Day 1 (Pre-Hike Day 1 of 2) - Exploring Bristol

After an overnight flight from Detroit to London, we grabbed the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, where after a short delay we boarded our train to Bristol to meet up with cousins Zack and Candace. We dropped our baggage off at their flat and then grabbed some lunch at the Harbourside Market (pasties, custard tarts, and a Fanta: welcome to England!).

Lunch at Queen Square

After lunch we visited the beautiful Bristol Cathedral, which dates back to the 1200s. We learned a great deal about Bristol's history, and enjoyed the imposingly beautiful cathedral ceilngs and well-worded epitaphs.

Next up was a walk to explore some shops and, in true DeLand style, come upon some ice cream. My first flake cone since 2005: it was a delight on this warm day!

After ice cream was a trip to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of the most photographed landmarks in Bristol. Speaking of Bristol, they are, at least according to local grafitti artists, all for Jesus.

Clifton Bridge in the background. And yes, those are the same ice cream cones as before. Not that this couldn't have been a two ice cream day!

Our fearless leader Zack urged us onward from the bridge to beautiful Cabot Tower, which was named after the explorer John Cabot. Mr. Cabot discovered Newfoundland in 1497. A quick climb to the top gave us 360 degree views of all of Bristol, and even some peaks at the ocean and Wales. It also was surrounded by beautiful water gardens and was a popular picnic spot today.

Cabot Tower

View from the top of Cabot Tower

A quick trip back to the apartment ensued, but not before taking in the Royal York crescent, the largerst crescent in Europe.

Helping Zack and Candace house hunt on the crescent :)

To end the night, a fantastic dinner at Gambas, a Spanish-style tapas restaurant near the harbour in Bristol. A fabulous meal with fabulous company and superb gelato to end the night.

Today's Step Count: 24,127

Until Tomorrow!

Kelsey and Brian