Out for a hike above Cheddar Gorge, England.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Keinton Mandeville, Somerset, England.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Not sure yet!

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Grandson Cameron has arrived!

We had overnighted in a small village near Stonehenge so we had about a two hour drive from there to London's Heathrow Airport where we were picking up grandson Cameron.

We took our time though, and didn't leave until after 10:00am. Then we stopped at a highway rest stop for lunch, then again at a grocery store.

Not that much to photograph along the way though. All highway driving, first on the busy A303, then the M3 motorway which takes us almost up to Heathrow.

The A303 passes right by Stonehenge.

It actually gives a pretty good view of the stones which is why traffic is always backed up.

I had reserved a parking spot at a pub near Heathrow to park Max at for three nights. I did it through a UK app called My Parking Space. At a cost of only £6 ($10.25 CAD, $7.50 USD) per night it was far cheaper than any of the airport parking options.

The pub is about a half hour walk from the terminal, but you can't walk to Heathrow. There is a tunnel that runs under one of the runways to the main terminals and there is no pedestrian access. So you have no choice but to take some form of transportation through the tunnel. The cheapest option for us was a local city bus.

Lindsey sent us a photo of Cameron ready to board the plane.

But, we had lots of time. Cameron's flight wasn't due to arrive until 9:00pm local time.

So, we went and had a drink at the pub.

It was a nice day so we sat outside.

Mmmm. Beer. Ruth is actually drinking cider.

The flight tracker showed his flight arriving early, so we left Max at just before 8:00pm and walked down to the main street outside the airport, and hopped on a local bus for €1.75 ($3.00 CAD, $2.25 USD) for the short five minute ride through the tunnel and to the Heathrow Central Bus Terminal.

Prior to Covid, this bus service used to be free. But when numbers dropped during Covid restrictions, the funding for it was removed, and hasn't been re-instated.

We were early of course, but we have no problem wasting time in airports. There sure is lots of people watching to be done!

At Heathrow Terminal 2.

Yep, this is the spot!

We paid for Cameron's flights, but out daughter Lindsey paid the extra $100 for the "unaccompanied minor" fee where they have a travel assistant guide him to the gate and through immigration and they stay right with him until we sign him off into our care. For his first time flying alone, we think this was a good idea, but he says he's confident enough that he doesn't need it for the return trip.

Cameron and Ruth.

So, he is going to be a busy boy for the next ten days. We've got a lot planned for him!

This morning we take the "tube" into central London. First stop is the British Museum where he is looking forward to seeing the Egyptian mummies among other things. We'll be spending the night at Ruth's aunt who lives in Hackney, then tomorrow back in London, then back to Max tomorrow evening.

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2 comments:

  1. Yay! Glad Cameron made it there safely. He and Ruth both look so happy in that last photo -- warmed my heart. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Emily, we are happy that he arrived safe and sound too. Now the fun begins!

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