What a Lark!: Oh my goodness, I do love Chester.

So sorry Reader, I know it's been a while to keep you in suspenders, but we've been having fun. We are home now and have been for a week or so.

So I suggest you make a cup of tea to get you through this post.

The weather has been hot here at home, bleedin' hot, we've had the most wonderful days on the beach with all the grandchildren who evacuated from London where it was hotter still.

After a good couple of hours on the beach we fled, the adults were beginning to burn so definitely time to take the children home. After lunch and naps (Adults and children I might add) David suggested the hose. so here he is in the process of getting a good soaking.

So where was I? Oh yes, moored up at The Shady, I would have put money on it being called The Shady Oak but no. During the unplanned lunch, there were two ladies sitting next to us, with the many boats moored up outside, one lady was regaling the other with a tale of when she went on a family boating holiday which ended in disaster, the toilet exploded, (her words), she was ill with flu and had too much medicinal whiskey, got a terrible headache and took to her bed, the rain didn't stop and finally she demanded at 4am to be taken home. By that part of the story David and I were in fits of giggles. She confessed that she was now divorced but I felt it rude to ask if the two events were connected!

But I digress.

Just before we arrived at the pub and the nice moorings, the hire boat lady had said something like roll on tomorrow because we are having a day shopping in Chester, well I knew that Chester was at least 3/4 of a day away, oh no we are getting an Uber into Chester.

Well that seemed like an excellent idea, we had planned to take WaL right into the centre but a day in and a day out wouldn't leave much time for enjoying the city. Even David agreed and so the next mooring off he went to retrieve the car from god knows where and bring it here.

I was ready and waiting and off we went with Google taking us to a car park. First mistake of the day, Google took us to a

cul-du-sac right next to the canal in what can only be called a seedy part of town. We weren't alone either as there were other cars with bewildered looking drivers, scratching their heads and turning around.

We did eventually find another car park but it was touch and go that we found the car at the end of the day.

Well I have to say that during the next three days we had a great time, we had a Guided Tour of the Roman remains of the city and learnt a lot about the everyday life of a Roman soldier. We walked the city walls, visited the Cheese Shop now at home we are enjoying the purchases (they do online shopping too)

HERE

We went to the Cathedral and had a guided tour, More Roman history to be had there, went to The Races well actually we went for lunch to The Architect which overlooks the Racecourse, it happened that the Races were on that day.

Race goers were in the comfortable grounds, when the bell went announcing the next race they flocked to the gate, crossed over the road then leaning on the wall watched the race, David and I even felt the thunder of hooves as they passed by unseen. It was a bit like Royal Ascot seeing the ladies in their finery but oh what silly billies in high heels for an afternoon of sprinting to watch then back to sit down again.

I'm no fool Reader, I had trainers on for days of sightseeing.

Oh I nearly forgot, we did the tourist double decker bus tour but as we have already been on it, we by passed the river boat trip, but I would recommend if you are planning a trip, if you haven't ever been I would wholeheartedly recommend a stay in Chester.

Last but absolutely not least we had Afternoon tea at The Grosvenor Hotel. Oh the joy of that.

On one morning we didn't go into town but decided to have a walk here at Taporley to walk all around Beeston castle which is built on a sandstone ridge, sounds easy doesn't it.

We even took a map.

So down the canal to the first bridge, turn left, though a field, here the first sign of trouble when the path disappeared. We fought our way through, battling wildlife, and angry lamb, brambles and LOCKED gates on the footpath and knee high grass. Marvellous.

Who's that trip trapping over my bridge?

Eagle eyed among you will see that we are now making our way around the castle, all good.

I would not have believed that there are still crossings over high speed railways lines in the 21st century but here there is one. I peeped around the high undergrowth and ....

Holy Crap, this was approaching but it was silent until it was right on top of us. Got the heart beating nicely I can tell you.

See the gate? This was the undergrowth the otherside of the crossing.

The rest of sandstone ridge.

Around the far side now.

Unmarked path went right though the middle of these cows. Before you ask our cows were better than these.

Not many of these around. For the benefit of my Reader in Vietnam, this postbox was from the reign of Queen Victoria, so from between 1837 and 1901.

Prettiest cottage of the day and an old one too in Beeston.

So that pretty much wraps up our time in Cheshire, it's been a ball (Apart from almost being flattened by the bloody train). I love Chester and if it was near to my family I'd move there in a heartbeat.

Here below are a few snaps of the best bits. We will be back on WaL in a few more weeks but for now I'll just say Au Revoir.