We left our rather palatial accommodation with the triple queensized bed at The Thistle in Haydock and headed to The Lakes District in search of a quiet acre or two. The only sound we yearn to hear is the baaing of sheep and swooning of swans as we view from our B&B window views of lake Windermere from our lofty height. We reach the picturesque town of Winderemere with it's prettily decorated houses, window baskets, displays and containers of petunias and lar...

We arise early(ish) to fuel our bodies for the day ahead. Given Af's obvious memory embellishments and flights of fancy (noticed over a few beers last night) we want to be prepared for all eventualities. We need not have worried; his pills and ointments had obviously done their job; and Af would have made Raleigh, Drake & Scott proud as he navigated us through the perilous highways and byways of the English countryside to our destination: Stratford - Upon -...

With grateful thanks for Anthony donating his bed & room to the weary travellers and to Clare for her generosity, time and organising we reluctantly say our goodbyes to London as we set off on the next phase of our adventure. A short walk to Waterloo station and onto the tube for Finchley Central to collect our hire car. In short order we are on the road speeding toward Wellingborough, Afrika & Sue and a long overdue RV. The M1 is kind to us and we make...

It's 8am, no its 9am now as we zzzz a bit longer or just long enough for our next exciting adventure. Our very own personal tour guide General Clare Solomon escorting us thru the sights of London and a little later on joined by Ashley. We had a lot on our list needing ✔️ off, so cameras, bag and wallet - action - we set off. Not necessarily in this order but close enough. Exiting our OXO Hilton we quickly come across Shakespeare's Globe theatre and the Town...

Plan for today was visit Windsor castle where Steve was doing public duties as a Green Jacket for Her Majesty in the early 80s but more about that shortly. We had an enjoyable morning with Clare and Callum planning tomorrow's get together with them and Ashley. Callum guided us to Waterloo Station which still enthrals this Kiwi girl. Never have I been on the underground in my life at all and as I was saying to Ari the Tube has these really fast trains that are no...