Cloud watching at Prior Park

Saturday is my day off and Sarah and I usually try to get out and about if we can. Last Saturday we headed for Prior Park, a National Trust property in Combe Down, Bath. It really is a remarkable spot, a verdant green valley that cuts a swathe through a densely populated urban environment.

At the base of the valley lies a Palladian Bridge spanning an ornamental lake. The Neoclassical bridge is one of only four of its kind in the world, apparently. The scene is overlooked by Ralph Allen's imposing mansion, perched on the top of the hill, "To see all Bath, and for all Bath to see". 

We took a picnic with us and settled down to eat it on a grassy slope near the bridge. The sky overhead was light blue, daubed by fluffy cotton wool clouds. I don't usually have much of an opportunity laze around watching clouds drift across the sky. It was one of those, 'What is this life if full of care/We have no time to stand  and stare' moments.

Only then I did have time to stand and stare. Well, recline and stare if truth be told. It was an delightful spectacle. No sermons to prep, pastoral visits to make, brain aching books to read, articles to write, governor stuff to see to, or household chores to do. Simply time to step off the busying /dizzying merry-go-round of the world and gaze at heavens playfully declaring the glory of God. 

Stourhead curios

A bit wet today. Wasn't sure what to do or where to go. Listened to British Lions vs NSW Warathas on TalkSport this morning. A good 47-17 win for the Brits. Opted to go to Stourhead, a favourite haunt this afters. At least if it rained we could head for the House and have a look round. As it happened the rain held off, but we visited the House anyway and spotted one or two curios amongst the Chippendale furniture grand family portraits. 

A well-meaning guide assured us that the rock star below was Noel Gallagher. It's really 'the Modfather', Paul Weller. I'm guessing that the woman in the photo is the Hoare family member who still lives in the House and that the young man is her son, who, judging by is Weller-ish barnet and threads is a bit of a Mod. 

The airy library is floor-to-ceiling with handsome, leather-bound books. Some of the ancient tomes are obviously a little poorly. Never seen a bandaged book before.

When visiting Stourhead we usually enter the gardens via the bottom gate, near the Spread Eagle pub. As we visited the House first this time, we used the top entrance. The pathway has a viewing point that shows off the rhododendron-strewn gardens and lake to great effect.