Stokeday Castle/Manor House and Long Mynd

Another balloon trip cancelled....windy. Doesn't seem windy to me....sunny day, gorgeous. Drat! We are now in Shropshire county near Ludlow....about 1 1/2 to 2 hours from where we live. Mind you..this might annoy some people...but I LOVE Shropshire county. I feel it is the most stunning county in all of England. Rolling hills...lovely little villages....peaceful. My husband is a clever man...he always finds a little quiet area where we can enjoy the English countryside without the MASS amounts of people. I love him for that.

We stopped in the sleepy little village of Cleobury Mortimer for sandwiches and killer bakery. Down to the pub for a pint in the sunny beer garden. Clean, peaceful, quaint shops...I could live there. Yet, I say that about most villages that are not Birmingham.

This day it would be a drive to Stokesay Castle and Manor House. By the time we arrived, the castle (tourist trap) was closing. No bother to us....the grounds were fun and interesting. Church and cemetary nearby...what more would I want? How about a flowery country road with a pond full of swans and a cat to accompany us that just wandered by....perfect. Plus, anywhere that's located in a place called Craven Arms has to be impressive...at least I think so.Stokesay Castle dates back to the 13th century....full history and some great shots can be found here: http://www.castlewales.com/stokesay.html Near the site is a nice little country road complete with ponds, flowers and livestock. Difficult to go to the countryside and not encounter sheep. We even had the pleasure of seeing a small kid (goat)frolicking in the field...too cute. The road led to a nice trial uphill overlooking the area. We even spied several small bunnies crossing the trail to avoid us. I had more than a healthy dose of small cute fuzzies that day...I couldn't complain.
The day didn't end there. We drove over near Shrewsbury to Long Mynd. More than I could detail is elaborated upon on WIKI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Mynd It was nearing sunset as we arrived and it was gorgeous! Matt is not one who favors heights in any fashion. I, am not troubled by them, and felt at ease and relaxed. He relaxed after a bit. It is almost an alien landscape compared to most of England that I have seen. It could resemble areas of eastern Montana...desolate and open. Impressive indeed.

On the way home, in the village of Rushbury were the largest display of scarecrows I have ever seen. In front of every home, on every street corner. Apparently a Flower Festival that weekend. A bit surreal...like going from Montana to the cornfields of Iowa. Never a dull moment.

Happiness is a warm gun...

Last year for a birthday gift, I decided to give Matt a Clay Pigeon shoot outing for his birthday. Matt had never shot a gun before that time. Now remember, this IS England. Guns are quite a rare site. This has it's benefits. Although the police force may beg to differ.
The day, after all this time, was finally a do. (Not like the balloon ride that I have had cancelled 5 times in the last year....oh well....) This was to take place near Essex, a bit East of London. Hours of driving and trying to find it's whereabouts...(only 15 minutes late....not bad for us...) We arrived. A small wooded area that appeared to be out in the back 40. A bit of a clearing in the woods.

No time for the instruction, briefing or any details. Get your bullets, wait your turn. I guess for me, it worked out to my advantage.....sick puppy that I am. No warning of the 'nice' little kick that a shotgun can provide. I'm sure the wide-eyed look I couldn't see was well worth it. *snicker* (I know....) Been there...

There were 2 instructors, one middle aged man and an older chap. Both excellent cheerleader in their own right. "Well done!" "Cracking shot!" "Brilliant!" Each shooter gets one or two boxes of bullets and a turn when someone else has had theirs. Roughly about 6 people in all waiting. Bright red-orange earphones all around. I forget how loud those things are. Maybe I'm just getting old...

I wondered about the set up....in between the trees...like being in a tree tunnel. Perhaps it was more intentional....shoot before it falls beneath the treetops, avoid the little creature or passerbys out for the daily stroll.

Matt really seemed to enjoy himself. The initial apprehension surpassed by that lovely adrenelin rush. Great stuff. He reported how it almost seems automatic after time. Just point up that way and when the object flies into view, just shoot it into clay crumbs. I noticed the instructors occasionally just give the shooter's gun just a little nudge and a perfect shot every time. Any of you that are avid shootists may know the secret of this. I know I would likely not be too thrilled that someone was interfering with my shots...but I'm stubborn that way.

As most good things, time went by far too quickly, and soon all 60 shots had been taken. At least Matt enjoyed himself...not the bruising that was to follow in the days to come...but sometimes the adventuresome must pay a little....

Sorry honey....I shouldn't have snickered....