Dartmoor

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We toured and shopped in the village of Ashburton. We paid our respects to my cousin, Daniel, who sadly transitioned from this earth at the young age of 18. I will always remember his bright eyes, his smile, and his gentle, fun-loving spirit.

We had lunch at a lovely garden café in Ashburton. Visually it was quaint and attractive. As you ate your lunch, surrounded by fragrant shrubs and flowers, bunnies and cats frolicked. Dogs could be seen in restaurants, outside cafés and shops.

After lunch, we headed up to the Moor, which I vibrantly remembered from my last visit. Wild ponies, sheep and cows dot the landscape and are not inhibited by visitors. The moor is a spiritual place. The landscape is a bit craggy and not as green, yet equally as beautiful with an element of mystery to its grand vastness. Prince Charles owns the land here, and most of Cornwall. He gets a piece of all the commerce on that land. Looking out over the vastness, I am in awe that the landscape I saw today is unchanged from a thousand-plus years before. On our way back from the top of the moor, we passed by Dartmoor prison which was initially the facility that held German and American prisoners of war. It is currently an operating prison. Ironically, I think we have only seen one police car since we've been in the Devon area. Neighbors tell of the incidental crimes that have occurred.....a latch taken off of a gate, a bucket removed off of a fence, etc. We also have seen MAYBE 5 stop lights since we've been here. It is all country roads; mainly one lane. As you are driving, you continually negotiate who is going to reverse to let the other by, and then they wave each other on in cordial appreciation.

Being off schedule and in a different time zone has put Reagan a bit on edge (ok -a bit is a forgiving term.... she near about fell off the edge). She wore her 'cranky pants' most of today. Tonight was the first night that she went to bed at 8, just as if we were at home. Gosh, by the time she is fully adapted to this time zone we will turn around and go home!

Notes:


• We went to a true British pub. If you have children with you, they send you to the back room.
• Interesting road signs sighted today: 1). Cats eye are removed, 2) Well Hung Meat Company ahead, 3) Do not flush nappies or tea bags in the toilet
• Poppies are budding and near to blooming. I love poppies!
• Most things - food service, personal interactions with strangers.... all are done with care
• Food is fresh and local.
• Paper towels are 1/3 of a US roll of paper yet newspapers are much wider.
• I have a new favorite red wine --- Carmenere
• Word of the day - knackered

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Photos

Ashburton
Garden Café .. that's our table

Dartmoor
Wild Ponies

Warren House Inn Free House
English pub :). John tried an English bitter beer.

Pub 2
The inside of the pub.

Ashburton 2
A second shot of the garden café. The girls are looking at ducklings, bunnies, guinea pigs and more in the enclosed area.

Comments

[Peggy Groh]

Hang in there Reagan!
I'm so enjoying reading about your adventures and viewing your pictures! You are a talented writer Kelly, I feel like i'm beside you! :) ... Please give my sweet girl a huge hug from me and tell her that I miss her huge! So glad that you're enjoying your amazing journey!!