Last week we had planned an escape into the country but on Friday when we woke it seemed debatable whether or not we would actually leave home. Overnight snow made us ponder the wisdom of setting out and to review our options. Our plan was to travel to Abbots Morton a small village near Stratford in Worcestershire. It was only just over a couple of hours journey so we didn't need to set off until after lunch giving Martyn time to check our route on the Internet (wonderful things motorway cameras!) After being fairly certain that we would arrive safely, soon after lunch we set off. In the event when we arrived at our destination there was no snow at all - that waited until we arrived as Saturday morning we woke up to this view from our bathroom window.
Fortunately the country roads were clear and so we could stock up at a nearby farm shop.
Monday we ventured out to visit Hidcote - a garden we had visited one summer. We wanted to see how it compared in winter mode - especially this winter (Oops it's spring isn't it?) In the event they were closed presumably due to the weather
So it was back to our rented cottage and a walk in the biting cold around the village where we spotted these brave little plants flowering in the grass verges.
Tuesday we headed for for Stratford to Anne Hathaway's Cottage where I managed a quick photo from over the hedge - we couldn't go into the garden as dog's weren't allowed.
Back to the village for another walk but this time it was so cold that the dog was reluctant to come with us. We left her in the warm whilst we ventured out - in fairness we had several layers of clothing to try to keep us a bit warmer.
The cottage where we stayed was once a post office but all that remains to hint at its past life is a post box set into the wall. See Martyn's blog here for a different photo.
The cottage is a grade II listed building and hit the headlines in 1981 when the post office cat saw off a couple of would-be robbers! Good job our dog didn't know that or she could have had nightmares!
More tomorrow bet you can't wait
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Those old thatched cottages have so much more character than our functional but uninspiring modern dwellings!
ReplyDeleteLast weekend I had to travel to Glasgow for work purposes, and I was very dubious about my chances of completing the journey. As it happened, all was fine - there was very little snow in the Glasgow area, but it looked pretty thick in the Lake District.
They are Mark - pity we couldn't really enjoy the garden as the dog would have loved running about on the lawn.
DeleteI think often the snow reports err on the side of caution. The news picks out the worst affected and treats it as the norm.
Meant to add - did you go up the M1 - if so you could have dropped off for a coffee - had we been there of course. WE are just off junction 40
DeleteI am so glad you managed to get there and even though Hidcote was closed you were still able to venture to other places. I went to Anne Hathoway's Cottage many years ago when I was about 10 and even then I couldn't believe how low the ceilings were in the cottage (Shakespeare must have been very short!). Looking forward to the tour continuing. Have a wonderful Easter. Chel x
ReplyDeleteI think they were all short in those days - I'd have felt quite at home! I remember when visiting the parsonage at Haworth years ago and seeing the sisters' shoes how tint they must have been.
DeleteAlso I once worked in an 17th century building and the doorways were very low some had balls dangling on string so that taller people wouldn't bash into them.
Hope your Easter is good too.
I didn't know you had a dog - how come we never see any piccies. Glad you enjoyed your trip, regardless of the weather
ReplyDeleteTechnically she is my sister's dog Elaine, my sister and Tivvy come on holiday with us and we are part of her pack family! She treats our house as just an extension of home. If I get permission I may post a photo of her.
DeleteVery cute cottage and I laughed out loud about the 'Cat Burglary'...too funny :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a twist on the phrase cat burglar isn't it Tanya?
DeleteSuch a pretty cottage. I haven't been to Stratford since I was at school, we visited all the Shakespeare attractions. Such a shame about dogs not being allowed. I've noticed so many places which don't allow dogs since we've had a dog ourselves. It's so annoying when you're a responsible owner, the minority spoil it for us.
ReplyDeleteI think in some cases they don't even think about behaviour. When visiting the sites that allow dogs I've never noticed any being a problem - I think the type of owner who takes their dog to such places is fairly responsible. On the other hand on one of our visits there were unsupervised very young children running around and then screaming like banshees but I wouldn't ever suggest children should be banned.
DeleteIn the second photo there is a really beautiful tree! It looks powerful!
ReplyDeleteI am drawn to taking photos of interesting trees Dewberry especially old ones - just think what they have seen in their lifetime.
DeleteOh wow! That cottage is amazing!! Easter holidays in this country rule! I've just enjoyed a nice break too. Really enjoying reading about yours!
ReplyDeleteI read about yours Anna - a bit of warmth and sunshine would have enhanced things greatly.
DeleteWhat a beautiful looking cottage, and all that snow makes me realize how lucky we are to have escaped all but a couple of days' worth of the snow, just the bitter east wind. Now, thankfully, just a memory.
ReplyDeleteFortunately most of it didn't hang around. I guess being on the coast helps you avoid the snows.
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