Promenading in Douglas in The Isle of Man

We walked around Douglas or took the horse tram, and so we noticed many small delights in the architecture. Most of the fore-shore buildings still bear the names bestowed on them during the Victorian Era such as the Trevelan, The Empress and The Gaiety Theatre.

BeeGees and Horse Trams: Douglas in Ellan Vannin

Clydesdales and Shire Horses: The next thing they could not help but see was the famous Douglas Horse Tramway clomping along. Torrin and Ginger and the other tram horses are famous on Ellen Vannin. There is a website where you can note which proud horse gets awarded Trammer of the Week. If you love horses, why not visit their heritage stables or take a look at the Home of Rest for Old Horses

To the Isle of Bear, err, no, To The Isle of Man

The Isle of Man could fit inside Greater Perth several times over, and yet it seems larger. It’s a whole little world unto itself, with sea-side towns and ports and beaches and spectacular cliffs and forests and mountains. And, of course, it has a fascinating history.

Bernice Takes A Plunge, by Ann Harth

Bernice arrives on the first page totally believable and loveable. This middle grade book has everything: an annoying brother, a disappearing sock, a celebrity in town, an intriguing theft, a strange fisherman with a wooden leg, a mysterious island, and high drama on the open sea.

‘Tell Me A Story, Babushka’, by Carola Schmidt: A tale set in Ukraine during the Holomodor

This tale about memories and families’ begins with a lovely cottage in the Ukraine where lives a little girl ‘poor of money but rich of soul.’ But all too soon the Monsters come. And everything changes forever.

Climb up to Edinburgh Castle with Scotty

Scotty was happy to now stand atop this castle of castles, Edinburgh Castle, and survey the city below. But first, you have to get up there. The castle is enormous and has a whole hilltop to itself, and it towers, or looms, over the city. And whenever they had seemed to finally arrive at the main fortress, there were yet more sloping courtyards with more buildings above them. Why so many buildings? Well the castle began as a stronghold against the dastardly English.

High hopes, naps and daydreams. Dreamy Days and Random Naps, by Mawson

Celebrates taking time out for yourself, slowing down, enjoying the moment, allowing your daydreams to surface, and of course slipping into a nap. Will delight all who enjoy daydreaming and napping. Could this be you? 

See Blair Atholl Castle with Scotty, Your Laird For Today

As the current Laird, the 12th Duke of Atholl, wasn’t home, Scotty bravely decided to take on his ducal duties temporarily. Your tour through the castle today therefore is with Scotland The Brave, your Laird Bear (acting) for today.

Loch Ness and The Cairngorms with Scotland The Brave

Scotty looked out on the magnificent view in hopes of spying Heiland Coos, Monarchs of the Glen, and sundry mythical beasties. He saw hares popping in and out of the many holes in the paddock below. He saw sheep trudging up the distant mountain in the rain. He saw the little waterfalls and rivulets up there. He saw the sheep trudging down the hillsides in the rain. But no hairy coos at all.

Edward Explores: Return to Dartmoor

In November 2022 Edward undertook a most daring adventure in the Dartmoor National Park, basing himself for the weekend at the lovely Mill End Hotel. He was therefore happy to hear that he was to return to the area, this time in what would hopefully prove more summery weather. As the bearers planned to participateContinueContinue reading “Edward Explores: Return to Dartmoor”