Along the way

Driving through Devon we saw lots of rapeseed fields in full bloom. The sight brings back memories of driving through France where it is also a common sight. The bright yellow swathes across the countryside are always an amazing sight.

Entering Exmoor

We got a bit lost in our search for the Tarr steps. We parked and followed a walking trail that said 1 1/2 miles to Tarr steps but after about a mile with no sign of the steps we returned to the car and drove on until we came to a more promising car park and followed a much shorter path which lead to the steps. We walked across the steps, which are a medieval clapper bridge (it is believed to be the oldest and longest of its kind in England) and followed a 3km trail along the Barle river, across a more modern bridge and back to the steps. It was a lovely and serene walk with lots of wild garlic in bloom.

Dunster Castle

Monday 3 May - We took advantage of the May bank holiday and the sunny weather to head down to Devon and Dunster castle. We'd visited Dunster before and seen the outside of the castle, but I've wanted to have a closer look for a long time. Although it was a long drive the area around Dunster is quite beautiful with lots of rolling hills and dramatic views of the sea. The Castle is quite near the ocean and you get a good view of it from the castle which is perched on a hill. A good mix of old stone and timber castles with Victorian refinement, this is one of the best castles we've visited. There are a lot of rooms to see from bedrooms to bathrooms to the billiard room. The grounds are also very lovely as well. There is a circular path which winds up the hill to the castle as well as a meandering trail which follows a small river to an old mill. It was very chilly but sunny and dry and there were lots of trees and flowers in bloom. After a thorough look at the castle we went into town and visited a few shops and had lunch at a nice outdoor tea shop. We then got directions to the Tarr steps and made our way into Exmoor.

Orchard Pig Apple Blossom Day

Sunday 2 May - We met up with Aisling and Emily and took a long drive out toward Glastonbury way. Specifically we were looking for West Bradley Orchard home to the apples used for Orchard Pig Cider which was hosting an apple blossom day. The weather was less than encouraging: cold, windy and a bit rainy and we got lost a few times on the way, but in the end we found it and we did our best to ignore the weather and have a good time. The tree were just starting to blossom but there were still lots of lovely pink flowers. There was cider on offer and a tasty pig roast. We took a walk around the orchard and learned about the processes of growing apples and making cider. We also took a tractor ride around the orchard as well. There was a lovely traditional orchard with lots of sheep and lambs grazing around the trees as well as more modern orchards where the trees are planted very close together. One of my favorite parts was the spotted pig and piglets on hand (where Orchard pig gets its name) who were very entertaining. After I had a cream tea we left the orchard and drove to Glastonbury to wonder around the shops before heading back to Bristol.

Bluebells of Prior Wood

Saturday 1 May - Ian and I celebrated May Day by taking a nice stroll through Prior Wood. renowned for its bluebells prior wood is a small reserve just off the M5 motorway. We had a little trouble finding the spot and had to stop for directions. The weather was a bit overcast and it was a bit early for the bluebells but it was still an amazing site to see a haze of blue nestled among the trees. There are several areas rich in bluebells interspersed among other woodland flowers and vistas. We had a very nice walk and made it back to the car just as drops of rain started to fall,

Lazy London Mornings

Saturday 24 April - After our evening in the Park, Caryn and I had a French style dinner with cheese, wine, sausage, olives and bread while watching a movie. The following morning we had a fabulous breakfast of pastries and mimosas out on the balcony. Caryn's flat has an amazing view of London. We spent most of the morning enjoying the sun and the view before heading to Regent's park to enjoy the flowers and then wandering though the streets of London before I had to head back to Bristol.

Lovely days in London

Friday 23 April - While Ian was off in Switzerland for work I kept myself entertained by visiting Caryn in London. I arrived in the city a little after 3. After dropping my things at Caryn's flat we went to Notting Hill to walk around. We found a number of quaint shops including a very nice bookshop, a fine foods shop and a shop with amazing gelato. We ate our gelato as we meandered through Holland park, a charming park with wandering wooded paths, an oriental peace garden and some noisy peacocks.