Only one “near” accident (we are driving on the wrong side of the road, and some of the roads are more like driveways than 2 way roads), but we have arrived in Shaftesbury. Now to find our Airbnb. We only drove in circles for a little while before finding the lane (more like that driveway I mentioned earlier) that leads to our address. Driving done the lane we encounter oncoming traffic. You have got to be kidding me, there is no way two vehicles (and ours is a mid-size van) are going to pass on this tiny lane with cars parked everywhere along the road. I scrunched up to one side, and the oncoming driver did the same. Wincing as the car made it’s way past us (I was completely stopped, no way was I going to move) I kept waiting for the sound of scraping metal, or to lose my mirror at least. Not a sound! After picking my heart up off the floor and putting it back where it belongs we quickly (as possible with all the cars parked along the lane sides, and parked in every direction – no rules about this apparently) made for the address. Found it! But, surprise, surprise, no parking spots we can fit it. Slowly down the street until a space we can fit in appears. Yeah!
We are staying at a two storey unit in the old Pump Yard. Dating from the late 18th century, the pump in the centre was the original source of water for the town.
Originally workers housing, the individual houses are now owned by different people. Most of the houses are lived in full-time and a couple, like ours, are vacation rentals.
Ancient on the outside, but modern and comfortable, with all the mod-cons, on the inside. SweetPea particularly liked the split door in the kitchen as she could jump up and rest her front paws on the edge allowing her to check out the neighbours.
Our unit has it’s own back yard, just down around behind the cottage at the end of the row. There are several areas in the rear and we have one with a table and chairs and enough room for the dogs to wander about.
The day after we arrive in Shaftesbury we drive about 1-1/2 hours to East Dean Manor where it’s Leo Day! A very nice English estate hosts this annual event and fund raiser. There are Leonbergers everywhere! I have never seen some many Leo’s all in one place – at a guess about 30 of them!
There are a variety of competitions, even a Fancy Dress competition!
We didn’t register for any of the competitive events, and we found out later that there was an event for “The Most Handsome Rescue”. We know who would have won if we had entered Lump… no competition!
Back in Shaftesbury, our “local” is just a couple of minutes down St. James street from our Airbnb. Ye Old Two Brewers Inn dates from the 18th century.
Not only does the pub have good ale and cider on tap, but they allow dogs to sit inside with you! Dogs are happy they don’t have to stay outside in the rain.
Food is good as well. Steak and Ale pie with homemade gravy was delicious! Gravy was to die for, even better than my mother-in-laws! (she won’t read this, so no need to tell her I said that).
There is a small park right across from the pub, and we bring the dogs every morning for a quick off-leash romp.
Cutting through the park leads to the centre of town, and our now favourite breakfast place Reeve bakery. Pastries and coffee every morning, within walking distance of our accommodation… how sweet is that! (pun intended).
Speaking of sweet, there are blackberry bushes everywhere, and they are in season! Ripe berries all round, even Lump and SweetPea like them.
One of our favourite streets to walk is Gold Hill, an old cobbled and very steep hill with very quaint houses.
Easier going down this hill than up (did I mention steep?), but local residents twice our age (ok, maybe not twice) are wandering up and down this hill on a regular basis.
Lots of walks in and around town with many old (even older than my father-in-law) buildings.
August 26 – September 1, 2023