Summer time

The last few days have been so beautifully hot that we have had to wait until the evenings to take the dogs out and let them cool down in the river. We went to Larkham Foot and walked up towards Exford and it took about 20 seconds before they were all in swimming and having a wonderful time. The bluebells are just about at their best now and the smell is quite heady.

We weren’t the only ones making the most of some river dipping. All the cows and calves have been turned out and were meandering down towards the river bank for a drink and cool down.

We have got new neighbours - 2 swallow nests being built in the eaves and a family of sparrows are living in the roof of the veranda! Julie and Helen are with us again at the moment and were heading off towards Hawkridge this morning leaving behind instructions for coffee and doughnuts to be bought to the river at around 11.00!

Derek is busy pulling out all the wallflowers and getting the beds ready for re-planting and although its very dry, the garden looks lovely. I’m heading off now with the dogs and then playing tennis this evening while Derek is going off riding this evening when its cooler – what a life!

Wonderful spring weather

After a hectic weekend with a wedding of the century being held in the village, we managed to get out on a couple of lovely walk. The photos were taken last night over by Dunkery Hill Gate. It was so hot that the dogs couldn’t wait to get into the river. The beech trees are wonderful this year and the bluebells are starting to come into their own Given another 4 days, the walk from Winsford to Exford will be fantastic as all the sides of the valley will be covered in a blue haze and the scent will be unbelievable.

Our bed and breakfast guests have been lovely and really made the most of their breaks. Visits to Porlock car museum, Porlock Weir, sitting in the sun on the moor and having a doze, Selworthy, Doone Valley, drives along the coast, walks over Dunkery Beacon, deer spotting and generally relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Exmoor. One of the couples, Sue and Elmer from Cornwall mentioned they liked antique shops so I sent them to Yew Tree Antiques in Wiviliscombe. They had a great time and as they were loading up the car with their purchases, another couple asked if they were in the trade!

As Exmoor is a perfect location for many events and there is always something going on. June is one of busiest months with lots of fetes, summer fairs and art, craft and hobby shows. Wootton Courtenay holds its own show on the 13th and the standard of work exhibited is very high. On the 19th there is a ‘Perambulation of the Royal Forest of Exmoor’. This is a 31 mile cross country walk accessing parts of the moor not normally open to the public. On the 20th The Exmoor Ironman event is held at Wimbleball. This triathlon is known as the hardest 70.3 in the world. We are fully booked that weekend with competitors and their supporters so unfortunately Derek and I won’t have time to compete – such a pity really!

Weddings and things

I can’t believe it has been over a week since I last wrote – we have been so busy with accommodation guests plus family and friends. We had a lovely extended family staying last weekend – from grandparents to 3 year olds and another 2 on the way! They had a great time and made the most that Exmoor has to offer including a trip on the Steam Railway, a visit to Dunster Castle, walking and the beach.

Another couple of guests, who have become friends over the years, arrived on Sunday. Walter loves to ride and was out on the moors everyday by 10.00 while Rebecca waited patiently in the car. Afterwards they drove out over looking out for Exmoor ponies and their newly born foals. We saw one the other day on Dunkery. It could only have been a day old and it looked like a wobbly ball of fluff!

I had by first league tennis match in over 5 years last night – and boy didn’t I know it this morning. I was aching in places I had forgotten existed! But I have to say that tennis is a ridiculous game. On club nights I can go to Minehead and have a really good hit of the ball and play a reasonable game. Come the match and it all goes out the window. Dolly shots, hits in the net instead of over it, beautiful to watch but complete misses on a smash – its such a pity that the heart is so willing but the brain is totally malfunctioning!

Wedding of the year is happening the village tomorrow. Over 200 guests arriving (and at the moment with all the comings and goings it feels as if they are all staying here)! Marquee in the field, DJ flying in, suits and beautiful dresses and hats – and its forecast to be a beautiful day so fingers (and toes) crossed!

Beautiful Exmoor

The colours over the moor are spectacular. The gorse is vibrant yellow, the May trees are starting to blossom and in the garden the wallflowers are still blooming. The fields are starting to green up and the first flush of grass is coming through. The lambs love this dry weather and in the evenings they go around the fields creating gangs – running, jumping and generally causing havoc!

Last evening we went to Dunkery Hill Gate with the dogs. As we came back over Dunkery, looking down over Porlock Bay and Cloutsham looked so beautiful in the evening sun. Just to complete the picture, a line of 8 hinds and a young stag walked slowly over the moor to our right only a stones throw away. Really quite perfect.

Last week our B&B guests made the most of the beautiful sunny weather. One went horse riding at 4 different stables situated over the moor. Another more mature couple walked up over Dunkery, down over to Horner and back home on the first day and then up to Selworthy Beacon (from here) and back on the second day.

I took the dogs on one of my favourite walks along the river from Winsford to Exford, back over Room Hill and then dropped down to the valley and back to the car (approx 10 miles). Abby the oldest spaniel, is 16 and has a pin in her leg but she didn’t stop the whole way. Soda was yawning by the time we got back to the car and then had a long sleep that evening – wise girl. Wagtail and Wistful were looking for another walk by the time we got home and I forgot my age and went on to play tennis - boy did I regret it the next day!

This weekend we were full with bed and breakfast guests plus we had Tim and Beccy to stay. They went camping on the Saturday with Alex and Helen at Woolacombe but unfortunately it rained. By 10.00 on Sunday all 4 came home to get dried out, warmed up and fed. We aged parents may not always be street savvy but we have our uses however Derek and I wouldn’t have it any other way (although replacing the petrol you used in my car would be good Tim) as they are such great company!