19 Mar 2014. <AU> South Brisbane, Queensland —

Sad day. Warren's last rehearsal with the Chorale. Went along, and sat at the back, singing a bit with the Tenors, but also joining the Basses at times (yes, Emily, he's still a bass at heart!). But also sitting out entirely from time to time and just luxuriating in the wash of sound as the choir worked through parts of Elgar's Dream of Gerontius and Brahms' German Requiem. Will really miss the magnificent singing and the friendship that are intrinsic to the Brisbane Chorale!

14 Mar 2014. <AU> Bardon, Queensland —

We've booked into a Hostel in Barkston Gardens, Kensington and Chelsea, so we can relax for 8 days when we first hit the UK. Check out the Londonears Hostel at www.thelondonearshostellondon.com. We got their last available double room for the period April 14 to April 22 — over the Easter break. We shouldn't have any trouble finding a few things to do while we're in London!

Tonight I've set up this blog — yes, I cheated! — I backdated all the posts up to here to provide some back information!

13 Mar 2014. <AU> Bardon, & Brisbane, Queensland —

Rude awakening with an early registered mail delivery! The replacement rubber zoom ring for the camera's lens arrived — now the camera is fully ready for the trip.

Went into Brisbane to do a few things, amongst which was visiting the "Travel Doctor" to see what we needed in the way as a travel medical kit. Came away with the kit — and two vaccinations! They advised a Hepatitis A shot — fair enough — and they were in a position to give us our annual flu shots as well.

When you go on a trip, it's advisable that you can actually see what you are looking at. Went in to have our eyes checked this afternoon. Our eyes haven't changed, but Warren was advised that he might find his old prescription glasses — which he hasn't had to wear for the last 3 years — might make things a little easier when driving after dark.

5 Mar 2014. <AU> Bardon, Queensland —

Yesterday we emailed Brad at Motorlands to check if we could delay our arrival there for about a week so we could spend a few days in London when we first land. His reply today — 'anytime is fine, a week or more delay is no problem. 6 parcels have arrived and i will keep them safe.'

4 Mar 2014. <AU> Bardon, Queensland —

When we decided to leave on a trip, we had to consider what would become of the house and the dog. The best solution for all concerned was to invite Donna and Bec, who have stayed with us in the past, to simply move in and take over. Suits us, suits them, suits the doggie! Donna moved in today - her lease was up where she was, and the downstairs bedroom has been free for some time. Once we finally go, they will have their pick of the rooms! Bibi, the dog, couldn't believe her luck - she really does love Donna!

3 Mar 2014. <AU> Bardon, Queensland —

Another of our regular visitors! This fairly young kookaburra is so tame he will take food from your hand! We keep little balls of minced chicken in the fridge as treats for the dog, but this little fellow has been returning from time to time to share in the bounty!

1 Mar 2014. <AU> Bardon, Queensland —

Today joined a few organizations which allow overnight motorhome stops at farms and various other places around the UK, France, Spain and Italy. Each costs around €25-30 (the British one £25) for 12 months membership. The annual fee is less than two nights' stay at a fully-fledged Motorhome camping area, and we will get a more intimate interaction with the locals. All they ask is, if you do need to buy anything your hosts can supply, that you buy it from them if possible.

The organizations in question are:

• Brit Stops : Free motorhome stopovers all over Britain at farm shops, country pubs, vineyards, and many more interesting sites
• France Passion in France
• Fattore Amico in Italy
• España Discovery in Spain

While preparing this blog post, I've realized that I missed the Swiss one, so I've just signed up for Swiss Terroir as well! Good news - there's a 10% discount for active members of France Passion or Fattore Amico!

We also bought the following, from Vicarious Books (who specialise in travel and camping books):

• All the Aires France edition 4
• All the Aires Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg
• All the Aires Spain and Portugal 3rd edition
• All the Aires Mountains
• Bord Atlas 2014 German Stellplatze guide
• 2014 Europe AA Road Flexi Atlas

The first 5 detail camping places all around Europe, and the last is a road atlas which we will use in conjunction with the Garmin — the Atlas for an overview to actually plan our journey, and the Garmin for the nitty-gritty of actually getting there.

We had checked with Brad at Motorlands to see if we could use them as a mailing address, rather than getting everything shipped to us here in Australia and then having to pack it all back to the UK when we fly out.

Some weeks ago — can't remember exactly when — we bought the AA Big Road Atlas Britain 2014, which we will use in the same way as the European one. Wanted to do a little pre-planning before we hit the UK, however, so that's why we got it early.