Journey Within a Journey

The ground surrounding of the castle was quite extensive including lovely parkland and a large fishpond. I was told that it took three days just to mow the lawns immediately around the castle. My first morning walk was something so special and my thought was all in communicating with the spirit of my husband. How he would have loved to ramble in this landscape but perhaps he did and saw it all with me? On the slope of higher ground 'we' could see some farmhouses across the green and yellow fields, where cows scattered contentedly grazing. Such was a perfect picture of an idyllic scene. Moving through a small forest of big tall trees the ground was covered in garlic plants and the thousands white flowers opened their faces to greet the morning sunlight. 'We' were lucky enough to spot patches of the last of spring – hundreds of dancing bluebells! They were my husband's most favourite wild flowers. I felt a sting in my eyes again: "Oh darling! Did you see them?" While I loved them just as much, I was delighted to wander among many other varieties of flowers and shrubs around the castle's ground and gardens. The work to maintain this lovely environment must be enormous and with that realisation I was feeling quite overwhelmed with admiration for my host and her family, I certainly could not do it. Upsall village had no shop or public transport, when I wanted to cook an evening meal for the family. I had to get my provision in Thirsk. Four miles was too far to walk, Olly the caretaker drove me to town where I had a chance to wander about Thirsk, I could not help myself and ended up purchasing a cashmere sweater for something warm to wear. Even though it's only a small town the shopping square seemed to have everything one would need, plus lovely cafes, boutiques, restaurants and of course a pub or two. The fine and sunny weather brought the gypsies to town camping on the village greens just outside of the town-square they were getting ready for the summer activities. Their colourful caravans lent an interesting sight to the town's charm though I heard the local people did utter some complaints.