Greet Flowers

A relaxing afternoon was spent in Greet where Mum and I went to a floral art demonstration. This was led by Arnauld Metairie (well-known floral arranger who lives in nearby Winchcombe). A very informal afternoon held in a local house in Greet with only 30 people present, we had a great view. The displays were beautiful and we came home all inspired (children have begged me not to try!) The highlight of the afternoon was winning not just one of the floral displays but two in a raffle (see photographs) not sure how the locals felt about that. The biggest test was how to transport them home in a small sports car. Grandma had to become part of the foliage!

Wesley House

Starting with the anchovies/capers and black olives terrine, the meal just got better and better. yum.

Lots of Paddling

Luke chose the river for his birthday bash because the surf wasn't. So after a quick pop up to the rapids it was straight on to the beers when his lovely auntie and uncle arrived. He selected the trip South to Hoarwithy for Saturday, stopping at every conceivable 'point of interest' and snapping ourselves at all of the signs banning landings. Video part 1. 

On Sunday we braved the Lugg, starting by losing shoes in the mud and generally falling in a lot. Jerry stopped at a tree but his board carried on without him, Simo and Luke launched themselves into the under-bridge rapids to good effect. We had to do our first ever 'portage' past a tree obstacle made impassable by the high levels. Hannah spent the day sandwiched between the two Canadian Canoe maestros; hitting every available hazard and securing a fine collection of flora and twigs in their craft. Many new friends were made on route - as ever a wonderful trip! Video part 2.

On Monday we enjoyed breakfast for two at the cafe on the third day in a row to hit 27 degrees.

Olympic Torch

THE actual real Olympic torch came through the county generating great excitement. Everyone had a look (well we might be dead next time it comes past). 

Winchcombe

Another lung-busting trek over Cleeve Hill, down to Winchcombe and off-road to Andoversford left Jerry with sore legs. Tim raced up every hill like a youngster. 

Boars & Llamas

In the Forest we saw a family of wild boar ahead of a cycle round the woods. Near Mallards Pike we came across folk 'walking with llamas' - not quite what we were expecting. Claire almost enjoyed the trip. 

Solent

After pre-sail drinks and an acclimatisation night on-board, Steve began cutting wires and sawing bulkheads. Later he declared the new radio ready and we set off into one of the busiest waterways in the world. The collision warning feature on the new equipment went into overdrive!

We overtook  'Tenatious' a beautiful tall ship, with crew up in the rigging taking down sails ahead of dark ominous clouds. These whipped up the winds and flecked the sapphire water with white tops in an impressive rainstorm. We nearly made Yarmouth harbour on the Isle of Wight ahead of it.

After a pint ashore we rested before a busy day not fishing. Picking up a buoy at Newton Creek we whiled away an afternoon and the motored back to Lymington. Next day after repairs and tuning on Steve's new Wayfarer it was time to say goodbye. Thanks for a fab few days mate!

Prescott & Sir Stirling

A charity 'Classics at Prescott' day proved irresistible, especially with the  sun shining and the alternative being gardening! Luke picked out a few options for his upcoming birthday present as we mingled knowledgeably with the owners in the paddock.

We really came to see Sir Stirling Moss who (at 80 something) roared up the hill all day - a motoring legend raising thousands for chemotherapy just by hanging out with the people. 

Bibury

We strolled the footpaths and bridleways to Coln St Aldwyn and back to Bibury, with a pause for sustenance at The New Inn on a beautiful Cotswolds day. The various millstreams and swollen River Coln gave us ideas for another time!

Bluebell Valley

With a weekend lull between the rain fronts, we walked the valleys south of Soudley for our annual pilgrimage to one of nature's finest shows. 

Legs and Arms

Tim and I got out the WD40 and got ourselves and our bikes to the top of Cleeve Hill where we slipped on the climbing shoes for some bouldering. In the clear cold air, we could see the Severn crossings and Sugarloaf mountain clearly. Cobwebs blown away - but more practice required. 

Bicester and Burford

After an exciting trip to the fashionable designer outlets in the glorious 'village' at Bicester, we retreated to a quaint coffee house in beautiful Burford for lunch.