Alvanley

Hello from Frodsham, England
The Parrys have assembled.
Mike and I had a long but smooth journey via Frankfurt then back to Manchester. ( long explanation than involves not wanting to fly Rouge). Al and Natalie met us and we had a fairly quiet first couple of days that included the required first trip to pub to help with jet-lag. Mike assures me this is evidence-based- [picture enclosed]. On Sunday morning , very bright and early , the Parrys from Whitehorse and Ottawa arrived bleary-eyed but smiling. Natalie and Al have been the perfect hosts and they filled everyones’ bellies with porridge, toast and bacon upon arrival. Sounds like Air Transat was fine to travel with but they didn’t waste extra money on a hot breakfast . We all managed a walk in the fields and some shut eye before we headed out to pub for a rendezvous with Al’s sons Dan and Mike and their families. It was a great evening with lots of laughter and photographs. Mike and Rian brought Welsh soccer shirts and hats for the boys which they have been proudly sporting. Tara mentioned over and over just how nice it was to see her cousins again and to meet their families. We returned to Al’s place for the “after party. “. Then we all crashed for a long rest last night. Rogan was first up at 5 am and completed a workout before the rest of us got up. He is committed to his training for paddling this summer.
Today after another hardy breakfast we headed into Chester. Mike led the group to see the old Roman city walls. We then headed into Wales with a stop at another great pub The Eagle and Child for lunch. More large plates of hearty food including huge, stacked hamburgers. The boys are in heaven! We visited the village of Meliden and found the graves of Mike’s Aunty Joyce and Uncle Bill. Some of you will have met Mike’s Aunty Joyce. She died only 2 years ago. We also found Mike’s Grandparents’ grave in the church cemetery. Finally, we climbed the Gop ( a large hill) where Mike’s parents ashes were scattered. Beautiful views over Wales from the top. So it was a day for Mike to share his stories and memories. Tara, Ryan, Niki and I also have some memories from the area and it was nice to go back.
We now have two rental cars. Ryan and Mike are driving with Niki and I taking the lead as navigators. Some of the Welsh laneways we were on today were very, very narrow and the car alerts were beeping often. Tomorrow we load up and head to the Snowdonia area. Unfortunately, weather forecast is not looking great for the “big Parry Mount Snowdon ascent” planned for Wednesday.
More to follow from Bedgelert.
Hope all is well at home.
I’ll send pictures in a couple of batches.
Love Heather (Mom) xxRead more