The 2026 summer solstice has just passed. The mornings are light and warm. Let's get on the go early, fire up the Guzzi Pembleton and head into the Shropshire countryside.. For those that do not know I'm lucky to be allowed to drive Adam Atkins Super Sport. A Pembleton 3 wheeler fitted with an ex Le Mans 1000cc Moto Guzzi V twin. My much travelled kettle has been securely strapped to the back and the stove and biccies are safely loaded in the rear luggage compartment behind the seat. Joining me will be Mrs C with P & M in 'Old No1' doing lead. Taking a deliberate indirect route through the deserted lanes of the Wyre Forest towards our destination the Furnace Mill area. The Guzzi engine torque making not only for a relaxing drive but a somewhat pleasurable musical experience too as the exhaust note blats into the hedges and woods, the harmonious pulsating shock waves pounding out of the silencers powerful enough to knock any unsuspecting squirrel off it's branch....
Furnace Mill - Now a location for fishing and shooting. More interestingly it was indeed the site of a furnace way back in 1575, smelting iron ore brought from nearby Clee Hill. Fuelled by charcoal created from the vast forestry all around. Wow!!! Ain't local history brilliant?
Pulling in on a grassy verge (possible thanks to the Pembletons small size) the Spyder stove was lit, placed on a flame proof mat and topped with the whistling kettle. As the water boiled the biccie tin was opened. Grandma Wilds Choc chop cookie anyone?
A full head of steam didn't take long to achieve, and the tea leaves were carefully spooned down the neck of the kettle into the boily water.
Tea info - Todays tea being rather selective... deep clear of throat... don't tell 'um the price 'Pike' !!!
Jing Teas Tasting Notes - In the lush Meleng gardens, Assam's famed bushes produce golden-tipped leaves during the brief window before the monsoon. From this prized harvest comes our Assam Gold, selected for its refined notes of spiced berries, honey and malted grain. Rich and complex, it offers a perfect balance of strength and elegance-capturing the true essence of Assam.
Posh or what?
So in the dappled light of the deciduous and evergreen native tree canopy we drank a road-side cuppa and dunked a choc chip cookie.
All of us agreed that this was the best cuppa ever!!!
