From Kew to Poole and Back Again

Last week Martin and I set off for our very own biking adventure of a miniature scale. Typically we drive down to Poole and I usually start conversations by asking Martin if he has been to any of the places we wiz by. The answer is always no. So we decided to ride our handy bicycles the 100 miles down to the coast and visit these places I am always pestering him about.

The first stop was only 25 miles from ours and had the added bonus of being the home of Martin's sister. The ride down was quite nice. Since we were only going to be riding a couple of hours we could take our time getting ready in the morning and make our way leisurely to our first stop in Guildford. The weather for once was behaving and in between scary roads where people drive way too fast we had country lanes that provided a relaxed environment to enable us to take in the beautiful English country side. We picked up some sandwiches and had a nice lunch in a field close to some picturesque English cottages and watched people as they picked the wild fruit growing near by. We arrived in Guildford and were treated to a lovely meal and some fun time with Henry, Martin's nephew. The next morning we had breakfast in the garden and then were on our way to Winchester, 45 miles away.

Although the longest day this was my favorite day of riding. It seems all the roads were country roads and although a little hilly, the scenery was stunning. Rolling hills with little villages tucked in. We stopped at a pub for lunch that was set in the middle of no where and although there was a road in front I don't recall a single car passing by. On just the other side was trees and grass as far as the eye could see. We saw cows and lots of wild horses and other friendly cyclers. The weather was glorious and although I was getting a little saddle sore, I was so happy to be on my bike and not to be in a hurry and having the opportunity to enjoy such scenery.

We stayed at a little b&b that night which in itself was an experience. If I had to give the person who owned the b&b any advice, it would be that a little goes a long way. The house did not have any signage to indicate that it was a B&B and we weren't sure it was until a very nice man came outside to let us know we were in the right place. Although we were paying guests, we really were just using someones spare room. This was in no sense of the word a business.The house was a mess, clutter everywhere and it had the smell of a place that holds old and dusty items-like a thrift shop. Our room was on the middle floor and the bathroom we were to us was a whole flight down. The room itself was ok except the bed. The linen had stains on it and the mattress was not one who had just ridden 45+ miles would want. The bathroom had carpet in it (who EVER thought that was a good idea) and had no working shower. The bath had not been cleaned recently, there was no shampoo and the only soap to be found had been used probably by a hundred people before us. Yuck. Breakfast in the morning was pretty horrible and the butter dish had mold on it. The only real saving grace was the man who ran it was an absolute joy and we enjoyed chatting with him. That said though, we were shocked to learn that we weren't the only people to be tricked into staying there as he had another paying guest that night. Good luck buddy!
The next morning we were more than keen to get back on our bikes, although a little worse for wear. I was sore and getting on that saddle was not nice. Lucky for me though we had the nice treat of walking around Winchester first. I went into the Cathedral which was ok and whose major claim to fame is that Jane Austen is buried there. We then went to an old ruin and that was pretty cool. I love old towns like this but again, for Martin it is a little less novel and I have to balance doing what I want ans not boring him so much he refuses to do something like this again. So after a couple of hours in the city centre we were back on our bikes into the New Forest.
Most of this ride was terrifying. Now that I am older I yearn less for adventure and riding on any road that has cars, never mind ones that are going fast, does not appeal to me. Martin did a wonderful job navigating but small country roads could only get us so far. This was all worth it however because eventually we got to the New Forest and it was glorious. I could totally live here. It was amazing. In some ways these places reminded me a lot of California, especially up in the wine country where my sister lives. I was more than once taken back to rides I had done with her and it was nice to be reminded of that. The thing about England though is there is far less people and cars. I loved riding through the New Forest and I hope someone comes to visit me so I can show them all of these places! That night we stayed at another B&B and this place was much better. The woman was tough and energetic and would probably live to be a hundred. We had her eggs and produce for breakfast the next morning and got to enjoy the local village pub. I am going to do my best to try and convince Martin's parents to retire to the New Forest.

The last day we rode the remaining miles to Poole. The first half was through the forest and the second half along the coast. How perfect could that be? We took a long walk along the beach front and although it was windy as hell, the sun was shining and we were happy to reach our destination. I loved our little adventure and would do it again in a heartbeat!


Now was are back in London and enjoying the fruit of our gardening labours. I made a delicious tomato soup today using the onions, basil and of course tomatoes from our garden. We have tomatoes up to our eyeballs so we will be having lots of red things in the coming weeks-including my dads pasta sauce recipe which I am sure will be even more excellent using our vine ripe produce. We were also given a bag full of apples from Martin's parents tree and I am having trouble finding an apple cake recipe, having already made an apple crumble. Any ideas? Next week I have been warned we will be getting plums but I don't think I will have a problem finding a recipe for those.

In other news I have two interviews next week. One with the BBC working in their archives and information centre, and the other is an internship with the British Library working on a digital preservation project. Wish me lots and lots of luck!

The joy of minature reese's peanut butter cups

My neighbor just came back from San Francisco and I begged him to bring me some miniature Reeses peanut butter cups. Like the good neighbour he is, he brought back two HUGE bags of them. It is all I can do not to sit down with them right now, 9:00 in the morning, and proceed to watch trashy TV while I finish a baby blanket I am making. Alas, I have a job to look for and maybe today is the day I find it.

There is something about the English that makes them not like chocolate and peanut butter. I personally think it is one of the most brilliant combinations known to men, but they just aren't big on peanut butter here. In some ways this works to my advantage, as I know Martin won't touch my two large bags. But then when I want a peanut butter snack, it is hard to find. The closest you can get is peanut M&Ms, and that is just not the same at all!

I am in training for a half marathon right now and have to run 9 miles today. This is good as I can eat a fair few Reeses before I go and not feel too bad about it. And the weather is a lot cooler today so it should be a nice run. It was very hot and humid yesterday, which was nice, but today has gone back to normal English weather. Grey and cold. And if you haven't sponsored me yet-I am running to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity-why don't you do so now! Here you go, here's the link...

http://www.justgiving.com/Amber-Mooney/

I can't do it without you!

August in England

Weather wise-this summer has been pants. We had a lovely Spring and a pretty warm June, and then July came along and with it the rain and grey skies and not so warm afternoons.

Last weekend we went to Poole for the weekend, and this is what it looked like...

This is myself with Martin's mum and dad. In case it isn't apparent-that isn't a blue sky you see but mist and fog. I thought I had left the fog in San Francisco but apparently not. It was too bad as the views were amazing as we walked along the cliffs on the sea and up this beautiful meadow. Well, I am assuming it was amazing. As you can see, we couldn't see too far ahead of ourselves. At the top we were awarded with spectacular views. and the fog lifted just enough for us to see them.

It was actually a lovely walk and I look forward to doing it again in nicer weather. Perhaps in November when it is freezing and the wind is at hurricane force but there won't be a cloud in the sky.

My Good Friend

The Prince!

In case you can't tell, that is Prince Charles! Across the street where I have my little admin job is the Prince's Trust. Prince Charles comes to visit about once a month, and this is my first siting. So exciting. We knew he was coming because there were dogs sniffing the rubbish and police about all morning. I practically sat next to the window all day so I wouldn't miss him. Once he arrived I spied on him for a good hour. It was fun. And something that would never happen in San Francisco! Well, never say never I guess. Once the Dali Lama did drive past me. That was also exciting.