#14 Imperial War Museum Duxford

                                                 Blackbird

The video is of a Spitfire taking off--notice with not much runway required.

Concorde

We walked through the cabin and "found our seats." The last flight was in 2003; it was discontinued mainly for economic reasons. Alas, our flight over took the usual 8 hours.



It is easy to see why Sally B is a favorite. It is the only airworthy B-17 in the UK. Based at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, it is usually on static display. We were fortunate that the pilots were flying that day in preparation for an October air show.
Sally B enjoyed her first TV role in 1981 as B-17 'Ginger Rogers' in London Weekend Television’s 'We’ll Meet Again'. In 1989 she starred with four other B-17s in the film 'Memphis Belle' and is the plane shown coming home from the final mission.

#13 The Beth Chatto Gardens - Village of Elmstead Market

I carry my purse everywhere--just like the queen.

The Beth Chatto Gardens began in 1960 when the site was an overgrown wasteland between two farms. Faced with all kinds of difficult conditions Beth and the late Andrew Chatto set out to find homes for many of the plants they wished to grow. With dry and damp soil in both sun and shade, they were able put into practice the underlying principles of what is now referred to as "Ecological gardening". (from the website).

 These are just two simple jars; but, left in their natural state and surroundings, they become works of art.

I especially enjoyed the orange, yellow and rust-colored flowers, and I often wears these colors.

.

The overcast sky made the greens appear dark and lush.

Don found a bench from which to enjoy the view. We found ourselves walking more than sitting, however.

#12 Tea and Scones, Walton on the Naze, England

The Naze Tower is an historic 86 ft landmark and unique visitor attraction situated on an attractive stretch of coastline at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. Over 8 stories, it houses art galleries, tearooms, shops, a museum and a viewing platform. During the heyday of nearby Walton-on-the Naze, the surrounding property was a golf course, but during WW II it was taken over for defense purposes.

The Naze Tower constructed 1720

Don, Rubye, Jen and Gary (photo taken by Emma)
The scones, jam and cream were the best ever!



 WWII pillbox, once on the cliffs, is now on the beach.



 

 Rubye loved the "giraffes."

Don standing on a WWII pillbox

 The day we visited, it was cool and cloudy, with intermittent rain, which seemed a perfect day to stroll and view the spectacular North Sea and English seaports in the distance. 

#11 Visiting Cousins, Colchester, England



When we set out to do 50 things this year, one of our first thoughts was to ask Don's cousin, Gary, if it would be convenient for us to visit him and wife Jennie in England. Gary's response to our email was overwhelming. Not only was the timing good, but he urged us to come for an extended stay, and to make their home our base while we visited the UK and the continent. Their generosity enabled us to stay for 5 weeks, 2 of which were spent in their home. They are easy-going hosts and that made our time with them at home and on the road relaxed and fun. We enjoyed playing "42" and Rummikub, watching the British brand of comedy and musical specials on TV, eating Jen's tasty meals, and sitting in the garden (bats and a meteor shower at night, no less).

Jen and Gary, in front of the building where their son works. (London)

It was a joy to get to know them better and our lives have been greatly enriched. Gary and Jen are world travelers, and great story tellers (lots of humor). They appreciate fine food, wines, music, history and photography. Jen volunteers at her parish church. They have 3 brilliant children who are successes in their own right.



Gary and Jen's garden was a lovely place to hang our hammock.

Needless to say, we were given the best tours around the UK, and Gary was a tremendous help in planning the 15-day visit to the continent.  He advised us about purchasing a Eurail pass, assuring us that we could, indeed, do this with ease. We are forever grateful to these dear ones for opening their hearts as well as their beautiful home and garden to us.