MADERIA in March.

Didn't quite provide the warmth we'd hoped for. We saw more rainbows than sunny days but Maderia was spectacular and we loved it. Return visit is a must. 

North-east coastline of the island

Sunset from hotel window in Ponto do Sol

DEAL in May.

That's Deal in Kent, only 32 miles away, but we'd never been. Visited Sandwich and walked the coast. White cliffs of Margaret's Bay and Dover on the drive back. 

Margaret in St. Margaret's

NORWAY in June.

One week guided tour with Steve (Newmarket's rep. par excellence). Scenically Norway was amazing and the day's out - Bergen, Glacier museum, Flam train ride, fjord cruise and the roads were memorable. Stayed in Balestrand overlooking the Sognefjord. 

Panorama from Hotel Kviknes, Balestrand

Bergen (bottom left) to Balestrand (top right)

The Fjaerland fjord

VIDEO best option for this - fjord cruise along Aurlandsfjord - click on the arrow twice

SCOTLAND in August.

Having booked the Edinburgh tattoo for us and cousin Rose, we tagged on a few days on the drive up, in North England and the borders. Then when our friends Giselle and Mel planned to be in Scotland at the same time, we added a visit to the Isle of Mull for three days and a stop in Glasgow on the way home.  

Edinburgh's Military Tattoo

Tobermory on the Isle of Mull

USA in September/October.

This holiday was initially to celebrate the life of Jimmy (long time friend from Long Island) who had died a few months before. A chance to see many other friends and be there for the Fire Island memorial. 

We then spent a week away in New Hampshire staying in Conway (see more stories here - as a three part blogspot). Timed for the Fall foliage in full bloom. And before Margaret's birthday arrived in October. 

A bittersweet trip, that we were so glad to have been a part of. 

One of the many sunsets during the warm days on Fire Island

Fire island House, full photos of Jimmy and fond memories

New Hampshire > 

A panorama shot behind our accommodation in Conway - like a watercolour !

Hike up Mt. Willard for the view down the Crawford Notch valley

Happy Birthday too 💖

One last picture - sea view drinks in Seahouses, Northumberland - CHEERS here's to 2026

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👉 I should also add, Margaret visited her friend Astrid in Austria in July.