I need to pinch myself to make sure it’s true, but the flights are booked and paid for and the deposit paid on the Iceland sector, plus other bits and pieces along the way. I’ve entered the half-marathon in Reykjavik, and training is progressing well – doing a 25km training run every week, plus other shorter ones.

So, we decided to go via South Korea in the end – and saved about $1000 per couple by doing so. The route is Brisbane/Seoul, overnight in Seoul, on to Paris the following day, with a connection to Dublin. We spend five days in Ireland, then catch the ferry to Holyhead in Wales and a train connection to Manchester (anything to avoid Heathrow with the Olympics on!). From here we catch a flight to Iceland, and next day pick up our HUGE beast of a truck to set off around Iceland.

On the last night we stay in Reykjavik again, and run the race the next morning. Hopefully we can find a shower somewhere to freshen up, then onto a plane for London. Can’t avoid Heathrow this time, but luckily Michael lives right nearby and is planning to meet us with a couple of taxis to his house. We’ll stay with him for a few days, and enjoy his local knowledge tours.

Next step is the Eurostar to Paris, where we stay 5 days, before returning to Brisbane via Seoul again (no stopover this time). All up, 26 days. Can’t wait!

My niece was married near Cairns on the weekend, and it was great fun to catch up with family at the scenic Atherton Tablelands. The ceremony was graced with the backdrop of a gorgeous waterfall, and a glorious afternoon. Family came from all over, including my other niece and her family all the way from Perth, just for one night. We’re off camping next week, for 10 days at Inskip Point.  No doubt there will be some little gems to be published!