The Tide is High...

Our accomodation in Berwick was easily the most luxurious so far.  Our host has built a seven bedroom Georgian reproduction manor home and lets out some of the rooms.  The whole place is such perfection that we are scared to slip/drop/mark/stain anything. He also runs a side business as a cake maker/decorator and had some of his creations on display in the guest lounge.  Needless to say, they were also exquisite.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with refreshments and asked to mind the phone, as our host was just "popping down to Mummy's for ten minutes."

The next day we visited Lindisfarne on the Holy Isle off the coast of Berwick.  There is a causeway that you drive across in order to access the island, however you must take note of the tide times lest you get stranded either on the isle, or on the causeway when the tides catch you. There are warnings everywhere on the island.

We walked all over for about three hours - the countryside there is absolutely stunning.  It is sometimes referred to as the "Cradle of Christianity" in Britain. An abbey, built during the 5th or 6th centuries by St. Aiden and St. Cuthbert and since ruined during the confiscation of the monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century, partly remains and attracts pilgrims from all over the country.

Seperately, I was having conniptions about the possibility of being stranded, so had already "accidentally" put insufficient coinage in the parking machine (meaning we'd have to depart earlier than planned). Luckily we left with plenty of time to spare and there were no news stories about two fat Australians being rescued from the roof of their car. As we were walking to the car, I picked up a huge punnet of fresh raspberries for $4AUD.  They were succulent and juicy!

The next day we went for a boat tour of some of the other islands of the eastern coast, a little further south of Berwick.  This was lovely, and we saw seals and various birdlife (including one puffin bird!) Thankfully, I'd taken a Travelcalm pill and so didn't vomit in anyone's face (as was the case with my trip to Kangaroo Island some years ago).

Upon our return home, we walked in the front door to hear music absolutely blasting from deep within the house.  As we went upstairs, it was clear it was coming from near our room. It turns out our host does the cleaning whilst listening to all male, light operatic versions of various songs as diverse as Somewhere Over the Rainbow and All of Me by John Legend.  All played to a volume that would drown out ten lawnmowers! Unfortuantely I made the mistake of politely commenting that "we were enjoying the music" so it basically continued at this volume for another 90 minutes.

The breakfasts here have been some of the best so far and we're yet to find a good rhythm for meals... it seems that to some extent we are basically; eating, sightseeing, eating, resting, eating, sleeping - repeat.