Two Memorable Factors…
that made the holiday special: a week of perfect weather (see photos if you don’t believe me) and the kindness of strangers. I knew there was a walk down through the fields to the village so – in spite of a dodgy hip - I set off with my pole arranging to meet MTL by the church. The path was overgrown at the start and it wasn’t clear where the path was lower down - as the meadow was covered in long lush grass liberally scattered with steaming fresh cow pats. The cows were grouped down the left side so I favoured the right.
I managed the stiles without too much difficulty but then came to an immense five- barred gate. I fiddled with the metal lever for some time but it was impossible to shift it. Walking with the boys is easy - they iron out all the problems like orienteering, stiles, gates etc and I truly missed them Either I had to turn round and go back or climb the flippin’ thing. Teetering on top, facing the wrong way and well out of my comfort zone I dropped my camera – with a prayer it wouldn’t be damaged - and managed to get over and down.
I had to keep pausing to absorb the beauty – sight, sound and smells - all enhanced by constant sunshine. As sometimes happens when one is moved by surroundings I forgot to use my camera. At last there was my date – waiting by the church and we drove to Axminster – famous for centuries for its carpets.
Strangers in town we managed to park outside the Old Courthouse – complete with cells - where we had lunch. Opposite was a large tree- decked green with a church and one of the helpful ladies said there was to be a wedding at 1pm and if I went to the big store – Trinity House and had a coffee on the top floor I would have a bird’s eye view. My luck was in – I managed to catch the bride and the store had linen trousers to replace my old tattered ones. They needed shortening but the young woman who had patiently knelt to pin the hems up offered to nip down the road to see if her friend could turn them up. Se what I mean about kind strangers?
Back in Dalwood my plan to walk back up the road from the village had to be abandoned and the thought crossed my mind that maybe the fact I hadn’t brought glucosamine capsules was causing the hip problems. Happily – now back at home and on the capsules again the discomfort has eased off.
29 comments:
You...you...climbed...?!?
Oh Pat. You're a trip. The best. I'd enjoy walking with you, I love exploring.
I'm glad you didn't step into the fresh cowpats though, so you could buy your linen trousers.
I'd suggested to my mother to take 7 Seas Cod Liver Oil for her knee. Now she's preaching it everywhere. 7 Seas plus glucosamine daily...no pain, she says.
GG: you shouldabeen there. I'll bet you'd have opened that sucker. I'll search for the seven seas after checking if I already have it or not.
honestly, sugar, i could have sworn i left a comment on yesterday's post, but i guess not...anyway, your writing is a captivating as y'all's pictures, so have no fear, i felt as if i was walking with you! i am so glad you're back. xoxoxoxo
(thank you for your lovely and thoughtful words at my place. they made complete sense.)
Savannah: lovely to have you drop by. Stay and have a snifter:)
When is your fantabulus book hitting the shelves in W H Smiths then? Will it contain some of your recent adventures and pictures?
I once thought of writing my autobiography, but I think it would have been more of a leaflet than a book! Anyway I recovered my sanity, and dropped the idea.
Weather can make or break a holiday. Strangers, too.
My wife and I were in London and saw the Queen’s motorcade drive by. It was the opening of Parliament (I think). I got ready to snap a photo but when she drove by I froze and forgot about the camera! My wife kept poking me in the ribs, to no avail. Another, in a series, of lost opportunities.
Ah... you were east of the M5... I'm near Crediton, in very rural mid Devon.
Both are beautiful. My favorite drive to the east, is along the A35 through Bridport - stunning views.
Sx
Keith: the book ends when we get married and I'm about to send it out in a new version. I've been sitting on it rather - reluctant to get on the helter skelter again but it's time.
The U.B.: I saw the Queen up near Crathie Church in Scotland in her car and got a photo with a faint smile and felt vaguely disappointed that she didn't seem to recognise me:)
Scarlet: oh I got it wrong. I remember the drive from Weymouth to Bridport was lovely. Have you been to Minehead? It's worth a visit.
I did a mini-tour of North Devon and Somerset in March... glorious.
I imagine it's a bit more crowded when the weather steams up.
Sx
A lovely account of your holiday with great photos. So pleased you had a good time.
Bear has tried glucosamine - with chondroitin, which is supposed to be even better, but it didn't help him, even though he took it every day for over a year. However, our homeopath friend swears by it so I'm pleased it works for you.
Scarlet: I must look at the map. Is it far for you to drive over?
Sandy: mine comes and goes and I'm never sure what is doing what. Just so thankful when it eases off.
The view from the cottage looks so idyllic. Would so enjoy a holiday this summer, but funds and timing don't allow
Kim: it will come. I wish I had been as productive as you.
Kim: it will come. I wish I had been as productive as you.
I haven't been to Devon in years, mmmm I think next year it will be on my list
You climbed the gate? I'm so impressed. And believe it or not, your description of steaming cow pats and lush grass made me so homesick for Scotland. Cow pats don't steam for long here: they fry and disintegrate within minutes.
lom: it doesn't lose its charm:)
Mary W: climbing wasn't the problem - it was getting down safely:)
That made me laugh. Who would have thought SCP would arouse nostalgia?
Your journey sounds like an adventure out of a Beatrix Potter story. I am happy the camera did not land in a cow pat when you dropped it. Ah, "be it ever so humble, there is no place like home"!
Granny Annie: I had to drop the camera to maintain balance on the gate so I dropped it and prayed.
North, south, east, west - home is best:)
But it was a pleasurable experience.
Since I can no longer travel (or rather, the airlines won't let me because oxygen is a WMD), I can only enjoy the beauty of rural England through your words and photos. Thank you so much for that.
Charlie: the pleasure is mine.xox
I sympathise, regarding the hip - 6 months ago, I couldn't have climbed that gate but now I could, except I'd have to be alone or my protective family wouldn't let me!
My doctor says that glucosamine is more effective on knees than hips. I did try it for a while, I'm evidently not as patient as Bear (joke, Sandy!) so not for a year and it didn't help. Non weight bearing exercise does, do you like swimming?
Z: I have an aversion to swimming pools and the only place I can swim happily is in Greek seas - so my bad luck. I'm hoping it will sort itself out - it often does.
Oh...I almost forgot...7 Seas with omega 3...seeing that it's from England, it might even be the same packaging, so it's a red and blue box with the omega 3 written on a gold 'seal'. It comes flavoured these days!
GG: thanks. I'll reassess my achey pills:)
Oh I would have loved to see pictures of that gate you climbed...Me thinks you were extremely brave to have done that, Pat....I know with my Hip now, I couldn't possibly even try and risk it. I'm glad you got over it, my dear, without a mishap.
Naomi: I was all at sixes and sevens and although I had the camera I didn't use it - just dropped it. I wish I had takent the gate because it was sooooo high.
That all sounds wonderfully civilised. *And* you managed the gate!
Kevin: not as gracefully as I would have wished.
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