August fun part 2
- Joanna
- Aug 31, 2018
- 3 min read
As Dart was still ‘recovering’ (honestly you would not know that dog had had an operation!) we needed to take it a bit easier so we took the opportunity to visit a couple of Dartmoor villages.
There was a food festival in Moretonhamstead which was really good – although not so great for the waistline as we came home armed with the tastiest brownies. I also indulged my love for second hand books (all books to be fair) and came home with some purchases. We continued to make our way through the pubs recommended on the Dartmoor Ale Trail and has a bevvie in the White Hart Hotel.
A beautiful day inspired a walk around Fernworthy Reservoir with a picnic lunch – and afterwards we headed in to nearby Chagford, famous for its music festival Chagstock and it also boasts a popular summer show. Some decent little local shops and a healthy choice of pubs. We wanted to try the Chagford Inn but it was closed so the Ring O’Bells and the Three Crowns earned our custom instead. I particularly liked the Three Crowns.
I’d won free tickets and cakes (including a special cake for Dart - thank you Dot Teas!) for a Doggy Day Out at the big showground in Cornwall. The weather was pants though so we didn’t stay as long as we planned – instead we headed in to Wadebridge for a bit of a mooch around since it’s one of the closest towns to our new home. They have a quirky looking cinema which I’m looking forward to trying out when we move.
We found ourselves back in Wadebridge later that week for a bite to eat at the Ship Inn (a pub we’ve been in before on holidays to Cornwall) after a visit to our new home. I’d asked if I could view the house again to get some measurements for curtains, and the vendors kindly invited us for coffee too. It was actually really nice to meet them, they were very friendly, and they were kind enough to share lots of local knowledge to give us a head start when we arrive. After we’d seen the house again we both went away SO excited, like kids on Christmas Eve – we just can’t wait to get there now!
Bank holiday weekend we finally ventured back to Hertfordshire, our first visit back since we moved. The primary reason was for a family day together with Mum, Dad, Tom, Miriam, Alfie and Ella, but we were also lucky enough to be able to get together with others too. We met up with Juliette and her dog Kyp for a few hours in Verulamium park. It was super to see her again before she heads off to university in September, and Dart had fun running around with older collie Kyp. On our way back we called in to the Lower Red Lion, a blast from our pasts, and Dart was a hit with the staff and regulars making it on to their doggy wall of fame and their social media page!
Friday night was spent having dinner with Mum and Dad at their local, the King William IV, and then catching up with the gorgeous Liz. So great to see her!
A special trip was made to see the lovely Sarah and her beautiful new baby Sephina. A really lovely lunch and afternoon with the girls Emma, Lana, Steph and Clare. Just like old times and so wonderful to spend some time together catching up. And Sarah is such a natural Mum, she has never looked happier! Enjoyed it so much I failed to take a single picture :(
A wonderful Sunday spent with the family, feasting on Mum’s delicious home cooking was a real treat. Hopefully we’ll make a summer visit an annual thing – especially now we know Mum and Dad’s little cat Finlay can survive a few days with Dart in his house!
My fabulous Auntie Brenda lives in Devon too, over in Paignton on the South Coast. She’s my Dad’s sister-in-law and she’s awesome – I don’t see nearly enough of her, especially now we’re down here. So I paid her an August visit armed with a Slimming World friendly - unlike the rest of the food in this post ;) - picnic lunch for us to share. Five hours flew by!
Finally a surprise came my way on the last day of August, but that’s for the next post…………..
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