Oh dear we’re officially half way! So far our five days in Bournemouth and then four in the Cotswolds have been thoroughly enjoyable at an acceptable rate, but we know from experience that on reaching the middle everything seems to accelerate to the end, not literally, obviously Einstein, just seems to.
Today we complete the other half of the peninsular circuit we started yesterday, and then head off towards Melton Mowbray, not exclusively in search of pork pie (although that did happen) but because that’s where the local stables are.
We are assigned our trusty mounts, Tim for Hubby and Felix for me. The former a strong tall dapple grey, mine a grumpy piebald – hey ho!!
We head off with another rider Simon, an eloquent City chap, recently retired, and enjoy a delightful hack around the Rutland countryside. Our lovely guide Katie shows excellent horsemanship as she takes us though our paces.
Later we go in search of previously mentioned pork pies, and then return to Hambleton, quickly change and revisit the peninsula walk, this time taking the entire route.
Our lunch is taken on the shore of the peninsula and then we continue around watching all the usual creatures at play, and an unexpected Sikorsky.
Later we change for swimming and relax in and by the pool for a while with a Pims.
Before long we’re changed for dinner and FaceTime drinkies with friends
Then it’s canapés before another amazing dinner of chicken terrine, mushroom lasagne, duck, pork confit, apricot tarte and tiramisu.
What a delightful surprise that a dear school friend has phoned up to send a “thank you” bottle of splendid red wine, a much appreciated gesture in return of a favour. Cheers, Vicky.
