Wednesday the birthday day. Glorious morning as we waited for the bus to whisk us way to Sidmouth. Buses have been fairly reliable, but there is always that moment when the time ticks away and you wonder if you have read the timetable correctly. However, all was not lost as the Sidmouth bus came careering down the hill(remember lanes only just wide enough for the bus). We had the bus to ourselves nearly all the way to Sidmouth, just like being chauffeur driven! Once deposited, we wended our way along the sea front and wriggled around the cliffs, spending some time trying to catch the waves splashing up over the wall on camera. Rarely works. The way was most definitely up and the hill out of Sidmouth seemed to be ever ending, but did afford us great views as we stopped to catch our breath. Warm sun the like we have not seen a lot of. We met with other walkers, and freedom camper just taking his tent down, having camped on the cliff top under a tree. A good walk which thankfully skilfully avoided any more large hills. As we crested small rise, spread before us was a huge caravan site. This is not your Mount Maunganui or pleasantly shaded area by the river, but a regimented stack of mobile homes looking like little boxes on the hillside fro real. The complex was huge,swimming pool, large restaurant, games centre... Seemed out of place on the cliff top. Stiil it did mean we old get a coffee and we sat in the sun supping gazing at the view when, Johnathan Livingstone Seagull de died to do at bombing raid across our table,narrowly missing M and myself but scoring a direct into Suz's coffee cup whichshehadnit finished drinking!!! The splatter effect took off, a Suz required a good clean up!! You'd would have had to have be there to really appreciate the funny side, and I am sure that Suz did after a while!! And so,onward and upward, but t the top of the ride hung a right and proceeded cross country to Otterton, crossing the river and then walking alongside it for good way, scanning for signs of Otters, but with no luck. However, we did see from a distances pair of foxes out on a forage. The pub was at the other end of the village and it seemed to take an age to get there, but we made it! Then a leisurely stroll to Newton Poppleford for the good old x53 Whilst waiting for the bus we were engaged in conversation with a local, and his misses. (Well, we think she was) who worked up to telling us that the country was being ruined but the immigrants, and that all the white people in Birmingham were going to come and live in Devon cos the immigrants would take over Birmingham! They both then lit a cigarette of the herbal kind! What you might call 'characters'! Next install net : Goodbye to Suz, Axminster and the Last Day in Beer.

A busy time had by all. Monday saw another damp day, but we hiked over the hill to Seaton to get in supplies as Suz was coming to stay, arriving in the evening. We saw that the tide was extra high on the beach part of our pathway to Seaton, but watching the waves from on top of the cliff we felt we could get the timing right to avoid getting a wetting. The alternative was a twice as long road walk, so we decided to give it a go. For seniors we were quite nimble at dashing between the waves or hopping on to a rock at the right moment, and it was civilising to seeing or two other people don't the same thing so we weren't the only crazies that morning. Lo and Behold,being a holiday Mnday there was a street fair on so we spent some time perusing the stalls before ducking out of the wind down a side street to do battle in the supermarket, which, by the way, was draft free and warm. Having stuffed the shopping into our back packs, we waited for our bus, and before long we were deposited back in Beer. The afternoon was spent lazily, except I sneaked out to buy a little something for a certain person whose birth day was looming up. Text fri Suz it say she was on her way, followed a couple or so hours later with a phone call to say she had arrived in Axminster and was going to share a taxi to Beer with a fellow traveller, as there were absolutely NO buses. This followed by a cal to say there we absolutely NO taxis. This they knew as they had rung the taxi company and then stood outside their offices as they listened to the ringing echoing around the empty room. Suz will tell the story better than I, but she was then approached and harangued by someone who insisted she was Australian, demanded that she get the chap she was with to give him money to get to Taunton, verbally abused her in every way, then walked down the street, turned around and gave her another earful! Bizarre! Meanwhile the fellow traveller rang a friend who agreed to come and pick them up and bring them to Beer. So M and I stood out on the street a while later and soon a little red car deposited her with us...phew!!! A journey and a half!! we made all sorts of plans for the morrow, which had adaptations as the weather forecast was not particularly friendly. And indeed, the rain it did rain the next day, though only a fine drizzle, so packed in macs we hiked up the lane and over the hill to Branscombe. M and I had done the under cliff walk with a bit if trepidation earlier on, but the cliff http walk was much friendlier, and despite a wrong turning we need up at the sea shanty at the mouth if the river in the beach, which was surprisingly cosy and a nice place to be on a wet day. So. Inverted over it chocolate before making our way through the village, past the Mason's Arms as we were too early to make use mod their fine vitals and drink. Perhaps we cou,d have done with some more fortifying as the hill we had to climb was a HILL in the very up sense if the word requiring a lot of looking at the scenery in an attempt to gather breath. Once to the top, thought the woods, the walking was across field and we could gather ourselves in e more. once more. Te Iain had eased by this time and we dallied down the country lanes, taking art photos of raindrops in bluebells and other flowers of the hedgerow. Back home for a late lunch. Suz in true teacher form spent the afternoon writing reports, while I dusted n off a few other school related documents. Plans made for the birthday day were discussed and again would be weather dependent. Snuck down and put up birthday sign for M in the kitchen that night. m got up int he morning to make tea, didn't notice the sign. If you look at the photo you can see why!?

Charmouth and Sunday Fancy a fossil walk!? This is not a descriptor of this doing the walk but more what you might find on the walk. Being a weekend, the buses were more convoluted than normal, so we had to bus to Axminster then another bus the Charmouth, all timed somthatnwe would be at Charmouth by 10. This meant getting up and out by 7.15 to walk over to Seaton to get the first of the transport. With a sigh of relief after a short sharp walk from the centre of Charmouth to the coast, we made ourselves known at the Heritage Centre along with several other people and families. When all gathered, we had a shirt and interesting talk on the fossils to be found in the area. The dinosaur bones found in the area are not found anywhere else, and the amount and diversity of fossils found are quite unique. We had instructions in the sort of rocks to look for.... The grey uninteresting hard stones with perhaps a little white lip may well hold a crystalline ammonite. The little tubes to be found were actually the bones of squid. The dark brackish stone was called Beefstone and could hold an impression of an ammonite. Fossilised seaweed and wood could also be found. The day was glorious. Yes, the SUN was out! The Beach stretched out both sides of the centre. On one side the cliffs were tall and steep and o the other they were softer and more terraced. We were heading for the terraced side, as we were more protected in the case of rock fall. We were accompanied by experts, who also had those vey useful geological hammers to split the rocks. Two interesting hours followed while we and the others on the walk collected what we thought were interesting and took them to the experts who would tell us just what we were looking at. On many occasions, we were told that all we had was a pretty stone, but there was pyrites and chalcedony amongst those pretty stones. However, the young man with the hammer would often split the rocks so we could see inside, that's how my ammonite was discovered. If pyrites were to be found, ammonites might be near. I found a Beefstone ammonite lying on the sand, and some bellamites and a rock with part of an ammonite in it. All very fascinating in a great beach location, the tide going out almost unnoticed as we fossicked and searched. Later we joined the children's activity of ammonite polishing which was lots of fun. A while to wait for the bus, so the pub beckoned. The trusty x53 bore us home. Beer is much busier as it is a holiday weekend and half term for the school children too. We had to cut out wifi time at the pub shirt as they needed our table for the eaters rather than just the wine drinkers! Sunday, the bus services are even more scarce! So we felt a little more confident to,plan a walk that involved the x53 bus as they seem to run most of the time. After lengthy consultation with the map, we opted to go to Newton Poppleford, because we liked the name, and because our intention was to walk to Ottery St Mary, another nice name, but also supposed to be a nice place to. Another warm and sunny day! Two in a row! We were on the top of the double decker bus this time, which extended our views over the hedges of the narrow lanes. Past the piggery, and the donkey Sanctuary, with the morning sun casting its glow o re the country side. The walk was just the thing for a Sunday, flat, by the river, church bells ringing, past fields of yellow rape seed, and green corn, thatched cottages peeping through the trees, and all of that. We came a bit unstuck as we took the path past the mill as a bit further on, we met a sign saying that the lathe was closed due to the erosion of the river bank, so we retraced our steps. Ottery St Mary was going to be a bit of a hike now if we were to make the return journey to catch the bus, so we opted to go back to the previous village I'd Tipton St John, to sample the fare at the Golden Lion Pub. We think we have found the best ginger beer, it is a Luscombe brand called spicy ginger beer and like any good ginger beer should leave your mouth tingling. This did the trick. We took a slightly different route back that took us along Parish pathways around the back of the village to the church. Another wait for the bus and we would like some kind person to donate a comfy seat at the bus stop at the start of Newton Poppleford for us seniors. Please. The bus had to contend in the small country lane down to Beer with the classic cars returning from a rally at Pecorama. We were at the front of the bus upstairs and ducked instinctively as low hanging branches hit the roof. Home in time for a nana nap, a short one anyway!

Tuesday dawned much the same as the other days.....sun trying to force the clouds away, the wind with a chill ruffling the leaves. We had booked a fishing trip, but as the time approached the wind got up and the rain came down, so we went to say that we would not be going out that day. Naturally as soon as that decision had been made, the us came out!! However we opted for rock pooling and rock collecting instead. We were accompanied by a random black Labrador dog, answering to the name of bel,who thought we were good for a bit of rock throwing. She retrieved quite a few large rocks, or would nose them down the shingle into the water. She kept us entertained until another family came on the scene and she swapped allegiance to the next likely customer! Some amazing quartz based stones on the beach plus we both found stones that contained fossils. My friend Krista, known to me and my family since we were both about 4 years old, arrived later in the afternoon. There was a post on Facebook recently that talked about friends who may not pick up the phone in a while, but when they meet its as if no time at all has passed. Such was this time and much talk followed in catching up hit family life and times. Although our fishing trip had not eventuated, we had fresh fish for tea, and cake that Krista had bought afterwards. Krista had a car, so we were able to go a it further afield on Wednesday. The sun was out on this fine day as we zoomed along the lanes. My navigation took us to the observatory and national trust land close by. The walk took us over the hills and cliff tops. At one stage we took a rest is bench overlooking the cliffs, as we were watching there was a rock fall, sending up plumes of red dust as rocks crashed to the beach. Luckily there was no one on the beach as it must have been a part of the shore not readily accessible. Quite dramatic though. This part of the coast is crumbling, the red sandstone very fragile. Up another cliff and down a million steps to the beach at Weston Mouth...a rest on the warm pebbles as the sun and sky were at last clear. We listened to the waves and built stone sculptures, then watched as the tide came in and slowly reached the edifices. They were still standing when we made our way up the million steps again to continue our journey. The path back took us through stunning woodlands and up steep hills, but also took us through the Donkey Sanctuary. This is any upmarket retirement home for mistreated and unwanted Donkeys. It is a sophisticated operation..they have acres and acres of fields delicious grass, and hundreds of donkeys. Most impressive. No entry fee so we could res awhile and fuel up on our packed lunch before heading off once more across field and dale to where the car was parked. We took a long way back, and drove along a straight high ridge that gave us fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. All in all a satisfying day, made complete by a delicious meal at our local. Thursday....persuaded by Krista to have pave an early morning swim. Down to the end of the beach and tai chi on the jetty and then a plunge in the briny. Think Lake Taupo in the middle of winter, or the Rotorua Resevoir(for those who know the story), or that mountain fed stream on the Milford Track, and you have only an idea of half how cold it was. My hands went numb immediately, but as with most things, it got better in time, though we didn't give it long to seem just what other bits would go numb. Great way to start the day, once we had had the hot shower and breakfast that is! We drove out to Seaton, got blasted by the wind at Axmouth, but did locate the start of the walk to Lyme Regis that we intend to take next week. The description of this walk is'strenuous' and ' physically demandng', so plans might change! Another brisk walk to Musbury Castle,Taken from the Old English translation, the name Musbury loosely (and most delightfully) means 'ancient place overrun by mice'. In other words, abandoned and left to the wild. One of a string of hillforts running along the west side of the Axe Valley in East Devon, which was heavily defended during prehistoric times. The hillforts created a buffer zone between the Durotriges to the east in what is now Dorset, the Dumnonii to the west and the Dubonni to the north, jealously guarding a trade route through the Axe and Yarty Valleys, and culminating in what has been described as a Neolithic Clapham Junction at Hembury. The rain was threatening at this point so we said our farewells to Krista setting out for home, and made our way to Colyton, only getting a couple of drenchings on the way and one sticky moment when a herd of cows followed us across the field to the gate quite closely! Some farmers make it difficult for walkers even though the lathe we follow are public foot paths....electric fences being one of the obstacles. Never daunted we braved the mud and slush and the threat of electrocution to emerge at our destination. Hot lunch in the pub and a warm ride in the bus home.

Since leaving Brighton, the weather has not much improved, though it is warm enough. We haven't had to resort to thermals just yet. The trip down was smooth and uneventful as you may know. The country lanes still defying the onslaught of traffic, the bus coming within inches of ancient cottages as it negotiated the villages designed for slow horse and cart and for traffic not for the motorised vehicle! After settling into the cottage, tucked behind the cream shop (also sells beach side souvenirs) cheek by jowel with other like cottages - we walked the high street, getting in some vital ingredients like tea and milk and sussing out what else was happening in downtown Beer. Little boats were hauled up on the stones, brave souls sitting on deck chairs or out on the sidewalk by the two beach cafes. No be swimming, though the sea was smooth and flat. A little disappointed to find the cottage did not have wifi, but we went Over to the pub that did have wifi and used their network as well as enjoying a great evening meal and glass of wine. The are us known as the Jurassic Coast. It is England's first and only World Heritage site. It offers a unique insight into Earth Sciences- the rocks that make up the site record 185 million years of the Earth's history. The website gives a much fuller idea of the history we are walking around. Seaton is a walk away, but bit up to begin with. This day we trekked over, accompanied by a chorus of crows.....they could be rooks or ravens, so we have to do a bit of research to finalise our naming. Then a walk along the beach as the road along the cliff top is no more....a rather larvae and slide has taken it away and out in danger the cliff top houses whose garden fences now teeter on the edge. The cliff here is crumbly and probe to falls. The beach walk took a bit longer as we stopped to fossick in the stones, wondering at the different compositions especially one that looked like amber or at least had that look. While the tourist information office was rue destination, this was closed so we took the opportunity for the Seaton Tram experience, after a cup of coffee and an Internet fix at the cafe. The tram was a lot if fun even though it was drizzling by now. We were sitting upstairs but didn't mind getting a bit damp. The line passed through a wetlands reserve and we were able to see many wetland birds as well as man rabbits as we clicketty clacked through. Colyton was the destination, a small village, that required a stroll through. Then back on the tram with our friendly and humorous driver, chugging back to Seaton. After this much history and nature we were brought back to reality with the need to get in some supplies, as there was nothing in the cottage. For a small seaside town it has one ginormous Tesco supermarket and across the road, a sizeable co op supermarket! Well, we got a bit carried away and our plans of carting the shopping back on the bus evaporated, and we damned the expense of a taxi.....worth it though, home in a flash! So a return visit to the tourist information centre the following day, details of a fossil walk to hand and a bus to Branscombe west along the coast. Still a minor adrenalin rush when the bus barrels along the lanes, once or twice having to back up to let something pass in a drive way or little lane. Deposited beside the Masons's Arms, highly recommended by a certain family member, we chose not lunch. There was a vintage motorcycle rally going on in the streets and the quiet was punctuated by the throb a clutter of their engines. Having refuelled majestically we set off, first to explore the village, then to find the path by St Winifred's church. This took us up to the ridge then we descended from the cliff top to the estuary then up again....we opted for the under cliff walk. Through the caravan park perched in the edge if the cliff, overhung by other cliffs, then following a winding stony path with views the east and west under menacing cliffs where seagulls wheeled in and out of their nest, past elemental stone structures formed by wind and weather, up to the cliff top and down back to Beer. Suffice to say we had an early night after that!! Sorry photos will follow later...use your imagination!!

Three days in the ancestral home if Brighton. Not so much of the bright as the sun was not over evident as the clouds has chased it away. After our laden journey from London, up and down stairs to the tube with the heavier than they should be suitcases, we were whisked away to our brother's home in Patcham, travelling thorough streets and places filled with nostalgia, which always happens when we return here. The day of our arrival was a setting in period. We shared a taste lunch and if anyone offers you brown bread and smoked mackerel, take it! One if the best tastes around. The next day dawned with thunder clouds in the sky but undaunted by the slings and arrows of outrageous weather, we donned waking shies and wet weather gear to assault the Sussex Downs, It was bitterly cold and windy, but the views when we looked back was worth it - Brighton laid out before us, childhood landmarks recognised, and new parts identified. We passed by Jack and Jill, truly up a hill, but not the errant children but the two windmills. Jill looking resplendent in white, jack sadly topless, no sails and drab I grey. Passing down into the valleys, the temperature picked up as then widen dropped. Lots of wild flowers - photos taken so we could identify with the help of Carol and her books later. Then the tunnel at Clayton, always fascinating that attain tunnel could look like a castle. Instead of the steam trains chugging through, these days it is the clatter less whine of the high speed electric train. On our way down the path by the railway track we chanced upon a woodland trust area, and wound our way away from the path through the bluebells and trees. Quite fairy dell like, and pretty though we went round in a complete circle to rejoin the track we had been on before! Not so far to go before refreshment beckoned us in the shape of the pub and suitable vivid we caught the bus back to Patcham...what a shame,we had to go past the popular bakery in the village, and double shame we had to stop to buy some more treats! A good day, we only really got showered on a couple if times. The next day was the official birthday and we were taken out to Lewes and we lunched with the brothers and wives at The Snow Drop Inn. A quaint olde pub with reputedly good food. The host was upstairs doing the books and we were the only diners or lunchers upstairs. For an olde worlde pub he was a slightly off centre host. Not overly endowed with height, he sported a shaven head but for very thin but very tall Mohawk right down the middle. He was dressed in leather and chains and had multiple face piercings (probably other piercings we were not at liberty to see). Very pleasant actually, but an unexpected personality in that context ). A leisurely lunch, a saunter through the shops and return home via the scenic route: beautiful Sussex countryside, stunning villages, nostalgic places, all good. Oh, I forgot to mention the great excitement of the day!! In the morning we went to the station at Lewis to buy me a senior Rail Card that give me a third off rail travel! Cos now I as senior!!! That not only gives me cheaper fares, but a licence to be crazy and eccentric and my practice starts now!! Friday still no fell hangs in the weather. Bus to St. Peter's church, climb up Trafalgar Street and a pleasant chat with the n ticket Mann to buy our ticket for Axminister flourishing with pride our senior rail cards. Some retail therapy before boarding another bus to Hove actually. It is Brighton Festival at the moment and the clock tower was artistically draped in coloured t shirts. Very attractive and I am sure there is a deep and meaningful thought behind it ...maybe. Lunch ( did I mention smoked mackerel and brown bread?). And then lovely afternoon at Sheffield Park Gardens. I will let the pictures speak for themselves, or you can ask mr google about the gardens too. At this moment we are on the train to Axminster, well to Salisbury really where we change trains. Bus to Seaton, then another to Beer where Seasalt cottage awaits. Sun struggling to come out, hope it tries a bit harder. I d like it be beside the sea side, ...... As the song goes.