Day 38 – A tiny distance through Gloucester (mainly to get to the shops!!)
Actual distance 3.82Km or 2.37miles
Total Ascent 57m
Staying at Murray Hall, Gloucester District Scouts HQ
This morning we were spoiled to a lovely breakfast with the GirlGuiding Forest of Dean South District team and the Brownies who are currently enjoying their Swallows and Amazons camp at Deer Park. We chatted to the Brownies about our journey and were asked lots of really good questions.
There was no particular rush to get on the road, and we had no particular plans or deadlines to meet which was really nice. We therefore took our time to enjoy a shower, pack up and say our goodbyes before heading back into Gloucester.
We are being hosted this evening by Gloucester District Scouts, and were met at their HQ at midday so we could park our vehicles on site. After a quick tour of their fantastic facilities we headed off on foot back up to the docks where we finished yesterday. We had chatted about the different things we could do in Gloucester today, and the consensus was to head to Gloucester Quays for a spot of shopping, then to see if we fancied doing anything more. When the kids realised they were walking to the Quays and back they were not impressed as ‘this is a rest day’. We did point out that the walk back from the Quays meant they would have less distance to do tomorrow, but they were still rather unimpressed.
We said goodbye to Christian as we arrived at the Quays, and he headed off on his Brompton to catch the train back home. It’s been really great to have him with us for a few days and we’ll miss him.
The Quays was an all round success. Jennie and Hattie both bought some clothes, Cara got much needed new trainers, and Ollie was treated to new school shoes and school trousers! We also went to Costa and had a very late picnic lunch. We decided not to explore any further and instead headed back to Murray Hall. During the walk back Ollie got to stroke a ferret that was being taken for a walk on a lead. We also had a compulsory stop at a playground! We actually ended up walking nearer 12km today – don’t tell the kids!
This evening Jan and Neil joined us for dinner and bought a bag of clean washing with them which we were very grateful for. Phil popped out to get fuel and check the tyre pressures on the van, whilst Jan and Jennie cooked. The kids played card games and read, before we had a visit from Alan (the longest serving member of the Gloucester Gang Show), Dave (Gloucester DC) and Karen (who kindly took more washing for us!). We also got to meet Monty, Python and Brian, 3 lovely dogs who gave the kids lots of licks and cuddles!
