Geo Needle

During Jubilee week Lynn and I slowly camped our way across and up country until we arrived at Norwich, to pick up Lyds from uni. During our stay near Exmouth, we discovered the Geo Needle, made from different types of rock.

How remiss of me!

Indeed, how remiss on miss to forget to mention the visit of Hannah and my two grandchildren Sophia and Isaac. We celebrated Hannah's birthday and had a splendid time. The occasion was made possible because Han's Dan was working for a week in Exeter. Marvelous!

Mum visits

It has been lovely to have mum with us for a few days. She is looking really well, and we spend a fascinating few hours today looking around Greenway House, the family home of Agatha Christie. On the way home we got stuck in a traffic jam near the higher ferry in Dartmouth because the J80 International sailing teams were busy craning their yachts out of the water, successfully blocking the embankment - great fun it all was.

Ten Tors 2012

Last weekend was the occasion of the annual Ten Tors challenge. We had a 35 mile team and a 45 mile team from the Dartmouth Youth Services, together with a 35 mile team from the Dartmouth Sea Cadets. Julia was the leader of the Sea Cadet team and did a great job. The weekend saw glorious sunshine with a cold north wind, ideal walking weather. The teams all completed the challenge, crossing the finish line in traditional style by 'dressing up'! Roll on the 2013 Ten Tors challenge!

Spring in the Lakes

Having had a glorious week in the Lake District 2 years hence, we booked a house near Derwent Water, this time to take the entire family. The weather forecast did't bode well, but the reality was pretty good; the only rain of note falling at night. The house: Skelgill Farm, nestled under the shadow of Catbells and was superb for climbing straight up on to the fells, The views were stupendous! The photos show Lynn and I at the top of Dale Head - a stiff climb, and Barrow - a not so stiff climb! The family photo is in the front garden of Skelgill House.

A talk on a mad voyage

Last year a friend called Martin sold a 24ft Cornish Crabber sailing yacht on ebay and delivered it to its new owner - in St Petersburg! This year, to help raise money for one of his daughters to go and do some charity work in Africa, Martin decided to give a talk on this mad voyage So, what else to do but to motor to Dittisham aboard Lucy M and make a night of it. We also took the opportunity to bend on the sails.

55 years old

Tuesday this week was my celebration of all the 5s, 55!