One year on from leaving paid employment after decades of hard graft, of raising children, helping with Grandchildren. This year l've visited many new places with many new people. These are my diary/ blog entries for each day i went away. My own thoughts feelings and wafflings, not always complete entries. A long read. Enjoy and comment at the end if you'd like too. Thankyou.
STOURHEAD- Weds.23 Oct. 2024
Beautiful, mystical rusty sunrise opened up today. Set the mood set the scene.
Didnt take long to get here, however the heavens opened all the way
Having a wet dull day has made for an atmospheric visit. The walk through the woods lined with very very tall brightly coloured trees is stunning.
The whole place is stunning.
It was the setting for the Keira Knightly version of Pride & Predjudice a favorite film of mine. Have a hankering to go home and watch it now.
The walk through the canopy of trees was just so tranquil quiet colourful the musky aroma of damp leaves the pop of red orange amongst the dark green trees is just so magical talk about endorphin dopamine hit my mood elevated to maximum happiness and serenity . Might even go back in after lunch as the sun has appeared and I've still got three hours to kill Love love love this place so much .Didn't realise how knackered I was until I left the pub the Spread Eagle, walked to the house Yes it is grand and well kept but certainly not a homely home I couldn't see me and mine living here .The front garden is a vast huge lush green field with far reaching views and you can imagine the landed gentry in their period clothes parading around just watch Pride and Prejudice to see how it was. 3:30pm sat now in another estate cafe having coffee awaiting 4:30pm home time.My in travel companion is a crafter from my old stomping ground of Reading ,chat is one sided though ,made the journey go quick though chatting .My new thing on trips is to buy crystals candles and incense sticks and of course a fridge magnet .Today a pine candle decorated in pine leaves and twigs. Coffee ,crochet ,loo stop then quick jaunt to the farm shop for some goodies before perching on a wet log under an oak tree awaiting the coach time 4:30, tired but fulfilled even being alone has been a great day.
Friday the 13th of December 2024
First ever December trip off to Tyntesfield House today Victorian estate near Wraxall Bristol. It's 7:45am still dark and dull fingers crossed for a little daylight Tynetsfield is all about Christmas so looking forward to getting into the spirit. 10 past one sat on a bench in the damp silence of the garden of Tyntesfield house that is to my right I'm facing a corridor of well manicured shrubs .The sky is thick white cloud the naked twigs and branches are laden with the glass beads of rain .And there is absolute silencep It's absolute bliss partaking in the air back in the day would have been glorious .And as I'm just discovering these places, stately homes grand estates are seasonal you could come here any time of year and view things differently .Today its Divine Feminine day Friday 13 December its dark dull and damp but still magical .The walled kitchen garden is a fair walk away from the house built in 1897 ,when my grandad was born ,it's fabulous sheltered perfectly squared walled garden growing all manner of vegetables and salad .The air is fresh crisp and clear .As always I've walked loads I adore the safety and serenity and security of estates like this I now relish its beauty and the silence it is so so good for the soul. 10 past 2:00 sat back in the cafe in an old cow's stall, gingerbread latte smells divine and a tea cake time to waste and chill. Spent in the shop don't ask! s but some lovely country bits love the rustic family stuff in these shops even if it's expensive it's a day out so why not.
Wednesday 16th of April 2025 Padstow and Paul isaac
Sat alone on the coach which was preferred as I could catch up on sleep, we arrived about 10:30. I tried the coach loo!! Well that was an experience never to be repeated unless desperate .Too small very wobbly . Anyway arrived, followed the crowd and the signs to the harbour and the lower beach however lower beach you get to after a very ,.very long trek pleasant enough but went on for ages and I didn't make it as my thinking it's OK getting there don't know if there are facilities and then you have to get back and I needed the loo. And to stop for food and to be back at the coach for 1:45 for the next part. Port Isaac anyway went three quarters of the way to the beach before turning round and returning to the car park where I'd seen a board for a lobster roll in the famous Rick Stein's restaurant and just because people said not to go there and the lobster roll looks appetising I went there !! Lobster roll and a Cornish farmhouse cider for one serviced by the lovely George and the food was bloody lovely and well worth it and actually not overly expensive .So already today I've had no anxiety come to some very new places and tried new food .The beach if you're here all day would be worth the effort and the trek . There are shed loads of art galleries and designer shops and cafes but for me not a lot else .I gravitated away from the crowds I hope Port Isaac is better. Apparently is Dr Martin territory. Part two after a nap on the coach. We arrived in Port Isaac wow,wow,wow , Blue sea as far as you could see, rugged revenes with crashing waves. Just tranquilty at its finest. Found a quirky little shop close to where we parked. where a lovely girl was serving, very chatty and friendly. Then l trekked down the path through the village. Tiny cobbled paths led up to houses very quaint and sea shanty fishing vibe that led to the harbour. To the sea ,had a paddle was excited to feel the sand and very cold sea on my feet. Felt at peace down here. Even on a stormy day . That tiny coved harbour would be lovely .Apparently is where Doc Martin was filmed but never really watched that. So I just loved it for what it was, listening and watching the sea is always good .The fact that it was cocooned into a tiny pocket made extra special. I ventured back up the hill ,back to the quirky shop for a gorgeous salted caramel ice cream. Standard rituals if you go to the sea side, paddling ,chips and an ice cream .Chatted to a fellow passenger one of a few single over sixtys women like me on the trip .Most with the same tale. Alone seeking chat and companionship. Coach driver Sam was and is a lovely friendly lady welcoming and helpful roll on next week's trip to Falmouth.
23rd April 2025
Another week another day trip this weeks is Falmouth .Onboard an executive coach which is high up so gives good views. Took over three hours to get here ,first impression is not great.Down to the pier were a group of men just loitering, one in particular I felt uneasy near ,he followed me and as I had my phone saw him a few times checking people out ,I walked up what appears to have been a main street of shops and cafes. Found the Harbour View restaurant looks nice and the menu looks good. I gravitate towards better places with not so many people. But it was a good choice food was lush and feel better having eaten. Looking over the harbour and Navy ships in the port. Its a naval base apparently. Now to wander the streets unless I find the beach close by. I didn't find a beach but did find Trago Mills and bought stuff. Then wandered back to the pier for coffee and cake to kill time before home. Sounds very judgmental but there doesn't appear to be a lot of money in Falmouth some of the people are poorly dressed. It's a casual seafaring town with a college and that shows, would I come back- no sorry.
Was a long day in a high rise executive coach just seventeen of us I sat listening to others conversations and always on the trip there are those whom everyone can hear you and I see familiar faces too. Hopefully they will become friends acquaintances .Everyone does chitchat with pleasantries which is nice then when we leave the coach we go back to not knowing each other and our own lives .Until next time.
Thursday 1st May 2025
My first Glastonbury Beltane ceremony. Chalice Well.
The energy from getting off the bus is amazing .Lots of ladies adorned in red and crowns of flowers at the Well, hoards of people it's 9:00am . At the Wellhead there is a meditation, in the Meadow people adorn the grass just sitting down, on the lower lawn a band is about to play and hoards of brightly clothed people await the music and song the place is heaving but it feels good, I hear ducks!! It just feels immensely happy.
7th of May 2025
Currently in Ye Olde Moat House Tintagel with a pint of rattler Cornish Cloudy cider 3:00 PM .Two hours to go until home time not impresse. Access to the famous Knight is poor. Long walk along the road and a nice house leads you to a posh hotel the Camelot Castle Hotel where you can see the bridge over the main rock Island access to it. It is a very steep decline which makes it inaccessible for many as you'd need to scale it to get back up . Previous to this we were in Boscastle a lovely quiet sea village with cobbled slate paths down to the harbour . It has a history of being ravaged by a severe flood. If flexible and agile it would be a lovely walk ,I didn't go beyond the first harbour wall due to the uneven slate being wet and for me a slip hazard ,I don't trust myself for balance these days so I went back up .I went for lunch at the Harbour Side Cafe an old fishing building. Next to the Witches museum. Anyway had a lovely sourdough cheese and onion toasty with a side salad and then Oh my days found two crystal shops be rude not to go in and spend a few quid . Then back to the coach we only had two hours here and were late leaving as the wrong coach was sent initially. Left Wellington at 10:30 .Got stopped en route by two nasty road accidents .The last had just happened and involved a motorcyclist on a big bike I hope he's OK . Everywhere is quiet . A few tourists no kids they're all back in school .These trips are good cheap days out to far flung places however unless you are able to walk at speed and are agile we usually arrive at lunch have a quick wee stop ,as everyone is desperate after two to three hours travelling , a quick mooch ,get lunch ,mooch back, another wee then on to the next location to do pretty much the same .Wee, mooch, drink, mooch,coach home .If there is access to a beach or a promenade at least you could sit but if like me you're alone it's a tad boring. Not trip related -But I'm doubting my clothes choices. Long shorts and a jumper or trousers is all too young ? as always bright colours. So now sat outside still drinking my cider have an hour to kill and someone smoking weed.
17th May 2025
So todays jolly is Bude and Widemouth Bay. Arrived in Bude before 11:00 so now sat in the pub cafe having a pint until lunch time in half an hour. Been for a paddle, after lunch will go again as I'm here till 2:45. I have a travel companion this time Carol from North Petherton, Bristolian who relocated from Bude with her now late hubby to be near her kids. She doesn't like it up here. Would like to have stayed in Bude but health etcetera meant she had to move .She's had two big heart attacks and now has terminal breasts and lymph node cancer which can't be treated and she's nigh on 80 in September .She's a lovely lady and this is the first time she's been back since moving .Is hoping to meet up with old friends and surprise them, reading between the lines she's here for closure one last time. As the coach passed her old road and home she had a tearful moment bless her. Glad I stayed sitting by her as I think she's lonely. Says she's been on a couple of trips and no one speaks to her. Anyway I hope she gets to see her old friends .Will hear all about it later on . For now I've headed straight to the beach and into the sea before climbing up to the nearest and only cafe close by L.A.B Life, is a beach cafe. Lunch was huge couldn't eat it all .Left and went straight back to the beach and to the sea before retreating to the soft sand dunes where I'm perched on a rock. Being swarmed by bloody low flying sea gulls .Sky is clear spotlessly blue .The sea is flat shades of blue and green laced with gentle white waves. People seem to be leaving the beach ,siesta time before tonight's holiday entertainment. I don't know. It's sunny, not over hot and windy and actually very peaceful for a Saturday beach. Back on the coach and off for a short trip to Widemouth Bay or Wide Mouth Bay a very long flat beach edged by very rugged rock faces. Sea was quite wavy, tide on the turn.
Went for a paddle. Got joined immediately by the Chinese girl from this morning's bus stop she was hard to talk to but stayed with me until we were back on the coach a 4:30, had an ice cream while we waited. Then loo stop. Oh my God disgusting flooded water everywhere !! Carol rejoined me on the coach. Said the toilet had always been like that. Yuck !! we talked about her visit down memory lane all the way home. And I tried to sleep but she was talking, so it didn't happen. l walked into town from the swimming pool Station Road to the taxi rank,home by 7:30, now 9:00 PM in bed knackered and glowing been a good day. Think I prefer to sit alone, so I can sleep,.
Sunday 1st of June 2025
Waddesden Manor Buckinghamshire
Journey observations birds of prey ,Oxfordshire countryside ,posh old houses, homes, wildflowers, daisies . Quite a personal visit. Knowing that the family ancestors worked for the Rothschilds. Albeit in Tring, but have been told would have come here and the staff were well looked after by the family. Have bought a book and will look into it abit more and find the family connection .The main house is stunning the outhouses out of the estate are also fabulous. They need a bigger seating area and more staff at the coffee bar area, National Trust estates are always well managed and peaceful despite lots of people, a long way to come. The wind picked up . Two hours to go. Need to go for a wander it's a very calming place.
Monday 16th of June 2025
Twyford,Berkshire 10 years on. Taxi to the station. Delayed train, nice atmosphere on the train. Observations- deers, Swans ,white cows, countryside hills and tall trees, I'm feeling anxious. IBS nerves shaking, legs calm a bit, meh but it's calming, however, knot between my shoulder blades connected to frozen shoulder . What a great couple of days reminiscing like we'd never been apart, can't believe the things I remembered about the village, and surrounding area, felt a part of history. Like I really belonged. The village where I grew up, before any bad shit happened where I was authentically me where I stood today as authentic me, but now with my own history. The knot in my shoulder has eased by using a mechanical massager however it produced as I saw at home. Massive bruises.
Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Lavender fields and Stow in the wold. Cotswolds
First Upton's trip from Hankerage , trek first to the bus stop 1:30 Stow on the Wold, so far, so good nice bunch of people. had to detour through the countryside and actually through Bourton on the water to get here, dropped off in the town in the town square. But I ventured down an alley and I'm outside of the main square. We stopped en route at Gordano at 11:00. Now, it's lunchtime ,here to 3:00 PM, then onto Lavendar fields. Walked back to the town square. Not a lot here. Cafes, posh art shops, a few charity shops. Otherwise nothing. sat under the trees in the town's square 2:00 PM is very quiet, the Old Town crumbling stocks are still here, half an hour to kill ,half hour drive and we're in the Cotswolds, Lavender fields, wish you could smell the air so fragrant with lavender and wildflowers meadows of rainbow colours the scent aroma is stunning the sight and sound sensory overload and then a female Robin came and fed up my feet,.
7th July 2025 77 Portal
The call to Chalice Well, well head meditation observations Black feather offering, dragon flies butterflies ,Robin, birds, trees ,breeze, light codes, peace ,energy ,healing paddle, sun dried ,clouds
27th July 2025
Day trip Castle Drogo Devon with Upton's.
8:55. About to leave for the trek to the coach stop for today's trip been a few days weeks since the last one, and this week two in a week. Looking forward to it the weather is OK but it's fine. Wear the right clothes. And it's not a problem. Observations sunflowers, harvest hay bales, rusty turbines ,deers ,cattle. First stop Bow Garden Centre very nice cake and coffee. Castle Drogo lovely light newish build castle not dark and deary like traditional mediaeval ones.Wide light staircases. Hexagon walls and spaces. Lovely archways a warm cosy homely castle, quaint underground Chapel, low ceilings and a model of the Somme monument in France designed by the same architect Leighton. Time has flown to 3:00 PM now sat in the cafe have a bit still to see, but not a lot of energy left . Views over Dartmoor National Park are vast. The weather's been kind, warm and mostly dry. Note to self do not eat cake at 11:00 am2 coffee breaks, too sweet for T2d trained palette and feel sick and hyper first signs of Lamass oak trees are changing. Suns out. nLove ambling through wooded glades, listening to the wind rustling in the trees. Nice companions on this trip stunning immaculately cut hedges. Perfectly cut straight with sharp corners. Sppotted and watched a large rabbit, possibly a pet one running around the castle lawn. A chat with three fellow travellers who gravitated to me. I don't dress like the normal crowd in navy and beige. I'm all for bold and colours, so much so people on trips see me know l'm one of the crowd. So when it comes to reboard or home time, they see me and know they're on the right track it's quite a nice feeling. Back on board andhome run. Sleep by 5:00 Woke at 6, as we approached Taunton, the trek home was hard and now ache and stiff. Hard to lower temperature and sweating.
Day Trip no. 2 - 2ndAugust 2025
Early start to get to the coach stop. Only for the coach. To go past where I live,!! Dropped off 4 of the coach load at a very busy Sidmouth where Folk Festival is on. The handful of people left , me being one of them have come to the Donkey Sanctuary, which is relatively quiet, first stop food but no cake. Hot lunch. Coffee, then I'll walk and explore, can see the sea. From the restaurant we leave here at 2pm for a couple of hours at Sidmouth before coming home at 5:00. So the tide will still be out and I can walk on to the beach and go for a paddle, happy days. Had lunch early, then trekked round the paddocks looking at the donkeys. I love their long ears. This place is peppered with Memorial plaques lining the roots of people who loved animals and the countryside .I also bought a door stop which I kind of planned before I got here. And of course a fridge magnet .
Off to the beach in half an hour. This place is so peaceful and the staff lovely and chatty, well kept grounds too, short drive to Sidmouth where homes are art Deco 1930 style. Arrived just as hundreds of Morris dancers paraded up the road to local gardens, now sat on a cloudy but warm beach. A very pebbly beach a little hard to walk on. But I love the sight and the smell and the feel of the beach ,red grey cliffs in the distance signify Devonshire coastline. A couple of hours to kill here, but just sitting and watching suits me.
7th of August 2025
Another week. Another trip back to Cornwall. First stop Charlestown. Weather not good misty, drizzle, quaint sea shanty town ,first place to go is seafood restaurant called Spring Tide for lunch only here until 2:00 so need to eat first, then wander down to the harbour and the sea . The cafe service was slow. And the waitress was not very friendly or welcoming, young lad service better .Building is nice stone whitewash walls adorned with, fishing paraphernalia a bit like Boscatle. Food was lovely. But the service was slow, not a lot in Charlestown. Shipwrecked museum, but no time to go in moving on in half an hour. The drizzle hampering the day. Walked around, took pictures, then back on the coach and onto Mevagissey a lovely harbour town of extremely narrow streets, certainly not built for 20th century cars. the weather's still not great, too damp to sit outside. So in a harbour cafe having a Cornish cream, tea, view out to the harbour. Another quaint low ceiling cafe adorned with fishing things. Walk along the harbour wall. Really don't know why I do it as I hate edges and there's only the grab rail, cobbles and a drop into the sea!! Another Cornish town full of posh art shops. Branded clothes shops and overpriced holiday junk trinket shops. I don't have trips to go shopping!!
5 August 2024
Chalice Well Glastonbury
The Last Summer Monday Meditation at the Sacred Well, I saw the crone, the grandmother of the well. I saw her face, and her downward eyes, I heard the birds, felt the wind, felt the warm energy released it's the end of the old me, from before the summer. And the continuation of the new spiritual me. Going forward. silent calm empty, pre-retirement.
6 August 2024
Looe, Cornwall
Cheeky cheap coach trip to Cornwall Looe with Berry's coaches up at 6:15.am. The bus at 8:15 walked to the coach stop. Coach 9 o'clock, 11:30 in Cornwall sat on a beach in the sun, watching the sea, and tourists , holiday makers. Trip down serenaded by the dulcet tones of fellow locals with high pitched Somerset accents. Gossiping and chatting about who they have and haven't seen off the coach. Quick trek along the quay following the throng of beachgoers to perch on a sea wall. Already dipped my feet in the sea. Its the rules if you come to the beach, have to go in the sea even for a paddle. Wandered onto Banjo point, along a precarious cobbled high harbour wall with no rails!!! then seek lunch somewhere but no rush. Don't need to go back to the coach till 5:00, sit. Read ,crochet and taking in the ocean, scent of seaweed and salty air. Listening to the hum of hundreds of voices laughter and people having fun in the sun. Beautiful. No crochet but read and people watched and paddled. Noticed how the mums mostly stayed sat alone on the beach whilst the dads and the kids frolick in the sea. Why is that? Why don't mums join in?
12 August 2025
Back in Looe, Cornwall 6 days, and one year on , been to my favourite cafe for my favourite lunch of loaded chips, the rest of England appear to be here too. It's bloody, heaving, tides on the way out now. So more space available it's hot and noisy screaming, chatter, the roar of the sea .Sat on the concrete sea wall steps again ,by the rocks .What I love about the seaside towns of Cornwall are all the quaint side streets, only a metre wide, no room for cars, tiny doors, narrow cocoon of streets cosy away from winter winds and storms. I would imagine .Bloody new camera not working. Pissed off about that! Been sat and walking on the beach in my bra and beige shorts Buddha belly out -don't care. Watching yachts going out to sea. See mists working its way around the coast of Devon and Dorset we don't leave until 5:15 today, so will be going for cream tea before I leave. it's only 2:30. Another paddle after watching the yachts head off to the sea ,walked in the sea. Then went for a cream tea, pot of tea hit the spot. Then the last hour sat people watchin.The drive back in the coach was nice to see the signs of autumn, end of the summer season, hay, bales, golden fields for me always signify the end of summer season. Shared a taxi with a local lady who lives near me , we've met before Taxi driver said it had been 37 degrees back home, set to be repeated tomorrow. Bloody hell, that's hot,.
20th August 2025
On the move again left the flat 20 past eight. Picked up nine, o'clock after half an hour. So, so many pickups today before we got going, Jason's hometown Halberton, Tiverton final pick up spot ..May be forced to use the loo on board ,well, getting it into, it was a challenge on the move down steep, narrow steps into a tiny cubicle frightened of pressing the wrong switch for the light used phone light and trying to pee when you when your bits are numb from sitting for so long challenge was real, anyway, back to my seat for the final part of the journey down through the country lanes. Winding roads to Marwood pass over Exmoor lovely. Autumn is making herself known already eventually we arrived.
I've wandered off as tea room is currently busy. Chatted to a brummy called Angelina walked up the hill and down through the blue hydrangeas the scent everywhere is beautiful the only sound cows, birds occasional plane and gunshot which sets the cows off in an angry, scared mode otherwise so peaceful. Sandals are not recommended and not disabled friendly rugged mud trails, paths under tall trees, as soon as we left, I fell asleep. Woke an hour later. In Exford Dean's old hometown gorgeous area. Dense woodlands ,thousands of crazy pheasants free range .We reversed the journey today. Taunton crew collected first, then all the Devon lot. So going home the Devon lot got dropped off first. I got off in town and got a taxi . Need the Doctor so tired, really not 100%. UTI. Maybe just don't feel right..
16th September 2025
And I'm off again a new series of trips today. Off to Exmouth for River Cruise and a mooch around Exmouth. First pickup, Hankridge transfers to the coach to Wellington ,Ian our driver I've met a few times, stop at the services for a quick wee and finally use my postcode lottery voucher, free drink and sausage roll, obviously. Next stop boat terminal 11:45. The cruise was lovely calm, tranquil passed Lympstone Manor Camp a castle and a Manor house given to Sir Francis Drake from the Queen the new marina wooden clad houses in a variety of colours ,the top one orange penthouse once owned by Chris Martin from coldplay£1.75 million!!! Dawlish beach resevation is hoe in October to 20,000 migrant birds apparently. Would love to see that. A lovely lady from Tiverton Ladies Club has been very chatty and accommodating I'm now in the Grove Pub restaurant along the sea front, away from the initial venues having a plant burger lunch and a pint in a pub on my own, when Tiverton lady joined me. And I'm glowing from the sea breeze always feel confident doing stuff like this, today is a very good day. Observations - Topsham, Star Cross, Lympstone Marine camp, castles, Manor House, posh expensive hotels, cormarants.
24 September 2025
And l'm off again, up in the dark for early start bus to town ,pick up 845. Sat next to a miserable big lady to start with. Told I could move after Bridgewater, which I did. A seat not big enough for two of us!! Now en route to South Gloucester and Dyrham Park, a National Trust park. If the weather perks up, it'll be lovely. Now for a kip sun's coming out. Yay ! From the drop off point I was directed over the field to the scenic route. And what a view across Bristol ,Filton ,Severn Bridge. Beautiful wide open field with mature trees which are changing colour in the new season .After walking down a steep hill., you turn the corner face the back of the most stunning old house, stately home owned and restored by William Braithwaite. Previously a Tudor house, he had it refurbed. It sits in a hidden corner surrounded by hills and and trees is stunning. The front of the house is equally stunning with beautiful floral manicured gardens. Inside the house is dark and in some places I would say haunted William, after all, was a slave trader a part of our dark history. The tapestries which adorn the walls, as in many stately homes, are amazing. Apparently it took two men and three boys three years to make hand stitched obviously and were worked from the back to the front. No pattern. Wow. each "small" tapestry takes five months plus to restore and clean . 1:30 lunchtime soup and a bread roll with a drink. We get picked up at 5:00 so are still a few hours to kill,. Right ,walk slowly back up to the old Lodge Cafe for cream tea later, this trip only has 12 people on it and some have gone on to Bath. Grumpy lady is here, some ladies are chatty, no one else though, typical of Berry's trips clientele. it's a shame but doesn't worry me. I've brought crochet and a quiz book to do after lunch. Decided, on an amble around the orchard with very tall pear trees, and a seat by the pond before a slow climb back to the pick up point don't want any more food just now. the climb was 30 minutes, very steep and slow climb I have an hour to wait, and I'm knackered my feet hurt, and so I'm staying put, been a good day but a long one, so no cafe and tea as its too far. to the Lodge Cafe downhill. Camera has died too!! , Observations A Robin, dragonfly ,light codes 77.
30th September 2025. And I'm off again
This week Dartmouth with Upton's whose customers are friendly and chatty. Coaches are always extremely clean and comfy. And solo travellers have a named seat to themselves instead of being squashed against a stranger who doesn't want to chat. The first leg of the journey 9:30 trek to the pick up point -Observations- mushrooms, rats, cows, autumn sun, motorway services full coach this week. 11:30 Pit stop Exeter services nice people ,chat, new boats wrapped up enroute to new owners.
We've arrived 1:30 at the Wheelhouse Cafe for a chippy lunch. Town is busy, a few coaches here ,going to wander after lunch. Wheelhouse Cafe was grubby and the food lack lustre. Grubby toilets have had better. Wandered the pebble dashed lanes to Bayard's Fort now sat next to the river which leads out to the sea, which I can see . The sun's out and it's warm and tranquil despite people ,another town full of expensive brand shops and expensive art shops which seems to shut down after lunch. I can hear the steam train whistle but don't know where it is. Turns out the station is across the river. Had I known, I could have sat by the harbour wall and seen the train. I can smell the salty sea air and it's quite chilly out of the sun also not feeling it today. Lack of sleep. I'm so tired.
7th October 2025
Croft Castle and meet up with David.
Burgundy red trees shaped like a red heart at the pickup point, rats playing chase, nice observations cows, egrits, motorway full coach of regulars, Welsh waters, going over the new Severn Bridge into Welsh Wales, Monmouth College, Old haunts, old roads to old home town. Spiritual signs- Doris, Maund, Brightwells. Met up with cousin David, so not alot of trip details as too busy nattering,. we shared a lovely lunch and some great time together. The old castle was lovely. Een a photo of two young girls couldve been our mums. The town area of Leominster had some seriously old houses . Because of poor weather it was dark by 5pm!! One thing David and l admired were the gnarled huge old trees in the grounds. One had fallen and had produced 4 new ones from its branches. They were all known as ghost trees and were magnificent.
14th October 2025
Westonbirt Arboretum
Observations- Dry stone walls.- Who built them? how long did it take?, horses, grey and orange houses, trees very tall. And the colours. Wow, scent of spruce and pine, travelling alone today in a coach full of people. But my hour long walk through the amazing trees is just me, myself and I, and it hasn't disappointed. The colours, the scents, the quiet. Despite pockets of people, every turn provides a pot of colour. Red oranges, yellows, rust, deep green Pines, spruces and a giant Redwood, acorns pine cones mushrooms it's just beautiful. There is no sun, but that's OK because the colour of the trees makes up for it with nature's rainbow . I found my way back to the restaurant for a much needed rest, homemade tomato and basil soup and a gingerbread latte. Then I'll stroll around the shop .The High Path tree top walkway is the route into the park . It's lovely. But people and dogs, are wary and nervous. Two and a half hours to kill so need to wander some more then perch and crochet. I think,. Ended up being joined by a lady from Bampton who sat and chatted for ages very similiar backgrounds and both frozen no where to sit indoors and wait which is a shame. she she was drawn to me because of my brightly coloured jacket- the theme is there again. My purpose in life to be available when needed.
Tuesday 28th of October 2025 Lynton and Lynmouth
Left at 10 past 8:00am trekked to pick up point ,coach was early. Only me to the crematorium where we waited for half an hour, picked up an elderly lady, then onto Wellington, meant to be 24 of us going at 9:45, and so far only three. Very slow start today, it's a bit boring. Final pick up in Tiverton 10:30. Arrived in Lynmouth at 12 O clock only here till 2:45 It's a quick lunch. Bacon bap and tea £7 alfresco can hear the birds and scaffolders!! Otherwise it's quiet. Not too many people considering its half term seems a sleepy village. Reminds me of Boscastle, it too had been ravaged by severe floods many years ago. Off to see the sea in a bit not getting back to Tiverton to 7:45 so God knows what time I'll get dropped off as I was the first. on. Couldnt get near to the sea for a paddle. So sat and watched a digger in the mouth othe water digging a trench. Quite cold here today. Part two quick hour and a half in Lynton, and a very, very quiet village full of very, very steep hills . The drive hereh had some hairy views as we climbed up and up and the very, very small, shallow walls edged the very, very steep drops!! Tall and many fallen trees, fell down to the raging waters, many, many feet below was not for the faint hearted Lynton is not for people with dodgy hips either. Nothing much here, cafes and a few shops. As with alot of these plaes life stops after tourist season and lunchtime.The entrance to the Cliff Railway which is seriously high is here. I and other travellers had a quick cream tea before going home. Dave our driver dropped me in town at the taxi rank as l was last passenger. Helps us both out. Been a good day. Got a few Christmas presents at reduced prices, bargains, lots of shops etcetera. Closed by 4:00 if not earlier as a holiday tourist season is all but over.
31st October 2025 Glastonbury Chalice Well Samhain Ceremony
Observations.- Huge Heron, Highland cows ,zombies, steampunk, pumpkins torrential rain. Sun, Robin meditation, people ,witches ,red and purple despite copious amounts of rain. My time today sat next to the mother and child statue with my coat wrapped around me to try and keep dry, as l ,others sat in the rain. The winds roaring through the trees sounded like the ocean Waves, I couldn't get near the Well. for people, mostly tourists, the sun came and the Robin, as they always do at meditation. Walking had to be done slowly as everything was slippery and very wet. the driest part being under the magnificent yew trees.. I collected my water from Chalice Well and the White Spring before hastily going back into town for the lunchtime bus. The later bus will be rerouted so the zombies can walk through the town with a steampunk crew !! I always come away feeling lighter mentally, even when there are a lot of people, after last night's ritual and today's visit, things feel different. This autumn is the best. I've seen it for years. Everything and me feel different. was given a pound coin in my change with King Charles on it and bees on it and then at the bus stop a bee landed on my bag and very nearly went in it. I bought new oracle cardsAngel numbers as always seeing number signs,.
Tuesday 4th November 2025
Lytes Cary and Palmer's garden centre in Yeovil.
This is the pennultimate trip for me, the last one being in December at Longleat Lights. Staying local today, garden centre next to Yeovil air base. Picked up Christmas presents already ,end of season prices happy days. Early lunch as I don't have a garden., so no point looking at plants. 1140am bored.com so sat and crocheted. Been in and wandered,ate, drank, shop alone. Move on. back on the coach, and off to Lyte Cary a small Manor house in Somerton ,in the distance Yeovil airbase where they were helicopter training in the awful weather. The weather is dull and dreary and damp the grounds muddy and small the house is dark and small. So quick cuppa and a scone and then sit and chatted. Before being back on the coach for 3.30pm , to come home . Ian was pleased with his thankyou card. Got dropped off about 4.30 was back home having trekked in the rain by 5.10pm. My last trip of the season has ended well,.
Despite the short dark damp day it was the perfect end and time to call it a day for this year. Its been lovely and has taken me to some beautiful places. With some lovely friendly people. Many of whom l hope to see again next year.
The joys of retirement, cheap days out that fill your weeks , give you some thing to look forward to, some where new to go, new people to chat too, something to recover from the day after. Lunch out in nice restaurants and cafes. You're on your own but in company.
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