1 March and the sun arrives

Lost – I think that one upload went into the ether during one of our Travelodge stays or I might have wiped it so I’ll have to try to recall: On our way to Oxford we stopped in the historic village (what? Another one?) of Lacock where the George Hotel claims to have the longest continuously operating license in England – had a morning coffee there. Back in the olden days they used to have a spit roast which was turned by a little dog running in a treadmill (think guinea pig). Also visited there was St.Cyriac church which was built around 1260. This blog is starting to look like a report on churches and cathedrals which was not what we’d set out to do so we’d better get walking again soon, weather permitting of course.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/irenewheatley/LacockVillage?feat=directlink

Oxford photos
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/irenewheatley/DayInOxford?feat=directlink

Stratford to Bradford
We stopped for a whistlestop tour of Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill) which just happened to be on the way. The weather was foul so we didn’t get to explore the outside of the buildings or the gardens.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/irenewheatley/BlemheimPalace?feat=directlink

Easily found our B&B in Stratford and set off to explore the town. Visited the Butterfly Farm where the warm and humid interior took the edge off the day outside. We saw many interesting and colourful butterflies, curiously none from Australia and other insects, spiders and reptiles. Here Oz was represented by a large Bluetongue. Sunday is roast day at every pub in England so that was what we did, stopped at a friendly looking pub in town and ate a huge roast (yes there was a veggie option with “breaded mushrooms” yummy). The plates were huge and we both did our best and eventually staggered home. Cost, £6.95 with a glass of wine. Breakfast next morn was accompanied by the friendly and vociferous French landlord and over the course of demolishing the omelette he cooked for us, we (he) solved the problems of the world.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/irenewheatley/StratfordOnAvon?feat=directlink

The M1
The M1 - is frightening insofar as the traffic is constantly heavy in flow with the proportion of heavy vehicles about 50/50 with cars and vans. The trucks tussle in the near two lanes while the outside lane (when available) is terrorised by very fast cars. There are so many vans driving the highways and it feels as though every time one looks into the rear view mirror there is one bearing down on you!

Observation: If driving in England, you will be tailgated and you will be cut off by a passing vehicle – must be in the rule book!

Funny road signs – arrows painted in the opposite lane indicate “get over” or “no overtaking”.