Kens thoughts: After a fairly raucous evening in Wallingford (not by our tired triumpherate, I’m afraid) but by every citizen in town, plus every vehicle passing by, it seemed to settle down quickly at 2300 hrs. Very civilized indeed. So the sleep was better than we thought it would be and we really felt we were ready for the 18 kms to Pangbourne. However, the distance seemed to take forever. We all felt it. By the time we hit the riverside pub (The Beetle and Wedge) and were told they were a cook down and had a huge party coming in so we couldn’t actually order any food, it took a bit of heart out of us. After trudging to the next lock and sitting at a banned picnic table (because it was under hazard branches don’t ya know). Actually, we didn’t care about that as we have been walking under ancient trees for 7 days so by that logic the whole trail should be banned. ) we were hoping the next pub would give us the lift and fuel we needed but it turned out to be really hard to find (Ken was a bit brain dead by this time, admittedly. ) so we strategized. The options were another 6 kms through hilly ground, or a 4 minute train ride. Guess what we did?
Forgot to mention that yesterday we had to cross an extremely busy highway. There is no polite stopping for pedestrians here. So we waited for a couple to join us and Ken led the charge en masses into the road, forcing the cars to stop. We actually met the couple again today (while Ken went in circles looking for the pub).
Excuse me, sir. Do you have any Gray Poupin? Our hotel window was the same level as the top deck of the double decker bus. The complete and unabridged Oxford definition of Ken. Full stop. Can’t start walking without a coffee.The dog culture here is strong. I’ve only seen three cats in two weeks.A hat shop!!! Do you think orange and green are this season’s colours?These sunflowers were huge.Where’s your mama?Oxford rowing club…Moo.Stairs? It’s supposed to be flat. Stairs are not permitted.Strange rock. Looks like the concretions in southern Alberta. A cat completely ignoring the nice lady who wants to pet it.These rose hips are huge.What is Ken eating?A Scotch egg. Blech!He doesn’t seem to mind his doggo life jacket. 5 boats in the lock. Because of the drought the locks have restricted hours and some are restricted to the number of times they are allowed to fill and release.We walked under a railway bridge.I love the little stinking pile of poop on this sign! The author of Alice was also a preacher?So excited to find a pilgrim stamp in this church!Um? Peter said they were good.Lamborghini makes an SUV??? And in lime green? I wants!!!I’ve never seen a storefront with “and daughter”, especially in this country. Its always Joe and Sons. Good to see.What? This would be over $10,000 Cdn!!! What is the definition of “luxury”?Ken sure does love his 2CVs!Why don’t we have these flavours?!? Kenneth Graham, who wrote The Wind in the Willows, lived here in Pangbourne.Everyone was pretty tired and hot. So…walk 6 more kms…or take a 4 minute train ride?
