Manchester here we come!

This morning, we left our cruise ship and said our final goodbyes to our travel companions.

We fly from Basel to Manchester with a stop over in Heathrow. Bruce and Tammi are en route to Manchester. Bryce and Chenaya are already there. We'll meet up in the airport and then get our rental car and drive to Whitehaven.

We just make our connection at Heathrow due to time delays. We are very greatful. We meet up in the Rental Car area with the family. After unpacking a big box and stuffing as much luggage into the back of the SUV as we can, with carryon and backpacks on knees, we head off to Whitehaven.

It was quite the 3 hour drive! We stop part way for dinner at a pub near Lancaster. We're in an area of stone walled houses and barns and fences. It's very picturesque

The roads are challenging at times. My copilot is anxious. We slowly make our way to the Air B&B. The roads are narrow, dark and twisting. They don't seem suitable for the posted speed of 70 mph. From time to time, I pull over to let the locals fly by me. There's road construction, and we are held up for about 20 minutes when we are only 26 miles from our destination. No one is complaining tho!

After driving past once, even using the GPS, Tammi helps us to navigate to the correct spot. It's very dark and hard to see. With Bruce's "torch" (he's gone English on me!), we find the key in the lockbox in the dark and get settled in.

The house is quaint and roomy. It was originally an old farmhouse built in the 16th century. We make a cuppa with the Cumbrian tea that is provided.

Hopefully, after a good night's sleep, those who were crammed in the car will get the kinks worked. Poor Bryce had to twist like a pretzel to get into the back of the car. Even tho pregnant, Chenaya is managing remarkably well. No one's complaining!

Even with little sleep for 36 hours, Bruce and Tammi are doing great. Chenaya is holding up well, and Bryce is a trooper.

We all survived my driving! I'm greatful!Read more