Matt would have been proud. Rather than take a more expensive alternative (a cab), we took trains and buses to get to Chipping Campden, the starting point of our hike, from the Birmingham airport. By 10:00 a.m., we had cleared customs and by 3:30 we were getting off the bus in Chipping C. Our path wasn't straightforward and, in fact, we had to overshoot our mark to get to the bus that would bring us back a few miles to our goal. Five and a half hours of toddling through bucolic countryside with 70 pounds of luggage. Three trains and a bus with said luggage. And finally we were standing by the town hall in the lovely Chipping Campden. In the rain.

How long would the drive from the airport to the front door of the pub where we were staying have taken? Forty minutes.

Speaking of the rain ... it started about five minutes before the bus dropped us off. And ended five minutes after we got to the pub. Despite having tons of rain gear (and an umbrella) in our suitcases (and, after a futile attempt to find said raingear and umbrella, that is where they stayed), we arrived soaking wet.

Ooo, said the woman who checked us in, it was nice and clear this morning.

At the pub.

Across the street from the pub.

An afternoon guest at the pub. He took a shine to Tom -- must be the cat hair that I'm sure still adheres to his pants legs.

Patiently waiting for our third train.