al + lyn's excellent adventure: April 2012

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Sporting Hackney FC - Saturday 7 April

Stonehenge, felt more impressive than our first visit back in 1980.

The stone circles in overcast weather were an eerie sight and the stories about them are fascinating.

Alex and Al, discussing the amazing history of Stonehenge... and possibly the Raiders line up

Lunch by the River Thames in Maidenhead and then on to Windsor for a look at the Castle.

Lyn and Al at Windsor Castle

Wow, that’s some castle! Didn’t realise how large and impressive it is and how close to the town centre. Lots more photos...

Back to west London for Middlesex County Football League Grand Final where Alex’s team ‘Sporting Hackney FC Reserves’ played ‘Hillingdon Reserves’.

It was a tight 1 all contest at half time but Hillingdon with a full reserve bench (and heaps of free kicks) kicked clear to a deserved 3 - 1 win against Alex and the lads at Sporting Hackney FC. Good skills and a great atmosphere. Learned a new footy chant: ‘Who are ya?, who are ya? ‘(pointing at opposition fans). Might try to use it at the Raiders matches? Sounds like the Raiders had an excellent win on Saturday, woohoo!

Lyn, all rugged up and showing her support for Sporting Hackney FC

After the game, a late night drive in Big Bertha on skinny country roads back to Will Tree Barn in Worton

Love Al and Lyn xxx

A Medieval Town and a local ale from the Rose and Crown - Good Friday 6 April

Lazy day, Nikki and Andrew, Kristy and Alex, Lynnie and me drove to Devizes a nearby town from medieval times with a castle and lovely old homes and buildings. Tasty fish, ales and ciders at the ‘Rose and Crown’.

Love Al and Lyn xxx

Oxford, ‘Big Bertha’ and Willow Tree Barn - Thursday 5 April

Hired 'Big Bertha', a HUGE nine seater Renault van. She is spacious and comfy but we find later in the day she's too big for UK country roads.

To Oxford, a beautiful University City with Christ Church Cathedral/Campus. Inspirational and beautiful. Nikki said 'Wow! Wouldn't you love to study here?’ I thought ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed here so we posed for a running photo - an attendant told us later it was Cambridge - d’oh!

Off to Wiltshire for an Easter retreat at Willow Tree Barn in beautiful Worton Village. On a canal and surrounded by farmland and a short walk to the Rose and Crown’ pub.

Love Al and Lyn xxx

Photos of beautiful Oxford to come...

Arriving in London - notes from Wednesday 4 April

24 hours after take off, about 7am local time, arrive in London. QANTAS crew helpful and friendly. Despite being squished in the middle seats, arrived in good shape and received a Royal welcome to 'Lady Lyn' and 'Sir Allan' from Kristy and Nikki (nice touch with the cards girls!). Snooze time then dinner at the 'Blue Legume' with the girls, Andrew, Josh (Andrew's cousin) and Keira (a family friend who went to school with Nikki and played hockey with the girls in the 'berra). Food excellent - and of course, Lyn photographed it! Good to catch up with everyone - and travelled there and back in the famous London Black Cabs.

Love Al and Lyn xxx

Dinner at Blue Legume with Andrew and Josh

And Keira

Last day in Oz for three months - notes from Tuesday 3 April

Last day in Oz for 3 months - woohoo! Food will be a big part of our holiday and kicked off with breakfast in Bondi with Nat and Jade. We’re meeting up with them in New York in June and we're really excited about seeing the Big Apple for the first time. Nat farewelled us at Sydney Airport and we got onto the biggest plane we've ever seen! How can it fly with 700 passengers? More importantly have they got enough food for all of us? Bye Nat, see you and Jade in June!

Love to all from Al and Lyn xxx