I forgot to mention the case of the missing dog yesterday. We had met a lady walking two spaniels (we were taking a snack break at the time, with Ken scarfing down all of Peter’s M&Ms unbeknownst to Peter!). We met her again but this time with only one spaniel. She had lost one. I thought the lost dog might just go home but apparently not only were the dogs not local but they weren’t even hers! She kept looking and we kept walking. We came upon the dog a short while later but it would not come to us. I dropped my pack and went running back, only to see the girl in the distance walking back to Ken’s snack tree. I did manage to eventually get her attention. Peter had tried to follow the pup and at least we had her looking in the right area. Sure hope they were all reunited! And that was a run I could happily have done without. Sigh.
So…the best laid plans. Ken started his day with a full breakfast while Peter and I settled for the continental. After a bit of wandering looking for the path, we headed out of Cricklade along the Thames. Still more of a creek at this stage, although with some actual flow. The river was filled with England’s version of cattails and we are hearing more birdsong. The trail today was mostly through fields adorned with cow patties and daisies. Because the soil was so dry, the footing was uneven so you had to be careful. But it was flat and it was cloudy, so great walking.
After 8 km we came into Castle Eaton with their scarecrow festival and ended at the Red Lion pub. After lots of guzzling drinks and eating tarts and doughnuts, we started walking , with 10 Km to go. But Ken started to feel unwell so we walked back to the pub and called a taxi. After some conflicted discussion, Peter and I decided to forego the 10 remaining kms and take the cab with Ken. The rest of the route today was going to be road walking plus I was concerned about Ken. He of course is feeling guilty about having to quit early for a second day in a row. But it’s early days yet and you have to look after yourself.
And bonus! The Christmas store was still open when we arrived (it would have been closed if we continued walking. 🎄)
The White Hart in Cricklade, not to be confused with the White Hart in Ashton Keynes. Only 8 km away.Look at the diameter of this huge horse chestnut tree. Seeing a few fields of corn today. The path is lit up by chamomile flowers. Lovely. Himalayan Balsam. An invasive species. Although invasive, these flowers were providing the first patch of flowers for the bees that we’ve seen. It was just buzzing. I can’t imagine that the bees have survived this heat wave… Everything is so dry and the house gardens and plant pots have been left unwatered due to drought. Flowers are rare now in this country that prides itself on its floral displays.Club rush… As opposed to our home grown cat-tails/bulrushes (but they have them too). Um? What is this gate supposed to be holding in…or out?Our first swan! Oh oh. I think we need to walk through those cows. Moo. Slurp.This next town is hosting a scarecrow week, with several house participating by setting up displays in their yards. I believe there is a melted Olaf in that cooler. I completely understand why he melted.I just liked these candle holders built up with old colourful layers of wax. Giant jelly and chocolate doughnuts for lunch. Very nutritious, non? Lion sculpted out of old horseshoes. Hopefully the video below works. The parrot would repeat whatever you said. A very old town water fountain. As opposed to the more popular Rude Notice.The Red Lion pub in Castle Eaton. Not to be confused with The Red Lion pub back in Cricklade, just 8 km away. Sheesh! Do these people only have a list of five pub names to choose from (remembering the two White Hart we were in yesterday)? I can never resist a Christmas store. Heavy sigh. The pack just got a wee bit heavier! As we arrive in Lechlade, the River Thames has finally become an actual river, full of boats and people. Toll house on the single lane stone bridge. Built around 1792.Ken is so mean. He refused to take me out in the swan pedal boats. I even said it did not have to be the pink one. I believe our rooms are actually the old horse stables from decades and decades ago. The rooms are on either side of this long walkway. We love watching Clarkson’s Farm but Ken says his beer is actually pretty bland.I would love to explore these old buildings.Dana, look at these little felted sheep. Luckily for my back, this store was closed and no more weight was added to the pack. Other than from the Christmas store, of course.Jacket potato and mushy peas. Why do they offer tuna/sweet corn baked potatoes? Have they never heard of sour cream and chives?!? And why do they mush their peas? Enquiring minds want to know.Fish and chips…minus the chips.If this building looks a little bowed rather than flat, it’s because it is.The New Inn Hotel. Not sure where the old one is.I guess I won’t be taking a bath. He was 2 inches across! But no worries. No spiders or Terrys were harmed in this photo. Spidey was transported to the garden outside our window. And he never even said thank you. How rude.
Tomorrow Ken is taking a day off and Peter and I are going to attempt 26 km…without our packs. They will go with Ken.
