Delightful Devon, Lively London...Lovely!

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‘Lovely!’ became our catch-cry throughout our time in Devon. Everything was, well, lovely! From the lush, green countryside; the narrow, hedgerow lanes; the sea views and coloured homes; the historic buildings; the Devon cream teas; the bird-song greeting the dawn and farewelling the day; the fragrant spring flowers; to the wonderfully warm home life with Peter and Pauline. Lovely!



The contrast of London after 16 days of peace filled country/sea life has to be experienced! The wall-to-wall people, congested traffic, the regular sound of sirens…. all adds to the hustle and bustle of city living. BUT the magnificence of the centuries old buildings brings history to life. We could see Big Ben and Victoria Tower from our hotel room and were quite refreshed by attending a church service at St George’s, Bloomsbury.



Spending time with Michelle (beautiful daughter of a previous neighbour), and her gorgeous children, was an absolute delight. Then, to top off our time in London, and complete our time away from home, we were overwhelmingly surprised to see our dear friends, Lyn and Neville, standing outside our hotel! They were on their way to France but had previously planned to have an overnight stay in London so they could spend time with us. As you do!



So now, on the eve of our departure, we reflect on the goodness of God for this incredibly special time. Walking in my grandfather’s footsteps with Mum has left an indelible mark. Precious time with Peter and Pauline has profoundly linked Mum’s WW2 connection; forever treasured. The younger generation, Michelle and her children, combined with the big surprise from Lyn and Neville; words fail!





May the photos provide an overview of our time in Devon and London:

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Photos

Pete and his Mum!
Enjoying the train ride, Mother?
The steam train was taken from Churston to Kingswear.

Kingswear
View across the Dart River from Dartmouth

Caught me a pirate!
But had to share him! Jack Sparrow at the Pirate Festival, Brixham

Cream Tea in Devon
First cream tea partaken after the adventures with the pirates!

Brixham Harbour
Complete with the Golden Hind

Torre Abbey
A must see!

Torre Abbey Cafe
Very welcoming and cheery staff

Pauline and Peter
A beautiful pic of our LOVELY hosts enjoying an evening at The Royal, Babbacombe.

Jim
We were thrilled to spend time with Jim; Peter's dad. Jim was married to Daphne, Mabel's WW2 pen friend.

The steam train from Churston to Kingswear
The train came along while we waited for the car ferry to take us across to Dartmouth.

Sherman Tank at Slapton
This was recovered from the sea after 30 years of research. Operation Tiger from WW2 - D-Day preparation that went horribly wrong.

Fish and chips at Slapton
Loverly!!

Comments

[Lynne]

Just loverly!
What a great surprise you had with Lyn and Neville :). A wonderful end to an AMAZING trip for you both. Great photos. Hope the trip home is speedy. Love Lynne xxx

[Pam, Steve and Miss Daisy]

Grandmas have been everywhere man!!!
Hi Jan and Mum, it was worth waiting for your latest blog. You both look well and happy. The Devon countryside and Peter and Pauline looked beautiful, they will sure miss you and your company. The places you went to judging by the photos were fantastic. Even though the weather didn't look flash in London you still had plenty of wow factors. Michelle and Lynne and Neville, what a surprise. We look forward to seeing you very soon to hear more . Xxx love you

[Ken Taylor]

Welcome BACK
Jan & Auntie Mabel welcome back after such a marathon trip.Hopefully apart from being tired after the flight back you will welcome your own bed & a good Aussie home cooked meal.Pat & I have thoroughly enjoyed travelling with you & experiencing all the moments of a lifetime.You will remember this trip forever. LOL Ken & Pat