Months ago, well before this happened, we planned a few days break in Devon to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. There was a lot of talk about us cancelling the trip, but my Grandma, despite still being incredibly poorly and needing a ventilator was insistent that we went. After a teary goodbye (on my behalf) we set off hoping when we returned she would be a little better.
We pointed the car’s nose south, and kept driving until we hit the coast – stopping on the way to see some family friends in Brixham.
We sneaked along little roads which were barely more than tracks, until we arrived in Hope Cove. We quickly unpacked and headed to the beach – which was literally on our doorstep.
Then set off to explore our new home for the next few days.
We checked out Inner Hope and Outer Hope – the two bays that make up Hope Cove, leaving no nook or cranny un-explored.
Posing where props had thoughtfully been left for us, naturally.
Then we headed along the coastal path soaking in the amazing scenery and delicious sunshine. It wasn’t long before we thought we were in a different country altogether.
We grabbed an ice cream to keep us cool, and carried on our exploration.
Before settling down onto ‘our’ beach Inner Hope, with a cheeky bottle of wine.
After a while, my Dad and I could ignore the call of the ocean no longer, and shedded our shoes for a paddle.
It was pretttttyyyyyyy cold at first!
But it wasn’t long before I acclimatised to the cold, whipped my clothes off leaving them in a pile on the rocks (don’t get excited now, I had a bikini on), dashing back and diving in.
My dad was quick to follow.
We messed around as the sun went down, enjoying our freedom and the promise of no work the next day. It might have gone to my head a little.
Remaining graceful at all times, I attempted a hand stand or two.
Only to find I can’t do them quite as well as I used to…
I headed in shore with only my pride bruised. We spent the rest of the evening sipping wine, gobbling up mounds of food and watching the sun put on a beautiful show to wish us goodnight.
I had river Fowey mussels – the most delicious I have ever had.
Whilst the boys went for burgers and calamari (not as good as the mussels).
Can you even believe this view is in England? More Devonshire adventures soon, I promise – including scones and clotted cream!
