Day Three – Planes (Sort of) and Plants and Happy Birthday to Elaine

Weather wise, Sunday was about perfect.  Cool, sunny, and bright.  Cloudless skies gave way to big fluffy white clouds by afternoon.  Elaine made me my desired breakfast of a slice of toast with a fried egg on top.  The landlord had provided eggs from her own chickens.  That and a cup of tea hit the spot.  Also in the morning, Elaine made ham and cheese sandwiches to take along in the car for a picnic somewhere during the day.

Our first stop of the day was at the Wellington Aviation Museum in little Moreton-in-Marsh, about 15 minutes away.  It is an eclectic little place that is only open on Sundays.  As we knew in advance, no planes here (except a few models)!  In fact, it’s a one room affair that is filled to overflowing with Gerry Tyack’s collection of WWII airplane memorabilia – mostly odd parts from vintage aircraft and interesting photos from the nearby RAF Moreton in-Marsh Air Base, a WWII hub of activity.  Poor Gerry passed away a few years back at 90, but volunteers continue to keep the museum open on Sundays.  The “curator” was a treat and impressed that we had come all the way from Arizona.  He was full of interesting facts.

DON’T FORGET – CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE IN A NEW TAB OR WINDOW

 

 

 

Next stop would be Hidcote Gardens, one of England’s best gardens and run  by the National Trust (NT).  We are NT members, so we get free admission and free parking.  Because of its popularity, I had planned this for during the week rather than on a Sunday, but the weather was perfect for outdoor time so we moved it up to today on the sightseeing list.  The gardens are quite beautiful and filled with blooming flowers.  As expected, it was filled was Brits (who love their flowers).  Lots of kids, so not very peaceful, but enjoyable none the less.  At the end of our walk through the gardens, we picnicked at the car (since I was starving and unwilling to search out a picnic spot).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a few miles away from Hidcote stands Kiftsgate Court Gardens, quite well known in its own right.  It even has its own rose, the Kiftsgate rose.  Sure doesn’t look like a rose!  This place is not nearly as well known as Hidcote, so it was pleasantly quiet and peaceful.  It too is quite beautiful, and Elaine picked it as her favorite of the two gardens of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was back to Campden Mews for a nap (for me) and then cocktails before heading out to dinner at the Ebrington Arms Pub just a few miles down the road.  The pub dates back to early 1600’s before I was born.  Dinner was very good accompanied by a bottle of Vacqueyras red wine from France, a region I had never heard of.  It was great.  Dinner:

Elaine: Squash soup, pork roast, and strawberry rhubarb trifle.

Joe: Scotch egg, prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, and a cheese plate.

 

 

 

Until tomorrow, here are a few shots of Chipping Campden!