Tuesday, July 2, 2024

The well is filled ...

A common refrain within the writing community, one of those things we should (I dislike that word) do on a regular basis, is refill the creative well. How one goes about that can be as varied as the people reading this blog post. Everything from a walk in the park, to in-depth research at the public library, to a long journey in foreign climes. 

With just such a goal in mind (along with visiting good friends), I embarked on an adventure from which I’ve recently returned. Three weeks in England! How the time flew! 

view from airplane over English countryside

Week one was spent in London. We rented a tiny flat to save on food costs. Calling it a one-bedroom flat was rather optimistic as the “bedroom” was a loft area reached by a ladder and in which anyone over 3 feet tall couldn’t stand upright. Good thing we’re still fairly nimble! But the location near our favourite bakery and close to a tube station could not be beat. 

We strolled through Covent Garden, bought a few books in various bookstores, road a boat up the Thames to Hampton Court Palace, visited Kew Gardens, explored Highgate Cemetery, and enjoyed a chamber music concert followed by a delicious lunch of authentic steak frites, nom nom nom. 

street view in Covent GardenDouglas Adams' grave in HighgateLenin's grave in Highgate

Kew gardens

We greatly enjoyed a day in Bath – the setting for so many Regency romances, to say nothing of the source of inspiration for Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, and many others. But also, a city steeped in Roman history. 

Roman baths, Bath UK

We spent week two in York, again choosing to rent a flat, this one a studio in a former cocoa factory. Situated on the River Foss and just inside the city walls, we were able to walk to the town centre within 10 minutes. Another area steeped in ancient history all the way back to the age of the Vikings. We strolled atop the wall, explored The Shambles, were entertained at the Jorvik Centre, wandered in awe within the walls of York Minster, and were spooked by a ghost walk. 

York wall gateview from wall around York UK
tableau in Jorvik Centregargoyle inside York Minster

Also treated to a lively display of Morris Dancing.

Morris Dancers

And then the real adventure began as we embarked on our five-day hike along the Herriot Way through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. Every little town or village quainter than the last, friendly, helpful and interesting people, comfortable B&Bs with delightful (and quirky) hosts, and delicious food. A full-English to begin the day, and a pub at the end. And sheep. Lots and lots of sheep. The walking wasn’t easy, and my feet were sore, but the grassy fields separated by walls or hedgerows, the lazily flowing rivers and streams, the mysterious woodlands, and the abundance of interesting wildlife made the blister on my big toe well worth it. 

sheepwall & barn Herriot Way

stepping stones across river, Herriot Waymystical wood Herriot Way

sunlit hills & dales, Herriot Way


Would I do it again? Heck, yeah!

Was my creative well filled? Overflowing.

Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. She spends her days writing many flavours of romance. When not torturing her characters, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious. She lives in Nova Scotia with her patient husband.

5 comments:

Judith Ashley said...

Your first picture, with the varied greens segmented by walls and hedges brought tears to my eyes. I so loved the land both from the air, but also from the ground. In Ireland, many of the hedges were made of fuchsias. I'm so glad you had a fantastic time, your well is overflowing, you had the time and energy to write this post and you are safely home. May the words flow forth!

Diana McCollum said...

Thanks for sharing! Love the post and the pictures. Sounds like a lovely time.

Deb N said...

Lu, love the photos and description of your trip. Glad it was a wonderful adventure, despite the blistered toe. Welcome home!

Lynn Lovegreen said...

Thanks for sharing your trip! We're doing a similar walk in the fall--I'd appreciate any tips! :-)

Sarah Raplee said...

Great post and pictures! I always enjoy travel posts. Glad you filled your creative well.