Beautifully done and thanks for the spotlight on our glorious hedgerows, quite proud of them we are. Lovely photographs and looks like you caught a good day for it, unusual for England if I do say so myself.
I feel very lucky - I've spent five months in the UK over the past two years, and I can count the number of times I used my umbrella on one hand. I decided that I'd been lied to my whole life about the English weather!
I have driven once in SW England and don't want to subject the good people of the UK to my driving ever again. The narrow roads, hedgerows that nearly took off my side mirror, and large trucks coming from the opposite direction sent my blood pressure skyrocketing. : )
Wonderful post and pictures. I loved my visit to the Abbey in 2022 (by tour bus!) Such a beautiful and atmospheric place.
I grew up in those parts and learnt to drive there - the narrow roads can take a bit of getting used to! It's a good thing most of the hedges are soft...
I've so much enjoyed discovering your newsletter and reading about your travels, Jodi! (And I'm looking forward to digging back into your archives.) I'll admit, one of the reasons travel to certain places seems scary to me is the driving part. It's inspiring to hear how brave you are, and that it all went so well. :)
I've always found the myth of England so fascinating and I've wondered what it would be like to grow up with that kind of myth surrounding you. I have a suspicion, that for certain kinds of people (aka, me) it would be fantastic and magical. :)
Thank you so much Petra! To be honest, it went well after about a week - the first few days were terrifying! There may have been some tears involved. But yes, all's well that ends well. I still do prefer trains, though.
I know - I wonder too! I was wondering to myself as I was writing if growing up with myths all around you would encourage creativity. I think it must, don't you?
“WHY IN GOD’S NAME WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT??”. Ask me if I want to avoid roads that are less than six feet across. That’s an option I’d like to have. 🤣🤣🤣
I lived in England for 4+ years and never drove once 😅 That meant I didn’t make it some places like Cornwall, and only made it other places because my parents visited and gamely drove the rental car. I’m sure they would also appreciate a GPS option for avoiding 6-ft wide roads.
I can't say I blame you! But the sense of accomplishment I felt when I returned the car intact, and the look of surprise on the rental man's face is something I'll never forget. 😂
Beautifully done and thanks for the spotlight on our glorious hedgerows, quite proud of them we are. Lovely photographs and looks like you caught a good day for it, unusual for England if I do say so myself.
I feel very lucky - I've spent five months in the UK over the past two years, and I can count the number of times I used my umbrella on one hand. I decided that I'd been lied to my whole life about the English weather!
Beautiful! I really loved the photos, too. You capture the beauty and strangeness of the place well!
Thank you also for the shout-out for hedgerows in England. Truly a glory of our countryside.
Thank you, Jeffrey - I will stand up for hedgerows any day of the week! 🌿
I have driven once in SW England and don't want to subject the good people of the UK to my driving ever again. The narrow roads, hedgerows that nearly took off my side mirror, and large trucks coming from the opposite direction sent my blood pressure skyrocketing. : )
Wonderful post and pictures. I loved my visit to the Abbey in 2022 (by tour bus!) Such a beautiful and atmospheric place.
I grew up in those parts and learnt to drive there - the narrow roads can take a bit of getting used to! It's a good thing most of the hedges are soft...
Great Read. Loved reading about these legends! I am also obsessed with the "Lambs on the Loose" sign!
My sister thought I should have named my blog "Lamb on the Loose"!
I've so much enjoyed discovering your newsletter and reading about your travels, Jodi! (And I'm looking forward to digging back into your archives.) I'll admit, one of the reasons travel to certain places seems scary to me is the driving part. It's inspiring to hear how brave you are, and that it all went so well. :)
I've always found the myth of England so fascinating and I've wondered what it would be like to grow up with that kind of myth surrounding you. I have a suspicion, that for certain kinds of people (aka, me) it would be fantastic and magical. :)
Thank you so much Petra! To be honest, it went well after about a week - the first few days were terrifying! There may have been some tears involved. But yes, all's well that ends well. I still do prefer trains, though.
I know - I wonder too! I was wondering to myself as I was writing if growing up with myths all around you would encourage creativity. I think it must, don't you?
Ooo, trains sound lovely. :)
And yes, I like to think steeping in myth inspires creativity. Probably in many unexpected ways.
Beautifully written. Thank you for the trip.
So much info, made so engaging! Thank you!
Thank you!!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b03nt9w6?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile
You might enjoy this - I grew up near Glastonbury and it made me laugh. As did your take!
Thank you! I've never heard of Mark Steel - I will definitely check it out!
Thanks for the (multiple) laughs this morning!
“WHY IN GOD’S NAME WOULD I WANT TO DO THAT??”. Ask me if I want to avoid roads that are less than six feet across. That’s an option I’d like to have. 🤣🤣🤣
I lived in England for 4+ years and never drove once 😅 That meant I didn’t make it some places like Cornwall, and only made it other places because my parents visited and gamely drove the rental car. I’m sure they would also appreciate a GPS option for avoiding 6-ft wide roads.
I can't say I blame you! But the sense of accomplishment I felt when I returned the car intact, and the look of surprise on the rental man's face is something I'll never forget. 😂
Kudos indeed!