Sunday, October 30, 2016

Soaking up the seaside atmosphere

Photos only today. Words aren't needed. All you have to do is add your memories of the sound of the gulls, the smell of the sea, and the taste of the salt in the air.





















Saturday, October 29, 2016

Autumn at its best

I've been looking enviously at photos posted by fellow boating Tweeps, photos of sunrises and sunsets, of trees and bushes blistering with autumn colours, and I'm not seeing those while I'm not on the canal. But yesterday we visited Colton Fishacre, a National Trust property in Devon, a beautiful art-nouveau home in a delightful building, standing in acres of great beauty. Autumn truly at its best. A joy to behold.













It was with great sadness that we read the news yesterday morning, news that ancient buildings standing opposite Exeter Cathedral had been badly burned during the night. We'd seen them only the day before. The Royal Clarence Hotel, which is the most damaged, dates back to was the first building in England to be called "hotel". That was in 1770, but the building dates back to the Middle Ages. It's all very sad, though, mercifully, there have been no human casualties.
photo - Sophie Sowden via Twitter

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Exeter's a city to see...

and it was the city we visited yesterday.

Centuries ago, passages were dug under the city, to take water in from a spring outside its walls. These were added to over time, resulting in quite a network. We had a guided tour of them. It wasn't the most picturesque tour we've had, needless to say, but it was fascinating.



The cathedral is stunning, with dramatic, vaulted ceilings and ancient, intricate wood carvings, so much history and heritage.







Then today it was time for a long walk through the equally dramatic Devonshire countryside, joined by our niece, Jo, and her three young children. The weather was perfect for an energetic six mile walk, admittedly slowed somewhat to accommodate the diverse interests and diversions of the kids, and we finished the day appropriately zonked.