north

The journey north is epic three days with camps. Imagine indigo storm clouds, thundering grey Pacific rollers, the sound of the wind in dark trees towering over tiny tents, with Tom playing his fiddle, 'Bonaparte's retreat' by the light of the fire. Only sadness is getting money and camera stolen from the car - but learning to be more careful.

Portland envelopes us - we have a cosy haven at Kent and Jeanie's - old friends of Tom's parents. From there Becs embarks on Churchill Fellowship research - visiting a series of amazing schools and people shaping an approach to learning which is - wait for it - lots of time outdoors, builds strong links into the environment, culture and community, is inspiring and, most importantly, FUN! Sunnyside Environmental School is the most vibrant school Becs has ever seen - with confident wonderful kids.

Meanwhile Tom, Freya and Kai check out the parks and forest trails of Portland and watch our first baseball game. It's a green and very friendly city