This Spring David had an important birthday and since I know of no more beautiful place than Devon at this time of year, I decided to take him away for the weekend to Dartmouth. We left the car behind and immediately our pace of life slowed down. Waiting a while for the train to leave the station is nowhere near as stressful as being stuck in a traffic jam!
At Paignton life became more leisurely still, the coastline slowly slipping past to the comforting chug of the steam train.
We were the only passengers to alight at our stop and it felt as if we had left our old lives behind us
as we walked through the sunshine to Higher Greenway Barn, where we stayed our first night.
That afternoon the sunshine called us out and borrowing the house dog, we set off to buy some provisions
The birds were singing, primroses and violets covered the banks and the rich green fields and hills rolled out around us.
And all the while, just around every corner, was the estuary and the smell of the sea.
Greenway Barn was a wonderful place to stay, our hosts were so helpful and friendly and staying in such lovely surroundings made us feel we were truly celebrating
They even turned on the hot tub and we decided it was the best place to drink to David's birthday!
That night, as we wandered down the lane, the air was still warm and we could see the moon resting in the tree's branches...
However this is England. And more often than not the blooming weather spoils the best laid plans.
On our next train journey, the steam and the fog were as bad as each other and everything was soggy and grey.
Thank goodness Nonsuch House proved to be a haven for world-weary rain-dampened travelers.
When it's horrid outside
A comfy inside makes all the difference!
The next day the skies stayed dark, the winds blew and the rain poured ever downwards
but with eternal English optimism, we decided ignore the weather and walk the coastal path to a local manor house.
Fortified but a wonderful breakfast cooked by our host Kit
We faced the elements
and the steep winding paths of the Devon coast
Everything was stormy and dramatic
and the path seemed to lead ever onwards!
Finally we reached civilisation and had lunch and a much needed rest.
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David wearing this hat made me giggle
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So despite all we enjoyed ourselves. Of course I was disappointed and wished for a perfect sunny weekend but we were together and happy and will remember that wild wet walk with laughter for many years to come.
Happy Birthday my darling David
ps. If you are thinking of visiting this area, I thoroughly recommend these two perfect guesthouses. Comfy rooms, amazing food and friendly hosts who will do anything to make your stay a happy one-
http://www.greenwaybarn.co.uk/
http://www.hoteldartmouth.co.uk/luxury-rooms.html
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