August 11, 2016. Kent Countryside

LOCATION:  House-sitting in Orpington, England, near London

WEATHER:  Very pleasant. Highs around 70

Another full day of walking.  I took Bela for an extended walk, then we were off for a day of hikes in the country. 

We walked to the train station (conveniently downhill), and caught the train for Eynsford.  Our homeowners had told us that it is a nice village.  

The village was having a funeral.  The entire village was gathered in front of a beautiful old church in the village center.  The hearse drove up, followed by a motorcycle bringing the coffin in a sidecar.  After the people walked into the church for the funeral, George talked to the motorcycle "chauffeur".  (He talks with EVERYBODY!).  The driver told George about his sidecar business.  With older, wealthier guys riding Harley Davidsons in the USA and Canada, we think this may be a niche market to get into..

We had lunch in the village pub.  It is called "The Malt Shovel".  I just love these names!

We overheard the conversation of the diners next to us with a precocious little girl talking about how much she wants to visit America.  George spoke up, of course, and told her that we are authentic Americans.  She was in awe, and we had a delightful discussion about the English language and places to visit in the USA.   

Then, off we went on our hike.  We love the footpaths that are everywhere in England.

This path took us by a field where the farmer was baling hay.  We are in Kent, where this is a typical sight....

Back home, Bela's evening walk, then a rest for our weary feet.

DINNER:  Steamed mussels with a baguette to sop off the delicious garlicky wine broth.