In the sticks ...

We arrived safe and sound at our cottage shortly after 3pm, the final couple of miles of which were the narrowest of country lanes. The views from our home for the next week are stunning, looking down over Dalwood, the local village, and across vast countryside. Photos will follow - this entry is being posted by mobile as we have no wifi connectivity, rending our laptops useless for the time being.

After unpacking, the five of us ventured into Dalwood on foot along the cross-country footpaths. Dalwood, at first glance is nothing more than a village church, local pub, village hall and convenience store, which is run on a voluntary basis. The main, and possibly only employer in this petite village is a coach company.

The walk down to the store to purchase groceries for our evening meal was a doddle, but the return leg, all uphill, left all of us, including Olivia, panting for breath.

After a wonderful evening meal, it is likely to be a few beverages before we turn in for the night in preparation for our first day proper.

Time to turn off the shower ...

As we are off on our UK holiday tomorrow, we would like to make a formal request to the person in charge - could you please turn off the showers, at least for the next 8 days (make that 9 days - we have a family wedding to attend a week on Saturday).

Many thanks in anticipation,

Iain, Lucy, Cath, Ian & Olivia