Normandy Beaches in France

We had three days in Normandy, this was special to me because I had two grandfathers in WWII, one went through the Normandy beach June 8. However everyone in 1944 felt the impact of WWII and paid a cost. We toured three museums, Utah and Omaha beaches, the American cemetery and the German cemetery.  I was proud of seeing the American flag not only flying at the sights, but in individuals homes. This experience doesn't leave a dry eye anywhere!

Our second half of Ireland: Derry (LondonDerry). Portrush and Dublin

 Once we completed Donegal we moved on to Derry.  Derry was our first look at the troubles between Ireland and England.  Everywhere we looked we could see the history of this struggle and how it impacted their life, there's still a fence that divides the two parts of the city. We saw great sights that included the Giant Causeway, the peace bridge and the beautiful coastline. Dublin was a wonderful visit with dancing, pub hopping and a double decker bus. Derry, Portrush, Belfast and Dublin

On to Ireland, 3 days in Dublin and meeting up with family

Pam's sister and brother-in-law met us in Dublin for our 21 day Ireland trip, fun fun! We rented a car and plan to drive the "Wild Atlantic Way" (WAW) it's a 1600 miles (2600 km) in length around the cost of Ireland, and is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. From start to finish it unfolds the wonders of nature, the power of the ocean and its imprint on the west coast of Ireland, and the stunning countryside in all its diversity. Enchanting villages are nestled along the coast as well as ancient monuments. WAW here we come!Waterford, Cork, Dingle, Galway, Donegal

 

Northern England: Liverpool, Newcastle and SCOTLAND

 We left southern England and visited Liverpool to see some Beatles sites; The Cave where they played, their museums, Strawberry Field and Penny Lane.  Then to Newcastle, while in Newcastle we took day trips to Edinburgh and a cave hotel built in 1705 that is still in use. Hadrian Wall was great experience, we walked 5 miles of it then stopped. However, walking the coast line for miles was our favorite activity. 

Still southern England: Wells, Oxford, Cornwall

 The second half of our time in Southern England we visited Wells, Oxford, Glastonbury, Portland, Cornwall, Cheddar and other places too many to name.  Wells is the location were they raise the Queen's swans, Oxford of course has the oldest university in England which has 39 different colleges.  Glastonbury (fairy land) is full of mystical shops and activities.  However, returning back to our village of Nether Compton every night was the best thing we did.  In our village, people rode horses every day on the tiny road.  On our daily walks on their "Pathways" we talked to villagers tending their gardens and they shared interesting things about Nether Compton.