks on from the op ...Well it's been three weeks since Dad had his op and just over a week since he came home. Been a stressful few weeks but hopefully we are now over the difficult part. Dad is doing good, he gets tired but that's to be expected after such a big op.<br />
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We still "check-in" by phone several times a day and I call in on my way home from work. Dad also gets regular visitors and phone calls from his friends as well. <br />
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Dad has been out for a couple of pub lunches this week. On Wednesday he went out with a friend and they headed over to a pub in Market Drayton and even though Dad had said before he'd not got much of an appetite he did manage to polish off steak pie and pint! Today he's been out to The Mainwaring Arms and managed polish off another hearty meal and a pint ! So much for not having much of an appetite !<br />
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I've been dropping him a newspaper off on my way to work and he's also been reading his books, so with that, his visitors and trips out he's been keeping himself occupied. He's hoping to go for a little walk tomorrow, just to the end of the street as he has a Drs appointment. I've told him he must carry his mobile phone and an "In Case of Emergency" note with my contact numbers on ! What's the betting he forgets both !<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-39824255792660151612014-12-15T18:48:00.000+00:002014-12-15T18:48:57.794+00:00The last few daysWell Dad has been home a few days now. I've had to keep my distance as I've had the lurgy and haven't wanted to give it Dad. We ring each other several times a day and I've nipped in briefly a few times. He's doing ok. He gets very tired so spends his day reading his book, having a sleep, watching TV, having a sleep and still manages a good 10 or 11 hours sleep at night. They do say sleep is a great healer !<br />
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He says he's lost his taste buds so doesn't fancy anything ... I'm tempting him with things and he keeps saying "nah don't fancy that". He's got a box of Thorntons that someone has bought for him and he says even chocolate tastes funny - how can chocolate taste funny !!! I've told him that it will come back in time. I've offered take him the pub one night and I know his friends have said the same but he says he doesn't fancy a beer yet ! This will probably be the first alcohol free Christmas he's had in many years !<br />
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He's not really been out yet, other than nipping round a neighbours. He did announce this morning that he'd thought about going to Newcastle on the bus today !!!! Errrr I don't think so. He said "I was going to tell you before I went", like that makes it alright ! I've told him he needs to start off slowly. A walk around the cul-de-sac, a walk to the newsagents, and then slowly build up to walk to the village ... not first time outing a bus trip into Newcastle. <br />
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Many thanks to those that ring and call to see Dad. <br />
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I will continue to update the blog on Dad's progress, just might not be as often as I was doing before. Dad hasn't read any of what I've been writing about him yet. It'll take him a good while read through it all.<br />
<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-12324208240088602362014-12-11T19:08:00.000+00:002014-12-11T19:08:50.899+00:00There's no place like home !There is definitely no place like home and Dad had a good nights sleep in his own bed. He did say his feet where cold though and he had to get up and find some socks! I let him lie in and he called me when he was awake (about 9.00 ish). Didn't stop me worrying if he was ok though. I rang him just before lunch and then popped round this afternoon. He is doing ok but needs to take it easy for awhile. He was sorting through all his post - lots of Get Well cards as well as Christmas cards.<br />
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Two weeks ago I was worrying as he'd not got back from theatre until late but I'm so pleased I'm not doing hospital visiting tonight as it's a cold and wet miserable night.<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-23962283522407252162014-12-10T21:22:00.000+00:002014-12-10T21:29:18.570+00:00He's home !Collected Dad from the hospital tonight. Why they discharge people at 7.00 pm is anyone's guess ! He survived the journey from the ward to the car in one of those hospital chairs with me "driving". If he wasn't pale before we set off, he was by the time we got to the car. They say "oh it's easier to pull it along". Yes that may be but not with Dad in the chair and two bags hanging off the side of the chair. Struggled getting through the doors until someone came to my rescue. I did think I might just "charge" through them like on Casualty but then I remembered that is with one of those trollies and not a chair !<br />
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He got discharged with more drugs than Lance Armstrong ever had in his possession. I'm sure if the UCI turn up at Dad's to do a random drug test, he'll never get his racing licence renewed ;)<br />
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We stocked up with essentials on the way home - milk, bread, bananas and a pack of scones. I did drive slowly past The Smithy and asked him if he wanted to nip in for a swift half but apparently Wednesday aren't that busy.<br />
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He was glad to be home and was soon settled in front of the TV, remote in one hand and the phone close by the other. I was soon shown the door but with a promise that he checks in at least a couple of times tonight. I've already had one phone call. Nice to see the phone flash up "Dad Home" when it rings.<br />
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He needs to take it easy for a few weeks and not over do things but home is definitely a better place to recuperate.<br />
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The staff have been great on Ward 223 looking after Dad. Early days he got told off for trying to do something so I asked him tonight if he ever pressed his button to get help or assistance and Dad so no as he didn't want to bother them !<br />
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Thanks again everyone. Give Dad a little time and I'm sure he'll be back to his old self again soon.Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-36363157490391514882014-12-10T17:19:00.000+00:002014-12-10T17:33:33.092+00:00He's coming home !Got a phone call earlier from Dad to say they are letting him home tonight !<br />
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Off to collect him at visiting time. Seems an odd time to me to be coming home. Just hope he's had his tea.<br />
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He'll need lots of R&R (rest and <span data-dobid="hdw">recuperation) and I just hope he doesn't try to run before he can walk. Give him a few days and I'm sure he'll be up to the odd visitor or two. I would imagine he'll tire quickly so if he tells you "bugger off .... " I suggest you do sharpish :) I've whopped up his central heating, he'll be having palpitations when he sees the gas metre ticking round :)</span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw">Again, many thanks for all the good wishes, visits, support, cards, etc. It helps loads.</span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw"><br /></span>Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177624875144861191.post-34761676851029716492014-12-09T20:08:00.001+00:002014-12-09T20:59:26.316+00:00It's nearly been a fortnight !Spoke to Dad at lunchtime. He's been for a CT scan this morning. They got him up at 6.00 am and wheeled him off. The Drs have been round and they want to do some more physio on Dad so he's there for another night at least ! I asked if he needed any more clothes (he'd dropped his dinner down his trousers yesterday!) and he said no as he'd managed to swill his trousers in the sink and then hung them over the chair to dry! <br />
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He's still got his slippers and they've been on their maiden voyage to the toilet this morning.<br />
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Been to visit tonight. Dad is on good form. I asked if he'd any more news and he said no. He's not had any physio yet either. He did say that the Drs turned up when he was in the shower this morning, so when he got back to his bed there was two Drs, a staff nurse and a nurse waiting for him ! Of all the times Dad has to go and take a shower !<br />
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Dad said it's been a good day. He's had a few visitors this afternoon so many thanks for cheering up his day. He's almost finished his book and there's footie on the TV tonight.<br />
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The bed opposite Dad in his bay we call the "unlucky" bed as there have been at least four or five people in that bed who have not made it to theatre as their op has been cancelled at the last minute and have then been sent home. There is a different man there tonight, he almost made it to theatre today but they postponed his op as they found a complication before they started. If you ever get admitted to Ward 223 and get bed 30, don't bother cancelling your paper as you'll be back home for the morning !<br />
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Today's photo is the corridor from the other end ... the only difference is that the signs now say "way out" ! See you thought I was joking when I said I never see another soul in the corridors !<br />
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<br />Kendiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16328326165099600230noreply@blogger.com3