6 week hols part 2- Agatha Christie and Clotted Cream

Our holiday this year took us to Devon. I have never been to the South West before so I was really excited! I spent a whole week beforehand writing lists about what list I needed to write, before meticulously packing for the seven of us (well ok J did his own, sort of, and the step squidges brought a lot with them from their mums). We looked a bit like the National Lampoons when setting off as we had our cases on the roof wrapped in tarpaulin, alas no trendy roofbox. Still, it was easy to spot our car at services, being the only one with a bright blue parcel atop.

Eleanor made it very known to us that she did not appreciate being in the car. I ended up sitting in the middle row inbetween 2 carseats for the full 10 hours, punctuated by much screeching and V-Tech plinky plonky noises.



We stayed in caravan which was really nice and spacious, in fact it had more seating than our living room, which was good and facilitated plenty of Olympics watching! The place we were staying at was called Challaborough Bay (foreground above), which was adjacent to Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island, shown on the left above, a little place that was cut off at high tide but that featured a nice Art Deco hotel which apparently was used a lot by Agatha Christie. Sadly you weren't allowed up close unless you were staying there, but we did climb to the top of the island for some wonderful views, once we had battled with the swarms of flying ants!

Some Burgh Island themed pics: On the way, us at the top, Dan looking at the view back down, paddling by the sea tractor, the Island cut off later that day.








We had decided to have one big day out. We had heard lots about Paignton Zoo so we headed there. It was brilliant! We found a little viewing platform at the back of the apes area and had our own private viewing of some Orangutans and Gorillas, who both decided to put on displays for us, the latter trying to chuck stones and sticks at us and beating his chest cartoon style. I think it must be something to do with J, maybe he smells a bit animal, a tiger peed on him once at a zoo.

J Connecta'd up watching a gorilla, I wanna be like you-oo-oo, you don't scare me!



We had ok ish weather and did lots of playing on the beach. Daniel bought a body board and spent hours in the water, while the others dug a giant hole and then had us all taking turns to jump it. That game went really well until Michael decided to stay in the hole whilst Amy jumped, Evil Kneivel stylee over both. Needless to say it went a bit pearshaped when Amy lost her nerve and didn't quite make it across. Oh how we stifled our giggles while doling out sympathy in equal parts to the injured children.

Some beach pics:



After a great week, with clotted cream on toast for breakfast just because we could, we had a last minute day out in Dartmouth, which I loved, we were sad that we didn't have more time! We managed to get some pictures by the quayside. The eagle eyed amongst you will note my lovely Podeagi, only borrowed, but hey it had mermaids on it so went with the maritime theme of the town:




All in all, a lovely holiday!