Return of of the weekend adventures

For the past couple of weekends the weather has been near perfect in England - sunny skies and temps in the low 70's. Anya and I have taken advantage the last couple of weekends with day trips to St. Albans and the Cotswolds.

Ye Olde Mill

easy street

St. Albans is cool, but the best adjective I can think of for the Cotswolds is idyllic. 

This is English countryside at its best with rolling farmland, babbling brooks and ancient picturesque villages. Just an hour and half by train from London, it's a world away.  

The bus we planned to use to connect to the starting point of our walk pulled up about 30 minutes early. The driver, after asking us where we were headed, let us know that she'd be along in a half hour or so. "But," she advised "you should go get yourselves a bit of tea in the center and I'll pick you up there instead."  We adjusted our pace immediately and wandered off to find a spot of tea, just as the lovely lady recommended. 

Anya in front of St. Albans cathedral

Just like with the national parks in the US, if you are willing to stand up and waddle for 20 minutes, you are rewarded with a place almost all to yourself. 

Anya (sporting a nicely growing bump) and I walked an 8 mile loop through the countryside and 4 or 5 small villages. Some places were hopping with tourists, such as Bourton-on-Water. 

Others, such as little Naunton (around 2000 years old and a population of 371), were pretty much abandoned. Just as we liked it.  

not a bad set up

Lower Slaughter: cute town with not-so-cute name

Yes, please.