Super Saturday

So, the plan this morning was to head into Canterbury for some shopping and then maybe head into the country where we know there is an old quiet wood where we hope to see some wild garlic in bloom.



Leaving here just after eight gets us into Canterbury by half past, and well ahead of the crowds. We wander round some of the less known buildings and apparently endless parks and gardens. There was no one else around, and apart from a few hungry ducks we met few others.



At nine the shops opened, but I spotted that the cathedral was open too, and there was no queue; I stumped up the £7.50 and went in, cameras in hand. It was wonderful, very few people, and the history was just everywhere. I took some shots of the structure and got quite carried away. Even though we live so near, this was the first time I had been inside. But, the entrance fee included a free re-entry valid for a year.


The early start and walk had sharpened our appetites, and so we found a nice little place to eat and ordered smoothies and bagles with cream cheese.

Outside, the crowds began to thicken, and thoughts of delving into Marks and Sparks was out, and so after buying a lamp for our dining room table, we got back in the car and headed back to the coast.

A small diversion took us to a quiet semi-derelict church at Waldershare. We knew it well. A short walk through the overgrown churchyard took us out into a mature wood, and a short walk brought is a marvellous sight; the floor of the wood was white, thick with flowers, waving slowly in a slight breeze.
These were the wild garlic; and they went right out of sight the trees rising through them like the garlic was a drift of snow.


Wild garlic looks like Lilly of the Valley, has bright white flowers, and when stood on, or when a breeze blows through them, a subtle hint of garlic can be smelt. We were the only ones there, and had the whole wood to ourselves. Probably very few people know this is here.



We went back home and tucked into sausage meat puffs and something called plump pilgrims; a spicy kind of rock cake; very nice indeed. Doubly so with a nice cup of coffee.

The afternoon we worked in the garden, getting it under control. The sun shone, not quite warm, but pleasant enough in the spring sunshine. The cats mingled around us; I kept check on the football scores, and sorted through the pictures I had taken.

Evening came and we had diner, lit by our new lamp; home made breaded chicken salad with a bottle of Chianti. Another one of those wonderful days.