Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We have arrived safely in Cumbrian Lakes after a long days travelling - the long journeys are all worthwhile when we get off the plane to be hit by a wave of warm air, and to be greated by clear blue skies - probably not the weather you are experiencing as you are reading this back home !?
Our travels provded to be pretty straightforward - our initial flight to Newark was slightly delayed (approx 45 mins), however we still had plenty of time to make our connection on to our flight to Orlando.
The 'Oldies' behaved themselves and made themselves scarce whilst Rachael organised the baggage collection & rental car pick-up and we then commenced our short drive to the Villa.
In no time Rachael had adapted to driving on the wrong side of the road, she was accustomed to the automatic gear shift, however the journey was an extremely uncomfortable one as she claimed that the brakes were 'over-sensitive'.
We called in to the Supermarket to purchase the essentials for a snack & breakfast the following morning (bacon, eggs, sausages, bagels, pancakes, cereal, toast, coffee & butter - boy am I going to put on weight this holiday !). On returning to the car, Rachael's driving had made a dramatic improvement, with far more 'controlled' braking - when I commented on her now becoming more familiar with the sensitivity of the brakes, she said - "I've reverted to using my right foot on the brakes, it's far easier !!". I guess I should make allowances after a hard day's travelling (although sleep will be difficult for me with my severe whiplash). If you can cope with Rachael's airport shuttle, then Shikra, Montu, Stingray, Hulk or any of the other thrill rides will be a breeze !
After retiring early we awoke revived, refreshed & raring to go. Our plans are for a 'gentle introduction' to the holiday, to ensure that we have conserved sufficient energy for our forthcoming 3 day cruise.
During our initial days we have been fortunate to encounter a wide variety of local wildlife, including a Mummy Gator with 18 kids, a toad (or big frog), an armidillo, a lizard (which Rachael allowed into The Villa) and a 'Ghost Squirrel'. This was quite a freaky sight - it was about the size of a domestic cat and was staring us out as we took a stroll around the lake. Rachael was convinced that it was ornamental, until it tired of staring at us & returned into the undergrowth.
We treated Grampy to a Birthday Meal at The Olive Garden (including wine, we really treated him !) - however I think he was at least a little put-out that a fellow diner, Sophie, somewhat stole his limelight. She was celebrating her 4th Birthday and the entire Restuarant joined in a chorus of "Happy Birthday to Sophie". Not to suggest that Grampy was in the slightest bitter about the whole experience, but he even declined her kind offer of a slice of her Birthday Cake !
I'm sure there will be more to report once our Cruise gets underway on Friday...........I'll keep you posted.
- comments