To The Peaks..........And Beyond!

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Our time in the Chelmsford area of the UK ended with emotion and reflection on the many years Rowan’s family spent in this wonderful countryside east of London.  This place will always be held close in our hearts and minds. Luckily, there are still friends in the area that will continue to bring us back here.

Our next stop on this trip will take us north to The Peak District and Sheffield, where we will spend time with Rowan’s sister Alex and her family winding up some business and getting out for some fresh Yorkshire air.

We wasted no time in getting out into the Peak District National Park for a hike. It is very easy to do this as sister Alex lives just on the edge of the park. We had a fabulous walk in the rain (who cares about the rain in England!) through the stunning heather (in full bloom), amazing ferns and electric green countryside.

 Wet Rowan

 Mark & Hannah

 Sister Alex and Luke

 Heather in full bloom

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Our next adventure took us to Renishaw Hall & Gardens (http://www.renishaw-hall.co.uk/), the current home of Rick and Alexandra Sitwell and the historical home of the Sitwell family. A notable member of the family was Edith Sitwell (1887-1964), a poet and eccentric. The house and gardens are stunning and especially on the beautiful day we had to stroll through them.

We came upon many pieces of art throughout the gardens. The title of this piece is 'Moon Gazing Hares'. Exactly!

They have left many dead tree trunks throughout the garden and turned them into sculptures with some very clever results.

Rowan with her sister Alex and family.

So, why does my garden never look like this? :o) The English really do know how to do gardens!

 The Budlia bushes were covered with peacock butterflies. Fantastic specimens!

 You will find the most beautiful thistles used in many English gardens. I will need to look for some of these for our garden back in the US. A really stunning texture and color and something the bloody dear won't eat!!

   We found this fabulous photo of Edith Sitwell in the little museum at the gardens. A real character I wish I could have met. Quite the fashion plate!

  Our time with Sis and her family went by in a flash (time does fly when you’re having fun!). Our next stop is Wales and the Brecon Beacons to see the two uncles, Bob & Hugh.

Stay tuned……………