Three Weeks in England

Latona and I have been to England several times together.  We are fortunate to have very good friends living here, and who have always been gracious with invitations to visit them.  After selling the house, we decided it was our best time to make (perhaps) our last international adventure.  

Landing in London (Heathrow), we booked a room in Earl's Court and spent two days walking around the city, taking in all the sights that are typically "British" - 

like the double-decker buses...

Big Ben and the London Eye (ferris wheel)

and another  special aspect of British culture - the presence of the Public House or Free House collectively referred to as the "pub".  Each is unique in name, decoration, and the ales known as bitters.

After two days in the city, it was time to head north to Yorkshire to visit friends Edward and Sheila.  We met Edward hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1991 - trail name Duke of Gorp.  He has visited us in Maine, and we have had several wonderful weeks with him in England.

Edward's Flat in Ripon

Path along one of the rivers in Ripon

One of the signs indicating a Public Footpath.  Perhaps one of the most amazing things we discovered about England is the miles and miles of public footpaths dedicated to walkers.  No bicycles or horses are allowed to use these paths.
I would love to visit this country, walking for 4-6 months. One would never need to retrace any steps.

On our way to Masham, to visit the Black Sheep Brewery - to see how those bitters are made - and we caught this rainbow out ahead.

Edward, Tone and I with our free sample after the tour.

The many paths around Ripon are known collectively as the Sanctuary Way.
We walked each of the legs during our week in Ripon. 

While staying with Edward and Sheila in Halifax, we went to visit
a mansion known as Shibden Hall. 

Ripon Cathedral only 100 yards from Edward's flat.

Signs of the Diamond Jubilee

After visiting Edward and Sheila we headed for the eastern part of the country and the town of Ipswich to visit Dick and Val.  they are dear friends we met when we were hiking in New Zealand in 1996.

One of our days was spent hiking and visiting the town of Flatford, the home of the artist John Constable.

Along the footpath...

 

One of the spots where Constable painted.

Lovely thatch

Information in the small museum for John Constable

A photo of one of his paintings

Dick and Val and Tone preparing for a scone with cream and strawberry jam.
Cafes or pubs always offer a reward for walking a few miles.


This is just the beginning of our sharing of some of the photos from our trip, and the many things we learned and saw and enjoyed.  For us the best of any experience is reconnecting with special friends and renewing the joy of our friendships.  This trip was no exception.  For Edward and Sheila, and Dick and Val - CHEERS!