Bridget kept up a good pace with the Thames Path Walk, and as with so many of the walks took the opportunity to meet up with some "old" friends. For the section from Wallingford, ex-work colleague Ann joined in, and on a day of mixed weather they made a good few miles before meeting up with Malcolm and the boys, Ann's husband Andy and their two girls for lunch at Clifton Hamden. Whilst Bridget and Ann were walking, Malcolm and the boys dropped into the oddly-named "Bunkfest" in Wallingford. The name comes from the nickname of the railway branch line, which used to be used by Londoners "bunking off early" to their weekend retreats. Now the line is run by enthusiasts, and the annual festival attracts a huge number of Morris (and similar) dancers, musicians and other performers from across the country. Oh, and the occasional goat. Once a year Halton House, once in the Rothschild family and now accomodation for RAF officers at RAF Halton, opens its doors to the public. On a glorious September day we spent the afternoon in and around the magnificent house and grounds. The house is often used as a film set too; we apparently just missed Catherine Zeta Jones. On yet another lovely day we were visited by David, Alison and Francis, and took to the hils. Coombe Hill to be precise, is one of the highest spots around here, great for flying kites, sightseeing and, apparently, climbing trees. From the hill you can easily see down to Chequers, but not so easily see if Tony and Cherie are at home. At the end of the month Bridget reached Oxford. Whilst she was out by the river, Malcolm and the boys were exploring museums in the city. After a brief tour of the rather stuffy Museum of the History of Science, we were completely blown away by the Museum of Natural History. Located in a beautiful Victorian building reminicent of the best of railway architecture is a huge collection of relics, many of local origin. Well worth a return visit.