Westonbirt and Away

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A peaceful final day among early autumn trees at the National Arboretum, followed by afternoon tea, Thai dinner in Thornbury, and a 3:15 AM departure through Reading to Heathrow. After a month exploring England's industrial heritage from Ironbridge to Cornwall's tin mines, the journey concludes with deep appreciation for Ian and Emma, who made it all possible through their arranging, driving, and companionship—there's no way this could have been done solo.

The Journey Home Begins

September 22, 2025

Yesterday we drove to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, and had lunch there. After lunch we spent several hours walking around. It's a beautiful place—trees just beginning to show their fall colors. A peaceful way to spend what turned out to be my last full afternoon in England.

On the way back we stopped at the Bodkin House for afternoon tea (or ale, as the case may be). Another pleasant stop, definitely worth going back to.

When we got to Ian and Emma's house, I focused on packing and confirming travel reservations. Less than a day left.

We walked to Thai Basil in Thornbury for supper. It was very good—a fitting end to a month of exploring British food alongside the industrial heritage sites.

United Club at Heathrow
As I write this, I'm sitting in the United Club at Heathrow waiting for when I need to board my flight. Got up at 3:15 this morning. Emma dropped me off at Bristol Parkway. Nice quiet train ride to Reading, then bus to Heathrow Terminal 2. I'm just about in the air.

It's been a heckuva trip. Again, I want to express my deep appreciation to Ian and Emma for sharing it with me and for all of the arranging, driving, and support they provided. There's no way I could have done something like this solo. It would have been very different, at least.

Pictures can be found here: https://beloretrato0.picflow.com/d43bka91mw/ibffdfegyu

Location: Heathrow Airport (LHR), Hounslow, UK

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