It was an extremely straightforward and pleasant drive up the A1(M) to Arlesey from London. A charming little town tucked away somewhere between better known Cambridge, Luton and Milton Keynes, Arlesey is actually quite accessible by road and rail.
There were supposed to be more of us, but I quite enjoyed the intimate little gathering of three Steemians - moi, @steevc and @molometer. After waiting for a bit at the train station in case someone else showed up, we set off into the meadows.
It's a very nice nature trail through some woods, natural patches of bush, along a river and flowers growing wild on the common from where we could observe grazing cattle in the distance.
We talked about crypto, politics, travel and other such controversial stuff. Above all, however, we joked about the potential @slobberchops ubex structures we spotted along the way.
I was surprised by the lack of dogs on the trail to be honest. We saw absolutely none on the way. By the way, incase you (@steevc) were ever wondering why I kept asking about dogs, it's because I have a canine phobia! A really bad one actually, but I've been trying very hard to overcome it. With this in mind, I hope you are impressed with my performance with the two black labs. I'm also sure that now with hindsight, it makes sense why I was acting a little odd haha.
Anyhow, we did, however, meet a very strange cat in the middle of the footpath. I like cats.
The walk through the town itself was equally nice. Our good guide @steevc pointed out some very interesting points of interests such as a pubs that have now been repurposed for other things, including a home. We got to see our guide's charming home and meet his chickens :)
One of the things that stood out to me the most was the monument to the world wars. Every time I see such monuments, it's a stark reminder of the sacrifices of generations past. Another was the cemetery in the compound of the 11th century church filled with graves, many from hundreds of years ago. There's a particularly thought provoking signage on one of them reminding the onlooker that indeed you will one day join her - because there was a time when she stood where you do observing the same view. I'm paraphrasing of course - it was way more eloquently written than that.
We wrapped up the day at the pub, in which I felt like a giant. There is a beer garden at the back where we talked some more and enjoyed our beverages in the lovely evening breeze and I pretended not to be scared of dogs. I didn't even freak out when one of them licked my elbow. To be fair, they seemed to have taken a liking to me, so they weren't threatening at all.
It was pretty much a perfect way to have spent a Sunday afternoon. You've missed out big time @redrica, @ultravioletmag and others that couldn't make it ;). It was awesome to meet you in real life @molometer and thanks @steevc for organising it and taking us around, and thanks for the drinks.
Peace and Love ✌🏿
Adé
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