October 1 2016

Saying good bye to the Park Grand. We loaded our stuff onto the big white coach and met our driver, Valter, from Portugal.












First destination, Avebury. This Neolithic site is the largest stone circle in Europe and little known to the average tourist. Unlike Stonehenge, which is tightly controlled and inundated with tourists, here you can get up close and personal, and even hug the stones, if you like! There is also a great little gift shop that carries items produced by local artisans, rather than a lot of stuff made overseas. Unfortunately, if was raining when we arrived which put a damper on things, so after taking a few pictures of some of the stones most entered the gift shop, where we found  lot of interesting items to take home. With better weather and more time I would have the group explore much more of the circle.

But soon we were back on the bus headed to Stonehenge. Valter took the most circuitous route and narrow back roads, but somehow managed to get on the highway just prior to the Henge. This site has been greatly expanded since last I visited. Not that the stones have expanded of course, but the support facilities have grown. No longer are we able to walk from the coach parking lot the site. Parking is now a long way away from the stones and unless you have a lot time and energy it is advisable to take the free shuttle bus.We had period of sun and showers so the weather, while not great was much more accommodating. A very interesting audio presentation and great photo ops made it definitely worth a while visit.

Lunch at the visitor center was very good and not all that expensive. Simple fare like soups and sandwiches. We tried a soft drink containing dandelion and burdock infusions. A little weird but not bad.

Boarding the coach again we were off to the town of Bath to visit the ancient Roman Baths. Again a very interesting and educational audio guided tour was had and lots of pictures taken. We even got to try some hot mineral water that was supposed to "cure what ails you".

On the coach again for the last leg of today's journey, we arrived at the Bristol Royal Marriott Hotel. These folks were unbelievably efficient with four counter agents checking in our group. After a delicious dinner at the hotel those big beds were calling. The rooms, by the way, were very large and spacious, even the bathrooms.