Don't worry, I'll be there with bells on!

ThanksGumboot wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 5:26 amDamn, I hope everyone comes through it ok.Kiwias wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:31 amI'm looking at heading home there later in the year, for three weeks, but my brother in Melbourne just went back for a visit and tested +ve at the airport on arrrival, and while in isolation his daughter in law and whole family in Wellington caught the Rona, meanwhile in Auckland my granddaughter was just confirmed +ve.Snooze wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:35 pm Well I'm heading home to NZ for a couple of weeks in mid May. Not thrilled about the 5 figure daily cases, but not sure dear ol' Mum would be too thrilled if I postponed. Haven't been back for a couple of years. I'll just wear a good mask on plane and hope for the best. Will still isolate with bro' before making contact with Mum - I think best.
Zip wires!Kawazaki wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 6:02 am I'm going to North Wales next month in the May half-term. Any kid-friendly suggestions from the forum Taffs?
Arrived 2 April, spent 10 days in Canterbury and have been in Auckland a week. No rona among me or my family as yet, just to provide a bit of balance.Kiwias wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:31 amI'm looking at heading home there later in the year, for three weeks, but my brother in Melbourne just went back for a visit and tested +ve at the airport on arrrival, and while in isolation his daughter in law and whole family in Wellington caught the Rona, meanwhile in Auckland my granddaughter was just confirmed +ve.Snooze wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:35 pm Well I'm heading home to NZ for a couple of weeks in mid May. Not thrilled about the 5 figure daily cases, but not sure dear ol' Mum would be too thrilled if I postponed. Haven't been back for a couple of years. I'll just wear a good mask on plane and hope for the best. Will still isolate with bro' before making contact with Mum - I think best.
Bastard :Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 11:18 amArrived 2 April, spent 10 days in Canterbury and have been in Auckland a week. No rona among me or my family as yet, just to provide a bit of balance.Kiwias wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:31 amI'm looking at heading home there later in the year, for three weeks, but my brother in Melbourne just went back for a visit and tested +ve at the airport on arrrival, and while in isolation his daughter in law and whole family in Wellington caught the Rona, meanwhile in Auckland my granddaughter was just confirmed +ve.Snooze wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:35 pm Well I'm heading home to NZ for a couple of weeks in mid May. Not thrilled about the 5 figure daily cases, but not sure dear ol' Mum would be too thrilled if I postponed. Haven't been back for a couple of years. I'll just wear a good mask on plane and hope for the best. Will still isolate with bro' before making contact with Mum - I think best.
We'll have none of that 'balance' shit around here thanks.Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 11:18 amArrived 2 April, spent 10 days in Canterbury and have been in Auckland a week. No rona among me or my family as yet, just to provide a bit of balance.Kiwias wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:31 amI'm looking at heading home there later in the year, for three weeks, but my brother in Melbourne just went back for a visit and tested +ve at the airport on arrrival, and while in isolation his daughter in law and whole family in Wellington caught the Rona, meanwhile in Auckland my granddaughter was just confirmed +ve.Snooze wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:35 pm Well I'm heading home to NZ for a couple of weeks in mid May. Not thrilled about the 5 figure daily cases, but not sure dear ol' Mum would be too thrilled if I postponed. Haven't been back for a couple of years. I'll just wear a good mask on plane and hope for the best. Will still isolate with bro' before making contact with Mum - I think best.
Dolgarrog, few miles south of Conwy. GL junior took 10 y.o. g’daughter there and enjoyed it. Not sure if it suits a 6 y.o. though.TB63 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 8:02 amKawazaki wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 6:02 am I'm going to North Wales next month in the May half-term. Any kid-friendly suggestions from the forum Taffs?
Also, there's also a lake they've converted to a surf centre, haven't been there but heard good reports about it.?
GogLais wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:45 pm North Berwick for a week soon. Planning boat trip to Bass Rock, day in Edinburgh, couple of walks along the coast and in the Lammermuirs, Haddington and Lennoxlove. Anything else recommended?
My nieces have climbed it several times - they are the posh side of the family, living in North Berwick and all.Slick wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 3:20 pm The Law is well worth going up for the views, but despite looking a little intimidating from a distance it’s actually not much more than a stroll following the path
Less keen than I’d like to be but try and get out as much as possible! Looking at doing Schiehallion with my boy in a couple of weeks as it’s meant to be pretty simple. Also Ben Chonzie is meant to be pretty straightforwardJock42 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 4:43 pm Any keen munro baggers? Took my dog up his first, Driesh, on Tuesday. Looking for some more that are decent enough to walk/scramble up with a lab.
Thats good to hear. Was up there a few weeks back at Loch Rannoch Hotel butthe weather wasn't great. Happily ho back up there for a couple of nights.Slick wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 5:21 pmLess keen than I’d like to be but try and get out as much as possible! Looking at doing Schiehallion with my boy in a couple of weeks as it’s meant to be pretty simple. Also Ben Chonzie is meant to be pretty straightforwardJock42 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 4:43 pm Any keen munro baggers? Took my dog up his first, Driesh, on Tuesday. Looking for some more that are decent enough to walk/scramble up with a lab.
If I had time for one whilst I'm driving through solo (arriving late to a holiday so I can play cricket on the Saturday, a predictably popular decision...) around Arrochar/Rest and be Thankful, any recommendations? The Cobbler I know about, have been considering Beinn Ime and Ben Donich as well but open to suggestions.Jock42 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 4:43 pm Any keen munro baggers? Took my dog up his first, Driesh, on Tuesday. Looking for some more that are decent enough to walk/scramble up with a lab.
Have a look at the walkhighlands website, great site and grades them all etcPaddington Bear wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 7:15 pmIf I had time for one whilst I'm driving through solo (arriving late to a holiday so I can play cricket on the Saturday, a predictably popular decision...) around Arrochar/Rest and be Thankful, any recommendations? The Cobbler I know about, have been considering Beinn Ime and Ben Donich as well but open to suggestions.Jock42 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 4:43 pm Any keen munro baggers? Took my dog up his first, Driesh, on Tuesday. Looking for some more that are decent enough to walk/scramble up with a lab.
Home is now Auckland, snooze. I've been abroad for 17 years, most recently in Melbourne where I spent 6 years.Snooze wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:41 pmWe'll have none of that 'balance' shit around here thanks.Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 11:18 amArrived 2 April, spent 10 days in Canterbury and have been in Auckland a week. No rona among me or my family as yet, just to provide a bit of balance.Kiwias wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 1:31 am
I'm looking at heading home there later in the year, for three weeks, but my brother in Melbourne just went back for a visit and tested +ve at the airport on arrrival, and while in isolation his daughter in law and whole family in Wellington caught the Rona, meanwhile in Auckland my granddaughter was just confirmed +ve.To be honest I'm a bit of a 'nervous nellie' about it. Heart condition (minor) which keeps me on my toes, but I'm sure taking the basics of precautions should keep me clear. If not, the alcohol consumption will kill it before it can take hold (sorry Kiwias - not an option for you
).
Where is your usual 'home' Jimmy? Are you USA based?
Nice work!Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 1:15 am
Home is now Auckland, snooze. I've been abroad for 17 years, most recently in Melbourne where I spent 6 years.
Time to come back to NZ and so far I'm enjoying it. Not having a job yet helps. Prost!
I could lose a morning on that site! ThanksSlick wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 8:49 pmHave a look at the walkhighlands website, great site and grades them all etcPaddington Bear wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 7:15 pmIf I had time for one whilst I'm driving through solo (arriving late to a holiday so I can play cricket on the Saturday, a predictably popular decision...) around Arrochar/Rest and be Thankful, any recommendations? The Cobbler I know about, have been considering Beinn Ime and Ben Donich as well but open to suggestions.Jock42 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 4:43 pm Any keen munro baggers? Took my dog up his first, Driesh, on Tuesday. Looking for some more that are decent enough to walk/scramble up with a lab.
I've lost many!Paddington Bear wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 7:47 amI could lose a morning on that site! ThanksSlick wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 8:49 pmHave a look at the walkhighlands website, great site and grades them all etcPaddington Bear wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 7:15 pm
If I had time for one whilst I'm driving through solo (arriving late to a holiday so I can play cricket on the Saturday, a predictably popular decision...) around Arrochar/Rest and be Thankful, any recommendations? The Cobbler I know about, have been considering Beinn Ime and Ben Donich as well but open to suggestions.
You should try being an African business person trying to get a visa for here..... Just spend all morning churning out support letters.Brazil wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 9:12 am I'm off to Nigeria in a fortnight. The visa process is the most backward antediluvian bureaucratic nightmare on earth and has now taken longer than the actual period I'll be working there for.
Yeah, an Indian colleague said much the same However, I reserve the right to despise the home office whilst also being a hot little ember of rage at having to write out and scan in documents just to go to Abuja for three days.Slick wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 9:41 amYou should try being an African business person trying to get a visa for here..... Just spend all morning churning out support letters.Brazil wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 9:12 am I'm off to Nigeria in a fortnight. The visa process is the most backward antediluvian bureaucratic nightmare on earth and has now taken longer than the actual period I'll be working there for.
The All Trails app is good too.Slick wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 8:49 pmHave a look at the walkhighlands website, great site and grades them all etcPaddington Bear wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 7:15 pmIf I had time for one whilst I'm driving through solo (arriving late to a holiday so I can play cricket on the Saturday, a predictably popular decision...) around Arrochar/Rest and be Thankful, any recommendations? The Cobbler I know about, have been considering Beinn Ime and Ben Donich as well but open to suggestions.Jock42 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 4:43 pm Any keen munro baggers? Took my dog up his first, Driesh, on Tuesday. Looking for some more that are decent enough to walk/scramble up with a lab.
Cheers and beers Mr Expat.mat the expat wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 2:17 amNice work!Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 1:15 am
Home is now Auckland, snooze. I've been abroad for 17 years, most recently in Melbourne where I spent 6 years.
Time to come back to NZ and so far I'm enjoying it. Not having a job yet helps. Prost!
Just had a look at this, looks cracking, will give it a go in a couple of weeks.Jock42 wrote: Thu Apr 21, 2022 4:43 pm Any keen munro baggers? Took my dog up his first, Driesh, on Tuesday. Looking for some more that are decent enough to walk/scramble up with a lab.
Living the dream bro'. I'd like to get back home to stay. Lived in London for 5 where I met my Irish wife, now Vancouver for 25+, but would like to go home to serve out the last of my days in GodZone. Difficult though as she still has lots of family in Limerick. So Portugal is being talked about, and heading there in September to take a look.Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 12:03 pmCheers and beers Mr Expat.mat the expat wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 2:17 amNice work!Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 1:15 am
Home is now Auckland, snooze. I've been abroad for 17 years, most recently in Melbourne where I spent 6 years.
Time to come back to NZ and so far I'm enjoying it. Not having a job yet helps. Prost!
Brazil wrote: Fri Apr 22, 2022 9:12 am I'm off to Nigeria in a fortnight. The visa process is the most backward antediluvian bureaucratic nightmare on earth and has now taken longer than the actual period I'll be working there for.
Go West my boy, Glasgow is a fucking tipGogLais wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 5:32 pm Enjoying East Berwick. Highlights guided tour of Scottish Parliament, St Abbs Head, Trapain Law and especially the boat trip around Bass Rock to see the gannets. Why is there so much less litter here than in England - or Wales for that matter?
Also guaranteed to have one of the best and/or exciting nights out in your lifeSlick wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 7:56 pmGo West my boy, Glasgow is a fucking tipGogLais wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 5:32 pm Enjoying East Berwick. Highlights guided tour of Scottish Parliament, St Abbs Head, Trapain Law and especially the boat trip around Bass Rock to see the gannets. Why is there so much less litter here than in England - or Wales for that matter?
I'm not sure that you've sold it to me, Edinburgh seems more my sort of place. Ms GL wants to walk along the Water of Leith tomorrow ending up in Stockbridge (?), I get the impression it's quite posh.freddie wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 9:37 pmAlso guaranteed to have one of the best and/or exciting nights out in your lifeSlick wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 7:56 pmGo West my boy, Glasgow is a fucking tipGogLais wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 5:32 pm Enjoying East Berwick. Highlights guided tour of Scottish Parliament, St Abbs Head, Trapain Law and especially the boat trip around Bass Rock to see the gannets. Why is there so much less litter here than in England - or Wales for that matter?![]()
Hugo wrote: Sun May 29, 2022 10:12 pm Can anyone offer any insights into travel to Kenya? I'm thinking ahead to 2023 travel plans. I think there is a South African poster that lives in Nairobi who might be able to offer some insight.
It would be just myself and my teenage son travelling and we would want to do a safari - ideally would want to avoid the big tourist crowds so was thinking of going in Oct/November of 2023.
Thanks in advance.