What a difference a day makes. Today was a beautiful day, sunny and about 68 degrees. Rose early to take photos and get organized. Enjoyed a restful night at the White Horse Inn in beautiful Clun. After poached eggs on toast, I ventured up the hill and then down 51/2 miles into Hope Valley. After passing through Hope Valley, up north by Chester and onto the industrial area south of Liverpool called Runcorn. Very little wind until the mid afternoon. Completed 80 miles, burned 3,631 calories and climbed 4,262 ft.
Outside the White Horse Inn in Clun
Clun Castle built in the middle of the 12th Century.
Looking back at Clun Castle
Downhill into the Hope Valley
Beautiful Hope Valley
City of Shrewsbury on the River Seven
Downtown Shrewsbury green
Quantum Leap in Shrewsbury. 120 ton artwork honoring Charles Darwin, born in Shrewsbury. Built in 2009, evolves images of a double helix.
Sailing Club on lake near Chester.
Throughout the UK there are many beautiful and historic churches. Penny tells me many of them are in jeopardy due to the lack of interest in Church of England from the Gen. X, Y & Z.
For those US friends following my blog who have never been to the UK, let me enlighten you on some of the cultural observations that I've observed. Brits love their dogs. They even bring them to pubs. They also love gardening, and keep pristine gardens spending hours on their upkeep. Most Brits don't use dryers for their laundry, but hang their clothes outside to dry. It preserves the clothes and saves energy. Brits love their tea, football (soccer), betting on horses, Ales, politics and are generally very concerned about the environment and sustainability. Brits are very reserved, compared to Americans, and are still very class conscious. They enjoy their holidays and take anywhere from four to six weeks per year. Pubs serve as the social gathering place for local communities, where locals catch up on local news with lots of chatter about sports and neighbors. More later on this......
A garden I passed.
