CLOSE TO HOME.

Yesterday (Sunday) was such a beautiful sunny, clear but slightly chilly day that a short trip out was a must. We decided that rather than chase all over the place we would start much closer to home. We jumped into the car and drove toward Exeter on the coast road, this road follows the coast and railway line along some 9 -10 miles. The first place we came into was the Seaside town of Dawlish, with its pretty stream running through its centre. Its probably also quite famous for its small flock of Black swans. From Dawlish we carried on to its real Holiday resort centre twin, Dawlish Warren, the origin of this probably started with its more than healthy population of rabbits that live and breed among the many sand dunes. These Dunes have now been turned into a wild life sanctuary, though access is still available to both them and their Golf Course. Nowadays most locals think of it as a Warren due to its numerous Holiday Camps and the thousands of people that flock here in the summer months.I'm afraid that at this time of year lots of holiday area's (especially car parks) are under repair, the warren was just one of these so stopping for pictures was impossible. On we travelled stopping then at Cockwood, with its little sheltered but difficult to enter harbour.
Below, this picture was taken from the sea wall, going from Cockwood to Starcross, in the foreground is a small old sunken cargo boat, this has been there many years but still remains intact. In the background is the Seaside town of Exmouth on the other side of the estuary.The main problem we faced on this trip was the fact that the tide was completely at its lowest point, this doesn't really make for ideal pictures.
Do please click on any picture to enlarge it.
This picture below was taken just after leaving cockwood and coming into Starcross. Starcross's main claim to fame would be its summer time passenger Ferry across the river Exe to Exmouth. Here a view again across the Estuary this time toward Lympstone, Home of the Royal marine Training Camp.
This picture below shows Starcross passenger Ferry Pier, its under winter renovations at the moment, two of the three ferry boats used are shown, the first alongside the other the Blue and White one moored just off.
From Starcross we drove onto the little back road that follows the river to the rear of Powderham Castle. This 600 year old castle (listed as a Stately home) is the residence of the Earl of Devon and the Courtenay family. It has its own large herd of Deer and the Estate covers 4,000 acres. The castle holds outstanding views over the Exe estuary even having its own river moorings.Each year the castle holds lots of events including I believe this year Wet Wet Wet in concert, plus the Medieval Banquet nights, a week of Civil War re-enactments and weekly Knights of Powderham special days. The Castle is also available for Civil weddings,and many types of Functions. See on http://www.eclipse.co.uk/powderham/pcspec.htm
The picture below shows the Harbour at Cockwood again.
Again Cockwood Harbour from a different angle, in the background is the road, this shows how close it is along this stretch of South Devon Coast.
This picture just "took" Sue, she said it just looked a lovely old tree, it was just at the start of Powderham castle's grounds.
This picture below shows Powderhams Deer Park with the Castle in the background. Also note the Function tent and a few Deer around.
We zoomed in for this picture, actually I suppose the Castle was around 1,000yards away.
These last couple of photo's Sue tried to get the Deer but at that zoom the pictures are not wonderfully clear.
Im not exactly sure how many Deer or even what type they were but it certainly seemed to be a healthy amount.

So there we are, after Powderham we turned back, this time on the main road and headed home. This passed a very pleasant and healthy 2.5 hours, next nice day I will try to post similar pictures this time with the tide in.
Joke of the day.
Marriage Quotes by Men
I knew i had married Miss right, I just didn't realise it meant always.
Losing a wife can be hard. In my case, it was almost impossible.

A man was complaining to a friend: 'I had it all - money, a beautiful house,a big car, the love of a beautiful woman; then, Pow! it was all gone!' 'What happened?' asked the friend. 'My wife found out..'
Wife: Let's go out and have some fun tonight. Husband: Okay, but if you get home before I do, leave the hallway light on.
How many men does it take to open a beer? None. It should be opened by the time she brings it to the couch.
A man rushes into his house and yells to his wife, 'Martha, pack up your things! I just won the California lottery!' Martha replies, 'Shall I pack for warm weather or cold?' The man responds, 'I don't care. Just so long as you're out of the house by noon!'
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street bald and still think they are beautiful!
I haven't spoken to my wife for 18 months - I don't like to interrupt her.
If your wife and a lawyer were drowning and you had to choose, would you go to lunch or to a movie?
A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished.