Our seven week housesit in Hove on the Kent coast has come to an end. It’s our second summer down here and it’s been absolutely brilliant. Slightly different to last year with the addition of a couple of cute little cats this time but if anything that made it more interesting. Lionel and Cheetara (the cats) were great company and real characters (ThunderCats of Hove). We are definitely going to miss them.
One of Jo’s favourite songs which always reminds her of her Dad is “On the Road Again “by Willie Nelson. Seems oddly appropriate for us at the moment too and is the first song that she always always sings whenever we set off on a car journey. Gets in my ear and in my head and I can never shake it after that! A real ear worm.
From County to County
Our plan after Hove was a bit of a random one with a weeks accommodation booked at our go-to budget Premier Inn, but at multiple locations. With us always scouring the online prices of multiple hotels and Airbnbs we try and move whenever we can see a bargain stay. So it was East Sussex up to Kent initially.
So it was this week. Up to Wateringbury, near Maidstone, for a couple of nights. Some medical appointments, a few things to pick up from our little storage unit, a lovely bbq with Jo’s brother Leigh and his wife Mandy, and a catch up with her friend Wendy. Busy few days before heading off on the road again (thanks Willie …..)
Wateringbury to Teston
Whilst we were staying in Wateringbury the weather turned Caribbean-like so we headed out for a glorious sunshine walk along the River Medway towards Teston Lock. A round trip of just under 6 miles along the Medway Valley Walk which runs from Tonbridge to Rochester. The whole walk is 28 miles so we really only dipped out toes although over the years we’ve probably completed a fair bit of it in fits and starts.
The River Medway is so quiet and peaceful here and we found ourselves in beautiful sunshine with hardly a boat to be seen or any other walkers until we got the the edge of Teston Country Park and the lock. Still not busy though.
Teston holds so many memories for our family as we used to live a few miles away and spent so many days picnicking on the grass and having fun with our three wonderful sons. We could almost hear their excited voices and see them charging around as we sat enjoying our own picnic.
We remembered days out with friends and family and particularly a Cub Scout Duck Race that was held here every year involving hundreds of little yellow ducks and even more people supporting and socialising. Lovely memories.
On our return to Wateringbury we passed a small meadow where a tree was planted back in 1990 in memory of my Dad who sadly passed away that year. My Mum thought it would be a lovely place to visit and remember him but as the years passed we all completely forgot where the tree was! With the small wooden plaque long-gone all we could do was imagine which tree it may be. Didn’t really matter though as my Dad is never far from my thoughts and lives on inside all of us.
A wonderful walk that took us back to people and places that we love with so many memories and stories to chat about as we wandered back in time.
Heading West
All too soon it was time to pack those rucksacks again and take Willie Nelsons advice once more. ‘On the road again’ to Newbury in Berkshire, or is it Royal Berkshire? I’m never quite sure. A few days in another Premier Inn to explore and find out a little more about that part of the world.
06/09 – 13/09/2021
JWalking 
A lovely stroll through the Kent countryside. Looking forward to your post on Newbury as it is a town I really like and visit often. Enjoy your stay. Marion.
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Kent is such an underrated county, has such lovely countryside. Been to Newbury before and really like the area.
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This would be a great outing for us .. ON THE ROAD AGAIN..
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We love long days out exploring and walking like that, perfect.
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Beautiful cats!
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They were a lovely couple of cats, real characters and kept us company for the whole summer. Will miss them.
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That’s one of our songs too when we hit the road, that and, I’ll Follow the Sun. Both On The Road Again is a definite air worm. Beautiful countryside.
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The Kent countryside is so underrated but so beautiful. Loads to see and explore all over the county. Don’t think Jo will ever get tired of On the Road Again.
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Goodness, those seven weeks went fast. Looking forward to reading about your next adventure.
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Seemed to race by didn’t they? A lovely summer but suddenly here we are in the beginning of Autumn.
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Glad you enjoyed your second stay in Hove Jon. I know I’m biased, but I love B&H seafront. Nice to see you “On the Road” again. I too like that song and it is very apt for your lifestyle. Although I have been to Kent a few times over the years, I never really appreciated its beauty. It really is a lovely place and your pictures highlight that. Good luck with your next travels and I look forward to reading all about it.
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Thanks Liz. So many Kentish places to explore and discover, we’re nowhere near seeing everything yet.
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Kent has such great scenery doesn’t it. Even better when it’s sunny!
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I think Kent gets a raw deal from a lot of people, they think it’s a concrete jungle but there is so much beautiful countryside.
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I always get “On the Road Again” stuck in my head too. Now that’s feeling a bit more autumnal, I’d love to get out to the countryside for a walk. Wouldn’t have braved it during that heat wave last week though!
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No we’re not fans of walking in the extreme heat so Autumn is the perfect time for long hikes and lots more exploring.
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Good pictures of Teston and Wateringbury. Very familiar!
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Lovely places to walk and enjoy aren’t they?
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Definitely.
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Always nice to have a break ..where to next
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Heading over to Wiltshire in the West of England next but it’s been a busy week or two.
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Well that will be nice ..hope the weather stays warm
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Nice, cheeky little trip back to Kent. Enjoy your travels again!
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It was a nice couple of days back, more to catch up on a few jobs but caught up with family.
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My dad also loved that song! I have fond memories of listening to that on a record he would play xoxo
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Jo seems to sing it every time we get in the car. Funny.
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