Iceland!

 A very, very early start - we left the house at 4.45 am to head to Heathrow.  Ella drove which was so much easier than having to use public transport, especially as the tubes don’t start operating until 6.00.
Our flight was wonderfully calm but sadly the cloud cover prevented us seeing much until just before we landed in Iceland.  Rental car upgrade and a supermarket expedition before beginning the long drive to the Horgsland Cottages near Kirkjubaejarklaustur, somewhere long the south coast.  
The weather hasn’t been great but the rain did clear long enough for us to visit the spectacular Urridafoss Falls, the most voluminous waterfall in Iceland.  Ice can form for up to 30 metres during winter, but was only a few metres thick as it’s now spring (really!).
Next stop were the Seljalandsa and Gljufrafoss Falls.  The second waterfall had a rock tunnel that you could walk through to get close to the falls.  David and Ella ventured inside, but it was way to wet and cold for me.
Still plenty of ice and slow around, even down to sea level.  Unfortunately the rain started in earnest and the predicted gale force winds arrived so the rest of the drive was a little nerve wracking, especially getting used to driving on the right side of the road.
Even though the weather isn’t flash, we are in awe of this stunning country.  It looks and feels like a different planet with amazing land forms, black sands, frozen rivers, glaciers and stunted vegetation.  So far seen very few farm animals except for so stocky, cold and sad looking horses.  Looking forward to exploring more over the next few days.
We have all resigned ourselves to the fact that we won’t be seeing the Aurora tonight.  Fingers crossed that the weather improves.

Slow days

 The last couple of days have been a bit slow as David has been unwell.  We ended up going to a Doctor yesterday and he got antibiotics for a chest infection.  Thankfully not too serious but still not great.  Weather has been what you would expect in London, with cloud and rain.  Have been loving being with Ella as she goes about her daily life.  Queens Park is just across the road and we have walked the dogs, enjoying seeing the early spring flowers and watching the squirrels scampering up the trees.

This morning I went with Ella to her gym class and then walked to Portobello Road.  Loved looking at the very nice shops in the Notting Hill area, especially the amazing cake shops ad cafes. 

Early night tonight as we head to Iceland first thing in the morning.

Meeting Ella

Magic flight from San Fransisco to London, it was so smooth, but we still didn't sleep.  Unfortunately the landing at Heathrow was anything but smooth.  Even though we had a hassle checking our bags back in San Fran, they were the first ones off the baggage claim.  Can't believe how easy the whole entry process was.

Ella met us and it was so, so good to be able to give her a hug.  She had driven to collect us so didn't even have to negotiate public transport with our heavy bags.  Driving back to her home was amazing, especially as she knew where she was going and we had absolutely no idea.

So nice to see her world in real life - Queens Park is right across the road and the spring blossoms are starting to appear in all their glory.  This part of London has so many open spaces and certainly has more of a village feel about it.  

We managed to rustle up enough energy to walk to the local supermarket to get something for dinner and then bed was well and truly calling us.  That really is an epic journey, especially without any sleep.

After a decent sleep and waking up to sunshine, the world looked like a different place.  Apparently the dogs barked like crazy, but we didn't hear a thing!  We went to see Ella's friend Nina and went for around Hammersmith, where Ella used to live.  Found a street with amazing coloured terrace houses, a little reminiscent of the painted ladies in San Fransisco.  

We had heard lots about the delicious spring rolls that the housekeeper made and she kindly offered to cook us some for lunch - they were just as delicious as had been described.  Sun is shining and it's time to venture out, otherwise the dreaded jet lag will catch up with us again.

Wasting Time at SFO

Flight across the Pacific was bumpy  thankfully mostly just annoying but some seriously big ones just to keep us on our toes  When we landed the pilot said that it had been quite smooth - glad we didn’t have a rough one!  Spectacular view flying into San Francisco  Bit of a hassle dropping our bags off - firstly finding where to do so and then having to wait while the conveyor belt was repaired. Fingers crossed that they arrive in London at the same time as we do. Our stop over was eight hours so we wasted a bit of time riding the tram between terminals. Great way to see the airport surrounds and was almost as good as a ride at Disneyland.  Another couple of hours until we board and now starting to get really excited about seeing 

Ella

Brother can you spare me a saxophone? (Art work)

London and Ella calling!

First leg of the journey underway to London to see Ella. Waiting at the airport eating cheese rolls. What else would you eat here! Bags checked in - hoping that the MAF dogs don’t detect the smell of an excessive amount of Whittakers chocolate. First stop Auckland then London via San Francisco. Seems like a life time ago since our last big adventure.