a veg life

(posted by Emily) Friday 25 July We woke up early on our last morning in Roydon. The boat needed to be pumped out, and filled with diesel, so we headed over to the clubhouse area of the marina to take care of business.  After last minute packing adjustments, washing of dishes, and cleaning, we were ready to go! We said goodbye to our boat neighbors (and Dobby) and Malcolm drove us to Heathrow.  We had planned ahead for the trip and packed an extra suitcase. It took a little finagling, but we got all of our bags checked in for free (lesson learned--always bring the credit cards of the airlines you are flying while on a vacation, to prove you really do have the frequent flyer status you claim to have).  Security was an easy affair, with almost all steps automated. There were security workers there to help direct you, and we only had to pass through a metal detector (I hate full body scanners).  I attempted to take a photo of the security area, but got fl...

(posted by Emily) Sunday 20 July Daily Step Count: 13,041 After a great night's sleep at the Hilton London Gatwick (for the record--the largest Hilton both Rick and I have ever seen), I was so ready for breakfast. We were able to eat in the hotel's restaurant, at their buffet.  We were both tickled to find so many options for us--fruit, salad bar, hash browns, vegetarian sausages, OJ, cranberry juice, tomato juice, and even soya milk for our coffee! I was one happy camper!! We did a quick bit of research about how best to get into the city, and then hopped on the train. We rode into Statford, and had time to pick up a few groceries at M&S before our train to Roydon.  When we got back to the boat, we sorted out all of our dirty laundry and got the loads started. Beds were made, things put away, and we put together a pitcher of Pimms. #priorities  As we were cleaning out our bags, I realized that other than clothes/s...