THE SILK ROAD RUN: 5. MARPLE A BIG SURPRISE THANKS TO STEVE AND JUDITH

Steve had mentioned that there wouldn't be a problem finding a place to stay during the final week's prep of the ambulance. We arrived on July 2nd - six days before the rally began. He had mentioned on the phone that we could stay at his home if we wished. What a surprise. Steve and his wife Judith have a home that is on the national registry. The original property built in approximately 1600 was a coach stop on the road to London. There was an addition added. The addition has a dating stone in the front wall reading "1660"! Steve said there are also a couple of cottages shown on early maps of the area but that is about it. I was reminded of the very low beamed ceilings. (The right side of my head just above the ear is still sore to the touch.)

We not only had a place to stay, but we were also given a Volvo hardtop convertible for our own personal use all week. Talk about hospitality!! Although both of us have driven on the left side of the road before with a right hand drive car in the UK, the extra time behind the wheel really helped for our driving in the UK with the right hand drive, stick shift ambulance on narrow UK roads and streets.

Steve and Judith have a son named Giles. He must be the computer game champ of the world!! The family also has two dogs living in the home. Wilfred is a St. Bernard, and Basal is a German Shepard. Wilfred weighs in at approximately 140 pounds. He is only 2 years old.

The weather was very good all week, and we were able to purchase much of what we needed that we couldn't bring with us from the States on the flight.