Goodbye 2022

As we left the south coast behind and headed north, we stopped off to visit Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge as well as the pretty National Trust village of Lacock with its dusting of snow. 

The cathedral was worth paying to go and see and was super dog friendly. The guide told me which way to go and also said when you get to the font your dog can have a drink which I thought was unusual. When I saw the font, I understood why she had said it and Poppy did indeed have a drink!

We had the pleasure of staying with new friends and old on our way back to Norfolk. First we spent a wonderful afternoon and evening in Box, Wiltshire (thank you Pete, Gil and Maisie) and then another lovely return visit to Buckinghamshire where Poppy received more love and lots of cuddles from Thomas and Emily.

Christmas in Norfolk was full of festivities including crib services, meals out, board games and gift sharing. We loved returning to woodlands and beaches to walk with friends (including lots of four-legged friends for Poppy.) The comforts of a fire, comfy sofas and warm cosy blankets were lovely luxuries that we were extremely grateful for.

Here’s to our continued adventures in 2023!

Chilly Days

Well, I wasn’t expecting minus temperatures on my travels, but here we are wrapped up on the Dorset coast. Managed to walk (and slide at times) to see Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Glad to say I wasn’t the only crazy person attempting the steep, icy path down. It didn’t trouble Poppy - I think she went down and came up about three times whilst I carefully and slowly covered the same distance.

Chesil beach and a walk around Portland was bitterly cold too and the coast path was very muddy. The mud stuck to my boots so at times my feet felt like they had weights tied to them! The sea was wild though and it made my lunch at ‘Taste Cafe’ near the Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre all the more delicious - piping hot red pepper and tomato soup with a warm cheese scone, just yummy.

The weather earlier in the week was beautiful and no where near as chilly. I went to find the statue of a special lady in Lyme Regis, as my lovely class had learnt about her last year when we were looking at dinosaurs. We enjoyed the beach and the walk along the promenade with quite a few people who were also enjoying the winter sunshine.

Indoor adventures included a tour of Exeter Cathedral, which also had it’s Christmas market on too, so the air was filled with sweet smells and people hugging hot drinks. Poppy wasn’t allowed in, but seemed more than content to have a nap in the van.

My plan is to be back in Norfolk for Christmas, so it’s time for us to leave the south coast and begin to head north and eventually east. I think we may be able to squeeze in a few more new places and adventures before we’re home though. Hopefully there are lots of you reading this who would like to catch up over a coffee or mulled wine! Poppy would also love to walk with any four legged friends (I’m sure she’s fed up with just me and a ball!) 

Stay warm everyone! ❄️ 

Sun and Snow

The last week has brought us to Dartmoor for walks amongst ponies and an endless landscape under blue skies. We stayed on the western side near Tavistock to walk to Kings Tor from Princetown and then also stayed near Crockernwell and did the Teign Gorge walk near Castle Drogo.

In between east and west Dartmoor, we ventured once more towards the sea, visiting a friend’s favourite places on the Devon coast including Hope Cove, Start Point, Mill Bay and Salcombe (although we settled for a view towards Salcombe rather than venturing over, as the ferry driver was on his lunch break!)

I wish I could capture photos of the night sky. The moon and stars have been so bright, especially with clear skies. Every time I see them I seem to say a little internal ‘wow’ to myself.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

A Christmas tree festival in Tavistock Church and a visit to the tree festival at Buckland Abbey has reminded me that Christmas is coming.

I timed it just perfectly to visit Buckland Abbey, as I arrived to see the Carol Singers in the Great Barn. Magical.

Tavistock Church was also beautifully decorated with trees from across the community. My eye was of course drawn to the trees decorated by the local schools, one of which had chosen to use natural materials from their woodland grounds. 

Another tree decorated in aid of the ‘Memory Cafe’ was adorned with knitted treats that looked good enough to eat. Another person visiting said ‘eat your heart out Mr Kipling!’ They did look remarkably realistic!

I’m sure by now you all have your decorations and trees up. I thought about decorating the van but not got round to anything yet - the days seem to fly by! We are however enjoying all the classic Christmas hits on the radio as we drive the Devon roads.