Geo: 52.3732, -1.26174We abandoned our car after 606.8 miles of adventure and were met by the wonderful Clive and Sarah Thompson who entertained us onboard Amphora (their canal boat) until 'Cameo' was ready for us.Christine, the lovely lady at Rose Boats took us through everything we needed to know and then, with her on board, we set 'sail' if you can do that under power. She stayed on board for 3/4 hour or so during which time we learnt to steer, stop and moor. Linda is the master boat person and I am navigator - really easy on a canal - and offer useless advice like 'I think we have run aground' and 'I'll remove that bit of tree from the front of the boat'. She has done really well and I will stick to doing ... read more

Geo: 52.3094, -2.59586We left Carmarthen and the cats and headed south to the beach at Llansteffan where we explored the ruined castle and wandered along the wide white beach. I also lost my camera but some kind person found it and left it on a cabinet near the car. Unfortunately it has not survived. But all photos are on the iPad and the phone camera works just as well so all is not lost.We headed north(ish) towards England and had plenty of spontaneous stops at pubs for coffee, likely looking villages for the hell of it, a lovely river side spot for lunch, another wooden mill (closed) and the find out the day, the Small Animal and Owl Park. It was delightful, 30 something varieties of owls form all round the world - no Moreporks though ... read more

Geo: 51.8637, -3.1372We left Bath without any dramas, somewhat regretfully as it is a lovely city and headed back towards Wales. We mixed it up with speeding on the M4, a traffic jam and then a scenic country drive. After a couple of hours we got to Brecon Beacons national park and the Big Pit - a coal mine that was closed in 1980 and then re opened as a mining museum in 1983. It is staffed by ex miners who, needless to say are real characters. It was an amazing tour, including a one hour trip down the mine. Jaysus, what horrific working conditions. In the late 1800s and early 1900s it really was slavery. Even in recent times it was dangerous, frightening work. However all the guys we spoke to would be back down ... read more

Geo: 51.4813, -3.1805Breakfast in Birmingham on the steps of the cathedral then some shoe shopping. Some people collect tea towels or magnets on holiday. Without meaning to, I am collecting shoes. My sandals I bought in Croatia to replace a broken pair had to be replaced in Birmingham.The train trip was uneventful through some picturesque countryside and our hotel was again conveniently close to the railway station. Unfortunately I might have overdone the search for cheap hotels though. The best I can say is it is close to everything.Cardiff Castle was redecorated extensively in the 1880s in grand style but dates back to Roman times. It was a pleasant hour or so with good audio commentary and a few photos taken. It was interesting to see they had owls and falcons to keep the rodents under ... read more

Geo: 63.8805, -22.4502Our last day in Iceland was far more sedate than the previous ones. We had a stroll out to the mouth of the harbour to investigate a green hill - and it was quite far away - which is nothing more than another of the wonderful Reykjavik sculptures. The rest of the day has been a trip to the beautiful Blue Lagoon spa which was very pleasant and relaxing. We will sleep well before our 4am start to Birmingham.There is a diverse range of vehicles in Iceland and some strange road rules, why can't you drive your tractor on the motorway? I have really loved Iceland. I would rate it as one of the best places I have been to and one I would quite happily live in. Reykjavik has so much happening, art, ... read more