Out and About Outside of Chester

May 23, 2011
Yesterday, Sunday, we drove into the city centre of Chester. Chester is a wonderful old city with pedestrian only walkways in its center and is unique because there are stores on two levels as you can see from the picture. We spent a bit of time shopping, had dinner and then found a B & B for two nights. We collapsed the rest of Sunday and did nothing.
Today was a cool, blustery day as we drove north out of Chester towards the Mersey River. Those of you old enough to remember Gerry and the Pacemakers can sing the song. And a lovely song it is. At any rate, Lynda wanted to see some water. Of course, the tide was out so basically all we saw were mud flats. There was also a garden of interest that we were headed for. Along the way we happened on a Nursery so we stopped. On leaving the Nursery, Lynda casually mentioned to Tim that the Royal Liverpool Golf Club was just up the road. She was a bit taken back when Tim got very excited, explaining that Royal Liverpool Hoylake, its official name, was the host of the British Open several years ago and that it was the scene of one of Tiger Woods' more memorable major wins. Being the loving, considerate wife that she is, Lynda willing postponed the garden visit so that Tim could make a pilgrimage to Royal Liverpool. Unlike most United States Open venues, British Open venues are generally open to the public. Tim could have played today other than the fact that when he stepped out onto the first tee to take a picture, the wind was blowing at least 50 mph and it was raining sideways. All the same, it was a religious experience, of a non-religious sort, for Tim. He will model his new golf shirt for anyone interested. By the time we arrived at the garden we were originally headed for the sun was miraculously shining. The garden in question is named Ness Botanical Garden and it was lovely. This garden featured an abundance of Aliums in bloom, a few early Lupines, the last vestiges of Rhododendren, lots of Foxglove and a few spectacularly vivid red poppies. This evening we drove into the city centre again and after dinner found a cleverly hidden geocache in front of the Chester Public Library.
We leave Chester tomorrow and haven't a clue where we are headed. We are driving in the general direction of Wales. Tim wants to head toward Ainsley to see if he can spot Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wandering around whilst William, Duke of Cambridge is off rescuing people. That is his official job in the Royal Air Force. Lynda says probably not to the Kate watch. She can be such a party pooper! We will check back in with you in a day or so.