6/17/2917 – Stratford on Avon
I came to Stratford on Avon in 1995 with my parents on a two week whirlwind trip through England. I desperately wanted to share it with Bruce.
As is often the case when travel maturity is apparent; what once enthralled now seemed commonplace. The heart of the town was lovely but no longer felt special, we had seen enough English towns by now to recognize the combination of ancient buildings and 20 century businesses.
Stratford-on-Avon has been a tourist town for 500 years celebrating all things Shakespeare. He was born here on April 23, 1564 and died here on April 23, 54 years later, exactly bookending a life of acclaim in London. We visited his birthplace and walked along a cobblestone alley he most assuredly walked as well. We tried to imagine what 16th century Stratford on Avon looked like with old half timbered houses facing High Street in town center and the town flowing down to the river Avon. A market was going on in a market square, reminiscent of centuries past but with a lot more commercial goods rather than food stuffs. Books I’ve read always led me to believe markets were where farmers sold their harvest and townspeople stocked up on their fresh foods.
Walking into town from our camping we came across the Stratford on Avon Golf Club – established 1894 – and popped in to take a look. We spoke with the assistant pro in the shop and he gave us a little history of the place: Samuel Ryder – of Ryder Cup fame – was the the captain of the Golf Club in 1929 & 1930 and had hoped to have the first Ryder’s Cup tournament at that club but it was decided the course was too short.
The river Avon flows alongside the town and it was here, 22 years ago, that I got my first look at canal locks and the narrow boats and mini-barges that go through them. These boats are up for rent and a holiday of 1-2 weeks would be an exquisite way to pass the time traveling from one town to another and taking in the sights. (K&L – are you up for it?)
We are evidently becoming like the Brits, focusing on the weather, which for the last two days has been”spot on!” With highs in the mid 80’s its a bit too warm for us, but lots of people in the camping are exposing their bonewhite skin to the bright sun. Lots of sunburned people by days end!
We’ve been thinking of expanding our space with an awning room and found one online that fits our budget. We have been making our way towards York on the eastern side of the country but the room is in the Yorkshire Dales on the west. We will be making a detour to the town of Settle in hopes of collecting it. But first its off to Costco in Coventry (of Lady Godiva fame). I need my Costco fix!
Bruce N' Peg 