Packing luggage is sooooo overrated.

In my wheeled duffel; scarves, long sleeved blouses and skirts; sandals and swimwear; hat and sunscreen; were all neatly arranged alongside our plans for driving around Tunisia and the Mediterranean.  Bring on the warm sun I thought!

Little did I realise as I was lifting that wheeled duffel at Manchester Airport carousel, that I was to not unfold a single beautiful scarf; nor have the Mediterranean sea breeze blow through my cotton skirts and embroidered blouses. My hats and sunscreen remained in the dark. They were all to remain in that duffel; and I was to wear for the next two months, the skirt I wore on the plane and the extra blouse in my carry-on; and a few hand knits as last minute packing extras.

Our plans for driving our 102 year old vintage car, Penny, also remained in that duffel; as her whereabouts were unknown. Port blockages due to freight not being delivered to the US, caused havoc and shipping delays worldwide.

We realised after a couple of days that we needed to create a ‘Plan B’, so we decided to head north, to explore parts of Scotland to remain within returning distance should Penny arrive at London Gateway Port.

Day 2 of our northern adventure… 7 degC “Feels like Minus 7”  EEEKS! Nearly all of our warm clothes, our ‘emergency’ clothes; had already been packed in Penny. Thank goodness I had my ‘fishy jumper’ Halibut by @boylandknitworks knitted during the KALibut by @tribeyarnslife with me… and the Orkney’s did have a great Outdoor store where we both bought a jacket; and a local handcraft market for gloves and hats.

Despite being hopeful every day that we would receive notification that Penny had disembarked at London Gateway Port; we journeyed around the north of Scotland for the next five weeks before being reunited with her; ( twelve weeks later than her original arrival date;) and then we spent our last 2 weeks with a quick trip around Ireland.

I would be lying if I pretended that some days weren’t a struggle; but I told myself that I might as well be journeying with the ‘wobbles’, as staying at home with the ‘wobbles’. The underlying persistent disorientation to be honest is just awful; but I managed..  and had a fabulous time together.

Over the coming weeks I’m hoping to share some of my journey. Hope you can come with me on our unplanned adventure through Scotland and Ireland… wearing the same skirt and top every day. Packing luggage is hugely overrated… and definitely even in the VERY COLD beach waves, those togs in my duffel were not required!