Friday was spent travelling to our next stop in Dorset, Blandford St Mary. We had planned to stop at Winchester to see the Cathedral but time and events prevented us. I'll let Di tell you the story:

The Journey from London to Blandford St Mary's in a cheap rental car.By Di Appleby

Dead banana skin just at my feet

Withered apple core under my seat

Paper towel, plastic lids - a car not so neat

As we begin the drive to Blandford.

Chris says the GPS means he's stress free

I have that huge map spread 'cross my knee

We're heading back t'wards London, that's what I see

It's such a long way to Blandford.

The traffic is thick. Each car takes a chance

Through back roads, but numbered! No time to glance

At scenery, architecture - this is no dance

Left foot on the clutch, to Blandford.

M3, A3. The car's smelly and hot

Paul's 'beast' comes to mind - same age and a lot

Of stains, flying black bits and general grot

Uncomfortable, slow trip to Blandford.

'Winchester Cathedral' are the words of a song

A parking lot with spaces - won't stay here too long

We stall at the entrance - no petrol. How wrong

That Chris walks to a garage, not Blandford.

Away again. Sun's out. No air conditioning!

Hunt for the number - must give our hosts a ring

Stopped on the motorway. Friday traffic's not the thing

For an on-time arrival in Blandford.

'Take the second left' she says ah, a country lane

Past villages, sloping roofs, green fields. I'm sane!

Some would say thanks to St Mary, that's plain

To have reached Badger Sett in Blandford.