Km so far 769!

On the road! At long last, we are on the way… everyone is asking how excited are we?! Well, to be honest, at the moment we're exhausted. The last two weeks leading up to the off have been manic. Calling AA Ireland, calling RAC UK for the carnet, getting certified copies for Fintan's Aussie application, getting the roof box fitted.

So we left Cork at 0 km (Fintan re-set the trip meter) at 4pm on Sunday 20th May. Drove to Dublin and stayed with John O'Connell (Fintan's cousin) and went into the AA first thing Monday, then got the 2:30pm ferry to Holyhead. The drive from Holyhead to Belper, Debyshire was lovely. The weather was great, there was this beautiful summer haze light across the gorgeous green valleys. Lots of sheep! I'd called the Talbot Hotel and booked a room, but just under my name. On the phone, the guy just said "Ok, see you later then!" and hung up… but it was perfect, well deserved pints and a good sleep.

We called over to Wayne, Lucy and Rocco in the morning. Went for a play in the park and in the garden - again gorgeous sunshine. Rocco graced us with hilarious poses as he filled the paddling pool, and chased us with the hose. I had found some qwacha in an old wallet, so gave it to Wayne for his return to Zambia. In exchange he bought us a lovely lunch at the Black Swan. Lucy and Wayne both used to drive overland trucks, so it was reassuring chatting to them. Off again that afternoon then to Oxford. We stopped in Buildbase and picked up our calor gas bottle. They were really helpful, very excited for us.

We got to Oxford about 7pm on Tuesday 22nd. Aisling and JB were awaiting us and Fintan took great pleasure in showing off the car. JB then showed their Pajero off to Fintan… me and Aisling got stuck into the business of Pimms and Lemonade! Lovely to see them - and hopefully will see them later in the trip!! No pressure, but it would be AWESOME!

So heading to the edge of the UK now towards the continent. I love that phrase - The Continent… makes it sound so grand. We plan to meet up with Greg and the Winches on the Zambezi, the boat they are travelling on - great blog too www.winchingthru france.blogspot.com