Down in Deepest Somerset

It is raining cats and dogs here in Deepest Somerset and has been all night and most of the day so far. We had planned on going to Mevagissey today but put this off due to the slightly inclement weather.  The site we are on is in a valley and so we are protected to some extent but it still has been a rough night and day.  The river is up as well and I suspect streams that were not flowing are now spilling down hillsides. Looks spectacular but in some instances can cause safety issues. 

We are snug in the caravan with the hatches battened down just reading, listening to the radio, crafting watching TV and relaxing it is as much as you can do on a day such as today. Proper caravan weather. Food is all stocked up with what we need for a few days good eating.

I had an old simple favourite for my breakfast this morning, a couple of boiled eggs with soldiers, kindly made by OH and he indulged in a fry up.

It would have been good to go out, but it is pointless when there is torrential rain.  It has not been the kind of rain that you can go out in and the next valley over find that it is fair and sunny which is often the case in our experience. Thankfully we were out and about yesterday. 

We ended up going along the coast road to Ilfracombe, via Porlock Hill (which nearly gave OH heart failure he does not do heights), Lynton and Lynmouth - we did not stop as there seemed to be a lot of traffic and then on to Ilfracombe where we spent a very pleasant few hours. Needless to say there were a few more narrow roads which himself is not comfortable with.  Hills are a novelty for us with us living in the Fens, where most things are flat apart from the occasional run of mole hills! There are loads of photos to come but I cannot at the moment download them.  I will have to update the individual posts when I get back home.

We found a wet fish stall (the prices though were dearer than home) and indulged in crayfish, crab, cockles, crevettes and some plain haddock. Not bad eating, however we are thorough spoiled as the Crabs we have at home are Cromer Crabs which we think are some of the best and tastiest. 

We also found a marvellous Pasty shop, The Pasty Bakehouse.  OH had a Devon pasty and it was really delicious (we shared it) whereas I opted for a traditional Cornish pasty which we have just had warmed up; that was also delicious and the pastry is really good, very eatable and tasty.

The statue is a pregnant woman and it is called "Verity" with the words Truth and Justice at the bottom. It is a Damian Hirst piece which is on loan to Ilfracombe for a 20 year period.  We quite liked it but on researching it, it seems to have caused consternation.

We came back a different way OH could not face Porlock Hill again and I think with good reason.  It is not an area I have been to before however I really am enjoying the area.

Shooting season seems to have started down here we can hear the guns going off over the hill.  Some private estate no doubt.  There are a lot of pheasants down here which are bred specifically for the shoot, many of the ones we have seen are still poults and without their tail feathers. They are complete and utter idiots on the road though and have no sense.  There are signs up everywhere to drivers to be aware of the pheasants and there have been many bodies littered down the sides of the roads.  We have also seen dead hawks, badgers, foxes and hedgehogs which is so sad.

Off to do some more crafting and reading.

Keep safe and warm 

Pattypan

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