We then walked downstream along The Dart Trail. The idea was to head for The Watermans Arms at Bow Bridge, about 3.5 miles and then walk back. It was nice and sunny when we set off and very pleasant.
We had a bit of a problem when we got to Ashprington as the road was closed, even to pedestrians, so we had to back track and take an alternative and initially muddy route. The pub was good on the covid front except no track and trace again. Food also good, tuna baguettes and the chunkiest chips I've ever had. They could even have been homemade. Washed down with a pint of Palmers Gold. We had a bit of a change of plan and decided to walk to The Malters Arms in the next village, Tuckenhay, and get a cab back. This place had track and trace. It was by a very muddy creek. The weather changed and it started drizzling.
Thought it might be curlew country but mainly gulls and the odd egret. Had a pint of Hanlons Yellow Hammer. Got back and chilled for a bit. In the evening we had a bit of a wander and found a back street pub called The Watermans Arms. How often do you go into 2 pubs with the same name on the same day? It was a bit of a local's pub with not much going for it. Had track and trace and a hand sanitiser but not much else on the covid front. Had a pint of Hunter's Old Charlie which was OK. Then wandered to The Steam Packet Inn and decided to eat there even though we had to sit outside. Had good fish and chips but far too many chips. Washed down with a pint of Salcombe Seahorse. Very good on the covid front but had outdoor heaters on in one bit. Wandered back through town.
The bar was full at the hotel so went back to the room and watched Young Wallander with a bottle of white. On Tuesday morning M had conference call with TOFS so I went out to get breakfast. That's when I discovered there had been a power cut so no coffee and couldn't pay for food as no cash. I managed to get grenola and apple juice from the hotel. The power came back on about 10 30 so was out for about an hour. Went for bit of a wander round Totnes when M was on her call. Started off going upstream along the river. Soon found a Morrisons and some industrial units. Still nice by the river though. Found a weir where they seemed to be replacing a hydroelectric unit. Found a church over the river with very modern windows. There's not much in the way of shops or anything on that side.
We had decided to head for the coast so picked Salcombe. All the car parks were full but we spotted a couple seemingly looking for a lost car, they joking said they weren't leaving and could see we were stalking them but in fact they were leaving and gave us their ticket. An interesting place with lots boats and boat yards.
Found a quiet pub, The Fortescue Arms, which was ideal. Very good on the covid stuff, ticked all the boxes. I had the obligatory crab sandwich washed down with a pint of Salcombe Gold. M had crab salad and a glass of pinot. Just what the doctor ordered. We then went on a walk along the front to the North Sands beach. Quite a few shops in the main drag but no tat and obviously quite an affluent place. They have a gin distillery as well as a brewery
I never quite got the English Rivieria thing but you can see it here on a day like it was.
The plan after was to drive over to an NT car park and walk down near a nature reserve to see if we could spot any curlews. I hadn't appreciated that the car park was on the top of a hill and we would have a steep climb down and up so instead we just settled for this view.
It had been a beautiful sunny day but that wasn't forecast. A good start to the evening. We went to Ben's Wine and Tapas Bar. All the wines were excellent and the tapas good too and very reasonably priced. Also pretty good on the covid front. Got back and the bar was shut. Watched another Young Wallander. Had breakfast in the hotel on Wednesday morning which was great, I had pancakes and M had homemade beans on toast with a couple of eggs. Really nice hotel which deserves a photo.
Got back by about 2 in around 3 hours. Decided to do flat breads and falafel for tea as James and Amy had done but overstretched myself. A big day on Thursday as I had my hair cut for the first time since lockdown.
In the afternoon I cycled over to Mark Best's leaving do. There were a few of the old crowd there including Lynda C. Then went for first Thursday drinks at The Fox and Hounds. Started off with a pint of Pint then moved to Pocket Rocket which was very nice. Everyone in good form. On Friday morning we went for a swim. I then spent most of the day working on a video for a song I've written. Got a call from John Lewis saying my watch had been repaired so went to pick it up. Good start to the day on Saturday. Had pancakes for breakfast. Did a few jobs. Took my town bike into Evans as the pedal had nearly dropped off as a result of the ride with J and A. Finished my video. M cooked lamb with flat breads and salad. Settled down to watch TV. Had a bit of a lie in on Sunday and spent mist of the day working on a new song. M sorted out her clothes. Made pizzas in the pizza oven for tea. They turned out well. I have finally got the hang of it. Watch the end of Lethal White and a new thing called Singapore Grip. Showed M my Three Minute Wonder video. She liked it.
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