Our last couple of days at Broadway we went for a final stroll around the village. Looked at the pubs we didn’t go in and the shops we could have spent so much in if we had the funds.

We strolled through the gardens of the Lygon hotel, a hotel we could not even afford to enter the reception but the garden was there and inviting so we took a look.

How the other half live we thought. Maybe one day when my lotto numbers come up we might stay for a weekend. I loved the old cottages we walked past with their old wooden shutters on the windows, very french looking.

And so it was time to pack up and head off to Malvern to visit some friends. Only an hours drive away and an area we have been to many times. We used to go to some big Volkswagen events at the three counties show ground every year. Even before I met Nikki I was going there, although those years are a bit of a blur.

Hanley swan is a lovely little village with a duck pond, a post office and a pub. A typical village where everyone knows everyone and life goes on at a slow pace until there is an event at the show ground just down the road then it’s like living on the M25.

We had a great time with our friends and one night had an Indian takeaway which was ordered and delivered to us. Washed down with a couple of beers the evening was complete and a good catch up.

Time to pack up again and head further north and into North wales to a town called Chirk. It’s actually right on the border of England and wales. We have worked the site we were going to and know the area well. It’s an area we both enjoy.

Knowing the area is a bonus to eating places and pubs etc so on my list of must do’s while we were there was. To visit the Hand hotel for a beer or two, to visit the bridge inn pub for a beer or two and a fantastic burger, to get a takeaway from the Asian takeaway which is one of the best we have ever had and to get a kebab from the the kebab house.

So as I was driving along the M5, M6 etc licking my lips at the thought of all that nice food and beer and staring at my marmalade sandwich and water bottle next to me, I was thinking not long now.

Shock horror, after checking in at the campsite to be told by our friends that the Hand hotel is closed, just closed down mid January and no one knows why. The Bridge inn closed but some one else is taking it on but not going to be open while we are here. The Asian takeaway burnt down last year. Luckily the kebab house was up and running so the next day we had our takeaway from there before anything happened to that. At least I saved some money.

We contacted some friends who live in Llangollen and went over to see them for the day. Mark had been really ill but was looking so well now. They have just bought a big house in a great location which needs a lot of work but will be fantastic when finished. Overlooking the river Dee and the railway line which has steam trains on in the holiday season.

Again it was great to catch up with them and hear all their plans for the house etc. we had a lovely lunch out and a nice rainbow greeted us when we stepped out the cafe. Just need to find the end with the pot of gold.

Another day another place to visit. This time we were going to Rhos on sea which is up on the north coast near Colwyn bay. Our friends who we worked with two years ago bought a flat up there so we went to visit them and see their new home. It’s just over an hours drive away.

We were really surprised by the area. Their flat was loverly and in a great location with everything you could want nearby and at the end of the road a beach. Yes it would get busy in the summer but winter time it was nice and quiet.

The weather was not the best while we were there but nice and cosy indoors. We did venture out for a stroll in the wind and rain and to get some fish and chips. We walked along the coast path to a tiny chapel, the holy well chapel of Trillo, smallest one in the U.K. I believe with seating for six. It measured 11 feet by 8 feet. It dates from the 16th century. It’s open everyday and there were even candles inside which someone lights everyday. The walls are two feet thick and has been there a long time.

As we came out the chapel there was another rainbow over the sea but I still could not get to the pot of gold. Perhaps next time. On the drive back we both commented on how nice the area was.

The last couple of days have been warm and I have even been sat outside in shorts and T shirt. We have had some very windy days and a lot of rain also. Those days I was not sat out side. Today I take my bike to the bike shop for new tyres and tomorrow we are going on the train to Shrewsbury to meet up with some more friends for lunch.

We have another ten days here and then head into the Lake District for a couple of days before going on to Scotland to start work.

After doing my hike up to the tower and enjoying it so much I wanted to go up there again but go a different route. I also wanted the sun to be out with blue skies for better photos.

The weather forecast was looking good so I planned a route and off I went. The route was only about half a mile longer it’s just it was a different way. I could also get closer to the deer this time luckily and the sky was blue so that was a bonus.

I also did a third hike up to the tower going a different route. This one was a bit longer but such a lovely morning. I went across the border from Worcester into Gloucestershire and through a beautiful small village called Snowshill. There was no snow, just a local pub, a church and some lovely Cotswold cottages. I also passed the Lavender fields which in the summer would have looked flourishing but this time of year just looked nice in their rows.

The three routes were.

Route one = 5.5 miles

Route two = 6 miles

Route three = 8 miles

There was a cold wind on the third hike so eating my marmalade sandwich at the tower was quick. From there it was all down hill into the village of Broadway.

Nikki was back now so we decided to go out for a meal and drink as we had not been out in Broadway. So I sold one of my kidneys to pay for the evening. Only joking I didn’t really but the cost of an evening out in Broadway ain’t cheap.

Two drinks costing £18.25. I had to go up to the bar three more times to make sure that was right and yes it was the same every round. Luckily Nikki had spotted a deal on their website giving 50% off main meals for that week. yes it was expensive even with the 50% off meals but it was a great evening and we do like to enjoy ourselves. So if you’re ever in Broadway make sure you have arranged a bank loan before going to the pub.

The next day we had a walk around the village via some back lanes looking at all the cottages etc. This was Nikki’s sort of walk. She wanted to get some bits from the Co Op shop so I sat outside in the sun waiting for her.

While sat there I witnessed something I have not seen in a very long time. A kid about 9/10 years old came out the shop with his bag of sweets picked up his scooter which he had parked out the way, not just dropped it in the path of everyone. He then sat on a bench eating his sweets and checking his phone. Then he put his rubbish in the bin. I was surprised at that but because there was a gentle breeze before he could walk away the rubbish blew out the bin. He then picked it back up and put it in the bin again making sure it would not blow out. I was so impressed. He then got on his scooter and off he went.

A couple of the lovely Cotswold cottages around Broadway which look so nice but they don’t have wheels so you can’t move them about.

I have really enjoyed being here in Broadway for three weeks. It’s a lovely village. I would like to come back when the steam train is running from Broadway to Cheltenham. The old station looks good and they are doing some refurb work now while it’s closed for the winter. But I would not want to be here in the summer when it gets flooded with tourists.

We move on again tomorrow, going to Malvern to visit some friends for a few days. Malvern will be stopover 15 from 18 which means we are only 3 stops away from our work base for the summer. I can’t believe the time has gone so quick along with the bank balance. But like I said before, we have done a lot and enjoyed ourselves.

The six nations has started now so it’s my turn to take over the tv on weekends. And having a pint or two while it’s on in the camper is nice and cheap but not the same as being down the pub watching it.

This last sign made me laugh while we were in a Laundry catching up with our washing.