After an unseasonably cold and damp week, Saturday morning broke without a cloud in the sky and the forecast was calling for highs in the mid - 60's (~17° C?). This was most fortunate as we had planned a picnic and ramble(hike) in the countryside with family and friends as a precursor to the evening's festivities. The picnic and walk were set to take place in the Ashridge Estate near Jean's parent's home in Berkhamsted. The Ashridge Estate is about 5000 acres of woodlands. At one time it was the property of the Duke and Earls of Bridgewater but now belongs to the National Trust and is a park and greenbelt. There's a visitor centre, cafe loads of walking paths and an observation tower monument built to commemorate the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, Francis Egerton, who pioneered canal building mania in the 19th century. We rolled into the car park near midday. A few cloud masses had gathered throughout the morning but the sun still shone brightly and the day had ...

The story of Peter the Wild Boy has intrigued generations of visitors to Northchurch. The simple tombstone immediately in front of the church porch, with the curious inscription: PETER the Wild Boy 1785 It tells nothing of the life of the person buried there. Inside the church, on the south wall of the nave, there is a brass tablet, which relates something of the strange history of the Wild Boy, as well as providing a portrait of Peter as an old man. The inscription reads: To the memory of Peter, known as the Wild Boy, having been found wild in the forest of Hertswold near Hanover in the year 1725. He then appeared to be about 12 years old. In the following year he was brought to England by the order of the late Queen Caroline, and the ablest masters were provided for him. But proving himself incapable of speaking, or of receiving any instruction, a comfortable provision was made for him at a farm in this parish, where he continued to the end of his inoffensive life. ...

"The old river in its broad reach rested unruffled at the decline of day, after ages of good service done to the race that peopled its banks, spread out in the tranquil dignity of a waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth." 27 April 2010 Jean's parents have in their garage an 8 foot long inflatable boat(We'll call her Penelope here). On Penelope's maiden and only voyage some 3 years ago she lost an oar. Looking to procure a replacement Jean's Mum wrote to the manufacturer who kindly sent her another oar straight from China free of charge. As our arrival coincided with a heat wave in Britain (Low 70's in late April) we decided the time was right to take her out for another spin. After re-inflating our charge we carried Penelope down the quarter mile or so to the canal and put in. It was slow going as Penelope was not the swiftest of craft and there were several portages around numerous locks. ...