Sunday 26 April 2009

A wet walk

The weather was typical April. Showers followed by sunshine, followed by more rain. Black clouds came and went; when they came we were plunged into darkness, as the picture shows. We were at Hembury Woods by the Dart. The bluebells are just starting; we also saw primroses, wood anemones and violets. The river was full.

Sunday 19 April 2009

Salmon leaps

We found a huge pool in the River Teign near Castle Drogo, complete, it seemed, with diving boards. Perhaps though they were actually for fishermen? Luckily there didn't seem to be any fishermen about, so we took advantage and leapt off them. We also had fun trying to sit in three cascading salmon leaps. There were several undignified comedy moments, as we tried not to be swept away.

Tuesday 14 April 2009

Inshore exploring

Some of the rock formations around the coast are like mini kingdoms. There are channels and tunnels, thoroughfares and caves, both above and beneath the surface. There are jungles of seaweed in all shapes and hues. As you swim through them, in sea this blue, you really do feel you are in a magical wonderland.

Monday 13 April 2009

Tor terrain

Hound Tor is just made for climbing. It lures you up with its steps, ledges, cracks, crevices and caves. Clamber if you dare. I didn't today because I was feeling tired and it's dangerous if you're not feeling strong. You need lots of balance and firm grips. However the rest of the party were up and about the rocks like goats on a mountain crag.

Sunday 5 April 2009

Wildlife watching

Saw five seals today at Start Point. They were sitting together on a rock, which, as the tide came in, was getting smaller and smaller. There were a few scraps when the biggest decided he wanted to bag the best spot, and pushed the others out of the way. A massive wave then broke over the rock and washed one off. I swam in a nearby turquoise lagoon, where there was a deep cave filled with shingle, with diamond shaped holes in the rock above, letting in light. I became lost in this world for quite some time. When I came ashore I heard my son shouting "dolphins"! A pod of at least seven were coursing past, scything through the water surrounded by seagulls. Their energy was palpable.

Saturday 4 April 2009

Fairweather gardening

The sun was out, the shorts were on, and I grafted in the veg patch. Quite a lot of digging, then I put the spuds in (later than intended but never mind) and sowed some peas. Finally it was the turn of some lettuce plants. I'm ashamed to admit I bought these but sometimes you've just got to get ahead.