Surrey, Guilleford. July 3

Helen and I woke early(ish) and went for a wee little run before our planned walk. It is fun to have found a running friend this side of the pond. We saw many lovely things, but I was running so I did not take any pictures. The weather was lovely and it was a great run.

After our run, Geoff, Helen, Nic and I took a long walk to the pub. We walked more of the narrow roads and paths along the way. It was a very enjoyable day. It gave us all an opportunity to chat and catch up. It was as Nic described it, 'A Classic English Walk.' We walked four miles to the pub and about 6 miles back. It really did not feel that long at all due to the beautiful scenery and the great company.

We walked to Little London.

I did not expect as many horses to live in England as we witnessed. I don't know why. I guess I associate horses with America. I know this is not a historically true perspective, but it's how my wacky brain works. Also, I always thought England was too small to really house horses. Which, in hindsight, is ridiculous, but very true. 

Near Geoff and Helen's there were loads of fields with horses and ponies. We loved the ponies along the way (and the houses, they were amazing). 

We made it to the pub! See how sunny it is? It was truly the perfect English day. It was not hot, or cold, or windy. We did not sunburn, or shiver one time all day.

We even ate outside without heavy jackets. Nic ate Yorkshire Pudding. That was the first time I have seen it or tasted it. It was very unusual. I also had the much promised Sticky Pudding for Amanda. It was not what I expected. I am not 100% sure I would count myself as a fan. I do like the chocolate fondant though!

Sticky Pudding

Chocolate fondant.

We wandered back and passed the woods where Jurassic Park was filmed (the most recent film). Geoff played the soundtrack for us as we walked. It was very picturesque. Neither Nic nor I have seen it, so we both are now motivated to see the landscape in the film.

Nic enjoyed the wildlife and their 'active' presence along the way. 

Nic and Geoff sat and watched a bit of cricket as Helen and headed back to the house to make a bit of tea. We watched the Grand Prix, which is a thing people in England do. Who knew? They all really enjoyed it. I took a nap and uploaded pictures.

We will head back to Bedford tonight to wrap up our trip and prepare to head home. It was a lovely weekend. I am so glad we came. My hope is that all of our English friends come out to the US so we can show them a bit of our lives, and repay a bit of the amazing generosity of all these people.

I have been a bit tired these past few days. Having this much fun is a lot of work. I feel the tug of home and the longing for my own bed and a bit of urgency regarding real life.