Max and Paul's Excellent Adventure

The drive to Skenfrith was easy with wonderful countryside all the way. Skenfrith is a cosy hamlet with a population of just under 300. It features a 13th century castle ruin, a beautiful church and one pub, which was outrageously expensive and we didn't visit. We met up with the homeowners just before they left for Ibiza.  We were introduced to Pippin, our charge for the next 18 days. He's a canine version of a sloth. He would sleep all day in our bed if we left him to it. Hello. Max here. Long time lurker, first-time poster.  It took him a good 24 hours to decide he was our dog and then every bed, couch and blanket was his - regardless of whether or not we were using it at the time - to the point where I had to be firm about getting into bed. As I got in, he dived into the space behind my knees and wouldn't budge. He's obviously used to being told, though, because one firm 'Oi!' from me and he moved over. Grudgingly. 🤣 A Pippin.  Cute but stubborn.

The best part of our time in Bagworth was the ability to just stop and take stock. After being on the road for so long, it was good to emotionally and physically recouperate.  Having said that, we were keen to move onto the Welsh countryside as this was a much anticipated journey. We stopped in Derby for the night as we had pre-bought tickets for an event put on by the Ickonic crew. These guys run a news/media organisation based in Derby and we subscribe to their platform. It was a good night and we enjoyed the meet and greet that followed.  Good to see David Icke again. The next morning we left Derby and crossed the Welsh border into Powys where we spent two nights in an Air B&B in some wonderful countryside. The owner gave us some lovely supplies including fresh eggs from the chooks next to the cottage. The cottage we stayed in and the chook yard on the left We visited Clun, a village not far away. The scenery along the way was beautiful with rolling green hills with fie...

We just received news the owners have cut their trip short and will be back on the 18th of March rather than the 15th of April, as scheduled. While not particularly convenient it's nonetheless fortuitous as we're ready to move on. In fact, we both feel a bit lighter and excited about the next part of the adventure. Our time was well spent here, but Mr Puddykins will have a changing of the guard. Flexibility is key when plans change and Max got straight onto Trusted Housesitters and secured some brilliant sits in the south and west of the UK, which includes Llanberis in the northwest of Wales, which will take in Snowdonia.  We'll head west to Shrewsbury Forest and make our way to Monmouth. The map shows where we will be from next week through to mid-July 2024. Part of my self-development was learning video/animation/fx software packages and as an exercise,  I've put together a 3-minute clip of our pet sits to date with aptly chosen music. 

Built as a stately home on 500 acres in the 16th century, Woollaton Hall once was home to some well-to-do families. It was eventually bought by Nottingham council in the 1920's where it was then converted it into a free museum for the public. Of course, they kept all the beautiful workmanship. Occasional exhibitions are held here and our timing was perfect. Woollaton Hall We've been in the UK for quite a while, however it is incredible how much there is to see and how much we still haven't seen. The hall was used as Wayne's Manor in the Batman film, 'The Dark Knight Rises'. Did we mention how dog-friendly the cafes are here? Max organising our next dog sit. The exhibitions was of the works of Willard Wigan, who specialises in microscopic art and seriously, one needs a microscope to see the work! Unfortunately photos were prohibited, but I was able to find pictures on the net of the artworks on display. Bear in mind these figurines are sitting in the eye of a nee...

The posts are running a bit thin as the weather has been challenging and with frequent ice on the road, we haven't been able to get out much. There is plenty of farmland around us and good for walks (except when muddy). No crops are coming up at the moment as nothing gets planted over the severe winter months. Apparently, this town is over 1000 years old, originally called 'Bageworde', an old Saxon name. It really does get cold here     A reminder of the mining past. I made a friend on my walk. A very social chap.   Most old telephone booths have been repurposed. In Market Bosworth it's a mini book exchange.  Take a book, leave one.    And, there is an increase of defibrillators everywhere in the UK. Plenty of these everywhere. This is as high as the sun gets in the middle of winter Some of the sights on the walks. Public walkways wind through and around farms, even if there are crops or animals. Access is signposted and there is a ...