Thank You

Today we leave the US to return home. While obviously excited to catch up with our friends and family we realise that an incredible 6 months has now passed.

Unsurprisingly the 6 months have absolutely flown by. We have been so lucky to visit some amazing places and had some wonderful memories. Perhaps most importantly we have been able to share our travels with our friends that are now spread around the world. Thank you all so much for your generosity in having us to stay and finding the time to fit us into your busy schedules.

We look forward to returning you hospitality when you are visiting London. In the meantime- we look forward to hearing your news.

As for our friends in the UK. Don't be shy in asking us NOT to repeat the same travelling story you may have already heard!

Thanks again and see you soon.

Tim & Shannon

Utah & Wyoming

We had a action packed week with Ned and Gail Weinshenker. They have moved from Salt Lake City to Providence, 9o miles north for Ned's new job at USU (Utah State University). We had the opportunity to get to know the extended family at a party Gail arranged in honour of our wedding. 100 family and friends joined us for a great evening.
We then hopped in the car for our journey through Idaho to Wyoming. Destination: Grand Teton National Park (Jackson Hole). Walking through the national parks gave us some stunning views of the dramatic mountain ranges. Unfortunately, we failed to see the promised moose that cunningly hid in one of the canyons.

Fun dinners, movie nights and scrabble competitions occupied the time when not hiking. The town of Jackson had great shops and restaurants on offer. We look forward to return one winter to do some skiing.

Our final days back in Providence, Utah, were on the deck overlooking the view and gorgeous sunsets. We also had a nice visit by the Rich family which is always a great laugh. This area of the US is a hidden gem with stunning countryside and warm welcome by the locals. It will be a great place to return to!

Lake Tahoe

Heading to Lake Tahoe fulfilled several aims. Most importantly it was a chance to catch up with the Weinshenker side of the family. Dan was undertaking the century bike ride with Team in Training.

Team in Training raises money for Leukemia & Lymphoma research. Leanne, Dan's wife, has recently undergone several months of intensive treatment for lymphoma. Supporting Dan and his friends was really inspirational. As with most events once you start supporting you can not stop cheering on all the people taking part. The ride is known as the most beautiful bike ride in America. The organisers were not wrong. Not only was the route around Lake Tahoe stunning but very hilly. Taking into consideration that those taking part are also riding at over 6000 feet makes the ride even more impressive.

Shannon and I 'camped' in a State Park. To be honest we were not really roughing it the wilderness with amenities close by. This did not however stop us from taking the relevant bear precautions storing all the food beer boxes. Shannon drew the line in letting me bring some boat paddles into the tent just in case a beer visited. We have come to the conclusion that we enjoy the great outdoors but are essentially urbanites with our fear of sharks and bears.

I also had my first s'more experience. For the uninitiated, (the Brits), essentially a s'more is cooked marshmellow sandwiched with two sweet biscuits and Hershey chocolate. After several attempts I perfected the cooking of marshmellow under the close supervision of the s'more guru Shannon.

Both Shannon and I enjoyed the chance to spend some quality time with Dan and Leanne before they headed back to Denver. Lidia is a little live wire and kept us entertained throughout the day. Having started our get fit regime the altitude provided the opportunity to kick start out training. The runs were slow and breathless- it will take a while to get into shape again.

Returning from Lake Tahoe we stopped off in both Benicia and Marin County. It was lovely to pop in to see Kerry, Sammy and Katie in Benicia. T-ball in the garden,and hide and seek kept us on our toes.

Marin County is just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It looks great for cycling with great views, undulating hills and not too much traffic. The small towns and villages are a million miles from the hustle of the larger cities.

Menlo Park (San Fran)

Staying with Lee and Linda in Menlo Park, where Shannon grew up, was the first time we have stayed anywhere for longer than 3 days. Such a relief not to be lugging the bags around for a few days.

Since our last trip 18 months ago, Oden, Shannon's nephew, has grown up so much- Bogey, the family golden retriever has another play mate.

I have made amends with Bogey from the last visit. Previously Bogey and I were in constant battle for bed space. I have now won the battle and managed to have a good night's sleep. In return for a peaceful night's sleep, I was duty bound to throw / hit the ball for her to chase throughout the day. Surprisingly, it really helped my short chipping game when we played a few rounds of golf.

Shannon had a fun day with the girls shopping for Leslie's bridal and bridesmaid's dresses. Lee, Sheryl and I did more manual stuff back at home. A perfect day was had by all.

Santa Monica & the US

Welcome back to the western world! Asia has provided many happy and special memories for the both of us, however I think we were both ready to experience some easier travelling.

Staying with Emily and Dan, Shannon's bridesmaid, in Santa Monica was the perfect tonic. First stop- Mexican food for Shannon. It is the one culinary tastes that Shannon craves whilst in the UK. She was not disappointed.

Cycling along the beach from Santa Monica and Venice beach is great for people watching. The mojitos weren't bad either....To celebrate Emilie's birthday hit the town with some friends. Despite apparently speaking the same language the waiters have resorted to ignoring me. Apparently they can not understand me. For me, I am now in the world of the high fives....integration was harder than expected.

Driving north towards San Francisco allowed us to stop of in Monterey, Santa Barbara. Arriving at Chad & Alison's, there was a pleasant surprise. Alison had given birth Luke 8 days early. It was wonderful to spend time with the new family. Completely unphased by their new status of a family, Chad and Alison were coping impressively.

Unfortunately we are not able to make it to the east coast this trip. Luckily our schedule overlapped with Keith's who was over for Memorial day. I spent a chilled day with Keith in and around Monterey- a perfect place to catch up with each other.