There was a sense of sadness to be leaving London. We had such a wonderful two weeks. There was however, also a sense of great anticipation to pick up a car and begin our 4 week journey exploring the rest of this great island.
After walking to the Hertz pickup location and getting back to the Highbury Centre to pack our belongings in our little Red Fiat 500L, we began our journey, getting out of London, and venturing first of all south east to Canterbury in Kent, before our first night booked in Hastings on the south coast. We were so glad to have brought our GPS from Australia. Navigating London is such a challenge.
We were enchanted with Canterbury. It was a beautiful little town centre, with the gates to the Cathedral attached to the surrounding shops and market place. The day was stunning and we saw the Cathedral in magnificent sunshine.
As we continued on our way the car began giving trouble and was indicating a temperature rise. Suddenly the alarms went off and the dashboard indicated to pull over and stop the car. All went back to normal and we were on our way again. But not for long. We had to pull over on a dangerous motorway with the radiator bubbling over. After a period to allow cool down, we waited a considerable time before there was sufficient gaps in traffic in both directions before attempting a U-turn to slowly limp back to the reasonably close outskirts of Ashford. We were disappointed with our Australian global SIM card which does not allow access to freecall numbers. The emergency contacts from Hertz were both freecall numbers, so we were quite stranded. A local shop allowed us to use their phone and after a number of transfers Chris finally got on to somebody who could help. The AA came as the day darkened around us, and we were still an hour and a half from our accommodation. The first tow truck wasn’t big enough to take the car so we had to wait another hour for a second tow truck. We eventually got to Hastings by about 8.45pm, had dinner and tried to relax enough for sleep. All the next morning was spent on innumerable phone calls trying to organise between AA, Hertz and Fiat what to do. We eventually got another tow truck which took us to Gatwick airport and were soon on the road again in a black Ford Focus. Disappointingly we had to forego some places we wanted to see on the South Coast because of time lost in this unfortunate delay. We found a great little hotel in Haslemere as we journeyed westward.
For our Sunday worship we visited the local Anglican church in Haslemere. We felt very welcome, and was encouraged by the intercessions offered by a spritely elderly lady who was so passionate in her love of Jesus, her church, and mission in the wider world, that I was brought to tears as I joined in her prayers. What an inspiration she was. I hope and pray that my passion for God might be even half of hers when I reach her age. I was truly blessed.
Leaving Haslemere, we had a short stopover in Winchester to see its Cathedral which was very special. Being a Jane Austen fan it was lovely to see more of her story, to walk on her grave, and to see the place where she would have worshipped in her final years. These medieval buildings built to glorify God are truly stunning, and to see the difficult task it is to maintain them is very moving. The sadness associated with that though is that so many of these great buildings now appear to be more of a museum than a living and active church community. We made it a priority to see signs of vibrant Christian community in each place we visited and there were times we were greatly encouraged.
We drove on to Salisbury and stayed in a great little central hotel, and took a walk around the town in the little daylight that was left. Salisbury Cathedral took our heart as we wandered around, and we planned the next day to visit there prior to Stonehenge.
Salisbury Cathedral was a delight. The font there really captured my imagination with its stunning theological interpretation and beautiful features. This was a new addition to an old building which really worked. The flowing and living water spoke volumes and the visual beauty of the reflections were breathtaking.
Visiting Stonehenge was another time of learning and being left in awe. The prehistory in this place is mind blowing, and what archaeologists have found is truly amazing. As we walked around these ancient stones with umbrellas aloft, the camera got a great workout. We were very glad for gloves, beanies and coats. We journeyed on to arrive in Torquay as the afternoon soon came to a close.
We quickly got out to see this great little holiday location, locally coined as the English Riviera. Well, having recently been to the French Riviera, we can’t really say there are too many similarities, but we thoroughly enjoyed exploring this place made famous by one of our favourite TV comedies. The quotes kept coming throughout our conversation as we walked!
The next day was a mammoth one as we drove all the way to Lands End, returning via Penzance, Mousehole and Portwen. Seeing these places that have incredible smuggling and pirate history was a lot of fun. The old pub where we had lunch had a story of Annie, one of the publicans involved in smuggling with the vicar next door, and we saw the old tunnels she used under the pub. After she dobbed in an innocent man, her demise was not a good one, as the townspeople tied her up to be consumed by the rising tide, and then her body was displayed for all the town to see.
From Torquay we were heading for Cheltenham for four nights to then drive in various directions on day trips. On our way we spent a wonderful few hours in the magnificent city of Bath. This was a Roman settlement with so much of the town development built on the amazing hot springs that continue to feed the intricate Roman Baths built for the enjoyment of locals. Over the centuries they have been a drawcard for this beautiful city.
We were also very impressed with Bath Abbey, which clearly has a gospel focus, and it was a delight to have a great conversation with one of the guides about mission and how vibrant and lively the Abbey congregation is with 5 services each Sunday.
We walked this attractive city seeing all the famous landmarks including the Circus of apartments and the Royal Crescent, and another Jane Austen spot as she spent a number of years in that town.
Our day trips from Cheltenham included Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cardiff and Henryhd Falls. All these places stunned us in different ways. Oxford with its magnificent university buildings, beautiful river, medieval shops and gardens. Blenheim Palace with its incredible grounds and spectacular house which, along with a dukedom was gifted to John Churchill by Queen Anne, in honour and thankfulness for his service to the country in defeating the French in 1704. It was also the place where Winston Churchill, nephew to the then Duke, was born in 1874. Stratford-upon-Avon for its literary gift to the world of Shakespeare, and its creaking and leaning tudor buildings. Cardiff for its castle and Henryhd Falls for its leafy walk and stunning beauty in Brecon Beacons National Park. Our lovely days there were topped off amazingly by worshipping with the great congregation at Trinity Cheltenham which is a buzzing and lively congregation making a real difference in the world. It was a really positive way to reflect on our own wonderful church at North Pine and how we can grow in the future as we negotiate our way through Vision 2020 in the coming months! Can’t wait to see what God will do as we walk in faith and confidence into a new future.
![Anne Hathaway's Cottage [Shakespeare's wife]](https://i0.wp.com/chrislyndajohnson.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/80-week-1-stratford-anne-hathaways-cottage.jpeg?ssl=1 "80 Week 1 Stratford Anne Hathaway's Cottage")
![Anne Hathaway's Cottage [Shakespeare's wife]](https://i0.wp.com/chrislyndajohnson.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/81-week-1-stratford-anne-hathaways-cottage.jpeg?ssl=1 "81 Week 1 Stratford Anne Hathaway's Cottage")
Chris and Lynda Johnson 
What an amazing trip you are having and thank you so much for allowing us to read about it and see photos. We were especially glad you were in my home town of Haslemere! where I used to worship and ring the bells! It’s where Andy and I were married by Bishop Dale – one time from Jamaica. Also Torquay is where we ran a guest house for a few years. Its a small world.!! May God keep you safe and well for the rest of your wonderful holiday. Maureen & Andy Biri (Hervey Bay)
Wonderful Maureen! God bless you both.