England

From Iceland we traveled to England where we enjoyed some time with family and friends.  Though we were still "traveling," it was nice to feel at "home" for a few days.  The only disappointment was the amount of time we had allotted for our visit.  Looking back, it was not nearly enough time.  We had to forego meeting up with some friends and would have loved to spend more time with family.

While in England, our family made sure we continued our sightseeing.  Our fist stop was St. Michael's Church in Hathersage, a medieval church dating from the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries. A stone in the churchyard marks the grave of Little John.  Not far from Hathersage is Eyam, also known as "plague village."  The plague was first discovered in Eyam in 1665.  The entire village was quarantined to prevent further spread of the disease.  Fewer than a quarter of the villagers survived.  There are several cottages with  plaques outside commemorating the deaths.  

St. Michael's Church

Little John's Grave

On St. Patrick's Day, we went for a hike in the peak district.  Starting in the village of Castleton, we went through Cavedale, a limestone valley, which gently rises until you have a beautiful view which includes Peveril Castle.  We continued on over rolling green hills, passing grazing sheep and climbed the steps up to the peak of Mam Tor.  As we began the climb up Mam Tor, it began to rain.  The rain, however, tapered off, and left a beautiful rainbow...especially fitting for St. Patrick's Day.  We finished our hike with a walk through the village and a meal at the local pub.

Cavedale with Peveril Castle in the distance

Rainbow view from Mam Tor

After a few days in Sheffield, enjoying the countryside, we traveled back south to spend some time with Simon's brother and his family.  Since the sun came out, we all went to Brighton for the day.  We walked along the pier and had some delicious fresh donuts.  We then wandered about the small town before having a nice lunch and returning to the shoreline for some hot chocolate.  (The sun was out, but it was still cold enough for a warm drink.)  The next day we visited the Knole House estate.  Knole House was built in the 1400s and is surrounded by a 1,000 acre park.  Though the house was closed, we had a nice walk through the park.

Though we were excited to get to Nepal, we were both a bit saddened to leave England.  It's always nice to see our family, especially our adorable one year old nephew.  (See you all again soon I hope!)
 

Clowning Around on Brighton Pier

View of the Brighton Shoreline

Deer around the Knole House estate

Knole House