Heading North

June 8th

Ledbury to Huddersfield

This morning wasn’t AS slow as my usual flow because I had to pack and be loaded up by 10:30, but it was still wonderful.

I had my last breakfast with Inga, and I had bacon instead of black pudding. Goodness gracious. Their bacon is like small slices of country ham in the states. It was lovely. Inga had two other guests who stayed the night, and I guess they both had tea because I saw this! I know we call them tea lights, but I saw one being used as a TEA LIGHT for the first time ever!!!

I got all packed up. I had mixed feelings leaving: I was excited for what was next, but I sure was going to miss my little Ledbury family. Malcolm took my luggage to the car, and I had one last puppy petting session. Then, Inga and I walked out to the car to meet Malcolm. When we were saying our goodbyes, Inga went in for a hug! I got so excited!!! Then, I looked at Malcolm to see if he wanted one, and he said with a grin, “I’m an Englishman. We shake hands.” So, I gladly shook his hand :)

And, then Inga said, "We are going to miss you."

In true me fashion, I did my dramatic, fake (kinda) cry, and we all laughed (well, Inga and I did). Ha! And, they watched me drive off while waving. It was the sweetest.

They were my first bed and breakfast experience, and I’m pretty sure I’m ruined.

So, I headed to Huddersfield with a small detour through Ludlow. Malcolm said it was pretty, so I figured I’d check it out. He was right. The town was old and beautiful. Honestly, every town I’ve driven through is gorgeous. But, my GPS stopped working for a while, so I just kept driving – trying to find a place to stop and write. I found the Ludlow Cemetery, and sat under a tree there for an hour or so and wrote. It was lovely.

After that, I drove for a bit and got my GPS back online. Then, I had to use the loo STAT. So, I got directions to the nearest pub, used the loo, and had a half pint of cider (gotta buy something!)

Then, I called Mom while I was driving and saw a castle off in the distance (they are EVERYWHERE, but this one was close to the road), so we got to experience it together via facetime!!! My mom has been my person (as always) on this trip. She gets calls here and there, my map for the day, and random pics when I feel like ;) But, getting to experience my first castle with her was pretty damn special.

Moreton Corbet Castle

This may sound weird, but I really think Mom could care less about a souvenir. Including her on my journey is more her speed. That must be where I get it! Also, this is a test to see if she’s reading my blog entries ;)

Two hours later, I was pulling up to Sherry’s in-laws’! IT IS A FAIRY TALE HERE! Like, this is what you imagine when you think of the English countryside. Across the field in their front yard is Queen Victoria’s Tower. It was built to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897!

Once inside, I was greeted by all of James’s family: Sherry, parents, sister, brother-in-law, and two little nieces. The house was full of laughing, playing, and food! They just treated me like one of their own. No fuss, which is exactly my speed and my love language.

Again, the common theme that I can’t help but to reflect on is how damn blessed I am to be cared for everywhere I go. If it isn’t humans, it’s stones or trees or bees or clouds, etc.

I’ll end there because my heart is bursting.

Cheers!