Guiting Power – Cotswolds

Pronounced “guiding” but with a “t” instead of “d”

“Don’t wait for miracles, your whole life is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

“The key to life is how you deal with plan B” – Stephen Dias. Well, rain wasn’t in our plan but…
we did bring rain gear with us. Looked like the day was going to be a wash out so – out we headed.
Hey, if these guys can take it, I guess we can, too!
I thought this was pretty cute. Pimm’s in England is kind of the equivalent to Sangria. Pimm’s (a type of gin) mixed with lemonade and lots of fruit, mint & cucumbers. A very popular summer drink here in the pubs.
Look at this sweet, sweet face ❤️
There were flocks of pheasants, scurrying in the fields. Murph took a million pics of them – tough to get a decent shot but I think he did quite well.
Cool farmer’s field to traverse – a favorite thing to do for us. 😊
It never gets old!
Well, now – what the what? Since this was in a private garden we really couldn’t get too close. Maybe carved from stone? Maybe carved from wood? Either way it was a surprising sight as we walked through this tiny village. 🤷🏾‍♀️
This pine forest was magnificent and serene to walk through.
After 6 hours of hiking even our waterproof boots were wet. The B & B hosts put them into their drying cupboard for the night. We showered etc. and went for a lovely dinner in the lower part of town – The Hollow Bottom restaurant was quiet and a beautiful end to our soggy day. 🌧️

Cirencester & the Cotswolds

“All of the paths you take in life, make sure some of them are dirt.” – John Muir

Spent one night in this gorgeous market town of Cirencester.
It was close to a hike that was on our radar — Coln St Aldwyns to Bibury.
Along the way we stopped to admire the view when we saw a wiggly black spot out in the field. “Murph, I think that’s a new born calf!” Sure enough, we waited and watched for about 15 minutes until it found it legs.
And stumbled over to mom to nurse.
Arriving in Bibury we went to this 12th century row of weaver’s cottages. Now privately owned and protected by the National Trust.
Very quaint – if you can put up with the tourists during the warm months, I think it would be a lovely place to live.
Stopped to watch these beauties preen for a LONG time. Very fastidious!
So worth all that work!
Heading back to the car and
following the sign posts along the way.
Often across farmer’s fields (public footpaths).
Serene pastures to wander past.
Have I mentioned flowers? July was very wet and cool and the flowers are the pay off ❤️

British blooms – part II

“ I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.” – Isabelle Eberhardt

While cutting down a lane in Hathersage, we happened on this amazing garden of dahlia.
When we were driving, we passed this place. I asked Murph to pull over so I could get a pic or two. No way to get closer so I guess we’ll have to just rely on our imagination.
This and the next six photos are the Queen’s Garden in Regent’s Park. (All roses!)
And this is just a small sample of the flowers in front of Buckingham Palace. They were absolutely vibrant in the sunshine!

Lovely Clovelly

“The best education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences.”

Once integral to the daily lives of the villagers, donkeys have been some of Clovelly’s favorite residents. They have been a part of the village for centuries, with some estimates saying they have been plodding up and down the steep coastal community’s roads for almost a millennium.
The Slerra Hill B&B where we stayed for the two nights in Clovelly.
Well, we weren’t exactly in the village, but we had an amazing walk every time we went there. Started out from our B&B, down a country back street, then turned at the Clovelly church (now a soap factory/shop) onto Wrinkleberry Lane.
Where we went down through a dimly lit, moss covered forest.
I couldn’t keep my hands out of it! 😊
Soooo soft.
This village was owned by the British monarch until 1242. Since then it has only belonged to three families. The latest family has possessed it since 1738! The present owner rents out all of the homes & buildings to the residents. Tourists pay a fee to visit which contributes to it’s pristine appearance.
We headed down, down, down to the harbor below on mostly cobbled “streets” – no cars allowed.
Met this kitty on the way and gave her a pet.
A quiet evening at the harbor where we enjoyed beautiful views.
We hiked a path above the village for a good view of the harbor with the tide out.
And again when the tide was in.
We passed this post box that was in the wall a few times before we even noticed it was there.
So cool how they replace the little brass plate to let people know the next pick up day.

The Camel Trail

“I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” – Piglet

On the road again. Destination – Wadesbridge, Cornwall
Oh yeah, this happened – “Hey Murph, isn’t that Stonehenge!?!” (Been there, done that)
I had to include this photo because I impressed myself with shooting this at 60 mph with my iPhone. 😎
Just a sweet mosaic of the town…
Murph had prearranged bike rentals for us so could ride this path.
So, when you travel light, all sense of fashion goes right out the window! (What little sense I have that is…🤣)
Nice, well used path heading to Padstow.
Cool estuary that empties into the Celtic Sea.
We saw several kids “fishing” for crabs in Padstow. Cute ☺️
Heading the other direction on the path was quieter and just gorgeous!

From Doc Martin to King Arthur

“The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot.” – Michael Altshuler

From the car park above Port Isaac we walked past this playground and wondered: “Do the children that play here ever notice the amazing coast beyond?”
For all the Doc Marin fans (and if you’re not a fan, what are you waiting for?), you’ll probably recognize the harbor in, fictional, Port Wenn. Of course, this is where they shot most of the scenes – a village called Port Isaac.
Heading up the hill, you’ll also recognize where The Doc lived and practiced medicine. Small house with rust trim.
This is where the village pharmacist, Mrs Tiscel, entertained all of us 😂
And the school house where Louisa was head mistress.
A different doc on the porch of Doc Martin’s place.
As you can probably tell from the way we’re dress it was was not a warm day.
And yet this little local had no issues with the chilly temps. We watched her as she looked for the perfect rocks to throw into the water. She would pick one up in each hand and them give them each a toss – ambidextrous perhaps? 🤷🏾‍♀️
Up to the top of the headland for a “cows’ eye view”.
Funny, they don’t seem all that interested in their amazing surroundings! 😉
We tried to imagine what it would be like to live in this little village with its’ glorious harbor and views…
A parting glance at the harbor that we’ve seen so many times while watching Doc Martin – a kick to actually be on the “set”.

Great Bedwyn, England

Our happy place!

“In a society that has you counting money, pounds, calories and steps, be a rebel and count your blessings instead.” – Lisa Heckman

West of London lies this amazing piece of heaven.
Great Bedwyn has a wonderful history.
But it’s the towpaths that are a draw for us. This is not the usual scene – a tour boat of sorts demonstrating the towpaths of old. What a cool sight!
The Kennet and Avon canal
Close up of this permanent canal residence with its lovely garden.
Many hand – operated locks run the length of the canal.
Just another pretty picture 😊
The Wilton Windmill where it all began (story to follow).
Early one morning, Murph and I walked for 3 hours along this picturesque towpath – again, heavenly‼️
But the REAL reason we come to Great Bedwyn is to see our dear friend, Belinda. Ten years ago we were on the Chunnel train, heading to London from Paris when we met John & Belinda. The four of us talked the entire time – chatting for hours about politics, life, and “Breaking Bad” (their guilty pleasure). As we said our goodbyes, John invited us to visit them in their village. A few days later we arranged just that! We trained out to Bedwyn where they met us with their two dogs and bag lunches. We hiked together to the next village over, sat beneath the Wilton Windmill and ate our lunch.
Our friendship was cemented!
“We’ll be friends forever, won’t we Pooh?” asked Piglet ‘Even longer’ Pooh answered.”
One morning, Belinda drove us up to a favorite brail. We set out on a path through the wheat field.
Some people may think this a lovely picture (wink to Belinda).
A new bench has been installed in the last few years.
As we took turns sitting, the three of us reminisced about the travels that the four of us enjoyed — Florida, Cornwall, the Netherlands and many, many hikes in Wiltshire. ❤️
“Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.”

Stunning Seven Sisters Cliffs

“I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven’t seen, how much I’m not going to see, and how much I still need to see.” – Carew Paritz

We moved on to County Sussex to see these beautiful chalk cliffs. Hiking up and down for the best view, with warnings from the locals to stay away from the ledges.
With the strong winds, hiking was a bit of a challenge.
The cliffs in the background were affectionately called the Seven Sisters by groggy sailors who gazed lustily through the mist from their ships and imagined a can-can of seven maidens lifting their petticoats. 😊
Here’s a good view of all seven!
Me: “It was SO windy…” You: “How windy was it?”
It was so windy that Murph had to use my head as a tripod!!! True story – winds were gusting at 40 mph.
This was a wonderful little, local farm-owned, ice cream stand. Most notable because the young man scooping is from Edmonton and we have a travel buddy from there. Shout out to Nathan‼️
Weather taking a nasty turn but I think it made this photo of Beachy Head lighthouse very atmospheric.
There’s no bad weather if you’re dressed appropriately ☺️
This is the Eastbourne Pier in the town where we stayed.
After leaving Eastbourne, we drove to Brighton and toured the Royal Pavilion – commissioned by King George IV in 1787. George was lively, decadent and trendsetting. He loved to vacation by the sea and host glamorous dinner parties at this palace. The exterior is an extravagant interpretation of Indian style. Inside, everything is predominantly Chinese – adorned with gilded dragons and carved palm trees. Like Brighton itself, the place smacks of faded elegance — but it was still fun to tour.
Even though it was windy & rainy we had to go see Brighton Beach,
along with their famous pier. Personally, I prefer the pier in Eastbourne🤷🏾‍♀️

It’s a Pooh thing…

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” – Winnie the Pooh

When Murph said we were going to be nearby 100 Acre Wood and would I like to stop? —- well, “Yes, please!”
Inside the little shop were so many interesting “stories” about Winnie the Pooh. Endlessly fascinating for Pooh fans like us!
Always up for hugging Piglet.
Interesting costumes for the stage production. (Right to left: Eeyore, Christopher Robin, Piglet and Pooh)
Murph also wanted to hug them all! ❤️
We studied the map of 100 Aker Wood first,
then headed down the path.
Through farmer’s fields and
woodland. One hundred acre wood to be specific.
When we spotted this sign, we knew that we were heading in the right direction.
Destination – Pooh Bridge. Reason? – To play a game of Pooh Sticks.
We went searching for just the right sticks for the competition!
Murph testing the waters – speed of current and depth of the water.
We noted the obstacles and took them into consideration for our forthcoming battle! Sidebar – I have the bragging rights this time, winning the contest 5 – 2‼️
A.A.Milne – author of Winnie the Pooh – and father of “Christoper Robin”.
Unbelievably, this child showed us Pooh Bear, hiding along the lane. Most surprising part? His name was Christopher! Kismet ☺️