According to google when you translate the Latin name back to English - it roughly translates to “having a fine golden-brown rear tuft”. My personal translation would be ‘pain in the ass’. That said - it’s not actually the moth that is the problem it’s the caterpillars. The following post is my real-life experience (warts, hives and all) of these seemingly cute little caterpillars, and how they have ended up consuming so much of my time. Yes the story isn’t over - but I am working through a plan to free myself of the hairy pest. Probably best at this point to describe the offending caterpillar - so at least you know you are reading a relevant blog of info. Have a look at the photos and this description; Ignoring the million legs…. Dark, almost black/brown body with rows of conspicuous pale markings. Paired reddish/orange spots running along the back — a very useful brown-tail feature. The dense fine hairs giving them that distinctly furry appearance. The communal silk web - where they hold up when not feeding. Living in a hawthorn-type hedge All the above tick the box for Brown tail moth caterpillar. I’ve broken my story up into a number of segments - do read them all though as they are equally relevant. Context We are located in Northampton, England. The brown tail moth is native to Britain - but relatively rare - in that you don’t see a lot of them. We have a long hedge along the road, maybe 25 years old, cut to waist height and a tight mix of hawthorn, blackthorn and some deciduous bushes. Background During summer 2025 I was noticing more and more hives on my body - all over after cutting the hedge, mowing the lawn etc. I couldn’t work out what was causing them - whether it was something that I was breathing, some sap touching my skin, or getting pricked by the odd thorn. I continued to garden as normal and put up with the after-effects - confused to what was causing them. During winter 2025, the hedge was bare. The leaves had fallen from the hedge and we noticed a small number of what looked like very thick impenetrable spider webs. I chose to ignore them (live and let live) and that proved to be one of the worst gardening decisions in my life. Spring 2026 came and so did the first cut of the hedge to tidy it up. I finished that day with so many hives over my body. I always reacted to something in the hedge - but this was 10 times worse. It also became apparent that the webs had multiplied many times in number, and there were very small innocent-looking caterpillars living within. That’s when my education and experimentation started. The hottest summer ever arrived and the caterpillars got bigger and my hedge got less leafy. More and more people were stopping to have a look at the big fat hairy caterpillars that were munching through my hedge. The first experiment was to use a face covering - that was a fail. The second was to be fully clothed - long sleeves and long trousers - again failure I knew we really had a problem when my son and the neighbour separately cut the hedge and had to see doctors and take prescribed super strong antihistamines to reduce their hives I stepped up the level of research and determined the issue to be the caterpillars - everything matched to the information that I found on Google and even videos on YouTube. My initial response was this. It was a hot day and it was like cutting a hedge in a sauna. Whilst it wasn’t 100% - it was near enough. Not sure it was 100% that the caterpillars were to blame - but I do feel it was 95%+, and good enough for me to research the eradication process further. I mentioned the neighbours, didn’t I? Well at this point next door had been properly impacted and two doors away on either side had been impacted to a lesser degree. The council had been contacted and confirmed that it wasn’t their problem and they were unwilling to help as it wasn’t a public health issue. I read somewhere that subsequent exposures to the caterpillars can be more significant than the initial reactions, and this seemed to be fitting the trend - which meant that I needed to act and act fast. Facts, facts and more facts I say these are facts - but they are premised upon the assumption that I’m correct in the identification of these pests and that Google doesn’t lie - so here goes; 1 - The brown tail moth, or more specifically its caterpillars are the issue. 2 - The hairy black caterpillars with red and white markings - shown below have urticating (new word alert, meaning - have an irritant effect). Anyway hairs that can cause breathing difficulties and/or rashes when making contact with skin. But more than that - it’s also the cocoon they build and their faeces - so in short anything caterpillar related - alive or dead. 3 - When cutting the hedge the hairs go airborne and will find their way everywhere air goes. Think cutting and clearing up a hedge for an hour in a cloud of airborne microscopic hairs - equipped with little urticating hooks for good measure. I guess they are doing their job - though I bet the caterpillars aren’t expecting Phase 1 of my plan that I’m hatching. The residual effects of the caterpillars can remain around for up to 3 years if not treated / washed away with rain naturally 4 - The breeding cycle appears to be moths lay eggs (250 to 300 each) late summer - even the eggs have the urticating hooks. These eggs then hatch within 3 weeks into caterpillars that stay small, eating little and dormant over winter in hibernacula - which loosely translated means winter quarters. In summer, with the increased foliage, like a conquering army they eat and grow significantly in size, before leaving the hedge destroyed to go and cocoon. The adult moth emerges from the cocoon late summer, breeds and the cycle is repeated. Just like the day that the flying ants decide to fly, the caterpillars decide it is the right time to emerge from the nests - the caterpillars have a similar cycle - I remember the day that I laughed as the drive was covered with caterpillars heading away from the hedge. I was completely ignorant to the phase of the cycle that I was witnessing. 5 - the caterpillars gather together for protection. The webs that they spin are truly impenetrable and provide protection. They manage this collective behaviour by laying trails of pheromones. Irradication Plan - Project Colin Phase 1 Remove caterpillar webs - this is done by cutting out the hedge around leaving the web (and more importantly the contents intact. Easier said than done - as they generally use the thick blackthorn to locate their homes - certainly in my hedge. Though the job was made easier as the webs were at least accessible. Neighbours with high hedges are going to have significantly more work to do. Internet advice was to either burn or bag up and bin. I did both. The burning panicked the non-impacted neighbours as it was the height of summer and we had a few grass fires in the area. Burning was very effective. Binning was not and the bin was subsequently covered in confused caterpillars the next morning - it’s green but doesn’t taste of leaves. I was fully covered from head to toe - and even then I had a few hives between my gloves and the elastic of the disposable overalls that I purchased from Amazon - https://amzn.to/4czdG03. I’ve also since bought these longer gloves - https://amzn.to/46PGnCs, which I haven’t tested as yet. Phase 2 Cut hedges - make them look nice. The huge gaps that were created when cutting the webs out were further accentuated. And the removal of more foliage only served to flag that not all webs had been removed. I hoped that phase 3 would resolve this and if not I’ve added Phase 4. Phase 3 Spray hedge with BugClear Ultra 2 Insecticide - from Amazon - https://amzn.to/3SRLJKk. Just 7ml per litre of this nasty stuff promises to sort the problem. I found some nice weather days - with little chance of rain and sprayed twice - a week apart. I also bought a separate sprayer for this particular job - it worked well - https://amzn.to/4rjju49. I can’t use the spray now for another year. I gave the remaining webs an extra wet spray - hoping that the direct action will get into the very young caterpillar webs. It’s September 2026 - The hedge is looking quite beaten up. We are waiting for autumn and for the leaves to drop to show the full extent of the webs that remain. Phase 4 (Planned for winter 2026) Cut out the remaining webs and burn - will be more acceptable in winter when the risk of a fire spreading is much reduced and the smoke won’t make it through the now closed neighbours’ windows Phase 5 - Nuclear Option Burn / dig out / blow up the hedge and replace with something non-organic I would rather avoid that for both aesthetic reasons as well as the impact on my wallet.

The Harland and Wolff cranes, towering over the Belfast skyline, are not just engineering icons; they are Belfast. These iconic structures, known locally as Samson and Goliath have witnessed the rise and fall of shipbuilding in Belfast Habour and have become a symbol of the city itself. Gantry Cranes The cranes, known locally and affectionately as Samson and Goliath - always in that order, dominate the skyline of Belfast. From a quick google - the first, Goliath, was completed in July 1969, and Samson was completed in May 1974. I was born in 1968, and grew up just outside Belfast, and I've only ever known the cityscape as having the two cranes. The cranes are pretty much identical to the layman - same paint work, same design, with a span of 140m and working load of a massive 840 tonnes. Goliath has an overall height of 96m, and big brother Samson has another 10m at 106m. Only when the cranes are close together the difference is visible. Landmarks Their bright yellow colour and distinctive shapes made them easily recognisable, and they soon became a source of pride for the local community, and still are today. I've even got a Christmas hanging decoration of one of them = which takes pride of place on my tree each year. You know your home when you spot them - and that is easily done from all over the city, but especially good when coming in from the air and landing at the close by City Airport, or arriving by boat into the nearby Belfast port. Decline of the Shipbuilding Industry By the 1990s, the shipyard had closed its doors. Many feared that these iconic structures would be dismantled or left to rust and deteriorate. However, the cranes were granted listed status, protecting them from demolition and thus ensuring their preservation for future generations. Thankfully the area around the cranes continues to be redeveloped - the Titanic Quarter, is a busy redevelopment project, and has transformed the former inaccessible shipyard into a hub for tourism, education, and business. The cranes are a perfect backdrop, reminding visitors of the city's past. As Belfast continues to change, the Harland and Wolff cranes are a constant. Belfast is a great city for a weekend visit. Update August 2026 Having sat still for many years, these mighty cranes are being brought back to life under a £3.1 million overhaul, so that they are once again used for ship building. This is part of a near £100 million investment being made in the shipyard to build new ships for the Royal Navy.

Visiting the Apple Store in Milton Keynes for a photography workshop on how to take better photos with an iPhone was a much needed experience. We are in our mid-50s, and we were heading back to school, albeit for 60mins. Robust feedback from our children suggested that our photography skills weren't great - they in fact were shocking. This was based on the many thousands of poor photographs which appear not to be a valid substitute for quality. It was time to take action, and we were eager to learn and improve. TL;DR It was a first day at school moment as we went into the Apple shop, a mix of nervousness and excitement - though we were quickly put at our ease by a great instructor. It was actually odd to meet someone with years of experience in iPhone photography - I just didn't realise it was a thing. The next 60mins went by in a flash - see what I did there? The Technical Stuff The workshop began with a quick overview of photography - using any sort of camera. I was quickly lost - aperture, exposure etc of course have a meaning that I understand, but applying each to produce good photographs is a foreign concept. We then moved on the demonstrate how these concepts were managed within an iPhone’s camera features. Back at School We were in a small group of just four people, all total beginners that were quite unaware of the photographer features that each model of the iPhone offer, all eager to learn. The session flowed well, and learning a lot as a group was easy. Composition Techniques This was one of the take-aways that I continue to be aware of. Whether its improved my photography, I'm not actually sure - that said it can't have made it worse. The "Rule of Thirds." This approach means breaking the image into a 3x3 grid and placing points of interest along these lines or intersections. By enabling this grid feature on our iPhones, we could better frame our shots to create better images. It was also fascinating to get a better understanding of how shifting the angle by simply moving to a different location, could turn a simple photo into something so much more captivating. For instance, when photographing a wall display from a lower angle, we found that the shot felt more interesting and engaging. Editing Tips Not really photography as such, but the workshop also covered the basic editing techniques using the Photos app. We learned how to crop images, adjust brightness and contrast, and apply filters - simple techniques and tools that can vastly improve a simple photo. The instructor showed us how even the slightest tweaks could produce substantial enhancements - making a good photo great. Having the chance to edit our photos immediately made the process even more rewarding. The Impact of iOS Upgrades - All Change! Then came the bad news. Apparently its common practice to move options, settings, buttons etc around on each significant iOS upgrade - meaning that you might know what you want to do, but can no longer find it. We'll be fine though as we just took away the basics. Putting Our Skills to the Test After the workshop, we've been putting our new skills into practice. Our photographs are definitely improving - but we have some way to go. That said, for now, we feel better equipped with our new-found knowledge to continue to experiment with different lighting conditions and compositions. For example, I found myself the other day taking close ups of flowers for the first time ever. A Final Thought - Today at Apple Attending the "Today at Apple" workshop on photography was great. We learned valuable techniques, explored features, and realised that there is shed loads of stuff we don't know. If you're thinking about attending a workshop at your local Apple Store, do it. They are a nice bunch of willing tutors. We will be returning for another session soon. < We were asked not to take photos at Apple >

The Gobbins Cliff Path isn't just your bog standard coastal walk. It's an energetic two hours spent navigating an interesting cliff path consisting of bridges and tunnels carved into the cliff rock, and just a few metres above the ever changing sea below. Is it Worth Visiting? If you're in Belfast, and have access to a car, this is one of Northern Ireland's cool half-day trips. It's a simple 30min drive north out of Belfast, to reach the Gobbins Visitors Centre, which has easy parking, cafe and toilets available. Booking and Arrival Booking is essential - as availability seems to fill up fast. We took a short minibus ride to the start of the walk. Groups are relatively small, with around 15 people on our tour. Safety and what to wear At the visitors centre we completed a short safety briefing, and tried on our helmets. Boots with ankle support are required - they aren’t optional - but suitable boots (not sure about socks) were available for hire for just £5.00, if required. There were maybe 5 or 6 groups on the cliff at any one time, and the people traffic was well managed with the various groups crossing over each other at wider parts of the trail. Additional staff are positioned along the route in case assistance is needed. What the walk is actually like We walked down the steps hill to sea level - where the walk started along the cliff path. There is a single guide for each group. You don’t get the option of exploring yourself and must remain with the group. The facts and figures from the tour guide were quite light - but the visitors centre and website has all the detail that you might want. It’s a walk out to an end point, turn around and then all the way back. Slower on the way out, as you stop frequently, pretty fast on the way back. The path remains close to sea level - so there shouldn’t be any issues for those that don’t like heights. The cabling and supports are all well maintained, so again no worries with safety. It was a warm July morning, and the wind was not bad. So shorts and a shirt were ideal to remain comfortable - I unfortunately went in jeans. Dress for the weather though - as it is obviously exposed. The views are pretty cool - you can see Scotland on a good day. Keep some energy in reserve for the walk back up to the minibus drop-off area. Wildlife We saw lots of seagulls up close and a few puffins swimming out at sea. History of Gobbins Cliff Path It's a cliff path walk dating back to 1901, built by the railway as a tourist attraction. Recently re-opened after some damage in the last couple of years - and thus very popular. The path was the vision of railway engineer Berkeley Deane Wise and was first opened in 1902 to encourage day rail tourism from Belfast. The engineering, and by that I mean the various bridges and tunnels, are as impressive as the scenery. If you do want all the detail - https://www.thegobbinscliffpath.com Final verdict It was a good long walk - nothing too strenuous or difficult - but a good solid 2 hour walk nonetheless. Leave 3 hours for the full experience, and arrive 15mins early to make use of the toilets. The cafe looked pretty good as well, and served snacks as well as lunches. Would I do it again? No, I don’t think so. Definitely something that I enjoyed - but once you’ve seen it once, I don’t think a second time would have the same impact. Certainly recommend it though.

Let’s be clear - this isn’t a review of review of Americans - as both nationalities (US and UK) were more than represented within the United staff that we encountered. We had lots of mixed feelings; Ground Crew (Heathrow - London) Wasn’t impressed. Lots of people standing around and not doing a lot. Scott - I’d have a look at this. Pretty sure none of the staff would recognise you - as they didn’t seem to give a crap. I did self scan and screwed it up as I was firing the scanner gun around like a stormtrooper. We were then schooled on how to check in a bag. I think the most condescending instruction was - “You have to follow the instructions on the screen, all the instructions are on the screen”. At least I understand mansplaining - when it’s coming the other direction. I acknowledged the condescending tone of the instruction, knowing full well that it was my storm trooper antics that had caused the issue, and I was keen to shoot the bar code with the scanner again. Cabin crew (Heathrow to Denver) Lots of gossiping in the galley about vegetarians and vegans. I’m pretty sure that they have them in the US - but maybe United don’t fly to California? Yes their food choices might be more challenging to cater for - but that’s pretty much the only way they differ from us meat eaters. Passengers don’t seem to listen to the cabin crew - they get up for a whizz when they want - regardless of seat belt signs. I guess free whizz is maybe a constitutional right like free speech. Personally, I’d prefer the cabin crew to take a bit more control.I’m not keen on being taken out mid-flight by a whizz soaked lifeless body during heavy turbulence. 1st Service The cabin crew were more mature than I am used to in the UK. Not in a bad way — just… different energy. They also managed the cabin in an unfamiliar way - more like that aunt or uncle who lets you stay over, feeds you, but isn’t especially interested in your food preferences - unless its already been bought in. They weren’t like your mummy or daddy that listened to your childhood concerns - mummy is my vegetarian meal vegan, as I’m now a vegan mummy, or does it have milk in it mummy? Answering curtly with, Hunny - its vegetarian not vegan. No follow-up. No alternatives. No emotional support. No explanation for what the Vegan should do next. Eat up you’re at your aunties, I didn’t push you out of my front bottom and we don’t pander to you vegan kids here. We were grateful for what we were given. After the first service they all disappeared - well it is 14:00 and aunty needs a nap. As the flight went on the cabin crew looked more and more visibly haggard - their faces screaming that they wanted off this flight. 2nd Service 2nd service has started and the cabin crew have a renewed spring in their step - though its more of grit and determination to get the service over with. It appears that with United you can pre-order your 2nd meal. The logistics of said meal distribution seems to be frustrating our cabin crew - the flight isn’t full, so people have moved, or they are simply not hungry having been fed only a couple of hours earlier, or they are standing in the aisles blocking trolley access. Given some of the language from the galley - I think they would prefer no meal choices, and potentially no passengers, and certainly no vegan passengers that didn’t pre-order a vegan meal. Honey we are a little limited up here in the air in conjuring up a vegan meal - will these crisps do? I was frightened to press the call button. 3rd Service For 3rd service the crew was much more buoyant. I think the upbeat mode was driven by the flight nearing conclusion, and the lack of choice being offered - Pizza or Pizza - one vegetarian, one non-vegetarian, neither vegan. We received the first smiles (masking thank God this is nearly over). We had one each of the pizza roll things - they weren’t great and weren’t finished by either of us. All three meals done now and we are stuffed, and with 5 little bottles of wine each needless to say quite merry. We land US time at 14:00, UK time will be 21:00. It will be an early night. Thanks United Airlines

How airlines quietly run your sleep cycle The more I travel, the more I notice how airlines quietly control us. You think you’re choosing when to sleep on a flight - but that isn’t the case - the airline knows best. That probably sounds more like paranoia or a conspiracy theory, but read on. Boarding and first nap We got on this flight and even though we had already been fed and watered in the airport - we were given a first meal. 2.5 hours later the lights were dimmed, the window shutters were automatically closed (Dreamliner) - sleepy time everyone. Isn’t that what they did with our children at nursery? Jane gave in and asked for her travel pillow, and 30secs later was fast asleep. I was a firm no. I’m not a toddler that needs a sleep after lunch. I was for staying up and writing a shed load of blog posts as I’m in the mood and there isn’t much else to do. I paid $14.99 for this internet in the sky and I’m going to make full use of it. In the Clouds I’m also texting the kids from the air. They might not be impressed, but I think it is a magnificent technological step (when it works), that we would only have dreamed of when I was their age. Note - texting didn’t even exist when I was their age - we wrote letters, posted them, and would get a reply in roughly a week’s time. F’ing internet has dropped - I guess we need to get to Greenland before it reestablishes a signal. Another underhand way to get us hardy characters all off to sleep? And it’s back, and I’ve had a little sleep - yeah I know. In my defence - I guess that is why they feed those that are up some wine. Whilst I wasn’t exactly drugged - half a bottle of wine in the afternoon will do that to you. So it’s now 15:30 and it’s all quiet in the cabin, passengers are mostly sleeping, though the temperature has just dropped a few degrees, which makes me wonder if we are subtly being woken for another feed. They do that - the amount of light in the cabin, and the temperature of the cabin are both used to manage us to sleep and wake us as required. It must be time for 2nd service soon - otherwise there won’t be time for the 3rd service. Moving on In the meantime - I’ve been practising my interactions with our US cousins. A general thanks seems to be give as a matter of course rather than when deserved. Think of tipping - it’s pretty much mandatory whether the service is good or not. My new line is “I appreciate that”, soon I hope to upgrade to “I appreciate you”, but it may be a step too far for me, and bordering on outright lying.

Here is the run down of what was advertised for today’s 9 hour flight and what we actually got. Let’s be clear - I’m eating and drinking everything that is offered, except the sugary stuff as I’d like to keep my feet. A few passengers looked fully prepared for an endurance-eating event, so perhaps United knows its passengers. Anyway - here is the advertised menu on the app. Which is a pretty good and welcomed approach…. Service 1 - after take off Savory marinated olives or Lettuce mix Gnocchi or Braised chicken stew or Orecchiette Silky passionfruit and lime infused custard Service 2 - mid flight Apple cinnamon infused pastry Chicken burrito wrap Service 3 - pre landing Grilled chicken and pepper pizza Four cheese pizza twist And what we got Pre-Service 1 - just after take off Unexpected round of drinks Service 1 – Better Than Expected Round of drinks Chicken had run out - was ok as it wasn’t my first choice anyway Seems the vegetarian Gnocchi isn’t vegan as it has milk in it. So the vegans will have to starve. Clearly we aren’t going all the way to California There were no olives, other items were as advertised. As airplane food goes - it wasn’t bad. Service 2 - Mid-Flight Confusion Exactly (I.e. 4hrs 30mins) mid-flight No sign of the pastry As they got to our seats, we were then told that ‘they’ didn’t cook all the chicken wraps - but that the chicken wraps were now in the oven cooking. I’m not sure who ‘they’ are as there isn’t a chef back there, clearly an oversight of one of her colleagues. Unexpected round of drinks - which was appreciated Hot burrito wraps eventually arrived at 17:00, and proved to be worth the wait. Hot and tasty, and went down a treat, pretty sure it’s the first of not so healthy choices this holiday. Pastries are still AWOL, assumed MIA. So it’s now 17:15 and we land in 3hrs 35 mins - is there really time for a 3rd service? Service 3 - Final Approach Pizza Assault Its 19:00, approx 1hr 30mins to landing. Incoming is yet another unexpected round of drinks It was pizza or pizza - we had one of each. Booth were poor United Airlines - So in summary; Either this aircraft is 40% fuel and 60% catering storage, or United Airlines has cracked physics Service has been hit and miss - but on the whole - more than fine Seriously impressed by the amount of drinks served by United, and the restraint by the other passengers.

We hadn't planned to go to the tennis at Wimbledon this year - we’d applied for tickets in the ballot and weren’t successful. Like thousands of other Barclays customers, we did spend a couple of minutes messing around with their Strawberry Smash app, entered our details into the prize draw, and then forgot all about it. Then an email popped up in my inbox. A Strawberry Changed Everything This year Barclays ran a competition for its account holders called Strawberry Smash. It was a little app game where you had to hit strawberries back over the net, and avoid everything else. It was so easy that it was pretty difficult not to score enough points to be entered into the draw for a pair of tickets to Wimbledon. We both played the game, entered and forgot about it - until an email arrived. After I replied it got even better. The seats were in Centre Court, on the last Thursday - so that would include the ladies semi-finals. Planning Our Wimbledon Escape We wanted to make a mini break out of it - but the price of hotels in London, if you don’t book well in advance is eye watering. It was further complicated with what we should do with our luggage. Travelling and stopping by a hotel to drop our luggage off, felt like too many steps. After a bit of looking around at alternatives we opted to drive down to London, park at the hotel, jump on the tube to Wimbledon, and check into the hotel later in the evening after the tennis was over. In the end we chose the Hilton DoubleTree Ealing as we could drive straight there, leave the car overnight, walk five minutes to Ealing Common tube station and be at Wimbledon within an hour without worrying about an Uber and central London traffic. Tennis Bound The drive down to London was fine - if a little slow - as we got onto the North Circular. There were no specific delays and having parked the car we were soon walking toward the tube station 300m away. One would have thought that we would be heading to Wimbledon tube station, of Wimbledon Park tube station - but no, the officially recommended station is Southfields tube station, and then a 1.5km walk up a gentle hill to Wimbledon. During the championships - there are taxis available from the station as well as cycle tuktuks for £15/£20 one way. From reading around a little whilst Southfields is the official recommendation, if you are not in hurry, walking from Wimbledon station, passes by many cafés, pubs and plenty of tennis-themed shops for the fortnight of the Championships. Maybe next year... Collecting Our Tickets Barclays asked us to collect our tickets from just across from Gate 4, where there was a sponsors room - with booths for Barclays, Emirates, Amex etc guests. We were offered some bottled water. Whilst we already had some, I should have accepted the offer - as water queues given the heat were very long - and who wants to wait in a queue. We were escorted back across the road and through the short queue and light security at Gate 4 - I think Gate 4 isn’t an entrance for standard guests - so probably a good place to watch out for celebs. And then we were on our own. Did I mention the goodie bag - no, because there wasn’t one. Barclays I think you could have done better here - some food vouchers, a Barclays branded tote bag, and something from your stand - I honestly found the old style fan pretty useful. It would have made the experience feel just that little bit more special First Impressions of Wimbledon Words that come to mind… Crowded - there were a lot of people. Though we did notice that for most of the day Centre Court had maybe 10% of its seats free. It did get crowded again for the 3rd set of each match. Expensive - We were there most of the day - so we had two boxes of sandwiches and a sausage bap each. That was £60 before any drinks. Yes we could have brought our own picnic - but honestly in the heat, I’m not sure I would have trusted it not to spoil. Drinks were around £20 for two drinks - a wine and a beer. Clean - everything was lovely and clean, despite having hosted thousands of guests for the previous 10 days. Centre Court at Last We found our seats in Centre Court around 13:00 ahead of a 13:30 start. The seats were about 10 rows back from the royal box, and had a great view from the rear of the court. Thankfully we were in the shade. The court was showing the impact of nearly two weeks of tennis - with some heavily worn areas around the service line - otherwise it was beautifully manicured. I noticed shortly after that the line judges have been replaced by automation - feels like a good thing to me. The tennis was entertaining - we watched; Karolina Muchova v Coco Gauff and then Marta Kostyuk v Linda Noskova Both games were entertaining - and resulted in Muchova and Noshova - both from the Czech Republic winning each of their games. Noskova went on to win the Championship the following Saturday, and I believe an eye watering £3.6 million pounds. She won’t be short of a few quid. The Spectators Deserve a Yellow Card There were frustrating behaviours from fellow spectators; Late arrivals - felt like their seats were being wasted, and the stepping over us wasn’t appreciated. The couple next to us stayed for only one set - I imagine that was Wimbledon ticked for them. Endless chatting - not about tennis - but their nephew's skiing holiday, someone's kitchen extension and whether Waitrose would have any strawberries left. Distractions - there was of course the odd phone going off - despite the request to switch them off, Champagne corks popping mid serve, but mostly everyone was well behaved. Strawberries, Pimms and Lunch The queue for strawberries, as with everything was huge - if you had stretched out the queue - it probably would reach back to Henman Hill. We decided to remain strawberry-less. I don’t do Pimms. And as already said - the sandwiches weren’t bad, but that isn’t to say that they were good, and the sausage bap was probably the best thing. Beyond the Tennis We explored the grounds at little, walked past the Hill. The shops were full - so we didn’t bother with them. We did however stop to watch some tennis on the minor courts - under 14 girls. Most surprisingly, the seats - basically you are on the court - or as close as you can humanly get, with no one in front of you. The view was so much better than our seats, and the tennis was as entertaining. Jane congratulated the winner as she came to collect her towel from the side of the court, and received a ‘thank you’ from the young Danish girl. Was It Worth Winning? Of course - what was not to like. But - would I pay for Centre Court tickets? Probably not. I’ll be playing the Barclays competition again - who knows lightning might strike twice, and if not general admission and some of the smaller courts will more than suffice for my yearly tennis fix. A Comfortable Night in the Capital We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton London - Ealing. It was just off the North Circular with Ealing Common Tube Station just 300m or so away. We slept well, though the room was hot, and the aircon wasn’t effective as it could have been. It was a comfortable hotel, breakfast was standard hotel breakfast with most of the hot buffet items having gone cold. Jane opted for a cooked to order omelette - I think that, or poached eggs was the way to go. Cost was £95.20, which was a bargain for mid-week London. Parking should have been £14.50 for our stay - but that was comped when we checked in, along with a couple of drinks. Also the 9000 Hilton Points due to various promotions were very welcome. First time at Wimbledon Best to start with hotel, taking into consideration your travel preferences. We’ve stayed previously within walking distance - but that requires early booking to get an affordable deal. Otherwise Wimbledon is easily accessed via the tube - so any hotel near a tube station should work. Take drinks - you can take a bottle of wine or fizz each, and as much water as you can carry. Look at the weather and dress appropriately - a hat and fan was useful. Take some snacks - to fill the gaps, but the food honestly isn’t bad. Toilets and facilities - available - but crowded at times. Dress code - I wore shorts, short sleeved shirt and white trainers and felt fine in it. Our Wimbledon Ratings; Tennis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Food ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Atmosphere ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Value ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Organisation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our drive down to Heathrow was fine until we got with spitting distance and a self-inflicted diversion meant to save some time went horribly wrong. We lost nearly an hour in traffic as we watched planes land. Thankfully the process of dropping the car off at Purple Parking, bus to airport, and security / we were travelling hand baggage only - were all pretty good to us. Leaving nearly an hour in the lounge for an early lunch and a couple of glasses of champagne each. Jane is a dab hand at seeking this out from the many staff in the business lounge - you need to specifically ask for champagne, otherwise it is self pour Prosecco. It will be Cava once we land in Spain…. Gate A20 appeared on the app, well before the terminal screens (50mins before planned departure time) as advertised. Jeez - how hard is it to get out of Heathrow. It’s 30mins since BA748 left the gate and started our taxi. Waiting now at the end of the runway whilst loads of other planes appear to jump in, in front of us rev engines and disappear into the clouds. The pilots are going to have to fly this plane like they stole it to arrive in Barcelona anywhere near on time. Lounge and priority boarding as a result of my status match from Hilton Diamond to Royal Jordanian Gold Sparrow (eagle or hawk would have sounded so much better) paid off again - $149 well spent. Sleepy time….. That didn’t work. I’m still awake and we are nowhere near Barcelona. Snacks and water compliments from BA. It’s a bit naff - but it seems you now get a choice of a weird corn snack or 2 Hob Nobs. Looking around it seems most people have opted to bring on a meal deal. Certainly looks more appealing. If there was anything ever exciting or exotic about flying those times are gone. We are on a metal tube shaped bus flying through the air with everyone you’d typically find on a bus. Exceptions are lack of WiFi - you get that on buses now, and everyone is eating, oh and it doesn’t stop. People are the same everywhere. Lacking self awareness, manners, and the most common basic social skills. Knobbers. Don’t take your shoes off, pick your nose, cough without covering your mouth. The seats aren’t very comfortable on this a321 neo, but at least they don’t have a recline option - otherwise I’m pretty sure I would be in a seat sandwich now. Pilot has confirmed that we are scheduled to land on time - which is welcome news. Maybe the travel gods are back on my side? Landing - and not a long taxi to the stand. BCN 1 LHR 0 Irish passports - winner winner chicken dinner. No queue at the border and we were probably at the hotel, before some of our UK comrades from the flight had cleared the airport. Uber was the initial plan - but surge pricing or whatever had kicked in - and it was silly pricing. So we bought 3 day travel passes for a little bit more than the one Uber trip. Some time later….. Whilst the metro is very good for getting about - we have preferred to walk all weekend, taking the back streets rather than the larger commercial streets. You get cooler bars, an insight into local life, and less traffic and tourists. That tourist pass is now looking like poor value. But our steps for this holiday are looking pretty healthy - Saturday was 12km, Sunday 6km, Monday another 6km. It's a nice city to walk around, with quite a variety of safe neighbourhoods. Food and drinks across the city haven’t disappointed, both in terms of quality and price? Meal for 2 for 40 Euro, two drinks for under 5 Euro in a major city? Where else can you get that sort of value. Saturday evening was well spent at the bottom of the Olympic Hill - watching stage 1 of the Tour de France - the team time trial. There was a good atmosphere, and it was fun to watch, albeit a bit difficult to follow without a screen and a constant stream of reliable data. Live sport is great - but works better for those sports that are played on a pitch, field or track where you can see everything. Being at the bottom of the hill we had no appreciation of the excitement at the finish line. Sunday was a balancing act of Tour de France and F1. The location at Collblanc, a 25-minute walk from the hotel, was a good spot to watch the race come into Barcelona - there were plenty of spectators, but it wasn’t overly crowded. We had our own race back to the hotel, having mistakenly understood that the F1 race started at 17:00. It had actually started at 16:00 - so we got to see the last lap - which dissappointly finished under a safety car. Jane was happy that Charles won. On Monday, we left our luggage at the hotel and took a last walk around the city - visiting La Rambla and the beach. Our lunch was down near the big fish sculpture and was again very nice and very reasonably priced. It was however just warm, rather than hot. That said at well over 30 degrees in the sun, I’m not sure that piping hot food would have been the right way to go anyway. Our trip back to the airport was uneventful. We were able to squeeze a little more value out of the travel passes. Make sure and retain them for exiting at the airport - it appears that the airport metro train is the only time you need a ticket to exit a station. The flight back, bus back to the parking and drive home were all uneventful - thank god the traffic issues of our trip down weren’t repeated. Restaurants wise we have eaten at the following; Cecconi’s Barcelona - this was a nice place. I opted for Pizza which maybe was an error - it was stone baked in an oven stacked with wooden logs - but Jane’s lobster pasta looked better. Birras&Tapas - one word efficient. Ordering via a QR code or screen, and drinks and food would appear so promptly - it was impressive. Food was tapas - as you’d expect. Restaurant mi Terra Badal - Colombian food. Felt authentic, and was busy with lots of locals - it was a good feed. If a bit bland. Room - Spanish food - simple menu, down by the sea, next to the casino. Very reasonably priced. In other news…. I feel the Hilton deserves its own little sub-segment; Hilton online check-in promises an upgrade as a result of my Diamond status. However when I tried to select the room, I can’t. Online help can’t help - the irony. They forwarded my chat to the hotel front desk who appear to be unavailable to respond. The Hilton Barcelona came in at 55,000 points per night for Tour de France Grand Depart weekend. So just under £200 each night if converted into real money. Its position was good for accessing the racing, might be a bit far out of town for some - but the metro is efficient and runs close by - so I don’t think the location is anything to be concerned about. It was a little more expensive than I wanted to pay - but chosen for our free breakfasts, lounge with Diamond status, and 3 more nights closer to another year of Diamond from April 2027 to March 2028. As we checked in, we were informed that the Executive Lounge happy hour for the summer is located on the restaurant terrace - as it happens, it’s a pretty good idea. It’s a nice 30 degrees celsius in the shade and they are serving complimentary cold Estrella, wine and soft drinks from 6 to 8. We missed Saturday night due to a clash with the cycling. On Sunday night - we were directed back to the indoor Executive Lounge. There looked to be some sort of party in the restaurant which was temporarily being used as the executive lounge. Which I assume was the reason for the unadvertised change. The indoor Executive Lounge on the 4th floor was terrible in comparison. The high ceiling, hard floor and lack of soft furnishings meant that it was very noisy. The sound just reverberated around - banging of dishes, loud competing conversations instead of clinking of glasses and quiet muffled murmur of people enjoying themselves. There were too many people for such a small place, and the lack of windows made it even more soulless. The food selection was poor - a repeat of Friday night’s, and well short of what we have experienced elsewhere with Hilton. Beers and wine were nice. The sensible people left early to seek some food elsewhere. We opted for a pizza and a plate of pasta in a restaurant at the back of the shopping centre located on the main road 200m to the right. It does highlight though how much location matters - as it was probably the same food selection, drinks offering etc, as the Friday night on the terrace of the restaurant that we quite enjoyed. I wouldn’t pay for the lounge - it’s simply not good value. One very specific complaint. There is also something wrong with the bench on the right hand side as you walk into the lounge. It runs for 50% of the length of the room. When one person on the bench moves, the seating for all seems to tilt forward a little - it’s just weird. Breakfast at the Hilton Barcelona has also been disappointing. Whilst eggs are available to order, an egg station would be a good addition. The toaster is poor - it warms rather than toasts, and the water isn’t hot enough to make a good pot of tea. If you don’t have breakfast as part of your room rate, I would suggest sourcing it elsewhere. I’m unsure if we were unlucky, whether there was a fault with my booking, or it was an issue with the hotel but we had a number of simple issues. Morning of day 2, our first breakfast we were kept waiting in the breakfast queue for the host to determine via the front desk whether we had breakfast in our room rate or not. It’s a benefit of Diamond status. Both key cards then stopped working on morning of day 3, back down from 11th floor to reception to get them re-enabled. Evening of day 3 - cards don’t work for Executive Lounge, again back down to reception to get them re-enabled. Morning of day 4 - cards stopped working after breakfast - so couldn’t get back into our room, back down to reception again! Each time, they somehow didn’t appreciate how frustrating this was. No apology each time - just a new set of keys cut, suggesting it isn’t something out of the ordinary. Would I come back next time I’m in Barcelona? I don’t think so. The potential for the lounge to be inside would put me off, as would the breakfast offering. I think I’d give one of the many other Hiltons in Barcelona a chance.

Travelling the Norwegian Coastal Route during the summer season is a dream for many adventurers and nature enthusiasts. This picturesque journey with Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten offers breathtaking views, charming coastal towns, and a unique glimpse into Norway's rich maritime culture. However, like any travel experience, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of traveling the Norwegian Coastal Route in summer, helping you determine if this journey aligns with your interests and availability. Summer according to the Hurtigruten website is June to August Advantages of Summer Travel Stunning Scenery Same incredible scenery - just with a different dress on. The fjords, islands, and coastal landscapes are at their most vibrant during this season. The lush greenery and blooming flowers create a picturesque backdrop for your journey. Whether you’re taking a ferry ride or hiking along the cliffs, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Longer Days for Exploration Summer days in Norway are long, with the sun setting late into the evening, or not at all. This extended daylight allows for more time to explore and enjoy the sights. Milder Weather The weather during the summer months is generally mild, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. While rain can still occur, the temperatures are typically pleasant, allowing you to enjoy your travels without the harshness of winter weather. Average temps are - Bergen +15oC to +16oC and Kirkenes +9oC to +12oC Vibrant Local Culture Summer is a time of celebration in Norway, with numerous festivals and events taking place along the coast. Abundant Wildlife The summer months are also a great time for wildlife enthusiasts. You may encounter various species, including puffins, seals, and even whales, as they are more active during this season. Enjoying a Jacuzzi The walk out to the Jacuzzi is pleasant. Disadvantages of Summer Travel Crowded Tourist Areas While summer brings beautiful weather and vibrant culture, it also attracts a significant number of tourists. Popular destinations along the Norwegian Coastal Route can become crowded. Highest Prices Traveling during the peak summer season often means higher prices. Reduced Availability Due to the influx of tourists, your preferred cabin may not be available. It's essential to book well in advance to secure your preferred accommodation. Unpredictable Weather While summer weather is generally mild, it can still be unpredictable. Rain and cooler temperatures can occur, especially in coastal areas. Travellers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly. Potential to try to do too much It can be easy to overexert yourself during your travels, as the abundance of light doesn't remind you its time for bed. It's essential to pace yourself and allow for downtime to fully enjoy your experience. Key Takeaways for Summer Delights Traveling the Norwegian Coastal Route in summer with either Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. You be You Ultimately, your travel decision should align with your interests and availability. Regardless of whether you choose a summer journey or opt for another season, the beauty of the Norwegian coastline is sure to captivate you. Happy travels!

Autumn is a captivating season, and exploring Norway's coastal route during this time can be nothing short of magical. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, charming villages, and vibrant cultural heritage, this journey with Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten offers a chance to experience nature and culture in a unique way. In this post, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of travelling the Norwegian coastal route in autumn, helping you decide if this adventure is a good fit for you. Autumn according to the Hurtigruten website is September to October Advantages of Autumn Travel Autumn Colours Same incredible scenery - just with a different dress on. A major highlight of travelling the Norwegian coastal route in autumn is the spectacular display of colours. As the leaves transform, the scenery shifts into a rich tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Fewer Crowds Visiting during the autumn months means encountering fewer tourists allowing you to explore the coastal route without the stress of busy roads and crowded sites. Lower Prices Prices are lower than the summer highs. Disadvantages of Autumn Travel Weather Challenges While autumn provides stunning views, it also comes with unpredictable weather. Rain, wind, and rapidly changing conditions can disrupt travel plans. It’s wise to pack robust clothing and gear, including waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes, to remain comfortable. Average temps are - Bergen +9oC to +13oC and Kirkenes +1oC to +7oC Limited Daylight Hours Shorter daylight hours are another factor to consider. By late October, many regions experience only about 8 hours of daylight, which can limit your view of the coast line. Reduced Opening Hours Some shops and cafes may have shorter hours or might close entirely during autumn. A Journey Worth Considering Travelling the Norwegian coastal route in autumn can be a rewarding experience, blending stunning beauty, cultural richness, and a serene atmosphere. However, it also presents certain challenges, such as unpredictable weather and limited daylight. If you're ready to embrace the vibrancy of autumn and face its potential challenges, the Norwegian coastal route can lead to unforgettable adventures filled with breathtaking landscapes and profound cultural insights. You Be You Ultimately, your travel decision should align with your interests and availability. Regardless of whether you choose an autumn journey or opt for another season, the beauty of the Norwegian coastline is sure to captivate you. Happy travels! Here are some related comments that I got through on facebook; From Alathea Jane Anderssohn.... It's not just shops and cafés which may have shorter hours or close entirely during autumn (and winter). In Bergen at least several of the attractions are only open between May and the end of September - some only until the end of August - so anyone planning on a couple of days sight-seeing at the beginning or end of the cruise may need to take that into account. The Visit Bergen site has opening hours for most things. https://en.visitbergen.com/ From Emmanuel Somade.... One thing worth adding for autumn: it's a great sweet spot for aurora chances (dark nights returning) while still having decent daylight and milder weather than deep winter, plus autumn colours in places like the fjords further south.

Travelling along the Norwegian Coastal Route during the winter season presents a truly unforgettable experience - we've done it twice and it hasn't got old. Both Havila Voyages and Hurtigruten allow you to explore Norway's breathtaking landscapes at any time of year - so much better when they are transformed by snow and ice. I do think its my favourite time of year to visit northern Europe. However, winter travel in northern Europe has its advantages and challenges. This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of experiencing this stunning route in winter, ensuring you make the best choice for your upcoming adventure. Winter according to the Hurtigruten website is November to February Advantages of Winter Travel Stunning Scenery Same incredible scenery - just with a different dress on. The Norwegian coastline, covered in an ice cold white blanket of snow, contrasts beautifully against the moody deep blues and greys of the fjords. Travellers are treated to extraordinary views of icy landscapes and charming colourful coastal villages. I can just sit and sit - watching this magical vista - all day long. Unique Wildlife Sightings Winter can be a fantastic time for wildlife enthusiasts. You might catch sights of reindeer, seals basking on ice floats, and even whales migrating along the coast. But don't get too excited as spotting these animals can be difficult. Fewer Crowds Winter travel means encountering far fewer tourists than in summer. This allows for a more chilled experience as you explore the charming towns and villages along the route. For instance, you can stroll through the streets of Tromsø, without feeling rushed or crowded, compared to summer. Cozy Onboard Experience Both Havila Voyages and Hurtigruten offer a warm and welcoming onboard atmosphere, which is ideal for winter travellers. Expect cozy lounges where you can relax, sample delicious local dishes, and enjoy panoramic views of snowy landscapes. There is something so nice about viewing the icy cold from a warm and comfortable vantage point, or simply enjoying the warmth after viewing from the open deck. Exciting Winter Activities Winter creates opportunities for unique activities not available in other seasons. For example - dog sledding. Both companies vary thier offerings depending on season. Lowest Prices Traveling in winter tends to be cheapest time of year. Excellent for cost conscious travellers. Sauna The sauna experience is best in winter, but mind as the trip across the deck from the changing rooms to the jacuzzi can be a challenge. Northern Lights Best chance of seeing the Northern Lights - and for many sailings even come with a guarantee that you will experience them. Challenges of Winter Travel with Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten Weather Challenges While winter scenery is breathtaking, the weather can be unpredictable. You may face heavy snowfall or strong winds that could potentially disrupt travel plans. Average temps are - Bergen +2oC to +6oC and Kirkenes -10oC to -4oC. Limited Daylight In winter, daylight hours in Norway are short, leaving limited time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Indoor areas become more social and inviting. Cold Temperatures Cold weather can deter some travellers. While the snowy landscape is stunning, it demands warm clothing and gear for comfort. Those who are not used to harsh winter conditions might struggle to fully enjoy outdoor adventures. It's crucial to dress in layers, bring waterproof outerwear and sturdy footwear. Tip - Ice grips stretched over your regular footwear together with ski poles are really useful to provide a safer walking experience on ice and snow. The ships have large windows ideal for viewing for those that don't want to brave the exposed decks. Limited Availability of Some Services Certain services may be less available during winter. Attractions can close for the season, and not all activities may remain open. For example, some hiking trails become inaccessible due to snow cover. Alternatives will be on offer to fill the shorter days. Key Takeaways for Winter Wonders Travelling the Norwegian Coastal Route in winter with Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten provides a unique adventure full of fantastic views of changing landscapes. The incredible scenery paired with a cozy onboard atmosphere make for a fantastic journey. However, be sure to consider the potential challenges of unpredictable weather, mobility challenges, or just the bitter cold. You be You Ultimately, your travel decision should align with your interests and availability. Regardless of whether you choose a winter journey or opt for another season, the beauty of the Norwegian coastline is sure to captivate you. Happy travels!