A while ago now I started reading the blog, Janice in Caunes. I had stumbled across this blog via another blog, Maa's Journal. As so often happens, when you start leaving comments on another's blog, that blogger often visits your blog...and so it was with Janice.
We had the most wonderful day with Janice and Mark and of course DH and I hope they can visit Brisbane next time they are in Australia.
Janice and her DH live half of the year in Caunes which is in France, but as luck would have it, they are in England at the moment and we were able to arrange to meet in person. So that's why last Tuesday, DH and I headed to the picturesque village, Hebden Bridge, which is not far from Manchester...we had been staying on the outskirts of Manchester for 4 nights.
Janice came out to greet us when we reached their home...those who blog would know that bond that develops between bloggers over time...you really do get to know them via blogging.
Janice showed me her back garden which looks after itself while they are in France...very clever plantings...
And while we were looking out at the garden, a little rabbit scampered into view...he's there behind Buddah...I say 'he' because it was possibly Peter Rabbit. :-)
At lunch time we put on our coats and walked down to the village...in the next photo Janice is pointing out where the Calder River meets the canal...
The buildings on the other side of the road from where Janice lives...
Our lunch destination...
It was very busy in the pub that day...it was well worth the little wait for our food...it was delicious!
I had noticed all this 'vegetation' hanging up on the rafters...Janice told us it was hops! Something I have never seen before, so now I know what hops looks like!
DH enjoyed sampling some more local brews...
After lunch we continued our walk towards the village...on the tow path. I was rapt! So many times in UK shows I've heard references to tow paths and here I was, walking on one.
Lovely scenes...
DH and I have a fascination with locks and we were going to be treated to the wonderful sight of the locks working...
A peep down one of the lanes off the tow path...
Then we reached the village...
The bridge!
We visited the charity shop where Janice works...her lovely display that had been arranged the day before, needed some straightening up...
Before we visited this shop we had gone to a yarn shop...enough said right? Yes I bought some lovely Yorkshire yarns and a bundle of fat quarters....
We finished our walk around the village with a nice cup of tea...
One more photo...I was 'sneaking' a photo of the other 3 while we were walking, and Janice just glanced back...
You might like to visit Janice's blog...the posts are always a delight to read! For one thing, you will see much clearer photos of the rabbits who come to visit.
Lucky you, going along the towpath, I'd want to do things like that too. And that laneway!...you'd hope you got on with all the neighbours! Janice's garden is lovely too, such a lot in a small space. T the best adventures happen when you meet up with locals and see places from their perspective.
ReplyDeleteso nice you got to meet up.........always lovely when locals show you around.............
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of your visit to see us in Hebden Bridge. Its a shame that your up and coming trip to France is too brief to make it down to Caunes, as we will be there in just a couple of weeks. It was wonderful to meet you both, and you are right, you feel you already know a blogger when you meet them... it was like meeting up with an old friend. Thankyou so much for making the effort to come across from Manchester...and I am so pleased that you liked Hebden Bridge. Jx
ReplyDeleteHow lucky to be able to meet up and do all the non touristy stuff.. it all looks so...English?? Quaint?? - rally charming.
ReplyDeleteScott and I are green with envy. The lockes here have not been used in years what a wonderful stop on your adventure.
ReplyDeleteFantastic to see the locks in operation! I agree with Susan, it does all look so much like my imagined version of England.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, really enjoyed seeing you meet Janice. I'd love to have a ride (or a weekend) on one of those canal boats. You go from one adventure to another :D)
ReplyDeleteMaria your visit is bringing back so many memories for me,as I was born and bred in England. My brother lives in Tasmania and goes back every year because they have a canal boat which is moored near Burton on Trent. They sale all the locks and canals for about 2 months every year. It's lovely to see the boats on your pics,they are so colourful. It's nice that you could get together with your blogger friend,it looks like you are having a great time x
ReplyDeleteLovely for you to meet Janice - I dip into her blog every now and again - I must visit soon! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's so awesome to meet up with other fellow bloggers, and what a lovely time you had.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely post from you Maria. It's delightful reading all about your amazing trip.
ReplyDelete