From Roxton Park to Liverpool

The day started with a great breakfast at our hotel, followed by hurried packing and a relatively quick exit from Wyboston Lakes as we prepared for the short cab ride in "Dave's Cabs" out to Roxton Park where were were once again feted by the wonderful Bath family - Simon, Maggie, Jenny, and Anthony - this time at a brunch for family and friends, some of whom weren't and many who were at the weddign yesterday.   Some who weren't included some of the lovely ladies who turned out to greet Jenny as she arrived by car the prior day.   One told me how beautiful she was and how proud they were of "Young Master Bath" for having selected such a darling young lady. Of course we reciprocated with similar sentiments for the smart, handsome young man she had chosen.

 

Upon arrival at wonderful Roxton Park, we got a mini-tour from Simon's sister, Angela, starting with the magnificent barn.   Originally built in 1380 and added to in 1600, it is a magnificent structure that is largely unused today other than for storage.   Its interior features hand-hewn beams of oak and other timbers that speak to the monumental effort that went in to building this very large structure which has stood largely undisturbed for centuries. The history of all the buildings on Roxton Park just ooze character and "of the ages" even though Angela insisted that the barn of her childhood "smells a bit of sheep!"

 

Connie, Cheryl, and Angela standing in front of a
giant sequoia tree that had to be at least two or three centuries old.

The brunch that followed was also held in the marquee (tent) used for last night's wedding soiree, but for a smaller group of 80 family and close friends.  Instead of sitting at tables named for rock albums, this time they were named for states and Cheryl, Connie and I sat at the "Kentucky" table.  Again, it was a lovely meal with plenty of liquid refreshment flowing freely.  Unfortunately, Becky and Stewart (niece and husband) had to leave mid-meal at 2:00 p.m. to catch their train to Edinburgh, Scotland for their next leg of their trip.  

It was hard leaving Jenny and Anthony and all the wonderful times we had had in the past couple days.   We don't have a defined date when we'll see them again and that uncertainty always brings sadness.  Skype is great, but there's nothing like being there in person.  But, off we had to dash at 2:30 p.m. anyway for a trip back to the hotel to pick up our bags and meet driver Dennis for the 155 mile transit to Liverpool.

Once again we rolled past field after field of the brilliant yellow color of a main cash crop - rapeseed, and it was a good thing to have something to distracct the eyes.  Because the bus was set to go a maximum of 62 mph and the driver had restrictions on hours driving, we didn't get to Liverpool until about 7:15 and checked into the Hampton Inn on Albert Dock.  

Off we trudged to dinner and back to the hotel to rest for tomorrow.   Monday in Liverpool will feature "The Magical Mystery Tour" bus tour of favorite Beatles spots and end up at the replica Cavern Club (as the original was demolished for a subway station a few years ago, but the replica was built across the street, brick by brick).   I can't wait to see anything and everything associated with the Fab Four . . . that's why we're here.  

More tomorrow after our day with the Mop Tops.