We had a busy morning sorting out the food in the van – we won’t be cooking in it anymore this year. I hoovered up a massive amount of couscous from the cupboard – it got everywhere! We got all remaining food sorted out and in boxes – very satisfying!

In the afternoon we all went for a walk around Stowe park. The house is a private school but the impressive gardens are open to walk around.

They were designed in the 1700s considering the sight lines to all sorts of follies everywhere.

We were a bit wrapped up as it was cool to begin with – there was no sunshine.

We walked around the big lake with many water birds.

More follies:

This valley had been dug out by hand to create a lake. Unfortunately the water kept draining out – so this is what was left. There is a very old tree at the top – probably dropping its limbs everywhere- but safely within the fence.

We came back past the gothic rental house . I’m afraid it didn’t look very inviting.

After the big walk we were much warmer and went back to Helen’s for a cozy night in.