Plans on Hold

David, Amanda, Nathan in Cranbrook

Ewan, Tom and Jeremy in Cambridge

Our 70^th birthday road trip visits took place between 3rd March and 2nd April. We had 13 meals out, including five on consecutive days. Mostly, we stayed overnight with our relatives, which gave us more time to spend with them. It was lovely to catch up with everyone’s news after such a long time.

Stuart, Joseph, Kathy, Helen, Ben in Lichfield

Kathy and Ruth in Dronfield Woodhouse

We were delighted with the news in March that Western Australia had relaxed many of its Covid restrictions for triple vaccinated visitors. It was time to check our paperwork. We’d already renewed our passports and our driving licences. Thank goodness we could do this online. The frustration experienced in fulfilling the Passport Office’s requirements for a photograph were nothing compared to the wait of six months or more for those who had to submit paper requests. Next task was to apply for the correct Australian visa. Once again, this was done easily online and our visas were issued within a day or two of our application.

Ritchie, Kathy, Catherine, Jeremy in Pontefract

Alice, Juliette, Anna, Daniel, Jamie, Jeremy in York

We were about to book flights to Perth, but put this on hold when Jeremy began to experience chest pains. So far, preliminary tests (blood and an ECG) have been negative. Further tests have been arranged for later this month. We’ll keep you posted.

Martha, Jeremy, Eileen, Gavin, Kathy in Cleadon

Patrick, Sylvie, Michelle, Sam, Kathy, Jeremy in Hertford

We met up with most of our relatives in the Isle of Man towards the end of our road trip. We also arranged to scatter my Mum’s ashes. Jeremy tipped the ashes into the Irish Sea at the same place where my Dad’s ashes had been scattered. My sisters and I threw flowers and I read a poem and a blessing. Meanwhile, the sun shone and the breeze was light, perfect weather for such a beautiful place. Rest in peace Mum and Dad.

Miki, Isaac, Abigail, Pat, Kathy, Jeremy. Stonehouse, Gloucestershire 

Sara, Pat, Jeremy, Kathy. Isle of Man

The next day Jeremy and I were up early to catch the ferry from Douglas to Heysham in Lancashire. We were starting our holiday by driving up to Scotland. The first night was spent at Inverardran House, a pleasant and welcoming B&B close to Crianlarich in the Highlands. Red squirrels played outside the window at breakfast time.

Jeremy, Kathy, Keith, Gaynor. Isle of Man

Pherick, Charlie, Lochlann, Morgan, Trina and Jeremy, Isle of Man

Soon we were on our way to Oban followed by a ferry crossing to Mull and a half hour drive to Tobermory. We enjoyed catching up with our lovely neighbours. Em, Ben and the girls arrived within the week. We had a great time together walking, eating in and out, tidying the garden, hunting for Easter eggs and egg rolling.

Red squirrels at Inverardran Guest House. Scotland

Pony trekking at Killiechronan. Mull

Now we are back home in Suffolk. Jeremy is restoring a yacht tender/dinghy which we hope to use on the river soon.  We are looking forward to our first sail this season on Sea Rose. If the weather is kind to us, this will be with the family on my birthday. We are truly blessed.

Speinne climbed. Mull

Ellie, Jeremy and Sophie. Mull