When it’s contained, the Thames is now quite narrow, but unusually deep, up to the arch of this bridge. When it’s not contained, entire fields are flooded. Here, children are enjoying leaf races, each dropping a leaf into the fast-flowing water from one side of the bridge and then racing to the other side to… Continue reading Thames Leaf Dash
Category: Place
Thames Path Diversion
We’ve all but abandoned the Thames Path, having faced impossible flooding. Instead we renamed our hike The Thames Path Diversion Hike and took a cab to the next inn on the itinerary where we dumped our backpacks. From there we hiked on dry land and in sunshine to William Morris’s country home. Back at our… Continue reading Thames Path Diversion
Even the Best-Laid Plans…
View of the Thames from our window this morning, swollen and discolored from runoff from recent unusually intense rainfall. We’ve pretty much abandoned the Thames Path, instead finding alternative trails that were usually less flooded and presented fine sights, including traditional thatched cottages. My back muscles tell me tomorrow will be a mandatory day of… Continue reading Even the Best-Laid Plans…
Hike to the Source of the Thames: Day 1
The start of today’s hike west from Oxford was positively bucolic. Soon we were reminded of the flooding that has occurred in these parts. At one point we even walked in our bare feet for a short distance. At Ferryman Inn, our destination for the night, warm showers and pub grub revived us.
The Road to Oxford
At Kings Cross we paused for a selfie, then took the tube to Paddington to catch a train to Oxford to join friends for our hike to the source of the Thames. Somehow, instead of one tube train, we took four trains, or maybe it was five trains as we compounded our navigation errors.
Tales of Two Cities
Compared notes about our day over dinner and suds at The Lamb round the corner from Goodenough College where we’re staying in the David Copperfield suite. This small Victorian pub was good enough for Charles Dickens who lived nearby, and it was definitely good enough for us. Dwight spent much of his day exploring the… Continue reading Tales of Two Cities
Ends of a Trail
We took a train out of London to the Thames Barrier, an enormous structure that protects London from flooding when there’s a tidal surge from the North Sea. The Barrier also marks one end of the 180-mile Thames Path to the river’s source. Next week we’ll hike the path from Oxford to the source, inn-to-inn,… Continue reading Ends of a Trail
Plenty Good Enough for Us
After way too much walking in London, we retreated to our home for the next few nights: Goodenough College, a postgraduate residence. Meals are served in the Great Hall (we’re only having breakfast here). Our room is more spacious but less expensive than a typical hotel room, with a private bathroom, sitting area, and a… Continue reading Plenty Good Enough for Us
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View from Washington Avenue Bridge
Near the end of my cycle ride, I paused on this double-decker bridge which connects two campuses of the University of Minnesota. The upper deck features dedicated bike lanes, an enclosed walkway, and a pedestrian path. The lower deck accommodates light rail and regular traffic. The unmistakeably Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum, sometimes my haven… Continue reading View from Washington Avenue Bridge