Going home

Wow. It's the end of my holiday already :(

I really don't feel like I've been here long enough to go home again!

I've had some amazing adventures around Great Britain and I've met some lovely people. I'm really glad I made time to stay at My Carrot because I've had time to relax and check out all of the the local sites. Highlights include the Ancient Unicorn, the Silver Swan and seeing the otters at the wildlife park.

Well done to everyone that found me at My Carrot - but if you haven't, don't fret - why not take a look at the route of my journey to see if it offers any clues? Click here to have a look.

Well, I'd best be off now - I've got to get home. I hope you've had fun reading about my travels.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Stuart x

Making the most of it

Hello world,

I'm feeling a little bit sad today, because I'm going home soon. Trying not to think about it though, because I really want to enjoy the last few days of my break.

This afternoon I'm going to take a walk across the moors, so that I can enjoy the scenery and make the most of the weather. I hope it doesn't snow after I leave, because I don't want to miss it!

Today's advent offer at ASDA is free delivery on kidswear (when you spend £15 or more), which will help me get a few last minute presents before I leave.

This Minnie Mouse dressing gown will be perfect for one of the elves - it even has little mouse ears and a bow on top. It's amazing what you can buy in the shops these days...

Minnie Mouse dressing gown with bows

Festive films

Happy Monday everyone!

Sometimes I like nothing better than sitting down to watch a good Christmas film. It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas really get me in the mood for the big day, so I might make time to watch both today.

I think I'd quite like a portable DVD player for Christmas this year, so I can watch films while I travel. It stops me from getting bored on the move.

This LG DVD player from ASDA is pretty nifty and very cheap at £65! It would mean that I can watch my favourite films whenever I want. Not only that, but I can plug my headphones into it too, so I don't have to disturb anybody else. Perfect. I will add it to my Christmas list.

LG portable DVD player

Mulled wine and carols

I've decided that I'm going to reward myself today, now that I've nearly bought all my presents - I'm going to a Christmas carol service this evening at the Museum and I really can't wait.

As well as music, there will be mulled wine and mince pies, which I'm sure will be very festive. Hopefully the Museum will be decorated and lit up with fairy lights. There's still some snow on the ground too, so it will look like a winter wonderland!

Until then, I think I will relax with a good book and enjoy the weather.

2 weeks until Christmas Eve!!!

Festive jumpers

I've nearly got all of my Christmas presents now. I'm so pleased that I won't be rushing around like a mad man on Christmas eve this year!

Yesterday I bought this very festive cardigan - bright red with glitter - it's perfect for Christmas Day. The bow on the front is very fashionable too - or so I'm led to believe.

It's from George at ASDA and it's only £14, which is great value for money!

Roman history

Good morning world,

Since arriving at my carrot, I've learned so much about local history and events. Today I'm going to find out more about what happened here during Roman times and how the place has changed.

I'm going to visit the remains of a Roman fort to get more information - they date back to the 2nd century, when my carrot was called Lavatrae. Coins, tools and weapons have all been dug up around these parts, so I've decided that I want to know about the place in more depth before I leave. I will report back on my findings.

I can't believe that there's so much to do here!

No more snow

I'm slightly disappointed that there hasn't been more snow at my carrot, but it is still nice and cold, so I shouldn't complain too much.

Yesterday I went for a long walk amongst the last of the snow, which was great fun. I wanted to make the most of it in case we don't get any more.

I am enjoying the George advent calendar too - I have to look every day to see what's there. Today's offer is really good - especially if you want to stay warm this winter. Check out the advent calendar here.

I can't believe there's only 18 days until Christmas - my holiday is going by so fast!

Visiting an Ancient Unicorn

Morning,

Just when I thought that this holiday couldn't be any more awesome, I find that there's an ancient unicorn near where I'm staying. 

Apparently it's been here since the sixteenth century and has always been popular with visitors. There are supposed to be ghosts around there too, which will make it more exciting! I will visit it today before going for a walk. The weather is still nice and cold, with lots of fresh snow and other snowmen to talk to. Perfect.

I feel so thoroughly relaxed and ready for Christmas.

Advent calendar

Morning everyone.

I'm so happy! Not only do I have a yummy chocolate advent calendar, but I've also found a virtual one at ASDA.com. There's a different deal under every door, so I can save money on all my Christmas presents. In fact I might buy something for myself. Check it out here...

My chocolate advent calendar had a little bow in it this morning. Nom nom nom!

23 days to go!!!

Getting festive

It's the 1st December! Only 25 days until Christmas!

I've opened the first door of my advent calendar (there was a chocolate snowman behind it) and now I'm getting ready to put up my Christmas decorations.

There are some wonderful Christmas lights around the place, but I don't think any are as good as these ones from ASDA:

Snowman lights from ASDA

How cool are they? They look just like me! I'd love to have them hung around my carrot :)

Beautiful things

Morning world,

Last night, while I was having a nice rest, I started to think about what to buy my friends and family for Christmas. It's so exciting! I've seen some wonderful things on the internet that I would love to buy.

This jewellery set is so pretty, I'm not sure whether to buy it for my mum or sister. The beautiful bowes will suit them both. Decisions, decisions...

It's been reduced to £10, so maybe I could buy it for them both...

Bows from ASDA

My friends in the North

Wow! What a lot of snow! I love it - this holiday keeps getting better! I've had a great time wandering around meeting lots of other snowmen in the north, they're all so friendly.

I've been reading Nicholas Nickleby since arriving at my carrot, because some of the story is set here. Apparently Dickens took inspiration from a local academy for Dotheboys Hall, which is pretty impressive. I wonder what this place was like while Dickens stayed here...

I will have a walk down the old academy later today and see what it's like. I want to enjoy the cold weather while it lasts.

Dotheboys Hall by Gruenemann

Snow, glorious snow

Hello world,

I'm really loving this weather - it's been so cold and snowy. It's just perfect for a snowman like me. Apparently there hasn't been snow this bad in November for 17 years - but I just wish it would snow all year!

I've looked at my route around the UK (you can see my map by clicking here) and it looks like most of the places I visited have had snow.

This picture was taken near where I'm staying at the moment. I hope the snow is as deep this year!

Spennymoor by dmje

Watching the Silver Swan

I'm at the local museum today. It's a huge place in a stunning stately home - very impressive.

The Silver Swan is very cool. It is a beautiful mechanical bird, made entirely of silver. It even moves like a real swan, eating fish and swimming. Not only that, but it's really old - it was made in 1773/74, which is absolutely incredible - the museum restored it a couple of years ago. I could have watched it all day.

The museum also has a huge collections full of archaeology, fashion and fine art. I think I'll probably be able to spend all day here, although I might have to go outside if it snows!

The Silver Swan - David Matthew Parker

Let it snow...

Whoopee!

I saw a whole load of otters today - they were having a great time, playing in the river and eating fish! The North Pennines Wildlife Reserve is a great place to visit - I also saw some reindeer, just like Rudie. I wish I could be more majestic.

It's turned much colder in the UK today - perfect for me! I've heard that weather warnings have been issued for the east because snow is likely. Yippee!

How cool is the jumper below? It'd look so nice in the cold weather.

A very seasonable jumper

Relaxed and refreshed

Hello readers,

This is just a quick note to let you know what I've been up to since arriving at The Carrot.

I've had some very relaxing walks around the countryside during the day time and have spent the evenings resting. It's been lovely to go at my own pace, not rushing around trying to see everything (every time I look at the map I'm stunned by how far I have been).

I think I will to go to the North Pennines Wildlife Reserve tomorrow, which is home to otters, reindeer and wild birds. Luckily the reserve's very close to where I'm staying, so I can get there easily. I have never seen an otter up close before and I'm really looking forward to it.

There are also some nice shops around here, so I will have to check them out and see what they have to buy. That should keep me occupied for a couple of days at least.

I will blog again soon.

An otter by law_kevin

My carrot

I am thoroughly exhausted. I've had a wonderful time, but need a rest.

All the travelling has really taken it out of me. I have covered hundreds of miles as I made my way around this small island, but now I need to chill.

I've seen so many marvellous things and met so friendly people - what's not to like about Great Britain?

Blimey, the seasons have certainly changed too - does the UK get snow often?

Well, I've made it to my final destination. I'm still in County Durham, England. There are so many things to do here, I won't get bored.

See a map of where I have been by clicking here.

Castle near my carrot - by Fearless Punter

Winding down in Durham

Good morning world!

I am in Durham today and I'm really glad I stopped by. It's so beautiful - the sort of place you imagine when you think about visiting England.

It's a very old city - the Cathedral dates back to 1093 - and all of the streets are twisty and turny, with cosy tea rooms and gift shops. It must look like a Christmas card here when it snows!

I think I will have a relaxing day in Durham, so that I can start unwinding and getting into the holiday spirit. I want to make the most of my time at the carrot!

Speak to you tomorrow,
S
x

Durham Cathedral by ajclarkson

Eyes on the map

Woo hoo! I'm only a couple of days away from my holiday now.

I really need a rest - all of this travelling has made me tired! I've just had a look at the map, and it looks like a dot-to-dot drawing. Even my last stop is part of the picture!

I did visit Carlisle, as planned, yesterday. It's a lovely place - the locals are very friendly and helped me to find my way around. They even recommended some good places for me to go, like the Cathdral and Citadel.

I hope the people of Penrith are as welcoming. I really want to see the Henge that's there. It's known as King Arthur's Table and dates from around 2,000 BC. I missed Stonehenge on my travels, so hopefully I will see this one instead.

After that, I'll probably head into the Eden Valley for some country air - I have spent too much time in towns this week, so I'd like to have a walk in the country.

Mayburgh henge, next to King Arthur's Table,
by Le Petit Poulailler

Beautiful Blackpool

I'm so glad I stopped off in Blackpool. It's one of the coolest places I've ever been - even though the Illuminations have been switched off for the winter. I think I'll come back next year when they've been switched on.

While walking along the seafront I stopped and bought Santa a stick of rock. He does like his sweets, so I thought I would put it in his stocking on Christmas Eve! I wonder how they get the word Blackpool running through it...

I also met a nice donkey on the beach, but I think he was only friendly because he wanted to get close enough to eat my nose. It's a bit upsetting really.

On my way to Carlisle in Cumbria now. I have to keep my map right in front of my carrot to remind myself where I'm going. I have it all marked out to make sure that I get to my end destination and well-deserved holiday.

Best be off - I will report back here tomorrow.

Blackpool Illuminations by Henry Brett

Adventures in Lancashire

Happy Monday everyone!

This weekend has been great fun - I spent all of Saturday with my cousins Simon and Sarah, enjoying the sights and sounds of Aberystwyth, before going to Bangor on Sunday. I didn't stop there for too long though, because I don't want to mess up my plans: I have places to be!

This morning I arrived back in England. My first stop is going to be Preston, which seems to be quite a big town, with hundreds of shops. I am going to have a mooch around before going to Blackpool this afternoon. I want to visit as many places as I can before my holiday and I've heard that Blackpool is pretty amazing.

Oh, on the way here I crossed the River Ribble, which made me smile. It's such a nice name - it just trips off your tongue. Check out this is an amazing picture I found online:

River Ribble by Will Gallear

Making friends in Aberystwyth

Long journey again yesterday, but I'm in Wales now! I've visited three countries in the last few weeks. I feel so well travelled!

My Mum said that if I was ever in Wales I should stop off in Aberystwyth and meet up with some of my cousins, because I've never met them before. Luckily they weren't too difficult to find, so I haven't taken too much of a detour. They live in a forest on the Hafod Estate, which is very picturesque at this time of year.

Simon and Sarah are both very nice. We have so much in common - it's weird because we haven't been in touch. They showed me all around the forest, which has been a nice break from town. Later they're going to introduce me to their friends.

I would like them to come with me on my holiday, to the carrot at the end of my trip, but they're so busy. I guess I will just have to carry on alone...

Haford, Aberystwyth - GanMed64

Ambling around the Isle of Wight

I was so busy yesterday: I've managed to get all the way from Norwich to the Isle of Wight. I travelled down through the Fens, Colchester and Southend before going round London and heading for Portsmouth. The crossing to the Isle of Wight was a bit choppy though and it made me feel seasick - I'm very glad to be back on solid ground.

Although the weather's rubbish, I'm going to try to make the best of it. I'm currently in Cowes, having a wander around. There is a four day regatta here every year, which explains why there are so many expensive boats in the harbour.

All this traveling is making me tired. I'm starting to look forward to a rest at the end of my trip. I think I'll read Nicholas Nickleby when I get there, because some of it's set near my hotel.

The sea was just like this when I crossed - picture by Treehouse 1977

A fine city

I've been wandering around aimlessly for quite some time now, so I've planned out a route for the rest of my trip. It will take me around most of the UK looking for Jim, so hopefully I'll find him. When I get to the end of the trip, I will have a nice relaxing holiday somewhere too.

Today I'm in Norwich. There is a road sign as you get near that says 'Welcome to Norwich, a fine city'. And the sign wasn't lying - it is a fine city. I've already been to the Forum, which is amazing. It's a huge glass building in the middle of town. I've never seen anything like it before.


It'd be great to take a look around the whole city, but I doubt I'll  have time. Maybe I'll just have a look around the market this afternoon...

The Forum by .Martin.

Moving on

Deary me, what a dreary day? It's been so windy and dark!

I had a great weekend though, watching all of the firework displays. There are so many different types and colours. It's amazing!

Over the weekend I also decided to travel to Scarborough. I will never find Jim the Carpenter by staying in Alnwick, so I thought I should move on.

I'm heading for Scarborough now, because it seems to have a fair few things to do - a castle, a beach, a light house and some shops. It means there will be plenty for me to do, even if I don't find Jim.

North Bay, Scarborough, by Gidzy

Happy Guy Fawkes Night

I've noticed that there have been fireworks going off all over the place in the last few nights. Big, bright colourful ones, fizzing catherine wheels and noisy rockets...

I've looked online and discovered that tonight is Guy Fawkes Night in the UK. People let off fireworks to celebrate the failure of a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. That's a pretty cool thing to celebrate!

It'd be fun to go to a proper firework display, but I won't be able to get close to the bonfire because I might melt in the heat. Being a snowman is such a pain.

Fireworks by Glen Bowman

Travelling around Europe

I've discovered that I don't just have to buy things, I can use my money to buy experiences too; I could go to a Christmas market in Europe!

It's so cool. I could travel all around the continent searching for gifts, drinking mulled wine and eating mince pies all day. It sounds perfect!

I love Christmas so much - I'm feeling festive already! Only 51 days to go!

Christkindlmarkt in Vienna, by Charley 1965

Lights, camera, action

I'm going to England!

I left Edinburgh yesterday, heading south. I've had a look round on the internet and think that my first stop should be Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.

Parts of the Castle were built in 1096, so there's plenty of history to find out about. I could buy a bow and arrow from the gift shop and pretend to be a knight or a dragon slayer. The website also says that the castle has been used as a film set and is Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. How cool is that?

I'll probably have a look around the market in Alnwick too - I do love to shop!


Woo Hoo! England!

Alnwick Castle, by Jim Donnelly

Spooky Halloween fun

Wow, what a weekend?!

I have never celebrated Halloween before, but it's really big in Scotland. All of the local children dress up and go trick or treating. They put in so much effort. I wish I could have dressed up too - I wanted to be a skeleton, but the costumes don't come in my size. :(

When I got into the City on Saturday night I was a little bit scared. I was followed by ghosts as I walked past the spooky old Castle. When I realised that they were talking about X Factor, I felt a bit better - I don't think real ghosts watch X Factor. I wouldn't be surprised if the Castle is haunted though, because it's so old.

I think I'm going to stay here for a couple of days - there is so much to do. I might even find Jim the Carpenter, because he might be picking up some spare parts in the City.

Spooky Edinburgh Castle - by http2007

No more knitting for me!

These past few weeks have certainly been an eye opener - the things you can buy in the UK are amazing! Before I came here I used to knit my own scarves, but I've discovered I don't have to anymore - I can buy them in the shops.

I particularly like this one from ASDA:

A splendid new scarf

I think the colours would complement my eyes - and it will go with anything. Best of all, it only costs £5 - bargain!

I think I'll be adding that to my Christmas list too!

Heading south

Hello world!

I've come further south today, because I want to see more of the country. While I was on the internet last night I saw pictures of a place called Cumnock, so I thought I would head that way.

Templand Bridge, Cumnock

I'm still dreaming about having my own little house in the woods, but I thought I had better move on to make the most of my time in the UK.

The hills in Cumnock are rolling and green, very pleasant. The weather is alright too - cold but sunny - perfect for me!

I'm keeping my eyes open for Jim while I travel. Hopefully he'll turn up while I'm on my travels.

PS This blogging lark is addictive, isn't it?

A new home

Wow! The things you can buy in this country are amazing!

I really want one of these:

My dream home

As a snowman, I've never really had a home - they tend to get too warm and I start to melt - but this would be perfect! I could live inside, but outside, in the Highlands!

It even has a little conservatory, so I could sit and write my blog while enjoying the scenery.

It's only £178.97 too, so although I don't know much about money, I know it's cheaper than a real house. I'll add it to my Christmas list - Santa must know that I've been good this year...

Oh......my.......god

I have to admit that I haven't really been to this country before. It's always passed me by, what with having to live up in the frozen north. I haven't blogged in a few days because I've been busy having a look at people's photos, and have found some amazing places.

Take this, for example:

It's up in the Scottish Highlands and is taken by someone called ILoveMyPiccolo.

I saw this and fell in love. Seriously. It's just amazing countryside round here, and I intend to see as much of it as possible. So I've packed my bags and a camera, and I'm off to travel.

Oh, and then I saw the things you can buy in shops. Really? All these things you can buy? I think I'm going to like it here.

Hello world!

Hey everyone

Not sure how many people are reading this, but it's worth a quick shout out. Just keeping it chilled whilst I take my journey around this fine country.

Not much to say about me really. Ended up here by accident. Took a wrong turn at Snowdon, went off track for a bit, but have been trying to find some guy called Jim. Need him to fix a maching for the big Red Man. Thought I should write a blog to keep people up to speed with what's going on.

So....more to come later