A proper shop

While visiting Teignmouth I came across the most gorgeous shop. Called Bare Necessity, it is a haberdashery (not many of those around nowadays). When you walk inside you are hit by a rainbow of colour, with hundreds of rolls of ribbons lining the walls. The shop also sells wool, swimwear, lingerie and the most fantastic selection of proper swimming hats in all manner of colours - including the ones covered with flowers. Scrum!

Messages in trees

Well it wasn't exactly a big surprise, but down at the woods it was rather strange to come across a tree dressed with a red sash and a sign saying MOVE. On the other side of the sign was a red heart. What does it all mean? Who knows?

Autumn summer

Sun. Heat. Temperatures of 23 degrees C. A normal October Sunday - not. But since when is the weather 'normal' any more? We spent the day soaking up the sun on the beach at Bantham. There was a stir of excitement as the air ambulance landed - it stayed for some time and then left without apparently rescuing anyone.

Apple day

Apples are continuing to play a prominent role - well, it is that time of year. Today it was all hands on deck to press them for juice and cider. All ages, shapes and sizes gathered for work and chinwag, to get the apples in, crush them and then bottle the juice. There were numerous Newtonian moments when the trees were shaken and those below suffered direct hits.

Chilli crabs

I rarely do the domestic goddess act, but today I did have a very satisfying culinary moment. Having gathered crab apples (free) at Newbridge at the weekend, it was time to make apple jelly - but with a kick. At this point I must credit my Italian friend Sandra who had the idea of putting chillis into this very English condiment. She gave me some of hers last year and it was so unusual (and delicious) I was determined to replicate it. I ended up with 11 jars at a total cost of approximately £2 (the sugar).

On yer bike

Cycling out from Totnes towards Sharpham along the Dart proved to be something of a challenge...there was considerable huffin' and puffin' at the numerous hills...and then the glorious views took our breath away even more. We stopped at the Durant Arms in Ashprington where we refuelled on coffee and a delumptious apricot frangipane.

Wild whirlpool

What could be nicer, after a hard afternoon's 'shrooming, than a restorative dip in the local jacuzzi? You'd pay good money for this in a health club or spa, but it just so happens that there are several free options in the Dart. You need to prepare for a pummelling though. And it's more of a cold tub than a hot one.

Bliss around Burgh

It was our second bash at swimming around Burgh island this summer. The first was abandoned due to crashing seas. Today it was perfect. Calm, clear water, glittering sunlight and WARMTH. We went round clockwise this time. As we neared the first 'corner' of the island we saw a gap in the rocks and went through - and found the most gorgeous lagoon, with amazing, turquoise underwater chasms.

Topsham to Turf

Swim across the Exe estuary? Why not? Apparently they used to do it all the time in the 1930s; from Topsham on the north side, to the Turf Locks on the south. Mike, the local ferryman, has revived the tradition, and 41 of us gathered for the off at high water, at 6:30pm. Crowds gathered on the quay and cheered as we plunged into the brackish brown - but very warm - waters of the Exe. When I finally emerged on the other side, about an hour later, it was with a red face and muddy moustache.

Hedghog haul

....not the kind that have fleas, or like eating slugs, but that delicious variety of mushroom with little spines for gills, and a kid-glove-like appearance. We found basket-loads in our regular haunt in the woods by the River Dart, conveniently near the car park.