Oxford Photos

An extremely once-over lightly to Oxford, via the park and ride facility which doubtless serves to minimise congestion in that city. Full of student and academic types, much of the centre is pedestrianised (what an awful word - another of those words created because it's easier to scramble together a root word with common suffixes than find the original - perhaps there is no original here, I can't think of one just now). I may return on my way back to London, and take one of the walking tours, on this visit I arrived later than planned because I had to wait for my washing to dry in the camp drier before leaving - joys of camping! I'd like to travel back in time, and see the city's colleges before the hustle and bustle of the 21st century was upon them, perhaps the 1950's. Now every second person on the street is glued to their cellphone, as in London.
I walked behind a young man who couldn't be other than a student with his purple hair, mostly hidden under a beanie, bright green trousers that exposed at least six inches of cotton boxers, and, a T-shirt in a dull grey, proclaiming a store for the best dressed gentlemen - not a good advertisement! I was very tempted to take a photograph but didn't want to open myself to a negative reaction. Yes, I know, what a wimp.
I spotted this elaborate pub sign.
Once I found the correct bus stop, bump of direction failure, I'm afraid, the journey back to Newbury was simple, back to dinner with my Uncle and Aunt, before returning to the campsite for the night.
Yesterday I drove into SE Wales up the Wye River Valley, The escarpments above the river are ready to burst into spring green, but for now are shades of grey and beige, with just a hint of buds ready to burst. The river looks as if there has been rain, running fast and brown. I did some planning during the evening and have decided to head for Hereford today and base myself at a campsite there and visit places of interest nearby, I hear the Cider trail is fun - sadly no designated driver so I may just visit the place Lonely Planet recommends as the 'must-see'.
Weather has cleared, at least for the moment so here's hoping my sunny umbrella stays with me. It's no mystery that camping when it's raining, with no sun to warm things up, is not nice!