This saga wouldn't be complete without describing the final dash from Wood Green in North London to the Gatwick International Air Port in London's southern suburbs. We arrived in plenty of time to catch our flight. But what a fever dream! Waking up at 6 am, catching the taxi at 6:45 and dashing through a maze of narrow streets in the early morning rain. I had assumed the taxi would go north to M-25, which circles London and connects with the air port. But, no, we plunged due south into the heart of the City. I have memories of innumerable fast food restaurants of every variety flashing by, curious residential architecture, churches and pubs by the score, finally the Thames which I had no problem identfying, and then onto more major streets until we rounded up hard at the South Terminal. The trip took two hours to cover 60 miles and may have set a new record!

We had plenty of time to check in, consume a full English breakfast, and pass through security to our gate. They did check under my Greek Fishing cap, evidently to see if my head was still screwed on right. And Judy was singled out for a pat-down. But all in all everyone was polite and business-like and we didn't have any major mix-ups there.

When we reached Philadelphia, in transit to Portland, Maine, we were surprised at the additional security procedures. There were long lines and waits in between stations. But we had allowed plenty of time before our flight to Portland (which was delayed an hour anyway). This time all our luggage arrived and there was no inspection in our presence. Somewhere in the process I did drop my wallet but was only made aware of that by hearing my name announced on the public address system; someone had turned it in with all its contents intact. Thanks, someone!

When we got back to Maine our van was still in the parking lot and since Judy had an extra set of keys (mine were misplaced in my luggage!) we were home in an hour. We were a little dismayed not to see our two cats waiting for us but the note from our catsitter didn't indicate any problem there. When we went out an hour later to search the neighborhood, they both turned up from their patrols in response to our calls and appeared quite pleased to see us. It is hard to type this post, however, with Teji's teeth in my sleeve.

It probably will take us this weekend to process a set of digital images to post on my personal website. But if you are interested, check back here on Monday.

Thanks again to those who provided the hospitality that made this trip so enjoyable.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble and JudyB