This morning at just after 11 a.m. we got in the car and motored over to Cambridge. Ann had arranged a birthday celebration surprise (?) for me, and as it was her brother David's birthday yesterday Ann had invited David and his wife Jo along. We met up with the rest of the tribe, or at any rate those who could make it- eighteen of us in all, and went to the boat yard where Ann had arranged for two punts to pick us up, each complete with an undergrad armed with a quant pole to do the heavy work, and went for a boat ride along the backs on the river Cam.
Snapshot of part of St. John's College covered with Virginia Creeper, which is colouring up nicely.
The above picture could be described (Ratty would certainly have so described it) as 'simply messing about in boats'.
St. John's Bridge - the Bridge of Sighs. Actually, just after I'd taken this photo we had the only rather dramatic event of the day. Our gondolier's quant pole apparently stuck in the river bed, he tried to free it, the punt moved steadily forward until he was leaning over the back of the punt at a dangerous angle on his right leg, with his left leg stuck our behind him trying to balance himself. As we realised he had gone just beyond the point of no return Ann and I (who were nearest to him) grabbed his left leg, and pulled him back into balance. He gave a desparate heave on the pole, we hung on grimly to his leg, the pole came free and all was well. He thanked us and explained that today was his first day as a punt 'taxi driver'. He'll learn.
When we got back to the boatyard, we disembarked and walked the hundred yards or so to what used to be the Garden House Hotel (can't remember the new name) where Ann had booked us a large table for tea.
Above photo shows ourselves and the tribe (our children and grandchildren, son in law Mikey, and David and Jo) at tea, which was excellent.
This photo shows the same table and tribe from the other end of the table (Head Waiter most helpful and gladly took the photos above). It really was an excellent day out, and its popularity can be judged by the fact that several of the younger members of the family asked if they could celebrate their next birthday on the Cam.
Goodnight all.
6 comments:
I love Cambridge and I have been punted along the Cam; it's the only way to admire the college's properly. It looks as though you were very fortunate with the weather.
Happy Birthday.
What a blessing to have such a large and wonderful family, nothing more than you both deserve! Have a lovely birthday, just wish we could be there to share it with you.
Much love and many blessings, Maggie, Mark and Emma x
Hello Liz. Yes, we were very fortunate with the weather. It was a glorious day.
Thank you.
Hello Maggie. Thank you. Glad you commented. It's reminded me that Ann wants a word with you. We'll give you a ring.
Love to Mark and Emma, as well as you, sister dear.
Sorry we didn't make it, but glad you had such a lovely day.
xxxx
Hi Ruth. Sorry you couldn't be there. This birthday started in Sweden/Norway in June and continued on to September in Cambridge and Suffolk. It was (for me) the most memorable of birthdays, and I do sincerely thank all my family for making it so. Much love to you all, Pa and Granny.
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