Warmly greeted by Henry and Elspeth – what a generous offer to have them meet me at Heathrow, especially given the bags-sans-wheels I would have had to lug to the train. In spite of knowing I’d be away for 3 months, I only had a 22kg well travelled out-of-Africa canvas and Mike’s leather tog back. Oh, and of course the 12kg Storm Case camera bag – quite heavy and cumbersome to lug from plane to trolley.
On the way to Henley-on-Thames via quaint Windsor and the ever leafy, green English country side. Breakfast, catch up and re-acquaintance with cousin Jen. So great to see you guys again
Then darting through the windy, little lanes looking for Minster Lovell en route to Little Rissington in the Cotswold. Passed clumps of so-pink Rosemary Willow Herb and heavy purple-black skies. Realised that Henry and Elspeth are gypsy travellers at heart. Through Bourton-on-water into Little Rissington to spend 4 days with Charl before heading north west to Martin and Christine in Castlemoreton.
Thu 5 August – last minute shopping in Cheltenham
Piled into Charl’s little car with Ali and the girls, all holding our shopping lists. I thought getting a lightweight weather proof sleeping bag in the UK would be as easy as buying a chocolate bar! No such thing!
But we got a “bubble blower” for the girls which filled Charl’s little garden with the most beautiful fly away bubbles – oh how to bring out the inner child.
More news to follow soon.......
