We call it the “in-between.” The liminal time that exists only in the air when you’re sailing across time zones at 39,000 feet on a long-haul flight. We love it. No one can get you. You are unreachable. The only thing you can do is eat treats and watch movies. A flight attendant once said to me, “Calories don’t count when you’re in the air.” Well put, I thought. I hang on to those words every time I get on a long plane ride.
We’re at YVR, checked-in and sitting at the departure lounge for a Japanese-bound flight. We’re headed for London, but this gate is quiet. In just a few hours we’ll board our own plane. We love waiting to board our first flight on a new adventure. It’s a special feeling: excitement and the anticipation of what’s ahead.
Six years ago, at YVR before our last two year trip
We left Toronto just five weeks ago. After cutting across Canada in Yuri, visiting friends along the way, we’ve been in Vancouver for a short while enjoying visits with some family and a few friends. We’re now ready for the next phase: walking the English countryside in the Lake District.
For the next six and a half weeks, we will be in England. Most of the time, we’ll be walking. Barring any unexpected physical barriers. Scott’s pretty old, after all.
One thing is for sure: Scott will make nice pictures and we’ll reflect on things along the way. Some of our stories will hopefully be interesting enough for other people to read.
On that note, we want to say thank you. We’re grateful to the people following along, commenting and sharing your own stories and reflections with us. It makes the blogging worth the effort.
Our next update will be from Carlisle, in Cumbria. From there we will start the Cumbria Way, walking south through the Lake District to Ulverston.
For now, here are some photos from our time in Vancouver. Including, as requested, a photo of my new haircut by our friend Saori at Suki’s.
Vancouver in smoke haze
Finally got to meet Toby – Nikki and Marcel’s sweet friend
Time with some family: my mum and I
We missed James, but we spent time with Jody and their lovely son Sebastian
Even Shannon and Echo were in town from Germany!
We spent time with Scott’s niece Sadie
And Scott’s nephew Marcus
There was cake…
And lots of preparing for the trip
On our way to the airport
Love these blogs! I want to let you both know that I read them so I hope you feel it’s worth the effort Best wishes on your next chapter of the great journey!
Thanks so much Susanna! I hope all is well and I am so very glad you’re following along and really appreciate the comment! Just posted a new post. Hope you like it.
Great pics (as usual); love the hair cut Karen! Looking forward to your next post. So excited for your adventure!!!
Great photos. Great hair cut. I hope the ‘old guy’s’ body holds up throughout your trip. Walking is wonderful. It’s great to be following along on your adventure. Have a great time.
Ha. Thanks Dale. I am hopeful the old guy’s body will hold up. Though we are feeling the difference with age, I lost a capped tooth yesterday and half to go to the dentist. THAT doesn’t happen when you’re in your 20s. Ha. We’ll write about it in the next post. Till then, be well and thanks so much for following along.
I have to say what a beautiful niece and handsome nephew you guys have! We are excited to hear all about England! Safe travels. xoxo
Ha ha ha. You think? They’re ok I guess.
Love the new hair cut, Karen!
Safe travels.
Thanks so much Andrea!!!
I love following along on your blog and love all the photos – safe travels till we hear from you both again. 🙂
Thank you for following along Carol-Anne. Glad you are enjoying the posts and photos!! We start the 1st walk in one more day. It wont be hard to post beautiful photos, this place is beautiful!!
Thinking of you as you head off on your adventure! Enjoy. We look forward to your updates and living vicariously through you. Love and hugs!
Thanks so much Sandra! Hugs to you and Barry too!! Very glad you enjoy the blog!!
So happy for you guys. Keep us posted.
It was so great to hang out with you guys. See you soon!
We miss you already!
I knew a guy once that said whenever he flew, he would let go of all his preconceived notions about his life until he touched down at his destination. Giving himself the freedom to change anything and everything if he saw fit. Always thought that was an interesting way to use that idle time on a plane to do some self-work.
That’s a pretty thoughtful way to look at it. Otherwise, you just sit there stuffing your face with junk food and craving for it to be over. Way better to make it an interesting and special 10 hours. Like getting a free gift.
Sad that you guys didn’t get over to the island to meet up with the new NDP government types, but have fun on your travels! I’ll be watching with some envy, but soaking up the images and words!
Tim! We wish you and the team in Victoria all the best on your new adventure too! I know we’ve chatted about travel etc before, but you know we are only ever an email away. Thank so much for following!
Hey Tim! We would have loved to see you. Maybe next time : (
So exciting. Enjoy this next leg. I spent part of my childhood years in the Lake District in a little hamlet called Newby Bridge. I hope you come across it and if you do, you check out the Millerbeck Light Railway founded by my grandfather Arthur Bailey and for a few years was run by my dad after grandpa passed. It’s now out of the family but still worth a visit in one of their open days. So many lovely memories.
Amazing. I’ve actually been to Newby Bridge when I lived near Ullswater. We’ll definitely try to find the Millerbeck Railway when we get to Ulverston. Thanks Sarah!
Brilliant, I hope you make it. if you know Newby Bridge then the railway is actually about a mile away in Staveley in Cartmel where there’s nothing but a gorgeous little old church, the railway and an old vicarage in the centre of the village where I lived.
That sounds beautiful, Sarah! We’ll look out for it.