A wet walk on Chocolate box Dartmoor

This is mud ... not chocolate!

We walked near Hexworthy today. There had been an early frost with clear skies but we missed that. By the time we were on the moor, the grey skies had returned and rain was threatening.

Everywhere we look, there are scenes that would be perfect for puzzle boxes...or a chocolate box lid.

The scenery is less bleak here. The thatched cottages are thick walled, ancient and the thatch is dripping with moss. The lichen covered trees lean into the hillside to avoid the winds. The dogs run ahead, sinking into the black, peaty ground. The paths are submerged under water from the recent heavy rains and The Collie runs ahead, then turns back to beckon us on.

The rain return and The Curate quickens his pace - this is wet, cold, winter rain. Time to go home.

A welcome shelter