After 3 hours sleep, we reluctantly arose to face the first proper day of our adventure and the other travellers with whom we will be spending our time. We went for breakfast in the Slippery Salmon next to the hotel. It was quite pleasant except for the paper plates, plastic cutlery and polystyrene cups! Still, it was complementary and we weren't expecting it so we enjoyed it. We met Jen and 'Young Al' at breakfast. It had taken them less time to travel from Aus...

Heathrow to San Francisco 10 hrs 45 mins, 5,368 miles San Francisco to Anchorage 4 hrs 58 mins, 2018 miles Total travel time - 19 hours 29 mins Total miles - 7386 miles We were up with the lark this morning at 5.00am, breakfasted and out of the house by 5.45. The M25 was busy but kept flowing. Confusion reigned as we tried to navigate our way to the long stay car park at Heathrow. Strangely 'Tom' seemed to know they way but we never listen to him! We were reliev...

This morning started well when the zip broke on my case. Still, rather at home than on our travels. A quick transfer into a bigger case and we were ready. The first leg of our journey is completed. I know we haven't yet left the country but it still counts. As we are flying out of Heathrow early tomorrow, we are spending the day with Charlotte and Roger. We arrived at about 1.00pm, having made good progress right up until we were due to leave the A21 for Biggin H...

I can't believe we only have one week to go before our adventure begins. I have been packing and re-packing for weeks but still don't know what to take. The temperature is supposed to be 19c on the day we arrive and 20c on the following day but it looks like it could be wet - nothing new there then. So, waterproof jackets and sturdy walking shoes look like the order of the day. This is the first time we have been on a cruise so don't really know what to expect a...