Having taken my friend Hay to see Gareth in concert back in March 04, she left her camera round mine. Weymouth, where she lives, isn't exactly a short trip. Royal Mail being what it is, and Hay needing her camera in order to see Westlife in May, I knew drastic action was needed, and so I decided to spend the second week of my Easter Holiday travelling around the South of England to make the trip to Weymouth seem shorter. And to return the camera, of course!
Location: Home (near Mildenhall)
Date: Wednesday 14th April 2004
Destination: Earthsea and beyond!
I had arranged to visit my beloved ex-place of work in Earthsea House. I was quite nervous about seeing the children again incase they didn't want to see me. One of the girls said I looked really pretty when she saw me, and they were all interested in what I am doing now - even the children asked!!! Having just employed a temporary secretary / administrator (as I had been), they all asked if I could go back!!! Anyway, despite thinking I'd probably only be there half hour to an hour, I stayed a massive 3 hours with the children, culminating in a game of wink murder!!! I look forward to seeing them all again sometime :))
When I left Earthsea, I decided to head for and stay in Milton Keynes. (Clearly all the advertising for "The Centre:MK" had paid off!) I settled for a look around the centre:MK and a meal from Quizons Sub there which I can highly recommend! I was rather disappointed in the lack of concrete cows which I'd been brought up believing there to be in MK :( Nevermind!
I finally found somewhere to pitch my tent just outside Oxford.
Location: Oxford
Date: Thursday 15th April
Destination: Southhampton
I went to see the city of the boat race loosers (ie Oxford) and decided Cambridge really IS the better city! I just walked around the small centre, visiting the university church and tower of St Mary the Virgin and walking round a few of the colleges. The view from the tower is a must if you ever decide to visit.
On the way to Southhampton, I decided to re-route and head for Salisbury / Stonehenge instead! (I missed out on the first tour of England due to rush hour traffic rushing me along the roads!) It was strange going to Salisbury Cathedral, as I discovered Bury St Edmunds choir (from near home) were appearing that night!!
When I reached Stonehenge, it was just after 6pm, and the gates to the car park had just closed. A few of us parked on the side of the road and took pictures of the great monument anyway. You get a good enough view from the road and save money that way!! :)
I pitched my tent just outside Bath, in Brokerswood Country Park, and fell asleep to the sound of peacocks.
Location: Brokerswood Country Park
Date: Friday 16th April
Destination: Exeter
I woke up to the sound of rain and a woodpecker!! How very tranquil :o/
My first stop was Farleigh Hungerford Castle nearby which I can highly recommend. I then went into Bath where I visited the Baths and the Jane Austin centre. I didn't really want to do anything else there. I then drove through Cheddar Gorge and made my way to Exeter.
Upon realising just how far Exeter was, I settled for Taunton instead! Despite it being friendly enough with a very good tourist guide in the centre, as it was miserable weather, I called Hay in Weymouth and asked if there was any chance I could go there a night early. So I did. The view as you go to Weymouth / Portland Bill is simply spectacular at night!
Location: Weymouth
Date: Saturday 17th April
Destination: Portland Bill for Cream High Tea!!
When Hay eventually arose, she informed me I was a "Grocco" and showed me the sights of Weymouth and Brewers Quay before we went to Portland Bill for our Cream High Tea. If you should choose to follow suit with the cream tea, can I recommend that you only order ONE scone?? They're MASSIVE!!
Location: Weymouth
Date: Sunday 18th April
Destination: Home
I returned home after an excellent church service and coverage of the London marathon. Being the end of the Easter Holidays, I foolishly drove London way, despite my previous reservations, and sat on the M3 for an hour moving approximately 5 miles before finally going over 20 mph!!! I'm sure it could be worse :)
Well there you have it. I had a marvellous time exploring the South / South-West before returning Hays' camera. I saw a lot more than I expected to! I had two glorious days travelling before the rain hit as I camped out the second night, but things got better once I visited Hay to return her camera!!! Unlike last time, I'm afraid I don't have a mileage on this.
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