About 30 minutes away from South Leigh we have arrived at a gorgeous little town called Abingdon. To get here we have been following the Thames River along its bank as it winds its way past farming land, local pubs, quaint churches and parkland. The park is unique as it offers free moaring for boats of various shapes and sizes. And today amongst all the excitement it’s my turn to play assistant lock master. Friendly Frank the lock master needs some help with the boat movements as they traverse from one lock to another. Some may say I took over the lock controls, however, it’s just a cameo role and under his direction I’m having lots of fun pushing the buttons to open and close the gates allowing water in and out just like filling and emptying a bath tub. A welcome change from providing Mic with useful driving instructions! It’s a great job and very interesting talking to the travellers on this liquid highway, you can learn so much.And then, off to the manicured gardens and historic town centre.After approximately a 15km hike, we come to the end of our trek and return to our motorhome which we had parked next to the All Saints Church in Sutton Courtney. We were surprised to learn this was the resting place of George Orwell (actual name Eric Arthur Blair), the author of a few of my favourite reads; Animal Farm and Mice & Men. Also ironic for Mic, as he’s in the middle of reading another one of his novels “1984”, which someone had placed on his headstone.

So, if you are wondering where we are based now, we decided to try another House Sit. This time for a lovely couple, David and Louise in South Leigh, minding 2 adorable cats Roly and Poppet.

South Leigh is situated just outside Witney, in between Oxford and The Cotswolds. We had a purrrrfect 😻 stay in a beautiful location and this was our view from our window. It looks like a medieval castle.

But it is a 13th century medievel church that has intact fresco’s.

From this base, we spent a week exploring the surroundings, including a day trip into Witney where we just had to visit the St Mary’s Church floral display, ate some delicious home made cakes. Unfortunately, my mother-inlaw’s fresh sandwiches weren’t on the menu but there were some scrumptious home made cakes and slices. 🍰🙂

Well, what a phenomenon!! If you think you’re watching a David Attenborough advert you’d be surprised to know you’re not. My trusty photographer, a la Mic Davies was right onto this one. For me it was mesmerizing and fascinating at the same time to watch. Ducks were coming out of the woodwork, or should I say reeds (okay I’m sorry it’s another one of those Mum jokes) to join this queue and the politics that were in place as each bird joined the line. Very funny. 😂 So, where are we? This beautiful lake and enchanting grounds forms part of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Spencer Churchill. This site is listed as a World Heritage Site and offers a great family day out.Especially if you are like Mic and are desperate to take up an acting career. Posing beside the Lebanon Cedar Trees could do wonders for your future appearances on the big screen or at least they did for Daniel Radcliffe in this tree scene from Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix.I guess with all that acting out of the way it’s probably a good idea to take all that weight off your feet and what better way to do it!! At least this chair isn’t for hire.But apart from this spot being an iconic part of history, the estate practices forestry and farming.And the sheep scattered over the property are part of the sustainable farming initiative. Although I’m not sure about the relevance of the gate. 🤔🤔

Today we are out and about exploring the fabulous bike friendly city of Oxford.

Temperatures are likely to reach a balmy 33 degrees so let’s hope we have the stamina to tick off some of the must do’s in this part of the shire before we take some respite in the Oxford Meadows or take a dip in the Thames. Just kidding, we didn’t bring our bathers although Mic is hoping he would be asked to join the rowing squad!! There seems to be a few members sporting the green and gold, making us think they could be Aussies’s. At this time of year the rowing calendar is full of events and this part of the river can get a little crowded with many people hiring punts, rowing boats and motorised craft from a section of pontoon just outside the Head of the River Pub. It looks a little chaotic so maybe it’s for the best that we watch from the river banks instead.

Now we’ve all heard and dreamt about going to Oxford to study, or maybe if you’re a Harry Potter fan you want to sit in the “Great Hall” at Christ Church and practice wizardry, cast some magical spells. In this photo, Mic has made me disappear! Only temporary though. 😉

But there is even more fame to claim here at Oxford, as this is where Charles Dodgson wrote “Alice in Wonderland” under his nonda plum Lewis Carroll. If you’re a fan they have everything in the Alice’s store across the road from key rings to figurines. However, it’s the drawings I love, they are so imaginative or is it because I’m always late and can relate to the white rabbit never being on time for that very important date. Although, I should give myself a little credit as I’m definitely getting better or at least trying to.🤗

But the real grit of this story goes to my ingenuity, my dying passion to avoid crowds and on this occasion ignoring being told we are unable to visit Christ Church today because they’re only open to tour groups. I guess that’s why this blog is titled “fake it, till you make it” because we pushed into a tour group and mingled with the crowd. It did look a bit odd though as we were the only non Asians in the group.

There are many theories about why Stonehenge was built, as are there in depth explanations behind the significant placement and use of stones selected for the build. As it is a spectacular stone circle!

However, undoubtedly for me after years of research, having on hand a rather expensive rock collection and showing sheer intrigue in the structure since a very early age; it is my conclusion that it was built by a team of Aliens!!! Very clever ones indeed.😉

They were extraterrestrials on vacation dropping boulders from the sky in geometric patterns that resembled horse shoes. If you think I’ve gone mad, you’re probably right or maybe I’ve had a few too many bottles of Rioja this trip.

All jokes aside, this feat is one of the oldest rock formations I’ve ever witnessed and miraculously after 5,000 years it is still standing.

Of even more significance are the different cultures and crowds that are drawn to this structure year after year. It’s this connection for me that is so powerful and liberating. Regardless of its evolution and prospect of future archeological discoveries; visitors, pilgrims, historians and philosphers will contine to explore this area and share magnificant stories about their beliefs.

However, it’s still ET for me! 👽

Who could ever believe what Mic and I are trying this time? No, it’s not a two month Bikram Yoga challenge but close. What is it that’s inspired us to get out of bed? Well not before 8:30am, and no it wasn’t coffee or food (although that normally does the trick).

Okay, well, enough of the suspense I know your dying to know. We’ve graduated with flying colours becoming the best trusted house sitters ever!!! And didn’t we just adore our new found friend, our best friend forever (BFF). The most kind natured loving dog, Nala.

Taking a long deserved break from the road, we are looking after Rye Farm House for a gorgeous couple Sue and Bruce Mcleod. Sue was previously a nurse and Bruce an eye surgeon. They have both lived and worked in Australia so we had plenty to talk and laugh about in amongst discussing our kids of course!! 😊

So where is Rye Farm House? Well, it’s on the outskirts of a market town known as Horsham. Just approx an hour from London via the train, so makes an excellent commuter town to base yourself from.

And what’s involved?? Lots of ball throwing, two walks a day and plenty of tummy rubs.

We will miss this gorgeous dog and new found friends but promise we will keep in touch, as it’s time to motor on to our next destination Stonehenge.

Stepping back into England’s history, in fact way back to the 14th October, 1066 on the very grounds depicted below, the most famous battle in England’s history was fought and won by, William the Conqueror – Battle of Hastings. It was a fierce battle between the Norman’s and Anglo-Saxon’s lasting 9 long hours. A bloody battle in which many lives were lost. It is easy to understand why there were so many casualties when soldiers had to where heavy chain mail and fight with weapons like bows, clubs, axes, swords and spears. These beautifully crafted chainsaw sculptures depict what it would have been like to be in the army at the time regardless of which side you were fighting against with models (Mic and Sarah) taking some liberty to have a bit of fun!!Ever wondered where the word Battle axe came from? This weapon was capable of slicing a man in half. Ouch!Not sure why I’m posing with such a cheesey grin; as there is no random axe of kindness in using this implement. Okay, I know another corny mum joke.And for Hercules here with such strength and stamina, not sure the flip flops, t-shirt and shorts has him pegged to be a winner here.But amidst all the Tomfoolery, there are some important landmarks on this site that acknowledge the successful military invasion by William and the Battle Abbey is one if these monuments that pays gratitude to the thousands who lost their lives here. It was built by the Benedictine Monks under William’s supervision. It consists of the Battle Abbey gates,the gatehouse rooftop (and view from the top)

the Abbot’s great hall and library (which is now a school),and gift shop (thought you’d appreciate this one Rhino … so cute and cuddly).

There are live re-enactments of the Battle around the 14th October for all those enthusiasts who want to hear the clash of sword on shield and feel the thunder of galloping hooves as over 600 warriors relive the event during a festival held on site. I’m sure it would be well worth the effort to return for such an epic event but alas this fair maiden has seen enough for one day. Now where’s the camper?

Down very narrow streets and over windy roads we drop in at Royal Tunbridge Wells. This place is a spa town, no there aren’t any Roman baths so you won’t need your swimmers here just a spring that was previously known for its health benefits. On certain days when the water is flowing in the spring you are able to sample it. It is regularly tested by the authorities and only when it meets drinking water standards, will you find the “dippers” on standby offering you a taste. The water is rich in iron so should give you a perk up, if you’re like me and a little anaemic from time to time. 🥤😊Alternatively, if you don’t fancy it, why not just stop off at the “Duke of York” pub for a refreshment. They sell a range of ales, lagers, wines and ciders at the bar but given it’s just gone 9am it’s not quite wine o’clock just yet. Let’s find a coffee instead.This hotel is situated in the “Pantiles”, a beautiful, historic colonnaded walkway. It is a traffic-free zone and host to a plethora of upmarket restaurants, designer shops, bars and unique gift wares. Thankfully for my credit card the shops are still closed and I’m only able to window shop. Moving on I’m interested to find the “Church of King Charles the Martyr”. This chapel dates back to the 17th century, and was built from the generous donations of visitors who came to the area to ‘take the waters’. This church unlike any other I have ever seen has the most beautiful ornate plaster ceiling, and is often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Pantiles’. The fine ceiling is the work of Henry Doogood, chief plasterer to Sir Christopher Wren. Delving a little deeper into the history we find that Princess Victoria also attended services here and in her memory a brass plaque marks her seat in the upper gallery.I love the smaller churches just like this one as they ooze charm and exude a wonderful warmth.

Royal Tunbridge is celebrating its 400th anniversary and following the “Heritage Walking Trail” there are plenty more historic spots to uncover which are simply gorgeous and have fascinating stories attached, but for me the Calverley grounds is the perfect place to stop. Amongst the rolling hills of this park you can enjoy the scented lavender beds, sunken Italian garden and ‘Golden Jubilee’ rose beds (with each rose chosen for its royal connections).

The weather has been gorgeous over the last six days while we have been exploring the southern part of England known as the borough of Kent. I’ve heard in the north it’s been quite the opposite.

However, as the saying goes it’s better to make hay while the sun shines. So, Mic and I are making the most of the warmer conditions. In fact we’ve just spotted our first Queen Bumble Bee.

I’ve never heard this before but the Met bureau is issuing warnings to all hay fever sufferers advising that the pollen levels are soaring. Given all the blooms out and about at the moment these beautiful bees will have no problem foraging for pollen and producing some amazing honey.

And for us I’d even go as far as saying, we have t-shirt sun tans!!! (okay, I maybe stretching the truth a little here but I’m definitely sporting the English Rose complexion with my fair skin and rosy cheeks).

The countryside is picturesque and offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

And around every corner there’s another fascinating landmark to familiarise yourself with like the Bayham Old Abbey.

Our views from the camper have also lived up to expectations as we wake up next to vineyards in Lamberhurst. You just never know where you will be able to park up for the night and what experiences will be on offer. 🤗

To top it all off this pub stay sees Mic enjoying an early Father’s Day at the Vineyard Hotel (it’s a little unusual but Father’s Day here is celebrated on the 16th of June and we couldn’t miss this opportunity to join in on this special occasion).

And just minutes away from our overnight stop at Barnsgate Manor we call in at Ashdown Forest in the East of Sussex, hoping to find Winnie. This site is where A.A Milne observed the adventures of his son, Christopher Robin, as he played with his toys in the woods and gained inspiration for writing the beloved Winnie the Pooh Books.

Needless to say my adventure didn’t quite find Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Tigger or Eeyore for that matter…just some sleepy sheep but still worthy of a photo. It’s quite early so you can understand why they look a little sheepish 😴.

There is just so much to love about this countryside, it has a mesmerising charm enticing you to spend endless hours amongst it wondering what’s in the next valley, woods or field left to explore, there just isn’t enough time in the day to do it all. Besides it’s paying attention to the little things that makes the journey much more rewarding.

Just a short trip from the hustle and bustle of Cantebury we have found a gorgeous seaside village, Whitstable. In fact, it’s the perfect spot to catch up with an old mate.

It has beautiful pebble beaches, a working harbour and an interesting array of independent shops, cafes and Michelin-ranked restaurants. We’ve been told the seafood is amazing here and if we like oysters this is where we should source them from; as the Queen only sources hers from here. 👸

But today Mic and I are seeking traditional fish and chips being “fish and chip Friday”, a stroll along the esplanade for exercise and to breathe in some of that salty sea air.

As we head off along the seafront it’s hard to miss the cute and colourful beach huts.

Just like a bag of licorice all sorts these cottages line the slopes of the neighbouring town Tankerton. You can only imagine how much fun must be had here during the height of summer and to be in such close proximity with your neighbours, it’d make happy hour very convenient.

And the seafood, we’ve decided to try is, Scampi and Chips. Scampi is a Dublin Bay Prawn which has been fried. We thoroughly enjoyed it as it was deliciously sweet and moist. The British love this crustacean with people in the UK buying over £50 million each year. They are caught in the North Sea off Ireland. If you are not allergic to shellfish and have some you won’t be disappointed, as it was really, Yum, Yum, Yum!!!

Choosing a different path back to our abode we call past the Whistable Castle and gardens. Entry is free and would provide a great stop for a cup of tea as you soak up the atmosphere of the immaculately maintained gardens and castle.

Icing on the cake or should I say brownie, for a great day out in Whitstable. (Tabitha’s Kitchen is also a must for a sweet treat as everything is made fresh daily with love 🥰)

So don’t bypass Whitstable, as this place has certainly lived up to its title as ‘the pearl of Kent’.