Day Twenty 31st July 2010 - The Thames / Windsor

Our final day on this ISCA summer arrives and the groups split into two.  One half goes to Windsor and the castle and the other goes to Runneymede, where the Magna Carta was signed.  The Runneymede group then takes a Thames cruiser up to Windsor and the other group catches it on the return journey to Runneymede.

Runneymede is shrouded in cloud when we get there and we walk to the memorial to the Magna Carta (Great Charter) signed in 1215.  The document signed by King John and the Barons is the basis for the British Constitution and the American Bill of Rights.  It is an important place to end our amazing journey through history.  There is also a memorial to J.F. Kennedy presented by the United Kingdom in the memory of the 35th President.

The journey up the Thames is special because the boat we travel on is steam powered and dates from the end of the 19th century.  She is in fine working order and has even been chartered by the Queen.  It is the best way to travel up the river. Passing through some beautiful countryside, including the Crown Estate, we arrive in Windsor ready to look around the castle.

Windsor Castle is the premier home of the Queen and the State Apartments and St George's Chapel are arguably the finest on our trip. The paintings, furniture and finery are truly spectacular.

We have time in Windsor before returning to the coach.  It is a time for buying some last minute gifts and savoring this most English of towns.

Back at Charterhouse we pack our belongings and then go to the farewell barbecue and dance.  Everyone has made new friends and there are some sad goodbyes.  ISCA 2010 has been amazing and there are so many memories.  Tomorrow we'll all be up early for journeys to the airport and flights home.

A great summer in the UK.  Thank you ISCA.