Saturday, December 9, 2020

Wednesday, January 17, 1973

LittleHampton, UK

Weather – cloudy

The Beach Hotel is the only one in LittleHampton so that’s where we stayed – not too bad own bath and steam heat) - Nice dining room and meals – we phoned Bridget’s girl and told her we’re on our way to see her (tomorrow.)

Wednesday (17th)  Today is Linda’s birthday – I just realized it! Days are flying by – had our breakfast, then wrote to Sue. Started off driving in the sunshine along the coast. Stopped in Portsmouth to go aboard Nelson’s ship “The Victory” - quite a site! Every few minutes we heard “watch your head.” Stopped to  write postcards which are stamped right on the ship.

And onto to Bournemouth.

Found Bridget’s bungalow without too much trouble – she greeted us with – “hot water bottles are already in your bed” and our protest that we weren’t staying with her fell on deaf ears so we had supper then round to the local pub for a few – then into a warm bed. 

Thursday, January 18, up and breakfast with Bridget, then we started out for “home” near London. A beautiful day for a drive. We stopped for lunch at “the Wagoneer, and arrived at Joan’s at Hanworth 230 but she was out, so we drove on to find a place to stay near her. Two hours later, we were back at Joan’s place – nothing – After their supper, we all (Alan, Joan and Ernie) went out to the Grey Hound Hotel to see if we could get in. We were in luck – a motel (across the street) still the greyhound had a room for us. Hope to stay here now till Sunday. 

Out to the pub for a few, then to bed.

Friday, December 8, 2023

Tuesday, January 16, 1973

Up for breakfast – a frosty morning, but sunny - must write a few lines today. Our room is modern and beautiful and different with unusual lamps and lights (with shades.) I recommend this highly.

We started out, driving around and found a pub. Archie liked called “The Feathers.”  He and Harry were there in the great war, of course. The Publican was friendly, and we spent several hours there – had lunch then after closing, went to look for a church, that brother Harry and his regiment rebuilt for the people of Merstham. We found it and it’s now used for concerts, weddings and church plays. Inside is a plaque to the Canadian soldiers.

On our way to Brighton again - looking for a spot to stay the night. Some places are awful - we wouldn’t stay in them - so we drove on & on. Finally came to Land’s End - as far as Archie is concerned - we stay HERE or else! He’s had enough of these “B —- English drivers!” 

(Note: Tuesday

            3 Bridges

            Warm Sunny)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Sunday, January 14, 1973

Up a note for breakfast at 9 AM!! Going to drive to Hanworth (20 min) To get Joan to go to Eastbourne for a day – come back tomorrow – raining a bit.

The sun came out for three minutes yesterday – apparently the first time since Christmas!! Mild though – about 42°F. 

Left Joan’s house at noon. The gang were there to see us off. Had a lovely drive down.”South” – The sun came out and made a pleasant day. Stopped at East Granstead for a pint and lunch. We arrived at our destination about 3 PM.

Found Beryl and Mike’s place after asking a few questions. Saw June and David and after a short visit, we went out to find a bed for the night. Got A few beds – like a double room for us, and one twice the size with single beds for Joan. 

Back to Beryl’s for tea. Saw my aunt Bob for an hour – looks like my mom – found the Burlington hotel bar – stayed till closing – our hotel is the Cumberland - overlooking the sea.  

Monday, January 15, 2023

Up and at breakfast by 930 – Joanne enjoyed her palatial room and bath. Took a drive up Beachy Ppoint in Sussex – breathtaking view – but breezy – came back by way of Red Hill and Box Hill, and easily found our way to Joan’s - dropped her off and went back to East Grinstead for the night at a beautiful hotel called Ye Olde Felbridge Hotel complete with swimming pool. Down to visit a few pubs and so to bed.  

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Friday, January 12, 1973, overcast and 40°.

Up and packed – Archie has hired a car and we’ll be off. I can’t wait to eat so I went down to the “restaurant“ more like a huge ballroom, for coffee and toast. The waiter sneered at “toast,” - it was dinner time to him! 

Arch had our “hired” car delivered – we feel quite smart with a Ford Cortina four-door, 1973 model. We left London and drove to Dorking and got a room (very modern) in the “White Horse.” The oldest beams in the place date back to the 15th century. Drove around after dinner (which we had at the White Horse) and out to a pub Arch visited in the war. “The Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower” 

and had a pint or two – then searched and found another favorite pub “The Woodsman” also in Ashstead. We came back on dark roads to Darking in time for a pint at the local “The Boot Hole.”

Saturday, January 13, 1973 – overcast 33°

Quite damp today – first time we got up in time for breakfast – had it in the hotel dining room. Guess we’re finally getting accustomed to time. Going out for a drive. Drove all over the place – Aldershot, where we tried to find Archie‘s brother, Bob’s grave, but being Saturday, no one on duty. Then on Ashstead, Leatherhead, 

Kingston, and found Joan’s place again in Hanworth - a cup of tea and then a leisurely drive back to Dorking. (about 20 miles.) Had a quiet evening in front of the “telly.”

Monday, December 4, 2023

Just in case you missed yesterday’s blog and the introduction of my parents trip in 1973, that’s what’s going on here. 😂

Wednesday, January 10, 1973

Dad and me went out at noon, too late for breakfast. We took a walk, found something to eat, and walked to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and the pigeons (one landed on my head.) We walked up the Strand, Hyde Park, (everything is old and dirty, with narrow streets and the roar of traffic.) We went back to our hotel for a rest.

Sylvia and Tom arrived and had a drink in our suite then we walked to Simpson’s for an excellent dinner in 160-year-old dining room. Home for nightcaps.

Thursday, January 11, 1973

Up late again – can’t get used to these hours – Joan phoned us, and after brunch, we got on the tube (underground train) and went to visit them. Got off the bus at the pub which is the landmark to find their place. Met her husband Ernie for the first time. He was sat in front of the (color) T.V. - a nice afternoon. Found out we were staying to dinner and the family drifted in – first Carol from her job at the gas station – then Alan, who is a salesman – then, Nick, Carol’s boyfriend, then came, Lynda, Tony, her hubby and children Mark six, Debbie 8. What a group (Also, Alan‘s girlfriend Peggy.)  we went out to a pub, 3 Fishes,  built and started in 1606. Later, Alan drove us all the way home. Tired tonight.

(To be continued tomorrow)

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Good morning. I’ve decided for the next few days to post my parents travel log from January 1973. Their friend Betty Fairburn gave my mom a trip book with a note that they were to write in it every day. My mother did … enjoy!

Date: January 8–19 73

Place: Winnipeg to London

Weather: cold

After a half hour delay, we took off for Preswick and London. The flight is jammed – they “scanned” all our hand luggage, and we “scanned “anyone who looked “different“. Beaujolais for supper and chicken. We dozed off and we’re awakened at the new time “5:15 a.m. for 7-Up, Coke or lemonade! We had champagne left from dinner – dozed again, and breakfast served at 6 AM. Loverly - Cold buns and lousy coffee. Arch had champagne, left from dinner. Couldn’t get off the plane in Scotland and the plane was so warm – we were running an hour late! 

Arriving finally London at 9:30 on Tuesday, January 9. Then, long wait to go through customs – then find our baggage. As we came along with a cart full of our luggage, we recognized Sylvia and Joan awaiting us (since 8 AM.!) We were introduced to Sylv’s husband, Tom, who is a great fellow. They hired a car and took us to our hotel, saw bits of London, on the way. 

Well, the “Regent Palace” is awful – so we moved to the Waldorf Hotel by cab. The gals are really charming and so helpful. After we moved in, we all went down to the Gaiety Pub for a few. At 3 o’clock it was time!! The darn place closes up till 730. So we came back to our suite to have a nap and we will all meet again later.

7:30 PM, Sylvia and Tom are here to take us out to dinner. Bracket Joan has gone to see her husband who is ill at home.] We walked a few blocks to Waterloo bridge, and a few steps more brought us to a stationary shop, which is a floating restaurant. we had a drink at one of their bars, then buy a deck for a delicious dinner overlooking the Thames - With “Big Ben” in the background. Then, downstairs to a different bar “the 30s bar”. One drink, 11 PM – everything closes up – so we walk back a few blocks to the Waldorf and said good night.  

Saturday December 2nd, 2023

Good afternoon! Welcome December … a magical time of the year!

Yesterday was bowling with friends; just practice. Last Wednesday I was great … 168 average but yesterday, not so much. 🤨 We had fun though. Mark bowled well, keeping up with Roger, a retired pro. 

Tonight is our neighborhood party with Alan Darcy entertaining. It’s bound to be fun! 

Nancy took this picture of Lake Eustis this week! Great sunrise! 

The Christmas party was fun! 🤩 The table decor was extra nice with party favor bags and special folded napkins like Christmas trees! 

Friends havin’ fun!

Lynn & Steve lookin’ Festivus