Excited this morning but I was also a little worried that we might be disappointed by Hay-on-Wye. This small village remade itself into a book center starting in 1962 with one bookstore and growing to forty stores ten years later. How could a librarian not be in heaven looking down a street if it truly is lined with more than twenty bookshops selling every kind of book imaginable? Mike and I arrived in the early afternoon and walked the streets to get a feel of the village. It really is a wonderful place. Interspersed between bookshops are antique stores, art galleries, and the usual storefronts found in every village. By four we had only visited two antique shops and one bookstore. We will have to pick up the pace tomorrow.
We took a short energy break at one of the tea shops, called The Old Stables in deference to its previous historic identity. Having a bit of trouble finding the entry and looking into a small space crammed with stuff we entered with a little reluctance. This was a reminder that you can't always trust first impressions. This photo is Mike's huge piece of Apple and Whimberry Pie. What could whimberry possibly mean? Our waitress patiently explained it was a type of berry native to one small local area, similar to blackberries although larger. Now we know. My gluten free chocolate brownie with a drizzle of rose hip syrup was the best gluten free anything I have ever tasted. You can order them overnight delivered but only if you live in the UK. How sad for me!
After a couple of failed attempts to find it, and finally resorting to asking for directions which were lengthy, detailed and delivered with much arm waving, we negotiated our way up the long driveway and are now sitting in Baskerville Hall. This was the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle. It is a wonderful old manor house set in 130 acres, complete with large stone hound perched above you on the enormous portico as you walk into the entrance, even though the entirety is sadly a little shabby. It seems that the owner has been trying to refurbish over several years and it is evident when looking at some of the ceilings and lighting that some level of progress has been made. The enormity of the uphill task seemed unreal to us know-nothing visitors as we looked at wall after wall of intricate but faded wood panelling, highly decorated plaster ceilings and wall friezes needing attention, and acres of carpet frayed in places. Hopefully, he will make it to the walls, flooring and room interiors. I will try to add some pictures tomorrow if the hounds do not come and get us tonight.
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We are really enjoying reading about your adventures. In the evenings, Steve and I hover over the computer and read/laugh/drool over your pictures and interesting travel stories. That whimberry pie looks really yummy! Thanks for sharing!
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