September in the Garden

A threatening sky

I ought to rake this path but then again the woodchoppers are due - seems a waste.

Not much happening - the last of the flowers and wild michaelmas.

I'm happy these seeded thenselves

Leaves are falling.

Plenty more where they came from.

Snooze time - till Spring.


These two gangly plants in the pots are indoor crysants which I tried to nurture in the sun room
Karen thinks they may still flower but I have my doubts.

Beauty Masks a Tragic History Part 2

As we stared out to sea the mist thickened and we knew we should return to the track. If we timed it wrong the track would be flooded and we would have to retrace our steps
.The track then became difficult to spot as it crossed an area of large rough pebbles. We had to keep our eyes open for a causeway of rough pebbles which crosses one of the water courses.




We admired the Jacob sheep and followed the path between two water channels.

A relic of WW2

Through the kissing gate,

over the bridge which crosses the Hawkcombe stream

and reached our goal - the USAF Memorial built by the British Legion. At 7.20 am on October 29th 1942 an American Liberator, based in the New Forest took off for operation U boat in the Bay of Biscay. They turned round at 11.30am but three hours later, due to heavy rain and poor visibility they clipped Bossington Hill and crashed into Porlock Marsh. There was only one survivor out of a crew of 12.



The Memorial used to be at the back of the shingle ridge but was moved intact to its present position in August 2006. The footbridge was built in 2003 as part of the diversion of the Coast Path following the floods of October 1996 which destroyed the old line of the path nearer to Porlock Weir. We spent some time reading the names of the airmen and then went back over the bridge to rejoin the track. The Marsh area is like an ampitheatre surrounded by the hills of Exmoor. As we walked inland the gloom lifted and we managed an alfresco drink at the Ship Inn in Porlock. Back in time for MTL's creation of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on crumpets.

Beauty Masks a Tragic History Part 1

We left the car in the Central car park in Porlock and
walked through the town until we reached the entrance to Sparkhayes Lane. Here we passed pretty gardens and 50 yards after Parks View we climbed some stone steps into Bay Road. When we reached its junction with Villes Lane we turned left onto a rough path - our first view of the sea.


The walk has some kissing gates - infinitely preferable to climbing stiles IMO.

Bossington Hill has always been a favourite but I was to learn its tragic history.

Here our orienteering went awry due to unclear instructions - so we skirted this field and had to retrace our steps.

Back on track - the lady in red was picking blackberries. She had two plastic bags bulging with the luscious fruit and was going to make jam.

I had to stop and chat to this charmer.

This - I think is near Sea Lane Bossington

Here is the shingle ridge above Bossington Beach. The top of the ridge is the perfect spot to stand and stare at the sea.
I couldn't resist shouting to T not to fall in after last season's excitement.

Can't see wood for Trees.Part 2

Before the walk we drove along the narrow lanes to Luxborough for a light lunch at the Royal Oak as I was cooking in the evening. The food there is stunning. T had moules, I had terrain with onion marmalade. The bread is to die for




I firmly believe that all the trees we are surrounded by keep the air pure and - oddly tend to give the roses black spot.

I hope you can read this



Their bark is worse than their bite.( for Rog)

Can you see the little mice hiding in the cone with just their tail and feet showing?

Can't see Wood for Trees. Part 1

The showers were torrential so we parked at Nutcombe Bottom (I kid you not)and decided to do the short walk through the forest at Longcombe to see the tall trees.



One of the chain saw carvings.

The top of the tallest tree

The middle section

The base of the tallest tree in England

The Boys are back in town.

(That is #1 son and grandson)
After a long drive and threatening clouds they fancied a sandwich at The Old Ship Aground down on the Harbour
It's years since MTL and I were there. Next door is the tiny Fisherman's Chapel. Tuna on brown was very tasty.


Looking up the coast towards Watchet you can spot the white peaks of Butlin's - not to be sniffed at - it keeps the town alive in the winter
The Quantocks are in the background and the close hillock is Grabbist Hill

There used to be a Ferry to Cardiff and for years there has been talk of restoring it, butt it doesn't seem likely in the present climate.

We sat outside for about ten minutes and then escaped inside the pub which is quite spacious.


Pottering after lunch we admired the life-boat station.

Behind the pub, looking towards Porlock. There is the lower slopes of our hill - North Hill.

I have often written about Pinocchio's - our Italian restaurant; they have changed the name to Zest and have a new chef with 'fine dining' so that's where we planned to go in the evening, Meanwhile there was endless rugger and soccer matches on TV. Deep Joy!
More later.