@ the mall, Buckingham
surely one of the world’s greats but adopting the see less better attitude meant we left the city satisfied. Memories will remain of VE celebration flags especially along the Mall, the ceremonial route leading to or out of Buckingham palace. We were impressed by the Tower of London and its crown jewel display as well as the British Museum. Did wonder if there were any artifacts left in ancient Greece, or Egypt!

Leaving London, we took the train south to East Grinstead to visit friends of Matthew (Kim and Jamie) and stay on a hundred-year-old farm workers cottage. Wholesome gourmet meals cooked by Jamie were greatly appreciated. We left the bluebell-forests (blossoming for just 3 weeks each year), Spring bird songs, and pheasants galore to move Northwards.
@British Museum

We had two camping experiences. The first was at Shuttleworth, one of many air show sites in England. Some of the aircraft from WW1 and WW2 were on display as were museums of war-time transportation and anything to do with flying. Two hours of air manoeuvres were completed in front of a large crowd of day-trippers and those like us who camped.
@Shuttleworth airshow

The second camp experience was in the New Forest in Hampshire in an area Matthew and his sister Lesley did horse riding weeks as children. Lots of semi-wild ponies in the forests and along the ultra-narrow roadways.

The Traintime app became a great tool to find reasonable fares for rail journeys, one to Cambridge and the village of Willingham where Matthew grew up before moving to New Zealand as a young teenager. The manor house in Willingham was a good base to explore Cambridge University and the historic areas of town. The ambience of old CamU draws thousands of visitors each day. I loved walking through the great halls of learning and the monuments to noted scholars that were open to us.  Ancient footways lined by 200-year-old shop facades (some now designer boutiques), seemed to be doing a brisk business. We took a winding stairwell up St Mary’s Church to get a 360 view of the North to Trinity College and other church spires, South to the theatre and some of Kings College, West to more of Kings College, Trinity Hall and two of the great campus libraries, and East to the market and Holy Trinity Church. Matthew checked off an item on his dream list of punting along the River Cam. That was super fun as were the mornings birding in the Fens. Ouse Fen and Drayton Lakes were both productive areas with a list of about 50 new resident birds.

We picked up a rental car for the next week of exploring and Matthew quickly adapted to left hand driving. Cousins from Dick’s side of the family hosted our Norfolk Coast visit. Sally and Kenny took us on the water in a wooden sailboat out of the town of Blackeney. We also had a morning at Titwell Marsh. Each town feels unique and special. We liked Cromer and the walk along the Norfolk Coat path.
@Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge

Again, on a train, bound for Kenilworth near Coventry where another of Matthew's cousins Corinne and her husband Tim lived. Each family member has been gracious to host us in their homes and show us the hidden gems of their areas. One gem here was the Cotswolds where we did an 8 km village to village-to-village trek. Gentle hills, lots of sheep-filled pastures, a picnic by the trail, and plenty of climbing up and down styles made for a memorable day. We also spent a fun evening cheering for musical acts in the Eurovision song contest. Well done, Switzerland!

Sunday roast at the Fleur de Lys beside a canal with Aunt Shirley, Cousin Jonathon and his wife and daughter was  followed by a walk at National Trust site Baddersley-Clinton providing us with a glimpse of 13^th century prosperity. 
@Bluebell forests in Spring

A shout out to Catherine and Ian who hosted us in the Yeovil area including another historic National Trust property. And much gratitude to Mark and Mandy in Blunham who cooked delicious meals, provided laughter and fellowship around the table, in their garden, and on walks about the neighbourhood.

@C@Cornwall Coast
Our last England week was in Cornwall with Monique, Jason, and three of their daughters –Tabitha, Blossom and Lilah-Rose in the small town Ponsanooth near Falmouth. Went in the sea twice with a wet suit. Temperatures are still 13-14 degrees Celsius – very frigid. One of the North coast beaches was excellent for surfing while the south coast was better for swimming. We did a coastal walk, visited Lands End, went to historic port of St Ives, and took a sea safari on a wickedly wavy day out of Padstow. Many fine food nights and days of laughter.

It was from Newquay in Cornwall where we then boarded our flight to Dublin. And here are the adventures for June in the Republic of Ireland.