Friday walk and called to the sea again.

Living on the edge.

The fog was too dense to walk on the moor today, so The Curate and I returned to the South Coast to walk a familiar section of the coastal path. Even in the grey gloomy weather, this coast is spectacular and we had it all to ourselves except for a few South Devon cattle and some distant sheep who seemed to be sitting right on the cliff edge. 

We love this coastline. I have walked our dogs on sections of the coastal footpath, our sons have surfed 'secret spots' not seen from the footpath and, since the boys were small, we have walked this section together as a family many times.

We walked towards Plymouth Sound and then followed the cliff path round into the Yealm Estuary. A single yacht motored its way out to sea, through the falling tide. We spotted a few hardy surfers on the opposite coast trying their luck with some very meagre waves. The skylarks sang out high above us, celebrating the slightly warmer weather.

The Curate and I chatted about the different opportunities that might lay ahead of us. Much as we love the vast open spaces of The Moor, we are also drawn back to the sea and the wild rugged coastline ....actually - any coastline. We both have an empathy for rural communities and parishes that so often seem to be sidelined in favour of urban communities. People forget that loneliness can happen anywhere and isolation is exacerbated by the cuts in local buses, poor roads and reduction or removal of local services. Equally, The Curate's background of ships and shipping, means that he understand the problems of sailors separated from their families and the pressures of spending long periods at sea. Our sons both have work connected with the sea. So we are uncertain where our future might lie - perhaps that's the best way to be?

Looking out to sea

I write about our deliberations in these blogs so that I will be able to look back and see how our journey progressed. Going on previous experiences, I doubt we will have much choice about where we end up! Someone much greater than us seems to have a say in it! At the moment, The Curate is exploring any doors that are slightly ajar and peering round to see what is there.

I do appreciate the kind comments of readers, (some of whom have travelled a similar journey). Life is pretty full on at the moment and I am slow to respond to comments but I am glad to hear from you. 

It's great to be able to share the beautiful scenery that we live in.

And finally...the pub lunch!

Looking up river.

Just one more passing thought, I know this is vandalism but I smiled when I saw this sign. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were places where we had to stop and sing before we carried on with our journeys? What would you sing?