tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77855098910416591982024-03-13T02:05:02.895+00:00Journeys Close To HomeExploring Englands Green and Pleasant Land.
Follow our travels as we explore our bit of England in our Bus-For-Us, a minibus converted to a motorhome.
In our campervan we will be exploring close to home with trips to the four counties surrounding us, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire. We will take photos so you can enjoy it too! We are at present getting our three cats used to travelling with us so that sometimes they can come along too. Hop on board!Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-15459563095294244872010-05-02T10:47:00.005+01:002011-08-19T12:04:58.666+01:00Cropredy, Narrowboats and Sunshine.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNZgH239KI/AAAAAAAABXg/q24dIiVgMLs/s1600-h/one.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNZgH239KI/AAAAAAAABXg/q24dIiVgMLs/s400/one.jpg" alt="narrowboats on the canal at cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351219190646174882" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Not far from our home</span> is the small pretty village of Cropredy.
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<br />It was made famous by its link with Fairport Convention and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairport%27s_Cropredy_Convention">Cropredy Folk Festival</a> where every year in August swarms of people descend on the place for the annual three days of music and good fun.
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<br />The rest of the time it is a charming place with a canal running through its centre and lots of colourful narrowboats moored up, or passing through the locks and some lovely walks along the canal or around the village itself.
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<br />On the entrance to the village there is a plaque telling of The Battle of Cropredy Bridge, which was a battle of the English Civil Wars fought on 29 June 1644 . Immortalised in the lyrics to the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1SZQugUOno">Red and Gold</a> written by Ralph McTell and sung by Fairport Convention.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNVGGdKpyI/AAAAAAAABWg/EFPKFrjcGDM/s1600-h/2cropredy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNVGGdKpyI/AAAAAAAABWg/EFPKFrjcGDM/s400/2cropredy.jpg" alt="Cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351214345546802978" border="0" /></a>So, on a sunny afternoon we decided to pack a delicious lunch and head off in the bus for an afternoon by the canal.
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<br />Joe manouvered the bus down the narrow street leading to where we wanted to park and we found a lovely spot and flung open the side door of the bus letting in the birdsong and a much needed breeze. Of course the kettle was on in minutes and we decided to eat before we explored.
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<br />The camper is such a comfortable space to relax in and it is so good to be able to take it to all these lovely places. It is like taking your house to a picturesque place, opening the side of it and looking at the view! I don't think I will ever get tired of it.
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<br />Well, delicious food eaten, we lock up and head onto the towpath. Immediately I am struck by the beauty of the surroundings, greenery everywhere, wonderful willow trees overhanging the water and brightly coloured narrowboats moored alongside.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNVGL0F94I/AAAAAAAABWo/xtTk5K7gv28/s1600-h/narrowboat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNVGL0F94I/AAAAAAAABWo/xtTk5K7gv28/s400/narrowboat.jpg" alt="narrowboat on the canal at cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351214346985142146" border="0" /></a>We stop to speak to a couple with a friendly old cat, all three soaking up the sunshine on their boat, she has her hand-made jewellry for sale, all set out at the front of the boat. They are from Yorkshire, retired, and live on the boat from May to September. We talk about travelling with Cats, about life on the canal, and the glorious sunshine.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnXo0d-4I/AAAAAAAABYQ/odEfgxUVauU/s1600-h/Cropredy+070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnXo0d-4I/AAAAAAAABYQ/odEfgxUVauU/s400/Cropredy+070.jpg" alt="canal at cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351234438038420354" border="0" /></a>People moored, or passing on boats, wave and say hello, there is a relaxed happy feel around the place as we continue our walk.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnF1RqfGI/AAAAAAAABXo/w2MD9nfrF9o/s1600-h/Cropredy+052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnF1RqfGI/AAAAAAAABXo/w2MD9nfrF9o/s400/Cropredy+052.jpg" alt="canal at cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351234132144454754" border="0" /></a>We leave the towpath and take a walk around the village, it is a warm sleepy afternoon there are flowers everywhere, bees buzzing, butterflies and birdsong.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnGOUHTxI/AAAAAAAABX4/lFqy0NQuMIo/s1600-h/Cropredy+060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnGOUHTxI/AAAAAAAABX4/lFqy0NQuMIo/s400/Cropredy+060.jpg" alt="cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351234138865618706" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnGYRBpdI/AAAAAAAABYA/hoVCX8CQ4W8/s1600-h/Cropredy+061.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnGYRBpdI/AAAAAAAABYA/hoVCX8CQ4W8/s400/Cropredy+061.jpg" alt="cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351234141537019346" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnGu-6A1I/AAAAAAAABYI/lZS_N762jpI/s1600-h/Cropredy+062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNnGu-6A1I/AAAAAAAABYI/lZS_N762jpI/s400/Cropredy+062.jpg" alt="cropredy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351234147635037010" border="0" /></a>We make our way down to the bridge where I look in the gift shop, a real aladdins cave of colour and smells. Then down the steep stairs and back onto the towpath to make our way back.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNpykrr_pI/AAAAAAAABYg/skwseIPFrnI/s1600-h/Cropredy+065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNpykrr_pI/AAAAAAAABYg/skwseIPFrnI/s400/Cropredy+065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351237099807571602" border="0" /></a>We sit a while and watch the boats manouvering through the locks, the regulars doing it with relaxed ease, the holiday makers looking slightly stressed, anxiously watching the side of their boat as they rise as the water gushes in to the lock.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNVHLd6EII/AAAAAAAABXA/I9k4GU5MQ2s/s1600-h/three.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SkNVHLd6EII/AAAAAAAABXA/I9k4GU5MQ2s/s400/three.jpg" alt="canal and narrowboat" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351214364071956610" border="0" /></a>Walk over, we are warm and in need of a drink, we climb into the bus and before long are leaning back on cushions drinking coffee in the cool shade of the trees.
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<br />Then back in the cab, music on, we head for home.
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<br />Another beautiful day!
<br /><a href="http://www.cropredyvillage.info/index.htm">
<br />Cropredy Village Website</a>
<br /><a href="http://www.fairportconvention.com/cropredy.php">Fairport Convention and Cropredy Festival</a>
<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1SZQugUOno">Listen to the song Red and Gold</a>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-37472780092765860552010-05-01T22:28:00.000+01:002011-08-19T09:30:45.704+01:00Independence Day - July 4th at Sulgrave Manor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-g8HOoCoI/AAAAAAAABig/w7l5cDHlDVw/s1600-h/SulgraveManorSignflag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-g8HOoCoI/AAAAAAAABig/w7l5cDHlDVw/s400/SulgraveManorSignflag.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359179036187167362" border="0" /></a>This Journey is very close to home.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sulgrave Manor</span> is surrounded by beautiful rolling English countryside and is famous for being the home of George Washingtons ancestors. It houses the largest UK collection of George Washington memorabilia demonstrating the British contribution to the origins of the USA, with a separate exhibition on George's life and career in the US.
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<br />A popular tourist attraction, every year among its varied events it celebrates Independence Day, which proves a popular destination for American visitors, as they also get free admission on this day.
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<br />As locals we are very lucky to have a free pass to the Manor and all the special event days, so on a sunny July 4th we decided to pay a visit and celebrate American style!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-g8TfGVaI/AAAAAAAABio/CwGhR5ozaVc/s1600-h/SulgraveManorEntrance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 362px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-g8TfGVaI/AAAAAAAABio/CwGhR5ozaVc/s400/SulgraveManorEntrance.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor entrance" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359179039477487010" border="0" /></a>There were coaches and lots of cars in the small car park to our right as we walked up the long gravel drive toward the Manor. As we approched the entrance we could see the American flag on the wall of the covered archway.
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<br />We entered and turned left in through the gift shop and up to the admission desk where we flashed our passes and were handed a programme and told to have a nice day.
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<br />Checking the running order of the events I was sorry to see that we had just missed one of the performances by the visiting Appalachian Dancers.
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<br />My attention was quickly diverted as we walked out into the sunny courtyard and spotted the magnificent American Eagle. He seemed very calm and was obviously used to the routine and the attention of children and their parents.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-j-iE4k2I/AAAAAAAABjA/ScVIQrnea6w/s1600-h/americaneagle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 177px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-j-iE4k2I/AAAAAAAABjA/ScVIQrnea6w/s400/americaneagle.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor independance day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359182376288686946" border="0" /></a>People were sitting around at the tables in the pretty courtyard drinking coffee and enjoying the sunshine while others were touring the house or looking at the exhibitions. With the high entrance price people usually make a day of it.
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<br />We are lucky just to be able to come and go as we please and we head off toward the gardens.
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<br />As we take a right turn we notice the top of a small red and white striped tent, as we get closer we realise it is a Punch and Judy show, all set up with a blanket on the ground waiting for an audience to amass before the next show.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-joYzCU0I/AAAAAAAABi4/m2_GUcFvsXk/s1600-h/punchandjudy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-joYzCU0I/AAAAAAAABi4/m2_GUcFvsXk/s400/punchandjudy.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor independance day celebration" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359181995840787266" border="0" /></a> I don't hang around, I never did like Punch and Judy!.
<br />In the distance there is another area set up with 5 or 6 Siberian huskies surrounded by children, they have obviously pinched the Punch and Judy crowd. We continue on our way.
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<br />I am amazed at how wonderful the gardens are looking as I catch a glimpse of the Manor house and the Marquee set up on one of the lawns. It really is a beautiful place with such a tranquil feel.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-m9sR6UBI/AAAAAAAABjI/SzvY1KV9xvU/s1600-h/manordistant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-m9sR6UBI/AAAAAAAABjI/SzvY1KV9xvU/s400/manordistant.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359185660382695442" border="0" /></a>We walk through the small orchard complete with pretty white beehives and I hear a Father say to the small girl holding his hand "do you see those white things" he crouches down to her level while pointing at them, "yes" she says all wide eyed, "do you know what lives in them?" he asks tenderly, she thinks for a moment, then looks up at him as she answers falteringly "parrots?".
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<br />I smile to myself as eager to see what is going on we head on toward the Manor house and the Marquee. I love the first sight of the Manor looked at face on, as you approach.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-o6Y583QI/AAAAAAAABjQ/BYYWSvxl_fc/s1600-h/manor2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-o6Y583QI/AAAAAAAABjQ/BYYWSvxl_fc/s400/manor2.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359187802665573634" border="0" /></a>It always flies both the English and American flag from its flagpoles.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-o6jVYoaI/AAAAAAAABjY/qvJePW9jzHg/s1600-h/manor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-o6jVYoaI/AAAAAAAABjY/qvJePW9jzHg/s400/manor.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359187805464994210" border="0" /></a>Well, the marquee and tables and chairs are empty right now, so I head toward my favourite part of the garden, the herb garden.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-qmQRjhsI/AAAAAAAABjg/ZTUUHS6MLRs/s1600-h/garden.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-qmQRjhsI/AAAAAAAABjg/ZTUUHS6MLRs/s400/garden.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor herb garden" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359189655774529218" border="0" /></a>It is a one of The Herb Society gardens, and has different sections showing medicinal herbs, culinary herbs etc.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-qmqsg3kI/AAAAAAAABjo/OdET4JRbuBU/s1600-h/herbgarden.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-qmqsg3kI/AAAAAAAABjo/OdET4JRbuBU/s400/herbgarden.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor herb garden" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359189662866923074" border="0" /></a>It is always a delight to see and smell all the wonderful plants.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-qm85o5BI/AAAAAAAABjw/a4eVRCW5Uz0/s1600-h/herbgarden2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 177px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-qm85o5BI/AAAAAAAABjw/a4eVRCW5Uz0/s400/herbgarden2.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359189667753813010" border="0" /></a>We notice people moving through to the area near the Vegetable garden, we cut through the herb garden to see what is going on.
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<br />On a grassy bank are gathered a group of smart young men with American accents. It turns out that they are <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Tigertones</span> an acapella choir from Princeton University in the USA. They were nearing the end of their European tour and had been booked to entertain the visitors at the Independence day celebrations.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-s4Z7UO9I/AAAAAAAABj4/aOe6MJpjGCo/s1600-h/Thetigertones.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-s4Z7UO9I/AAAAAAAABj4/aOe6MJpjGCo/s400/Thetigertones.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor the tigertones" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359192166626507730" border="0" /></a> They are very good and the crowd that contains lots of Americans are suitably appreciative.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-wdygJCQI/AAAAAAAABkI/aqpLbFHuk7A/s1600-h/treeplanting1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 277px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-wdygJCQI/AAAAAAAABkI/aqpLbFHuk7A/s400/treeplanting1.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor independence day tree planting" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359196107413457154" border="0" /></a>Next there is to be a tree planting ceremony. A Virginia Dogwood Tree is to be planted by a local MP while at the very same time in Pope's Creek, Virginia, USA, birthplace of George Washington, an English Oak is being planted.
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<br />It is filmed by one of the two National Park Service Rangers from Pope's Creek, Virgina, who has been on hand throughout the day to answer any questions from visitors.
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<br />As the Tigertones mingle with the crowd we head off back through the garden.
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<br />We make our way back round to the front of the manor, where I am struck by the beautiful flowers in front of the old window.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-wJAruZYI/AAAAAAAABkA/VyQvusOcCTU/s1600-h/window.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-wJAruZYI/AAAAAAAABkA/VyQvusOcCTU/s400/window.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359195750442886530" border="0" /></a>We see children talking to a couple and as we get closer we notice the parrot casually sitting beside them on the arm of the bench.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-weFn3HmI/AAAAAAAABkQ/AInKk5vs5os/s1600-h/parrots.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 243px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-weFn3HmI/AAAAAAAABkQ/AInKk5vs5os/s400/parrots.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359196112546111074" border="0" /></a>Then as we watch, we see the large cockatoo that was sitting on the mans lap disappear up inside his Tshirt! "he gets spooked by the wind" he told us.
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<br />It turns out that they were visiting for the day celebrations and that they take their birds out everywhere with them.
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<br />We decide that it is about time to head home for a cup of tea. So we retrace our steps back through the gate up toward the Orchard, noticing the unusual chairs dotted around for visitors to use.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-zYQGVQUI/AAAAAAAABko/2dNAX8TJjrI/s1600-h/chairsingarden.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-zYQGVQUI/AAAAAAAABko/2dNAX8TJjrI/s400/chairsingarden.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359199310813937986" border="0" /></a>Then quickly past the Punch and Judy tent. One last look back at the manor before we leave. It has been a really lovely afternoon.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-yCf0WDKI/AAAAAAAABkg/9_B1YMo9tck/s1600-h/manor3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sl-yCf0WDKI/AAAAAAAABkg/9_B1YMo9tck/s400/manor3.jpg" alt="Sulgrave Manor" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359197837564710050" border="0" /></a>Back through the shop, down the gravel drive and within 10 minutes we are back home with the kettle on. We didn't need the bus on this journey but we as we didn't want you to miss out on the day, we bought you along anyway!
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Sulgrave Manor - </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);" href="http://www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/">Link</a>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">About Sulgrave Manor Garden - </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);" href="http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/sulgrave_manor_garden">Link</a>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">The Princeton Tigertones - </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);" href="http://www.tigertones.com/">Link</a>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-9726402204039712092010-04-30T22:20:00.000+01:002011-08-20T10:08:26.424+01:00A Birthday Trip to Bourton on the Water<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bourton on the Water and Stow on the Wold</span>
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<br /></div><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >My birthday arrived</span> bringing with it a beautiful sunny day, a welcome relief after all the rain we have had recently. We had decided to wait to see what the weather was like before making any plans for a day out, but as the sun was shining brightly we decided to visit <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bourton on the Water</span>. We had never been there before but after checking how far it was (about 30 miles) and reading a bit about it online, we decided that it was going to be our destination.
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<br />We did our usual stop off at the supermarket for fresh crusty rolls to join the rest of the provisions already packed in the bus and set off through the countryside with the music playing.
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">BOURTON ON THE WATER</span>
<br />As we drove into Bourton on the Water we were amazed at how busy it was and at the sheer volume of tourists there.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SosocfuRYqI/AAAAAAAABvw/CI6ftzQfZqY/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SosocfuRYqI/AAAAAAAABvw/CI6ftzQfZqY/s400/13thAugust2009+011.jpg" alt="Bourton on the Water" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371431450586473122" border="0" /></a>We drove past a huge car park full of coaches and day trippers and followed the road through the town itself, to see if there was a car park closer to the centre, unfortunately the one we came across had a height restricted barrier which we couldn't get under, so we turned around and headed back.
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<br />I then noticed parking spaces by the side of the road and someone was pulling out! Joe skillfully manouvered the bus into the gap and we now had a free parking place with two hours to explore.
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<br />It was such a gorgeous day, sunny and warm and the place had a real holiday feel.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Soso7Py-EXI/AAAAAAAABwY/P3NH7JKnf2Y/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+027+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Soso7Py-EXI/AAAAAAAABwY/P3NH7JKnf2Y/s400/13thAugust2009+027+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371431978887156082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SosodJICPDI/AAAAAAAABwA/ODAuaAOqaNg/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+024+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SosodJICPDI/AAAAAAAABwA/ODAuaAOqaNg/s400/13thAugust2009+024+copy.jpg" alt="Bourton on the Water" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371431461700385842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SosodqvVsKI/AAAAAAAABwI/kyuzEstnr8I/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+025opt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SosodqvVsKI/AAAAAAAABwI/kyuzEstnr8I/s400/13thAugust2009+025opt.jpg" alt="Bourton on the Water" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371431470723608738" border="0" /></a>People were sitting and enjoying the sunshine (and ice creams) as children and dogs played in the shallow water.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sosq9BkU96I/AAAAAAAABx4/q29IzZ3wp5s/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+045opt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 375px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sosq9BkU96I/AAAAAAAABx4/q29IzZ3wp5s/s400/13thAugust2009+045opt.jpg" alt="Bourton on the Water" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371434208450639778" border="0" /></a>We were parked in a quiet spot near the church and decided that we may as well stay there to have our lunch.
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<br />It was nice and cool in the bus as we had made sure that the curtains were drawn on the window facing the sun.
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<br />We soon made and devoured our delicious rolls and drank a much needed cup of coffee.
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<br />Suitably revived! we found a second wind and I suggested that we call in to Stow on the Wold before heading home.
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<br />It was only about 7 miles away and was somewhere else we had heard of but had never visited before.
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<br />We climbed in the cab and set off on the next leg of our journey.
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">STOW ON THE WOLD</span>
<br />We pulled into the pretty main square of Stow on the Wold. I was struck by the beautiful flower filled hanging baskets everywhere.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SospUPC-2YI/AAAAAAAABxQ/l3SGG2cUab0/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+047.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SospUPC-2YI/AAAAAAAABxQ/l3SGG2cUab0/s400/13thAugust2009+047.jpg" alt="Stow on the Wold" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371432408182610306" border="0" /></a>It was a picturesque place but nowhere near as busy as Bourton on the Water had been. By this time we really needed to stretch our legs again, so decided more exploration was in order!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sosr8S7yqpI/AAAAAAAAByA/PBjEbayWU7I/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 218px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sosr8S7yqpI/AAAAAAAAByA/PBjEbayWU7I/s400/13thAugust2009+048.jpg" alt="Stow on the Wold" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371435295444216466" border="0" /></a>There were some interesting shops and lots of galleries with colourful pictures adorning the windows. As it was now getting quite late in the day a lot of shops were already closed and the few we managed to visit were just about to lock up for the evening.
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<br />So we took a leisurely walk around and did some window shopping (a much cheaper alternative!) as we took in the old buildings and the ambience of the place and enjoyed the early evening sunshine.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SospU3oFjQI/AAAAAAAABxg/qmcO4Vikktk/s1600-h/13thAugust2009+050.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SospU3oFjQI/AAAAAAAABxg/qmcO4Vikktk/s400/13thAugust2009+050.jpg" alt="Stow on the Wold" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371432419075656962" border="0" /></a>We were now beginning to feel a bit weary and decided to head back to the bus for another drink. It was really nice, relaxing, drinking coffee and people watching through the tinted windows.
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">COINCIDENCE</span>
<br />Then a van drew up alongside and I could see the driver looking at the bus. He obviously didn't realise we were inside, as when he caught my eye through the open window he looked shocked! He asked if we converted the bus ourselves and Joe and he got talking and we invited him to come and have a look inside.
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<br />He parked up and came over and we opened the side door - he looked inside and shouted "a bus for us!" (the name of the blog Joe kept to document the self build conversion project) we laughed! and he said it was our campervan that inspired him to start converting his! What a small world!
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<br />He was a really nice guy and we talked for a while and showed him round etc. We forgot to ask his name but if by some chance he ever reads this and recognises himself - hello! it was great meeting you!
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<br />By now it was getting late so we headed for home, deciding to stop on the way for a bag of chips (french fries for my American readers :-)) - a delicious end to a wonderful day!
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<br />We decided that from now on, the birthday trips out would be an annual event - it makes such a wonderful memory and experiences last longer than presents - though don't get me wrong, I am not saying <span style="font-weight: bold;">instead</span> of presents - I will have presents too! - ;-)
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">About -</span> <a href="http://www.cotswolds.info/places/bourton-on-the-water.shtml">Bourton on the Water</a>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">About -</span> <a href="http://www.cotswolds.info/places/stow-on-the-wold.shtml">Stow on the Wold</a>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Blog -</span> <a href="http://abusforus.blogspot.com/">A-Bus-For-Us</a>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-59916512781695799832010-04-29T19:16:00.007+01:002011-08-20T09:30:15.492+01:00Cats and Coffee Close to Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRJ8TvhtwI/AAAAAAAABPQ/mQxldo80z8U/s1600-h/mitz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 362px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRJ8TvhtwI/AAAAAAAABPQ/mQxldo80z8U/s400/mitz.jpg" alt="Travel with Cats" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337972758781474562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>t was a quiet afternoon and the weather was trying to make up its mind whether to bathe us in bright sunshine or soak us with torrential downpours.
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<br />Feeling optimistic during one of the longer sunny spells, we decided to load us all into the bus and go for a short drive so the cats could get another chance to get used to the fact that this 'room' moves!
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<br />All aboard and with an accompaniment of miaows of various pitches, off we went.
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<br />Our destination was to be a beautiful secluded spot about 10 minutes away from home.
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<br />We intended to park up in a quiet country road overlooking the lake at Marston St. Lawrence, where we could relax, enjoy the scenery and read a book for a while, as we drank copious cups of coffee.
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<br />As we are usually open to unexpected changes of plan we frequently find other things on the way to our original spot, and today was no exception, so we pulled over just before we reached our destination as the view of a sunlit field with the grass moving like ocean waves in the wind was captivating.
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<br />The kettle was soon on and both cats and humans were enjoying the view. . .
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRJ86GhSeI/AAAAAAAABPw/n5u6NRNcQyg/s1600-h/binasammy1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRJ86GhSeI/AAAAAAAABPw/n5u6NRNcQyg/s400/binasammy1.jpg" alt="Cats in our converted camper van" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337972769078462946" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRQKlwIOPI/AAAAAAAABP4/1hl_gyknW6w/s1600-h/binamitz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRQKlwIOPI/AAAAAAAABP4/1hl_gyknW6w/s400/binamitz.jpg" alt="cats in a camper van" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337979601203771634" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRQTP12pzI/AAAAAAAABQI/OzYlOmVdj78/s1600-h/binasammy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRQTP12pzI/AAAAAAAABQI/OzYlOmVdj78/s400/binasammy.jpg" alt="Travelling Cats enjoying the view" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337979749941028658" border="0" /></a>
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<br />When all of a sudden, the Sun disappeared and the rain started, not just gentle drops falling but buckets hurled from the heavens!
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<br />Coffee in hand with the thundering sound of the torrent on the roof we decided to slowly drive down to our original destination and take some shelter under the canopy of the trees. Coffee sloshing in our cups, we made our way down the bumpy road, and parked up.<span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:85%;" >
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<br />Overlooking the lake at Marston St Lawrence</span>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRJ8iT99vI/AAAAAAAABPg/iA83t3RAJ58/s1600-h/bus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRJ8iT99vI/AAAAAAAABPg/iA83t3RAJ58/s400/bus.jpg" alt="Our converted camper van overlooking the lake at Marston St Lawrence" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337972762692417266" border="0" /></a>
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<br />It's a wonderful spot and looked beautiful, even with the rain.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRZwEteINI/AAAAAAAABQQ/XzXJXHaoS_A/s1600-h/lake1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/ShRZwEteINI/AAAAAAAABQQ/XzXJXHaoS_A/s400/lake1.jpg" alt="lake at marston st lawrence" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337990140773933266" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Two views in one day, a cup of coffee overlooking a sunlit field and the next overlooking a rain soaked lake all from the comfort of our busl.
<br />This is one diy project I am glad was started! Wonderful.
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<br />Then it was miaow, miaow, miaow all the way home!
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<br />More about Marston St. Lawrence - <a href="http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/CustomPages/CustomPage.aspx?pageid=18161">Link</a>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-1949241255177672012010-04-27T22:18:00.001+01:002011-08-19T11:44:05.388+01:00Our First Overnight StayWe decided that it was time for an overnight stay in the camper to try everything out<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span></span>As Joe's birthday was coming up, we agreed that if the weather was good, that would be the time to go. As we were only going overnight we decided to leave the cats at home so we didn't have to watch the 'escape artist', we wanted to be able to relax, get the feel of the bus and enjoy Joe's birthday.<span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span><span>We kept our eye on the weather forecast and the day before we had decided to go, it was a lovely, so we rang</span><span> the campsite, booked ourself in and loaded up the bus. Cat bowls were filled, water bowls topped up and litter trays sorted and before you knew it we were in the cab, sunglasses on, music playing, and off on another mini adventure.</span><span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span><span>After stopping off at the supermarket for birthday goodies, we headed off to the campsite, it wasn't too far but we could have been miles away! We had found it once when we were exploring and had always meant to go back, as it had such stunning views.</span><span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQcnHZCj_I/AAAAAAAABUI/crLwsU7wjS0/s1600-h/chairs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 332px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQcnHZCj_I/AAAAAAAABUI/crLwsU7wjS0/s400/chairs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346930115920170994" border="0" /></a><span>We arrived at</span><span> <a href="http://www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/oxfordshire/firtreefarm.htm">Fir Tree Farm</a> and quickly<a href="http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=4472"> </a>found ourselves a great pitch, right at the top of the field and pulled in and parked on an angle to make the most of the wonderful views.
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<br />Before long we were set up, hook up cable plugged in, kettle on and the chairs set up outside.
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<br />It is a really lovely place, green and idyllic, overlooking a steep valley.
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<br />It has a <a href="http://www.firtreefalconry.co.uk/">Falconry Centre</a> and a fishing lake in the lower 'valley' part of the site which we could see from our vantage point on higher ground.
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<br />After a cup of tea and a check to see that everything was still in place after the journey, we went for a walk, following the edge of the field down the steep hill. We took our time, enjoying the sunshine, the birdsong and the beautiful countryside.</span><span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQd80-OHtI/AAAAAAAABUQ/Y_bBsDXNLV4/s1600-h/green1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQd80-OHtI/AAAAAAAABUQ/Y_bBsDXNLV4/s400/green1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346931588444593874" border="0" /></a><span>We stopped for a while to get our breath back before returning up the hill, and sat and took in the views.</span><span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQe7ANdBWI/AAAAAAAABUY/jo3GxKF4Vz4/s1600-h/su.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQe7ANdBWI/AAAAAAAABUY/jo3GxKF4Vz4/s400/su.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346932656613164386" border="0" /></a><span>Then we headed back to the bus to chill out and start the birthday celebrations.
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<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQhI8c9TKI/AAAAAAAABVI/cxbin02uujQ/s1600-h/joe2a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 196px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQhI8c9TKI/AAAAAAAABVI/cxbin02uujQ/s400/joe2a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346935095145876642" border="0" /></a><span>We had bought lots of nice food to eat later in the evening and despite rarely drinking anything alcoholic these days, we had decided that the occasion called for it.
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<br />The first night out in the bus, Joes birthday and this lovely evening - all cause for celebration.
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<br />So, we filled our glasses and as</span><span> we sat and relaxed, looking out at the glorious view and enjoying the evening sunshine<span style="font-style: italic;">, </span>we </span><span>drank to all the things we had to celebrate!</span><span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQf0P2MCVI/AAAAAAAABUg/414kdI8H8ho/s1600-h/green2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQf0P2MCVI/AAAAAAAABUg/414kdI8H8ho/s400/green2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346933640063093074" border="0" /></a>With the sun in our eyes, we talked about the steps of the journey, from collecting the old tired minibus, to sitting outside it now, a fully converted motorhome and it was looking great.
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<br />Now, feeling the effects of the unnacustomed alcohol and the warm sun, I slipped into a quiet reverie, my arms suddenly feeling very heavy. Joe was laughing as I told him that I felt as though someone had wrapped me in bubble wrap.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQhIya41tI/AAAAAAAABVQ/iHj3WO0iVSA/s1600-h/su4poem.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 278px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQhIya41tI/AAAAAAAABVQ/iHj3WO0iVSA/s400/su4poem.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346935092452841170" border="0" /></a>I picked up my writing pad and started to write down what I observed around me.
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<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >"Sitting watching the shadows grow longer.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Sun sinking slowly in the June sky.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Skylarks sing, Insects move lazily through the heavy air. </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Fields like random jigsaw pieces decorate the horizon.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >
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<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Individual blades of grass, sunlit and waving gently in the almost imperceptable breeze.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >The click of mobile phone keys.In the midst of this natural wonderland, emails are still checked.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >The vodka I am unused to, wraps me in a blanket, as I reach for another sip.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);">"</span>
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<br />The sky grows darker and we go inside, marvelling at our first experience of hook up, we use all the lights and watch a DVD, as we quickly polish off all our food.
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<br />I sit in the toilet with the small DVD player on my lap, watching the end of the film as Joe makes up the bed. Full to the brim, and a little bit worse for wear, we clamber into the newly made bed and prepare to sleep our first night in the bus.
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<br />Bright and early the next morning we wake to a misty view, the sunlight of the day before has vanished leaving us with grey clouds. We drink coffee as Joe opens his birthday cards, balancing them on the back of the seat cushions. We throw open the side door and watch and listen as the day comes alive.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQplLQxEuI/AAAAAAAABVg/jUsAEWkeYNc/s1600-h/cup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQplLQxEuI/AAAAAAAABVg/jUsAEWkeYNc/s400/cup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346944376250634978" border="0" /></a>I see my writing pad from the night before and we laugh as we remember my arms not working. :-)
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<br />Coffee is sipped as I write about this morning after the night before.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >"Morning after, grey light, still air, tractor in the distance, faint birdsong.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >It seems the world is not yet quite awake.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >The valley spreads out in front of me, a feast for my eyes.</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >I sit quietly while my vision absorbs the colour green."</span>
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQf0WXVrKI/AAAAAAAABUo/eOX7oyjGoDg/s1600-h/green3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SjQf0WXVrKI/AAAAAAAABUo/eOX7oyjGoDg/s400/green3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346933641812749474" border="0" /></a>It was a wonderful overnight stay, the first of many.
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<br />We packed up our stuff, got in the cab, turned on the music and headed for home.<span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span><span>Links:</span><span>
<br /><a href="http://www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/oxfordshire/firtreefarm.htm">Fir Tree Farm Campsite</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;">
<br /></span><a href="http://www.firtreefalconry.co.uk/"><span>Falconry Centre at Fir Tree Farm</span></a><span>
<br /><a href="http://www.herbcentre.co.uk/">The National Herb Centre</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Very close by and worth a visit - especially for its nature trail.</span>
<br /></div></div>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-42154743241851070722010-04-25T12:30:00.000+01:002011-08-19T09:23:33.361+01:00A Vast Expanse Of Water - Boddington ReservoirAfter a hot stuffy day spent indoors, we thought that an early evening bit of exploration in the bus was definitely called for!
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<br />It is so good that it's always fully loaded and ready to go, as it makes spur of the moment trips like this so much easier. We fill up our spill proof jug with milk, grab the camera and we are off.
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<br />The sun is sinking a little lower in the sky and with the windows open a cooling breeze fills the cab as we set off along the winding country lanes. One thing I love about travelling like this, is how high up we are, the viewpoint is so much better. I can actually see over the hedgerows and glimpse things I just wouldn't have known were there from our normal 'car height' vantage point.
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<br />As we had no particular destination in mind, we set off in a direction we weren't too familiar with and hoped that as usual, serendipity would play a part. It was a glorious evening and looking over the patchwork fields was like watching a painting shifting as we moved.
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<br />Then we turned a corner and there in the distance sparkling in the sunlight was a vast expanse of water. We took the next turn and headed in that direction, navigating by keeping sight of the snatches of silver water through the sunlit trees. Before long we rounded a corner and there it was spread out in front of us.
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<br />We pulled into the shaded parking area and within minutes we had the kettle on and the side door open as we enjoyed the views.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNW-VmnFXI/AAAAAAAABa4/iWSiwbgXjyI/s1600-h/4th+july+057+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNW-VmnFXI/AAAAAAAABa4/iWSiwbgXjyI/s400/4th+july+057+copy.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355720010824619378" border="0" /></a>After we had drank our coffee we decided to find out what this place was. We walked over to the sign that informed us that we were at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boddington Reservoir.</span>
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<br />Apparently it was constructed in 1820 for the for The Oxford Canal Company and enlarged in 1883/84 when the top water level was raised by 3ft. It has a huge surface area of 72 acres and holds 204.6 million gallons.
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<br />Information digested, we saw an arrow pointing us in the right direction.
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<br />We followed a footpath from the parking area through an area lined with trees until the view opened out and we were finally beside the water. There were people fishing on the banks and lots of walkers enjoying the evening sunshine.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNXiwUVfFI/AAAAAAAABbA/Sg2wWK789rc/s1600-h/24th+June+052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNXiwUVfFI/AAAAAAAABbA/Sg2wWK789rc/s400/24th+June+052.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355720636471016530" border="0" /></a>It was wonderful seeing the expanse of the water and after the warmth of the day, feeling the breeze. It was cooler now and so good to be so close to all of this beauty, we decided it would be nice to take a short walk a little way around the perimeter.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNY5JmU4SI/AAAAAAAABbI/ZfQZt7V81dM/s1600-h/24th+June+067.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNY5JmU4SI/AAAAAAAABbI/ZfQZt7V81dM/s400/24th+June+067.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355722120726110498" border="0" /></a>There were a multitude of birds swimming on the water, all in their own little groups as they serenly glided over the surface. The noisy gulls overhead added to the sound effects.
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<br />There were people sailing, agile boats and billowing sails skimming across the water, I was amazed at how fast they were going and stopped a while to watch.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNcZa2NzXI/AAAAAAAABbY/QDeBAjyitL4/s1600-h/24th+June+063.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNcZa2NzXI/AAAAAAAABbY/QDeBAjyitL4/s400/24th+June+063.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355725973646855538" border="0" /></a>As we made our way up the side of the reservoir, I kept thinking "we should turn back soon" but something about the sights and sounds kept us walking and before we knew it, we were a long way from where we started.
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<br />This walk was turning into a much longer one than the short stroll I had anticipated!
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<br />I finally said, "we really should turn back, we have come so far! it will be such a long way back to the bus." Joe replied, "maybe we can walk all the way round and then that would lead us back to where we are parked." I really wasn't sure, as the other bank looked wild and overgrown but agreed that we would carry on and find out.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNgZCQquKI/AAAAAAAABbg/Ih2STKPE6HQ/s1600-h/24th+June+0741.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 219px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNgZCQquKI/AAAAAAAABbg/Ih2STKPE6HQ/s400/24th+June+0741.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355730365093427362" border="0" /></a>The scenery started to change as we left the rock edged area of the reservoir and became more natural, more wild. I had to watch my footing now as I was walking over uneven rough grass rather than the managed path we had previously been walking on.
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<br />We rounded the top edge and by this time I was really hoping that we would be able to find a way through as the walk back was starting to feel daunting.
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<br />Then, on the far bank, I spotted some people through the trees, there was a way through! my heart lifted and suddenly I regained the spring in my step.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNg4A-dn4I/AAAAAAAABbo/tH11Y7mp-Ds/s1600-h/24th+June+072.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNg4A-dn4I/AAAAAAAABbo/tH11Y7mp-Ds/s400/24th+June+072.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355730897324580738" border="0" /></a>There was still a long way to go but soon we were round on the far bank and we left the bright sunlight and entered the tree shaded canopy.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNiFmUJp8I/AAAAAAAABbw/vXxVfNkedd4/s1600-h/24th+June+075.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNiFmUJp8I/AAAAAAAABbw/vXxVfNkedd4/s400/24th+June+075.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355732230197585858" border="0" /></a> I was startled by the beauty of the light dappling through the leaves and sparkling on the water, it was magical.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNih5LLQAI/AAAAAAAABcA/9q4O94ojO90/s1600-h/24th+June+079.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNih5LLQAI/AAAAAAAABcA/9q4O94ojO90/s400/24th+June+079.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355732716296552450" border="0" /></a>There were no hard, man made edges to the water here, it felt soft and natural and such a contrast from the far edge. It was beautiful.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNih_g0gSI/AAAAAAAABcI/M6px5OloeYU/s1600-h/24th+June+084.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNih_g0gSI/AAAAAAAABcI/M6px5OloeYU/s400/24th+June+084.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355732717997949218" border="0" /></a>We trudged on, ducking beneath branches and marvelling at the sunlight on the water. My bag was getting heavy so Joe hooked it over his shoulder. Our short walk had become quite a trek.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNiiLt-QvI/AAAAAAAABcQ/mWx4KSoDUyM/s1600-h/24th+June+088.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNiiLt-QvI/AAAAAAAABcQ/mWx4KSoDUyM/s400/24th+June+088.jpg" alt="Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355732721274340082" border="0" /></a>We crossed a wooden bridge and the path started to lead uphill, we figured we must be getting close to where the bus was parked.
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<br />Leaving the canopy of trees, we emerged back out into the sunshine and there in the distance we saw the car park and our trusty bus waiting for us. Well, that had certainly been an unexpected adventure.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNiibep10I/AAAAAAAABcY/UfFQLwMKCA4/s1600-h/24th+June+093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SlNiibep10I/AAAAAAAABcY/UfFQLwMKCA4/s400/24th+June+093.jpg" alt="motorhome Boddington Reservoir" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355732725505054530" border="0" /></a> Relieved to be finally back, we open the side door and take off our shoes. Tired but happy, I get myself comfortable as we look at the Sun going down over the glinting water in the distance and wait for the kettle to boil.
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<br /><a href="http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/boddington-reservoir">Boddington Reservoir</a>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-50428789342612476872010-04-24T23:58:00.000+01:002011-08-20T10:11:47.185+01:00A Chance EncounterIt was a blustery day and we decided to set off for a picnic on the hills at <a href="http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/web/corporate/pages.nsf/Links/2F63F883BA2676A480256B7D004D412D">Burton Dassett Country Park.
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<br />We loaded up the bus with provisions, packed the camera and decided to stop off at the supermarket on the way to buy delicious crusty rolls topped with poppy seeds to eat with our picnic.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sg1AQ4gJrPI/AAAAAAAABN8/eKc0jcHWD-c/s1600-h/FARNBOROUGHMAP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 288px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sg1AQ4gJrPI/AAAAAAAABN8/eKc0jcHWD-c/s400/FARNBOROUGHMAP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335991792293227762" border="0" /></a>Rolls on board, we headed out of Banbury on the A423 Southam road and set the Satelite Navigation on the cell phone with the postcode for the Country Park.
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<br />It was a beautiful day and from the high vantage point of the cab, I could see over the hedgerows into the fields, the sun was lighting the new green leaves on the swaying trees and we were just getting relaxed into the journey, when unexpectedly the Sat Nav (who incidently talks with the voice of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KITT">KITT</a> from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Rider_%281982_TV_series%29">Knight Rider</a>) calmly told us to take a left turn. We had programmed it to take the quickest route and it had taken us at our word.
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<br />We turned down the unsignposted single track lane and marvelled at the adventure, as we had no idea at all where it was taking us.
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<br />We were taken through picturesque villages and winding lanes until we rounded a bend and came across an absolutely beautiful place, we saw a parking spot and decided to pull over.
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:85%;" >The National Trust - Farnborough Hall</span>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi9mdfvzI/AAAAAAAABM0/Vg_th03eEEw/s1600-h/sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 205px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi9mdfvzI/AAAAAAAABM0/Vg_th03eEEw/s400/sign.jpg" alt="The National Trust - Farnborough Hall" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335818837707177778" border="0" /></a>Jumping out of the bus we walked over to the sign post to see what this place was.
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<br />It said <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-farnboroughhall">The National Trust Farnborough Hall</a> looking behind us there was the big House, a large impressive building.
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<br />We were more interested in the beautiful trees in the distance, so locked up and set off to explore.
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<br />The mature trees in the distance looked huge, green and inviting.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi99eS-8I/AAAAAAAABM8/g4rJtW7Z9J0/s1600-h/treesfarnboroughhall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi99eS-8I/AAAAAAAABM8/g4rJtW7Z9J0/s400/treesfarnboroughhall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335818843884551106" border="0" /></a>
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<br />As we got closer, peering through the trees to the left, we could see glimpses of water glinting in the sunlight.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi91mIIvI/AAAAAAAABNE/Cdd9-UaVaDY/s1600-h/treesfarnboroughhall1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi91mIIvI/AAAAAAAABNE/Cdd9-UaVaDY/s400/treesfarnboroughhall1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335818841769911026" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Walking closer, through the trees we could see a beautiful lake.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi98C_1AI/AAAAAAAABNU/D_QdODyq0_s/s1600-h/swans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 362px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/Sgyi98C_1AI/AAAAAAAABNU/D_QdODyq0_s/s400/swans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335818843501614082" border="0" /></a>Wow, what a find.
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<br />Framed by trees there was a huge lake complete with swans.
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<br />We crossed the little wooden bridge and walked out of the trees and on to the path that lead around this idyllic place.
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<br />The swans hissed, then after I had reassured them in my best swan language they serenely swam along with us as we walked.
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<br />What a wonderful place and such an unexpected find. The gorgeous colours of the trees on the far bank, the glistening water, the swans...
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<br />A chance encounter of the most magical kind.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SgyjY6UrQGI/AAAAAAAABNc/MrA9V5hU3a0/s1600-h/lakefarnboroughhall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SgyjY6UrQGI/AAAAAAAABNc/MrA9V5hU3a0/s400/lakefarnboroughhall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335819306895360098" border="0" /></a>
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<br />At the end of the path, the track forked, one branch following the lake around to its far side, the other heading into dappled woodland.
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<br />We decided that the path through the woods would lead us back to where the bus was parked. So we walked through the trees and puddles of sunlight, through the dancing shadows. . .
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SgyjY_4XGMI/AAAAAAAABNk/VaFJO6ZQ63c/s1600-h/trees.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SgyjY_4XGMI/AAAAAAAABNk/VaFJO6ZQ63c/s400/trees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335819308387211458" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Until there, in the distance, we saw the car park and the bus waiting for us.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SgyjZP6JsPI/AAAAAAAABN0/n49mHh0cL3s/s1600-h/busfarnborough.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 332px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SgyjZP6JsPI/AAAAAAAABN0/n49mHh0cL3s/s400/busfarnborough.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335819312689688818" border="0" /></a> Well, what a serendipitous find this place had been.
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<br />We hopped into the cab and continued our journey to Burton Dassett Country Park and our delicious picnic lunch.
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<br />See you soon!
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Notes:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The area we were parked in and the walk we took was not included in the admission fee for the house and gardens at Farnborough Hall, so there was no charge, not even a parking fee to sit in the bus and enjoy the view.</span>
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<br />Farnborough Hall - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farnborough_Hall">wikipedia</a>
<br />Farnborough Hall - <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/farnborough_hall_garden">Gardens</a>
<br />Farnborough Hall - <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-farnboroughhall/">National Trust</a>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-3895771327496566272010-04-24T22:20:00.000+01:002011-08-20T10:10:15.270+01:00An Evening Drive with the Cats<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Travel with Cats in camper vans - TIP - Harnesses are a must!</span>
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<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>t was a lovely evening and we thought it would be a good idea to take the cats somewhere quiet so they could try out their new harnesses.
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<br />We drove a couple of miles to a newly found favourite spot, it is down an unsignposted road and has a parking spot by the side of a small lake.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyE67AWVI/AAAAAAAABSY/8WK3gU1Z_Fk/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyE67AWVI/AAAAAAAABSY/8WK3gU1Z_Fk/s400/view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343224174271813970" border="0" /></a>
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<br />We parked up the bus and put on the kettle!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyEgYQ6ZI/AAAAAAAABSI/rRpsG_j4n7I/s1600-h/kettle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 362px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyEgYQ6ZI/AAAAAAAABSI/rRpsG_j4n7I/s400/kettle.jpg" alt="inside our converted camper van" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343224167146776978" border="0" /></a>It is still a novelty to be able to make a drink every time we park up and we tend to drink lots of tea and coffee on our trips. (it is a good job we have a toilet too!)
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<br />It's so good to sit down in a comfortable space with the kettle on, the side door open and the sounds of nature all around. Which is why we needed to get the cats used to their new harnesses.
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<br />They have worn harnesses since they were kittens so have no problem with it. The harnesses they are used to are small cord ones, but we thought they needed something more substantial if they are to travel with us.
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<br />This was to be their first 'try out' of both the new harnesses and them tethered up outside the bus.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyEXmLzYI/AAAAAAAABSA/3bg23maMRNg/s1600-h/harnessed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyEXmLzYI/AAAAAAAABSA/3bg23maMRNg/s400/harnessed.jpg" alt="cats in harnesses" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343224164789243266" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Well, lets just say this wasn't a success!
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<br />Sammy (in the foreground) is a very adventurous cat and he slipped his harness and ran for the undergrowth at the edge of the water.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyNGgis3I/AAAAAAAABSg/QZHkuLkP55Y/s1600-h/water.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyNGgis3I/AAAAAAAABSg/QZHkuLkP55Y/s400/water.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343224314820998002" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Luckily he was quickly found and returned to the safety of the bus.
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<br />We decided to go for a walk, leaving them safely inside!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyEENv6KI/AAAAAAAABR4/_Y0NZG6jruY/s1600-h/bus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyEENv6KI/AAAAAAAABR4/_Y0NZG6jruY/s400/bus.jpg" alt="converted camper with top box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343224159586478242" border="0" /></a>
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<br />It was a beautiful evening and despite the escapologist, valuable in learning that the harnesses need to be tighter and we all obviously need more practise at travelling together!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyElj8eBI/AAAAAAAABSQ/9MBNlMG_J6M/s1600-h/sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 362px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SibyElj8eBI/AAAAAAAABSQ/9MBNlMG_J6M/s400/sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343224168537946130" border="0" /></a>So while they watched the sunset from the cab.
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<br />We sat in the back, relaxing and watching the sun going down and of course drank more coffee!
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<br />We'll try again another day!Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-82005630868374533262010-04-23T22:40:00.001+01:002011-08-19T10:52:47.110+01:00Coffee, Cats & Another CanalAnother day, another trip. We thought we had better take the cats out again, so set out for a drive. We planned to park up in a pub car park near a set of locks and take a leisurely walk along the canal. We thought that it would be good for the cats to get used to being left for a while in the bus while we explored. As usual plenty of miaowing accompanied the journey!
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<br />We parked up in the picturesque car park, the pub was closed but the small canal shop alongside was open and people moored alongside the canal were walking to and fro collecting provisions.
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<br />We sat a while with the cats as they got used to the new views from the windows, of course we couldn't resist putting the kettle on before we started, the novelty still hasn't worn off!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIkLi7dR2I/AAAAAAAABmc/LldTVnDSDvc/s1600-h/24th+June+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIkLi7dR2I/AAAAAAAABmc/LldTVnDSDvc/s400/24th+June+048.jpg" alt="cats in campervan" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364389886925031266" border="0" /></a>Saying cheery hello's to people coming up the path and off the boats we made our way down to the towpath.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIl1x-qHVI/AAAAAAAABmk/PtpqqenrjGU/s1600-h/24th+June+043.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 385px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIl1x-qHVI/AAAAAAAABmk/PtpqqenrjGU/s400/24th+June+043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364391712031120722" border="0" /></a>It was a beautiful day, blue skies and white fluffy clouds, an ideal afternoon for a walk.
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<br />As I always feel when walking along canals when people are moored up, or chugging along on the brightly coloured narrowboats, I sensed the feeling of freedom, almost like a whole other subculture living alongside but apart from the world of dry land and static homes rooted in the earth.
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<br />The scenery for these people is temporary, moveable, everchanging and though they always have the comfort and security of their boat, their home, If they don't like the view or fancy a change they can just move on, viewing life from a vantage point not many of us get to see.
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<br />They can glide through the water between inaccessible banks overgrown with nature, they see things we land dwellers are not privy to.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8K0_95I/AAAAAAAABms/LTV8-iO2nnw/s1600-h/THREEVIEW.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8K0_95I/AAAAAAAABms/LTV8-iO2nnw/s400/THREEVIEW.jpg" alt="canal" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364392921292339090" border="0" /></a>As we walked we felt nature growing more abundant the further away we got from the road. We stopped by a lock, fascinated by the gushing water, the old wood and metal, the beauty and mechanics of it. The water looked deep and dark in its man made channels .
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8QKOukI/AAAAAAAABm0/VJR845Xa0g8/s1600-h/24th+June+021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8QKOukI/AAAAAAAABm0/VJR845Xa0g8/s400/24th+June+021.jpg" alt="canal" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364392922723564098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8oUpwuI/AAAAAAAABm8/iLVrHHem96w/s1600-h/24th+June+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8oUpwuI/AAAAAAAABm8/iLVrHHem96w/s400/24th+June+026.jpg" alt="canal" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364392929209729762" border="0" /></a>We headed back, thinking the cats had been alone long enough and hoping Sammy hadn't started scratching the windows and doors as he does at home, he doesn't want anything, we think he just enjoys the feel and rhythm of doing it, but as we are not sure if the window tints that Joe fitted were up to a cat claw onslaught, we quickened our step.
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<br />Joe made it back to the bus before me, as I called in the little shop to browse. He had the kettle on, the cats in the cab and the door open as I caught him up.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIrTm--u-I/AAAAAAAABnM/rkV4AlIBYlc/s1600-h/BUSOPT.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIrTm--u-I/AAAAAAAABnM/rkV4AlIBYlc/s400/BUSOPT.jpg" alt="our self build campervan conversion" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364397722033896418" border="0" /></a>From where we were parked we could see cherry trees laden with cherries that the birds were making a feast of, joe had collected a few as he passed and we sat and ate them as the kettle boiled.
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<br />Coffee made, we shut the side door and let the cats come and join us as we got comfortable and recovered from the surprisingly long walk. They seemed relaxed and happy and best of all there were no scratches anywhere!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8r8oq3I/AAAAAAAABnE/4RRofB4My3w/s1600-h/sammy2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SnIm8r8oq3I/AAAAAAAABnE/4RRofB4My3w/s400/sammy2.jpg" alt="campervan conversion interior with cat" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364392930182736754" border="0" /></a>Time to go, we climb through into the cab, put the music on and we head for home. All in all a successful mission - now, if we can only get them to stop that incessant miaowing! :-)Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-6456761640359948782010-04-22T15:09:00.000+01:002011-08-19T09:14:32.967+01:00Visiting Banbury Canal Day 2009Well, September managed to slip by without any trips out in the bus, so we were determined to remedy that and have a few days out while the weather was still being kind.
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<br />When we read about <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.banburycanalday.co.uk/">Banbury's Canal Day</a> we decided that even though it wasn't very far away, we really should do it in style (and you can't beat having a cup of tea in the back while you watch the world go by) so decided that the bus would come too.
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<br />We had never visited before and had heard that last year was a washout because of the bad weather, so we were relieved when a dry morning dawned. We climbed into the bus and were pleased it started easily despite not being used for quite a while.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC8JRXXDI/AAAAAAAAB_4/cIIshd5Fd88/s1600-h/banburycanalday5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC8JRXXDI/AAAAAAAAB_4/cIIshd5Fd88/s400/banburycanalday5.jpg" alt="mill arts centre banbury" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123136406379570" border="0" /></a>A lot of the car parks around the canal were being used for stalls and attractions so we were quite relieved to easily find a parking spot near <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/wps/wcm/connect/MillArts/Home/">The Mill Arts Centre</a> leaving us with only about 20 yards to walk to get on to the canal and all the action.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC8fFRpsI/AAAAAAAACAA/2I810RxXvGM/s1600-h/banburycanalday9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC8fFRpsI/AAAAAAAACAA/2I810RxXvGM/s400/banburycanalday9.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123142261253826" border="0" /></a>Straight away, the smell of delicious food and the sheer number of people was surprising, I hadn't imagined it would be so busy.
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<br />We crossed the bridge to the far side of the canal and were quickly reminded of the theme of the celebration this year which was spooky things and ghosts and ghouls.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC83bLYqI/AAAAAAAACAI/M3uL817_K6o/s1600-h/banburycanalday1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC83bLYqI/AAAAAAAACAI/M3uL817_K6o/s400/banburycanalday1.jpg" alt="Costumes on banbury canal day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123148795568802" border="0" /></a>We passed the first of many people collecting for charity who were dressed in the most amazing costumes. I told this lady how great she looked, after I had snapped a photo as we passed.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDqpKsZ1I/AAAAAAAACBY/KTrzb2MEpfY/s1600-h/banburycanalday7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDqpKsZ1I/AAAAAAAACBY/KTrzb2MEpfY/s400/banburycanalday7.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123935242315602" border="0" /></a>We spotted an old Double Decker bus waiting in the car park beside the canal to take people on rides.
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<br />There were lots of interesting looking stalls lining the side of the canal and at first sight the colours, noises and all the people was a bit overwhelming - what a sheltered life I usually lead. lol
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<br />As we were to find out as we walked further along there were lots, lots more stalls in the car parks adjacent to the canal.
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<br />Some were charity stalls but there were more selling colourful clothing and hats and all manner of wonderful things.
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<br />There were lots of jewellery stalls and so many delicious looking stalls selling all kind of edible things. There were cakes, fudges, wholefoods and caribbean food to name just a few. How is a girl to resist!
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<br />Joe had a cake - I kept moving. :-)
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<br />We continued on up to the upper level of the walkway and from there could see the scale of the celebration! it was great to see so many boats that had arrived to join in.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDiq7na5I/AAAAAAAACBQ/89KvqTXuNjU/s1600-h/banburycanalday12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDiq7na5I/AAAAAAAACBQ/89KvqTXuNjU/s400/banburycanalday12.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123798276991890" border="0" /></a>They were all decorated with flags and their own ghostly things.
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<br />Then we saw the mini fairground and couldn't resist taking photos.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC9iFVzLI/AAAAAAAACAY/34byJvEsQ-w/s1600-h/banburycanalday3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC9iFVzLI/AAAAAAAACAY/34byJvEsQ-w/s400/banburycanalday3.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day" /><span style="" blogger_photo_id_5389123160246701234="" border="0"></span></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC9JeJUAI/AAAAAAAACAQ/wiCz8b-twqY/s1600-h/banburycanalday2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoC9JeJUAI/AAAAAAAACAQ/wiCz8b-twqY/s400/banburycanalday2.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123153639854082" border="0" /></a>I love this little boys face he really looks as though he is having a whale of a time! and isn't the paintwork of the little car great.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDicef1lI/AAAAAAAACBI/swMInx7n1w8/s1600-h/banburycanalday11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDicef1lI/AAAAAAAACBI/swMInx7n1w8/s400/banburycanalday11.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123794396763730" border="0" /></a>We head back down to the lower level and smile as we see this man in his rowing boat joining in the celebrations on the water - it must be tricky to row with your head under your arm like that!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDVgOmiLI/AAAAAAAACAg/fUdRDggcAPE/s1600-h/banburycanalday4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDVgOmiLI/AAAAAAAACAg/fUdRDggcAPE/s400/banburycanalday4.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123572065536178" border="0" /></a>We are amazed how packed it is down this end of the canal, all these people must have been visiting the small market full of stalls set up in this area.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDVyFTJEI/AAAAAAAACAo/8QuUF3gXDHA/s1600-h/banburycanalday6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDVyFTJEI/AAAAAAAACAo/8QuUF3gXDHA/s400/banburycanalday6.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day 2009" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123576858354754" border="0" /></a>Crossing back over the bridge we start to walk back in the direction we came. Not so many stalls on this side of the canal but we hear music from the free all day folk concert in the garden of one of the buildings by the edge of the towpath, we stop and listen for a while.
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<br />We notice these guys. They looked great and were very funny too. I wouldn't fancy being on stilts that close to the edge of the canal!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDWCTsm7I/AAAAAAAACAw/BpZXPiNk6-0/s1600-h/banburycanalday8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDWCTsm7I/AAAAAAAACAw/BpZXPiNk6-0/s400/banburycanalday8.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day celebrations" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123581213711282" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDWgHTR6I/AAAAAAAACBA/FHunJy_N38I/s1600-h/banburycanalday10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SsoDWgHTR6I/AAAAAAAACBA/FHunJy_N38I/s400/banburycanalday10.jpg" alt="Banbury canal day 2009" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389123589214783394" border="0" /></a>Not much further now and we are back to where we parked. We have had enough noise and excitement for one day and are so pleased that the bus is waiting for us! It is so great to snuggle up comfortable in the back and drink a nice cup of tea and watch the crowd from a safe distance. Suitable refreshed, we head for home, deciding not to leave it so long before we have another day out!Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-80248426074458192982010-04-21T09:57:00.000+01:002011-08-19T09:13:36.904+01:00See You In The Spring - Hibernation!Well, summer is at an end, the light is fading, the wind has got a chill to it and we thought it was time to think about what to do with the bus over Winter?
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<br />We considered three options, 1. keeping it on the road, 2. putting it in undercover motorhome storage or the 3rd and the one we finally plumped for! We decided to bring the the bus in off the road and put it away until spring.
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<br />We bought a huge tarpaulin and wrapped the bus up like a giant camper van parcel to keep the worst of the weather off.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SuwNq7700EI/AAAAAAAACHY/1Omgkp-_qno/s1600-h/buswrapped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SuwNq7700EI/AAAAAAAACHY/1Omgkp-_qno/s400/buswrapped.jpg" alt="campervan ready for winter" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398705084604665922" border="0" /></a> So with the autumn leaves transforming the ground into some exotic carpet and colours glowing as the afternoon sun sinks low in the sky, and our trusty bus stored for the winter, we will say goodbye for now.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SuwQBgSY85I/AAAAAAAACHo/5XjlbZO_Yf0/s1600-h/25th+oct+2009+006+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 252px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/SuwQBgSY85I/AAAAAAAACHo/5XjlbZO_Yf0/s400/25th+oct+2009+006+copy.jpg" alt="Autumn Leaves" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398707671343362962" border="0" /></a>We look forward to Spring and unwrapping the giant green present in the corner of the garden and starting another year of Journeys Close to Home. Please come back and travel with us!
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<br />Have an enjoyable and productive Autumn/Winter and we will see you again in the Spring!Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785509891041659198.post-37435943709764215792010-04-20T22:33:00.042+01:002011-08-20T10:06:43.302+01:00Looking Back - Cats in Camper Vans<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:100%;" >"My favorite thing is to go where I have never gone." - Diane Arbus</span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84fgVDe0UI/AAAAAAAADEM/bEYJJpjwkrQ/s1600/19thmay+049+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84fgVDe0UI/AAAAAAAADEM/bEYJJpjwkrQ/s400/19thmay+049+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462338038315012418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span> thought I would take a look back over some of our travels and include a few of the photos that didn't make it into the original posts.
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:100%;" >Looking at the photos brings back such good memories of what a wonderful time we all had. . . cats included!</span>
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<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 0);">Photo - Sammy intrigued with a new view!</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span>he cats had never travelled before and miaowed incessantly as we drove but as soon as we stopped they were fascinated at all of the new sights outside of the window. . .
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84gIoHvj6I/AAAAAAAADEs/lYpnP0idTPo/s1600/19thmay+016+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84gIoHvj6I/AAAAAAAADEs/lYpnP0idTPo/s400/19thmay+016+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462338730627927970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 0);">Photo - Mitz and Sammy surveying the latest stop.</span>
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<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span> still laugh when I think of Bina's face when she saw her first cow staring at her through the window! She looked amazed then slowly backed away and hid in the foot well until the monster had gone!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84fyTXp8VI/AAAAAAAADEc/CvwhkBKBNRY/s1600/19thmay+006+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84fyTXp8VI/AAAAAAAADEc/CvwhkBKBNRY/s400/19thmay+006+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462338347100402002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 0);">Photo - Bina watching for monsters!</span>
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84gJUiYmdI/AAAAAAAADFE/F--oJNxnJ0w/s1600/19thmay+047+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84gJUiYmdI/AAAAAAAADFE/F--oJNxnJ0w/s400/19thmay+047+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462338742550829522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 0);">Photo - Sammy and Bina enjoying the view!</span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84gIwFQVaI/AAAAAAAADE0/SjZkNJCUy2M/s1600/19thmay+023+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84gIwFQVaI/AAAAAAAADE0/SjZkNJCUy2M/s400/19thmay+023+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462338732764976546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 0);">Photo - Waiting for the kettle to boil.</span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84fqHBNQuI/AAAAAAAADEU/oJFsmM-U4MQ/s1600/19thmay+004+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yH0Gqaz5TJw/S84fqHBNQuI/AAAAAAAADEU/oJFsmM-U4MQ/s400/19thmay+004+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462338206346068706" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Did you read these posts?
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<br />All of the posts below had the cats (and their miaowing!) as accompaniment on the journey.</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:100%;" >Coffee Cats and another Canal
<br />- </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);" href="http://journeysclosetohome.blogspot.com/2009/07/coffee-cats-and-another-canal.html">LINK</a>
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:100%;" >An Evening Drive - With Cats
<br />- </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);" href="http://journeysclosetohome.blogspot.com/2009/06/evening-drive.html">LINK</a>
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);font-size:100%;" >Cats and Coffee Close to Home
<br />- </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);" href="http://journeysclosetohome.blogspot.com/2009/05/cats-and-coffee-close-to-home.html">LINK</a></span>
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<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 0);">Photo - Bina and Mitz at the window taking in the scenery.</span>
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<br /></a></div>Susannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581993763700327953noreply@blogger.com1