Australia 2023/24 - Day 3 - Brisbane

Koala day today. After breakfast, we head to the river and board the cruise boat which will take us to the Koala sanctuary. We get some good seats on the top deck and cruise down river listening to the commentary. It takes about 1.5 hrs to get to Koala sanctuary, and we’ve heard about some interesting history of Brisbane and seen some amazing waterfront properties. We hadn’t pre-booked holding a Koala since we didn’t realise that was an option. We’re all a little disappointed when we board and find out there is no longer any availability. ...

Saturday, 23 December 2023 · 2 min · Austen Constable

Australia 2023/24 - Day 2 - Brisbane

Last night we arrived into Brisbane after switching planes in Singapore and then went to the hotel and to bed. Today we explore Brisbane! Alex and I take a walk and find coffee and bagels which we take back to the hotel and then eat with the girls. Afterwards we hunt down a Target, which Bella wants to experience and buy water bottles and umbrellas. Target doesn’t quite live up to expectations, but it has what we need! ...

Friday, 22 December 2023 · 1 min · Austen Constable

Australia 2023/24

It’s been 13 years since we’ve been to Australia for the Boshier’s wedding, and it felt like a great time to go back and explore some parts we haven’t been to before. The Boshier’s are also keen to catch up and join us on the camping trip too. The plan is to fly to Brisbane and explore the area for a few days before flying down to Adelaide for the camping trip in the Flinders Ranges before flying back to Sydney and then home. ...

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 · 1 min · Austen Constable

3 Peaks - Unfinished Business - Snowdon

It’s been a few weeks since our 3 peaks holiday, and it’s time to complete Snowdon, the unfinished business. We’d been monitoring the weather and this weekend looked perfect. So we’d found a hotel at the last minute and drove to Wales on Friday night, arriving pretty late. The hotel room has 5 bunk beds which is fun and dog friendly so that Einy can stay with us too. After a hearty full Welsh breakfast we take the Sherpa bus to Lanberis Pass and start walking. ...

Saturday, 02 September 2023 · 2 min · Austen Constable

3 Peaks - Day 11 - Return the motor home

The motor home remained safe overnight, and I get going early in order to return it at the 8am opening time. Driving across London isn’t that fun in a large vehicle, but I make it to the rental shop without issue. I’d emailed ahead, so the rental company is expecting the damaged motor home. They seem relaxed about it, so it’s probably a common occurrence! After the inspection and some research I leave £762 lighter and thankful I bought the extra insurance! ...

Monday, 21 August 2023 · 1 min · Austen Constable

3 Peaks - Day 10 - Drive home

Last night was much better, without the storm we all slept a little easier. Our usual early start and baconators whilst we checked the weather and discussed the plan. With the weather being calmer today, I’m keen to finish the job and climb, but that would mean driving back to London after a day in the mountains. We eventually decide that climbing Snowdon would be a mistake and decide to drive home, resolving to come back another weekend to finish the job. ...

Sunday, 20 August 2023 · 1 min · Austen Constable

3 Peaks - Day 9 - Snowdon

It’s been a rough night, gale force winds have been battering the motor home, and it was boiling hot due to the closed windows. I’m awake at 6 and the camp site has taken some pummeling. I check the mountain forecast, and it’s not looking good. Storm Betty passed through last night, which explains the wind overnight. However the forecast on Snowdon today expects 70 mile an hour gale force winds with no visibility! ...

Saturday, 19 August 2023 · 2 min · Austen Constable

3 Peaks - Day 8 - Drive to Wales

We wake at the usual time, breakfast and pack up. While we wait for the rubbish lorry to empty the 20 or so wheelie bins the kids nip off to reception to buy patches for their Backpacks. Setting off following the satnav takes us over a pass past Hesk Fell. It was hairy driving with one set of really tight switchbacks at the end which was crazy in a motor home. We finally get back to a main road after about an hour, and I resolve to do a better job of checking the route before setting off! ...

Friday, 18 August 2023 · 2 min · Austen Constable

3 Peaks - Day 7 - Scafell Pike

The usual 8am start with Baconators for breakfast. The weather’s looking great, so it’s promising to be a good day. We have a long way to go today and get moving by 9:30. 5 minutes along the road from the camp site we realise we’d forgotten Einy’s harness, which would make the climb down a nightmare, so I ran back to get it. We pass the park and ride for the shuttle to Wastdale Head, hoping there might be some activity, but unfortunately not! ...

Thursday, 17 August 2023 · 4 min · Austen Constable

3 Peaks - Day 6 - Drive to the Lake District

Our usual 8am start. We packed and serviced the camper, much quicker now we know how to do everything! Whilst I’m servicing the camper, the kids nip to the shop and buy 3 peaks patches for their backpacks. On wards to England! We had a few unscheduled stops along the way, first because toilet door catch has stuck, and the door keeps flapping about when we go around corners, very distracting. Next I hit and smashed the case for the wing mirror along the tight stretch of road next to Loch Lomond - rather unfortunate. Glad I bought the extra insurance! ...

Wednesday, 16 August 2023 · 3 min · Austen Constable