Wednesday I set off for Blenheim, made all the wrong turns, ended up on a major restricted-access highway, and got there in record time. Impossible. But true. I laughed.

The 1st Duke of Marlborough was a National Hero. Louis 14 had been running over Europe willy-nilly, until he was defeated...wait for it...at Blenheim.

The home was a gift from Queen Anne, along with the title. One of the most beautiful rooms in the whole estate is the Long Gallery, At one end is a massive organ-given to the 1st Duke in gratitude from the citizens of England.

This is also the home of Winston Churchill's grandparents. He was born here, and spent many happy times visiting his cousins.

There is a big Churchill exhibit, which I enjoyed, but I'm not sure I learned much new. But I enjoyed.

You could take another day just for gardens. I had a lovely lunch looking over the fountain garden and the grounds, laid out by Capability Brown.

Then I headed north. On the correct highway.