After much discussion and map reading, I decided to head for Bourton-on-the-Water, a well-known town in the Cottswold region. A few miles into the day's ride, I passed the first of many picturesque streams that I couldn't resist.

A public house (pub) was always a welcome and common sight. I rarely stopped in a pub (too much smoking) except to get directions or to eat the occasionally lunch. Here is a typical example.

I hadn't yet stopped taking pictures of attractive churches.

England is criss-crossed with canals. At one time, they were the main transportation system, especially for coal. Today, they seem mostly to cater to cruising tourists.

Much of the ride toward the Cottswolds was on small, mostly deserted roads lined with trees.

How could I resist taking a picture of such a pretty scene?

I arrived in Bourton-on-the-Water in the early afternoon (1:30 or so) and checked into the Old New Inn. Here is the entrance. Note the stocks between the two fuscias. I could imagine being anchored there and getting pelted by rotten fruits and vegetables.

As I discovered, Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular place with British tourists.

Here's the water part of Bourton-on-the-Water.

When I found just the right angle, it didn't look too crowded.

Once I got away from the main square, I discovered just how quaint Bourton-on-the-Water was. This is a view of a street one block away from all the people.

This one was right around the corner.

This pretty garden was just a few dozen yards from the main tourist street.

Wednesday, July 31: Bourton-on-the-Water to Huntley
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