Heading North

 We woke to a very brisk -2 degree morning after a pleasant stopover in our little cabin.  New Zealand could learn a lot from the Norwegian buildings as a similar type cabin would never be as toasty warm as the one we stayed in.

Heading North we thought that we may not be able to do everything that we had planned, due to the distances, but the roads were surprisingly quiet.  Shoulder season definitely seems to be the time to travel if you want to avoid the crowds.  Speed limits are considerably lower than the main highway we travelled on yesterday, with a maximum speed of 80 km/hour.  It does make everything feel a little safer, especially for those of us not used to driving on the right hand side of the road.

Our first stop was to visit Trollstigen Pass which is a crazy road with 11 hairpin bends that is built into the side of the mountain.  The pass is closed over Winter, due to snow and the risk of avalanches, but reopened today.  David was so excited about getting the chance to drive some of the road - me, not so much.  We compromised and drove about half way to the top, before turning around.  It was a bit like the Crown Range on steroids.  A few cars went through while we were there but I could't believe it when we saw a car towing a double horse float winding it's way to the top,  It's a popular tourist destination, so imagine that it would be really busy in Summer.

From there we drove through villages and around the fiords toward Molde.  Lots of bridges, tunnels (including one that went deep under a fiord, and then onto a ferry.  There are many ferries crossing the fiords and linking up the roading network very efficiently.  

The aim for the day was to drive The Atlantic Road, an eight km road that links the region of Averoy and the mainland via seven bridges, over the Hustadvika Bay.  One of bridges is really steep and has appeared in movies and advertisements.  It was a stunning drive and can imagine it would be spectacular in wild weather.  We had a 'moody' sky which added to the atmosphere.  Again, we expected it to be busy, but wasn't, mind you, the freezing cold wind and threatening rain may have kept people away.

That was our Northern most part of our Norwegian adventure as we headed back toward Molde for the night.  In the tradition of rental car issues that seem to stalk us, a warning light came on in the car.  A slight detour to get it checked with the company who confirmed that we should just continue to drive and they would sort it once the car was returned.  It was the outcome we wanted, but keen to make sure that it was their decision, just in case.

Our hotel tonight looks over the fiord, with snow capped mountains in the background.  Ferries regularly glide across the bay and it is nice and warm inside.  All in all, a pretty pleasant place to be.

Norway Adventure Begins

An early start this morning, leaving Ella's (sorry for waking you up) at 6.00 am, to make our way to Gatwick Airport.  Our Norwegian Air flight left at 9.20 and was fantastic.  Calm with only a few bumps and we came in to land, I could almost get use to flying if it was always like that.  The views across the sprawl of London were great, flying north toward the Eastern coast line and then across the fiords as we came into land in Oslo.  I did have second thoughts about leaving the glorious weather that London is enjoying and exchanging it for the 6 degrees it was when we landed

Once again the customs and immigration process were really efficient, but our bags took ages to arrive.  Collected our rental car, a Suzuki Vitara this time, and started our long drive Northward.  We did detour to look for a supermarket and then struggled to figure out exactly what we were buying.

Our drive from the airport to Dovre was 284 km and took about three and a half hours.  Much of it was on a 110 km/hour highway which then changed to much narrower and windier roads,  Still struggling to relax on the right hand side of the car, being close to the edge of the road.

We really just wanted to cover as much ground as possible so limited stops (and photo opportunities) on the journey.  Did pass by Lillihammer where the 2016 winter Olympic games were held.  You can still see the massive ski jump (think Eddie the Eagle) on the slopes above the town,

Dovre is a tiny place and we are staying in a wooden cabin under the shadow of the snow capped mountains.  The country brings back lots of memories of Iceland,  The town does have an unusual church, built in 1736 and covered in slate.  It is part of the Pilegrimsleden or St Ola'v Ways, a trail fromOppdal in the North to Sel in the South.  There was a sign saying that there were Commonwealth War Graves in the cemetery, but it was too cold to spend much time looking for them.

I think that bed will be calling early tonight before we embark on day two of our Norwegian adventure.

View out our window

Another Sunny Day in London

Can't believe that we are still having glorious weather - Ella's balcony has been put to good use since we arrived.

We sent to the Queen's Park Market this morning which is in a local school.  The produce and food available looked absolutely delicious and there were lots of spring flowers for sale.

Ella went to meet her friends for a palates class and then we caught the train to meet them at Pistachio and Pickle Dairy in Angel.  It was in a lane with numerous other cafes and is a cheese shop that specialises in toasted sandwiches.  Ella was particularly keen for us to try them and we weren't disappointed.  I don't think that I've ever had a toasted sandwich that contained almost too much cheese.

Had a wander around the local area with Josie and Samarah before heading back to Queens Park, where we walked through the park on the way home.  The sunshine had bought the crowds out and the park was full of people picnicking, playing games, flying kites and sunbathing.

Loving having the time to spend with Ella and to experience her life in London.

Lazy Saturday

 London is certainly putting on the nice weather for us - another hot day.

Have enjoyed a lazy day, mainly spent with Ella's friends Nina and Samarah.  The girls went to the gym this morning, David went for a short ride on a hire bike and I walked to Queen's Park.  We then sat on the balcony, in the sun, just happy to be together.

Later this afternoon we walked Samarah home, stopping off at a pub alongside the Union Canal, to enjoy a drink in the sun.  London seemed full of very happy people, with lots of smiles and laughter - amazing what a sunny day will do.

We are now enjoying an evening at home and another early night.  I think jet lag gets worse the older you are!  

London

No update yesterday as it was a bit of a blur.  Our flight was pretty uneventful but British Airways wasn't nearly as nice as Air New Zealand.  They had the temperature so low that David actually asked if it could be turned up!  Luckily the flight attendant agreed!!

We were through immigration and customs in about five minutes, but had to wait for an hour for our bags.  It was, as always, a relief to have the arrive safely.

We negotiated the public transport system from Heathrow to Queens Park and our Air B&B for the first night.  So nice to shower and change before we walked to meet Ella on her way home from work.  Lots of hugs, a few tears, a delicious dinner and then bed.

This morning I walked back to meet Ella to collect her keys before she headed off to work.  There are tube strikes and she was very relieved to get to work on time.  David and I brought our bags to her flat and it feels nice to be in the same place for a few days.

It was a glorious day, warm enough to get the washing dried outside.  Looking like we should have nice weather for the next few days.

Had a couple of excursions using the buses to get to a supermarket.  Never get tired of watching the world go by from the top level of a double decker bus.

This afternoon we went to St Lukes Mews - a cobbled street where the houses have been restored and painted different colours.  Most of them had flowers growing along the front,  making it a very picturesque  little lane.  We ended up talking to a lady who has lived there her whole life.  Her parents bought a property in 1956 for 64,000 pound - it's near Kensington so would we worth a fortune now .  Her home was originally the coal pit, so most if it is built under the road. She is very proud of her conservatory, which is the only part with plenty of natural light.

Loved seeing a bit of life on the canal with the tow-path being well used by runners and walkers making the most of the beautiful weather.

Finished off the day going to Poundland to buy a hammer for a minor repair job.  Interesting place - someone was trying to steal items which caused a bit of drama.

Was nice to be able to cook dinner for Ella once she had finished work and complete the day hanging out together.

Goodbye Vancouver

 Woke to a very chilly morning which was a bit of a shock after the mild weather we have had.  Thankfully the rain had passed through but we did have to use our jackets for the first time.

The friendly shuttle driver took us back to the airport and we were able to deposit our bags at left luggage, with the exception of our very small day packs.  Bought a day pass for the public transport system, which is fantastic, and caught the train into the city.  Always interesting watching people and everyday life when using trains and buses.

Our main aim was to hire bikes and cycle around Stanley Park, which we managed to achieve.  The bikes were great, comfortable and with plenty of power.  We cycled right around the park, along the waterfront, and enjoyed some of the early flowering shrubs.  Lots of life along the different wharves with plenty of ships anchored waiting to berth.  There were seaplanes coming and going but there always seemed to be a building in the way to prevent us watching them landing and taking off.

Our day pass also allowed us to catch the 'sea bus' across to the opposite side of the harbour.  There are two of them and they leave every 15 minutes - an amazing service.  We enjoyed getting a different perspective of the city.

With an hour to spare before we needed to return to the airport, we wandered some of the streets near the waterfront.  It was definitely an interesting part of the city and probably not where you would want to be after dark!  Found the Gaston Steam Clock (mainly because there were so many people standing around waiting for it to build up its head of steam every 4.5 minutes).  The clock has recently been refurbished as part of the regeneration of this part of the town.  Apparently it used to be called Skid Row and it's still easy to see why.

The train trip back to the airport was entertaining with a group of school kids, full of mischief and energy.  Can't imagine what they got up to once they were off the train.

We're now in that 'no man's land' of waiting for our boarding call - a little bit exciting but also a bit stressful.  Only one for flight until we can give Ella a hug!

Impressions of Canada:  lots and lots of trees, beautiful scenery, clean, friendly people, cyber trucks and no bears.

Heading back to Vancouver

 There was definitely an alpine chill in Whistler this morning with the sunshine replaced by grey skies.  Key takeaways for the Whistler hotel were the giant rock hard pillows and the enormous bath beside the bed - not in the bathroom, in the bedroom!

We started the day trying to find Pankhurst and the Ghost Town trail.  After a few wrong turns we found the location but decided against the walk.  It was quite isolated, without clearly marked tracks and was close to groups of 'travelers' who had set up informal camps in the area.  We really didn't feel comfortable leaving our bags, etc in the car so change of plan was agreed.

The next alternative was the Rainbow Falls trail with a 2.6 km loop.  The bush was absolutely beautiful with early spring growth, interesting rock colours and moss and lichen.  Rainbow Falls was certainly worth the climb and it is hard to imagine how much water mast go through during the snow melt.  It also serves as the water source for Whistler.  We spoke to a couple from Vancouver whose son spent a semester at Auckland University, loved New Zealand so much that he and his wife returned there to get married.   Fascinating stories that are often stumbled upon.

We drove up the the Whistler Winter Olympic Village, which as closed sadly, and then had a very pleasant picnic stop at the Alexander Falls.  Plenty of signs telling us not to feed the bears, but not one in sight.

On our way South we stopped off in Squamish which is located at the northern tip of the Howe Sound.  The Walmart had the cleanest public toilets we've visited in a long time!  Forestry is a huge industry for the area and it was fascinating seeing the logs being prepared to be floated down the Sound to be loaded onto ships in Vancouver.  We walked to the Sound entrance way sculpture where the wide was howling and a few hardy souls were wind foiling.  Apparently there is a daily thermal wind over summer which makes it a popular spot. 

Next stop was Lighthouse Park, near Juniper Point, which is just north of Vancouver City.  We first heard about it from a Canadian couple we spoke to at a lookout on the Milford Road, at Christmas time.  Google took us in a slightly convoluted journey, but we finally found our way there.  Another lovely walk to the Lighthouse Point (no lighthouse in view) and then back around a loop track.  Clearly a popular place with the locals and some fascinating tree formations.

Vancouver traffic was a challenge, but we finally made it back to the airport with the car, and ourselves, undamaged, caught the shuttle back to the hotel and now relaxing before our final day here.  Bit of drama when we tried to check in as the hotel couldn't find our booking.  I am so thankful that I am 'old fashioned' enough to print copies of bookings, even though we have electronic copies.  It certainly was worth it in this instance.

The weather was kind to us again, with only a few spots of rain during the drive and then some very light drizzle when we walked to get dinner.  Hopefully the sun will shine tomorrow.