GRUMPY SISTERS' INK

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.