We were a little worn out from yesterday's grand adventure and decided to take today a little easier. It turns out that I am allergic to England - which was a major disappointment. I might be as allergic to England as I am to Fort Collins in June. I had rejoiced in my escape from Fort Collins in June, thinking I had dodged my spring allergies only to find them happily waiting for me in Bedford.
Despite this, Nic and I headed out to the quiet hamlets that surround Bedford and nosed about looking at little hamlets, peering off of bridges in search of fish, and tiptoeing into churches to see what things we can find. Ancient forests and very dead people greeted us, along with a few birds.
We really enjoyed the public walking paths in each little town and along the way. Prior to seeing England, I did not ever believe one could wander woods filled with wild roses and blackberries (and more than a few nettles). But there are forests like this tucked in and around tiny towns and hamlets. It is truly beautiful. Balancing these little bursts of life, are quaint towns and sweet villages with thatched roofs and meadows of cows and sheep.
Even as my nose runs and my eyes burn, it is hard to get tired of ancient walls and bridges covering ground the Romans walked, and Vikings raided, and ancient people wandered. It is very humbling and a good reminder that we are only here for a snapshot of time. What the hell are we doing with our lives?! I have never built an amazing bridge, or church or painted a timeless piece of work. It is a lot of pressure.
I am also super entertained by the dead people in churches shoved between chairs and signs about fundraising for a new tower. Apparently dead people in tombs take a up a lot of room and sometimes are shoved into the middle of the room with some stuff piled on top. They still look nice though, even between the chairs and poster board.
I snapped this picture for all my American friends and family (mostly Dan) who may be wondering how excited the Brits are about the Jubilee. They are excited. Many house are decorated and flags are up. People had fancy teas with streamers and balloons today out on the lawn. There were picnickers and right now, as I type, there is a rowdy party in full swing on the other side of the wall. People in England
do say "God save the Queen," even Nic. At the Jubilee celebration last night little kids ran around looking for the Queen, hoping she would roll right up. Sadly, the Queen is very old and went to bed early. The press reminded the English this morning, she is old and newly widowed, she can't do everything for us. The show must go on. Thankfully, Harry and What's Her Name came back from American to help Kate out.
I came home from our adventures and put on my running shoes to head for a new route. I did not get lost once today, and had a lovely run in an ancient wood. It is exactly 12 feet wide with a path through it and golf courses on either side. So 'wood' feels like an overstatement, but a wood it is, in fact. I was corrected more than once when I explained in America that is called a strip of uncut trees in a row. In England this is a 'wood.'
In other news the drivers here are insane. I have reverted to closing my eyes and placing my entire life in Nic's hands as we roar through the English countryside. It is terrifying and a game of chicken down every country path.
We are tucking in to bed early with the hopes of an early start tomorrow. We hope to see Oxford and some bridges, rivers, churches, and possibly pubs along the way.
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