Day 14

Having already trotted around Stratford, we decided a more focused event was need today. We did what all travellers to England need to do at least once: visit a castle. Warwick Castle was just 15 minutes by car (drat, by car!) so off we went. No life or limb was lost en route - a good start to the day. Warwick Castle is ancient, built by William the
Conqueror just after the Battle of Hastings and modified over the years. It's the quintessential castle with fortified walls, towers, a moat (minus water), dungeon (now that was really chilling), and a grand, elaborate manor home. Madame Tussaud's owns it apparently and there is a bit of a touristy feel to it but you can still roam about and have your own experience there. The electrical generator at the mill on the Avon along one side of the castle was especially interesting.

After lunch at Thomas Oken tea house built in the 1500s, we went back to Wilmcote for a nap and, before supper, a lovely walk trough the pastures around the village. I convince

d some horses to let me pet them and managed to dissuade one of the foals from eat

ing my sleeve.

At supper in the local pub, Paula recounted a cooking TV show in which she misunderstood the chef to say "balls" instead of "bowls", leading her and me to shriek with laughter till we cried - you had to be there.