So we had a nice morning, bit of breakfast and jump in the hot tub as it had been left on all weekend so had to make use of it.
Then got a few things sorted in the morning and it felt like Emily was trying to move things along so that they could make their way back to Manchester so we went to the cafe on the A40 near Eynsham (really quirky place) to get coffees and then off to the Bluebell woods for a quick walk around there.
Then it was back to the cars by about 1.00pm and then we all went off our different ways, Mum home, Lewis and Emily up North and us down to Devon.
We went past Burford and joined the M5 that way - the road and traffic down to Devon was fine and we were soon arriving and Tim and Chrissie's house where we received our usual warm welcome - lovely to see them and catch up. After about an hour or so we then jumped in the cars and drove to their local beach/cove that they really like, walked through a smugglers tunnel and then across the beach and then off to another beach (Shaldon) which is their favourite and is separated us from Teignmouth on the other side of the estuary and we had a pint in the FBI pub (The Ferry Boat Inn) which was lively and they told us tales of what it's like there in the summer - can imagine it's very popular.
As part of our chats we found out that Tim is performing with his band at Lattitude this summer - so we'll have to try and see him there, but it would also be good to get down to Shaldon beach etc too. Perhaps we'll do so on a tour that we keep saying we'll do!
Once that was done we walked back to our cars and said farewells and then we set off for our campsite that was about 30 mins away. Stopped for a burger first and then found the campsite hidden away, got there about 8.00pm but very nice and we got sorted.
Walked Bess and didn't take long to get ourselves into Camping mode and all settled in. I got the Mifi out and tested it, ended up using it all weekend as it was super fast and better than the phone connection - really pleased with it.
Sunday we had breakfast and then set off on a hike for Broadsands beach, nice little place and then walked the coastal path towards Paignton, caught sight of the steam train and was on the bridge when it went past smothering us in it's smoke - that was call - good video.
The coastal path was nice and lots of travellers there too, carried Bess up some of the steeper steps - bless her! Went past a few other beaches and eventually got to Paignton, had coffee and our sandwiches which Tash had made. Felt like we'd walked ages and I started checking Uber - would have cost £5 to get home - was tempted! Anyway, walked through Paignton - proper seaside place - chavvy! Then we made our way back to the campsite - wasn't so bad, worked out at about 12 miles in the end.
I got chicken curry on the go and we had a nice dinner and then sorted out the bed and watched a film in the van - Life List, proper chick-flick but I did enjoy it even though we could tell all the things that were going to happen. We then watched a couple more episodes of Prison Break - getting close to the end of the first season at long last - it's been a slog!
Anyway, lights out about 11.15pm
Decent nights sleep, bit of breakfast and then packing things away. Campsite said it was fine to leave the van for a bit as we went for a walk and that was a good idea - went to Stoke Gabriel - more of a town than village - such a great find too. Down by the River Dart and we had coffee and then made our way back across farmer's fields and then set off.
What should have been about 3 hour drive took well over 4.5hrs - as predicted the traffic was very busy and not enjoyable. Anyway, got home in the end, but tired. Tash unloaded everything and I went to sleep for an hour with the intention of running but I couldn't be bothered. So had dinner and sorted a few things out at home and then watched TV and went to bed.
A long but very enjoyable and packed weekend.
We have loads coming up too so will be very, very busy indeed!
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