"The WHAT stick bridge??"

Alex looked at me, part incredulous, part intrigued.

"The Pooh stick bridge! It's Winnie the Pooh's bridge!"

We had arrived in Henfield the day before, eager to examine a strong contender for our Future Home with Wheels. Luckily, this one ticked all our boxes, but we had to contain our excitement during the negotiation phase with the owner #pokerface

Unluckily, Australian banks need 1-2 business days for a large transfer... and don't open on the weekends :(

So while waiting for our Australian bank to enter the 21st century, we decided to see some sights.

Nearby, at Ashdown Forest, there is a short walk that encompasses the home of Winnie the Pooh (Five Hundred Acre wood, which was shortened in the stories to Hundred Acre wood), and the birthplace of the Pooh Stick game.

The game requires two people drop a stick over the bridge at the same time, then race to the other side of the bridge to see whose stick made it out first. Of course, this started a totally healthy level of competition and some robust conversations about the merits of different sizes and weights of sticks. [If you'd like to read more about the history of the game, see this site].

After that it is a short walk through the woods to find the hidden homes of Winnie, Piglet and Owl - small doors hidden amongst the trees, only revealed by the muddy footprints in front.

It was incredible to think this part of the world was the inspiration for a story which has lasted generations and entertained people young and old. Next time we're in a forest, we'll keep an eye out for Winnie and his friends!