On the 16th of August we dusted out the Abbot’s Porch. It was filled with cobwebs, dead plants, bird feathers, animal poop, rubble, and lots and lots of dust. We donned our KN-95 masks and rolled DOWN our sleeves for maximum protection. All the doors were opened to allow dust out and fresh air in. Then we swept it from top to bottom. The Abbot would have been happy.

Once that monumental task was down we threw our work clothes in the wash and then threw ourselves into hot baths.

I’m not sure where we got the idea to go for Cream Tea but it seems like a very British thing to do. So we did it. The best place to get information for a quintessentially British thing like cream tea is our host Jessica. She knew right away the best place to go: Upwey Wishing Well.

Upwey Wishing Well was a 22 minute (19 km) drive south towards the coast. It took us past Dorchester and half way to Weymouth through the winding narrow roads. As we entered I noticed a sign saying something like “To visit the Upwey Wishing Well only, please pay £1.” The place was packed inside when we arrived and was a little loud. They had cakes on display and a steam stream of coffees being made. I had made a reservation so we were promptly seated.

We knew what we wanted so I ordered right away. Four of us had black tea and Desmond had a rooibus. The raisin scones were huge and perfectly baked. They came with tiny cups of strawberry jam and clotted cream. It was more than we were ready for, but with the delicious cream and jam we managed.

Lydia finished first so we sent her off to explore and find the wishing well. It took her 60 seconds to find it. She of course challenged us to find it faster. We of course took our time getting there.

As is the theme with all pictures, these do not do the wishing well justice. Out of the well pours a steady flow that feeds the surrounding streams and ponds. Some of the water has been diverted for use in the different troughs, man made streams and ponds that are around the Café’s grounds. The many paths lead to tables and tents that patrons can eat at.

It turns out that we didn’t need to make a reservation inside the busy café. We could have had a cool quiet spot on the pathways close to the wishing well.

We did take advantage of the chance to throw a coin in the well. I’m not sure about the effectiveness of the well. I know you’re not supposed to share your wish. I’m just going to say that I have not stumbled across a large amount of money at the end of a rainbow. Hypothetically speaking!