Wind in the Willows

Our first day in the U.K. began rather late after a much needed sleep-in: an inexplicable ache in my quads got in the way of falling asleep, but I made up for it eventually. CHT and family were very understanding and graciously let me sleep without disturbance. Our flight with Ryanair the night before was delayed and when we boarded in Eindhoven (where Dale got intimately frisked to the point where he said he thought the guy was going to tuck his shirt into his underpants for him), it seemed as if we'd be walking all the way across the channel to get to the airplane it was so far away from our gate! 

We drove to Grantchester after brunch and walked along the river among the windy willows that blew fluff all over the place. The scenery, even on the way there, was beautiful, just from the car.

It was lovely to see so many people out walking and enjoying the outdoors (yes, it was a bank holiday weekend), but parking along the narrow streets was wild. 

This town is famous for its literary connections, such as Byron and Rupert Brooke. The Vicarage is now the home of Jeffrey Archer, and the area has featured in some Pink Floyd songs. It's so very picturesque and pastoral.

 

People were punting, picnicking, kayaking, swimming and ... playing cricket, as the English do.

Oh, and there were also some birdwatchers about

We were fortunate to have great (non rainy) weather all afternoon. Our evening was superb, with a braai (sausages and steaks), Fynbos gin and tonics, strawberries and cream and red wine in great company.