Travel – Page 78 – Life is a Journey

Up, up and away

Posted on June 5, 2011October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Finally, after months of planning, it was time to head off to the USA to celebrate turning 40 – Kevin back in Feb and me just the other day. We said our farewells…

and drove to the airport. We had to meet my brother-in-law’s father-in-law and give him my car (as Kevin’s brother is it’s new owner). He then dropped us around at the international airport. The line at United was short when we joined it so we were processed quickly and onto customs. Here, I had the joy of being randomly picked for a drug test – swiping my bag, and scanning and frisking me.

We then changed some currency, browsed a few shops and had some lunch.

We then headed for our gate – which seemed to be miles away …

and finally were able to board.

We treated ourselves to premium economy – it actually wasn’t that much dearer with United and we got more leg room – which was very appreciated. I was a little sneaky when I booked I seats and actually left one between Kevin & I. It didn’t get filled so we were able to spread out nicely.

The flight was pretty eventful. We were fed an early dinner. I watched some Glee episodes and managed to get a few hours sleep. Kevin wasn’t so lucky as the kids behind us kept banging our seats and were talking VERY loudly. Thankfully Kevin provided us both with ear plugs. 12 hours later we were in the USA.

Packing for a long trip

Posted on May 26, 2011October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Another day another video. But this video was actually filmed before our UK trip last year but I didn’t have time to post before we left and then I forgot all about it…. until I started to think about packing for this trip. This is basically a review for the Eagle Creek pack-it system – which I LOVE – but you could use the same principle with snap locks bags to keep like items with like.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwXWoDn0FQk

My biggest hint for packing if you have reasonable access to a washing machine or laundry service – pack only 4 outfits (days clothes) for each season. Some items you will be able to mix and match and wear more than once but otherwise be prepared to wash every 4 days. I make sure that every items goes with at least 2 other items, more if possible. And I try to convert day outfits into night outfits – maybe changing to dressier pants or adding a smart jacket or scarf and wearing dressy shoes (only take one pair of dress shoes). If you want more packing hints be sure to check out this post I wrote last year.

Canberra – On our way home

Posted on April 27, 2011October 10, 2026 by Libby Withnall

After a morning spent packing we had one last stop in Canberra to feed to local black swans.

As soon as we pulled into the driveway they came over to meet us. As you can see it was much cooler today, and no blue skies to be seen.

Kevin… the swan whisperer…

We then said our farewells to the Powells – who were headed back to the War Memorial so Sarah could spend a bit of time there – and hit the road. We stopped at the Big Merino.

And actually walked up inside it where you can look out the eyes. I also got the most beautiful hat/beenie in the gift shop. We then had some lunch at the Bakery.

then it was the last leg to home, sweet, home. Looking forward to being here for a while. So that’s the suitcases put away…. until 5.5 weeks when we pack for our trip to Disneyland and Alaska.

Canberra – Science & Sport

Posted on April 25, 2011October 9, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Back to Questacon today. We arrived just on opening so it was nice and quiet and the girls were able to spend time doing what they wanted. Christy & Amy both attempted to do the free fall but chickened out (even though they both did it when they were younger).

We finished our visit with a science show and a visit to the shop. As we left 3 flighter planes flew overheads on a fly-by for the Anzac parade. It was pretty awesome. Then we stopped at Subway to get to some lunch and headed to Weston Park.

Wish I could eat lunch with a view like this every day.

After eating the girls played while I took some photos.

Canberra in Autumn on sunny days is just magical. I have so many favourite photos.

From here we headed to the Australian Institute of Sport.

Loved the HUGE sculptures out the front.

We went on a guided tour which stated off with the sports play room.

Kevin tried some downhill skiing.

Christy had fun practicing her soccer.

And Kevin & Noel played basketball.

After 30mins here we set off on the tour. The gymnastics room….

the most awesome weights room….

the basketball court where the Junior Australian team (under 18s) were training.

and the main training pool.

On the way back to the car Kevin got stickered.

Upon arrival back at our room we were quite horrified to find the broken glass we had reported still all over the carpet. Tonight we enjoyed leftovers for dinner and wrote a scathing report about our apartments on Trip Advisor. The glass-cleaning incident was the last thing we weren’t happy with so we definitely won’t be staying here again.