14 October 2009

from the Wick of Skaw to the Golden Valleys

14 October 2009

The North Atlantic Arc ~ Mr Tattie Heid Home

Sep 07 08 09 10 11 12
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. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15 Oct . .

14 October 2009--Despite the expense, I'm happy to have stayed in Oxford. I did avoid the cost in time and money of the train trip from Banbury, after all. And I have the morning, at least, to see a little of the city and the university. I spend more time in St Mary the Virgin Parish Church than anywhere else. (The Virgin is revered at Oxford because she's apparently the only one.) It's the spiritual home of the university, as well as its literal origin, being the first place that classes were held before the colleges popped up all around. From the tower, I can see the whole city, in all directions.

After that, I wander around for a while, lingering in an outdoor market. Then it's time to go. I head northeast almost to Northampton, where the Unthanks have apparently never played. I want to pop into town to get postcards to send to friends in the other Northampton, but I don't have the time. Instead, I jump onto the M1 north, and for the next hour or so I get a taste of the kind of traffic that awaits me when I get home and go back to work. Turn off at the A617 and get lost on my way to Castleton. See some interesting villages that would be worth a visit on a return trip.

I've returned to Castleton because it's not far from the airport in Manchester. The plan, back when I would have been coming from Banbury, was to get back here early enough to go for a walk. Now there is only time to get the bags repacked before dinner at the George. I retire early and finish off my roadie.