2 Legs

Planning our route is an evolutionary process. We had wanted to see the midnight sun on the longest day in June. but two things have scuppered these original plans for travelling straight from Western Europe to Scandinavia:

1)Breakdown insurance.
Cover in Europe for trips >90 days from RAC costs £600! We looked at every single other option (I think), but we've ended up questioning whether breakdown insurance is a necessity; we concluded, not. Afterall, we are not in a hurry to be anywhere, anytime and just how much can a towtruck charge? Worst case scenario; we dump Pat, continue on foot and cut short our trip.

The question of breakdown cover did however, lead to a reevaluation of our itinerary. Daniel then started campaigning for the inclusion of Ireland and Scotland. These had previously been 'probably should, but not sure when, destinations'. A real turning point though has been the discovery of...

2) The Schengen Agreement
This prohibits us from spending more than a total of 90 days in a 6 month period in the Schengen Area. Countries which are signed up to the Schengen Agreement are: Austria , Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden!

So, a return to the UK midway through our planned 7 month trip is now compulsory. It will be nice to see family, friends, speak 'english' and recharge. It will also be an opportunity to explore the English riviera as the great London north/south divide has thus far prevented us from venturing much past Wimbledon.