Blogs from Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, United Kingdom, Europe

We woke up early in preparation for our loooong drive from Whitby south down towards Salisbury. It was anticipated to take 6 hours and we dreaded any repeat of our drive from London the first day. However, it was a bright sunny day and we made it in time and as planned. We had filled up the car the night before (about £75!) so we only made one stop for lunch and bathroom breaks. It was also a gorgeous drive down. We went along the west side of the country, through Birmingham and down through Bristol. We drove right through Bath, which while very congested, was also quite lovely. Next time.... We found our next cottage, The Barn, easily enough. The first place still was unbeatable but this was a close second. Lots of room, fresh ... read more

SATURDAY 11TH APRIL 2015 - 3.30PM All three teams and two cars were welcomed back home today to a hearty chorus of cheers and applause. I am sure they will look back with pride and fond memories of what an awesome feat they have accomplished. A total of 14 days on the road with countless ups and downs, but they soldiered on and reached their goal together - THEY MADE IT FROM SHAFTESBURY TO MHAMID!! They have raised a whopping £10,381.95 for the charities to date and donations are still coming in! Smashed it! We are all so immensely proud of the lot of them and grateful to each and every one of you who have donated and supported them. There will be a final fundraiser at 19.30 o Saturday the 18th of April at East ... read more

Today, we should visit in the morning the Stourhead Gardens. In the afternoon we should visited Shaftesbury. Because we were travelling in a group, our day program was known before. However, it sounded a little bit boring. However, the Stourhead Gardens was not boring at all! We left early today, after breakfast. However, it was starting to rain (not that hard), even when we arrived. Typically English weather. After buying the tickets, we could enter the gardens. Now it stopped to rain, at least for a while. The garden is known about its temples bridges and tunnels, which you also could visit. Even for disabled people there was a hike trail. And you also could choose a small and large hike trail. We choose to hike the largest trail, of 2 miles (3 km). However, the ... read more

After our trip to Paris we went down to Kington Magna near Gillingham to visit friends for the day. We went via Stonehenge which the mob were disappointed with as they thought it looked a lot bigger in photos. The narrow lanes with high hedges around Kington Magna fascinated them as they worried how two vehicles could pass each other. They loved the 17th century cottages which have been renovated but kept all their period charm. The 14th century church on the top of the hill behind the village set the stage for a lovely day in the english countryside & we were lucky the weather was kind. The aussie mob were blown away by all the memorabilia our friends have accumulated over the years & how it all blends in with the low ceilings & ... read more