Westward

Leaving East Sussex behind we made our way to Wiltshire and Lynda and Malcolms castle trying to miss the rain and storms... the worst on record. The weather closed airports, railway lines and motorways stranding tens of thousands of cars and their occupants (the Reads became a victim of this).
Spending a few days in Wiltshire we had time at a place called Longleat..a stately home which has been turned into a wildlife safari park. The grounds and home were magnificent. The lions and tigers seemed quite interested in our visit, but were overcome by the sunshine we brought with us.. they slept through most of our tour of the Park. Eating and drinking in the local pubs has become a habit, the meals slightly smaller than Lynda's serves, but still enjoyable. Pete trying the local brew wherever we go. We also visited a local village called Street, this place is host to dozens of warehouse type stores od famous english brands , and they are open to the public, interesting day for the visa card. When not raining and you were able to see the countryside, you are treated to some wonderful scenery.
From Wiltshire and Lynda and Malcolms we travelled to South Wales, unfortunately missing neice Hazel and her 2 children who were stranded overnight in their car due to lots of flooding
to find Nicola snd Stuart (many of you met these 2 when when they have been over visiting us) and their 2 friends Sasha and Yota (sorry not sure of the spelling)They took us into their charming home and made us so welcome, they took time off work to take us to North Wales to the Royal Wales Show (the same show the Reads got bogged in their car) we had a cunning driver who parked behing police barriers right at the main gate.. Never seeing so much mud in my life... we trudged for hours around the show but having a good time bumping into Shirley and Peter and party during the day. Stuart gave us a tour of his home town of Swansea ...the sun shone...and we did what you do at the seaside of having to eat ice cream (Joes of course)..
We had three packed days in South Wales while the rain just kept coming down everywhere else in the country we visited 'another' pub and eating another large meal. Stuart promising special breakfast of laverbread, baked beans and eggs ..but he never got up and cooked it... (we left dissapointed about this)
We thank Sasha and Yota for their great hospitality and letting us into their home... We have their address for anyone who wants to stay with them... photos of their home will be posted here soon