Ah, Badbury Rings

I don't think there's been a time I've come to England since infancy that hasn't included a picnic or walk 'round Badbury Rings. Archeologically, biologically, and historically it's fascinating—see here—but really I just find it incredibly nostalgic and relaxing and beautiful! And I've never known it to fail in the kite flying department. We had two kites in our suitcases (yes, only four proper cases for the year, and we decided to include two kites among the "essentials"), so they got their first airing on Monday morning at Badbury Rings. William spent far more time looking down at snails, grasshoppers, and butterflies, but I think the rest of us were pretty happy looking up at the hills, fields, and sky!

 

 You can see the big reel of string. We successfully paid out pretty much the entire thing, around 500 feet. The kite was a mere speck in the heavens! William wondered if it would reach the moon...

You can just see the dot of the kite in the sky.

Beautiful tracks cut through the trees at the very top and center of the rings. 

 

Walking along the top ring.

One of William's many beloved butterflies.