Last Day in Devon

We spent the last day at the campsite dog-sitting Fred while Jo and Paul went to Atlantic Village and Barnstaple.  Fred was brilliant – he’s such a good little chap …

Late afternoon we had a last walk from the site to the pond …

From the Tarka Trail to Appledore

Today we wanted to take Jo and Paul to see some of the little places we have visited in the past.  We began by parking at Fremington Quay and walking along the Tarka Trail …

When we returned we went down to the beach and I realised that we were at this spot seven years ago listening to the radio and cheering when we heard that London had been given the Olympic Games in 2012.  Tonight is the Opening Ceremony so I guess that fate brought us here today!

We now moved on to Instow as we were looking for somewhere for lunch and we watched the fun and games on the beach and on the water …

It was then a short drive around to Appledore where we had a lovely wander around the tiny back streets and found a super tea-rooms for coffee and chocolate ice-cream cake – yummy!

In the evening we were glued to the television watching the Opening Ceremony while outside we had the most amazing sky …

Cleaning then Rewards–Shopping!

We decided to have a  morning at the site as it’s been so hot.  I got out our extendable ladder and used the time to remove all the green muck that was around the edge of our skylight.  I’d given it a scrub at home by standing on our garage roof but as it’s stored under trees it gets a load of green stuff that is hard to shift.  Jo was sitting reading more of Fifty Shades so I gave her a wave …

After lunch we drove to Great Torrington and the Dartington Crystal Outlet Store.  It was too hot to take the factory tour but not too hot to shop!!  I found a lovely leather handbag and a couple of tops while Jo got some trousers and tops all in the Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop.  We then had a wander around the glass sales and spotted a very special little corner …

Yes - it was an All Year Round Christmas Shop!!!  Naturally I had to buy a couple of things!

Visit to Arlington Court

We began the day with a quick drive to Barnstaple as Paul thought he needed a new aerial for their television in the caravan.  Mike and I stayed with the boys in a shady part of the car park while they went looking …

They were out of luck so we decided to go to Ilfracombe to another caravan accessory place.  However just a short distance down the road and we were stuck in stationary traffic so Paul turned around in a garage and we made a change of plans.  We parked in Barnstaple and went in search of some shorts for Jo then got back on the road as we all wanted to go to Arlington Court.  It was only eight miles from Barnstaple and we were soon parked up.  After Jo did a quick change into shorts in the car we set off towards the entrance …

We made for the cafe as it was lunchtime, found a table outside in the shade and had company while we ate our food …

Several times we saw the carriage rides go past …

Leaving the men looking after the dogs Jo and I did a tour of the house …

Then we returned to the chaps and all began a walk around the grounds …

We reached the stable block and looked at all the carriages in the museum …

The golden Speaker’s State Coach last used for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was also on display but no photos were allowed.

After the stables we had a look around the church …

and then around the formal gardens …

By this time we were all so hot and exhausted that we were pleased to make tracks for camp.  Arlington was lovely with loads to see and I highly recommend it.

When we got back Hamish flaked out while Jo read her Kindle and Paul cooked their supper on the BBQ …