Well here we are back safe and sound. The flight was fairly painless - lots of movies to watch and nibbles to keep us occupied along the way. Scott managed a full 6 hrs sleep (lucky man); I could only manage 3. Either way we would soon be back in our own beds. As we arrived into Heathrow it was still dark at 6.20am and about 3 degrees Celcius- but it felt good to be back on British soil and I was full of excitement to catch up with everyone. By about 7.30am I sp...

Ahead of schedule our bags are packed and essentially we're ready to go. Last few chores in the garden to prep it for winter. We spent the evening at the Sinclair's where we enjoyed another fine roast cooked by mum - really tasty. I felt a little pensive about our trip for obvious reasons and I know Julia felt the same too. Dad Sinclair dropped us off at Heathrow around 1am. I personally experienced mixed emotions as I watched their car drive off into the distanc...

An even slower start today, still too much to do. Bags to be packed, clothes to be sorted, kit to double check, freezers to defrost. Not long now. It's just turned 22.00 and Julia is still packing - oh what to pack?! Shame she missed Grand Designs, it was a good episode. Time for another tea. My god, Julia has entered the room... her bag packed!

The Weather is a lot cooler today with an autumnal nip in the air. We cycled to Cricklade through Cleveland lakes mid morning to run a few errands at the bank and post office. We decided to have lunch in Cricklade cafe. Julia went for the jacket potato whist I had a full English breakfast - I know, fatty food, not good for the expanding waist line. I am not going to get a good old English fry up with a stewed cup of tea where we're going... so I am going to make ...

A slightly more relaxed day today as we both realise there's no need to rush. We visited Cirencester for a spot of lunch at The Golden Cross in Black Jack street before getting our travellers cheques and last minute supplies. A cooler day today in comparison to Saturdays high of 29.9 degrees - but still unseasonally hot for this time of year.