Two Angels - angels & petals AND crafty angel

Out and About

As I've said before, one of our favourite and easy walks is along the river at Strawbridge.

(Go out through the far end of the market & just follow the path all the way along, turn right when you reach the end onto the Totleigh lane and follow it down to the bypass, cross over and follow your nose back into Hatherleigh).

At the moment, because we've had so little rain the river is very low, and Lewie and I love the idea that we're walking the river bed.

There are little vetch flowers popping up everywhere

which will drown when the river fills again!

 There is water, but don your wellies and you can walk the whole river, it's so low.

And even sail your boat!

We like finding bits of pot too & imagining how it got there??

And seeing how tall these things grow. I'm not sure what they're called, but they've flowers like a snapdragon and the bees love them - and they were a lot taller than me.

Are they a member of the Tinkler family?!!

So, go on, put your wellies on and pretend you're 10 again. You know you want to!
 
 

Afternoon Out

Jane and I had a trip out on Sunday to The Winsford Trust at Halwill. It is a grade 2 listed building, built by a contemporary of William Morris and given to the people of Halwill for their use. Run as a charity it is a pretty building with great vision for the future of the Halwill community.

We were there as part of their garden trail. We had a stall to accompany the cream teas they were serving and give people something to browse at.

Jane & I had one of those days that happen now & again when everything seems funny! We came away a few cushions and bits lighter, but with aching stomachs from 4 hours of belly laughing. Goodness knows what the other stall holders thought, but it was fun!
  

What a difference a few months makes

 
Today we had a walk along the Tarka Trail

The same walk as I'd done back in March when the trail first oppened.

It was a cold dry day and I struggled to find anything to photograph

Look how leafy and green it is now!

The hedgerows are covered in flowers

Large patches of Bird's Foot Trefoil

  
 Cow Parsley grows taller & taller

The Common Poppy is springing up along the track too.

There is some water about, which the dogs usually manage to find

Add a verge full of sticky willy plants and you end up with 2 stuck up dogs!!

I'll just have a go on here whilst they clean themselves up!

Heading back through 'the tunnel'

It's never enough for some! But the clean up starts for Floss.

Smart girls back at home & brushed out. Rosie was more interested in where the treat were than having her photo taken.
  
 

 

 

 

St Blaise

Every year I turn my very dubious flower arranging skills to creating something for the Flower Festival.

I am no flower arranger and quite honestly I'm surprised they keep asking me. But I do love doing it.

Every year we have a theme. This year it was Patron Saints. Not being very well up on my Saints I turned to the internet for inspiration. That's when I discovered St Blaise - Patron Saint of Wool Workers. Well, it had to be didn't it??

However, unable to create a sheep out of my flowers! I did, what I hope is a country style arrangement that might do the job.

Loaded and ready to go.

In situ, with it's props.

The Flower Festival really is worth a visit. It smells gorgeous & some of the arrangements are stunning. It runs from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th July, in the church.

Entry is free. Any donations are going towards the repair of the bell tower. A worthy cause if you ask me - I miss those bells.
 
 

Hatherleigh Moor

This is fast becoming my favourite place. The dogs and I go almost every morning and evening because there is always something wonderful to see. It changes every day and I love it.

A montage of happy dogs and just some of the sights of the moor.

The Sky Larks that the dogs put up.   The long shadows of evening.

 
 Enjoy your day, whatever you do.

Where shall we go today?

If you fancy a walk, I can highly recommend Simmons park woods. Park at Okehampton Station (it's free) go through the little gate in the fencing and down into the woods. You can wander for hours through a beautiful fairy glen of spring flowers. My sister & I did just that last Wednesday. Here are a few photos for you.

 

 

  

 

 

Before the rains

Since the arrival of Rosie I have seen some very early starts! The weather has been extremely kind to us and thankfully, early morning walks have been a pleasure. Here are a small selection of some of our outings, before the rain returned yesterday. At least the gardens appreciate it.

Two dogs, leads, camera - yes, we're ready.

Up onto Hatherleigh moor. So much space to run around.

I love the views from here. The Devon grass is growing green & lush now.
 

Rosie remembers to come back to check on me.

The sun shines on the girls.

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STRAWBRIDGE
 
 

This is our 'usual' walk because  not only is it right on our doorstep, but it is always so pretty and I nearly always see a bird or beast of interest. The river Lew flows through Strawbridge and there are plenty places at which you can get down to the water.

Lots of opportunity to skim stones.

Floss can never resist!

Lots to interest everyone.

Otters, Sandmartins & Kingfishers are often seen on this stretch.

Hope the sunshine returns soon and we can all enjoy where we live to the full.

 
 
 
 

 
 

 

Spring is in the air - at last!

 


I've been away for a couple of days so it was nice to be out walking again today. This lane runs through Totleigh and out towards Sheepwash.

The banks were bursting with life. Primroses are always a joy to see.

Sorry the photos aren't great - taken on my phone.

 

 
 
  

Tarka Trail

Perhaps I am the last person to realise this, but it was news to me that the Tarka Trail now had a new bit from Hatherleigh towards Highhampton. Anyway, I decided to check it out this morning, so here are a few photos.

Runnion Lane (the one after Moorview on the way to Holsworthy) leads you to the Tarka Trail.

This is the gated entrance to the Trail. No signs (perhaps it's a secret!)

It's Tarmac all the way, so great for wet days & perfect for bikes too.

This bit will be very pretty when the leaves fill the trees. A small ditch full of muddy water runs alongside the path. Floss thought this was heaven!

At the end of the trails (which will eventually take you to Bideford) you come to Church Lane, which is a back road to Highhampton. It's a nice easy walk that takes about an hour there & back.

  
 

A Touch of Frost

Being such a kind mum (or a sucker - you decide!) I took it upon myself to do my son's paper round this morning and let him have am extra hour in bed. What a great decision that was. It was the most beautiful, ethereal morning. Patches of fog, plenty of frost and the promise of glorious sunshine. Floss, accompanied me, now fully recovered from her ordeal a week ago. Apart from the stitches and the bald patch! My thanks to everyone who has enquired after her. Anyway, I thought I'd share a few snaps with you. Enjoy your days whatever you're up to. You know where I'll be until 2pm. The kettle is  on if you fancy a cuppa.............

It was a bit too chilly for a picnic when we arrived.

The pond had a thin layer of ice.

There were signs of the day to come though.

Floss looking back at me through the mist.

On the way back the sun was coming up and the mist beginning to clear - a lovely day was on it's way.