Boys were wearing their NZ gear and there were quite a few comments about rugby and support for NZ. People interested and chatty – good to see support levels given the home team here not in the running.
Bibury and Trout Fishing
Anothe
The River Coln flows through the village between the main village street and an expanse of boggy watermeadow known as Rack Isle.
You can walk right around Rack Isle and there are some very picturesque scenes. The cottages in Arlington Row are talked about as the most photographed and beautiful cottages in the country. The doorways are very low, barely above my head, and with their steep slate rooves, dormers and overall smallness, they are certainly very cute. The cottages were built in 1380 as a monastic wool store and then converted into a row of weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. The cloth produced was sent to Arlington Mill and after being degreased there, the cloth was hung on wooden timber frames on Rack Isle.
A Wet Day
Got out for a walk late avo and coffee and cake. Boys scootered along.
The Cotswold Water Park area where we are is the UK’s largest marl (lime-rich) lake system. The lakes were created over the last 50 years by extraction of limestone gravel,which eroded from the Cotswold Hills, and these filled naturally after quarry working ceased in the 1970’s. The Cotswold Water Park area sits low in an historic river valley. Much of the farmland in this area is made up of flood meadows which take up water from the River Thames. There are some pretty flower meadows but mostly dying off for winter. Many of the lakes are connected underground (culverts) and through ground water feeds so a myriad of ditches and streams.
A Family Walk
We walked along the towpath alongside the old Thames-Severn Canal to start with – reported to be under renovation but hard to see where!
Path itself was very pretty overhead and alongside, with dappled sunlight but very muddy underfoot in lots of places.
Did a loop crossing over the Churn River and covered 5.5 km following a bridlepath – a bit more walk and mud than planned but we made it back for a hearty lunch.
English “footpath” = bush track! The boys had their scooters which were able to be used about 50% of the time. We did discover some lovely arched bridges, a little yellow digger at work much to Benji’s delight and also a playground along the way.
Full Steam Ahead
GWR runs over 12 miles from the Cheltenham Race Course to Laverton (and back). We puffed north on the steam engine and returned on the diesel railcar, after lunch at Toddington in the Flag and Whistle Tearoom.
Some lovely scenery on the way, the Greet Tunnel- 693 yards and the Stanway Viaduct – 210′ long, 42′ high and a 15 span arch (not seen from the train).
On a Safari.
A chilly start to the day so wrapped up warm and so were some of the animals. Some huddled and/or hiding but generally great views close up.
Very well presented collection of more than 200 species in park setting with beautiful gardens – nicely kept and set up cages/pens/enclosures etc.
Lots of people but sheer size of the place – 160 acres, compensated (except for the lunch queue).
Bourton-on-the-Water
eather. Also known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, the Windrush River flows under some delightful stone bridges. The water is very clear, ducks swim peacefully and the beech, cherry and xxx trees are a riot of colour.
Spring Lake, Cotswolds Water Park
Micah and Benji enjoyed feeding the Canada Geese who roam freely about.
Arrived in time to settle in at the Brassiere and watch the rugby. Mmmm, a bit tense and too close for comfort but we made it!
Some beautiful views out to the lake and sunset very picturesque.
A Visit to the British Museum
We took the train into the city and after a good walk and lunch at the Southbank Market headed to The British Museum. This museum was the first national public museum in the world (1753). It tells the story of cultural achievement throughout the world and is a unique resource for exploring identities and their connections.
It is a vast display and has always been free. Pretty amazing place.
Some of the most notable exhibits are the Parthenon Sculptures (The Elgin Marbles) and they are also the most controversial. New learning for me today!
Wandered past the Rugby Cup fan zone in Trafalgar Square also.
Good Times
A coup
See photos 8-12.