Charming Country Bumpkins of Stroud, England

Explore the beautiful countryside of England and indulge in local experiences.

This past weekend was designated for the birthday celebration of a friend, drawing our group to the countryside for an enjoyable gathering. The day was abundant with wine, beer, and cider, complemented by generous servings of hearty pub food, before the evening devolved into a delightful state of organized chaos. The following day, many of us experienced the inevitable effects of indulgence, complete with headaches—though the vigorous Go Ape adventure earlier might have contributed to the circumstances; perhaps more on that concept will be elaborated in a subsequent entry.

Fortunately for me, I found myself in a notably better state than many others (relief!).

No matter, we collectively resolved to embark on a much-needed excursion. Our first stop was a vineyard…

Before proceeding to the vast, unoccupied fields… it occurred to me that, although I typically glance over these fields while traveling by train, I had never truly set foot in one. The aroma of cow dung was quite pronounced.

Nevertheless, the view certainly made up for the unpleasant scent… 😉

Senor Baxter decided he had sufficient walking for the day and would prefer to relax in the grass…

Ultimately, we managed to persuade him to continue…

We paused to forage for blackberries… A useful tip: select those located higher up! The lower ones may inadvertently contain undesirable substances, so it is advisable to aim for the elevated ones if you cherish their flavor.

I’m enamored with this charming cottage! Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, with numerous similarly picturesque cottages scattered throughout the area…

The day culminated with a delightful stroll along the canals before returning to our friend’s residence. Experiences like this highlight the beauty of summer in the UK! While good weather is often sufficient, being enveloped in such exquisite surroundings serves as an exceptional bonus.