We left St. Ives Saturday morning on a bus. We had train tickets but the little train that goes back and forth between St Ives and St Erth had the brake stuck on in Carbis Bay (half way in between) and could not go forward or backward. After an hour with everyone running around in circles wondering what was going on, we found out we could take the bus to St. Erth using the train ticket because the train was "broken". A short train ride after St. Erth brought us into the old Roman city of Bath. Our old friend Robin ( from our 2001 Camino walk) was at the Bath station to pick us up. He drove us to his home, Brook Cottage in Priston, 3 miles outside of Bath.
We last visited Robin and his wonderful wife Aylet (a Northumberland gal) when we were in England in 2006. Their home was originally a cidery and we were given the loft over the lounge (living room) as our bedroom this time. Because of its earlier use, the floor slants down to the middle so that provides an interesting sensation when trying to get out of bed on the outside. But how neat to lie in bed looking up at the A frame roof and all the old beams.
Robin and Aylet have lived in the house for 31 years. Visiting with them in Priston (pop 250) is like jumping back in time.
We went for a nice stroll around the village during the afternoon. 
The local pub "Ring o' Bells" is a beehive of activity on a Sunday afternoon with families having a long lunch after church. There is a skittles court which looks like a small 5 pin bowling alley in the back where the kids go to play after lunch while their parents relax. Neighbours catch up with one another. Robin and Aylet took us there for dinner last night.
The little Anglican church is the centre of the village life. Even Robin and Aylet who actually go to the RC church in the next village support and help organize many of the church's activities. It has the most beautiful Norman inner door to the church.
Some things never change in England.
Aylet has horses, her own and others who come to stay for awhile. Wendy is saying hello to Monty while Meg says "no don't take my picture - this isn't my best side"!
Robin and Aylet with Bertie (a Dalmation cross)
Robin cooking dinner on their wonderful Aga stove. I want one!
And off on the train to Ashcroft House in Gloucestershire to visit Ben and Georgina Harford whose family has owned the house that my great grandfather was born and raised in - since 1947. The Cornwalls owned the house from 1825 to 1895. Another new adventure, I have only met Ben over the internet.
Marion and Wendy
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