Beagle Bugs meet up in real life – England 2019

In early December 2019, Lenny and I got to meet some lovely visitors from America. Lucy’s mum and dad came to the UK for a holiday and we were lucky enough to be able to show them around a little section of London. Lucy asked me if I would give her a chance to let people know how much her pawrents enjoyed themselves. I am of course honoured to help her. Here is her blog article. We hope you enjoy it.

Hi Pals! Lucy here. Mum and Papa had a really fantastic vacation in England and they were able to meet up with some of Mum’s Twitter pals. Since Mum is busy getting back into her work and home routine, she has asked me to tell you about their trip! So, here goes.

In 2016 Mum started looking at her Twitter account more often and started to see beagles pop up in her feed. She learned about different beagles and other doggies all over the world. She anxiously looked them up each day to see their adventures and laugh when they were silly or naughty. She would fall in love with them and grieve with tears streaming down her face when one would cross the rainbow bridge.

Then in April 2019, I could hear them planning a vacation for the fall to England, (BTW I was not happy about this at all, even though I am treated like royalty at my Aunty G’s house). Mum was trying to plan a trip to include some very old churches and places that had a history of Anglo Saxon and Viking history for Papa. She saw she would have to drive to see some sites and also thought, hmmm maybe, she could meet up with some of the members of the BeagleBugClub after seeing Aunty C’s (@Pruny_thebeagle) Cata, Poly, and Alfie’s Mum’s vacation! I saw Mum (constantly) typing on her iBone to see if she could meet up with the Aunts and Uncles on Twitter and told Papa her plans to incorporate meeting some Bugs into the trip and, since Mum is in charge of everything, he said OK, (don’t tell him I said that).

Aunty H (Griff and Boot’s Mum) told Mum about a mystery series of books by a local author that included lots of history local to Herefordshire and other nearby places so Mum set to work reading as many as she could before the trip. Plans continued and were firmed up by November.

They landed in London on November 20th and took a taxi to Windsor where they enjoyed exploring the town and castle. They left Windsor, picked up the rental car in Reading, and then began the driving portion of their trip going through Cirencester with a quick stop for lunch and a peek at the Church of St. John the Baptist. There happened to be a craft sale in the church and Mum bought an apple carved out of yew wood and a couple of felt ornaments. She loved chatting with the crafters because she likes to do crafty things.

Then they were back on the road and off to Gloucester for a couple of nights. Mum and Papa spent several hours in Gloucester Cathedral, and Mum bought a book about the Harry Potter filming locations and was very excited to see the cloisters that were featured in the films. They also went to the museum and saw some Roman and Anglo Saxon artefacts in addition to many other items.

When they left Gloucester, Mum drove to Goodrich Castle, Church of St. Mary and St. David (Kilpeck), St. Michael’s Church (Garway), and then Hereford for a couple of nights. While in Hereford they, of course, visited the Cathedral. They enjoyed walking around the town and stopped into All Saints Church where there was a Bill’s Café. They had some local beer and cider and ended up having dinner there. It was very good and the kind people working there gave Mum the recipe for the carrot salad. Mum noticed a cookbook by the owner of the café but she didn’t want to carry it and figured she would order it when she got home. I am very excited for her to make this carrot salad because I always get bits of carrots for snacks and in my dinner!

Nap time!…………I’m back! The next day they drove to Worcester to spend the night, and also to see the cathedral which was amazing. On the drive there, they stopped at Saint Michael and All Angels – Castle Frome Church; unfortunately due to heavy rains they could not view the castle ruins. Mum said during this part pf the trip she remembered tons of things from the books Aunty H had recommended. Often she was able to explain to Papa some of the history when they saw certain sights in Gloucester/Hereford/Worcester, especially when she saw Thomas Trahern and Albert Elgar in books, memorials, stained glass windows, etc. 

Then, they finally headed to Shrewsbury (home of Cadfael, one of Mum’s favorite mystery books/shows)! When they arrived in Shrewsbury and got the car parked Mum and Papa met Aunty L (@companyofhounds) at the Market Hall and bought some doggy treasures for my Aunty G and Aunty B here in Arizona, plus a new collar and bow tie for me! They walked around town and visited Shrewsbury Castle which has a military museum with a focus on people from the region who have served in the military. Later on, they met up with Aunty L for some mulled wine, (Mum just said YUMMY out loud!) Eye roll BOL!

When they got back to the hotel room, Mum found a present on the night stand from Auntie L! It was local gin and tonic and some biscuits! Fanku Auntie L for being so nice to my pawrents, they wished they could have saw you more.

The next day Mum and Papa drove out to Aunty H and Uncle B’s (@charley_beagle), Griff and Boot’s pawrents home out in the country! Mum was able to drive up the big hill on the second try BOL and saw Aunty H waiting in the big window for their arrival! Aunty H had a plan of action for the day, which sounded great and included the boys. Before heading out Mum and Papa looked out at the beautiful view that Griff and Boot enjoy every day.

Hang on, I need to tinkle…..Whew! Good thing Mum trimmed my nails this weekend; this is a lot of typing! 

So Mum told me that Aunty H and Uncle B took Mum and Papa all over the place starting with Myndtown Church, which is a 12th century church. Then they saw Mitchell’s Fold, a 3,000 year old stone circle. Next they stopped at The Three Tuns pub for a bite to eat and a pint. This pub is the UK’s oldest operating licensed brewery (since 1642.) On to Powis Castle, which was decorated for Christmas and was gorgeous inside and out with lovely landscapes, including fairylights inside the trees. Mum petted the boys, gave Boot a kissies on his white spot and hugged Griff a lot. Griff sat on her lap all day in the car! Sorry Aunty C. 

That morning, Aunty H had also suggested that Mum leave the car at her house and she and Uncle B would drop Mum and Papa off at their hotel after dinner at a dog friendly pub. This sounded like a great plan to Mum because she could have a couple of pints since Uncle B would pick them up the next day for another round of adventures. 

When they get to the pub for dinner at the end of the day and Mum gets excited because she sew a vehicle in the parking lot with beagle stickers and she got so excited she might see another beagle (she is so silly). Then they walk inside and there is Aunty L and Aunty J with Raffa!!!! What a surprise! They wanted to give Mum and Papa a Thanksgiving Dinner of sorts since they were so far from home. Mum was verklempt. After a lovely dinner and dessert, they went back to the hotel for the night.

The next day Uncle B picked them up and they were off to the house to get Aunty H. Mum and Papa again took in the beautiful views from their home. Then, off to Ludlow, where they stopped up on a hill to see the views of the town which included the castle and church tower. Mum and Papa went into the castle and climbed all the towers but one, Mum is clumsy and she was worried since it didn’t have a handrail. The stairs were a great workout after having cinnamon rolls and coffee at Griff and Boot’s favorite little spot. After the castle they had lunch and then went to St. Lawrence church. Heading back to Aunty H and Uncle B’s home a quick stop was made at Stokesay Castle for some photos. Then home where tea and the best lemon cake ever made was eaten! Mum photographed the cookbook and now has a copy! She wants to make the cake for our family. 

Mum and Papa enjoyed Aunty H and Uncle B’s company so much they didn’t want to leave and they were sad that they had to leave, but eventually they had to go because they were headed to Chester the next day. Mum gave Griff and Boot hugs and kissies before they left.

Fanku Auntie H and Uncle B for being so nice to my pawrents! They appreciate the lovely gifts and mementos! I also really love my treats!

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I’m thirsty, I’ll be right back…

The next day they were off to Chester where they dropped off the car, NO MORE DRIVING! Mum and Papa visited some friends Saturday. They walked into town and went to a local pub that their friends like.  Then they walked farther into town to see the Christmas Market.  They hopped on the bus back to the house to try some of Uncle JK’s beer he has been brewing.  He is a degreed beer brewer who hopes to work in Germany one day to get the Master Brewer certification.  Uncle JK also did laundry for my pawrents!  Aunty K made a delicious Flemish stew for dinner with cheese scones.  During the week Mum was able to workout with Aunty K who has been helping Mum the last few years improve her fitness regimen.  I am really happy Mum and Papa got to see their friends again!

Sunday they took the train to Liverpool to meet up with Aunty J and Raffa (@raffa2006). The Santa Dash was going on in downtown Liverpool and Mum and Papa had a blast watching everyone and walking around, plus Mum could give Raffa pets and kissies. They had a yummy lunch in a dog friendly place and Mum saw Papa and Aunty J arguing over the paying the bill BOL. Papa won!

Then Aunty J took Mum and Papa to see some local churches and after that, they went to Aunty J and Raffa’s home. They had tea, cookies, mince pies, and chocolates. The mince pie was the best Mum had ever tasted. They also saw Raffa’s cabin! Sadly, they had to go back to the room so Aunty J could rest and go to work the next day. They weren’t too sad knowing they were going to see Aunty J and Raffa the following afternoon. Plus Mum was a little dehydrated from the previous days beer sampling and needed some rest also (eye roll).

Aunty J got off work early the next day so Mum and Papa took the train to Hamilton Square Station and met up. Aunty J drove them around Wirral so that Mum could see the places that Aunty J and Raffa go on walks and bike rides. There was a beautiful sunset during the drive. Then back to the house for pizza and conversation before going to trivia quiz night at The Bow Legged Beagle Pub to raise money to help rescue beagles.

Trivia Time! So Auntie J, Mum, and Papa have never been to a trivia night. It was a new experience for all of them. The pub was packed with beagles, other dogs, and people but they still found seats. Raffa always has a seat because of her chariot BOL. Hmmm, now that I think about it, I really don’t understand why I don’t have a chariot or a buggy that hooks onto Mum’s bike. Let me write this down to have a little chat with Mum about this later.

Mum and Papa got to meet Aunty K and Uncle A (@BeaglesWirral) along with Ed and George, and many other dogs whose names she cannot remember. Mum and Papa didn’t know much of the trivia because it was mostly related to the UK and Aunty J isn’t a big TV watcher so they didn’t win BOL! Aunty J did win a really nice gift basket in the raffle. Mum didn’t want to win anything because it would be more to carry.

So again, sadly, Mum and Papa had to say goodbye. Of course, Mum gave Raffa tons of kissies before they parted. Fanku Auntie J for taking my pawrents around! They love the gifts and mementos that you gave them, very much.

The next day they took a train to Manchester to see Chetham’s Library and John Ryland’s library. They saw the cathedral which had been rebuilt after being badly damaged during the Manchester Blitz (WWII) and walked around the Chirstmas Market.

The following day in Chester they decided to do laundry again because they calculated it would cover them for the rest of the trip.  They went to the same laundry place they went to when they were there in November 2016.  The lady managing the place was still there and remembered Mum!!!  She took care of the laundry for them so Mum and Papa could go to the Brown Sugar Internet Café that they had had also visited in 2016.  The owners remembered them! Mum had bought some fabric Christmas ornaments the owner made last time so she bought more this time, plus a small stuffed rabbit that the lady makes. Mum and Papa highly recommend this café, the food and customer service is amazing!  

The next day they headed to London. They did a myriad of things over the next few days, which included seeing St Paul’s Cathedral and climbing all 528 steps to the top, seeing Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, British Museum, National Gallery, and shopping for Christmas gifts.

On Saturday, Mum and Papa met up with Mum’s friend from high school.  She took them to see Winston Churchill’s grave and Blenheim Palace which had a Christmas market and was decorated inside for Christmas. It was very beautiful and they had a wonderful day! 

On Sunday, Mum and Papa got to meet Aunty C and Uncle C (@rescuedogdexter) along with Dexter and Lenny! Mum was greeted with tons of aaroooos!

Uncle C used to work in the City of London and showed Mum and Papa lots of little-known spots and was full of great bits of history. We met at St Pauls and then saw Postmans Park where there are plaques for brave ordinary people, Guildhall in which all the City of London Guilds would gather for discussions for over 800 years, the Bank of England (where Raffa keeps her pocket pennies), the Royal Exchange which was the first Stock Exchange, Leadenhall Market (an old poultry market), Lloyd’s of London where insurance is created and underwritten, Spitalfields Market (which was an old market founded in 1197 and sold fresh fruit and vegetables) and finally down to the Tower of London. Along the way, Mum helped Uncle C and Aunty C watch out for Lenny grabbing food and stuff off the ground and she loved giving Dexter pets because he wags his tail every time.

When it started to get dark and windy, once again Mum and Papa had to sadly say farewell, but not before Mum gave the boys kissies! Fanku Auntie C and Uncle C for showing my pawrents around, they loved meeting you and learning more about the City of London!

Very windy!

On their last night in England my pawrents again met up with Mum’s high school friend for dinner at a place near Covent Garden called Balthazar. It was amazing and Mum was happy to get more time with her friend.

Then, sadly, my pawrents England/Beagle Bug vacation came to an end. Mum and Papa are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of everyone they met. The loved seeing their friends. They greatly appreciate the time everyone took out of their lives to show complete strangers around, welcoming them into their homes, and becoming their friends. With love and kissies, Lucy