and Finally .....

Saturday

Packing and evacuation went well and after a few final photos we were on our way, on time, around 9:30.

The weather was fine with lots of blue skies but temperatures only in the upper 60s which was fine for driving.

After a pit stop en route for petrol, relief and refreshments we arrived in Orlando to join traffic queues for International Drive.  We were looking for the Festival Bay Shopping Centre and in particular Sheplers Western Wear for Paula's cowboy boots.  Fortunately the centre wasn't too far down and it didn't take us too long.  Paula managed to get her boots and Lou found the jeans she wanted (which saved a further trip down International drive to Denim World) so we had plenty of time for a leisurely lunch in an English style pub (bangers and mash and fish and chips!).

We arrived at the airport in plenty of time to drop the car off and join the queue for check-in.  Fortunately  Eunice's vast experience of travelling abroad proved invaluable as she organised a  porter to move our bags for us.  With 6 large suitcases and at least as many smaller ones and hand luggage we would have struggled - Adrian (our porter) managed to get them all onto his trolley and arranged for them to be left at the front of the check-in crew with Eunice and Lou so that we didn't have to drag them through the check-in queues.  These guys work for tips (about a dollar a bag) and are so helpful that it helped reduce the stress levels and made check-in much less of a chore.

We met up with the rest of the wedding party at the boarding gate (81) to wait the hour or so before getting on the plane.

I don't like the overnight flights at all.  I can't sleep sat up and so spent some time trying to read (which made me feel a little sick), looking out of the window (some good clear views of the lights of the towns and cities of the west coast of America and Canada before nothingness over the Atlantic) and watching films (of which Ice Age 3 was by far the best).

Sunday:

The flight was about 40 minutes late leaving, but favourable winds meant we arrived at Manchester on time albeit in heavy rain.  Our transport was ready and waiting so all that remained to done was for Iain to carry Lucy over the threshold (which he managed without too much damage) and for us to collect Mickie.

This blog ends as it started, with Mickie home safely and fast asleep on the bed ...