We wanted to have a "big sendoff" of sorts, so after the obligatory morning run and fond farewell to my livestock friends (I LOVE those fuzzy horses heart ) we made our way out to Cadbury--no, not where the chocolates come from domokun , but where it is believed that the original King Arthur had a castle. Perhaps I should say "castle", though, because once we got there and read the explanatory signs, we discovered this was really just where they believe said Arthur commanded a Roman hill fort. So, we were looking at a slog through muddy pasture in order to see the top of this:
I hope we won't disappoint when I say, what with the fact we hadn't brought wellies, we opted for a few photos and a drive back. I hadn't expected a shining white Cinderella castle, of course, but a few remaining walls would have sparked some interest.
A bit disappointed, we retired to a pub for snacks (btw, it is amazingly easy to find veggie meals here--we're not veggie, but our friend is). Over a few half pints, I told my friend I had seen fair much all I'd wanted to in England over the years, aside from never having seen a hedge maze. Ever the delightful hostess, she lit up at this and next thing we knew we were barreling down a four lane carriageway to Longleat manor.
Longleat might need some explanation. The current lord and master is an eccentric, even by English standards. He wears his hair and beard long, is fond of New Age ritual, and in a mood of anti-conformity, turned his manor into a bit of an amusment park. It's his to do with as he wishes, of course, and enough of the manor is traditional beautiful lawns, gardens and livestock pasture (I have never seen such happy sheep!) that my sensibilities, at least, were satisfied.
Still it is a bit odd to round the corner of the above manor house and come face to face with an icecream stand and train ride.
On the positive side, this meant that he saw fit to maintain his hedge maze.
For whatever reason, hedge mazes have always been an obsession of mine. In the States, I've gotten a chance to do corn mazes, but it's just not the same. I only wished for a little bit more mist, and possibly some statuary, but overall the maze was tremendous fun. We deliberately got lost in it numerous times, and you know, the secluded nooks are always good for a smootch or two blaugh
But tonight, I have to finish laundry and pack. It's been a wonderful, relaxing time, Glastonbury, and I hope to see you again. But this city girl is hearing the voice of Paris and Versailles calling her back. I can hear the traffic and the musical shouts in French now......
Farewell, Glastonbury--or rather let us say Au Revoir, for we'll be back
