From Grandmom to Helen...

A post from Grandmom, to our trusty, Helen...

To Helen
Black Box
Vectra, U.K.

Dear Helen,

On behalf of the Craig family, I want to thank you for guiding us on our recent most enjoyable holiday through Wales, England and Scotland. We could never have made it without your invaluable assistance.

There were many highlights each day, but perhaps the most memorable for us was the very intimate tour of the grounds of the Bishop's Palace at St. David’s Cathedral in Wales. What a thrill! Other tourists were aghast and stood aside in awe as we drove through the river and worked our way up the hill and over the paths and out through the old arched gate. Surely you must have the exclusive right for such a treat for we noticed that no other group seemed to be enjoying the same privilege. It certainly was a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

Not to be critical, but I believe that the few glitchs with our communications were caused by our unaccustomed understanding of your accent, i. e. fthust (first) and pthuud (third), occasionally in directing us at the round-abouts. However, not to worry, we were introduced to some very scenic trails and personal/private views that we otherwise would have missed.

With all due respect to you, we are awarding a Merit of Honor citation to our lead driver, Dr. A. J. Foyt Craig for her remarkable performance in interpreting and executing your every word of advice, and to her co-associate, Ms. Katherine Craig, who was equally outstanding in keeping our two-car caravan together, sailing so smoothly through the beautiful countryside and cities.

Again, thanks for all you did to make our trip so successful.

Sincerely yours,

The Craig Family

The Picton Castle

Our first historical stop on our adventure through England was the Picton Castle, relatives from my grandmom’s side of the family. (Alice Picton Craig)Dad REALLY liked the big gardens here…..so much that he posed for his only single photo.


We took our one and only tour of the castle and were given the full download of how the wealthy Phillips family bought the land from the Pictons over 800 years ago. There was an interesting addition on the side of the castle:







Drivers resting in Walled Garden:










and were now off to Tenby by the sea...

Our Fine Introduction to Our Dear Helen

The moment yall are all waiting for……….. : Meet the wonderful Helen! …….


I know it may seem odd to speak so highly of a rental, but its what lies inside Helen’s sexy red shell that is enticing and addictive……GPS….Global Positioning System. While she has made a couple of blunders throughout our trip namely guiding us THROUGH an historical 12 th century religious landmark, she rarely makes mistakes and always keeps us going in the right direction.

Bristol to Bath

We arrived into Bristol and as expected we were missing a bag. From there we rented cars and as Stirling and I practiced driving on the wrong side of the car (and road) through the rental car parking lot, we discussed our route which would take us 13 miles to Bath.

After many wrong turns, repeated roundabouts, we finally realized we should be listening to "Helen" our GPS navigator, whou would successfully lead us to Paradise Manor atop a beautiful hill overlooking the city of Bath.

As it's name suggests, Bath is known for the ancient Roman Baths that are the only natural hot springs in the UK. We toured the city and then rested in the afternoon before walking having wine on the lawn and then walking into town for a lovely dinner at the Wife of Bath.

This is a picture of the beautiful Bath Abbey in the center of town. The Baths were closed, but we toured the city at night after dinner.

Were off to Cardiff today to have lunch with the Geensens and tour a new photovoltaic plant that John Geensen's new company has there.


Stirling says her legs are still swollen...

The Trip Planner

Mom has created an amazing itinerary for the upcoming trip to Scotland. One graduation (and 7am jager shots) down and one to go...CONGRATS to Dr. Stirpoof and TheChuckD...

June 4th
Arrive Bristol, UK. Drive to Bath, staying at Paradise House Hotel.

June 5th
Drive to Cardiff-visit Genseens for lunch and head to Pembrokeshire overnight at Penally Abbey Country House Hotel

June 6th
Visit Picton Castle and head to Gwynedd, Wales. Staying at Byrdir Farmhouse and Studio Cottages, Byrdir, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwnedd Wales

June 7th
Open to drive to Scotland
Visiting relatives that Alice knows-somewhere in Wales

June 8th & 9th
Edinburough
Stirling Castle and tour around for 2 days. Overnight at the Sheraton Grand

June 10,11,12
Drive to Turnberry from Edinburough, enjoy three nights at the Westin Turnberry (always wanted to see this Starwood Hotel!)

Check out on June 13th and travel to Glasgow for departure to USA