Day 4 – Westbirt Arboretum and Gloucester

29. October 2022

The 4th day of my journey started with a Lady that suffered from insomnia. She worked with the digital magic machine T460s and wrote down the first parts of my adventures. I, the noble Sir Lucien Barkalot, demonstrated how to sleep right and ignored the crazy Lady! It was dark and all birds are sleeping! Not a time to move a paw.

We started the real day with a little walk over the path nearby. Suddenly lots of horseless vehicles were around and it was not so enjoyable.

Today is a special day in Great Britain. The Queen get buried and many Offices, Shops, Pubs and public places are closed.

We researched a bit and we found that the Westbirt Arboretum has open. We saddled our tin can and drives there. For all that not now what a Arboretum is. A Arboretum is like a university for trees. There will be schooling of young ents and very rear trees that are to good for a normal tree nursery.

There are big areas where I can walk without leash and meet new friends. There are many interesting trees and you can gain knowledge over them.

There is a branch library available. You can test different and rate them for chewety. I can say that the all taste and feel different. Everyone must retry the experiment!

We walked some hours through the more or less thick woods. We got all tired and thirsty. The humans lead me to a foodstation and there was a freshwater construct where I could drink the best water in the park.

The human stuff eat like kings! The Lady had have fish! But she refused to share it with me! I am shocked!

To show you that I can more then bark, I used my magic to color the leafs. And as you see the leafs started to get yellow and red. The will need some extra days but then the will be incredible beautiful.

I get to know a white Shepard lady! She smelled so amazing that I lost my head. We played a bit but her human stuff had have a little one that needed to be cleaned. It smelled disgusting! So the lady had to go and took a part of my heart. Now I have a broken heart and suffer.

The I met a baby Border Collie. He has no manors. I schooled him but he ignored me and play attacked his best Basset friend. He showed no interest in my knowledge, so I will not teach him anymore!

After this we decided to go to a city – Gloucester – nearby.

Because of the burial of the Queen was the city a ghost city. Many shops were closed and a pub hard to find.

We visited churches, monuments and buildings while we searched for a suitable pub.

We meet humans that are different from the standard humans. I was glad to trade trick for treat for them.

At the end we found the docks. A real highlight. There are ships and machines to discover and touch.

We found a little pub >The Tank<. There we were welcome from the first minute. Many humans and doggies wanted to make friends with me.

I got the first part of my reparation payment. I don’t got the fish part, but the chips part and some veggi burger rains on me. It was delicious! I recommend this pub!

The we got back to our inn. I got my supper and i started to sleep. And you can guess what have the humans done? The start the heating and it started the fire alarm! Who has such stuff – needs no enemy!

Review

I review today the the special day – The queens burial.

Travel

The short trips were very comfortable.

Adventures

The Westonbirt Arboretum is a must see for dogs. At best you enjoy at least a half day there!

Gloucester is a beautiful city and you see a lot there. After every corner you find something interesting.

Dog friendliness

For dogs is the tree university a highlight. Without a leash a real big area waits to get discovered. You meet very interesting people and dogs there. The humans can learn some important lectors about the woods and trees there.

Gloucester is very dog friendly. You shouldn’t forget something to drink you can’t get easy something to drink as collie knight.

Useful tips

Here you can read more about the tree university.

Don’t forget to prepare some drinks for knights and humans. On warm days you dehydrate quickly.

Gloucester has a interesting website. Here you can get more information about events and Gloucester.

At the docks is the Tank-Pub. Dogs and Humans are here welcome and the food is amazing!

Day 3 – Tri-Castle-Tour and Abergravenny

22. October 2022

Today is the 3rd day of travel throught the land of my ancestors. The humans supprised me with my first trip to wales! The kingdom of mighty warlocks and dreaded dragons!
The place where the faeries rides on Corgi back trough the land!

The Stuff woke me to a far better time as yesterday. The Lady showed me Acton Turville, the village where we stay the next few days. We met some local country workers. An older man told us the history of the town. Some of the people couln’t turn there eyes of such a noble being like me. The greeted me with respect and friendliness. In exchange for good cookies I let them pad my head.

After this little get to know, we started with our journey to the epic Tir-Castles!

We started our carriage and I could see the landscape. The first stop was White Castle. I was really surprised as I saw the mighty walls, the draw bridges and the ditch. There are many places to snif and explore! I met some local journey man. My shining armor fascinates human and doggy puppies equally.

The Lady has shared her secret cookie stock with me!

I bestow some human puppy a business card of me! She was over the moon. I think I will do this more while traveling!

Then we moved on to Skenfrith Castle. This ruin is in not so good shape like white castle. But the central tower and the water gate are very nice. Bevor the castle is a little river where the locals take a swim. I stopped and drank some of the tasty water.

The little river is a good place at warm and sunny days.

Near by is a beautiful “St Bridget`s Church”. Take your time and visit the church too.

The last castle today was Grosmont Castle. Here you can see big and nice parks. You can stretch your legs. The castle ruin self has a ditch a incredible gate and some walls standing.

The last Castle we visited was Grosmont Castle. There you can observer the beautiful park area. The castle it self has a deep moat and a wonderful gate.

To scare all at halowen you can find a Jack-O-Latern out of stone!

My bark was loud and strong as I send the welsh dragon tief packing! The Lady has not seen him! But I sniffed him out. The Lady said I should stop to be so childish! But the dragon was there! I am sure!

After this adventure we were hungry and thirsty. We found some dog friendly pup and I get to no a local border collie. Unfortunately, the pup doesn’t serve food with out reservation.

So we drank some lemonade and we moved on to Abergravenny a little city near by.

What should I say. The humans would not survive alone! The don’t know how to find food! They say that they are hungry and then they don’t go to an in or pup! They must look in Dog-Trust-Shops, Penny-Markets and came out with non eatable stuff.

The the found a food festival but there were no dogs allowed. I would see one goes in and brings pray for all… but this kind of intelligence the humans hadn’t developed yet.

So the wandered hungry through the city of Abergravenny. The lady hears music so she started to dance like the rats in the fairy tail…

At least we found a snack stand out of the festival. And the humans get something to eat and reboot there brain cells. And then the drop some of the food!

Their misfortune is my luck! I cleaned it up. That reminds me that I haven’t got some Fish & Chips yet. The humans had promised me at the begin of our travels! I must rise the reparation to 3 times Fish & Chips!

Then we looked to a local crafts market! The people liked me there and I found some new friends. I called them with my loud voice.

But at this time my paws started to hurt. We traveled and walked so long! The human stuff bought some nice things on the market.

bag and puzzle of craftsmarket Avergrenny

After this we traveled back to our inn. I was so happy that we stopped walking. But what? The humans start to make a fuss and hurried to the local pup. And for what?! The must learn that the are to late for food serving again! Why must I walk for this news!

Then the cooked and I could finally rest.

Please oh dog goodness… less walking tomorrow!

Review

This day was packed with activities in England and Wales! I will review them for you my audience.

Travel

Today we drive less! And we have seen interesting landscape. The gigantic bridge was on of my highlights. At some points the lady must circle a bit.

Adventurs

We have seen three castles in one tour! I recommend that! The castles were three nice ruins and a collie knight could explore all of then an find interesting spots! I met many new human and doggy friends. There were relaxing places as well! Don’t forget the food and water logistic! Not feeded humans are worse then not feeded puppies!

Abergravenny is a nice town. You can find many interesting places, especially the food festival and the craftsman market! Suddenly as Collie knight you are not allowed to got to the food stalls.

Dog friendliness

The Tri-Castle-Tour is very dog friendly. I met many furry and non furry friends! The castles are good accessible, especially for old dogs. There is enough space if some not so friendly dog appears. Don’t forget filled water bottles!

Abergravenny is a town where some water bowls call for a quick sib. You can rome through the streets and find interesting things behind every corner. At the craftsman market dogs are welcome!

Useful tips

You can make the Tri-Castle-Tour by car without a problem in a day. If you have a active dog that enjoys long walking you can try it per foot.

Please remember to bring water for dogs and humans to this tour!

The Abergravenny Food Festival and the craftsman market is a must have to visit. Split up to get food on there!

Day 2 – We driving over – err under the sea!

15. October 2022

The day started with the cries of the human smartphones!

Oh my dog was this noise annoying! I barked at the humans to stop the pain for my ears. Then the humans start to running and packed up our stuff and the servant took me out of the Inn with out the lady! Without food! Without Treats!

If the day starts so… you wish as collie knight that the humans would fall into a pit and some better trained will be on your side. How should I fight a epic battle against a Monster without food and trained stuff!

Uff and now I am back in the horseless carriage after the Lady appears of nowhere. Was this a planed strike of humans that should show me they can do some coordinated action with out me?

I have my doubts that is something good when the carriage moves only a short moments. My homelands are several hours away! Where is the thing moving to?

Okey there are lots of nobels and ignobles here and all have at least a servant. Why should I wear my nose protection? Nobody else does! This should be mandatory? Have the others lost there armors? Is this country so poor?

The lady showed my papers and permit to some other servant. He gave her a magic box that make loud noises if would helt at my ear! One moment have the humans put an device in my ear? Why get the lady a new paper and leave the place? Okey back to the tin lizzy and only some very short drive!

Then they brought me to a disgusting place. Nobody has cleaned it in ages and there were poop and pee everywhere. In the middle ages the hygiene conditions were better! Short it was so disgusting that i don’t want lay a paw on it!

The the humoms leave me in the carriage for 10 minutes alone! The let me alone! ALONE! How should I protect the lady? Is her husband able to do it?

As fast as they are gone. The are back at the carriage! And now the are in stress and drive criss cross through this area. I looked out of the window the I saw the evil! It was greater as a house, lager the a lorrie. Shiny metal everywhere! And the Lady drove in the belly of this steel dragon! I couldn’t catch my breath!

The it moved and the Lady told me that we right now under the magic saltic sea. It was dark outside! The belly inside was illuminated. It must be a tunnel of a family of dwarfs. I am sure here must live dwarfs! After 25 minutes we saw daylight again! But the Lady drives on the wrong side! Is the Lady okey?

We ended in a town called Dover! Here I could touch the first time the Land of my ancestors! A little step for a Collie a big for my Sir Barkalot! AH… Humans you haven’t opened my Transport safety belt! You destroyed the unique Moment!

The humans looked at the clock and saw it! The were to early started! I could have sleeping untill now! What does >It is to early to buy your breakfest!< mean! I am a hungry Knight! The merchants must have a very poor schedule here!

Okey we change the plans. We look to the nice castle above us. Maybe I can live there! Humans it is locked! We are to early again! HUMANS! Get your timetable sorted!

Okey the we look to the cliffs! They should be amazing! What is this! This is a busy road but the walking path! There must be robber barons! I forbid the humans to go alone thought this hostile environment!

After this adventure we found the white cliffs! There are beautiful! You can see the busy port! You can see the ships sail to the sea! I enjoyed this walk very much!

We found a secrete signal station! It was very interesting!

The the I was attacked by a sneaky evil pant! The big balles of hell have barbs that stuck in my fur and arm pit! Look at this evil being! The forever foe of Sir Barkalot!

For my luck the merchants were near! They had have a scissors! The lady could lukely remove the plaque from me. But I lost a lot of fur!

The salesman had some fish treats and ice for me in stock. This had lighten up my mood after this odyssey!

The we want back to the carriage! I wanted home! We found this magic communication devices on our way! I send a message to all my friends >Lets have fun!< !

The we mad some young humans! The liked to make fotos of me. The we moved the carriage to the next hold a shopping center!

The buyed my fish kibbels and treats! But the promised me a real Fish & Chips! I call for satisfaction! Now I will tow Fish & Chips looking like the Image! And a real croissant!

I am angry the humans has not hold there vow! I ignores them while the tin lizzy drived. The drove slow… very slow. I could be faster if I sniff every flower on the road, as the carriage move! I spend my time by sleeping! Maybe the I will get faster real food!

After a long time we make a stop. We med some other travelers. But the nice lady was photo shy!

We arrived Action Travil in the evening and finally I could rest and stretch my paws!

The Hostess is very kind! Here are free rooming cats and not so free rooming horses!

Now I am so tired that I can’t hold the quill!

What will happen tomorrow?

Review

I will review the traveling day.

Travel

We have spend so much time in the car this day get only 2 of 5 bones. The traffic jam has costed us a lot of time and nerves!

The Euro-Tunnel is very good! You can travel fast under the magic water and you don’t get a wet hair in your fur!

Adventurs

The castle of dover was suddenly closed. We could only look from outside. It is very nice looking castle. If you are early you will not earn bonus points at the island!

The footpath to the cliff was exciting, but for a woman alone I think not so save.

The highlight were the cliffs. Beautiful white and with a near perfect view. If the weather is nice you should visit them. After the plant attack I got fast help!

Dog friendliness

The tunnel is definitely the best way to travel with a dog. You stay together in the car and after 30 Minutes you arrived on the other side.

The city, the castle and the cliff are a good recommendation too. You can have lot of adventures there.

If you are a older or long haired following knight watch your feed. The way is not smooth and plants make sneak attacks!

There are lots of free rooming cats! Be aware of them! Especially If don’t like them.

Useful tips

Be prepared before you use the Euro-Tunnel. Have your and the human passports ready and filled out.

Inform you about the opening hours of the sights. Else you stay before and you can’t enter them. For example English Heritage

The cliffes are beautiful! Take lots of time there if the weather is nice! Inform you here!

If you travel around London be aware of traffic jams. If you could avoid them.

We stayed in Five Pines in Acton Turville. It is very nice and we totally recommend it. You can make walkes or you can drive to Bath, Bristol or Wales.

Day 1 – The Journey begins

8. October 2022

Here I want to write down the chapter of my live. I am the humble Sir Lucien Barkalot. Without fear I entered the horseless carriage and started my travel with Mylaydy and her servant. The carriage was fully loaded, so I had to adjust to a new position. The carriage rumbled for many minutes, even hours over the lands.

From time to time the carriage stopped and I could follow the call of nature. The first stop was in the fields of a unknown kingdom. The fields where flat and when you started to walk, it took an eternity to reach a point at the horizon.

Immediately, I took the lead and found a walnut grove. Concerningly, there was a pile of bones! May the soul rest in peace.

We left this scary place behind us and our carriage rumbled on over the lands. We gotten hungry, so we made rest. We dinned the finest food and I got the best parts.

After this exquisite meal, the horseless carriage rumbled on until we reached a place, where I need all my force to not carried away by the wind.

The floor was crumbely… like a giant sand pit and the air smelled salty and like rotting plants. Unknown birds where circling above our heads. The cry of those birds pierced me trough my skin.

We inched our way forward and then we saw it! Water as fare as the Collie can see! And man made vessels where driving on it. I approached this place with grade care. Small things unknown to me poked my paws. Mylady even collected some of those and showed me her treasures.

Brave, I put my tongue into this large body of water. Holly Collie! It was disgusting! I was so salty that I had to spit it out.

Then Mylady brought me even closer to this darned water and then the water started coming close. It touched by paws and wetted the shoes of Mylady. Mylady squeaked!

I must do something! I stood up against the water and only think of my furious bark let the water backup! I took the Lady and brought her safely I brought her to shore! This cursed water should try to attack my Lady again! I will fight it!

We walked back to the carriage. I held my head high! And then it starts moving again. For the luck of all of us only short. We stopped add a big Inn where many other dogs were. But not so noble as me!

A rabble of dogs with no manors! The barked and snapped after my fur!

Then the Lady starts move again. I must be on her side! In the dark shades of the night many bad things happens! I must protect her from this!

After a long walk we came finally back to the Inn and the humans and I sit by the fire and chat with other travelers.

After this we fall into bed of the Inn. The Lady carried my travel cushion into the room and I could rest my head on it!

I heard strange noises in the night! So I moved to the door to better protect the Lady and her husband – the servant!

What happens tomorrow? Will we be back home?

Review

After my story I will review the day.

Travel

The time in the car was long and it was full! 3 of 5 bones!

Adventures

The adventures were great. I triumphed over the endless water and I could run free for miles!

Dog friendliness

I think all in all the day was dog friendly! The way is very long for in impatient or very active dogs it will be to hart!

You should have manors. Maybe other dogs and humans have fears.

Useful tips

The Ibis-Hotel in Calais is dog friendly. You can stay there before you Travel with the ferry or the tunnel.

There is a very beautiful national park near Calais. I recommend a visit there! Look at the page for more information Réserve naturelle Platier d’Oye. You can explore the sea and a bit of a dune. Maybe the humans learn something about birds and nature.

You will survive without knowledge in France, but you must be prepared that many not speak English or German.

MPS Weil am Rhein

11. September 2022

We was on the MPS festival in Weil am Rhein. It was a lot smaller as last time. The concert area was not accessable this year without pay extra. There were less drink stations as before, but a there were multiple drinking options for me. I was welcome everywere.

There were meny thinks to discover. If you sit right your can here the concert area and you can enjoy the program.

If you sit in the shadow it is time to test all new things! We watch a little human to make his first steps. He moved in my direction! I have cheered him on with my soft barks!

Castle Windeck

4. September 2022

The castle Windeck is a ruin near Bühl. It is the sister castle of Neu-Windeck. There are some walls, gates and a tower left. Be careful and guard your lady well. Meybe she get lost there.

The tower has a wooden staircase after a stone staircase. Only the strongest and fearlesst knight can get to the top of the stairs. If you defeat the staircases then you will see a beautiful view over the landscape.

Every now and then it is posible to make a game of skill and pray some treats from the humans.

Next to the castle is a inn. There you can rest your paws. Suddenly it was closed on my visit. A fair maiden had have her wedding day. I congratulated with loud barks!

For a collie knight a very good destination. The parking place is nearby and you can make a tour to the woods next to the castle. The ruin is not very large. So i advice to combine it with some other hightlights. Like a other ruin or a visit in the city Bühl.

Castle ruin New Windeck

27. August 2022

The lady, the squire and me visited Burg Neu-Windeck. The ride with the horseless carriage was pleasant. There is a stall for the horseless carriage near by. A bit of wood surround the castle, very pleasant for important businesses. There is a bit remote, but after a short walk you are in the castle.

You will find there a elaborately restored courtyard. Perfect for relaxation and photos. There is a bench with a wonderful view too.

There is a tower to visit. The first platforms are easy to climb for a dog my size. Suddenly at the last stages is a small metal spiral staircase. Not for every dog suitable. If you are up you will the a beautiful view.

To sum it up: Burg Neu-Windeck is a solid destination, but you should it combine with a walking trip or another castle or city after one hour you have seen it total.

We have combined it with a trip to Bühl (city) and Burg Windeck (castle near Bühl).

Category: Standardpost

Review

Travel

Adventures

Dog friendliness

Useful tips

Review

Travel

Adventurs

Dog friendliness

Useful tips

Review

Travel

Adventurs

Dog friendliness

Useful tips

Review

Travel

Adventures

Dog friendliness

Useful tips