ludlow

For my birthday this year Beth had once again organised a surprise. She likes organising surprises - I don't know why. Some have suggested it's because she likes to know that she can keep secrets from me. (!) I'd been told that I had to keep the weekend clear but I had no idea where we were going. Beth took a half day on Friday and we left soon after lunch.

A couple of hours later, as we neared our destination, I had my first clue. Beth had to call someone to confirm our arrival time at "the cottage". This was good: I now knew that we weren't camping.

We soon arrived at a hamlet called Bedlam, quite near to Ludlow. Our accomodation for the weekend was a very nice little three bedroomed cottage with views of the shropshire countryside and lots of sheep. I was a little confused as to why the place was so big, but Beth assured me that she'd got a good deal.

A while later Beth admitted that there were another 4 guests coming: Donna, Emily, Dave and Mike. This lot arrived just after 9pm, giving Beth and I time to make a quick visit to ludlow first.

The next couple of days were spent visiting ludlow, sitting by the river, buying beer, walking up a hill, pit, jungle speed, poker and sleeping. Can't get much better than that. We were blessed with fantastic weather throughout, and even managed to get a barbie going on Saturday night.

Thanks very much to the Bristol gang for coming, and even greater thanks to Beth for organising the whole thing. I'm going to be very dissapointed if there's no surprise next year!

Photos below, click to enlarge.

More photos are available here when David gets around to putting them up.

pictures

A RC church on the way into Ludlow. A very strange building, almost like a castle. It took them ages to get into position for the photo.

Ludlow castle

Dave and Donna (for once not attached!)

The disused mine

ditto

The cottage, complete with bamboo car port.

It was lambing season...but I wasn't allowed to take any home. Beth thought the dog next door might eat it.