Slapton Sands

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Today's entry will be short and sweet. I have a lot to process tonight. I'm not sure I could write eloquently about the day just now. We were privileged to get a private meeting with Dean Small whose father spent his life recovering an American tank off the coast of Slapton Sands, that sunk during Exercise Tiger. He built the memorial that stands today. Ken Small wrote a book about Exercise Tiger, that we got copies of today. It was surreal to meet Dean, as viewing him on his website was one of the first legs of my journey. I never thought I would actually have a personal meeting with him. We learned a great deal of history today.

After speaking with Dean we walked along the coastline, which is 100% rocks -- smooth, colorful, patterned rocks. Beautiful for me to see, however, I couldn't help but think that those men years ago were climbing, running, fighting on this very same bed of rocks. Same element, yet very different feelings.

We visited the local post office/book shop and purchased some local books on this time in history. Our evening ended at Doug and Rosemary's house sorting through family photos and old letters.

Concluding thoughts -

It is amidst tragedy, ironically, that the greatest of humanity shows itself.

Family; a concept that really cannot be contained by words or within a definition. Family is that which connects all of us. It is that which binds our hearts and our stories to others.

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Photos

Recovered tank
Flags on the tank at Slapton Sands

Slapton Sands
Miles of 100% rocky coast, no sand at all

Beach front
This photo does not do it justice.

Comments

[Dziadziu]

Slapton Sands / chest and throat tighten / as i touch the tank