Monday 14 October
It was a very wet farewell to Prince Edward Island, as we took the bus back to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for our flight back to London the following day.
The 12 kilometre Confederation Bridge, linking the island to the rest of Canada. [$50.25 Can to leave the island]
I was disappointed that the rain blurred the autumn colours the length of the journey. I couldn't complain too much though, as I had been totally immersed in the colours in the previous weeks. Thankfully the rain did abate when, at a midway point, we had to transfer to another bus.
Overnight there were huge noisy thunderstorms, dumping more rain, but we woke to sunshine for our flight.
Take off
Goodbye Canada
Fortunately, we had booked a room in an airport hotel. We arrived at 9.30pm in more rain and the flight's luggage took forever to find our carousel.
A shuttle bus, took us to the hire car allotment on the opposite side of the airport. The traffic was a nightmare after the isolation of the island.
We were upgraded to a Hyundai Tuscon with all the bells and whistles. It took Frank a long time to feel confident enough to leave the safety of the rental compound and even longer to not be stressed with all the beeping.
Thank goodness for google maps and a car with a touch screen. We found the M25 and began circumnavigating London in a clockwise direction, with Stowmarket in Suffolk our final destination. At Brentford we changed to the A12 to find an information centre at Sudbury. This centre was never found because the streets were narrow and parking non existant. Google then took us on a 'random' drive through pretty countryside and narrow, hedgerow lined roads, with the 2 1/2 hour journey becoming 4 1/2 hours. This delightful cottage however, welcomed us.
The cottage belonged to a small farm holding and a walking trail, created by the owners, allowed me to explore happily.
Whilst on the trail, sunset colours began to fill the sky to both the east and west.
East
West
Back at the cottage.
And across the lane to the west.
Very few photos were taken on the journey as I was either navigating, or clinging to the carseat, as Frank whizzed along the narrow lanes. We were slower through the towns, so I managed a church spire or two.
Horses have right of way.
And what better way to end our first day in Suffolk, other than to enjoy dinner in a lovely English Pub, even though the chef was French.
The Highwayman is a grade2 listed 17th century timber framed building.
Loved the fall colors from the air, and I loved the pictures of the cottage and the British countryside. Although there were a number of scenes that caused me to look for John Steed and Emma Peel (from 1966) -- even the pub in the last shot. What a great trip.
ReplyDeleteExcept for the driving, it was perfect. Thanks, Bill.
DeleteYou are brave souls to take on that drive, Helen. Well done! It must have been a huge relief to arrive at the cottage though.
ReplyDeleteThe cottage was a delight to arrive at.
DeleteIts difficult imagining living there and driving those lanes all year round.
The Suffolk countryside looks gorgeous! Love the walking trail.
ReplyDeleteThe trail had so many lovely hidden corners.
DeleteYour photos of the cottage and the countryside look so inviting! It looks relaxing & laid back, nothing like the adventure getting there!
ReplyDeleteYou've summed it up very well, Alexandra.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place! Worth the hair-raising drive I'd say.
ReplyDeleteYes, incredibly beautiful. Shame about the narrow roads.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, Helen! Goodbye to the lovely Canada and hello to the beautiful English countryside. I'm happy your drive with a rented car went safely. They can be tricky sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe cottage and it surroundings look really pretty.
Happy November!
Thank you, Sara. It was a perfect few days before the long journey home to the heat!
DeleteWelldone, Helen! I understand you completely. Sometimes driving in city centres is really a nightmare. The English countryside looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMarji, except for the roads, big and small, I would love to live in England. So many footpaths to explore.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cottage and trails to explore! Though it sounds you had quite a detour, I hope you enjoyed the scenery anyway!
ReplyDeleteWow this looks like a grand time. I would love to be in some warm weather exploring. The wood work is beautiful!
ReplyDelete