Bad Weather Catches Up With Us

We have been living a charmed life on this trip as it relates to the weather. Almost every day the forecast has included rain and almost every day we have eluded it.

Not today. Our luck ran out. When we boarded the motor coach this morning in Oxford, things looked promising. It was clear and the sun was shining. A mere hour and a half later as we approached Stonehenge, the skies were decidedly grayer and rain spattered the coach windshield.  

Undeterred, we boarded special buses at the Visitor’s Center for the short ride to the stones. Even in the lousy weather, the stone circle is awe inspiring. That it was constructed over 5,000 years ago is almost beyond belief. So much about the site is unknown. As we moved around to get a better look, Mother Nature upped her game. She provided stiff winds to accompany the rain. Bottom line, we did not stay long at the Stone Circle. Still, it was a worthwhile visit. Back at the Visitor Center, we were able to get a great overview of the site amid speculation as to the meaning of it. One outside display that fascinated me was the one showing how the stones were transported the hundreds of miles from where the were quarried. 

How the stones were transported

Back on the motor coach, we headed for Bath where high tea at the famous Pump Room awaited us. This was a magnificent tea in the British tradition. Sandwiches, scones and tea cakes of every description were stacked on plates three high. Everyone enjoyed guessing what this or that was. It was a fun way to start to our visit to Bath.

After High Tea, we toured what Bath is famous for, the Roman Baths. When the Romans discovered these hot springs, they felt they were a gift from the gods. Much of what they built surrounding the springs survives today and an audio guide tour brought the life the Romans lived alive. Parts that did not survive the ages has been carefully restored.

We soon headed to our hotel for the next two days. Dinner was on our own so after a brief walking tour of the area (in the rain) we opted for that great British staple, Fish and Chips, right here in the hotel.

The weather seems to want to continue to bedevil us tomorrow with a forecast of 58 degrees with 20-mile an hour winds. Wish us luck with our walking tour. It may a “lean against the wind and try to stay dry tour.”