Helen, I just found your podcasts last week and I am captivated. I have gone back to watch some of the early ones and will catch up. Your projects, your photography, the narration of your travels …… all so artistically done! I thank you for the work that you do to make each video so special. You have a big fan in Florida!
You've spoken for me, too, @jan. Helen's videos have only been recently recommended to me by YT, and I've a lot of catching up to do. Love these travelogues, as I'm a campervan afficionado, myself. Many thanks, Helen!
What fun! I love the juxtapositions of medieval history and buying a new kettle, Jane Austen and knitted pigs. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
Hi Helen, Frances and I have seen every one of your podcasts and look forward to them every week. You keep us in touch with our birthplace and also find them interesting and entertaining. The reason I rarely write a comment is that we always watch them on our TV and don't have the facility to say what we think. Loving the travelogs at the moment. Love to you and Phil. Uncle Alan
Hi Uncle Alan and Frances! I am so glad to know that you are still enjoying checking in with me every week! And don't worry that you don't usually comment. I love knowing that you are keeping up to date with what's happening here in North East England and I often think of you when I'm making a video of places that I know you love, such as Tynemouth. It's great that you would have seen Mam and I's little break in Acomb recently, too! In fact, it seems to be that particular video that caused a sudden upsurge in the number of people viewing and subscribing! I'm so happy to take you along on some armchair travels in the campervan and I'm looking forward to showing you more of our recent Scottish trip. Sending lots of love and hugs xxxx
It’s difficult to pick a favourite part of your travel videos… the gentle commentary on the history of the areas you travel through, your piano playing, the meticulous maps or perhaps the way you blend it all together. Thank you 😊.
I’m of an age now that my adventures are “arm chair adventures.” You and your family (human and knitted🥰) are the perfect travel guides. Looking forward to the next installment of the camper van adventures. My father’s family came from Cornwall. I’ve always wanted to see the British Isles (one end to the other), now I get the chance to travel to lovely parts. I also enjoy your piano accompaniment; took piano for almost ten years and still enjoy playing. Happy travels, happy crafting🧶
Thank you, Trudy - I'm very happy that I can take you on some armchair adventures! I'm glad you enjoy the piano accompaniment - and lovely to know that you enjoy playing the piano, too! x
Hello Helen, I am so glad that you took the time to tell us a little bit about yourself, to introduce us to Phil and your charming crochet friends. Like so many others, I too am new to your channel after seeing you and your mam on holiday. Thank you for the caring and effort in making these delightful videos. Your fan from Central Texas USA.
Thank you for joining me and taking the time to leave a lovely comment! I really enjoy being able to connect in this way to lovely people around the world! xx
Thank you again for a wonderful first video of a trip in the campervan! When you told about how you and Phil start your journey with a late start and a close-by first stop it reminded me of all the years I taught fourth grade and one area of study was the westward migration in the US mid-1800s. One of the companies that ran the wagon trains was called the Hudson Bay Company. They always started the three-month-journey with a “Hudson Bay Start”. All the families would gather (often in a town in Missouri) and on the first day farewells would be said, wagons would gather, and they would only go a few miles out of town and set up their first camp. They never went far because after the first real “set-up” of camp and the first morning of repacking the people would know if there was anything they had left behind or forgotten. They were still close enough to town that some men on horseback could go back into town to get anything left or forgotten and still catch up before the second night’s stop. Since most wagon trains would not see any stores or towns for about three months this last little trip could be crucial. Whenever I go on a long journey, even today, I make a Hudson Bay Start, just to be sure I haven’t left anything “crucial” even though I know that I can usually replace anything I had left behind. Even my sons use the Hudson Bay Start when they go on long journeys. (Especially handy when traveling with small children - heaven forbid that a favorite cuddly toy was hiding between the sheets in bed when their backpacks were packed!) I’m looking forward to the next installment. Salam wa sa’aadah
Thank you so much, Linda, for such fascinating information about the westward migration! Who knew that Phil and I were making a Hudson Bay start?! From now on, that's what we'll be calling our evening starts to our travels. x
Love to see you and your husband on the road again! Certainly a very lovely part of the world for this visit. We have been to Oban many times and love the area. We had a small camper van too and loved every minute in it although we rarely wild camped and usually went on sites. I love the historical notes you add to your videos and of course your beautiful piano accompaniment! I shall wait eagerly for the next installment x
Thank you, Heather. How lovely that you have experienced the pleasures of campervanning and also the Oban area! I'm glad you enjoyed the piano as well as the history. x
Day two of watching and I am just entranced by your “style”. It’s probably age thing!!! I thought yesterday it might be you playing the piano and today you have explained all that. I’ve just had to get rid of my ancient piano so it was lovely to hear you play. Your narration of your journey and all you find along the way is so reminiscent of my past trips, a real deja vu experience. I’ve recently bought a campervan although it has a bathroom and I have taught myself to drive it competently at 69, so I completely get your love for yours. If only we could wild camp in England 😞 No need for you to respond I just feel compelled to let you know I’m there with you and your husband.
Thanks Anne! Brilliant to know that you have a campervan, too! I am so glad that you enjoyed today's video! I'll chat more about wild camping in England another time - we have actually done that! x
How amazing that you taught yourself to drive a campervan at 69. I’m 67 so much admiration. I’m glad you have a toilet on board, at our age it’s as necessary as a kettle 🤣
Thank so much for sharing your trip to Oban. It brought back so many memories. We used to live in Cairnbaan by the canal and you would have passed our house on the way to Crinan. My husband worked in Oban for the Red Cross. The office was later transferred to Helensburgh. I worked at the Red Cross shop in Lochgilphead and now live back in England. Sadly my husband died 4 years ago, but seeing the roads we often travelled brought back some very happy years. Thank you xx
Thank you, Joan - I am so glad to have brought back some happy memories for you of times that you spent in the Oban area with your husband. What a lovely area to live and work in! xx
Helen HI! OH THAT WAS LOVELY! thank you so much, what a lovely your, I felt I was there😂you are a great tour guide. Your narration was wonderful. My husband likes your campervan 😊how beautiful Scotland is. Look forward to the next one..BYEE!
Helen. Scotland has always been a country I have wanted to travel to as I have family roots from the Orkney Islands. Thank you so much for taking us on your journey and teaching us the history of this beautiful land. I love your travel companions! 🥰
Dear Helen! How lovely to know that every Monday we get to see UK through your eyes! Thank you for sharing your trips with us, it's like we've actually been there! Although I did miss all the knitty chat I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the places you visited. The piggies are just adorable! Take care and hope to see your knitting soon! Big hugs from New Zealand, Marina
Hi Marina, I'm glad you enjoyed the start of our trip to Scotland today - I have lots more to show, but my plan, for the next few weeks, is to alternate between a campervan video one week, and a crafty chat the next! I have started knitting a new animal - the wolf! I look forward to showing him to you next time. Sending hugs from Durham! xx
Thank you for your lovely video. It was lovely to revisit some places I went to as a young child/ teen. We moved to Australia when I was 14 years old and I haven’t managed to return to the UK. I’m now in my 60’s. Lots of places don’t look as if they have changed very much and remain quaint little places. I love listening to your music and your information. ❤❤
Thank you, Julie - I'm so glad you enjoyed this trip to Scotland, to places that you remember from long ago! I love it that RUclips can offer us a bit of armchair travelling, even if we can't easily visit those places! xx
What a jolly tune as you set off along that unusually straight road😂 I love your piano tunes and often find myself humming some of them after I've come away😅❤
Thank you for taking us along with you! What a joy to experience the world through your eyes! Congratulations on the surge of new viewers and subscribers! Very well deserved, or earned, however you feel more comfortable. ❤
Dear Helen, what an incredible trip with amazing scenery and history. I never travelled to Scotland, but have really enjoyed your journey. All the best 🤗
Oh, Helen, I do so enjoy your camper van travels! Someone commented about arm chair traveling and that describes me! You are a very enjoyable tour guide! I also so enjoy the piano! Thank you very much!
Helen, I tried to resist watching this, as I have older videos still to catch up on but - Scotland, my birthplace - I couldn’t resist. Firstly, loved 🥰 it all! So much history on King Edward, the chapel/church, which was beautiful, and the monument erected to him. You make history very interesting. Then the wee piggies getting married - oh how sweet. And Phil not only going along with the lovely silliness, but taking pictures too. He must be a lovely man 🤗. Then, Helensburgh - oh my. I remember it so well, my heart ached. Then the canal - I had no idea! I must hear more about that, such a great detour but not enough time! My dad was raised and is scattered in Ardrishaig - more heart ache, but sweet too. I don’t have words really to express my appreciation for your sharing of your vacations with us. Please know these wee jaunts into Scotland are so very special to me, and likely others. All your trips are great, but visiting Scotland with you means so much 🤗🥰
Hi Isabel, I’m so glad you enjoyed this first part of our trip to Scotland, especially as we visited places that hold special memories for you! I can’t wait to take you along on the rest of our trip! xx
Oh my word Helen, I have only just found you. What an absolute delight, I’ve watch 2 of you videos so far and I am hooked. By the looks of it I’ve got a lot to catch up on. Particular enjoy the piano accompaniment to your travels. Thank you. Sue.x
Hello Helen, I first watched your podcast when you had a crafty holiday with your Mum and what an inspiration she is. Your visit to Gretna Green brought back lovely memories for me, my daughter got married there and they have just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. I married my beloved husband there as well sadly I lost the love of my life 6 months ago. Thank you for sharing and I am now going to get the needles out and knit some dolly clothes for my Great Grandaughter 6 yesterday.
Thank you for your very interesting comment about your close connection with Gretna Green! I'm so sad to hear that your husband is no longer with you but glad to have revived some happy memories. Enjoy your knitting! x
Hi Helen, I have just found your channel and what a delight it is 😊 I have dipped into some of your other podcasts and will be watching many more. You have created such a calm space to share all your crafting projects, journeys on the road and your music. Many thanks for the effort you put in, looking forward to seeing your podcasts
All those places look familiar from our previous Scottish holidays. Just a pity you couldn't see the lochs in all their beauty. Thank you for taking us along.
Hi Helen. Hope that you're well. Hurray for another camper adventure. Love seeing what you get up to on your travels. All the history is such a bonus. We loved touring with our caravan, seeing different places. At the time, our son was aged between 11 and 16. So a lot of our activities revolved around him. I am looking forward to seeing you over the weekend. Lots of prep going on here. Have a safe journey, take care. Xx
Thank you! I'm glad you've enjoyed the first part of our trip. That poncho is one I crocheted quite a few years ago and it keeps me nice and cosy in the camper van!
Hi Helen, I'm one of your new subscribers. I've watched many episodes these last few weeks. I adore your gentle and curious nature. Thank you for making this podcast.
Dear Helen, I'm a new viewer to your wonderful vlog and want to say what a delight it is. I plan to watch each previous episode and do look forward to each new one. Best wishes to you from Ohio USA
Lovely views…..so much of Gods beauty… ❤ Your a great story teller… I felt I was riding along with you.:-)) Looking forward to part 2 . I’m across the pond 🇺🇸 in Ohio I’ve traveled England 🏴 but not Scotland 🏴 so 26:29 I’m enjoying the journey with you & hubby, & of course little piggies 🐷 I’m looking through all your other videos. It was a delight landing upon your trip with your Mum… 🌹 Crafting is a process of calm for me.. I embroider, Cross stitch Reproduction Samplers , Primitive things, knit 🧶 & crochet… Love it all Blessings
Thank you so much for your lovely comments! It's good to hear a little about you, too. I'm so glad you enjoyed my storytelling and look forward to sharing more with you soon! x
I love following along on my maps. Mr E and I love standing stones and visit as many as we can when visiting. Thanks for showing us a new area to see. Jane
Hi Helen, I'm another 'newbie' who discovered you recently on your crafty break with your Mum. Am enjoying the lovely mix of crafting, travel and history and your obvious enthusiasm for them all. 😊
What a great holiday you had and so did I, as I tagged along. Kate has the lime green sofa for crafty friends, maybe you need to pop us in a Pink piggy back pack. Scotland is beautiful and Inveraray ,Oban and surrounds are so lovely , I’m sure you just wanted to keep on exploring. I so enjoy your piano music ,it is very relaxing.😊
What a super vlog. I am loving your campervan trips. I've never been to Scotland although my husband has. He hitch hiked around there with a friend in the 70's. That was before we met.
Loved this. You are a wonderful tour guide. How interesting about the king dying in a marsh so long ago. And I agree, a rather lack luster monument for a king. And the spontaneous stops and side adventures makes cool memories for you and Phil. Again, I so appreciate your little maps. I look forward to next week's segment of your trip. 🤗 see you later.
Thank you, Karen - I'm glad I could take you along! It doesn't seem to matter how much research I do before we go, we often find surprise places along the way that turn out to be very interesting. Out first two days of travel were really enriched by stopping off at these places. I'm glad you appreciate the maps, too - it's certainly something that adds to my enjoyment of other people's travel videos! Take care xx
Hello Helen, thank you again for such beautiful views churches and for all of your journey details which are so special if nobody has visited including myself. As an ex-highland dancer I especially liked your piano playing it reminded me of practicing the highland fling with my twin sister many years ago to our Dad who was playing his chanter or bagpipes to the tune you played the ‘Keel Ro’? It was special to hear the tune again so thank you. I look forward to you sharing your next video/podcast. 🙏
Really enjoyed your great vlog. I’m glad you enjoyed being here in Scotland. You captured it so well. Im biased but it’s the best place to live. Thank you 🏴
Lovely trip, Helen. We are tent campers but I can see the advantages of your camper van! On our last trip I was thinking of you and your wonderful commentary. I so enjoy your podcast. Thank you!
Thank you, Linda - I do miss certain aspects of tent camping but also love the added luxuries of being in the camper van! I'm so glad you enjoyed travelling along with us! x
Thank you for your lovely videos. I really enjoy them. I live in the states but love the North East of England. I have family in Consett. Keep up your nice ideas.
Hi Helen, such a lovely podcast. Michael and I were over at burgh by sands in August. My mama family came from Bo’ness on solway. A lot of my ancestors are in st. Michaels graveyard. It was nice to hear you telling the history of the church and I never knew about the monument of Edward I. I do love your podcast Helen, I’m looking forward to your next ones. Take care Doreen xx
Thank you, Doreen - how lovely to know that you were in Burgh by Sands last month, too! And interesting that some of your ancestors are buried in the churchyard at St Michael's. I'm very glad that you are enjoying spending time with me! xx
Another wonderful vlog, Helen. I really enjoy going along with you on your travels. My niece and her hubby got married in Gretna Green about 8 years ago. They live in Ayr but they didn’t run away to get married😀 I was born and reared in County Dublin, living in NY for 34 years, I’ve visited Family living in Scotland and UK twice. I really need to go back. Thank you for being a wonderful travel guide. Looking forward to next week’s episode 😊
Thank you, Mary - I'm so glad that I can take you along! How lovely that your niece got married at Gretna Green. I hope that you manage a return visit to the UK! x
Dear Helen, just wanted to let you know that I am a new subscriber about a month since and I am thoroughly enjoying your vlogs! I love history, travel and crafts so this channel has everything I enjoy, I actually started at your earlier vlogs and am working my way back! You make me feel very welcome here and I thank you for that!😊
Thank you so much for joining me and it's so lovely to hear that you have been enjoying catching up with me and finding that you have lots of interests in common with me! x
Hi Helen, only just found your blog and it is amazing! Bringing back memories of our trips to Scotland in our little camper van - Daisy - thanks for sharing x
We toured Scotland many years ago with our caravan that included me going to a machine knitting show in Aberdeen 😂. These days we go to Wales to our static caravan. Really enjoying your podcast.
Thank you! It’s lovely that you had the chance to explore Scotland when you had your caravan! Wales is a lovely place to spend time, too. I’m happy that you are enjoying my podcasts!
Thankyou so much Helen for taking us along. I’ve either been to or through all the places you mention in Scotland though I live on the east coast. I was hoping you’d go to the courthouse in Inveraray, but you can’t go everywhere! Incidentally although I’m a Campbell I’m not of Argyll!! Thankyou again xx
Thank you, Carolyn - I'm glad you enjoyed revisiting some familiar places. We will have to make a return visit to Inverarary - we just didn't have time to explore everything on offer (we'd like to go the castle, too!) Ah yes, I read about the Campbells of Argyll when I was doing my research!! xx
That was really interesting. My husband & I had planned a rail trip around Scotland that we sadly had to cancel due to the pandemic. Seeing your video has made me think we should start planning again 😊
Hi Helen, sorry not commenting till Thursday but I've been proper poorly for a week now with shingles. Starting to feel better today so can string some words together! Congratulations on your influx of new viewers, after 144 brilliant episodes you deserve it. Loved the map as usual setting out where we are going. It must have been so funny to emerge from the van in the morning to find a couple of chaps erecting the bench! I've never been much good with gates either, can never fathom them! Standing on the same spot after 700 years is amazing and equally amazing is that no one batted an eyelid when two pigs were married at Gretna. Shame about the weather but it must have been all the better when the rain stopped! We pronounce Lomond as you do Loch, with a short 'o' as our youngest daughter (Tommy's nan!) did when we visited. Stuck with us all 😂. What fun it will be when you work through your list of places to visit in the future. We too went to Oban when we visited Mull. We had three weeks of glorious weather, so unusual, and saw so much wildlife, otters, sea eagles and the beaches were outstanding, so pretty and deserted. I was a bit in awe at the size of the ferry and was glad to get off I remember. So looking forward to your trip to a nearby island. Thanks for taking me out and about whilst I've been in bed. Have a great time at your next wool festival.
Hi Pene! Lovely to hear from you but very sorry to hear that you have been poorly in bed with shingles! I'm glad that you're feeling a little better but just go gently and take things slowly. The Mysteries of RUclips... I think they must have recommended just one of my podcasts to lots of people, causing a great deluge of new viewers and subscribers - lovely but a little scary, too - I'm here, like you, just to be part of the creative community rather than to build up a large following! I'm so glad you enjoyed travelling along with us in this week's podcast! It really was funny to wake up to find a bench being put into position! And so strange that no-one at Gretna Green asked about the two pigs... And you're right, we appreciated the sun so much when it did put in an appearance! I'm really looking forward to taking you on the next leg of our journey. Take care and hope you are soon feeling properly well again. xx
Wonderful video Helen. I haven’t been to those particular standing stones but I’m hoping to be in the area in a few weeks so hopefully I’ll get a chance to visit them. Looking forward to seeing the next part. Thank you.
Hi Helen, as always a great video, love your trips and you make history very interesting, you would have to even a great history teacher as well as the music teaching. 😂Pigs running off to Gretna Green to be wed. Thanks Helen.
Oh Helen, I've just found you from watching and meeting Jeanette of Crafty Cleggs Creations. We have a campervan called Wilmur, that we travel about in, sadly only when we have our annual leave or the odd weekend away as we are still both working full time. We adore Scotland and I've really enjoyed watching your campervan travels, as the places you have visited, we've not been to so one for our list for next time. I'm looking forward to your next Scotland video and obviously your visit to Yarndale. I was there too on Saturday and managed to speak to Jeanette and Dawn as we'd never actually met before, we'd just sent messages to one another on here or on IG. Have a lovely day and I'm looking forward to binge watching all of your other episodes 🥰 xxx
Hi Stephanie, it's lovely to know that you have a campervan too and that you've been enjoying some of our travels! I hope you'll enjoy exploring some places in Scotland that are new to you next time you go away. I've just finished making my next podcast which is about Yarndale - and we went in the campervan too! (My podcasts are scheduled for every Monday) I'm looking forward to meeting you through your RUclips channel! xxx
Just lovely. I am looking forward to continuing the trip. I tented for almost 2 weeks this summer in and around Jasper National Park , in Canada. Some mornings I pretty much fell out of the tent I was so stiff!😀 I've been admiring your camper van lol
Thank you, Heather - I'm glad you enjoyed the first part of our trip! It's lovely to know that you enjoy camping - it's so nice sleeping under canvas! However, I am definitely enjoying having a van to sleep in! x
Hello Helen We had a holiday on seil island and stayed in Ellenabeich. It's one of the slate islands. Ellenabeich has overnight parking for motor homes and the pub is very good. There's lots to see round abouts and we took the local bus down into oban. I'd highly recommend it. It's close to kilmartin too. Xx
Hi Christina - thank you for the recommendation - that sounds lovely! We definitely want to make a return visit to Kilmartin and the surrounding area! xx
Hi Helen, I'm a new subscriber from co. Durham . Found your videos quite by chance and I'm a new crafter , finding crafting very therapeutic 😊xx Scotland is amazing oban is beautiful .
Hi Angeline - how lovely to know that you're local to me! Scotland is such a lovely place to go travelling - I'm glad you enjoyed coming along with us!
I am a new subscriber, also an eclectic Crafter & Also have a Campervan (4yrs for us) & we are both scousers living in North Wales but love Scotland, the piano music on your videos reminds me of my mum. We also have a traveling companion - Toby Holiday Bear enjoyed the few pod casts I have watched so far. Best wishes from Suzie😊
Hi Suzie, and welcome along! It's lovely to know that you are a campervan enthusiast - and have a bear as your travelling companion! Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely comment and to tell me something about yourself - and I hope you will enjoy a few more of my podcasts! x
Helen, I just found your podcasts last week and I am captivated. I have gone back to watch some of the early ones and will catch up. Your projects, your photography, the narration of your travels …… all so artistically done! I thank you for the work that you do to make each video so special. You have a big fan in Florida!
Thank you so much, Jan! I am very happy that I can share all of these things with you!
You've spoken for me, too, @jan. Helen's videos have only been recently recommended to me by YT, and I've a lot of catching up to do. Love these travelogues, as I'm a campervan afficionado, myself. Many thanks, Helen!
And me too. I’ve spent many happy knitting hours catching up on Helen’s channel.
What fun! I love the juxtapositions of medieval history and buying a new kettle, Jane Austen and knitted pigs. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
Thank you, Barbara - I'm glad you enjoyed the mixture of things that I shared as we took you along on this journey! x
Hi Helen, Frances and I have seen every one of your podcasts and look forward to them every week. You keep us in touch with our birthplace and also find them interesting and entertaining. The reason I rarely write a comment is that we always watch them on our TV and don't have the facility to say what we think. Loving the travelogs at the moment. Love to you and Phil. Uncle Alan
Hi Uncle Alan and Frances! I am so glad to know that you are still enjoying checking in with me every week! And don't worry that you don't usually comment. I love knowing that you are keeping up to date with what's happening here in North East England and I often think of you when I'm making a video of places that I know you love, such as Tynemouth. It's great that you would have seen Mam and I's little break in Acomb recently, too! In fact, it seems to be that particular video that caused a sudden upsurge in the number of people viewing and subscribing! I'm so happy to take you along on some armchair travels in the campervan and I'm looking forward to showing you more of our recent Scottish trip. Sending lots of love and hugs xxxx
I love that you got distracted by attractions en route. That must be the best thing about having a campervan; that you're free to explore. ❤
Thank you - you are absolutely right about feeling free to explore when we're out in the campervan! x
It’s difficult to pick a favourite part of your travel videos… the gentle commentary on the history of the areas you travel through, your piano playing, the meticulous maps or perhaps the way you blend it all together. Thank you 😊.
Thank you, Joy - I'm happy that you enjoyed everything that I shared in today's video! x
I’m of an age now that my adventures are “arm chair adventures.” You and your family (human and knitted🥰) are the perfect travel guides. Looking forward to the next installment of the camper van adventures. My father’s family came from Cornwall. I’ve always wanted to see the British Isles (one end to the other), now I get the chance to travel to lovely parts. I also enjoy your piano accompaniment; took piano for almost ten years and still enjoy playing. Happy travels, happy crafting🧶
Thank you, Trudy - I'm very happy that I can take you on some armchair adventures! I'm glad you enjoy the piano accompaniment - and lovely to know that you enjoy playing the piano, too! x
Helen,,,,Thanks so much,,,
Really enjoying UR trips,,,,
Wow,,,a history lesson.,,,and food scenes,,,andnd views,,,,
Love it all ,,,
Elaine 🎉🎉💖🏡
Thank you, Elaine - I'm glad you enjoyed the first part of our trip! More coming soon... xx
Hello Helen, I am so glad that you took the time to tell us a little bit about yourself, to introduce us to Phil and your charming crochet friends. Like so many others, I too am new to your channel after seeing you and your mam on holiday. Thank you for the caring and effort in making these delightful videos. Your fan from Central Texas USA.
Thank you for joining me and taking the time to leave a lovely comment! I really enjoy being able to connect in this way to lovely people around the world! xx
Thank you again for a wonderful first video of a trip in the campervan! When you told about how you and Phil start your journey with a late start and a close-by first stop it reminded me of all the years I taught fourth grade and one area of study was the westward migration in the US mid-1800s. One of the companies that ran the wagon trains was called the Hudson Bay Company. They always started the three-month-journey with a “Hudson Bay Start”. All the families would gather (often in a town in Missouri) and on the first day farewells would be said, wagons would gather, and they would only go a few miles out of town and set up their first camp. They never went far because after the first real “set-up” of camp and the first morning of repacking the people would know if there was anything they had left behind or forgotten. They were still close enough to town that some men on horseback could go back into town to get anything left or forgotten and still catch up before the second night’s stop. Since most wagon trains would not see any stores or towns for about three months this last little trip could be crucial. Whenever I go on a long journey, even today, I make a Hudson Bay Start, just to be sure I haven’t left anything “crucial” even though I know that I can usually replace anything I had left behind. Even my sons use the Hudson Bay Start when they go on long journeys. (Especially handy when traveling with small children - heaven forbid that a favorite cuddly toy was hiding between the sheets in bed when their backpacks were packed!) I’m looking forward to the next installment. Salam wa sa’aadah
Thank you so much, Linda, for such fascinating information about the westward migration! Who knew that Phil and I were making a Hudson Bay start?! From now on, that's what we'll be calling our evening starts to our travels. x
Thank you Helen for a super video , looking forward to your next ones xxx
Thank you, June - it was my pleasure! xx
Love to see you and your husband on the road again! Certainly a very lovely part of the world for this visit. We have been to Oban many times and love the area. We had a small camper van too and loved every minute in it although we rarely wild camped and usually went on sites. I love the historical notes you add to your videos and of course your beautiful piano accompaniment! I shall wait eagerly for the next installment x
Thank you, Heather. How lovely that you have experienced the pleasures of campervanning and also the Oban area! I'm glad you enjoyed the piano as well as the history. x
I really do enjoy the detail you give about the places you visit. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Thanks, Daphne - I love being able to give you a taste of our travels and the things that catch my attention! x
Day two of watching and I am just entranced by your “style”. It’s probably age thing!!! I thought yesterday it might be you playing the piano and today you have explained all that. I’ve just had to get rid of my ancient piano so it was lovely to hear you play. Your narration of your journey and all you find along the way is so reminiscent of my past trips, a real deja vu experience. I’ve recently bought a campervan although it has a bathroom and I have taught myself to drive it competently at 69, so I completely get your love for yours. If only we could wild camp in England 😞 No need for you to respond I just feel compelled to let you know I’m there with you and your husband.
Thanks Anne! Brilliant to know that you have a campervan, too! I am so glad that you enjoyed today's video! I'll chat more about wild camping in England another time - we have actually done that! x
How amazing that you taught yourself to drive a campervan at 69. I’m 67 so much admiration. I’m glad you have a toilet on board, at our age it’s as necessary as a kettle 🤣
Thank so much for sharing your trip to Oban. It brought back so many memories. We used to live in Cairnbaan by the canal and you would have passed our house on the way to Crinan. My husband worked in Oban for the Red Cross. The office was later transferred to Helensburgh. I worked at the Red Cross shop in Lochgilphead and now live back in England. Sadly my husband died 4 years ago, but seeing the roads we often travelled brought back some very happy years. Thank you xx
Thank you, Joan - I am so glad to have brought back some happy memories for you of times that you spent in the Oban area with your husband. What a lovely area to live and work in! xx
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. What lovely history and gorgeous scenery.
Thank you, Lisa - it's my pleasure! x
Helen HI! OH THAT WAS LOVELY! thank you so much, what a lovely your, I felt I was there😂you are a great tour guide. Your narration was wonderful. My husband likes your campervan 😊how beautiful Scotland is. Look forward to the next one..BYEE!
Thank you, Yvonne - I'm so happy that you enjoyed this first part of our trip! x
Helen. Scotland has always been a country I have wanted to travel to as I have family roots from the Orkney Islands. Thank you so much for taking us on your journey and teaching us the history of this beautiful land. I love your travel companions! 🥰
Thank you, Janice, I'm so glad that I'm able to take you along on our travels! x
Dear Helen!
How lovely to know that every Monday we get to see UK through your eyes! Thank you for sharing your trips with us, it's like we've actually been there! Although I did miss all the knitty chat I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the places you visited. The piggies are just adorable!
Take care and hope to see your knitting soon!
Big hugs from New Zealand,
Marina
Hi Marina, I'm glad you enjoyed the start of our trip to Scotland today - I have lots more to show, but my plan, for the next few weeks, is to alternate between a campervan video one week, and a crafty chat the next! I have started knitting a new animal - the wolf! I look forward to showing him to you next time. Sending hugs from Durham! xx
Thanks for taking us along on your journeys.
Thank you - it's my pleasure!
Thank you for your lovely video. It was lovely to revisit some places I went to as a young child/ teen. We moved to Australia when I was 14 years old and I haven’t managed to return to the UK. I’m now in my 60’s. Lots of places don’t look as if they have changed very much and remain quaint little places. I love listening to your music and your information. ❤❤
Thank you, Julie - I'm so glad you enjoyed this trip to Scotland, to places that you remember from long ago! I love it that RUclips can offer us a bit of armchair travelling, even if we can't easily visit those places! xx
What a jolly tune as you set off along that unusually straight road😂 I love your piano tunes and often find myself humming some of them after I've come away😅❤
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy the piano! x
Thank you for taking us along with you! What a joy to experience the world through your eyes! Congratulations on the surge of new viewers and subscribers! Very well deserved, or earned, however you feel more comfortable. ❤
Thank you - I'm happy that I could take you along! And thank you - the large number of new viewers/subscribers has come as a bit of a surprise...! xx
Good morning Helen ☕this was great beautiful scenery and I loved all the history thank you for taking us along 😊 Have a lovely week xx
Thank you, Michelle - it was my pleasure! See you next time! xx
Dear Helen, what an incredible trip with amazing scenery and history. I never travelled to Scotland, but have really enjoyed your journey. All the best 🤗
Thank you - I am very glad that I am able to take you along via my video!
Oh, Helen, I do so enjoy your camper van travels! Someone commented about arm chair traveling and that describes me! You are a very enjoyable tour guide! I also so enjoy the piano! Thank you very much!
Thank you, Judith - I'm very happy that you are enjoying spending time with me! x
Helen, I tried to resist watching this, as I have older videos still to catch up on but - Scotland, my birthplace - I couldn’t resist. Firstly, loved 🥰 it all! So much history on King Edward, the chapel/church, which was beautiful, and the monument erected to him. You make history very interesting. Then the wee piggies getting married - oh how sweet. And Phil not only going along with the lovely silliness, but taking pictures too. He must be a lovely man 🤗. Then, Helensburgh - oh my. I remember it so well, my heart ached. Then the canal - I had no idea! I must hear more about that, such a great detour but not enough time! My dad was raised and is scattered in Ardrishaig - more heart ache, but sweet too. I don’t have words really to express my appreciation for your sharing of your vacations with us. Please know these wee jaunts into Scotland are so very special to me, and likely others. All your trips are great, but visiting Scotland with you means so much 🤗🥰
Hi Isabel, I’m so glad you enjoyed this first part of our trip to Scotland, especially as we visited places that hold special memories for you! I can’t wait to take you along on the rest of our trip! xx
That was so beautiful Helen. Really enjoyed it. Cannot wait for the next episode! Enjoying all the history. Lesley x
Thanks, Lesley - I'm glad you enjoyed coming along! x
Oh my word Helen, I have only just found you. What an absolute delight, I’ve watch 2 of you videos so far and I am hooked. By the looks of it I’ve got a lot to catch up on. Particular enjoy the piano accompaniment to your travels. Thank you. Sue.x
Thank you so much, Sue! I'm glad you enjoy the piano music. I hope you enjoy catching up with some of my previous videos! x
Loved the episode. You are on my dream vacation
Thank you, Diane - I'm looking forward to sharing more!
Hello Helen, I first watched your podcast when you had a crafty holiday with your Mum and what an inspiration she is. Your visit to Gretna Green brought back lovely memories for me, my daughter got married there and they have just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. I married my beloved husband there as well sadly I lost the love of my life 6 months ago. Thank you for sharing and I am now going to get the needles out and knit some dolly clothes for my Great Grandaughter 6 yesterday.
Thank you for your very interesting comment about your close connection with Gretna Green! I'm so sad to hear that your husband is no longer with you but glad to have revived some happy memories. Enjoy your knitting! x
Hello Helen thanks so much for this episode, thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to part 2. Best wishes Natalie x
Thank you, Natalie - it was my pleasure! x
Hi Helen, I have just found your channel and what a delight it is 😊 I have dipped into some of your other podcasts and will be watching many more. You have created such a calm space to share all your crafting projects, journeys on the road and your music. Many thanks for the effort you put in, looking forward to seeing your podcasts
Thanks for joining me! I'm so glad that you are enjoying my calm space and all the things that I love to share - I hope you enjoy catching up.
All those places look familiar from our previous Scottish holidays. Just a pity you couldn't see the lochs in all their beauty. Thank you for taking us along.
Thanks. Pamela - I'm happy to have given you some happy memories! x
Hi Helen. Hope that you're well. Hurray for another camper adventure. Love seeing what you get up to on your travels. All the history is such a bonus.
We loved touring with our caravan, seeing different places. At the time, our son was aged between 11 and 16. So a lot of our activities revolved around him.
I am looking forward to seeing you over the weekend. Lots of prep going on here. Have a safe journey, take care. Xx
Hi Angela - I'm glad you enjoyed today's travels! Looking forward to catching up with you at the weekend (I'm there on Sunday). xx
Thank you Helen. That was so very interesting. You are a talented tour guide. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you, Sheila - I look forward to taking you on the next part of the tour!
Love your poncho! Enjoying this trip very much! Well done!
Thank you! I'm glad you've enjoyed the first part of our trip. That poncho is one I crocheted quite a few years ago and it keeps me nice and cosy in the camper van!
That was absolutely wonderful..
Thank you, Dianne - you are very welcome!
Lovely scenery and interesting sites. Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you, Evelyn! x
Hi Helen, I'm one of your new subscribers. I've watched many episodes these last few weeks. I adore your gentle and curious nature. Thank you for making this podcast.
Thank you so much for joining me - I'm glad that you're enjoying coming along with me!
Dear Helen, I'm a new viewer to your wonderful vlog and want to say what a delight it is. I plan to watch each previous episode and do look forward to each new one. Best wishes to you from Ohio USA
Thank you, Ann, for joining me - you are very welcome!
Lovely views…..so much of Gods beauty… ❤
Your a great story teller… I felt I was riding along with you.:-))
Looking forward to part 2 .
I’m across the pond 🇺🇸 in Ohio
I’ve traveled England 🏴 but not Scotland 🏴 so 26:29 I’m enjoying the journey
with you & hubby, & of course little piggies 🐷
I’m looking through all your other videos. It was a delight landing upon your trip with your Mum… 🌹
Crafting is a process of calm for me.. I embroider, Cross stitch Reproduction
Samplers , Primitive things, knit 🧶 & crochet…
Love it all
Blessings
Thank you so much for your lovely comments! It's good to hear a little about you, too. I'm so glad you enjoyed my storytelling and look forward to sharing more with you soon! x
I love following along on my maps. Mr E and I love standing stones and visit as many as we can when visiting. Thanks for showing us a new area to see. Jane
Thank you, Jane - we were delighted to find this area so rich in archaeology - great to know that you enjoy standing stones, too! x
Hi Helen, I'm another 'newbie' who discovered you recently on your crafty break with your Mum. Am enjoying the lovely mix of crafting, travel and history and your obvious enthusiasm for them all. 😊
Thank you for joining me, Lin! I'm glad you've been enjoying seeing all the things that I love to share. x
What a great holiday you had and so did I, as I tagged along. Kate has the lime green sofa for crafty friends, maybe you need to pop us in a Pink piggy back pack. Scotland is beautiful and Inveraray ,Oban and surrounds are so lovely , I’m sure you just wanted to keep on exploring. I so enjoy your piano music ,it is very relaxing.😊
Thank you, Jennifer! I love the idea of taking everyone along in a pink piggy backpack!!! I'm so glad you enjoy the piano music. x
That was really lovely. Thanks
Thank you, Helen! x
What a super vlog. I am loving your campervan trips. I've never been to Scotland although my husband has. He hitch hiked around there with a friend in the 70's. That was before we met.
Thank you, Deborah - I'm glad you've been enjoying the campervan trips!
Another wonderful trip in your camper van. Looking forward to part 2.
Thank you, Carole - we had a great start to our trip!
Hi Helen I thoroughly enjoyed this vlog with your background story and the beautiful scenery too 😊
Thank you Nikki! It was beautiful even through all the rain! x
Loved this. You are a wonderful tour guide. How interesting about the king dying in a marsh so long ago. And I agree, a rather lack luster monument for a king. And the spontaneous stops and side adventures makes cool memories for you and Phil.
Again, I so appreciate your little maps. I look forward to next week's segment of your trip. 🤗 see you later.
Thank you, Karen - I'm glad I could take you along! It doesn't seem to matter how much research I do before we go, we often find surprise places along the way that turn out to be very interesting. Out first two days of travel were really enriched by stopping off at these places. I'm glad you appreciate the maps, too - it's certainly something that adds to my enjoyment of other people's travel videos! Take care xx
Hello Helen, thank you again for such beautiful views churches and for all of your journey details which are so special if nobody has visited including myself. As an ex-highland dancer I especially liked your piano playing it reminded me of practicing the highland fling with my twin sister many years ago to our Dad who was playing his chanter or bagpipes to the tune you played the ‘Keel Ro’?
It was special to hear the tune again so thank you.
I look forward to you sharing your next video/podcast. 🙏
Thank you, Carol. I'm very happy to have brought back happy memories of your highland dancing! x
Really enjoyed your great vlog. I’m glad you enjoyed being here in Scotland. You captured it so well. Im biased but it’s the best place to live. Thank you 🏴
Thank you, Christine - I absolutely love Scotland and you are are very lucky to live there!
Lovely trip, Helen. We are tent campers but I can see the advantages of your camper van! On our last trip I was thinking of you and your wonderful commentary. I so enjoy your podcast. Thank you!
Thank you, Linda - I do miss certain aspects of tent camping but also love the added luxuries of being in the camper van! I'm so glad you enjoyed travelling along with us! x
Such a lovely trip! I really enjoyed seeing Gretna Green as I am a huge Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer fan! ❤
Thank you, Heather - I'm really glad you enjoyed our stop at Gretna Green! x
Thank you for your lovely videos. I really enjoy them. I live in the states but love the North East of England. I have family in Consett. Keep up your nice ideas.
Thank you - and lovely to know that you have family local to me!
So many beautiful places to visit!! 😍 i would love eating in those old Inns or pubs.
Thank you, Debbie - we did find some excellent places to eat! x
Another wonderfull informative vlog Helen,looking forward to part 2 ❤❤
Thank you, Elaine - it was my pleasure! xx
Hi Helen, such a lovely podcast. Michael and I were over at burgh by sands in August. My mama family came from Bo’ness on solway. A lot of my ancestors are in st. Michaels graveyard. It was nice to hear you telling the history of the church and I never knew about the monument of Edward I. I do love your podcast Helen, I’m looking forward to your next ones. Take care Doreen xx
Thank you, Doreen - how lovely to know that you were in Burgh by Sands last month, too! And interesting that some of your ancestors are buried in the churchyard at St Michael's. I'm very glad that you are enjoying spending time with me! xx
You are bringing back memories of our time in Helensburgh, my husband was drafted there many times in his naval career.
Thank you - I'm so glad to be bringing back some happy memories for you!
Oh Helen!
We used to live on the tiny Isle of Seil just south of Oban. How well I know this journey. Thanks for sharing.
Kate
You are very welcome, Kate - I'm glad you enjoyed coming along with us! x
Most definitely
Another wonderful vlog, Helen. I really enjoy going along with you on your travels. My niece and her hubby got married in Gretna Green about 8 years ago. They live in Ayr but they didn’t run away to get married😀 I was born and reared in County Dublin, living in NY for 34 years, I’ve visited Family living in Scotland and UK twice. I really need to go back. Thank you for being a wonderful travel guide. Looking forward to next week’s episode 😊
Thank you, Mary - I'm so glad that I can take you along! How lovely that your niece got married at Gretna Green. I hope that you manage a return visit to the UK! x
Dear Helen, just wanted to let you know that I am a new subscriber about a month since and I am thoroughly enjoying your vlogs! I love history, travel and crafts so this channel has everything I enjoy, I actually started at your earlier vlogs and am working my way back! You make me feel very welcome here and I thank you for that!😊
Thank you so much for joining me and it's so lovely to hear that you have been enjoying catching up with me and finding that you have lots of interests in common with me! x
Me too, I’ve gone through most, almost caught up. Helen is a gem.
Hi Helen, only just found your blog and it is amazing! Bringing back memories of our trips to Scotland in our little camper van - Daisy - thanks for sharing x
Thank you, Karen - how lovely that you have enjoyed some camper van trips in Scotland, too! Our van is called Pearl. x
We toured Scotland many years ago with our caravan that included me going to a machine knitting show in Aberdeen 😂. These days we go to Wales to our static caravan. Really enjoying your podcast.
Thank you! It’s lovely that you had the chance to explore Scotland when you had your caravan! Wales is a lovely place to spend time, too. I’m happy that you are enjoying my podcasts!
So fun! Thanks for sharing your trips and telling the story of history, loved it!❤
Thank you, Elaine - you are very welcome! x
Lovely & interesting video 😊. I lived in Helensburgh many years ago & it did rain alot, but very beautiful 🌄.
Thank you, Melinda - we didn't really mind the rain - the beauty still shines through! x
Thankyou so much Helen for taking us along. I’ve either been to or through all the places you mention in Scotland though I live on the east coast. I was hoping you’d go to the courthouse in Inveraray, but you can’t go everywhere! Incidentally although I’m a Campbell I’m not of Argyll!! Thankyou again xx
Thank you, Carolyn - I'm glad you enjoyed revisiting some familiar places. We will have to make a return visit to Inverarary - we just didn't have time to explore everything on offer (we'd like to go the castle, too!) Ah yes, I read about the Campbells of Argyll when I was doing my research!! xx
That was really interesting. My husband & I had planned a rail trip around Scotland that we sadly had to cancel due to the pandemic. Seeing your video has made me think we should start planning again 😊
Thank you, Jane - I really hope that you're able to revive your plans for touring Scotland - there is so much to see and enjoy!
Hi Helen, sorry not commenting till Thursday but I've been proper poorly for a week now with shingles. Starting to feel better today so can string some words together! Congratulations on your influx of new viewers, after 144 brilliant episodes you deserve it. Loved the map as usual setting out where we are going. It must have been so funny to emerge from the van in the morning to find a couple of chaps erecting the bench! I've never been much good with gates either, can never fathom them! Standing on the same spot after 700 years is amazing and equally amazing is that no one batted an eyelid when two pigs were married at Gretna. Shame about the weather but it must have been all the better when the rain stopped! We pronounce Lomond as you do Loch, with a short 'o' as our youngest daughter (Tommy's nan!) did when we visited. Stuck with us all 😂. What fun it will be when you work through your list of places to visit in the future. We too went to Oban when we visited Mull. We had three weeks of glorious weather, so unusual, and saw so much wildlife, otters, sea eagles and the beaches were outstanding, so pretty and deserted. I was a bit in awe at the size of the ferry and was glad to get off I remember. So looking forward to your trip to a nearby island. Thanks for taking me out and about whilst I've been in bed. Have a great time at your next wool festival.
Hi Pene! Lovely to hear from you but very sorry to hear that you have been poorly in bed with shingles! I'm glad that you're feeling a little better but just go gently and take things slowly. The Mysteries of RUclips... I think they must have recommended just one of my podcasts to lots of people, causing a great deluge of new viewers and subscribers - lovely but a little scary, too - I'm here, like you, just to be part of the creative community rather than to build up a large following! I'm so glad you enjoyed travelling along with us in this week's podcast! It really was funny to wake up to find a bench being put into position! And so strange that no-one at Gretna Green asked about the two pigs... And you're right, we appreciated the sun so much when it did put in an appearance! I'm really looking forward to taking you on the next leg of our journey. Take care and hope you are soon feeling properly well again. xx
Thanks Helen, I know what you mean about subscribers. I told my friends if I can reach 500 that will be enough!
Wonderful video Helen. I haven’t been to those particular standing stones but I’m hoping to be in the area in a few weeks so hopefully I’ll get a chance to visit them. Looking forward to seeing the next part. Thank you.
Thank you - lovely to know that you enjoy standing stones, too - the area is certainly very rich in archaeology - I hope you manage to make a visit!
Hi Helen, as always a great video, love your trips and you make history very interesting, you would have to even a great history teacher as well as the music teaching. 😂Pigs running off to Gretna Green to be wed. Thanks Helen.
Thank you, Maude - it's my pleasure to spread a little joy! x
Oh Helen, I've just found you from watching and meeting Jeanette of Crafty Cleggs Creations. We have a campervan called Wilmur, that we travel about in, sadly only when we have our annual leave or the odd weekend away as we are still both working full time. We adore Scotland and I've really enjoyed watching your campervan travels, as the places you have visited, we've not been to so one for our list for next time. I'm looking forward to your next Scotland video and obviously your visit to Yarndale. I was there too on Saturday and managed to speak to Jeanette and Dawn as we'd never actually met before, we'd just sent messages to one another on here or on IG. Have a lovely day and I'm looking forward to binge watching all of your other episodes 🥰 xxx
Hi Stephanie, it's lovely to know that you have a campervan too and that you've been enjoying some of our travels! I hope you'll enjoy exploring some places in Scotland that are new to you next time you go away. I've just finished making my next podcast which is about Yarndale - and we went in the campervan too! (My podcasts are scheduled for every Monday) I'm looking forward to meeting you through your RUclips channel! xxx
Just lovely. I am looking forward to continuing the trip. I tented for almost 2 weeks this summer in and around Jasper National Park , in Canada. Some mornings I pretty much fell out of the tent I was so stiff!😀 I've been admiring your camper van lol
Thank you, Heather - I'm glad you enjoyed the first part of our trip! It's lovely to know that you enjoy camping - it's so nice sleeping under canvas! However, I am definitely enjoying having a van to sleep in! x
Thank you for this video Helen ! Lovely to see you enjoying your holiday in Scotland so much , I can hardly wait for part 2!
Thank you, Marina - I'm glad you enjoyed it! x
I was so ready to get on the ferry with you…….🤣🤣 I’ll try to be patient until the next podcast……
Thanks, Priscilla! Looking forward to sharing the next stage of our journey! x
Hello Helen
We had a holiday on seil island and stayed in Ellenabeich. It's one of the slate islands. Ellenabeich has overnight parking for motor homes and the pub is very good.
There's lots to see round abouts and we took the local bus down into oban.
I'd highly recommend it. It's close to kilmartin too. Xx
Hi Christina - thank you for the recommendation - that sounds lovely! We definitely want to make a return visit to Kilmartin and the surrounding area! xx
Great video 😊
Thank you, Mike!
Hi Helen, I'm a new subscriber from co. Durham . Found your videos quite by chance and I'm a new crafter , finding crafting very therapeutic 😊xx Scotland is amazing oban is beautiful .
Hi Angeline - how lovely to know that you're local to me! Scotland is such a lovely place to go travelling - I'm glad you enjoyed coming along with us!
I am a new subscriber, also an eclectic Crafter & Also have a Campervan (4yrs for us) & we are both scousers living in North Wales but love Scotland, the piano music on your videos reminds me of my mum. We also have a traveling companion - Toby Holiday Bear enjoyed the few pod casts I have watched so far. Best wishes from Suzie😊
Hi Suzie, and welcome along! It's lovely to know that you are a campervan enthusiast - and have a bear as your travelling companion! Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely comment and to tell me something about yourself - and I hope you will enjoy a few more of my podcasts! x
@helenketteridge I have over 200 jointed bears, but only one or two come on holiday lol. Looking forward to watching more pod casts.
@@TOBY_AND_LUCYS_ADVENTURES Wow - that's quite a collection of bears! Definitely too big a crowd to fit in the campervan! ;-)
😁💚🌷💜
Thank you! x
A lovely vlog. Thanks for sharing your trip. Many interesting visits, especially Gretna Green. Love your little piggies. Take care 😎👍
Thank you, Loraine! I'm glad that I could take you along! x