It’s Quiet without the Munchkin!

Off he went quite happily on Sunday afternoon with his mother face down in his PSP as usual and all of a sudden the silence was deafening. 

It’s surprising how suddenly the quiet descends once the hustle and bustle of an eight year old disappears, we will miss him, but OH how nice the peace is.

Well it also meant Kay and I could get the bikes out and go for a good long cycle ride without the fear of the capabilities of the Munchkin or his moans, we had planned to cycle to the Sharpness locks and back a distance of about eight miles. 

So on Wednesday after two days of reorganising ourselves after his nib’s departure, we had the chance to put on our cycling pants and get out on the bikes as the weather was windy but dry. 

The tow path alongside the Sharpness / Gloucester canal is a great way to view the local countryside and to learn a bit about the place. Our first stop was at the Berkeley Arms Purton, not for a drink as this pub is only open to the public on Saturday it is one of those quirky front room type of pubs but steeped in history as it sits between the canal on one side and the banks of the river Severn on the other.

The Berkeley Arms Purton

Sitting alongside the canal were some really nice canal cottages and beside them is the biggest ship graveyard in the UK see link for its fascinating history http://www.friendsofpurton.org.uk/ .

It was here just as we pulled over that Kay discovered a new way of cycling called air biking.
As I turned on hearing a shout, Kay was on her back with her cycle in the air. 

Now I’m no cycling expert but I can’t see this catching on. I helped her back to her feet with her complaining that her leg had gone dead. So far she’s run into a Springer on Aberavon sea front and went air cycling, Ran into another dog on the millennium way Stafford but managed to stay upright and now this.

The marina at Sharpness was full of boats of all shapes and sizes, it was obvious that quite a few were full timing on these as there were plenty with electric and water hook ups. 
We stopped off at Purton on the way back looking for a café but alas the only time you can get a tea here is on Sunday when the church offers visitors refreshments.

Thursday we drove out to Berkeley castle, if you are ever in this part of the world this is defiantly one place to put on your itinerary. Built in 1153 by Lord Maurice Berkeley he completed this fortress by the Severn Estuary at the command of Henry II, and ever since it has been the home of the Berkeley family - one of England's oldest families who have given their name to numerous locations all over the world, from Berkeley Square in London to Berkeley Hundred in Virginia and Berkeley University in California.

For nearly 850 years twenty-four generations have not only preserved this ancient Castle but have gradually transformed a savage Norman fortress into a truly stately home with a wealth of treasures. Here you will find paintings by primarily English and Dutch masters, tapestries, furniture of an interesting diversity, silver and porcelain and a bed spread left by Elizabeth the I and also one of her cross bows.

You can wander through the Castle at leisure or enjoy the free facility of a one-hour guided tour with a very experienced guide, who happened to be a bonny wee Scottish lassie who made sure that you were aware of the families links with the battle of Bannockburn and pointing out a 500 year old Scottish pine in the grounds that was brought back from the battle. 
The highlights of your tour through the Castle is the massive Norman Keep with the Dungeon and the cell where King Edward II was murdered in 1327 in a very gruesome way it will bring a tear to your eyes, the Picture Gallery, the Dining Room, the medieval Buttery and Kitchens, the Historic Great Hall and the magnificent State Apartments. Oh and not forgetting the Ghosts!!!!!

Main court Yard

The Norman Keep

500 year old Scottish Pine

The castle entrance

See Link http://www.berkeley-castle.com/index.php

We also visited St Mary's church alongside the castle so that Kay could indulge in her usual tomb-stoning its here that Edward Jenner is interred in the family vault.

St Mary's Berkeley

Grave yard

Inside St Mary's

Tomb 

Enough dead bodies now!!!

Friday and I needed to rid myself of some fishing bait as I've realised the chances of course fishing in Spain might be remote, so I planned a peaceful morning on the canal and yes I landed another Bream this time only just over 4Lb, still it was a success even if it was all that I caught.

Today the weather has turned foul once more with squally rain and gusty winds so we have decided to spend the time in doors as tomorrow we will be hitting the road back to Briarfields.

More Anon