Having travelled back to Hanoi from Hoi An via plane, we made our way out to Cat Ba with a bus/boat/bus package – the quickest and easiest way to reach the island without your own transport. (See my post ‘Our 12 Day Travel Plan’ for more info). We caught the bus in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, giving …
Back on English ground, I took the opportunity to explore as I never have before. In the past I used a bike as transport within Leeds city, but generally took public transport for longer distances. This time, determined to see more of England and with a great desire to keep my legs moving, I made …
A month has passed since I left home once again. I’d intended to share my remaining time and reflections as I left, but a mixture of exhaustion from the whirlwind visit, combatting jet lag on my return to Brisbane and being whisked into the Woodfordia life shortly afterward, made this thought a distant idea for …
We were in the Isle of Man for only four full days, but it feels as though we packed an unending stream of adventure into this time. Our daylight hours spent out in the wonderfully fresh air and evenings spent at the cottage enjoying simple, homely pleasures. Home cooked meals; good books; a musical evening …
The Isle of Man. Famous for the TT race which happens once a year, and otherwise quite unknown to me. I’ve realised that this was the case with so many places in and around Britain. Unfortunately I’m a little short on time and resources to be able to visit them all! So, already being on …
One month in, one to go. It feels so normal now to be home and yet I have that lingering feeling of anticipation and preparation for the next step of my journey. I am now having to make real steps in planning once again, with flights needing to be booked, visas applied for and job …
The ferry returned us to Wellington to see the sprawl of houses among the hills basked in orange light cast down from above. That night we were to stay on the outskirts of the city, ready to set out on the northern road the following morning. Our ‘campsite’ was a beach side car park, with …
What started as an impairment to our view, became a key element in creating a wonderfully atmospheric and enchanting silent drama. Having gotten up early to see Lake Matheson, with the hope of still waters and a mirror image, the land was filled with low land fog. As we walked around the lake edge to …
Our final few moments on the North Island were much more eventful than planned. Miscommunication meant we were a man down for a short spell when we should have been heading toward the ferry terminal. Then, with all three now on board, Team Cockpit shared a dual sinking feeling as the motorhome thunked along with …
A year and a half ago I’d been overjoyed to share my travelling ways with my dad. Now I was lucky enough to be welcoming a second lot of visitors. My mum and step-dad (Ian) were joining me on the open road, the three of us embarking on a four week motorhome tour of New …
