Just try to say “North York Moor” 10 times fast! Toungue-twister or not, this is where our European 2011 Adventire has begun!

We traveled from SFO early Saturday morning on one of the most mundane travel experiences ever: No lines (none, no security line, no line at passport control, nothing). Our flights were all on schedule and went very smoothly. The most noteworthy part of the trip was probably Felicia’s complete inability to sleep. Whether due to the itinerary or her excitement, she got very little sleep on the airplane, nearly falling asleep into her breakfast on the road outside of Manchester as a result.

[NOTE: No pictures yet! The internet connection at our first week's lodging is very dodgy, and photo uploads have not been possible. We'll let you know when photographic proof of our exploits becomes available.]

Our first five days in The UK will pivot from Ingleby Manor, located near Ingleby Greenhow along Britain’s North York Moors National Park. We made it through the first day with some simple excursions from the Manor, seeing quiant English countryside between Great Ayton and nearby Stokesley.

On Monday, we caught lunch at the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden in the shadows of the Helmsley Castle ruins, and were joined by the Tennessee Martins as they arrived in country.

On our way home, Jocelyn and Felicia got to climb all over the ruins of the 12th Century Rievaulx Abbey, a spectacular example of local history preserved.