Themba has been up early in recent days; he was preparing for the Summer Solstice. On the day, however, it dawned overcast and cool, so he slept in. No fooling him then. And in a moment of spontaneity we decided to celebrate Summer, and twenty years of wedded bliss, with a weekend away in the New Forest, with the Boxers!
We set off in torrential rain on Friday afternoon, we did wonder if we would get there. It's only a 55 mile journey but with many local roads already affected by the weather, perhaps we were a bit optimistic. But, the gods smiled on us and we had an uneventful trip, arriving in time to walk the boys in the New Forest before a romantic dinner.
We have stayed at the lovely Woodlands Lodge before; it's pretty much the same - great location, relaxed atmosphere, excellent food. The new owners have, however, updated and refreshed the property and we were pleasantly surprised.
Saturday dawned bright and dry and we were up for a walk. The full story and pictures here, suffice it to say, the 'boys' enjoyed the mud, being with humans and lunch in the pub!
The dogs are excellent travel companions, very respectful and patient. They almost never bark (in contrast to the two Jack Russell terriers who seemed to bark incessantly).
We woke to quite heavy rainfall on Sunday morning, but undeterred we explored a lovely Forestry Commission area nearby, a non-muddy path alongside a pretty stream. Tails up, must have been good. Then breakfast, packing up and home, via the Hindhead tunnel.
And the anniversary present? Well, that was easy. Twenty years is china, so we bought this lovely mosaic by Jane Skingley.
 |
| Tea with the Queen, Jane Skingley |