Mallorca

With UK temperatures depleted and rain forecast we sensibly opted for the Spanish island of Mallorca, enjoying a great week based in Puerto Pollensa: On Saturday we settled into a slower way of life with walks along the Pine Trail. Sunday included a walk along the Bocca Valley through palms, wild rosemary and nervous mountain goats. We lunched overlooking a cove before returning to the fantastic spa at the hotel. 

On Monday we took a trip to Colonia San Pere, with views of the wispy cloud covered mountains. Then we went North East to Cala Ratajada for tapas and shopping. After lunch we toured the Crestata Bodega (wine cellars) where we tasted not just wines and Sangria, but also numerous local liqueurs. The trip home was a bit of a blur!

On Tuesday we took the bus to Alcúdia, the ancient Roman capital of Mallorca (called Pol Lentia then) on market day. Avoiding bargains, we settled for tapas in a little restaurant set back up a narrow street. We walked to the port and then arrived back just in time to catch the first post-siesta bus 'home'. Just as everyone else squeezed on like sardines, a virtually empty bus drew up, we got on this one instead, overtook the overloaded one and arrived back fresh and fortunate.

On Wednesday we dedicated ourselves to literature and sun bathing, seeing a magnificent pink sunset.

Thursday saw us under the pine trees overlooking the bay, picking up hermit crabs and watching a diving bird fishing the shoals close in. After supper we went to Calvia for an evening perforrmance of 'Come Fly with Me' which was absolutely amazing: Dance, illusion, acrobatics.. all accompanied by the songs of 1950s New York. The champagne, chocolates and strawberries added to the special occasion.

On Friday we caught the bus to Sant Vicenç and decided to continue on to (old) Pollença where we explored the town and climbed the Calvari steps to a chapel and viewpoint. After crepes for lunch in the shade, we returned to our balcony to toast a very pleasant holiday. 

Gma FT at 84

 

Grandma FT was extending her 84th birthday all week so we got to try to keep up with her as she polished off a large carvery lunch and won the cleanest plate prize. After a lie down we called in on The Eberts and then The Mark's. Thanks everyone.

April By The River (again)

With the sun out and a North wind blowing we risked a walk in the bluebell woods. Suitably warmed up we stopped by at The Moon public house for drinks, which turned into a very nice supper, before the riverside walk back to the van. In the morning Tim joined Jerry for another trip down our favourite tributary. After shepherding Swans and lunch under an aerial display by Sand Martins, the boys frittered away an hour in the rapids. As ever, an epic FT Life Film captured the best bits. More at Flying Ts. 

Newark Park

We enjoyed a pleasant walk around the house and grounds before consuming chocolate cake in the tea rooms, followed by a doze in the sun. God created soft-top cars for days like this.