Today the six of us traveled many miles and saw many things and I, even I only, am awake to tell the tale.

We landed in Manchester this morning around 9 A.M. and found each other in rather good spirits for having just come off an 8+ hour flight. Other than some disturbed stomachs, everyone felt good. We made it through customs in record time. Mom was feeling very triumphant about figuring out the kiosk all on her own, and for good reason. Lanita and I love teasing them about the tables turning and how we are now showing them where to go and how to do things. They like to tease us too. Today we heard one mom say to the other “Well, anyways, we were here before them!”

Andy was the first to brave the English roads, and we set off in our (rather large) VW van. We laughed harder in that first hour of driving than I have in a long time. It is so hard to remember to stay on the left, especially when pulling into parking lots. For a while, the back windshield wiper was on and no one could figure out how to turn it off. Dad kept looking around and waving his hands which would scare me because it looked like he was in the driver’s seat. At one point we came fairly close to hitting someone and I mentioned that it’s a blessing the brake lights are the same as at home. Andy thought it was pretty surprising that they weren’t on the front of cars since everything else is backwards. He did a great job driving and figuring out the clockwise roundabouts.

We couldn’t check into our accommodations until 4:00, so after stopping for coffee and some breakfast, we headed over to the town of Thirsk. Alf Wight (James Herriot) had his house and veterinary practice here. It is a cute market town and the Skeldale House is now a museum with lots of things they used still there. We had a good time there and lots of laughs at all the vet-themed games and puzzles upstairs.

We drove past so much beautiful scenery. I didn’t get any pictures since we weren’t stopping, but this is one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever been to. The stone fences and sheep never get old. The leaves on the trees are beautiful right now, too.

Our Airbnb for the next three nights is in the little town of Gargrave. After checking in, we walked a few hundred yards to a shop with fish & chips and the most delicious ginger rhubarb dessert with warm custard.

After some lovely hot showers and cups of tea, everyone has gone to bed. I washed a load of laundry that is currently drying, and I’m hoping I don’t wake up to a shrunken dress.

Tomorrow we hope to visit Skipton Market in the morning, then spend the rest of our day driving around the Yorkshire Dales, trying some cheese, and hopefully ending the evening with dinner at a cozy pub.

Love and goodnight!

x Ella