Swimming in the Windrush

On Saturday we met up with Jennifer and Russell at a village in Oxfordshire called Minster Lovell to go swimming in the River Windrush. This was Jennifer’s suggestion, because after the heat of yesterday I had asked if we could meet somewhere cool and shady. Well I have to say that Jennifer came up with the goods! The swimming spot is beside the picturesque ruins of 15th century Minster Lovell Hall, where the Windrush is very shallow but then deepens at a bend, just deep enough to swim in it. Russell set up four camp chairs on the banks of the river and Jennifer and I went in for a swim. There were lots of families there too on this hot and sunny Saturday, and it was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves; our “camp” was a bit up the river from the shallow area where most of the children were playing, which meant it was pleasantly quieter for us. The cool river was so refreshing, and the current prevented us from making any progress when swimming up stream, but we had great fun wading up stream and then swimming back very fast as we were swept down by the current. Russ and James went for a walk (out of our Cotswolds Walks book) for about an hour. We then all ate the amazing and copious picnic that Jennifer had made; sandwiches and samosas and stuffed vine leaves and pork pies for the boys. Then fresh fruit and millionaire’s shortbread. It was absolutely delicious and she had even brought ice cubes for our drinks! 

Back at Jennifer and Russell’s house we met up with Ben, who is looking very grown up and handsome, and wee Angus the Westie , who at sixteen and a half years old is a now a wee old doggie with stiff hind legs, prone to seizures, deaf and a bit confused. It was sad to see him looking so old, but it’s good that he has had (and is currently still having) such a happy life Chez Smith.

We all went to a wine bar for drinks and to listen to a folk band called “Celtic Hearts” who were excellent, there was a great atmosphere. And then Russell cooked us a barbecue in the garden, while Jennifer made us salads. What a fantastic day.