Friday morning’s view from my bedroom window at Garlands near Beer.
Clouds had formed on the sea.
I was away for a few days visiting friends.
Friday morning’s view from my bedroom window at Garlands near Beer.
Clouds had formed on the sea.
I was away for a few days visiting friends.
Posted in art from natural objects, humour, stone
Tagged beachcombing, Devon, faces found in nature, Seaton Beach, silly saturday
On Friday the family were hiring bikes and cycling part of the Tarka Trail. I was going to walk with Haggis and meet them at the pub. I have never been any good on two wheels and haven’t ridden a bike since I was a teen.
Just as we were arriving at the Bike Hire, I wondered out loud if they hired out tricycles – tah dah!

I was a bit slow and tentative to begin with, but soon got the hang of it. It gave the whole family a laugh when photos were sent around on WhatsApp.
At one point I went peddling off at speed to get to the pub to meet the boys who had gone on ahead – I missed the pub and zoomed on past it – my son had to come and retrieve me. We all had a good laugh at that π
My detour increased my total mileage to about 8 and yes, I did feel the burn – Had to get off a push for a while near the end – but I made it!
We also stopped at the Waterside Cafe, with a great view of the river and some house boats – so I am joining in with Cathy’s ‘House and Boat’ Photo Challenge this month.Β
I am home now – the journey back was much easier I’m happy to say.
Posted in art from natural objects, travel, walks
Tagged Devon, Devon beach, family fun, Instow Beacch, sand pictures, silly saturday
Did you know that Westward Ho! is the only place name with an exclamation mark in the British Isles? I didn’t, D-i-l told us at breakfast, so we all wanted to go there.
This is what Google says
“The village of Westward Ho! in North Devon, England is named after the 1855 novel of the same name by Charles Kingsley. The name comes from the book’s popularity, which led to the development of tourism in the area and the creation of the village.Β
I wanted to take a photo of us standing by the town’s sign, but there was nowhere to park near it. The town, for us, did not live up to it’s exclamation mark. Arcade games, burger bars and garish crazy golf were our first impressions. Maybe it would have looked better in the sunshine. The tide was in, so we didn’t have a sandy beach to walk on.
There was however a self service dog wash! We had never seen one before, have you? Little Bro had to go and check it out.
There was a very spooky light and the boys felt like we were all in a movie where something ominous was lurking in the sea, about to gobble up the lone paddle boarder
I did find some old wooden posts

Crazy Granny – “is that for the ‘Old Wooden Post’ Facebook group’ they asked!
On our last trip away I was taking photos of Β ‘Bathtubs in Fields‘ (thank you Cathy for introducing me to that one π Β )
Then we went to Instow and the sun came out! It was lovely. Little Bro and Haggis went paddling
and we had the most delicious fishy lunch at The Boathouse
which I can highly recommend.
Posted in art from natural objects, travel
Tagged Devon, Instow, old wooden posts, The Boathouse, tops of wooden posts, Westward Ho!
Last week I met some friends at Castle Drogo, before travelling on to Cornwall with them to stay in Newquay for a few days.
Castle Drogo is one of the most bonkers places I have ever visited. Unfortunately the house was shut but you can see some photos of the interior if you go to the # Castle Drogo Instagram page
It was built between 1911 and 1926 as a family home?!
What were they thinking!
It looked like a prison or a workhouse to us.
Trees mask the glorious views to the moors as you walk around the house.
There are two magnificent arbours. We were not sure what variety of tree they were but my best guess was a type of birch.
My favourite tree was this magnificent maple, what a colour!
with its twisty moss covered trunk.
After lunch in the cafe we drove the hour and a half to Newquay.
This is the view from the apartment we were staying in.
Oh happy days!
Posted in garden, travel, walks
Tagged Castle Drogo, Cornwall, Devon, gardens, National Trust, Newquay, sea
Tagged beach hut, coast, Devon, Devon beach, sea, Seaton, Silent Sunday
It is a long and winding road to get to Greenway House, the holiday home of Agatha Christie. Don’t believe the Sat Nav as it takes you into a cul de sac in a village about 2 miles away. You must book your car parking space online or by telephone before you arrive or you won’t be let in – so already you know you are going to a very special place.
It is all worth it – just LOOK! this is the view from the car park!
And further along the tarmac drive you see more of the River Dart
I was lucky enough to be there on a gloriously sunny Spring Day – they have been precious and few! (As I write this post there is rain, wind, cold and sleet, beating against my window – I neeeeed this post to cheer me up!)
In front of the house, Β the enormous magnolias took my breath away!

Below is the view from the front door – imagine waking up to this on a sunny spring morning!
and looking up from a path that leads down to the Camellia Garden
The gardens in general are completely splendiferously, romantically, beautifully gorgeous! But I have to say the area described as the Camellia Garden is a little underwhelming – beautiful blooms had to be searched for and the arbour has definitely seen better days
everywhere there are beautiful views of the River Dart – shimmering in the sunlight
Click on any photo to see it full screen.
I would have taken all day to record the names of all the Camellias but in my mind I could hear Cathy of Rambling in the Garden asking me the names and so I recorded my favourites
and
This one is Marjorie Davis
I hope this post has conveyed some of the beauty of the gardens ….. there is more to come.
On Tuesday I found these shell people at Greenway House, the holiday home of Agatha Christie – oh what a delight that place is – if you ever get a chance to visit GO!
These were in the Morning Room along with other vintage shell designs
The lighting is kept low, so it was not easy to get good photos.

Such exquisite pieces of shell art

Agatha Christie spent 8 weeks of the year in this house on the banks of the River Dart.
The garden is glorious, the camelias and magnolias stunning – I have more photos to share with you
lots more!
Click on any photo to see it full screen.
Linking with Cee’s Flower of the Day
Posted in art from natural objects, garden, travel
Tagged Agatha Christie, camelia, Devon, Greenway House, magnolia, shell pictures, vintage shell pictures
When you enter Doreen’s world it is like entering wonderland, with a fabulous mixture of caring touches

surreal sculptures
(in March)

and a poignant little row of memories
The sculpture of the children climbing always draws my attention
I love the way the lichen decorates the surface (you might remember I’m a great fan of lichen)

It came as no great surprise to see a man who appeared to be walking on the roofΒ 
he was in fact working in the garden behind
(can you see that little white model of a dog’s bottom up in the air as if digging in the lawn)
and then to come across these shoes sunning themselves on a bench

They belonged to Doreen’s very own Mr Mcgregor who was clipping the evergreens


The house looked like this in March


and the garden

What a transformation takes place during the year
I discovered these two brief videos taken inΒ August 2016.
I hope to return in April or May one year to see the flourish of Spring.
Maybe I’ll stay in her Garden studio – a link here to see more about it.
Now I’m off to be a ‘bit more Doreen’ and sort out the containers of bulbs in my garden.
Last weekend I was in beautiful Branscombe, Devon, England.
As usual I had to make my pilgrimage up the hill to Doreen’s Garden and this time I was lucky enough to meet the delightfully sprightly 84 year old. She is originally from Liverpool and has lived in this cottage for 34 years.
She gives me hope for the future!
Click on any photo to see it larger.
We had a lovely long chat and she showed me the best viewing points for photos .. Here
and then the view to the church
Doreen has a box for donations to support the Devon Air Ambulance and so far she has collected over Β£7,000!
You can even stay in her garden in this delightful self-catering little unit
what a sunny spot!
We talked about her magnificent dahlias


She doesn’t lift them but cuts them right back to the ground and mulches them.

I do not live in quite such a sheltered spot – I tried them years ago and did not have a good success rate, but I might give Doreen’s method a go as there is no doubt, they put on a spectacular show – if only they were scented .. mmmmm there’s a thought. Are there any scented dahlias?
Posted in art from natural objects
Tagged Branscombe, Devon, fence, fence post, freezing rain, ice, Silent Sunday, snow
Last weekend I went to Branscombe, Devon for a ‘Walk of Life’ workshop.
But
The Beast from the East was foretold and this Beast would clash with Storm Emma and cause all sorts of dire conditions
I wondered if the workshop would still take place, but Helen seemed very determined that it would go ahead so I decided to go a day early to get there before the worst of the weather was due to descend upon us.
I got there just in time,Β as just a couple of hours after I was cosily ensconced in Nestlecombe, the walk across the road to the Masons Arms
was getting icy and the village was soon to be cut off for all except farm vehicles.
In the pub I found a log fire, a warm welcome and a handsome young French bartender. I ordered mushroom soup and Guinness… I do love a draught Guinness.
In his strong French accent, the bartender asked me what I was doing in Branscombe.
“I’m here for a dance workshop on the beach,” says I
“I was not expecting that!” he said, we laughed!
After lunch, while the storm raged and the snow fell, I was snug back in my holiday let, happily watching ‘Shetland’ on iPlayer and doing some more of my Jurassic Coast blanket.
This is currently my go to project when I just want to do rows and not have to think too much about the pattern. Easy to do in front of the TV.
I laid it on the bed to see how it was coming along
Keeping to coastal colours in Stylecraft Special DK, 4.5mm hook and in Extended Moss Stitch, which I think is also called Linen Stitch.
The view from the bedroom window
After the snow came the freezing rain and on Friday walking anywhere was lethal – lethal but beautifulΒ 
so I just had to get out there with the camera – luckily I had my walking stick and Snow Grips with me. I’ve had them for years and never used them before.
There was a crust of ice over everything
which made a wonderful crunchy sound as you made your way across it
I have never seen the effects of freezing rain before
this whole tree was encased in ice
The photos don’t really do it justice as the light was so low
the effect was spectacular
I thought the pub sign had a touch of ‘Daphne du Maurier’ about it.
so much beauty to be found
more icy photos to come …….
Click on any photo to see it larger.
(PS. I was the only one who turned up for the Workshop! Wimps! Ha!)
Now I’m going to pop over to Cathy’s for a good ol’ Knit and Natter Friday
No grief, no pining
I will be glad to be free
Of this old body
~
For Bluedaisyz Photo prompt: LISTEN
Another soothing take on ‘Listen’ by Cathy: and click hereΒ for Jamie’s avian photo.
Only slightly smaller than life-size this statue/sculpture is in a little pergola inΒ Doreen’s garden in Branscombe, Devon
~
Allegory
Pine tree pines for cones
Dropping to the ground to grow
Not grief, just pining
~
And Ronovan’s Haiku Challenge: PINE and GRIEF (including a nature reference)
Go see this post by TJ – Β but allow some time to really take a good look at the sunrise photo – just stunning! Click on it and see it much bigger with more detail – gorgeous!
And Olga’s Haiku takes my breath away, the sparkling picture and that last line ……..!
Next week’s photo prompt isΒ ORANGE
And for Gothic effect ….
**
Also joining in with the Wordless Wednesday Crew
And you can walk along with Crafternoon Treats around Scarborough, and have a Weekend Wander in Australia, and explore with Alisa Burke in Oregon .
I’d love to know if you prefer to see all the photos listed like this or if you prefer to see them in a slideshow.
Where have you been wandering?
Set off by walking past the Anchor Inn, near the beach, and up the hill past the allotments. What a place to garden!!!
Look West, and then look behind you to the East. The panorama is breathtaking.
A first glimpse of the red cliffs of Devon.(more pictures in the slideshow)
Decide whether to walk the undercliff (too boggy at this time of year) or take the high ground to the old Coastguard’s lookout
with a Buddha now keepingΒ watch from the upper window – and here the Buddha’s view
and on across the top to Branscombe ……. (to see the continuation of this walk click here)
Melissa and I started a Renga when I was in Devon and although we did not carry it on -( life sometimes takes over – and we do it for fun – no pressure) I wanted to record what we wrote, cos I like it as it is! And it refers to this very walk.
Melissa starts with her Haiku Challenge and we alternate the verses from there, if anyone else would like to pick this up and run with it you are very welcome:
On rare occasions Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β I imbibe much and suffer Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Harsh headaches always
Away on a weekend break Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β White wine for me, no headache
Sulphite free that wine Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Must be, grapes sent from heaven Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To you in Devon
Walking on air along cliffs Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Clear head and cobalt sea drifts
Fresh air is the best Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Remedy for my sore head Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Sleep? No! Walk instead
(addition in green! Melissa wrote the above next verse …. ah! now to see if the next couplet comes to me)
I love to include walks from other blogs here too, so we can all wander round the world together: this week join a delightful family walk with Alisa Burke, in Oregon, USA I would skip for joy if you put a link to your walk in the ‘Comments’, and if you don’t have blog, send me some pictures by email with a few words about your walk and they will appear in the next Wednesday Walk-Along. π
Posted in photos, poetry, walks
Tagged Anchor Inn, Branscombe, cliff walk, coast path, Devon, Devon. Beer, haiku, poem, poetry, Renga, sea views, walk, Wednesday Walk-along
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