Aboard Dignity (Lagoon 420) Blog

Here is a more high level map showing our rough idea for the first few years of our travels. Just a rough guide. The detail, and adjustments, will emerge as we approach each section.

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Yesterday we headed west beginning our longer distance visits. We picked up John from the station and headed towards Bristol to meet Helen’s cousin, Liz, and her husband, Ben. Helen wanted the visit to be a surprise so hadn’t called ahead. When we arrived we found Helen’s sister, Lois, Liz & Ben’s daughter, Sue, but no Liz and Ben as they had left to take their daughter to the airport. John and I felt this was no surprise.

So we spent some time with Lois & Sue which was nice. We then went and did the touristy thing in Bath. We missed the sign to the “Park and Ride” and ended up in the town center where we managed to find a parking spot. We toured the Roman Baths which have been subject to much upgrading to the surrounding infrastructure over the past few years. We quite liked it as we could go around at our own pace listening to commentary on private audio equipment.

We then went back to Liz & Ben’s and finally met them. We hung around for a couple of hours before heading off for a pub dinner. John stayed with Liz & Ben for the night. Helen and I headed off to the hotel where we’re staying for Simon’s, Helen’s nephew, wedding. We got there using the old fashioned method: map reading followed by winding down the window and asking someone the way. It still works.

Today all will converge on the hotel and head off for Simon’s wedding. For now, breakfast beckons.

We arrived in the Uk yesterday morning with both of us having about 3 hours sleep on the plane. Helen’s sister Betty picked us up from the airport and took us to her home in Chesham. Most of the day was just sitting about chatting. I walked into the town center (which is very close) a few times to sort out cash, get some food and later to get some wine and beer.

In the evening we were picked up by our friends Erin and Robin and taken back to their house to stay the night. On the way we popped in for a surprise visit to another old friend, Judy, who had recently moved into a house with her boyfriend Rupert on the way we were heading. This was a nice surprise for all.

After a couple of glasses of wine we were off to Erin and Robin’s where we were later met by our old karate instructor, Ashley, and his wife, Karen. Judy also joined later in the evening as did Rupert. We didn’t hit the sheets until 1:30am which was ok for Helen and I as this was only 8:30pm for us. Getting up at 9am was not so good as we had to ride with Erin and Robin off to the dojo as it was the grading morning. It was nice to see a few of our old friends. Most had moved on from the club but there were a few recognizable faces and it was good to have a quick chat.

We’re now back at Betty’s. We watched the Grand Prix which had one of the most exciting and nail biting finishes we can remember. Now it’s back to going slow for a bit.

Today is Helen’s Birthday so we’re going to end up getting a takeaway curry this evening. You may have guessed we’re looking forward to this.