Rows of motorhomes at the dealer where we met Max in Dulmen, Germany.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Dulmen, Germany.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Not sure yet.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Harvey the dog!

So when we left you in yesterday's post, we were attempting to sleep in the Manchester airport. We've tried this before on some oddball connecting flights or like yesterday when we had an early morning train connection. It never seems to go well, and this time was no exception!

So you pretty much resign yourself to a sleepless night. I had actually asked at the info desk where they thought might be a good place to spend the night, and the guy laughed, but then he was very helpful and directed us to the check-in desk because all the flights had left for the day and there would be nobody around. They were totally correct, and the seating was decent without any armrests so that you could lie down.

However, the first flight out in the morning was around 6:00am. Why would people start arriving at 2:30am for a 6:00am flight ?? I don't know why, but apparently they do! They didn't even open the check in desk until well after 4:00am, so these people were well ahead of schedule. Anyhow, they were pretty noisy so I went off looking for another more peaceful spot. We moved, but it was no better. Ruth got a bit more sleep, but I ended up using my free half hour of internet access, and then just doing some work on the computer.

6:00am came around and we decided to move over to the train station and wait for our 7:11am train.

Waiting at the Manchester airport train station.

Our train left right on time at 7:11am. Saturday morning, and there was hardly anybody on the train. It was about a 45 minute ride to the town of Crewe, where we had a 15 minute wait for our connecting train to Hereford.

A guy on the first train had spoken to us, and through the conversation he said that the train ride to Hereford was quite scenic, but it was so foggy we couldn't see a thing! Oh well, I grabbed a few minutes sleep to pass the time.

We arrived in Hereford at about 9:45, and our hosts Rick and Helen were there to greet us.

Helen had contacted us back at the end of June through our profile at to see if we were interested in house and dog sitting for them while they go on vacation to British Columbia for three weeks in September. A few emails back and forth and we came to an agreement. That's why we're here!

It was only a 20 minute drive to the village of Ewyas Harold where they live with their twelve year old twin daughters Annabel and Emily in a 17th century cottage called "The Glebe".

Where we are living for the next three weeks.

Oh, and Harvey the dog! Harvey is nine or ten years old, and they only adopted him last year. He's a big friendly guy and we're going to enjoy looking after him for the next three weeks.


Kevin and Harvey.

Harvey, Helen, and Ruth.

So we got well acquainted with the family and in the evening, Rick did up some burgers on the grill. They don't leave until Tuesday, so we've got some time to get to know things around here before they go. Slept like a log last night! It's a beautiful morning, so maybe we'll go out exploring a little bit.

(A) The village of Ewyas Harold.

We are only about 5 miles from the border of Wales, and the huge Brecon Beacons National Park so we're looking forward to doing some more hiking there.


  1. I am sure Harvey is going to get lots and lots of amazing hikes!

  2. You new home looks like a nice place to stay for a bit, enjoy.

  3. This should be an interesting stint for you guys.

    1. We are looking forward to it. This will be our second time house sitting, our first time was in Kingston, Canada for four months but we didn't have a dog to look after so this will give us a good doggy fix.

  4. Ahhh boondocking overnight in an airport! What will you guys think of next? LOL

    I think Harvey is going to be very happy with his caregivers for the next three weeks!

    Karen and Steve

    1. I like your take on the sleeping at the airport. Yep, just like boondocking but sure not quiet or as comfortable like boondocking in Sherman.

  5. Nice of you to hold Harvey's beer for the photo

  6. Home Sweet Home - with a pooch - near a national park - doesn't get much better than that! I enjoyed reading about the towns and villages on the park website. Looks like a ton of history there. Can't wait to enjoy it with you!!!

    1. Yep, looks like we will have lots of exploring to do. The area is beautiful.

  7. Replies
    1. Harvey is likely to lose a pound or two while we are here!

  8. A doggie fix is always a good thing. Losing a pound or two will do him a world of good. Have fun.

  9. Now this is going to be a great stay. No need to rush anywhere and get to see everything you want in the area. Cool deal!

    You might even get all the cricks worked out of your muscles from your night in the airport. :c)

    1. Yes, it will be lovely to just sit back and relax for a bit. As you say no need to get out and rush about, we have plenty of time to explore the area so we will see a little bit each day.

  10. Sounds like Calvin heading on an international flight. PG airport 2 hours early...totally not necessary there, in fact there wasn't a sole around except one security guard. I really hate arriving early.
    Hope the house sitting goes well, should be fun with the pooch.

