We awoke on our last day at Morgan's Forge to find that the temperatures had dropped and frost had settled over the hillside, like a thin dusting of powdered sugar over a beautiful cake.
The hills, so green the day before, were now a most pastel shade of green, almost as though a mist had settled upon them, as magical as Brigadoon.
If we hadn't known by looking outside the window, we'd certainly know it from looking at the window itself. This was the coldest day of the trip and the day we had to leave.
We finished our packing and headed off down the hill to wait for the bus. It was a bit brighter by the time we left. Not quite this bright -- this was the day before -- but we were happy to pass by the charming houses along the way.
I never did find out who Hazel was, though! I must have passed by this gate a half dozen times or more and always wondered!
We would be taking the bus from Bath to Gatwick Airport, outside London for our trip home. Our luggage included our overhead bags, a large bag of things that Rick had, his computer, and my wonderful Baggalini expandable carry-on. (It was $20 online and one of my best all-time purchases ever!)
Our bus ride was fairly long and mostly uneventful. I did get a good deal of Gerald Durrell's "My Family and Other Animals" read along the way, though, when I wasn't looking out the window.
I was thrilled to spot a rainbow. A good omen.
That night we stayed at a Premiere Inn, which is a chain of reasonably priced hotels. It may have been our worst evening and later, night's sleep. Above us was constant clomping. Back and forth, forth and back. Over and over and over and over. A visit from the manager calmed it down again but it started around 4 a.m. When we went down to breakfast the next day, we learned it had been a family of four that had the room above. When we spotted one such family, with a girl about four wearing little boots reminiscent of a go-go dancer or cowgirl clomping back and forth from her table to breakfast bar and everywhere else, we knew we'd found the culprit! I wouldn't want to be that kid's mom -- I don't have the energy or patience!
Early the next morning we boarded our WOW flight home. I was very sad to learn recently that WOW has suspended business. (It was a bad scene, leaving many stranded; only a few days before I got a promotional email for a $99 Europe ticket.)
We both loved the service and ease of the flight over and were hoping to take it again. What we had saved on flight tickets helped us get more convenient, nicer hotels, helping to make the trip more economical.
Goodbye, WOW. Goodbye, England.
Home again. We had been gone three and a half weeks. Lizzie recognized us. Now I'm trying to figure out when I can go back.
31 comments:
The sign of a good vacation-- as soon as it is over, you want to go back!
We almost took wow to Iceland a few years ago when we went. I was sorry to hear it was having problems also. And interesting to see you flew on it, as I haven't known anyone who did. And the frost is really picturesque. I can't wait to travel in the fall. Looking ahead 2020 looks like lots of travel for me, nothing set in stone yet though, so I hope the plans don't all fall through. Happy weekend Jeanie. Hugs-Erika
When you go next time just hide me in your carry-on luggage! I'm glad you had a nice time. That's too bad about WOW. I don't think I have heard of them before.
I'll bet Lizzie punished you for being gone so long. Cats will do that, while dogs are just glad you're back.
What a wonderful travelogue you've written here. I'm glad I had the opportunity to come along via the photos and your commentaries. It's too bad the service that used to slurp up blogs and print them in a book still isn't doing it. These posts would make a great coffee table book.
All good things come to an end. Now you can look forward to the next one. Hope Rick is doing well. Hugs, Valerie
What a pity your last night at that hotel was spoiled by a naughty child. It's sad that another airline has gone under.
Lovely rainbow photos, always so exciting to see them.
I wouldn't be able to read while in a bus or car, I just get motion sickness, so all I can do is look out the window at the scenery.
Always sad to hear of a business shutting down. Your trip was so special and thanks for taking us along with your stories and pictures. I loved it. Now I am wondering who Hazel is too! Ha!
Hi Jeanie:
I am in Panama right now with not a whole lot of free time, but I will get caught up when I return home - just a quick comment on Hazel. I suspect that it might be the name of a tree, rather than a person. I know that at times houses have been named after trees, sometimes with an additional descriptive noun, such as Hazel Cottage for example, or Oak Mews. And in England there seems to be a real proclivity to name homes; even the most modest little dwellings are likely to have charming names. I once met a fellow whose house, quite grand I might add, was called Bluebird Acres. He had neither bluebirds nor acres! If he explained the paradox I have long since forgotten.
Bye bye, England ~ thanks for taking us along on the wonderful ride!
Hope you and Rick are both doing well ~
The rainbow stands out beautifully!
WOW is right!! $99 What a fantastic price.
You must have done a lot of research before you embarked on your journey. You guys saw so much. I've enjoyed all of it. And now you have it here on your blog. You can look at it any time you please.
Oh, I forgot to tell you. When we went on vacation, our cat, Gypsy, used to meet us at the door, but she would come near us. For about 20 minutes, she would pace back and forth fussing at us. Then she would curl up in H's lap and forgiveness finally came.
would NOT come near us
It's hard to say goodbye to England/Paris, Jeanie. What a wonderful adventure you have shared. I need to go back and look at the beginning. You sound like us, when we return we can't wait to go again. Good for you in recording your trip in a timely fashion. It is taking me forever to record it all. But like you said it is fun to relive it all.
It has been a treat seeing all your photos! I need a new Baggalini. I have been using the same one for years when travelling and has become unsightly with dirt. They are amazing bags! Your comment about the hotel room made me laugh. My husband and I spent 4 weeks in hotel rooms while house hunting here. Some experiences were really bad! We would only book a hotel for 2 nights in a row just in case.
Jeanie, it has been a pleasure traveling England and Paris with you. You have been an excellent tour guide and I have enjoyed seeing places that I haven’t been! Fabulous travel posts my dear!
Wonderful photos to end your travels posts and mostly good memories. I'm so sad to hear about WOW airlines. Just when I thought I'd found out about (through you) an economical way to travel in future). I am more sad about all the people stranded with no notice. These days you have to be tough to travel.
How sad about that airline. I'd never heard of it when you said what great prices you got. I see it never made it to the midwest, so that is why. At least you got home before the bankruptcy. Also, you had a great vacation, a wonderful time, and are ready to return, all good signs. AND, you took me with you, at least through your lens and words. Thanks for that!
Oh, I´m so feeling with you, Jeanie.
It´s always bitter-sweet.
It looks like in a fairy-tale.
Hazel :-)
Oh. The pic with your luggage made me sad but the rainbow is beautiful indeed!
What a great good-bye-pressie!
Oh, my goodness, that is so what you need before a flight :-( Or anytime!
You need a license to drive a car but just anyone can have kids just like that.
We had neighbours like that above for over two years.
Oh, hope you go back soon and take loads of pics again :-)
I want to thank you for sharing so many amazing memories of your trip to the UK. Marvelous photos and remembrances. I had a wonderful time touring with you.
What a great trip you have given us!
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Heard about wow..wow you never know..
Had you paid only $99... Remarkable!
Coming home must have been lovely too.
What a wonderful trip for you and Rick. It's always fun to reminisce about travel and the amazing places we've seen. I always think the best part of a trip is coming home. I'm happy when I travel but a big sigh of thankfulness on returning. I've certainly enjoyed all your photos and posts. Yes, returning home always conjures up dreams of the next one.
I'm glad you enjoyed your trip so much. I hope, next time you come to England, you can make it to my part of the country.
It was obviously time well spent if you're already planning your return.
That must have been a very enjoyable trip to the UK. You chose places well. I haven’t been to Bath or the Cotswolds for a long time, perhaps I’ll go, all by my lonesome, once Millie has gone.
Did you get the cost of your room back from Premier Inn? They have a "Good Night Guarantee" whereby if you didn't get a good night's sleep due to noise etc, they'll refund the cost of that night (assuming it's not due to something out of their control such as an earth quake!). We claimed it after being kept awake by a stag party who were up and down the corridor making a noise... We stayed 3 nights and were refunded that last night as part of their Good Night Guarantee.
Oh parting is sweet sorrow! I love that you saw a rainbow but too bad about the evening’s experience. Home again home again!
Oof, that last night of sleep sounded rough! I guess I won't complain about Paul's occasional 5:30 am wake ups - much better than 4 am! We are staying in a condo for our FL trip this week. We prefer airbnb/VRBOs to hotels in general but now that we have a baby we really prefer it because they tend to have thicker walls. Paul doesn't cry much anymore but he does occasionally cry during the night thanks to his darn molars. But hopefully we don't disturb anyone else's sleep!!
Parting is always such sweet sorrow when you've had a great trip like you did!!
Jeanie, I know you will miss it, but the anticipation of going back is well worth it. I''ll be glad when that can happen too! Hope Rick is recovering well..Happy Monday..xxoJudy
Do you know that's the sign of a good holiday … as soon as it is over, you want to go back, or you could plan a new one!!!
I do hope that Rick is doing well.
All the best Jan
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