Sunday 17 April

Through the wonders of Facebook we discovered that Karen, an ex-colleague of Ray's and her husband Barry would be at the same site on Saturday, so convivial pints were downed while we swapped tales of the road. They're planning to circumnavigate the UK in Bessie, their motor-home and we wish them every success. 

We left Fleet along the Jurassic Road, which was less bumpy in Mavis than the bus was yesterday and, under Alison's expert guidance took the hills in her stride. The views were stunning and ever changing as we moved from the rugged coastline and steep slopes of Dorset to the rolling patchwork of Devon's hills with their regular strips of rich russet soil among the greens and golds. 

​The journey enchanted us, so much so that Ali described the ever-changing views as filling her soul to overflowing...and retaining the poetic theme she even managed to alliterate a rant at a driver who cut us up. Like travelling with a sweary Wordsworth.

We paused to meet up with Rachel and Abi at Weston and enjoyed a Sunday carvery at The Otter Inn, before venturing on, refreshed in mind and body for the narrow lanes, mature hedges and abundant bird life of Stoke Gabriel, near Totnes. After the usual unpacking routine we took a stroll into the settlement of Stoke Gabriel which we took to immediately, with its multi level houses tumbling down steep hillsides to the pretty harbour on the River Dart and tide fed mill pond. The town and the woods on the opposite bank looked resplendent in the late evening spring sun.  

---