The Broads

The Broads, England's largest protected wetlands, encompasses more than 125 miles of "safe, enchanting waterways" most of it less than 4 metres (13 feet) deep and during our housesit in Attleborough in May we explored a small portion via a boat cruise.

Ely

Ely is a short 39-minute train ride west of Attleborough and we visited this lovely East Cambridgeshire cathedral town twice during May. Named after the Isle of Eels Ely is located in the Fens, a naturally marshy area of eastern England. Most of the fens were drained centuries ago, leaving the region a valuable agricultural region. Below is the Ely eel. The real live fish is much smaller in scale, was a vital food source for Ely residents for centuries, and is now a delicacy.

Norwich

Our Attleborough housesit allowed us plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside and travelling via the Abellio Greater Anglia train line (thank you, Chris!) made the journey both enjoyable and easy. Norwich is a short hop from Attleborough and the entire train trip takes under 25 minutes one way. The Norwich train station (below) is conveniently located on the River Wensum.

Housesitting With Gorgeous George

For eighteen delightful days this past May, 2016 we housesat for a lovely couple in their beautiful home in a Norfolk village and immediately fell under the spell of their Birman cat, George. What a cutie!

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way: Killarney National Park to Achill Island

The final leg of our Irish adventure took us through Killarney National Park. 

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way: Inveragh & Beara Peninsula

Our first stop after leaving Cahersiveeen was Waterville on the west coast of Inveragh peninsula.

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way: Annascaul to Cahersiveen

The Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry are magical places. This is the Ireland we'd expected to see and it did not disappoint.

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way: The Cliffs of Mohar

The Cliffs of Moher were on our bucket list long before we learned they're the most visited natural attraction in Ireland. As impressive as the cliffs are, the visitors centre is also noteworthy. Built into the terrain one can easily spend an hour exploring the displays in this multi-level building. The glassed arch is a feature of the restaurant. 

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way: the Connaught to Doolin

On the drive from Murrisk to Spiddal we were unusually silent if only because we'd never seen so many rocks or barren landscape in our lives. Think Sudbury, Ontario before reforestation only intensified ten or twentyfold. It was truly other-worldly. We could not fathom how anyone could make a living let alone survive in this harsh environment.