"Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing." - Unknown

 Today marks 2 weeks since we landed back on Canadian soil. People have asked me what the highlight of our trip was and I can honestly say that it was meeting the challenge of hiking for 8 days and completing 138 km of walking the Dales Way in England. My biggest fear was losing my footing, especially on the wet terrain, but with a partner who was very conscious of this, always choosing the safest way across the becks and over the stiles, I really had no need to worry.

Our stunning rhododendron bushes were in full bloom as we arrived home.

Some reflections/observations on travelling and experiencing this type of holiday.

• The ease of entering another country has really improved over the years. As long as you have a current passport and your electronic travel authorization (for the UK), it's all done electronically with no need to interact with customs authorities.
• We enjoyed the long days - 4:30 sunrise and 10:30 sunset.
• The British public transit is extremely efficient - you just need to know how to read a schedule.
• If you get a train cancellation whilst trying to return to London, you make quick decisions on the best way to do that. And avoid taking someone's reserved seat - not good vibes.
• Kindness breeds kindness.
• Any youth/young adults we encountered were very courteous and willing to lend a hand to those who needed it.
• British coin is very heavy, so if we had it, we quickly used it. (And they still have tuppence!)
• Mindset is critical when doing this type of holiday - rain, mud, chilblains - cannot deter you from heading out the next day to make it to your next destination.
• Having enough clothing so there's no washing items out, is extremely convenient.
• The price you see on an item you purchase, is what you pay, no added tax. Love this.
• Dog tolerance is a must - they are welcome just about anywhere.
• Wallpaper - they even put it on ceilings - and now I am tempted to rediscover the beauty of a pretty design on the walls (and ceilings?).
• Ey up (Yorkshire casual greeting meaning 'hello', 'hi there' or 'how are you').
• Ta (a shortened informal of 'thanks' or 'thank-you').
• If you have opportunity to travel, do it. The experience of discovering an unfamiliar place and learning to navigate your way through the bumps, gives you a keen sense of accomplishment.
• Hiking is a lifestyle in this country - folks of all ages, dressed for comfort and excited about what the day may hold.

Giving you a glimpse of our vacation has been a pleasure - plus we have the added benefit of reliving it through this record.