This England -- Welcome to Bath!

One thing we knew for certain when planning our trip. If the cottage we stayed in during our last trip to Bath was still available, we wanted to rent it again and have a longer visit. It was, and we did! (This photo is from my walk in the area.)

At first we thought we might visit Dublin or Edinburgh first. But we decided to spend the whole first week of our holiday in Bath (Midford, actually, about three miles outside the city) and branch off from there. It was a smart idea. (See the travel tips at the end of this post.)

Doing so allowed us a little time to get our bearings and not cram into two or three days exploration of a major city with so many attractions that it would be difficult to choose. And, we wouldn't yet be at the top of our game so we'd probably still be exhausted when we moved on.

Our flight landed at about 7 a.m. and we hopped a bus to Bath. Less than two hours later we arrived amidst lovely green views. 

 

After a quick stop to pick up minimal food at the Sainsbury's Local across from the station, we arrived at Morgan's Forge. 

The house belongs to friends from home and it had been in Martha's family before she and Mark took it on. It's located on a quiet lane, about a quarter mile up a (very) steep hill from the bus into town and a wonderful pub. Going left or right from the front gate can take you on a lovely walk.

That's what I did, while Rick napped. I went a direction I'd not gone in the past so it was all new and charming. Many of the photos in this one are from that walk.

Upon returning, we went to sit on the patio and Rick couldn't resist the opportunity to take clippers to the hedgerow and even it out. 

I even saw my first English robin! 

Eventually, it was time for dinner so we walked down the hill to Hope and Anchor, the local pub. 

 

And what a charming place it is! 

First of all, our two servers were terrific -- friendly, personable, helpful. The menu was -- for the most part -- upscale British pub food (and good beer!) with one notable exception -- poutine, a Canadian dish. We later learned that the owners hailed from Toronto. We decided to get two things and swap half through. And yes, we had big smiles!

Rick got the fish and chips (which was fabulous). I got the steak/mushroom and ale pie. I was sorry we agreed to switch -- it was one of the best things I'd ever eaten!

And then it was the walk up the hill (which took a LOT longer than going down!) and time to lay low and be ready for the next day! Next time we'll explore beautiful Bath.

Travel Tips:

• Our flight left at about 7 p.m. and arrived at about 7 a.m. (don't forget -- there's a five hour time shift at this time of year, six during the winter months.) It's an easy flight but a difficult one if you want a nap to refresh you before you go. Just something to think about. (That said, it was direct from Detroit to London, so there were no changes or delays with connections.)
• If the people at the gate say the flight is delayed and will leave later, don't believe them. I did. And because of that, we nearly missed our plane. (We were sitting in a less crowded spot in the airport and didn't hear the rescheduling announcement). 
• If you have the good fortune to have a slightly longer holiday, don't forget to build some downtime in your trip, especially on the day of (or after) arrival (and again later in the trip). It gives you a chance to recharge from the flight/time change and helps your energy to come.
  
• If you are staying at a cottage or other spot with cooking facilities, pick up some food before you arrive. You don't need a lot -- we got some cheese and bread and something for breakfast. After all, you're still dealing with your own luggage. But at least you have something to get you started the next morning. Often, if traveling by bus or train, you might find a small grocery with the basics near the station.
  

PS -- Some of you have asked how Lizzie fared in my absence. She had a great caregiver who adored her and they got on well. Meanwhile, since we've been home, she's stuck to me like glue, even sleeping on my head (which she never does). It was nice that one of us slept. I'm having trouble adjusting to the time shift. Switching to regular standard time -- which I hate anyway -- will make it harder!