Days 7&8 of 8 Thames Pathway West

The last walk was listed as a 12.5 mile slog. I really didn't want to walk across muddy, cowpie-strewn pastures following the bank of the Thames for 8 hours. We decided to go on to Oxford by taxi and enjoy this city that neither of us had ever visited.
Indeed, the architecture is varied and amazing. There are colleges everywhere, and therefore many young people.
Our taxi driver didn't know the city well, so he dropped us off and let us fend for ourselves. Thank goodness for Google Maps!
We walked for a bit, and then stopped in at Queens Lane Coffee House, the longest established coffee house in Europe. We had a lovely lunch and coffee.
Our bags had already been transferred to the Head of the River hotel & bar. So we continued walking, stopping in at Boots pharmacy for some incidentals.
We finally reached the inn. Carl had a large room on the 2nd floor of the main building. My room was on the first floor of the annex. My room was extremely small. I had to stack the decorative bed pillows on my suitcase, as there was no floor room for them. I teased Carl that I thought maybe I'd been sent to a nunnery. Seriously, it was the smallest room I've ever been assigned on a MacsAdventure trip.
The food here has been excellent. 
So I can't criticize everything. And it is on the Thames River... They have outdoor tables as well as indoors. Their food was excellent.
On Tuesday a family friend, Rosie Dancer, joined us. She brought the sun with her! It was a lovely day. Rosie and I went for a walk to the bus station to pick up some information for Carl's return to Heathrow tomorrow. We caught up on family news. After lunch, the three of us walked up the street to the park beside St. Mary's Cathedral. 
Carl is still having health issues. So we said goodbye to Rosie. After taking a selfie of the three of us, Carl and I returned to Head of the River Hotel.
Now this trip is concluding. I'm very glad Carl asked to join me on this walk.  I enjoyed his company very much. Traveling solo can be quite a lonely experience. Carl brought a second opinion and a different viewpoint to help with decision making. I'm saddened that his vacation was limited due to his health issues.  But I believe he enjoyed getting out of his usual environment into multiple new horizons. 
Tomorrow, Carl will fly back to the states. I will take the train west, and get to Painswick where I will begin walking south on the Cotswold Way. More adventures to come!
(I am hoping for less rain!)

Comments

  1. JackieMay 23, 2023 at 8:47 AM

    Barb and Carl - you both did very under difficult circumstances. This is an adventure you will nerer forget!

    ReplyDelete

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