“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” – C.S. Lewis
Our travels this week took us to the Netherlands, France and southern England. We have three different sets of friends that we wanted to reconnect with and see where they’re living. So while we were able to do some touristy things, what we loved the most was spending time with our friends.
Holland: We landed amidst a heat wave. Fortunately our friends living in Holland had a lovely backyard and Mr. D could bat balls and also get sprayed off by the hose. We visited a beach on the North Sea which had the finest sand. But we didn’t stay long because a spectacular lightning storm rolled in. We got a taste of the Dutch bikes, canals and a carnival in Leiden.
France: The heat continued but it wasn’t as severe. We were able to go up the Eiffel Tower, go on a boat ride on the Seine, visit the Luxembourg gardens, and see Versailles.
England: Our travel luck ran out when we missed the train from Paris to London. And then missed our subsequent connections and trains. Fortunately we left our Paris friends’ home with four baguettes which saw us through a long day. And then seeing our dear friends in England helped make it all worth it. We visited Dartmouth where Agatha Christie wrote many of her novels and the Mayflower set sail, played at the Blackpool Sands beach, canoed with our friends down a river to eat food cooked over a fire, and enjoyed market-fresh food in their beautiful yard.
The sign of the week comes from St. Pancras train station in London, “I want my time with you!” So here’s to friends – that make all the travel worth it! We’re looking forward to being home soon to see our Seattle friends – and being back online to reconnect with all of you!
Surprised By Joy 
It looks like an awesome time. I love the ictures and have a similar one of me in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. And yes, Amanda goes there too! Travel is always better when there are friends to visit!
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WOW. You’re were in Dartmouth and went to the Malsters in Tuckenhay. They’re both a stone’s throw from where I live. It looks like you had a wonderful time and everyone looks super happy.
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love that you not only had the destinations in mind, but the friendships that brought you there. glad you could make it all work in spite of the challenges, your trio is strong!
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What a trip to remember and cherish Wynne! Just amazing 🙂
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What a fantastic trip!! You’ve visited many highlights of each location. And how wonderful to see it all with friends! 😃
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What a wonderful trip! Safe travels!
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♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
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What an awesome trip this is! (Missing the train and connections will just add to the memories 😉 )
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I see England, I see France, I see someone’s…having a great trip!!
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It looks and sounds like a wonderful trip: a mix of friends, fun, and culture. Enjoy Wynne.
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I’m glad that you and your children enjoyed a small taste of England!
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Wow, what a great trip! Looks like a lot of fun! Happy holidays!
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What an incredible trip. I’ve travelled Europe during extreme heat – not fun – but looks like you made the most of it.
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It looks like a fantastic trip, Wynne! It seems that you all enjoyed it despite the weather 😎
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Quintessential memory building adventures that each of you will share for a lifetime … so ‘happily envious’ 😊 for you Wynne
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Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos of your travels Wynne. You did a lot during your time away.
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A good time had by all. Does Mr D take his bat everywhere? He will be the next PCA!
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🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩!!!!!
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Fab photos…and I’m so happy to hear you got to Versailles! Woohoo! Continued safe travels…hugs to all!
❤️😉❤️
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Unfortunate about the heat and the missed train, but all that aside, this looks like a fantastic trip, Wynne. Your kids will cherish these memories all their lives!
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Wow, you are the gadabout 3, not missing a beat but the heat.. You know what Rick Stevens would say…. “travel like you will return”.. although it’s far, in the words of Arnold… “I’ll be back”.. and I know you will. Glad you’re having fun with friends, Wynne, Ms. O and Mr. D❣️
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Looks like you had a wonderful time despite the heatwave and missing your train and connections. But you’re right, the best bit is catching up with friends. I’m sure the kids also loved travelling, exploring and experiencing different cultures.
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Awesome photos! Safe travels, my friend.
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What a fabulous adventure! And you accomplished so much! Not only will it be delightful to be home with your Seattle friends, but also to get some REST! Meanwhile, while you were in Europe, we may very well have been in your beloved Northwest–for our granddaughter’s graduation (June 11-18). This trip we took in Reflection Lake on Mt. Rainier, a tour of University of Washington (where our graduate begins her college studies of molecular biology in the fall), and Tacoma Museum of Glass. Your area has MUCH to offer!
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What an incredible week of traveling you three experienced. Fantastic sights and photos and most of all, you got to reconnect with good friends! 😊
I’m also glad you three were ok despite the heat wave in Europe!
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What an amazing adventure with your tiny explorers! Much learning outside the lines!
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what a fabulous time you all had; thanks for sharing, Wynne and brightening our day 🙂
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How great to have those long bread.🤩🤭 I enjoyed the photos, especially D’s train ride. Thanks for sharing this memorable experience, Wynne.
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So many amazing sights, plus adventure and good friends — recipe for fun! It’s been hotter, sadly, in many places than has been the norm, but it looks as though you all braved it well. 💞🎊💞
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