Day 163 to 169 - 12th to 18th April - U.K.

Point of departure: Buckingham

Point of arrival: Coalbrookdale

Accommodation: Mount Pleasant with Sally, Shirley and Popoy & Fern (the dogs)

Km travelled today: 160km Cum: 28 220km (gravel 0km cum 4 649km)

Countries so far: 14/16

Where to next? Bothel & Keswick, Lake District

No of photos: 11 (cum 7 001)

Home of the Industrial Revolution and the first "iron" bridge - Coalbrookdale (a World Heritage Site) - the next stop on our world wind tour of the UK. How do the Royals manage to do this on a regular basis is beyond us. We have really slowed down to a snail's pace - this is rest, relax and take it extremely easy week especially with Marina down with a bronchial infection. Sally (John's sister) was raised in Zambia and Zimbabwe and returned to the UK in the late 1960's.

Sally and Shirley's home is an historic building in its own right (200 years old in 2012) and is a lovely restful spot with views of the pond, hillside, trees and daffodils sprouting everywhere - a good place to really take it easy. In case any of you are wondering, the house has seen a bit of renovation since it was built and even has hot water and sit down toilets… just kidding it really is a lovely, warm comfortable home. Shirley, a journalist, has even written a book - "Shropshire Privies - a nostalgic trip down the garden path" by Shirley Tart, in case any of you are interested (a good book for the guest toilet).

It really is a great opportunity to take it easy, although the UK election campaign (6 May) and now the volcanic eruption in Iceland spewing an ash cloud across the UK airspace (all airports closed today 15th April) are a bit of a distraction. Other than that, we will be meeting some old friends and acquaintances here over lunches and dinners.

Thank you Sally and Shirley for having us and as usual making us so welcome - we had a wonderful and restful week. Hope to see you in Africa soon.