Trip to Germany in June

The sun is shining, the temperature is certainly on the favourable end of the scale and our dream trip to Germany in June is now a reality. Travelling on the Harley-Davidson to Hull, enjoying the overnight ferry to Rotterdam. And then travelling after a good nights sleep through Holland and onto Germany. To reach our destination Bingen am Rhine. This trip to Germany in June is primarily to enable us to attend the Magic Bike Rally in Rudesheim. An annual event attended by Harley-Davidsons and many other motorcycles.

Getting ready of Magic Bike Rally Rudesheim

Ferry Crossing for our Trip to Germany in June

The P&O crossing could not have been better. You can book ferry crossings through Direct Ferries; this does not limit you to one carrier, they really are super to deal with, good prices too. Smooth crossing, excellent service from staff in the restaurant. We were early to bed. Early to rise. Croissants and coffee in the morning before heading from Rotterdam to Bingen am Rhine. The weather warm, roads pleasant what better for a first ride in the continent in a while.

As we arrive Helmut and Mariane come out to greet us. 4pm and we are in our beautiful apartment, taking off the bike gear and getting changed into a comfortable pair of shorts. Ready to sit down and relax after the 420km ride. Keen to plan the next few days before the Magic Rally in Rudesheim. A super nights sleep and once again the adventure restarts.

Monday

Heading to Aldi’s for some essentials to keep us going through the week. Bingen Am Rhine is well served with supermarkets, fuel stations and restaurants. To get to Rudesheim from Bingen you can either cross the Rhine by car and passenger ferry, for us it is only 5 Euro for the motorcycle and the two of us to cross the Rhine. It’s such a pleasant experience. In the summer the ferries run until nearly Midnight and start first thing in the morning. You can read all about the ferries Here. We explored beautiful Rudesheim and of coarse I got a new pair of shoes.

As we drove to Sankt Goar the memories came flooding back, I first came here as a 10 year old with my parents and two sisters, Hazel and Helen. Oh what fun we had. Crossing the Lorely ferry from Sankt Goarshausen, climbing the vines, and my sisters drinking schnapps. Yes some things have changed but not much and certainly not the beautiful scenery or the warmth of the people. We have booked a trip with Get Your Own Guide to go on a River Cruise down the Rhine. Great Opportunity to relax and take some photos. Get Your Own Guide is a super App I have put on my phone and can literally search for things to do any any place I am in. Most activities do not take your money until just before you are going to take part. And you have the opportunity to cancel. You can click on the link and have a look, it costs absolutely nothing to put the app on your phone or iPad.

Finally……

If you need any last minute bargains online or quality clothing, accessories, etc for the bike. I have found Webb Motorcycles great to deal with. Click on their logo below to get to their website, always worth a look.

Have a super day folks,

Lizbeth and Steve

A visit to Glenkinchie Distillery

After my octreotide treatment today my sister, Hazel and I take a drive to my local single malt whisky distillery. Served with water from the Lammermuir Hills this local distillery was founded in 1837. It proudly serves as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. Set in well kept gardens and knowing there are a couple of sheep that are going to the Royal Highland Show I jump at the chance of a visit to Glenkinchie Distillery. The plants in bloom bring beauty and colour to the garden. The beautiful statue sheep are an additional attraction, alongside the wonderful sculpture of Johnnie Walker and his dog nearing the entrance. As we walk in a member of staff warmly greets us and welcomes us to Glenkinchie. I certainly recommend a visit to Glenkinchie Distillery. And perhaps sample the whisky earning the title of The Edinburgh Malt.

Glenkinchie Distillery is close to Pencaitland, East Lothian only 15 miles from Edinburgh. The red bricked visitor centre nestled in farming countryside. Originally the distillery was founded by two farmers in 1825, John and George Rate. Until 1837 it was named Milton Distillery. The Kinchie burn runs through the glen and so came the new name with new licensing in 1837 Glenkinchie.

https://www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/glenkinchie

Shopping on a visit to Glenkinchie Distillery

The shop has something for everyone. Gardening tools, clothing, pencils, books, bags, diffusers, cocktail kits, glasses, of course whisky plus more. A fabulous cafe. The distillery can arrange wonderful tours. For us today it is a short visit. In the first instance to see the sheep. However, while I am looking around my sister catches a bargain or five. To say the least she got an amazing wax jacket, a sweatshirt and a bottle of whisky. After all you can’t go to the distillery without buying a bottle of whisky, can you?

Travelling Abroad with so Much Enteral Feed

Every day I am dependent on Lavita my Rig feed. Since 2015 I have needed the assistance of my lifesaving little tube morning, noon and night. When I want to go out and about I wear a backpack and carry my pump and feed around with me. Some things take a little more planning than others like going on holiday, taking part in certain activities. Since Steve and I love to ride the Harley-Davidson® together we make sure we are organised. Especially for longer runs, Chapter Events, weekends aways and foreign trips. In a weeks time we are leaving for Rudesheim in Germany for the Magic Bike Rally. I will be travelling abroad with so much enteral feed. I need to have my feed running when I am on the bike, especially on long journeys. And boy this is a long trip, first leg is Pencaitland to Hull to catch the overnight ferry. We have a cabin and sleep overnight on the ship. Steve will have to remember to put the bike in “ferry mode” Dock at Rotterdam and then second leg Rotterdam to Bingen am Rhein. Where we will be staying. I will need to have feed on for both legs, it keeps me well fed and prevents my blood blood sugar from dropping.

Rucksack to carry enteral feed

Steve treated me to a great rucksack made by Joules, looks fabulous in red. It has lots of handy pockets and its waterproof for going on the bike. The good looks of this rucksack takes away any medical issues. Such as the giving set connectors coming out of the bag attached to the feed attached to my stoma. Most people comment they never notice the cables. Saying they are discrete. It makes life so much easier when I am travelling abroad with so much enteral feed.

Enjoying Life

Finding the balance is important in life. I won’t pretend it is easy getting on and off the bike and riding with a feed running. The slight worry that something may go wrong. If we were to fall off the the bike the entire RIG could get ripped out of my gut. However that is something I don’t every want to worry about. I always take the necessary precautions, Steve rides carefully and sensibly. And we do everything in our power to make sure that the ride will be as safe as possible. Life is for living. We have been riding together since 1985, we rode together on our wedding day, the day before I gave birth to our eldest son, a few days after giving birth to our youngest son. And here we are still riding together through thick and thin, better or worse and sickness and in health….. Both our lads ride bikes and grandchildren love motorcycles.

We are so looking forward to putting the front wheel onto European tarmac and enjoying our time at The Magic Bike Rally. Enteral Feed and all.

A road trip to Holy Island

The sun is shining, the days are longer what better time to take a trip across the sea. R ide the red machine and take a road trip to Holy Island. As we head down the A1 the sun continues to shine. Passing the big bear at Dunbar he sparkles in the sunlight. And since we were actually crossing the sea. We checked the tide times the night before. If you don’t get your timings correct you are either left stranded on the island or carted off in the sea. And we certainly didn’t want that. On seeing the sign Holy Island of Lindisfarne made my heart skip a beat. Well on our way to a road trip to Holy Island.

All set to cross the causeway of approximately 3 miles. It is far from a straight line. Which makes it an interesting and at times eerie ride. Breathtaking views, we were lucky, no rain, sunshine, and most beautiful sand stretched out in front of us.

It is a wonderful ride and a super walk around the island. I can recommend it to anyone. There is adequate parking. Plenty of places to get a coffee, ice cream, some lunch, etc. Some examples to get you going, Lindisfarne Castle, Priory, Lindisfarne Natural Nature Reserve, and The Parish Church of St Mary the virgin, all worth a visit. On the whole the island is a great day out. We love it. Rain, hail or shine.

Why is Holy Island so called? The first abbey on the island was established around 634AD by an Irish monk. It became a centre of Celtic Christianity.


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Laughter is the best medicine

Finally Friday evening has arrived it feels as if it has been a long week. The body and brain are tired. Even have some physical and emotional symptoms. In this hectic world most of us have a lot to contend with and feel stressed at some time or another. When the going gets tough perhaps a visit to the GP is needed. Some counselling or medication are on the list. However getting together with friends, having some time out. Enjoying a good old fashioned blether can be just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

time with friends & family

Loneliness can have a real negative impact on our mental health. Meeting up with buddies and family can help in time of feeling low or anxious. In times of feeling depressed having someone to talk to and share the burden really helps. However sometimes it isn’t always necessary to unload your problems. Just going out and having a coffee with friends or family may be all that is needed to turn that frown upside down. A simple chat and forcing yourself to get dressed and see people is sometimes what’s needed. Talking about things with likeminded people does you the world of good, share a sense of humour, got many things in common. Really do get a good laugh together. Most definitely the doctor will say getting together and talking – sharing a joke or six. Laughter is the best medicine.

A little activity

Getting together with friends and doing something can be great fun. Whether its a walk in the park, riding in a group on motorcycles or singing together in the pub. It can all be a lot of fun and really get those chuckle muscles moving.

Smiling is infectious. When you see someone do it you can’t help but smile back. Grinning from ear to ear at times can be just as potent. And boy when you hear someone laugh doesn’t that inquisitive part of you want to know why . You never know if you go find out you may just join in and start to laugh to.

If you fancy a jaunt down to North Berwick and enjoy a whisky and gin trip. Click on this Trip Link to find out more.


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