River Walks and Swan Upping

Yesterday was a beautiful day, warm with big blue skies.  We went a different route on the Thames path, walking about 12 km and then arrived back to the island in time for the Swan Upping.  This is an annual census of the swan population on the River Thames.  It is largely a ceremonial event but also has become an important element of wildlife conservation.

 A spectacular day for a long walk and a picnic.  I have been to Marlow a thousand times and always go the other way on this path.  It was a nice change and super lovely.

 This year two swans near to Denny and Roy's had eight signets and they all survived (which is apparently unusual), this meant the flotilla had to come right up to their end of the river.  It was lovely to see.

Michelle and Henley

We had a lovely weekend, after our adventures in the Cotswolds.  Michelle came to visit again and we enjoyed a meal out with Roy and Denny.

 Just down to Zizzi's, as I was in charge of choosing the restaurant and failed to appreciate the popularity of Marlow, especially on a Saturday.  However, the food was good and really it is all about the company.  I am super excited that me and Michelle are both pregnant together and hope our little ones become as close as we are.

Sunday we drove to Henley to check out another town and walk along the Thames in a different location.  I could not believe I had never been to the town before.  Once upon a time I did travel by boat to watch the regatta but it might have been a bit of a bubbles day as did not really recognise the town!

Two Weeks Two Hikes

We had a lovely time in the Cotswolds, Bourton on the Water was lovely and we enjoyed two long hikes over the two days.

Our first hike was about 12km, a circular one to Little Rislington and around some lakes (which we actually did not see).  This was a hard one to navigate and I cannot believe I did not get us totally lost as had a list of instructions that were adequate at best.  Think I made a detour or two but we made it back.

Yesterday we went to Upper Slaughter to Lower Slaughter and back about 10km.  This was super beautiful, Luis just loved all the animals and old buildings.  

And this is me looking very pregnant, a bit shocking to see this photo!

Bourton on the Water

With little time to go before our world gets turned upside down (in a good way). And there will be no more, just the two of us mini breaks, Luis has taken me to the Cotswolds.  I have been to some other villages years ago but never to Bourton, what a beautiful little town it is.  Luckily we have come before the schools break up and during the week as I cannot even imagine how full this place is at the height of summer.

Our first stop was the Maze, we found most of the clues but missed the one that would have put it all together. However, we did make it out without having to call for help or anything.

 Apparently the Little Venice of the UK, possibly a little bit of a stretch but still beautiful.

 Our final tourist trap for the day was the Model Village and we were the only people there (as this seems to be  a day time destination, well for now anyways).  

It seems to be not only a cream tea place but also a hot chocolate place so who are we to argue with that.