Better than expected!

Picture this - it's really dark outside; the noise is of rain lashing against the windows and strong winds gusting through the trees just outside; it's 5.30 a.m.; you're on holiday and going out for the day so what do you do? You make a cuppa and get back into bed and pretend it's all a bad dream. But.... later after a mighty breakfast you brave the elements. And, in fact, going out to the car it's actually stopped raining!

Right the designated drive for the day is? Moi and we set off for Budleigh Salterton. Fairly dramatic black clouds kept us company en route.

When we got into the car park by the sea we were at a nature reserve; reports of three Glossy Ibis in the area but not seen by us. We walked along through the muddy water filled path. Saw Meadow Pipits and three Black-tailed Godwits - many gulls, a few Grey Herons; plenty of Mallards, some Teal and a couple of Mute Swans.

Looking down along the river to the sea.

The river was gushing along and coloured by the typical red Devon sand.

It's difficult to imagine this as the Cricket Pitch!

The sea was dramatic with churning crashing waves. It's a pity that we can't take pictures in 3D because this really would benefit from it!

The shingle was lovely with many varied and subtle colours in the (in the main) large pebbles.

Wonderful vegetation tumbled down from above - this must have looked amazing when it was in flower.



Conscious now that the time for the car park was coming to an end and, by now, the hunger pangs were making themselves felt after the bracing sea air, we headed off to Barrington Court for a spot of lunch and a visit to the gardens.

On arrival there were Stewards directing cars in the car park - there was an event on - A Chutfest!! In other words a festival of chutneys (and other food stuffs) - and someone was cooking sausages. Help!! OK then - off to the cafe for lunch; a tasty bowl of soup and bread.

The clouds were now allowing some sunshine through and we saw BLUE!! sky. Lovely.

Lots of colour still about in the gardens.

This collection of umbrellas was (in part) to celebrate three famous female "gardeners" Gertrude Jekyll, Veta Sackville-West, and Phyllis Reiss

Although this collection that we saw yesterday at Tintinhull I thought to be a very entertaining!

Wonderful colours of the Virginia Creeper as it's now Autumn..

And inside the house.. bet this fireplace creates a roaring blaze!

Rather ornate bathroom facilities :)

From the inside out...

Details on the wooden panelling.

and a final stroll..

and a check on the picture we've just taken ;)

and a drive home in the sunshine!!

Fingers crossed we have the decent weather the forecast is suggestion for tomorrow!

A sojourn to the West country

It's early October and I was hoping for an Indian summer as I visited Devon for a few days. The day started bright and sunny as I left home at 7.30 and as I drove west, some wonderful views of open countryside with mist creating patterns between the hills. No photo opportunities as the "authorities" don't approve of you stopping on a motorway or main A road to "just taking a few pictures Officer".

I met up with Pete at Tintinhull Gardens. Somewhere
I've visited before but thoroughly enjoy being there - very quiet tranquil gardens and despite the sprinkling of rain, it was great to just stroll around.

Whilst we were waiting for the gardens to open, we had a look at the local church.

Then into Tintinhull.

The rain caused some lovely effects on the veggies in the vegetable garden.

This bee was at the top of a very tall post and, very tall I am not, hence the rather odd angle of this picture.

It was now about mid-day and a cuppa was called for. So we decided to head off to Montacute House which is only a couple of miles up the road.

An excellent Carrot and coriander soup with seedy (of the best type) brown bread with a cuppa.

Quite an imposing building with a magnificent tree lined avenue. The statuesque yews lining the drive are very well manicured but all seem to tilt to one side!

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And this "hedgerow" never fails to fascinate me and there's more in a different part of the garden. Hard labour to keep this little lot in trim if you ask me!

Again the water-drops really added to this lovely rose.

I love these old trees and their majesty.

And then into the house.

I've taken loads of pictures but uploading and editing them on the laptop with unfamiliar software tries my patience (something of which I am very short I've just been advised!!)

After strolling round the gardens and house, we had a cuppa and indulged in a piece of Victoria Sponge (Pete!) and Coffee and Walnut cake (me!!); the justification being the evening meal isn't until 7.30 and we would starve if.....

and tomorrow? the forecast says......don't go there.... so there may not be any pictures tomorrow.