after the deluge

The Lakeland inspects the foam

Oh the rain...the rain! The water is running off the moor bringing all the Autumn debris with it. The pipes and gutters are blocked and the torrents of water race down the roads tossing gravel and leaves aside. The flood waters are frothed up on the moor and then rush by leaving  foamy footmarks. When the rain stops, the temporary torrents slow to a trickle and gravel trails cover the roads. The south west has seen roads blocked, train lines flooded and farm land waterlogged. Yesterday was a respite day before more of the promised rain over night and tomorrow.
Yesterday The Curate and I made good use of the dry window by riding out on the moor. It was sodden from the recent rain but it didn't stop us appreciating the wide open spaces after being cooped up inside for the last few days. I am really enjoying riding Major The Clydesdale, who is wintering at Tor Royal Stables from Adventure Clydesdale. I can't believe that two years ago I knew nothing about Clydesdale horses or riding on Dartmoor.

The Collie inspects the water rushing under the clapper bridge.

After the excitement of interviews and appointments, there is a realisation that we still have quite a few months to wait and The Curate's work does not stop here. The Curate is getting on with his day to day job as the season of carol services and celebrations is fast approaching. Of course, I am in retirement but I haven't found much time to think about my previous life! My mind is mentally moving furniture around the rooms of a house I have only seen once. So on Monday we are returning to see the house with the knowledge that it will be our future home. 

The Curate and I were shown it separately on the interview day and we had no time to discuss it together. It was interesting to see what he had noticed compared to what I remembered. I had walked round the house on the interview day unable to, or wanting to, comprehend that this house could be our next home. I gave it all a cursory glance, not wanting to pre-empt the interview decision. Now we have to decide on paint colours, we have to meet the diocese property people to discuss updates and improvements - all to be finished by February - as this is when we are supposed to move in. My plans for 'retirement' activities may need to be put on hold. (There is also the added distraction of Tess the new pup, who was 3 weeks old yesterday!)

Tess - 3 weeks old

The perfect day

Yesterday was Friday - our day off, and we spent it in the happiest of ways - riding The Clydsdales at Adventure Clydesdale in Cornwall. We have ridden out several times from here. Yesterday, we had perfect weather again- although too wet to go onto Bodmin, we rode out in the Cornish countryside and had the benefit of glorious views. Nothing seems more important than living for the moment when you are with these beautiful gentle giants.

The day started with a frosty walk for the dogs on Middlemoor

Then we drove down to Bodmin to meet our mounts.

Tim. owner of Adventure Clydesdale, lead out on Faroe

I rode Tweedie

We stopped to wade up the stream to wash off the horses after a muddy ride. This is The Curate on Ben

Tweedie caught taking a little nap at the end

I wasn't asleep!

Is this a photo shoot?!

What look do you want?

 

I can do pretty, -  or my right side is good  or alert and interested? But don't forget ..............

to show my moustache!