A Delayed Visit

Most years we have tried to spend our New Year in Parkham (except when there were COVID restrictions) but we were delayed by minor health issues this year and did not arrive in the village until almost the end of January.  We thought that this might give us a chance of some better weather but sadly this was not the case.  

Whilst poor weather is to be expected at this time of the year, it does not provide much inspiration when I come to sit at the computer to write this piece. We perhaps spent more time than usual sitting in The Granary reading as there was no great incentive to go out in the cold and the damp.  However, it also meant that we could take the opportunity to invite village friends to join us for a coffee or tea.  There was also the opportunity to make the very short journey next door to catch up with more friends at The Bell.

We did manage several walks at the coast and avoided the rain for the most part by judicious timing.  A walk along the coast path at Westward Ho! (somewhere we avoid in peak season) was bracing and we enjoyed the comfort of the Pier House afterwards .  Similarly, after a walk along the Taw/Torridge estuary from Greysands and along Westward Ho! beach to the Pebbleridge Cafe we were ready for a hot cup of coffee.  Our third walk was at Instow and on this occasion we ended up at Johns for coffee after being caught in a brief shower whilst on the beach.

The coastpath near Westward Ho!

Whilst walking along Westward Ho! beach we came across the remains of what appeared to be a very strange animal.  Suggestions for what it might be have ranged from sheep to porpoise and alligator!

What is this creature?

One evening we drove into Appledore for a meal at The Yard  restaurant.  We are rarely at the coast in the evening and on this occasion the air was clear and there was a pink glow from the setting sun across the estuary to Instow.  This was our first visit to The Yard and the tapas style food. was excellent. We hit on the night that they were launching their new menu and, as the first to arrive in the evening, we were the first customers to sample its delights.  Strangely the next guests to arrive came from our former home town of Stourbridge and it turned out that we had mutual friends in common.

Appledore in the evening looking towards Instow

We have had some electrical problems at The Granary which we have pinned down to the external lights, which I have now disabled.  I think water has got into them but this is a job to be sorted when the weather is warmer.  We also have several solar powered lights and we may decide to rely on these as their performance is excellent even when the weather is dull. I positioned a new solar -powered light at the top of the drive and now all the key places where light is needed are covered.

After over a week in the village and no sign of improved weather on the way we decided to return to Knutsford.  There was a forecast of snow in the North-West and we decided it would be wise to get back before any snow arrived.  After a good journey up the M5 and M6 we were home safely and, three days later there is no sign of snow.  There was however a fall of several inches in Buxton, 23 miles away in the Peak District.