More train issues today! People had stolen the copper cabling used for signals around the Bedford area and so trains were restricted or cancelled. Apparently this is not an uncommon issue.

We headed off much earlier to ensure we had time to make our connection in London.

After waiting on the platform at Flitwick for 30 minutes, we were put on a bus to Luton Railway Station (bypassing the troubled area). Hundreds of people were affected, and the bus load we were part of headed for a train and sat on this for about 5 minutes before we were told we needed to get on a different one on a different platform. Michael did not enjoy lugging both bags up and down the steps again.

Once on this train though everything went very well. We arrived at St Pancras Station in London and were impressed by the efficiency and comfort of this beautiful station. On the eve of the opening of the 2012 Olympics, there was a very high presence of security, both police and army, but the crowds did not seem excessive. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at one of the deli-type cafes and caught our connection to Ashford International where we were met by our hostess – M. She took us the scenic drive to her home via Wye (8 miles) where we met her husband D and their four poodles. I was amazed at the size of two of them- very large, but all very friendly and well behaved.

Our hosts’ home and farm is amazing, and in the English summer, their expansive country garden and lawn looked like something out of a magazine. We met the Australian couple who were just finishing house sitting for them and then all enjoyed a meal outside under the pergola. We had a fabulous time and have agreed to return in December to care for the home and dogs. We are very excited about it, particularly Michael who wants to experience living in a cold climate. It will be very likely snowing from time to time when we are here next.

We leave for Germany this afternoon. It will be interesting to see how Heathrow handles the big crowds.