Polo Smolo.

Plans were foiled yet again today as a result of the floods. Drove all the way to Berkeley Castle for the Jousting only to find it cancelled on arrival.

We were contemplating a serious sense of humour failure on the way back through Cirencester when I spotted something that looked suspiciously like polo. Popped in to have a look and sure enough it was so we raced off for some grub. A picnic was in mind, only to return and they had finished.

We were not amused.

Lovely man on quad bike came to our rescue and suggested trying Beaufort. Off we hightailed it down the road and sure enough there wasn't just a match but a whole day of polo going on. Oh, we were happy people.

Little Red Rocket not so happy though as lots of very posh cars were around.

We did get some funny looks when we plonked ourselves down with our little Waitrose plastic bag of goodies amidst the carefully laid out blankets and hampers.

It's a very posh place Beaufort Polo Club..........

Sadly no sign of the brothers Windsor.

There is the possibility of no blog tomorrow as we are booked into Old Farm for a farewell piss up starting at lunchtime. Or if there is I can't guarantee it will make much sense. Apologies in advance.

Old Trout.

Another thing ticked off our list.

Finally managed to get to Bibury to see these little houses. Medieval cottages, looked after now by the National Trust. Very pretty but would hate the reoccurring concussion from the low ceilings.

Had we known there was a trout farm just across the road which you can fish at we would have been there a lot sooner.

Headed out tonight to the Horse and Groom for our last Friday night drinkies. So sad.

SSssssssoooooooo exciting...........

I'm blaming it on the weather. There really is no need to be that hysterically excited at finally coming across the Hook Norton Horseys......

Really.

Or maybe there is.

It all started innocently enough with the biggest event in the social calendar for Moreton this year.
Budgens supermarket reopened having been shut for several weeks. A complete refurbishment with a very strong focus on local produce. All were out in force. Including us.

Because we are very nosy.

Happy were we when we spotted Hook Norton beer on sale and even happier when the rep. for said beer announced the horseys were also around somewhere.

Well, to say our arses were a blur would not be an understatement. Not even the inclement weather held us back. Imagine our delight as we headed down the road and ran straight into them.

And they gave us a lift.............. I kid you not.

"Would you like a lift", they said. Is the Pope Catholic?
Up hopped two fully grown adults, giggling and whispering like kiddies, sat our arses down on a keg and off we headed.

SSSsssssssooooooooo exciting.

Mr Groom was positively glowing as we admired the horseys. He even gave us some of his secret stash of Old Hooky as we were leaving.......

The only decent thing to do after such a happy experience was lunch in a lovely country house hotel for a spot of rain watching.

Nowt happening.........

If I've had to resort to putting pics of myself on the blog there can't be a whole lot going on.

Currently waiting for Mr and Mrs Neuhold who are due to pop round any minute for a few lovely pints in the Horse and Groom and some din dins.

Weather continues to be miserable. Almost making us lose the will to live. Can't even get out on the local walks as they are miserably mucky. It's thrown the dog walkers off their routine a bit which is quite funny to watch. They're resorting to trailing around the edges of the town.

It has also seriously damaged our planned fun and games due to many places closed due to flood damage.

Walkies.

Stanton/Stanway walk. Done.

We got cocky and did it sans directions. A moment of tension arose when we both decided we had the better route.

This little building has intrigued us for a while. We'd only ever seen the back of it from the road but today we managed to get up close and personal with it.

You may notice it stands on stone mushrooms. I'm sure there is a correct name for them. I have no idea.
It's the pavillion for a tiny little cricket pitch with a distinct wobble to it's outfield.
Dave had a lovely time looking around, playing mock shots on the crease, looking at the old tractor and roller thingy. Apparantly the tractor is a Fergie and leaking oil.
Such a wealth of information...........

And as much as we have tried to pretend it's not happening, sadly it is. Only a few more days remain before we are yet again bidding our farewells.

Where has the time gone? And such a contrast in summers. Last year,record breaking dry weather and heat waves, this year, floods.

So, as with last year we have a few things on our hit list to mark off. One of the first will be to figure out how to get to London. Have discovered this evening the Moreton train line is out of action for at least the next week if not more. HHhhmmmm.

I feel a nightmare trip coming on.

Bugger.....

Birdies........

No sun-downers for me last night as the Open ran into extra time. Bugger.

Serious doses of cabin fever had grip of us this morning as a result. Off we headed to the Bastford Falconry Centre just down the road. Something we have been threatening to do since last summer.
Lots of birdies as you would expect. What we didn't expect was the lack of wind causing the birdies of prey to sulk and so refusing to stun us with displays of their marvellous abilities. All was made up when they allowed us a quick grope instead.

All this was then very nicely washed down with afternoon tea in the story book village that is Chipping Campden.

The only thing for it on a damp afternoon.

Our Sunday.

Dave glued to sofa watching the F1, very closely followed by the British Open.

Yvonne processing films.

Dave now in danger of death threats if he does not get off said sofa and take Mrs Dave out soon for a sundowner.

There is only so much sport this "sheila" can take.

Late pics attached of Hook Norton Brewery and a competitor at the Paradressage Championship.