I am trying something different this time. Hope you enjoy the read. As always, these are my words and feelings, and my own style of writing. This is how l write whilst on the move, so all taken from my note book and random not structured.
Thurs. 9th April Day trip to National Trust property Arlington Court and Carriage museum in North Devon. Travelled with Uptons Coaches.
Day trip time, weather 8am cloudy at the moment as I trek to the pick up point a half-hour walk up the road. Nerves kicking in, or should I say adrenaline, happy to be going out, out visiting somewhere new. Its been a while. But is the start of travel day trip season for me anyway.
Not many of us today- 11 in total. The Tiverton purple lady is a regular and a very able-bodied frail elderly lady who sits and chuckles at all sorts. The rest of my fellow travellers are new bodies and not overly chatty.
We arrived at 11.30am, as did the heavy, drizzly wet rain; it had been dry up to Bampton, our last pick port. Then fog & damp followed us over Exmoor.
Had a quick pit stop in the cafe for a sausage roll and coffee served by very friendly, welcoming staff. Looked at the mini map then set off to trek the estate, trekking through trees, rhododendrons which are beginning to blossom- I love a rhododendron. Daffodils, carpets of primroses and, wild garlic which smells gorgeous, bluebells in 3 shades of colour- blue pink and white.
Its 2.20pm, I've been in the old stables where 40 glorious carriages are housed, most built in the 1800's from wood and leather, all in great condition, given their age and use by the landed gentry and royalty- Queen Vic no less. I've been in the grand house too, which had a lovely feel to it, homely and warm. Was home and owned by the Chichester Family in particular, a strong female Rosalie Chichester.
For my last hour l took shelter back in the cafe for cream tea and a cuppa, of course its stopped raining now I'm indoors!!
Cream tea- so full up now, think new meds prevent me from eating so much, which has to be a good thing, as I feel quite sick and bloated right now. I moved into the other closed dining area to shelter from the cold and crocheted until the bus came.
Anyway, back to Arlington, a lovely house, great gardens, kitchen, walled , wooded lots of winter storm damage where huge trees with their roots just fell over ripping up their attachment to the earth. Quite sad and amazing considering the size of them.
Lots of wild garlic, especially down a little path into a woodland canopy with a babbling brook, moss-covered logs and bluebell carpets- loved it down there a nice atmosphere.
Had a mooch around the shop with its usual National Trust goodies, candles honey jams, blankets, etc. but as l left and started to walk back noticed a black and white bird hopping around the field it wasn't a wagtail- I would say a Blackbird with a health problem as it was quite distinctive black and white plumage..
Typical, as we're about to leave, the sun came out, no heat like yesterday, where we had a day of summer!!
Slept well for an hour in the warmth as we drove back through Exmoor valley and its sleepy villages and towns, as if time has stood still here.
Been a good day lots of trees and nature inclusion, which l loved. Even stroked the stone memorial stone of Vanguard, the estate dog who apparently ad died aged 13 7 weeks after he lost his owner. The carriage museum was fascinating, with some seriously old but well-preserved carriages.
Lots of things for kids to do given it's the Easter holidays. Staff in the cafe were super friendly. But they do need to provide napkins!!
Watched a gang of kids climbing a huge tree, nice to see kids doing outdoorsy things.
I need to sort a travel diet that's not bread and pastry-based so l dont feel like l am right now.
Indoors, jammies on and it's 6pm. Got dropped off by J25 so not so far to walk home makes a difference. Quick walk past tesco to get light food options to calm my still bloated belly.
Been a long day but a good one. Until next week. Wiltshire destined.
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