We went up to Oxford for the day. It was about an hour's drive, but got off to a late start because we locked ourselves out of the house. A kind neighbor lent us his very long ladder and Todd was able to get in through a window in the 2nd floor. We did manage to make it to Oxford by 10:15 and we took a double decker bus from the park and ride to the city center. The kids continue to love the buses. Our first stop was the Pitt Rivers Museum.
While the kids loved the animals, they thought hide and seek was more exciting in the collections room.
Brothers.
After the museums, we went for lunch. The plan was to eat at a pub (seen below) where CS Lewis and Tolkein would lunch together. It was pretty packed so we went to a pizza place instead.
Turns out the pizza place is in a building that once upon a time housed William Shakespeare. The windows are original from the 12th century. There was an actual tour group that came through at one point during our meal.
After a leisurely lunch, we went to Blackwell bookstore for Todd and Rod.
Following that, Rod became our literary tour guide as we made our way to the river.
First stop, a theater.
The Bodleian library with 17 miles of books underground.
Tolkein's house while writing The Fellowship of the Ring.
Then it was time for punting. (Riding in a flat bottomed boat)
Low tree.
Our punter. Man were we lucky!
There were several close calls and we noticed one group dripping wet back at harbor.
