These Boots are Made for Walking!

In preparation for this trip we made our way to the nearby REI- hikers meccaand purchased our grip-sure waterproof hiking boots along with our waterproof jackets and pants. Afterall, we are here when we are here and we will hike rain or shine…. Well we have not had to worry about waterproof. There have been very little rain here all summer. We’ve heard the hottest and driest summer since 1976. While it is beautiful,the vegetation is bountiful, they say the harvest is two to three weeks early.

We took our first real hike up the Heart of England and connected to Monarch’s way. The start of the trail in Blockley took us up a steep hill (which was a mountain when we came down…shout out ot Hugh Grant fans!).

Once again the sun was hot and there was a slight breeze, as we neared the mid point up, the temperature seemed to climb as our hearts raced… the cows on the hill all started making their way to the shade of the trees along the top. Perhaps they were smarter!  In this area, the public paths cross through the fields. Sheep, cows, wheat, woods. We hiked up a hill, down a hill, over a sheep gate… (not particularly graceful), and onwards. We met a few hikers along the way, but mostly we could take in the views of Blockley, Batsford, and Moreton-in-Marsh. We stopped at the Arboretum for a spot of tea and a scone(all that hiking works up an appetite) and then on to Moreton-in – Marsh.

David needed a hat in the sun, so we made our way to a little shop… small world. One of our family summer vacation spots was Sebago in Maine. This quaint little shop in the middle of the Cotswolds was selling Sebago caps, and coats. The young woman clerk proudly told us it is from America, up in Maine! We told her we used to summer there and had a great conversation. So an ocean away, David leaves with a hat to remember the old and the new!

If you make your way to Moreton-in-Marsh… definitely visit the Cotswolds Cheese Shop. It is a gem. The fragrance of olives, salty and spicy greets you as you enter, next are the many infused vinegars, jams, and finally the cheese… so many choices, so little time. (not a time for a dairy allergy). We purchased a nice selection of cheese and some mushroom pate in a classic jar. Before we headed out. Across the street is a beautiful stately hotel, the Manor house. It is from 1668.

It was so inviting, and a board outside noted a garden for a lovely drink… some of our favorite things! So we walked through to a very welcoming area with a sign for the beagle bar ( Jack -aw big boy) then on to the garden with flowers and vines, patios and nooks and a lovely view of a steeple… the Cotswold beer is a great microbrew.. The peaceful garden has a large grassy area where the children and dogs ran… must see!

So part of our thinking with travel is meeting people. While we have chatted with a few locals, we decided to take the bus back to Blockley. A couple waiting at the bus stop confirmed that we were in the right spot. Funny- they had just been to Henry’s (the shop) and he had just purchased a Sebago hat.  That led to a chat. They are doing what we hope to, spending a month and really living somewhere. They are in Blockley for a month, then up to Scotland for a month. They had recently been in Lucca, Italy! The bus ride flew by and we parted with plans to meet again on Thursday when the production of Blithe Spirit at St. George’s Hall in Blockley. Home to the Primrose cottage for dinner on our lovely patio by the brook….tranquility is really lovely!