Maddox had the ‘class pet’ home for the weekend. So Mikey, the monkey, got to come along on our country walk to
Monkton Farleigh. He even got to enjoy swinging on some trees in the forest of Browns Folly and was gracious enough to let me photograph the moment for Maddox.
For it would not be odd at all to see a monkey swinging from the vines in a forest in Somerset, no?
This was actually a photograph on our walk back at the end of the day out, retracing our journey to return back home. I want to say it is about an hour walk from our home outside Bath into
Monkton Farleigh. While it could have taken much less by car, we really enjoy our country walks through the villages, countryside of sheep, woodland forest, and colourful fields. So much we would miss if we had a car.
We were greeted by music when we arrived at the
Monkton Farleigh Manor which gave my experience of this fete as very posh. The manor house alone with the gardens and fountains would be a dream location to live in my books. Many people showed up, but it was not so overly crowded that it made in unenjoyable. The boys even ran into several classmates from their school.
The lush purple lavender hugging a sundial and the on looking gardens from the manor. This was the view Ryan and I shared while we sat and enjoyed our cream tea and cakes on the lawn. Lush indeed! There were lots of stalls set up with either things to sell, like the five books for a £1 that I partook in, and things to eat. We enjoyed cream tea and cakes not once but twice, ate hot dogs, and almost had ice cream but they ran out by the time we managed to get around to that stall. All in all it was a perfect day and a perfect location for a summer fete.
What summer event in England would be complete without Pims? They actually ran out and the long que of us waiting for our Pims stood patiently until they were able to replenish their stock. It then sold out again in no time flat. I am certainly not surprised.
They boys were each given a few quid to spend where they liked. Maddox of course went straight for a hot dog and some ice cream before partaking in the waterballoons.
Ronan surprised me with how well he did in this ‘break the plates’ activity. He was spot on with every single throw and broke something on every ball except one, which instead of shattering china bounced off. He and his classmates then all had water balloons and were chasing each other through out the gardens. When their ballons all broke they resorted to cups being filled by the fountain and dumping them on each other. It was about that time we decided to walk home. Stop while you’re ahead, yeah?
My favourite part, aside from enjoying this wonderful afternoon with my family, was seeing the horses. There were two in the field in front of the manor and they kept running together around the field. They were so beautiful and I only wish I could go and ride with them.
Of course I made Ronan take our photo in front of the gardens before we left. It was a beautiful day and I wanted to remember every moment of it.
Q: Have you attended a Summer Fete in England or else where in the world this year yet?
We have nine more weeks of Winter and that has not stopped us from going on country walks around our area of Bath, England. However the shorts, sleeveless shirts, and trainers of our summer attire have had to be replaced by our winter wardrobe. When you are in England I always recommend double checking the weather right before you head out. Check the temperature, the wind, and if rain or snow might be a factor. Next, it is always good to plan your route before hand to give yourself a good time reference for how long you will be out. With your information gathered you can than gauge how to dress appropriately for your country walk. Remember just because you are going for a country walk, does not mean you have to dress frumpy. There are so many fashionable looks from Peter Hahn you can put together for your country walks from practical footwear to appropriate coats.
