I’ve been feeling a little out of sorts lately, which I shared a bit about on Instagram. So when I had a few days off in a row and a heatwave was forecast, I felt it was definitely time for a trip to the coast to spend some time with my family and friends.
The few days I spent there were full of the usual events. I arrived at my mum’s late on Sunday night, ready for a full day of sunshine come Monday morning.
My brother came over with his youngest child, and we headed over to Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth for some beach fun. Unfortunately, my brother had to head off after a couple of hours to collect his eldest girl from the child minder’s, but mum and I stayed on for an ice cream and a little longer in the blazing sun.
After popping home for a swift outfit change, I headed back out to see my dad, Judith and Jazz. the dog. Last time we were all together, we were talking about having a nice evening picnic, like we did 3 years ago – that evening was so lovely.
This time we decided to walk down to a nearby beach – I don’t think I’d been to Man Sands since I was a kid. There were other families who had the same idea – BBQing and dipping in and out of the water, calling to their dogs.
The sun crept away behind us and the pale full moon came out as we watched some boys in a canoe they had found, as well as an inquisitive seal.
The next day, my brother came over with the littlest one again, and after seeing a big sign for it the day before, I decided we had to go raspberry picking at Ashburton.
We got a lot of raspberries in our punnets (and quite a few in our mouths) before heading to Dartington for a quick picnic.
A little siesta was needed as the hottest day of the year had worn us out, and then I met up with two of my best girls for a BBQ for the evening.
On my last day of the trip, it was time for some quality time with mother. The day started as it always does – at our usual haunt in Totnes, The Curator. This iced coffee really hit the spot.
We sat in the sunshine and chatted to people we knew before finding some lunch at the Tangerine Tree, and having a good chat in their walled garden.
Before long, it was time for me to hop back on the train to Bristol.
Until next time.
