Framed gossip columns from News of the World in the bed and breakfast’s WC. What could they mean? Is the proprietor one of the women mentioned? The mystery remains unsolved.
If I were a superhero, the full English breakfast would be my kryptonite.
A sunny day turns rainy mid-morning and then the sun returns. Views, vistas, at the top of every hill. Huffing and puffing on the ascent, knees and calves aching under the strain on the descent. After each village, another series of hills and then the next village.
We eat breakfast with a Dutch couple. They turn out to be surprisingly fast walkers and we catch glimpses of them far ahead of us occasionally before they leave us behind completely.
Expensive hobbies in the Cotswolds: horses and vintage cars, especially MGAs. The cars too fast for photographs, their drivers wearing flat caps and scarves, clichés brought to life. The horses more cooperative. We give one an apple Christine took from the breakfast buffet our first day in Oxford. He immediately ignores us and concentrates on eating. Another comes to the fence to be scratched and petted. She is given handfuls of grass and tries to eat my camera case and the strap on Christine’s backpack.
Walking through pastures, through wheat fields, corn fields. This would not be allowed at home but here the right of way takes precedence over seeding another row.
Lunch.
Food was also served.
Warnings on gates: bull in field. No bull to be found, just cows and calves, although the first time we see a sign we walk as fast as possible, without running, towards the opposite gate. Farmers must leave the signs out to keep walkers from getting too comfortable.
Walking through forests, through beech hangars. Dappled shade a relief from the hot sun. Blackberries, raspberries, wildflowers. Poppies along fences.
Fields of wheat to the horizon, a reminder of home.
Arrive at the hotel sunburned and footsore. Pints of beer, big dinners. A cover band playing, keeping weary ramblers awake. Back to the bar for another drink?
The shadow shot is priceless! Hope the road warriors in you are holding up. Keep thinking of the next pint or in your case Ken…next full English breakfast!