Where Was I?-- with two possible answers..
Brian Smith
Win a week's holiday for two in The Gambia. Courtesy of The Gambia
Experience, winners will stay for seven nights at the former colonial
mansion, Ngala Lodge
Read the article below and then answer the two questions. Clues to the
answers can be found within the text:
If the shortest distance between A and B is a straight line, then by
rail you can pretty much double that around here. The road fares little
better, for it and railway slowly meander southwards like inseparable
waltzers. Man, of course, will never fully conquer this awesome
landscape - we’ve been trying long enough. Witness the roads and
bridges built by a general, born 1673.
Thus, from the welcome warmth of the train, it is with a sense of
anticipation that we reach a pass - at more than 1,400ft, a point of
railway superlativeness. "All downhill from here," I observe as we race
the road east. Fourteen miles later we cross a hurrying stream; yet
this is a spot known to most visitors for retail therapy. Do they
realise, I wonder, that a series of rushing falls lies a till’s ting
beyond. An eighteenth century poet wrote about them. Though much
impressed, he felt the provision of some trees would much improve the
area. ("shade my banks wi’ tow’ring trees.") The landowner, a duke,
duly obliged.
A little beyond, we pass through a village noted for its fine castle.
Although of great age, it was largely rebuilt by an architect (born
1803). The snow-frosted landscape passes gently by until, three miles
later, on the northwestern outskirts of a second village, we pass a
battlefield. Here, in July 1689, in the shadow of a 2,759ft mountain, a
viscount’s army was victorious - though the viscount (born circa 1648),
mortally wounded, failed to see the battle through to its end. "How
goes the day?" were reputedly among his final words.
Obviously, not good for him. However, from the comfort of my railway
carriage, I am glad to report that mine fares somewhat better. Although
a plum tinged sky and menacing snow clouds might just have other ideas.
What is the name of the pass? PASS OF DRUMOCHTER
What is the name of the mountain? BEN VRACHIE
The prize
A week’s holiday for two in The Gambia, courtesy of The Gambia
Experience. The winners will stay for seven nights, on a B&B basis, at
the former colonial mansion, Ngala Lodge, located near Bakau, and
exclusively featured within The Gambia Experience's 'Luxury
Collection'. Making the most of its cliff-top setting, child-free Ngala
Lodge is set amidst tropical gardens, and has its own swimming pool and
a highly-rated restaurant, overlooking the ocean. Access to the beach
below is possible at low tide. The prize also includes return flights
from Gatwick, and transfers, and must be taken before the end of April
2012, excluding school and public holidays and subject to availability.
This summer, the company is offering a second week at the Ngala Lodge
for Ł99pp. As a result, during June 2011 14-night holidays there start
from just Ł798pp. For more details of this and the rest of The Gambia
Experience’s holiday programme, call 0845 330 2087 or visit
Gambia.co.uk.
nog
<br...@no-reply-please.local> wrote:
>
>Win a week's holiday for two in The Gambia. Courtesy of The Gambia
>Experience, winners will stay for seven nights at the former colonial
>mansion, Ngala Lodge
>
>Read the article below and then answer the two questions. Clues to the
>answers can be found within the text:
-----------------------------8><
>
>What is the name of the pass? PASS OF DRUMOCHTER
>
>What is the name of the mountain? BEN VRACHIE
Spot on, I reckon, Brian. Well done!
The mountain is also spelt "Ben Vrackie", but I don't suppose that
matters.
http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/where_was_I/
Nice prize for a change. Some of those offered lately have been a bit
shabby, I've thought. ;-)