Journal of a novice cyclist

So my journal continues, somewhat slowly! What happened to my plans of cycling every week getting fitter slimmer, saving the planet from my car fumes?????


So first things first, every cyclist should stylish is my motto, and yes wearing self stitched goodies. I'm wear a handmade top, and trousers from a clothes swap. I must admit this isn't the most stylish as the weather was a bit grim.

So our ride this time takes us to North Devon to the Tarka Trail, a walking and cycling route that cover 30 miles ish, and is of course famous for the Tarka the otter tales and and Solomon the Salmon of which started there stories in Torrington which is along this trail.

Our destination was this wonderful stopping place called Orchard Yarde. They have made a rustic coffee shop, they also have the most wonderful camping area of three yurts and a camping barn. If you stay you usually get dinner by the fireside and often local musicians stop by for impromptu sessions.

I find this a wonderful place and have longed to stay over night, I'm planning a full cycle ride and stop over when the weather improves, so for today we had great coffee and hand made cakes in the homely but rustic shed.

                                                            Then the 8 mile cycle home.

I can not tell you how much I love this place, I'm sure I will bore the pants off you with more tales from Orchard Yarde.

Mini holiday at home. part 2.

Still blessed with the most amazing sunshine and warmth we headed to the beach. We spent the whole day grazing on food and ambling from one place to the other, it really did feel like a holiday.

Mini holiday at home. part1.

With the welcome sunny days of spring we have been able to break free of the normal routine and give ourselves a mini holiday, based at home! MrPB usually works away from home during the week but we have spent the last five days together, it has been so great just to be. So I have made a little journal of our time, more for our own records but I think you will enjoy it too.

Our first day we went for a pic-nic on Dartmoor. Dartmoor is one the most magical of places I've ever been.

 

There is always so much to explore and the sense of freedom roaming over the moors is exhilarating. It seems like a constantly changing place with so many different hide away places to visit, you could never get bored, actually we never do!

Were Going On A Bear Hunt !

I know we are all super busy and the festive fun has started but I wanted to mention quickly that today we went on a bear hunt! This was a little something extra for our festive fun, a trip to the theatre, in fact our first trip. Wow what a success! I am totally inspired to do this again and again.

In praise of a marvellous production that engaged a two and a half year old for an hour. Music, excitement, just the right amount of scariness held us all captivated. If you see this near you I whole heartily recommend a visit.

A very merry Christmas to you all.

Tarka The Otter

Now mid week I have a day off, and lucky Arthur and I so did MrPB, so we all went out for the most inspiring autumnal walk. Our destination was Torridge, a walk along the Tarka trail which is for walker and cyclists. Although we have been here many time I always find it as enchanting as the first time. Our walk is perfect for little legs with so many things to strive on and see. This includes three very large bridges with the river Torridge flowing under, as the pathway is an old railway line there are bridges also to run under and so much wildlife and farm animals to observe. This has become a very popular tourist cycle route through the summer months, we too have been along on our bikes before, it is a Jewel of mid Devon.

Being a tourist area means time has been made to create lovely seats from time to time.

Sadly the autumn colours just don't shine through in my photos. The most amazing part of this walk is the fact that it is the birthplace of the story Tarka the Otter wrote in 1927.  This was a childhood favourite, you can some times still see otters here today, although I never have. But just as amazing we have seen salmon leaping on there way to spawn typically in Nov and Dec. ( I hasten to say one salmon!)

Having the most warm scrummy feeling that long autumn walks and pub dinners give me, I got home in the dark to dig out my copy of Tarka.

Creative Fridays, Mythic Garden Visit.

I really enjoy taking part in creative Friday, following Natural Suburbia blog.I naturally find I am creative as often as possible and it is good to challenge myself by getting my children to be more creative too.
Today though I thought seeing as the weather has picked up again here in the UK it would be a good time to explore others creative efforts. So of to the Mythic Gardens on the edge of Dartmoor, Devon. I truly love this place, set in 5 acres of woodland, an arboretum with many species of silver birch. The sculptures are wonderful, magical in fact, along with those that are homed here permanently, they have new offerings every year, so it is a great place to go year after year! Although out of my price range, all the sculptures are for sale.
Now you will have to excuse me as this now becomes a photo fest, something I don't normally do is put many many photos up in one go. But this is such an amazing place I wanted you to experience it as much as possible!

The lady on the sheep is actually made by someone I know, not only does she have a smallholding, make here clothes, knit and make everything!! She is also a talented artist, one of my favourite pecies at the Mythic Gardens. If you are ever pass, do pop in !