https://destinyprospersblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/24/being-fabulous-fifty-and-job-seeking/
Category: travel
A Day Out at Packwood House
We are quite lucky to have a number of National Trust properties quite close to home. Packwood House is just a 25 minute drive away for us, closr to Lapworth and an ideal choice for a chilled Saturday.
Packwood House was originally built in the 16th century for the Fetherstone family, as a modest timber frame farmhouse. It was later purchased in the early 20th century by Industrialist Alfred Ash. The house was restored when it was inherited by Graham Baron Ash in 1925.
It all looks very impressive walking up to the house and there are plenty of grounds to walk around.
It wasn’t a particularly warm day and I am an absolute wuss when it comes to the cold, so on this visit we got indoors quick! England can be so damp and grey in the winter but I love to visit old buildings on these days. I think it just adds to the atmosphere!
We were greeted at the door by a volunteer who was very pleasant and directed us the best way to wander around the building. Unfortunately, the upper floor was closed and although a little disappointed, it just means we get to go back again. I will make in the summer and explore the grounds next time brrrrr …. too cold on this occasion lol.
The first room had a fabulous fireplace and the walls adorned with beautiful tapestries that were quite clearly aged.
Above is a photo of a small doll representation of a lady and her serving boy. I ask you to zoom in on this photo and pay particular attention to the top middle and left. Do you see it? Please someone explain??!
The house has a very grand walk through into the dining/ball room area.
There are some fabulous pieces of furniture and tapestries to view the whole length of the corridor. Also my man, in his cap!
Volunteers put together the memoirs from diaries of World War veteran.
Memoirs put together by volunteers in the shape of air balloons. A truly spectacular display.
An artist’s Lay Figure, used by poor struggling artists to learn to draw! At a cost of £1 instead of the usual £3 for a human model!
I really enjoyed Packwood House and look forward to revisiting in the summer, when I’m brave enough to wander around the gardens! I also can’t wait to see the upper floor.
I am so pleased we decided to join the National Trust. It’s so important to keep these places in good repair and restore them for future generations to see.
Seeing our history holds so much more value than simply just reading about it. Not only can it serve as a warning that there are things we should never repeat, it also reminds us of a far more simplistic life. Where people gathered and spoke and entertained each other without the technology! We played instruments, we sang, we danced and we read to each other. We walked for miles, we rode horses, we grew our food, we cooked, we baked and we swapped trades. We did it all with the basic of equipment and we survived!
Christmas at Bourton On The Water, Cotswolds!
We were actually heading off to Chipping Camden Christmas Market but Craig had got the wrong date … After the hour drive and my Michael Buble CD blasting out his Christmas songs, we weren’t going to be put off! We continued on for another 20 minute drive to Bourton On The Water.
We had both been through quite a stressful week, so it was time to get festive in a peaceful way! We normally visit the German Market in Birmingham around this time of year but the recent atmosphere and anti-social behaviour in the city is a major put off for me. We needed to chill and Bourton On The Water is my favourite place in England, I adore the place!
The River Windrush runs the middle of the village and there are five pretty stone bridges that cross it. The bridges are believed to have been built between 1654 and 1953. It’s been a long held tradition to see football being played in this part of the river during the summer months. The shallow, clear water makes it a safe place even for supervised small children to paddle in.
Of course I was with Craig and his belly rules the day, so first stop was food! We chose to eat at De La Hayes, which I have to say is stunning inside. We had never eaten there before and was so pleasantly surprised. Even the loo’s were a delight to walk in to!
I had a child’s meal, I try to tell myself, I’m cutting down but that’s a kiddies fish, chips and mushy peas, so not sure that works?? Craig went for a full English breakfast and both our meals were delicious.
Our next stop was my favourite store and the reason for my first ever visit to Bourton On The Water. “The Lodestone” is a crystal and spiritual gift store and has so much choice, it’s incredible! I recommend you check it out. I got myself a new crystal pendulum whilst I was there.
With a lovely craft store in the Town Hall, and some gorgeously quaint gift stores there’s some fabulous choices Christmas to ponder.
There are too many traditional pubs and restaurants to mention here but I recommend a visit so that you can go and see this stunning little place yourself. If you find yourself there in the summer, go and visit the bird sanctuary, it’s an absolute delight!
As if all that isn’t enough, there is a spectacular Christmas Tree right in the middle of the stream!
Dealing with Setbacks – Moving Forward!
Before reading any further, please know that whilst I talk of some negative stuff, this is a positive post! I promise you!
Really I don’t consider myself to have had setbacks, I prefer to think of them as sidesteps?? Sounds better and really, that’s what these things are.
My Sidesteps
My career isn’t where I had planned it to be. I work with some fabulous people and we have formed a great team. It’s just not doing what I had hoped to be doing right now. With that said, I’ve met some truly lovely people and I am grateful to know them.
I haven’t been writing as much as I promised myself I would. I am actually two thirds of my way through writing my novel and have been for quite some time now. Every time I pick it up, I love it, the storyline is right up my street but I do a little edit and write no further?? I began a blog in 2014 and really haven’t blogged anywhere near as much as planned. I have loved the idea of writing ever since I was small and saw that my Nan kept her journal. I would love to read that!
I also haven’t maintained my spiritual practices and that really is a big deal for me! No meetings, card readings, meditations or spiritual books.
My Factors
I feel that the most important thing to do when you’re finding yourself side stepping like a drunken dancer is to ask yourself why you have allowed this to continue? I think this is the difficult part and where we have to bare ourselves a little!
I think the beginning for me was the long suffering illness and then death of my father. I dealt with his death, we had a fabulous relationship and I was grateful for no regrets. It was his undeserved suffering and the loss of his company I had problems coping with.
His loss had a deep effect on my ability to practice spiritually. In particular I found meditation really difficult, which was a fundamental part for me to get into my right head space. We are all so different and at this time I was self employed. It was my spirituality that kept me motivated and inspired, so sadly I allowed that to fail. I had lost my mojo, I allowed laziness and lack of self will and self discipline in.
It would be easy for me to blame too much competition in my chosen field. I could blame the economy or any other number of reasons but truth is that, it was on me.
So, on top of this huge change in my life, I also have an issue with distraction. Maybe a Gemini issue?? I have a burning desire for knowledge and that leads me onto course after course! I recently had the most interesting reactions from my sons, dropped jaws, wide eyes and shaking heads are their normal response for me now! I announced that I had just completed my ‘Angel Healing Diploma’ along with my ‘Paranormal Investigation and Ghost Hunting Diploma’.
It seems if I have an interest in something, it’s not enough to just read and enjoy. I have to learn it thoroughly and get a certificate to say I have lol!
My Reflection
The reason I am where I am, is entirely my own doing. Now don’t get me wrong when I say that. I know that huge things will affect and influence us as I’m sure it did with me. However, I should have took time out, dealt with it and then maintained my spiritual connection, even if it were just through reading.
I was bloody good at my trade and could have fought on! It eventually wouldn’t have mattered if there was the same service behind every door on my high street. Word of mouth would have seen me succeed.
If I am easily distracted, then I must be looking for distraction! It really is that simple, if I were that immersed in what I was doing then I wouldn’t be looking elsewhere!
My Answers
Accept responsibility – I’m owning everything. Start to finish, is on me! If something goes wrong, I choose the right reaction/solution and deal with it properly and positively.
Use a Planner – Find a good diary, app on my phone or journal. Use it to maximise all my future plans.
Set Goals – Set completion times on my novel, blogs and photography.
Plan my Time – Set aside time to write. My novel separately to my blog time. (Important when you’re in other paid employment).
Meditate – Use a guided meditation if necessary!
Affirmations – Get back to my positive affirmations. At least 10 each morning and 10 each evening before sleep.
Mindfulness – Get back on it! Ekharte Tolle, The Power Of Now! What a great guy and a fab book!
Time for me – Most likely something spiritual, reading my own cards or a book. Maybe a likeminded group!
Focus – All the above will keep me focused!
Just a little Summary
We see so many blogs, vlogs, books and articles on rags to riches stories in ten easy steps or through some scheme. I am genuinely happy for these people and truly hope their stories are for real!
I am starting mine here, with its ups and downs. I’ll keep my journey updated aswell as my travels. So what do I want in life? I want to live in a quiet, peaceful place overlooking countryside. Doesn’t have to be big, just scenic outside! I want my bills, my needs and my wants paid for without worry. I’m not an extravagant person, as long as I can scrub up nice, have a lovely holiday and rest without money worries, I will go from happy to ecstatic! More than that and you will find me dancing on rooftops!
I hope this might help someone reading, who may be experiencing something similar.
Please feel free to comment, add any tips that I may have missed! Above all, keep on moving forward, never stagnate! Stop, take a breath and put your best foot forward x
Crisp Wintery Day at Symonds Yat
We had planned to visit Symonds Yat so many times before this but never quite made it. It was very cold and the rain was making the usual on/off appearance.
We arrived around 11am and the Sat Nav just couldn’t direct us to a car park that was close by the water. So we did the best thing in these scenarios and searched for a pub! The parking meter was cash only and of course we had none on us. We moved the car further over into the next one to find that was the same! After Craig reaching full meltdown and looking like he was about to transform into the hulk, (the Sat Nav had already ground him down) we got change from the ‘The Saracens Head Inn’.
With Craig back in human mode, we took a walk along the bank. The views are stunning and you get a real sense of just how ancient this place is. The name ‘Symonds’ is believed to come from Robert Symonds, who was the Sheriff of Hertfordshire in the 17th century. The word Yat is an old word for pass or gate.
Evidence of human inhabitance dating back 12000 years, has been discovered here, with items of clothing and tools being found. There has also been bones from mammoths, sabre tooth tigers and hyenas uncovered.
The water on the River Wye was running fast and strong, we could see why it is a popular place for visitors. The rugged terrain just adds to it’s beauty.
We headed back up to the ‘Royal Lodge’ where we stopped for coffee and a warm. Did I mention how cold it was?? Both restaurants were very busy so we decided to head off and eat on our way home.
We pulled into a lovely little pub restaurant that we had spotted on our way up called ‘The Stag at Redhill’. Another lovely pub with great service and fabulous food!
Carvery at The Stag!
We will definitely go back to Symonds Yat in the summer. I want to go on the hand ferry across the water to the other side.
Saturday Drive to Hanbury Hall, Cuppa and a Touch of Scandal!
The house was built in early 18th century by Thomas Vernon. As you can see from the photograph, it’s really quite grand and very impressive to walk up to.
We didn’t leave home too early, we were both really tired and feeling a little unwell. The weather was quite pleasant, cold but the sun gave a warmth to the skin.
The sat nav pointed us to the wrong entrance but there was a gateman waiting to redirect us. On the drive in we had sheep passing by, which is always a plus for us city dwellers! There was plenty of space to park so it wasn’t long before we were out the car.
Of course we had to head straight to the cafe because Craig is an eating machine! He had a sandwich and I had the soup of the day, squash and red pepper which was absolutely delightful. It’s a small eatery but really very nice and in keeping with the rest of the house.
We moved out into the courtyard after lunch, and found they had a lovely little craft market. I was so chuffed, unexpected shopping opportunity! There were some beautiful hand made craft items, paintings, jewellery, ornaments, spiritual gifts and some lush pastry and cakes.
We went on into the house which immediately opens into a grand entrance way. The paintings on the ceiling and up the staircase are quite spectacular! An absolute must see, even if you didn’t have time to go further. At this time, we found out that there was renovation going on upstairs. I felt quite disappointed because it wasn’t warm enough to explore the grounds outdoors in much detail either. However, not being one to be put off, we moved on!
We went off into the dining room, with the long table laid ready for fine dining. More fabulous paintings were present but this time hung on the walls in frames. There was a very cold atmosphere in this room. It was quite spectacular though, very big room for a house of this size.
The house certainly contains some scandal of its time. A young Emily Vernon, wife of Henry Cecil, The Earl of Essex began a five year affair with a local curate William Sneyd. The pair fled to Birmingham and then eventually on to Portugal, where William died after only three months. Henry, had found himself in serious debt and locked up the house to become a farmer in Shropshire under an assumed name.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of people coming in so we were unable to hear as much of the information as we would have liked. We did note that the paintings were done by James Thornhill, who had also been commissioned to paint in St Paul’s Cathedral. He was said to be quite a quirky character and some of this is reflected subtly throughout the paintings.
The next room was a really cute study, with books and writings. There were old photos and documents with ink and quill. Almost felt like it was someone’s favourite ‘go to’ room!
On to the sitting room next and again quite small and quaint. There was a lovely, cosy fireplace on the far wall and windows that gave beautiful views over the vast grounds. There were lots of photographs hung around the walls but not many of the people that actually lived there.
I definitely want to go again when I can take a look upstairs aswell. Considering it’s history as there’s more speculated scandal than I’ve written here, it actually feels a very welcoming place to visit. Some of the stories are conflicting, including a paedophile and a suicide. I haven’t included them because I keep finding different versions in my research. If I find anything conclusive, I will add them in.
Anniversary Shennanigans in Herefordshire
We headed out from Birmingham around 11am. We avoid motorways on our day/weekend trips because we enjoy the scenic route. The journey just has to be part of the fun! It was our 6th Anniversary and with a lovely Birthday present of “Buy a Gift” from my sons we had booked a night in Penyard House with breakfast. Our first stop was ‘The Western Cross’ a lovely little country pub, with really friendly staff and customers! I had garlic mushrooms on toast and Craig had chilli with half rice and half chips! For drinks I had tea and a pint of Bass for Craig.
Heading off we had to find snacks for our weekly watch of Strictly! It may be our 6th Anniversary but some things are traditional … The Spar it is! (why are garages so expensive??!)
We arrived at Penyard House around 2.45pm. The grounds looked absolutely stunning but it was sooooo cold and the two hour drive was tiring so we booked ourselves in with the young ladies at the desk.
The entrance way was bright and pleasantly inviting. Although the place has obviously had a lot of interior alteration, it still felt and smelt historic. I don’t mean that in a negative way, it’s totally charming and adds to the atmosphere. I would liken it to visiting an historic home with the same sense of smell and ambience?
The house had been built around 1821 by John Partridge, a wealthy landowner. Interestingly, It was owned and lived in, at one point by five sisters. I can’t imagine owning a caravan with my TWO sisters, let alone living with and owning a huge house. We would drive each other to insanity! However, it seems the sisters did a lot for the local community and were also involved with charity work.
During the afternoon we did our usual ritual in a hotel room, in peace, instead of at home with the usual dulcet background noise of an estate! Craig read the paper and I watched a kids movie ha ha!
The restaurant at Penyard House was full at dinner time so we returned to Weston Cross. Once again, we received fabulous service and the staff were so friendly!
The Landlady told us that the pub had historically been a lock up. There were still doors upstairs that had the original peepholes in them. There had also been reports of people saying that they had seen apparitions in the corridor! Maybe a considerable venue for a future paranormal investigation??!
The food was delicious, piping hot and really tasty. Craig chose the house curry and said it was almost as hot as a vindaloo! It was a lovely evening and we would have stayed longer but we had an early start the next day. I really wish I lived in a village with a nice, friendly country pub like this! I think it makes a huge difference to your lifestyle, if you know there’s a wider community out there on your doorstep that you can go and share your day with. I think even for someone like me, who doesn’t really socialise very often in that way, I could definitely find my way here at least once a week if I were local.
Whilst I’m on the subject of these gorgeous little venues, our traditional country pubs! Which are, let’s face it, quite unique to the UK. We have seen so many closed down during our drives around the countryside. It’s so sad to see because most of them would have been family run and maybe passed down for generations. It’s ashame, I can only assume that for many it’s due to the rise of the larger, cheaper and less quaint and intimate pubs.
I think we should all do our bit to help keep these places afloat. Instead of stopping at the larger Harvesters, Wheatsheaf or Service Station, look out for the local country pub. There’s most often a lovely warm welcome and open fire in the winter, or gorgeous quaint garden in the summer. The prices are more than reasonable and the service is fabulous. Give them a go, they all deserve to stay open!
So back to our trip, we returned to the Penyard and bed for us! There was a 40th Birthday party going on and I have to say we never heard a thing??! We woke early and were supposed to be heading back for work but as is typical one or other of us gets ill and this time it was both lol! The flu had got the better of us and had brought me a migraine with it ….
We headed down and ate breakfast by the window in the conservatory. There was plenty on offer, croissants, jams, cereals, juice, fruit and of course full English. We needed fuelling and warmth so opted for the cooked breakfast and delightful it was!
It turned into a really lovely stay over and a very pleasant part of the country, that I would be happy to explore more of.
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival!
I was so excited about returning to the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival and Battle re-enactment! We had been two years previous and had an amazing time and always planned to return.
It’s always held over the second weekend of July each year and commemorates the Battle of Tewkesbury which was fought in May 1471. The Lancasters were beaten by the York’s during the Battle along with their leader King Edward IV.
We woke early and prepared an overnight bag for our stay in a B&B. We left around 10.30am, hoping to miss any ques into the parking areas. The sun was already blazing and getting into the car was like sitting in a sauna!
We stopped off at the garage to buy petrol and drinks. Tewkesbury is about a 90 minute drive for us so we were hoping not to stop. However! I will always need a loo stop ha ha! Always! I drive Craig crazy but a woman has needs! So we also stopped at Morrison’s and a chicken tikka sandwich with a packet of Doritos seemed to compensate Craig lol.
Unfortunately at this point, my migraine had got the better of me. I still wanted to head to the festival but knew I wouldn’t cope with the noise of the Battle.
The fields were set up as a very impressive medieval camp with people practicing various crafts.
An apothecary showing some rather barbaric, yet sometimes lifesaving equipment.
The weapons and armoury out on display.
Dressed in traditional costume, crafting, chatting and drinking.
These guys were training ready for battle.
After looking around the encampment we headed up past the bow and arrow practice. There were lots of refreshment tents, hot drinks, traditional ales, mead and wines. There were sweets, cakes, pork rolls, chips and I’m sure more that we didn’t get chance to see.
We sat on the grass for a short while, eating our rolls and drinking apple juice. We watched all the fabulous costumed folk walk past and jingling that came from the lady that belly danced her way past us!
Dancing and jingling!
Green Dragon!
It was a fabulous day and it really was ashame that my head was so bad. I would have loved to watch the battle re-enactments but I knew I wouldn’t cope. We watched them last year and if I find the footage I will add it here.
If you get the opportunity to go along to the festival I would absolutely recommend it. You really do get a sense of how the camps may have looked back in the day. The costumes, the crafting and the battle practice all take you back in time and there’s always someone willing to talk you through what’s going on at each point.
Heatwaves On The Water. Our Canal Boat Holiday!
My partner and I both work hard, so decided on a quiet and peaceful holiday this year with plenty of English countryside and a narrow boat! I think one of the most difficult decisions with a UK vacation is packing! It was May, so I knew the weather could throw all four seasons at us during the ten days we were gone.
I took a huge suitcase and packed in the summer clothes, shorts, t-shirts etc. The autumn/winter clothes, jeans, jumpers, sweaters, I drew a line at snow boots though! We were going to be staying in a country barn for one night, then a week on a narrow boat and two days in a studio room.
With the car packed, we set off to our first destination, a converted barn at Pear Tree Farm, Tarporley, called the Jockey Room.
Below is of a poster just outside the door of our room.
Huge bed and lovely porthole window overlooking the garden at the farm house.
The field at the back of the farm.
The other porthole window is quite high, giving a fabulous view of the night sky on a clear night.
Everything about this place was cute, quaint, idyllic and very English. We were greeted by the owner, a lovely lady, who was very welcoming and once assured we knew what we were doing left us to enjoy our stay.
The room was on a self catering basis and had all the refreshments we required for an overnight stay. With fabulous views of beautiful horses, chickens, cows and dogs along with a gorgeous night sky view from the very well placed windows it was a visual delight!
After getting lost about three times, despite only being three minutes away, we finally arrived at the venue recommended for our evening meal at the Yew Tree Inn, Tarporley, a lovely little pub in the village. The atmosphere was calm and friendly and the food was amazing! As you can see from the picture, I had the fish and chips and the portions were overly generous! I didn’t eat all that honest!
We had a fabulous nights sleep, helped by a healthy dose of clean country air. Craig cooked our breakfast with the food that had been provided by the farm owners. Fresh, free range eggs, bread, butter, cereal and of course a big mug of tea with fresh milk.
We repacked the car, bid goodbye to the owner, the horses, chickens, dogs and cat. We were off again and on our way to Bunbury.
I love travelling through UK country roads. Everywhere you look it’s green! Fields, farmland, cottages, cows, sheep and the odd pheasant trying to beat the car across the road. If I came into money, the very first thing I would do is take up residence in the countryside!
Our first stop was a small Coop supermarket to stock up on supplies suitable for a week’s stay on a boat. Of course tea bags were top priority along with milk and sugar. I would have been happy with tinned foods, ideal for easy eating but Craig’s a fussy eater. We got some basics from here, fresh soups, butter, snacks including crisps and biscuits. Craig’s favourites, Rich Tea Fingers (why??) and mine, good old bourbons! We finished with a slab of Budweiser and a bottle of lemonade so that I could have my shandy.
We had spotted the Bunbury Village Butchers next door to the Coop so popped in there next. The smell of the freshly baked bread just called us in. The meat was from local farms and we had sausage, bacon along with a few slices of cooked ham and chicken. We chose a couple of pasties and a jar of caramelized onion chutney. The cost was very reasonable. We were finally on our way!
As we drove over the hump bridge into the Anglo Welsh Waterways Holiday Basin in Bunbury, I could see the narrow boats and was so excited! I have a long history with canals and narrow boats. As a young child my grandparents owned one and my Aunt and Uncle lived on one. We spent our summer’s travelling up and down the canals, going out from Gas Street Basin, Birmingham. In fact my Aunt and Uncle were instrumental in the setting up and development of some of the touring/party boats that run from there. Most of my favourite childhood memories come from those times, so you can imagine how eager I was to get back on board!
Below, Gas Street Basin 60s/70s.
After a bit of a wait because in our eagerness, we had arrived early, we were shown to our boat ‘The Merlin’.
Very comfortable double bed with sink basin, running hot and cold water. Plenty of storage space here.
Fully equipped kitchen with gas cooker/oven, microwave, fridge freezer, sink and drainer with hot/cold running water. All pots, utensils and cutlery you could need.
The living room, sofas that transform into a double or two single beds. Small TV, radio, log fire and very comfy chairs!
I didn’t get a picture of the bathroom, for no other reason than I forgot. I can tell you though that it’s very impressive! Inside was a flushing loo, a surprisingly good shower and sink basin. Of course again, hot and cold running water. Gone are the days of arguing about whose turn it is to do the vile job of running as fast as you can to empty the toilet cassette, with a scarf wrapped round your nose to hide the stench! No! The loos now flush and are emptied in a sophisticated manner via pipes, directly, so no more stress! Also, it’s done by the employees and not by yourself anymore so phew! There is central heating now too, not that we needed it on our holiday but more on that in a little while.
We stored all of our belongings on board and was joined by one of the crew members to begin our induction. He was a very friendly, down to earth guy who ran through the Health and Safety and instruction of navigating this sixty foot beauty through the canal.
Craig and I agreed that during the training session, I would steer the boat and he was being shown how to operate the locks. I started the engine, the familiar chugging sound and the smell of the diesel just filled my mind with fond childhood memories.
Heading toward the lock the trainer seemed to think I was doing ok. I could see Craig unwinding the paddles at the top of the lock and despite feeling nervous, I was so excited to just crack on!
The lock doors opened and I steered us in. Craig closed the gates and I could feel the boat swaying as the water gushed in, lifting us higher so that we could enter the next one. The locks really weren’t as bad as I had imagined. As a child, we either stayed inside the boat or played at the side of the canal so this was a real experience for me. The trainer jumped off the boat and Craig joined me on-board. Finally we were off!
It wasn’t too long before I realised that my 5ft height wasn’t going to make navigating the boat very easy. High heels, a step or a change in roles was necessary! As the first two options were probably going to lead to some sort of accident we opted for the third, after about 2 hours of craning my neck lol.
This was a video we made for Facebook for our families.
Our plan was to head in the direction of Llangolen. We didn’t want to make the eight hour a day travel it would take to get there but we knew that would be a scenic route, however far we got.
Our first mooring was a lovely canal side pub called ‘The Barbridge Inn’. Very quaint and quirky, with lots of reference to it’s heratige and lovely staff. We had chicken with daphenois potatoes and it tasted divine!
We continued on beyond the pub and moored just before the next set of locks that we had decided to tackle the next day.
Little ducklings heading our way.
It was my turn to do the locks and Craig was steering. I have to say turning those paddles is hard work! Seriously, I don’t why I haven’t come back with huge biceps because some of them nearly had me weeping lol! So much fun though and I would absolutely do it time and time again!
We moored again not so far up from here because I wanted to watch the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan. Craig tied off the front and I tied the back. After messing with the television for a while I managed to get a decent enough reception. Craig began cooking brunch, bacon, sausage and eggs with buttered toast, although we settled for buttered bread because he couldn’t work out the grill ….
Coming up to the end of the wedding I mentioned to Craig that there seemed to be a lot of banging and swaying and he went up deck. My rope had come untied …. We were actually straight across the canal cutting off anyone trying to pass by! Oops!! I had to use the pole to push us back!
Our next challenge was the lift bridge, which again turned out to be quite simple. It was operated by the lock key with added help of hydraulics so doesn’t take too long.
We moored here for a couple of nights. It’s in a very nice little village called Wrenbury. There are two lovely Inns to eat and drink at, a descent little supermarket, a small Marina belonging to ABC Narrow boats and a small camping site. We went into both the pubs here and they were lovely! Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The Dusty Miller was the first and then The Cotton Arms.
When I say we had good weather, for England that’s an understatement. It was way up there in the late twenties and for May that’s incredible! We decided we needed hats and here they are. We embraced our roles to the max as you can see ha ha ha!
We continued on from here through more locks and moored in a more secluded and quiet spot to fully appreciate the quietness, just before Marbury.
Me working the locks, while Craig steers through.
Just before Marbury, we had to turn the boat around ready to head back to the basin. We had travelled for three and half days, so knew that it was time to make our return. Turning a sixty odd foot boat around in short space is no easy task and took far more thought than our first attempt! After getting stuck in the shallows and using two boating poles with sheer strength I didn’t know I had, we managed to manoeuvre our way out lol! So funny looking back now, the screaming and shouting back and forth! Our second attempt was done like professionals! The trick is to point the nose of the boat into the turn and with the engine running allow the boat to turn itself, with a little nudge from the pole now and again.
I could talk about this trip forever, it really was one of the best holidays that we have had! Is outdoors, active, yet peaceful, scenic and one of the most wonderful ways to travel! I will leave you with some photos that will give you a taste of the sights that will intice you into travelling the British Waterways for yourself!
A Little Peace of Bliss in Betws Y Coed, Wales.
We sort of stumbled across this place as were driving around Wales and since coming home and telling people about it, everyone seems to know it! Where have I been these last years, I do sometimes feel like a child just discovering the world, whilst everyone else replies “yes, we know dear” lol??!
Delicious food!
Beautiful buildings
Craft Store love!
So quaint!
The Dragon.
It really is one of the most picturesque places that I have been to and one that you don’t have to find anything to do, you can just sit and admire the views. Go for walks along the river, have a bite to eat or drink in one of many riverside eateries. I love Craft Shops too and there were a couple of fab ones here. There was also a little train ride that you could take but unfortunately we didn’t see that until we were leaving. I took a lot of photographs as you can see but I’m not the most seasoned photographer. I try to put my camera and phone away for the majority of the time when I’m visiting places like this but sometimes you need to share these memories.
I brought my grandson one of the nosiest instruments I could possibly find from the Craft store. I’m sure my son was impressed with me! Ha ha! Still though, payback time for all the times he thought it was ok to wake at 3am and decide it was time to get up and play! I won’t go too far though, he might have to decide my nursing home when I get to that age, better keep him happy!
Anyway, back to Wales, if you ever find yourself here, do look in on Betws Y Coed. Quaint and pretty, doesn’t quite do it justice. With the river running through the middle and the mix of old stone buildings, beautiful countryside and the hills across the skyline, you can’t help but feel at peace. Imagine living here, how fortunate!
DestinyProspers 