A range of places, after a simple funeral for Shirley. Some family, some friends, some neighbours, all people who cared for her and wanted to say goodbye. And a priest who knew her which added a lovely heartfelt touch to the service.
These two pieces of music were played at her funeral, and say everything needed;
After the funeral, a lovely meal with a few great cocktails to celebrate a life passed, at the Prince William Docks in Plymouth.
Then a quick dash up to Bristol to drop off the hire car, then tour the SS Great Britain. She’s a Brunel steam ship which travelled around the world 31 times taking passengers to Australia, then cargo trips to various ports, and left scuppered in Port Stanley in the Falklands for many years before being salvaged and brought back to Bristol.
I enjoyed Bristol more than expected, with a pleasant walk along canals to the dock, the ship tour, and a half decent coffee before a crowded train trip back to Plymouth.
Train to Scotland 🏴
Then today a trip to show Andy the fabulous Kelpies, a monument to the horses who powered the Industrial Revolution also mythical sea creatures who sometimes took on the form of horses.
Last but not least, Wallace’s Monument to survey the scenery of the Forth Valley and Stirling where I grew up, on a cold and blustery sunny afternoon.
It’s been a crazy few days, with train trips, different cities and lots of family time. Just catching our breath for a few days before the flight home.
My Longest Journey 