There are times in a person's life, when you have to push yourself to the limit. Up until now, I've never really done this, its possibly down to lack of ambition, or just plain laziness. Last week, I “geared” myself up to go on a long cycle ride, little did I know that it would end up being the longest Journey by cycle, that I have ever attempted.
My journey began in Gloucestershire, I intended to follow the same route that I had taken in October last year, but I took a slight detour to photograph The Shutter Inn in Gotherington. I have photographed this pub on quite a few occasions, even visited it a few times. There have been quite a few different owners since I first photographed it, I'm glad to say they seem to be doing well at this time. It is certainly the most picturesque that I have seen it.
The Shutter Inn, July 2021
After I had finished photographing The Shutter Inn, I cycled out of Gotherington, and along the Evesham Road. I cycled along this road until I reached the Ashton-under Hill turn off, it is at this point in the cycle ride from last October, that I decided to turn back. But I wanted to photograph The Star Inn, I didn't have too much trouble finding it, I asked someone for directions. I was relieved to find that the sun was in the right position, so I took a few photos, well more than a few, I went into machine gun mode as my partner often says. It would have been nice to stop here for a while, and visit the pub, but I was not certain if they were open at the time of photographing it.
The Star Inn, Ashton Under Hill
Up until now I had been engrossed in my long journey and had momentarily forgotten all about Covid 19, but the reality of it hit me when I was confronted by the safety precautions one has to adhere to. They were nothing extreme, just a reminder that Covid is still lurking out there. I complied with their precautions and was shown to a table in their marvellous beer garden. The trip to Childswickham is worth it for this alone! Once again, the food was excellent, I wish that I had brought my partner here, I'm sure he would have enjoyed it. Although I enjoyed the meal, and sitting in the beer garden, it didn't feel the same as my pre-Covid visit. I think people are under a great deal of stress at the moment, whether this has been eased by “freedom” day remains to be seen.
The Inn & Brasserie at Childswickham