Wednesday 22 June 2011

Another typical English day! Started off well though with another outstanding breakfast by our hostess Tara. We decided to head to Axminster (where the carpet is made). Carpet making there started in 1755 when Thomas Whitty wove his first carpet. The factory is in Silver Street and carpets were woven by women and young girls working at upright looms. Unfortunately due to health and safety issues visitors are no longer allowed to tour the factory. Anyway we drove to Axminster (over the Axe River) and had a wander around in the rain. We stopped at River Cottage Café for a hot chocolate and that was good. The place was very rustic and full of home-made pickles, wines and other food. There were also many books by Hugh what’s his name the guy from River Cottage.

Sun came out and we were off like a rocket. Down to the village again and got there around 2pm. We started off from the carpark up the hill and wandered down through the botanical gardens. We only got half way down and the weather came in again so we took shelter under a gazebo. We didn’t stop too long but donned our coats, shook out the brolly and away we went. The village was cute and it revolves pretty much around the harbour. Streets narrow and basically one-way, old buildings squeezed along the edge of the road and most at least 2 stories high. Everything is very quaint and small and many doorways have signs saying “mind your head” of course I didn’t have to worry which was good. There is something to be said for being vertically challenged! We wandered along to the extent of the promenade in a northerly direction and looked out along the coastline. It is truly a beautiful coastline and as we looked the sun was peeping through and lighting up different areas it was quite lovely. We then turned around and headed back along towards all the cafes and pubs as Kev was ready for a beer. We thought it might rain again so picked a place under cover and parked ourselves down to sup and survey the scenery! Watering done we climbed up and walked along the harbour wall. The wall was built in recent years to try and counteract the erosion which is occurring along the Devon coast. A few years ago there was a massive storm which pounded in and caused terrible damage. The harbour wall has been built in a semi-circle with a canal where boats come in from the outer harbour. Even with a high harbour wall, the sea will still come in and sometimes come over it. Incidentally we saw the tide pretty well out both days and the boats in the inner harbour were high and dry. Its incredible how big the tides are in this neck of the woods.

I was intrigued by the bathing sheds along the beachside. A guy was in one with an easel and was painting a picture of the coastline. I asked him what the sheds were used for and he said “to have somewhere to run to when the weather changes” – funny but probably quite true. A woman was sunning herself in a deckchair in front of one shed and I looked inside and could see the place was set up with shelves and a bench with electric jug and all mod cons – amazing!

We trudged back up the hill to the car and passed some builders who were building a home on the narrowest section I have ever seen. It was beautifully made of stone with a slate roof and very impressive but also very small.

Back to our room – Kev is having a read and now I have caught up with my blogging so I might go and do the same. Dinner up the corner at the local pub. Only a short distance but neither of us fancy walking on the road in the dark so we will take the car.

Nanny I bought a beret today as my head was so cold! You would like it! Jane I think you should bring a hat with you when you come.

Mum you would love all the gardens here they are so colourful and there are lots of the same flowers we have, particularly hydrangas which are everywhere.