Lancaster County

Following our nights in Halifax we travelled to Philadelphia by air and then enjoyed a prolonged journey to visit the Hess's in Lancaster County. We decided to miss an expressway and explore extended time on the 476 before taking some quieter roads back to Lancaster! Thanks so much to the Hess's we thoroughly enjoyed our time on Weaver Road.

 

 

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania from Kirsty Merriman on Vimeo.

 

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And off to Halifax...

As I type this, we are actually in the USA and I have been sitting out on the porch watching the fireflies; what better place to upload our latest vlog.

 

We had only two nights in Halifax and due to travel we effectively only had one full day. Our focus was to visit the maritime museum and Fairview cemetery gaining an appreciation of the Halifax Explosion, the largest man made non atomic explosion in history flattening and devastating the city, and then to pay respects to those who perished in the Titanic. We were humbled by the care that the residents of Halifax gave to those who did not survive the sinking.

 

 

20140713 On to Halifax from Kirsty Merriman on Vimeo.

 

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The Red Dirt Road

Two weeks in Charlottetown have closed in on us. The three meanderers had a most wonderful time (wonderfullestmostest according to Teagie). Karen and Maddison hosted us and we felt so welcomed into their family. Two nights after leaving, Teagan is still wishing she was back in PEI....a return trip will be in the wings to return our loonie, toonie and $1 note!

 

 

The Red Dirt Road from Kirsty Merriman on Vimeo.

 

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Of friends...

Our first full week has finished. Teagan has been exceptionally busy with two sleepovers, one concert, plenty of children to play with and the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur and getting by with no electricity!

 

 

Of Friends 03 from Kirsty Merriman on Vimeo.

 

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Canada Day and Strawberries

Teagie has decided that her Grandma, Charlotte Town, is famous in Charlottetown...One wonders how she came to this conclusion?

Canada Day and Strawberries from Kirsty Merriman on Vimeo.

And the start has finished...

I was wondering when would be best to put my first real trip blog post up, or, more technically for this one, a vlog post. Logically it should be when Mum arrives in Charlottetown, so that is indeed what I have done!
I also must share this wee gem from Teagan:
Me: "You know I love you so much"
Teagan: "I have deep regards for you also" the. She turns over and falls directly asleep!

20140627 The Merrimans' Meander 01 from Kirsty Merriman on Vimeo.

All packed up and just about to go....

Summer 2014 has arrived, or to be more direct and honest; is well established and exceedingly hot touching the early to mid 50 degC range, is rather unpleasant and I am getting out of it because I can!

Following nearly fifteen months of planning, the meanderers are about to meet up and begin our transcontinental and transatlantic journey by rail, bus and sea.  Our self researched and booked itinerary spans 22 pages and is mostly prepaid until we reach Budapest, after which, plans become rather more adventurous and super cheap as we journey through Belgrade, Nis, and Sofia before taking our final night train on to Istanbul and returning to our resident countries by air.
Both Teagan and I have carry on luggage only, weighing in at 9.5 kg plus a small 'personal' bag, each.  Our clothing and extras consist of: travel wear and formal wear for our Cunard Queen Mary 2 transatlantic, digital devices (note the plural), and even Greenie (Teagie's trusty travelling scooter) amongst a range of other carefully selected paraphernalia. Following a final document check and packing approval from Teagie, we are ready to for takeoff at 11:59 pm.
I am hoping for some sleep on our flight to Amsterdam's Schipol airport where we have a nine hour wait:  whether we get out of the airport for a few hours or "play" at the airport depends solely on my 8 year old flying companion. I have dibs on her crashing (without warning) leaving me to a prolonged unwatered and unfed guard duty as she is too heavy to "hiff" over my shoulder anymore.