The Magic of Malvern

Saturday, June 7th

Today was just my speed! Typical slow morning. Little bit of writing. Pregamed some coffees in my suite (just means my bathroom is attached and not shared) before meeting Inga for breakfast.

Malcom was busy watching YouTubes of folks building motors, so I had alone time with the pups. It’s like a slice of home because my typical morning begins with Dani kisses and belly rubs. I’ve missed that ritual. (Can I be honest? I miss it so much that I check my rings and see her and Mamo snuggling. It’s creepy for them but fills my heart every morning. I was fine until day five, and it then became my morning ritual here. It’s as close as I can get them besides FaceTime).

Anyway, I felt like a princess, per usual. Inga’s spirit is so gracious and she knows how to make me feel cared for and special. (I like to think I’m low maintenance, but turns out, that’s when I’m the one doing the work. If someone else is willing to do cater to me, gahhhhhh… I feel like royalty). We caught up on our prior evenings, and I learned Inga enjoys going to her yoga classes. I just adore her! She’s become a surrogate mom.

I’m so happy folks adopting me translates across the pond!

Then it was time to write a bit and plan out my route for the day!

Remember, Oxford is not accessible for me, so I had to research some slower and less crowded towns that are relevant to Lewis and Tolkien.

Turns out, Lewis attended Malvern College, and he and Tolkien would walk the Malvern Hills just a few towns away! Look at God!!! It’s as if the universe knew my plans would be thwarted and set me in Ledbury to ensure I would not be disappointed because every single day was full of happy little accidents!

Malvern, here I come! Man, when they said the Malvern hills, they weren’t kidding! Most roads are windy and full of blind curves, but this place takes the cake! Fortunately for me, driving these is fun! Plus, I’ve gotten used to traffic and handling the roads, and it makes me happy that I seem to be pretty good at it!

I "mistakenly" admired Malvern Summer College first. It was busy with students, and a couple were playing what sounded like basketball, but I can't be sure because I didn't want to peek like a creep. The winner of the game was heading off, and I heard him say, "Natural selection, Mate!" Ha! Clever little bugger!

Malvern College was gorgeous! I couldn’t explore the inside because it was Sunday, but being in awe from the stone border was enough for me! Lewis was awarded an academic scholarship and attended from September 1913 to June 1914.

Then, off to the Malvern Hills trail! On my way up (what seemed to be a mountain), I stopped by Holy Trinity Church. The architecture EVERYWHERE is gorgeous. If I stopped every time I see a building (or row of buildings), I would be stopping every few seconds. Thank goodness for my dash cam!!!

Okay, every local told me the Malvern Hills trail would not be accessible for me, but I still wanted to get as close as I could. This place would be an absolute dream for my hiking family. Just sitting at the trailhead (well, one of them) made me feel connected to my Lewis and Tolkien. They had to enter the trails somewhere! ;)

My next destination was Hope End, which is where Elizabeth Barrett Browning lived. Goodness… I drove, I GPSed, I detoured. Basically, I did everything I could but never found it. Malcolm later reassured me that unless you're a local, it's virtually impossible to find :)

So, I did the next best thing (which is all we can do), and I headed to Ledbury town centre to take pictures of the clock tower erected in her honor.

I also had my first meat pie at a local pub: The Prince of Wales. It was full of locals, clever signage, and secret entrances! On the way in, they had a sign that said, "Dogs and muddy boots always welcome." Just before I left the car, a gully washer came down! Luckily, I wore my boots and overalls! Overalls are my preference when traveling solo because of all the pockets! I can load up everything needed for a jaunt with no worries!

I bet Browning is proud that women can now have pockets!!!

How wild is that?!?! The women I’m studying always had to wear pockets. As strong-willed and brilliant as they were, they still had to wear dresses to be socially acceptable.

When I got back to the Larches, the cider from the pub took its toll! Luckily, I stayed awake long enough to be surprised by an invitation to have dinner with Inga and Malcolm! So, now, it was time to succumb to a nap with an alarm.

Dinner with Inga with Malcom was the PERFECT way to spend my last night in Ledbury! Malcolm made a delicious Japanese curry and roasted carrots. And, I was able to sit at THEIR table (not the one for guests). Plus, the pups were in the kitchen with us. A proper family time with them! We giggled (well, Inga and I did), ate, told stories, and talked to the pups. THIS is my speed.

Then, it was time for writing and bed with a full belly and heart!

Cheers, Loves!