For once the sun shone! Two cottages went today – one planned, the other a day early. Also B&B guests went so plenty to do this morning although no guests in today. Still haven’t finished unpacking so did a bit more and also some preparation for tomorrow. Went to Bakewell in the afternoon and it is noticeably more busy now that the holidays are under way. Bad news though is that Bakewell’s only electrical retail shop closes tomorrow. We have bought a couple of fridges and a dishwasher from them since being here. There is a big notice in the window highlighting their reasons which includes the changing nature of Bakewell itself, which is a topic for discussion in its own rights. The Peak District has 22 million day visitors a year which causes it own problems. The fact that two long established businesses in Bakewell have closed in the last year is more worrying.

After dinner decided to finish early for the day. Chris had put together an edited version of the Norway photos I took so we had a look at those. I also phoned a couple of guests. One who I knew lived near where the worst of the flooding was – luckily they are OK. Another guest, not in the best of heath, had travelled back on the M5 on the Saturday after the flooding and she was pleased to report a slow but problem free journey all the way back to Cornwall.

Also found the Captains blog of our Norway trip. Noticed he described the conditions more akin to the North Atlantic rather than the North Sea on that rough night. Must tell sister.

The forecast was more promising than yesterday but it certainly dint look that way first thing! Needed to go to Buxton to do a food shop at Morrisons so Chris suggested we go early and have lunch in Buxton. Set off with a light weight jacket but as soon as we got to Buxton it started raining cats and dogs so within minutes I was soaked through. Then his mobile went and it was one of the local farmers who had said he could help empty the cattle grid at the bottom of the drive – and he could do it that afternoon. Chris phoned Andrew to see if he could help too and Ian was volunteered. With all the rain the cattle grid has filled up. So we had lunch and came back as a third person would be needed – someone will have to shovel the last few bits out! It took about an hour for the two men and their machines and Chris to empty the three sections of the cattle grid. Luckily most guests were out. I then went back to Buxton to do my shop at Morrisons but had to go a different way as one of the back roads had a very big puddle across it.

A sign of the times with one phone call today from someone whose holiday cottage had been flooded and they were looking for alternative accommodation. The worst of it though was that it was their honeymoon cottage.

Chris picked me up from Macclesfield station and we got back home at about 6pm. En route we saw a local farmer collecting mown grass. Some farmers are still trying to do their first cut. Apparently one of Andrews wheat fields is ready for cutting but no-one is available to cut because they are so far behind. This wheat is needed for winter feed.

Back home there were no cows on the fields as a few days ago some of the youngsters had wanderlust and kept on wandering out into the road. As ASBO’s were of no use he moved them to a different field. we also had a new tarmac drive which had been laid whilst I was away.

It was nice an sunny when I got back – perhaps I had bought summer back with me?

Well perhaps not as the next morning it was grey and trying to rain. Took the dogs for a walk after doing breakfast – yes back in the swing already! Had a room to turn around too, for guests coming in that evening (last minute booking yesterday). Went down to Bakewell in the afternoon to start stocking up again. Soon start forgetting about holidays when there is a lot to catch up with like paying bills….

B&B guests arrived about 8.30 pm having eaten en route.

So this is our last full day of the holiday and we are at sea. Still bright but cooler, after breakfast I went to the computer suite to catch up on emailing. As the lines were slow I missed the ‘fruit & veg carving’ but had a chance to chat to the computer man. Average age on cruises such as these – 67. Met up with Janet and we went to the ‘true or false quiz’. After that collected dad and went for lunch at the lido. Sat outside and had a Chinese buffet lunch. Dad went back down after lunch but we stayed up for another hour or so before going down to pack. Went for afternoon tea then having let that settled went for a swim. Although the sea seemed calm there was some movement and every now and again it was if someone had switched on the wave machine. It was fun!

Last meal – goodbyes said and Janet and I went off to the quiz – we had wanted to go to he classical concert but were too late! Still didn’t win at the quiz but so be it. Last cup of horlicks, watches forward and of to bed. A little rough but nothing major.

What wonderful holiday. Dont want to go home!

Sunday and yet again awoke to a wonderful blue sky. Our last port of call on this short cruise was Eidfjord at the end of Hardanger Fiord. Although the village looked small it has nearly 1000 inhabitants. We docked at the quay, which was in front of a hotel – I felt sorry for the guests who came onto their balcony to admire the scenery and found the Saga Rose blocked their view! As we had an afternoon tour booked we walked around the village, found the old and new churches and went back to the ship or an early lunch. Dad chose to eat in the restaurant but we chose the Lido for a salad.

Our excursion this afternoon was the local nature center then onto a dam and a waterfall. At the nature center we has a 20 min IMAX film of the area taken from a helicopter. I had to close my eyes a couple of times as the film looked to real! The real action was taking place outside where two goats on the green roof (they go in for for grassy roofs here) were head butting each other. Apparently they do fall off from time to time! Went onto see the stone dam which was built using entirely natural materials – no concrete – and also here had a distant view of another glacier. Final stop was another waterfall but after some of the ones we had see it was a little disappointing.

Back on board it was a formal night with pre dinner cocktails and the ‘Baked Alaska’ parade. Managed to get to the quiz but as there was another couple with the team we joined last night we split into two teams – the sisters – as two of the ladies were also sisters. We beat the men but did not win. Went to the cabaret which tonight was a comedienne then went to see ‘Mr Horlicks‘ for my night cap. No sitting outside tonight as it had stared to rain.

18 July Still at sea but swell has started to increase and movement has become more noticeable. Sister not feeling well and has retired to the cabin. Been to check on father who is OK. Decided to give Captains Cocktail Drinks a miss and go straight to dinner. Formal evening tonight but sister not well enough to go. Neither were others looking at the number of empty spaces at the tables. Only four of us made it to our table. Even I was starting to feel queasy but in the dining room the motion was not noticeable. Had lobster for dinner. Like my fish. Had a fish curry at lunchtime.
Had wanted to go to the quiz night but left dinner table to late. Waiter remembered I preferred fruit tea in evening. Checked on sister who was sort of sleeping so went upstairs to see if I could get a mobile signal. Tried a few places but could not. Must have been in one of those blind spots in the middle of the north sea. Stopped of at one of the bars and had a night cap. The Captain walked past and said hello and I asked if he was doing the blog so my husband would know what was happening. After a quizzical look I explained I was here with my sister and dad. He said the blog usually goes out late. I know that feeling!
Went early to bed – well relatively early for a holiday but after a relatively sleepless night last night I was tired. Woke up feeling refreshed only to discover it was only 1.15 am. (Still a little light). Had trouble getting back to sleep as the swell had picked up and it was very noticeable. There were a few big ups & downs and one real bang and you could hear the waves hitting the side of the boat (dad was a few cabins along but nearer the front said he could see them coming over the porthole. Finally managed a few hours sleep.
First port of call in Bergen a lovely City. As we had decided to go independently we had an early morning call at 8am to give those who were going on tours a chance to have their breakfast. Sister was feeling more human so jumped out of bed and opened the curtains and said WOW! Bad news was we were in the freight part of the port but still had a lovely view of the city. After breakfast (I’m not having cooked ones) took the shuttle bus to town. Discovered four other cruise ships – two of which were big were in so it meant we had to queue for the Funicular – but it was worth it. We ate lunch with lovely views of the city. We then wandered around the old town. A part is old wooden buildings, the Bryggen, which is now a world heritage site. We went to the Cathedral and just wandered around. Having heard that prices were expensive we went in to some shops to have a look. Also went to the fish market which was fascinating. Bought a souvenir of Norway – a lovely woolen hat! Love my hats – this will be great for walking the dogs in winter.
Back to the boat by 3.30. The day had been mainly sunny and I guess about 19 degrees. Took some photos of Bergen from the boat and also of the big ugly cruise ship departing that was next to us (Celebrity cruises). Had afternoon tea with dad, but we are being good and not eating too much. Had a piece of cake and some fruit.

It is now 6pm and we are just departing Bergen. We may be incommunicado whilst up in the Fjords.

Hello again. We have had beautiful weather so far. Got a bit of a tan. Have been trying to find right balance of spending time with dad and doing our own bits.

Full house for dinner tonight after which we had a wander around on deck. We were too late for the quiz again but thought we would pop into the bar for a last minute drink on the way to which we found dad so the three of us had a drink. I also had my first nights decent sleep!
Friday morning and awoke at 7am to dramatic scenery. Geiranger Fjord. The captain had advised us to be on deck at 8am (are we on holiday or what?) to see the scenery as we sailed into Geiranger. So there we all were snapping away at the waterfalls. Geiranger welcomed us with a traditional cannon salute welcome. Today we had to moor offshore and use the tenders which just made disembarking a little slower. We were on our first tour which took us to a number of viewpoints (wonderful photo opportunities) and by now although still cool in the mountains the sun was shining. Also we went to the Fjord center where we had one of those panoramic films and a wander around the exhibition. Back to the village itself we decided to wander around town rather that go back for lunch. Geiranger itself is small, only about 300 people but 4000 tourists, so we looked at the shops and bought some presents for home as we did not know where else we might be able to shop.

Back on board it was the chocolate afternoon tea! I took some pictures before it got too busy. I have to admit I have been quite good. Bearing in mind we had no lunch I had a sandwich and fruit as well as indulging in some chocolate cakes! We sat with dad for a while and then went to get ready for the ‘newcomers’ cocktail party. This was before dinner and as with the last few nights I had fish for starter and main course. Again we were too late for the quiz but sneaked in to catch the end of the evening show which was a multi talented musician.

Saturday was Olden. Beautiful rather than dramatic. Another small port of call with Olden again having only about 300 inhabitants. Today was our glacier walk. A short drive from Olden along a beautiful valley to the Briksdal glacier. We had a 45 minute walk to the foot of the glacier. Janet is not used to so much walking and I had thought it was a short walk to the glacier with an optional 45 min walk from there but she did well keeping up with me. (we could walk at our own pace as there is only one path to it). The Captain was also doing the walk. We had assumed it would be quite cool and I had packed taken my fleece and jacket but I did not need to wear them so tied them around my waist. We also had tea and cakes waiting for us at the end. When we got back to the village we decided to walk around the village first rather than walk back to the ship but that did not take long.
When we got back to the ship we found we had missed lunch but had some nibbles in our cabin we had bought yesterday. We changed into some thing lighter and found a table on the lido deck. We found dad and we spent the afternoon chatting, nibbling and watching the scenery. Had to apply sun tan lotion. Had a departure cocktail. Temperature was about 24 degrees. Then sister and I went for a swim before dinner in the small indoor pool which used sea water but was nice and warm!
For once did not have fish! Managed to get to the quiz where we imposed ourselves on a team of four to make team of six. Came second. Went to the show which was the on board singing/dance group. Went to look at the late night snack which is bout 10.45 but as soon as saw the outside everyone one rushed out with their cameras. What a sunset! The sky was a wonderful mixture of colours – pink, orange blue. We grabbed ourselves a drink (hot chocolate for sister and Horlicks for me!) and sat on deck for an hour admiring the sunset. This was the best day so far.

E-mail received from Shirley from the Saga Rose on the way to Norway:

Hello and how are you and the dogs. We left at 5.30 pm with the sea calm and a force 2 wind. We missed the leaving drinks as we were watching us sail. Unpacked and had an explore before dinner at about 7 (informal). This finished about 9pm and we then went for a walk on deck. We have an American single gent and two ladies on our table of six. By the time we had enough of a walk we went back in only to find the midnight feast (which was at 10.45) so we had a look and a nibble then to bed.

‘Henry’ woke us up at 7.30 with our early morning tea. We got up and went for breakfast Janet (Shirley’s Sister) had a cooked one but I had cereal and croissants. Janet then went for her massage and I went for my mini manicure and pedicure. I now have puple nails ready for tonight. Then went to talk about tours. We have decided to do Bergen on our own but have booked a tour for Gerainger. We then listened to a talk on Bergen. At 9am we were over Dogger bank and at midday we were level with Newcastle and Esberg Denmark, there was a competition to guess how far in nautival miles we had travelled. I was one mile out!

Went to lunch in restaurant for lunch with dad then spent a bit of time on deck just relaxing. Had planned to walk around the deck(seven times is a mile!) We are imposing a penalty of a lap around the deck for each cake. We are also walking up and down the stairs as penance but on the whole we are being good food wise. Missed the wine tasting. Now in computer suite drafting an email before sending it.

The sea has more of a swell now and Janet is lying down in our cabin as she is not feeling too good. They are expecting the wind to increase to force 5.

Cocktail drinks before formal dinner tonight.

Looked very overcast when got up and started to rain at 10am. Another wet day. Had hoped to get a walk in before I go on holiday. Has it really been four weeks since we went for a walk? When did we last have a BBQ? Today being St Swithens Day I hope we don’t have rain for the next 40 days and nights. After the NZ’s went I spent most of the day either getting bits ready or doing things to make life easier for Chris while I am away. Our last guests for the cottages arrived from Cornwall late afternoon with a gift of clotted cream and some biscuits. Very welcome. Will have to get up early tomorrow to get ready.

Big turn around again and luckily all went to plan and finished by the time first guests arrived. With the exception of one cottage arriving tomorrow all were here by 5pm including our B&B guests who had been here at Easter. This week we have five cottages with retuning guests which hopefully will be a help when the drive gets relaid on Wednesday. The salad food did not go to waste as the day turned out better than expected. Being on the lee of the hill we are usually quite sheltered from the wind so what better way to enjoy the evening and the view than to have a picnic on the patio!