My UK Mum

Cassie: As predicted, today was a very special day. We finally met the beautiful Elsie, whom I've dubbed my "UK Mum" and her budgie, Freddie. It was so lovely to sit comfortably over a cuppa and have a chat with Elsie (and to a lesser extent, Freddie) in her home. But it made it very difficult to say goodbye. Neither of us wanted to say goodbye. Yes, there were loads of tears and I honestly was crying my eyes out after we rounded the corner and drove away. I was trying to be so brave and not blubber too much as we were saying goodbye. One beautiful thing Elsie said as we were leaving: she was giving me a hug, turned to Graeme and said through her tears, "Thanks for bringing her here". Thanks for being here, Els x. It has been a truly wonderful way to end our trip. Something I'll never forget.

Tonight we've stopped near a castle that Elsie recommended we see. It's called Tynemouth Castle perched high up on a cliff and it's really crumbly looking which is perfect! Just the way an old castle should be. We were too late to walk through it so we'll check it out tomorrow morning before heading off. There you go, Mum, we're going to see a castle :)

We emptied out our "pantry" and fridge of anything we don't think we'll use between now and when we farewell the car, and gave it to Elsie. It's nice to know all that stuff is going to be used. There was even an unopened bottle of juice and a packet of soup that came with us all the way from Russia. It was always a bit difficult to gauge how much food to buy at a supermarket when we needed to.

I don't really have anymore words for today. I just want to let it sit with me for a while longer.

Graeme: Breakfast at Ed's was hotcakes with would you beleive, pepper. Nice one! Not entirely savory, just a hint. Wow, the generosity is astounding. We always make all these promises with people, like if you're in Australia, you must visit us etc. Not only do we genuinely wish that, I also hope real hard that we would offer such generosity to future strangers that come our way.
I fell asleep at Elsie's which provided a good opportunity for the girls to chat without me there. It's also sad clearing out the car. The car is becoming an empty shell, devoid of the colour that made it our home. Tomorrow we should get 2/3 to Southampton, leaving some time on Monday to clean it up, drop it off and catch a train to London town. We've still not booked accommodation or return flights in case there are complications with the car. I'm torn between wanting this trip to not end, and getting all the lame shipping, accommodation and endless hours of discomfort in cattle class.

Photos: Elsie, Ed & Tynemouth Castle