Like Royalty

To Beadlam, England -- Day 1

We woke to a more typical grey, drizzly English day. A dozen campers were up and huddled under tents, drinking coffee and tea. What an incredible group of people. Clearly Sal and Rob had done something right that so many were willing spend the long weekend with them...year after year after year. Once again, unfortunately, it was time for us to move on.

Phoebe, Sal, Dave, Will, Rob

Giles, Toby, Theo, Harry, Josephine, Dex, Kylie, Caroline

Sally's dad, Dave

Incredibly, our time in Europe was quickly coming to a close as we would be leaving the continent for the start of the next leg of the journey in Southern Africa. But first would be a quick detour to Beadlam near York to visit David and Margaret Begg. We were lucky to have met the dear couple through our neighbor Dave during one of the occasional neighborhood happy hours. Neighbor, Dave had grown up with Margaret in England and they regularly get together, at least once a year, either in California, or here in Beadlam. When we had last seen them in California, they earnestly invited us to visit if we were in England...so here we are.

The drive to York was uneventful. Once on the highways the driving was pretty easy as we followed a series of M (motorways) and A (major highways) roadways almost the entire time. Around 6:00 we made it to the gravel drive of David and Margaret.

Pipe cleaners in action

Nipper's big cousin

Once again we were treated like royalty. We've done nothing to deserve this but are extremely grateful nonetheless. It was reassuring to know that David and Margaret's four grandchildren often visit, so they were somewhat accustomed to the noise and energy of a 9 and 10 year old. Wine was served and a magnificent, crab and prawn dinner was awaiting on the table. We are lucky indeed.