Benson, England (July 16, 2025)

While Oxford, England was eye-opening and was so much to take in (architecturally speaking), I was excited to meet Helene Quenu’s wonderful family living just outside of Oxford in a town called Benson.

Now entering the historic village of Benson (just outside of Oxford, England)

And what I find truly astonishing about the English countryside is that it doesn’t seem to matter where precisely you live, there always seems to be at least three things nearby: (1) Amazing hiking trails, (2) One or more bodies of water that you can swim and/or boat in, and (3) Giant trees surrounded by ancient buildings that seem to have been around for hundreds of years.

Many of the buildings are actually deemed “historical” and, for example, must be maintained with their thatched roof. Can you imagine living in 2025, having to replace your roof and your ONLY option is dry plant materials like straw, reeds, or other vegetation? Some people LOVE this, and I’m glad that they do. But I digress. What I love more than the houses are the people living in them.

I love that Indiana has her tongue out. Clearly, I have that effect on girls this age. I’ll need to reflect more on that one ;-)

As soon as I was welcomed into the home and introduced, I saw the full sized ping pong table just begging to be played … and the foosball table, and electric car racetrack, and many other games. Woo Hoo. I was in the right house! I’m a decent ping pong player — especially around kids younger than me, so I started off playing lefty as I’m ambidextrous. That didn’t last long and soon I realized I was out of practice on both sides of the racquet. Better switch up and play something else.

I was schooled … several times. My foosball game needs MUCH improvement.

Not much better luck at foosball either. While I was having fun, it’s clear that I had met my match with players who were far superior than me. But I was catching on and improving. I think that’s the point. When you play with someone who is much, much better than you, I find that your skill improves and you begin to pick up on things that you otherwise wouldn’t have learned. At least, that’s what I tell myself as the ball is rocketing through my goal line.

Backyard visitor — a friendly hedgehog fell into the pool and rescued by dad.

One bit of excitement came with a hedgehog was brought in from the outside in a pair of fireman gloves. It had apparently fallen into the swimming pool the previous evening and was shivering from the cold. The poor thing was alive, but cold and brought back to health through a warm towel and a cage positioned near the glass door sunlight. Once fully warm and revived he was released back into the wild — but not before some admiring views and a picture taken.

Bill and Helene take another beautiful hike around the English countryside

Stunningly beautiful as ever, Helene and I take a nice long walk around the English countryside near Benson. There is no shortage of beautiful trees, large fields and picturesque landscape views to admire as we talk about the coaching industry and the future of our industry.

Exhibit A for your review

Exhibit B - one of many amazing covered trails (less sunscreen needed!)

By the way, I noticed that my average step count jumped from 10,000 steps per day (pre June 29th) to 20,000 steps in the month of July 2025. I actually got a notice from my Apple Health app, “Hey, we’ve noticed a significant change in your Health Trends …” Now, normally that’s a notice that I’m slacking and should get off my butt a bit more, but this was the opposite. “Are you okay, man? Are you running from a bear or lion or something? Why don’t you slow down a bit? You’re 52, you know? Why don’t you take a break or something?” Unexpected.

SNAKE! Oh wait, England doesn’t have poisonous ones. This is a garden variety.

It’s SO rare to see even a gardener snake that I had to include this one. I mean seriously. When’s the last time you saw ANY kind of snake in England? I lived here for 6 months and never came across a single one. I would have missed this one if Helene hadn’t pointed it out. It was so tiny. This is a close up.

Love the wild flowers you see everywhere in England

Another tip of the hat to my mother-in-law, Connie. Every time I see these wild flowers I think of her. There are so many vibrant colors on our walks. I recognize the ones she plants in her garden. Not pictured here are often seen fox gloves and they are stunning.

The drought has done a number on these poppy fields. Usually not this “dead”

Helene shares the impact the drought has had on a number of these fields. Usually this patch of poppy fields would be in full bloom this time of year and along with its own beauty.

I imagine a real-life game of Settlers of Catan. Wheat for Wood? Brick? Sheep?

As we wrap up our walk, Helene has one more thing she wants to show me. It’s a type of stone called “pudding stone” and it’s unique to older buildings like this old church nearby. The stone looks like it’s pudding because it appears smooth with bits of stone mixed in all naturally.

Helene showing me this funky rock: pudding stone unique to old buildings.

This is the “finished” look from afar. Parish Church of St. Botolph (11th Century)

By the way, this building was built in the 11th century. It’s the Parish Church of St. Botolph Swyncombe and is still an active church still used to this day. Talk about “built to last.” These old stone buildings were put up and constructed with a desire to stand the test of time … and they certainly have. While I may not love my 1950’s split-level in Port Washington, NY, I must acknowledge the craftsmanship of the 11th century builders here in Benson. Wow.

Okay, back home for one last secret passage way to a grand final adventure!

One thing that’s universal is that the kids always know the most fun ways to get anywhere and FAST! I would be LOST if not for following the person in front of me guiding me under the bridge, behind the creek, knowing where to turn so that we get to the right part of the river where the boats are docked.

Definitely need to balance on the curb and don’t fall into the lava below.

I believe that keeping up with kids is what keeps us young. Sure, we can watch what they do, or we can attempt to do what they do as often and as regular as they do it. Sure, I can’t always keep up, but I do my best and that effort pays off.

Ta da! Here we are. A beautiful river-side doc launch for boats …

… and natural “rope” swing (or “vine” swing is more accurate).

We were just a bit late for the kayaking and paddle board, but truth be told, that was just fine by me. While I love water sports, I enjoy being with families more and the adventure of being together, playing games, goofing off and having fun together is so much more memorable. At least, in my humble opinion.

Something about this shot just called to me. Deep thoughts. Love it.

I JUST noticed his hat says, “San Francisco.” Where I’m front. What a trip!

And, of course, the ducks. There are always ducks. So that’s the fourth thing that every house in England appears to be really close to. At least, so far on my journey I’ve had access to ducks wherever I’ve travelled and this is no exception. Ducks, geese and other furry friends.

We simply MUST have one last game of Lazer Tag before I go …

I mean, come on! I’m just learning how to change the weapons from single shot to triple shot and just learned that there’s even a setting for bazooka! No wonder I was getting pummeled. It certainly helps to know all the settings of your device before you enter into the game so that you have a fighting chance. Then again, pummeling the visitor sounds awfully fun too. I certainly had a wonderful time in Benson. Once again, I felt welcomed in as an extended part of a family — a home away from home, and it’s made my journey that much more special. Thank you Quenu family! I think this will remain one of my favorite pictures from my journey:

One of my favorite pictures from my journey. It really says it all.