Newbury

Our house-sitting and puppy minding started at 5.30 am this morning when Maddie and Kevan left for their holiday in Costa Rica. 

Motorhomes as far as the eye can see!

James picked us up in Hanwell and we headed for the Motorhome Show out at Newbury. 

The green lush countryside was a welcome site after the dry brown parched landscape in Tassie. The flowering  horse-chessnuts, the cow parsley and the flowering hawthorn hedge rows was very picturesque. 

Chilli, Maddie’s poodle, thought it was doggie heaven, making many new friends along the way! She was very good. 

Chilli wondering if she will ever be this tall!

The choice of motorhomes was a little overwhelming at first but we systematically eliminated most, and we finally ended up with only one in our sights. Another few to visit tomorrow and then make our decision. 

Late in the afternoon we returned to London to consider our options. We enjoyed the lovely confit duckling with caramelised Apple as our evening meal. 

NOTE: Not sure if we want to return to Oz in a hurry considering the outcome of the election! 

Friday in London

Great sleep considering it was our first after the long haul from Oz. 

Took things easily during the morning and early afternoon we moved from James’ unit to Maddie’s where we took up house-sitting duties for the following week. 

Chilli looking resplendent after a session at her beauty salon!

Maddie took us through the care routine for Chilli (poodle) and when Kevan came home from work he thought it might be a good idea to go for a “sneaky beer” at the pub. The Kings Arms, another old English pub dating back to 1642. The local beer was very pleasant too! 

Returned home for aome delicious lasagna before retiring to bed - another relatively late night. 

Sunny London

London arrival was on schedule. James greeted us at Heathrow - with coffees - to collect our travel weary bodies and luggage. 

Helene, James and Leelou at Heathrow this morning. 

The Qantas experience was what we had hoped for. The quality of their staff was outstanding with help from the very start in Hobart when requesting seat changes - and this continued right through to London. Food was of a high standard, as far as airline food goes! The entertainment infrastructure was a little dated as were the seats. But overall, very happy with the flight. 

Feeling pretty good we arrived at James’ unit where we spent the rest of the afternoon while James  went to his meeting in Cambridge - and puppy-sitting a loveable Leelou. 

Later in the afternoon we had a very pleasant surprise visit from Maddie and Chilli. She actually caught us taking a much needed nap.

Maddie with the other girls Chilli and Leelou. 

Later Kevan joined us in a champagne before heading out for a meal. 

Later we returned to the unit, with James arriving back from Cambridge shortly after. It was getting on past 11 pm - not bad for a couple of flight weary folk. Off to bed by 11.30 pm. 

R.I.P. Bob Hawke - you did us all proud. 

Long Haul Commences

11:55 am and the QANTAS flight to Sydney leaves Hobart airport on a perfect sunny autumn morning. The adventure begins!

The view over the Dervent River and Hobart as we leave. 

The early morning view of Mt Wellington as we set out for our early morning walk this morning. 

Hopefully all the last minute jobs have all been completed. The unpacking from our moving house is nowhere near finished - but it can wait!

The famous harbour in Sydney. 

The flight from Sydney to Singapore started with the captain announcing that a giant insect had landed on the wing of the aircraft and to view it on the In-flight entertainment system. It turned out to be an insect attaching itself to the webcam on the tail fin of the aircraft! 

The flight was totally full - not a spare seat to be seen. The flight was away on time with food being served shortly after takeoff. Must say it was a typical flight, watching a few movies and  doing some walking in order to stay awake for the first leg of the long haul to London.

Arrived in Singapore on time - just another international terminal - but big! 

Checked in with the family.

Now set for the big haul to London!