Cobblers, logs and teeth
By Baldmichael Theresoluteprotector’sson
My wife and I had a bit of a day out today. It was really just a shortish walk with a pub stop for lunch, combined with a couple of shopping items at the end of the day.
The weather was pleasant this morning and quite warm with a bit of sunshine. We had decided to go to Petworth not so far from us as my wife needed to collect some boots from the cobblers which were being repaired.
So we donned our walking gear and headed off. We parked in our usual spot on the outskirts of this attractive small town which is well known for its deer park and country house, essentially owned by the National Trust.
The park is particularly beautiful in autumn and perhaps I will do a separate post with photographs sometime.
As to the house, it has a collection of fine paintings, and to be honest that is mainly what you see. Some of these are by J. M. W. Turner who was a frequent guest of George Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont, who owned Petworth House. I understand the family still live there in an attached wing.
Our walk took us down into Shimming’s Valley on the east side where there is a stream at the bottom, running full at the moment due to the very wet weather we have had.
The stop for lunch was at the Black Horse at Byworth, a small village spread out along a quiet back lane. The pub is more like the traditional establishments one can find with a log fire plus a log burner in the more formal dining area.
Floors are boarded so walking in with somewhat muddy boots did not seem to matter.
We have been in the summer when one can be out in the beer garden at the back and look out over the tree lined valley. Here it is today.
After lunch we headed up across the A 283 which is not busy and then on to pass the Goanah Lodges. These are lodges to the Petworth estate, presumably to the entrance to a drive which would give wonderful views as one approached the town.
I wondered about the name Goanah. According to older maps, Goanna was the spelling.
According to Wikipedia this can be
…any one of several species of lizard of the genus Varanus found in Australia and Southeast Asia.
However, it is very similar to Joanna, a feminine version of John, which means ‘God is gracious’. This would be suitable to those who might say God is gracious that they can enjoy the view.
Of course Goanah could be ‘Go an(d) ah!’ as in go there, marvel at the view and say ‘Ah!’
Moving on, it was downhill back into the valley, open grass fields with a few grazing horses. There is a short relatively steep climb back up into Petworth.
I had picked up a short length of hazel on the way, park of a messy abandoned heap. Foraging for wood is part of the fun of an autumn walk.
It would also be helpful this evening I mused, as it would help me when logging on to the computer…
In the town I noticed a relatively elderly couple passing ahead of us. She was wearing one of the white masks. I groaned inside. Insanity still reigns in some.
Then they went into the dentist on the corner of the crossroads……………..
Having pondered this I said to my wife ‘I wonder if she will keep her mask on while she is having her teeth examined?’
Perhaps somebody could tell her what she is doing is futile and illogical.
After all, the tooth will set her free!
P.S. My posts related to masks for amusement or to help any maskists.
Nice post!
Here in lake country Canada (southern Ontario), the leaves are all gone.
We have, intemittently, had 2" of snow, but raining currently.
I hate the rain, except in spring and early summer, when truly required.
I welcome our 4 seasons, and don't mind -20C, as long as the sun is shining.
When the sun shines in February, it matters not what the temperature is...
If you can't handle it, go inside...
I won't....
I am not far from Petworth either :)