So many B’s…

Bedwyn>Bakewell>Blockley>Batsford>Broad Campden>Burford

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travels’ sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

*Bedwyn – a lock along the Kennett Avon canal.*

*Our home in Bakewell for the next four days.*

*Big question around town was “have you eaten a Bakewell tart, yet?”*

*Hiking along the River Dove we came upon this tree stump with several 20p pieces (20 cent coins) that were pounded into it.*

*Funny thing is that we saw* *one of these many years ago but it was filled with tuppence coins (2 cent pieces).That’s inflation for ya!*

*Biking along the Monsal Trail outside of Bakewell.*

*We went through four, long, lighted tunnels.*

*Part of the trail was atop a viaduct and Murph ran down to take a look from below.*

*After biking the trail and returning the bikes we drove up to a village to see the path and viaduct from above. Nice countryside, eh?*

*Oh! And I got to meet a Womble when we went to the Heights of Abraham (outside of Bakewell).*

In an effort to keep from boring you, I will post more of the Bs later.😉

Delightful Doors

I know we aren’t in Dublin, where they are known for their doors (heads up Dawn & Patrick) but several of these caught my attention.

“Nothing is true, but that which is simple.” – Johann von Goethe

Why Wrexham, Wales?

“A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest man.” – Roald Dahl

*We traveled a few hours out of our way to see this!*

*We have become obsessed with this football (soccer*) *team – The Red Dragons.*

*Formed in 1864, it is the oldest club in Wales and the third oldest professional association football team in the world.*

*The Racecourse pitch was pretty buttoned up but we were able to get a peek.*

The reason we are so interested in this team is that we have been watching “Welcome to Wrexham” for the last couple of years. If you haven’t seen it, why not? It’s a delightful and heartwarming documentary, of sorts, shown on Disney +

*This is their coach, Phil Parkinson. He’s great and only swears a bit – well a lot but we’ll overlook that bit about him!* 😉

*The fans stand here to greet the boys as they head to a match. They often stop to sign autographs and chat with the locals.*

*Hey it’s the UK, so of course there’s a pub attached to the stadium!*

*I had to belly up for a pint. (Not really, I hate beer!*😂)

*But I don’t mind shopping for some merch!*

*The team has advanced a few levels since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds* *bought the organization.*

*We have more places to visit but we will definitely keep our eyes on this town and team!*

The Great, Great Bedwyn etc…

“One day you will wake up and there will be no more time to do the things you have always dreamed of. Do them now.” – Paula Coelho

*Home for the next four days in Hungerford. Our friend, Belinda, lives in the neighboring village of Great Bedwyn.*

*Outside our hotel – cars may appear to be on the opposite side of the road – because they are! Murph doing a stellar job traversing the English countryside!*

*“Do what makes you happy, be with those who make you smile.and laugh as much as you breathe.” –* Rachel Ann Nunes

*My breakfast – I went for a large one this morning and –*

*As you probably know by now, Murph and I love walking the tow path between Hungerford and Great Bedwyn.*

*We walked up through the fields this day.*

*There were huge haystacks. Prepping for winter, no doubt.*

*Back to the tow path and time for me to pick black berries for Belinda.*

*One day we toured the Sandham Memorial Chapel, dedicated to WW1 soldiers who died as a result of the war but were not acknowledged as dying “in” the war.*

*No photographs allowed in the chapel so here’s a rough idea – very impressive when standing there.*

*At our all time favorite pub in Wiltshire, The Swan. This pic is bitter sweet because it’s our last night together. (Well, this year anyway)*

*“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” –* Matisse

Lively London

“When a man tires of London, he is tired of life.” – Samuel Johnson

We *are setting out on the subway* (*or “tube” as it’s lovingly called here)*.

We visited the Borough Market on the south side of town. Really nice!

*The pubs here have the most amazing flowers! (Sorry Roy* 😉)

*We were at the Tower of London to see the poppy display*.

*To mark 80 years since the Second World War ended, an installation of ceramic poppies flows through the Tower of London. Poppies symbolize remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.* *The Tower of London served many roles during the Second World War*. *As an historic military fortress, it guarded prisoners of war, supported anti-aircraft defenses and gave tours for visiting soldiers.*

*Ravens are ever present at the Tower of London.*

*And the London Eye is so colourful at night. (Not a typo but a nod to my British and Canadian friends 😉*

*Along the River Thames, we came upon this memorial wall*. *Generally memorials are dedicated to military wars so this was unusual and touching. I suppose Covid is a war of sorts!*

*Around the city we spotted many bee houses – quite impressive!*

*Took the tube out to Heathrow airport to pick up a car. We’re on our way to the countryside to visit our friend, Belinda, in Great Bedwyn.*

On the road again

“I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” Caskie Stinnett

*Sometimes, it’s even me asking that question!*

*Every flower competing for our attention.*

*Last week we were biking one of our many beautiful trails.*

*Where I spotted this bench – wise words, eh?*

*Hey there, couldn’t you find a larger map?*

*When you love a wanderlust, you learn to love wandering!*

*All packed up and ready to call an Uber. Yes, those are Canadian luggage tags. Not really feeling so proud to be an American these days!*

That’s all folks!

“No matter the day, no matter the weather, life is just better when we are together.”

*This lionhearted man has done it again! Planning, researching, booking, canceling, rebooking*. *Planes, trains, trams, car and many B & Bs. Fitting it all together like a giant jigsaw puzzle.*

*He loves maps and navigating and I love to drive – especially if you give me a car with a 6 speed manual transmission*!

*“The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever being able to do it.” –* Peter Pan

*“You can’t find happiness at the end of your journey if you didn’t bring it with you all along.” –* Katrina Mayer

*Yes, he worked hard at planning but now it was time for a little fun!*

*“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” –* Oliver Wendell Holmes

*“Life is short , live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish them.” –* Winnie the Pooh

*Dreaming up our next adventure, no doubt!*

*Back home in Rochester where the mural competition is in progress. The caption beneath this painting reads, “ Fear arises when we imagine that everything depends on us.” – e.elliot*

*So, I typically don’t get “political” on my blog but this year, of ALL years – it’s incredibly important for us to get out there and VOTE, my friends.* ❤️

Lovin’ London

“Traveling through life with curiosity rather than judgment is how one finds the magic in each moment.” – Erin Chatters

*I thought I’d just get this out there first thing – I promise this will be the last restroom (WC) picture I post – well, this year anyway*😉

*We had a day and a half to hit the London highlights so of course, Big Ben was a must see!*

*Refurbished a few years ago it is more spectacular than ever.*

*And if you’ve ever wondered what’s at the tippity top of this clock tower – here you go!*

*Dating from the 16th century, the Old Curiosity Shop survived not only the Great Fire of London in 1666, but the devastation of the Blitz.*

*In many of the areas in Central London we saw more bikes than cars. Taxes for vehicles entering the city has helped bikers and walkers alike.*

*We walked along the Regents Canal on this beautiful fall-like day.*

*While watching this “trash barge” (shout out to Cece) float by the engineer on board called out to us, “It’s just a load of rubbage!” – too funny!*

*Great place to walk or run but we were in no hurry.*

*Since the 1890s this was the Russell Hotel – but some yahoos have taken it over and felt compelled to rename it – can you tell we aren’t thrilled with the change?*

*Across from the Russell Hotel is beautiful Russell Square.*

*At first site I thought this was a grapevine arbor but on closer inspection I realized that trees are being trained to form the arch.*

*I loved this little building in the corner of the park.*

*Pumpkin soup was on the menu and it smelled delightful.*

*You probably know us well enough by now to realize we love parks. This is Green Park and it was certainly green this day!*

*It’s a bit difficult to see but the two sides of the monument have a sheet of water running down them. Both quiet and peaceful.*

*Couldn’t help but think of our own Canadian friends and neighbors* ❤️

*The entrance to Green Park is not too shabby either.*

*The coat of arms of six Canadian Provinces were included in the Canada Gate in 1906.*

*These two coat of arms on one pillar were added later and the ninth on another pillar. I’m thinking the one with the mountains is Alberta – a little help Nathan?*

*The flower gardens were lush, even this late in the season. The woman on the left looks like she’s dressed to complement this gorgeous* *bed of posies!*

*Leicester Square incudes this fountain with Shakespeare* *atop. The square was extensively refurbished and remodeled for the 2012 Summer Olympics.*

*At first we didn’t like the “fence” that encircles the park but now that we’ve seen it a couple of times, we’re good with it. (I’m sure London is relieved that we approve!)* 😂

Trafalgar Square was also on our hit list – newest change is that the lions are off limits. People used to clamor all over the four gigantic cats! We love that they’ve been left in peace to enjoy their surroundings.

*Well, yes if you’re going to be at Paddington Station you absolutely have to find Paddington Bear and give him some love.*

*I never got tired of hearing this announcement. Say it with a British accent…see how great that sounds? Plus, we’re so much safer now*☺️

*On our way to the train station, heading to the airport, we spotted this sculpture. Difficult lighting early in the morning but the photographer did his best to capture it.*

*Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury – I thought a good way to finish this post was with this sculpture of Gandhi.*

Beautiful Bedwyn

“Traveling does what good novelists do to the life of the everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear.” – Freya Stark

*Murph and I have agreed that if and when we are anywhere near Great Bedwyn, England we will ALWAYS go there for a visit.*

*We traveled from Paris to London and then took a train an hour west to land in this village – Great Bedwyn.*

*We love this little general store where one counter is for purchasing baked goods or other necessities and the other is the post office!*

*Of course, many of you know that our primary reason for traveling to this village is to see our friend*, *Belinda.*
*“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” –* Tim Cahill

*Lovely view from Belinda’s living room.*

“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be somewhere else. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving people in more than one place.” – unknown – We have been fortunate to meet wonderful people on our many journeys. John and Belinda while on the Chunnel from Paris to England. Pamela and Dan while in Dingle, Ireland. Nathan when we went to Innsbruck, Austria. Luis in Porto, Portugal and most recently “The Doms” from Orange, France.

“*You meet people who you forget. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can’t forget. Those are your friends.” –* Mark Twain

*The three of us set out one morning – up through the brail.*

*And to John’s bench overlooking the countryside – once again we were joined together. We spoke of times together and what fun the four of us had.*

*We returned home by way of the tow path along the Kennett Avon canal.*

*One morning we walked the tow path. We took a bit of a side trip, up and over to Little Bedwyn.*

*Church of St Michael in Little Bedwyn*.

*We joyfully walked in and out of rain showers. By the time we got to Hungerford our hiking pants were caked in mud.*

*Even in the rain the boats slowly made their way – frequently stopping to go through locks.*

*It was roughly a five mile hike from Great Bedwyn to Hungerford, where we were meeting Belinda for tea. Tea? Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming!*

*Is it just us or do you think this looks like a little slice of heaven?*

*“There are friends in life…and there are friends for life.” –* unknown

*You didn’t think I’d forget about flowers once we were in England,*
*did you?*

*Fuchsia loves the damp weather that the UK offers up!*

“*She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” – unknown*

Rosy Roussillon

(Pronounced – rue see yon)

“You can fall in love at first sight with a place as well as a person.” – Alec Waugh