Adventures of Wonkey Donkey as he travels to Kent

Hello,

as we live in the centre of England, we don't get to see much of the Seaside.   Wonkey, in a previous life, must have been a Seaside Donkey, taking children rides along the sandy beaches, this may account for the loss of his ears, which he never speaks of.   Anyhoo, he told me that he would very much like to visit a beach and smell the sea air once again.  

 I suggested that if we visited the Kent coastline, maybe we could also visit two iconic gardens???   He agreed, he's a most likeable Donkey.

So, here we are hurtling down the motorway past Heathrow Airport.  

We, of course, had the obligatory coffee along the way.

He insisted on standing on the dashboard, which wasn't very safe, but he wanted to see where he was going, as he felt a bit travel sick...

Well, we booked into our American Western, Cowboys and Indian themed Hotel for two nights at Royal Tunbridge Wells and we all enjoyed a glass or two of very cold beer.   Set 'em up Jo!

So, next day, bright and early off we set to Great Dixter.  

Here is Wonkey admiring the view from beside the Garden Nursery.

 I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this place is truely heaven on earth, do I?

 Here is Wonkey in the meadow, I just stopped him from nibbling the meadow Orchids.

 He is is, admiring the view again across Great Dixter.

 I wanted the current husband to take a pic of me, as I have wanting to visit this place for so long and finally, we had made it!

 Just too beautiful for my limited vocabulary...

Wonkey agreed.

 We booked out of our Rootin' Tootin' accommodation at Royal Tunbridge Wells and headed south for Sissinghurst.

 Again, what can I say that hasn't been said about Sissinghurst!

 Here is Wonkey surveying the White Garden...

 Here we are together, Wonkey and I, enjoying a cool and shady corner ...

 Wonkey having eaten his lunch, looked out of the restaurant window, whilst we ate our delicious lunch.

 Partly moated and magical in every sense...

 Here he is again, being very brave and looking out from the tower.  

 A room of the tower, cool and inviting.

 Well the world and his wife were at Sissinghurst, so we moved on.   

In the evening we ate fish and chips on Winchelsea Beach.   Miles of deserted beach, brisk wind, but no too cold and Wonkey was very happy.   I think I saw a tear in his eye, but that may have just been the bracing wind.

Saturday, I woke, breakfasted and sped off at top speed to Cranbrook, to meet my bloggy friend Lettuceleaf, (she is pictured here with her 'wicked stepdaughter') who is the co-organiser of kitschandstitch fair.    Oh, it was so lovely to meet my lovely friend and to have time to have a really good look around the fabulous fair and bump into another friend, who I was not expecting to see!                                           Wonkey stayed in the car with the current husband, as 'vintage' ain't their thing!

 After a wonderfully inspiration morning, we found ourselves at Dungeness.   Derek Jarman's garden was beautiful in it's simplicity.    He worked with what he had and I thought it was stunning.

 I also really enjoyed the landscape...

 full of atmosphere and interest...

 Wonkey was getting a bit fed up now and wanted something to eat...

 we walked ...

 and found Wonkey something green to eat.

 Next day, I had to go back to Great Dixter, not particularly to look around the gardens again, but to just be there.   Wonkey was rather pleased, as there was some sweet, juicy, green grass to eat.

 The current husband and I have fallen hook, line and sinker for this beautiful part of Kent.  

We can't wait to go back again.

 Wonkey is not so sure.

~0~

Well back to normality again and I have been filling up my Etsy Shop.  

Brooches...

 needlecases....

 purses....

Thank you so much for stopping by. x