Day 18 December 9th Durham



Fountains in the gardens

We were picked up by our niece at 1000 and initially went to the out-of-town M & S for Christine to successfully replace a garment which she had bought in the wrong size at Chelmsford.  We then carried on to the Durham 

the fish pond

Botanic Gardens.  We had a coffee together and then started our garden tour.  We encountered a fountain area although it was evident that it was not the best season for most of the plants.  We carried on into a glasshouse/heated building where there were some fish in a pond and different insects in pens.  We then had quite a long walk round in the blue sky and pleasant, varied planting areas.  There were 

giant insect sculpture

sculptures and other features such as a mock terracotta soldier.  By this time at least one of us was getting tired of walking and so we decided to retire a local pub for a very good meal which we all enjoyed.

We then went back to the Durham home for a sleep and relax before having a cup of tea and some more play.  We said our goodbyes at about 1700 and wandered back to the Travelodge.  We bought some sandwiches for tea and for our journey to Penzance tomorrow and so we are now set up for the long journey tomorrow.  We now have to pack and will have an early night.