Drawing Devon to a Close

I was definitely pretty distracted. Toward the end of my time in Devon, most of my thought was consumed by what the future held. Making sure I had the correct documents submitted, I had everything I needed for a move to China and just generally considering what the hell kinda decision I’d made took up large tracts of the time I had available before I left. Despite this, knowing I was leaving and that time was limited gave me a greater push to see more of Devon before I left. On the possibility that I might not return for a long time, how much could I fit in my last couple of months?

The answer is quite a lot. Or at least, between November and February, I suspect I went to more interesting and random places than I did in the twelve months before that. I suppose that’s not saying too much, but you’ve got to take these achievements where you see them, right? From surprise races across the Devon countryside, to New Year trips to the beach, small village celebrations and finally, finally getting to Exmoor (it only took 18 months to make those 20 miles!), I feel I managed to get quite a bit done in what can often become just a grim few winter months.

Crucially, I took plenty of photos of all these places, too. That’s right, this post is one of those. The ultimate lazy post (that still manages to take up loads of time), made up mostly of pictures, drawing Devon to a close. So with little further ado, and barely any more writing, here are some of the tales of my last few months in Devon, told in photo form. No-one reads the stories anyway, right?

A Village Celebration

 

Drawing Devon to a Close

You know you’re in the country when the Carnival Queen is paraded with a tractor.

Drawing Devon to a Close

Ah, the parade. In the background you can see Stormtroopers. Nothing says traditional like Stormtroopers.

Drawing Devon to a Close

These fireworks are only slightly hidden by a pesky tree.

Christmas in Devon

 

Drawing Devon to a Close

Beautiful sunrise over the Taw river.

Drawing Devon to a Close

A cat with a Christmas bib.

Drawing Devon to a Close

“This advent calendar is mine!”

Drawing Devon to a Close

The sunset view from my window.

New Year at Westward Ho!

 

Drawing Devon to a Close

Westward Ho! The only town in the country where you’re legally required to shout the name.

Drawing Devon to a Close

Mmm…the water sure looks warm…

Tarr Steps

 

Drawing Devon to a Close

Finally on Exmoor!

Drawing Devon to a Close

An Exmoor Pony posing for the camera.

Drawing Devon to a Close

An unusual burst of sun.

Drawing Devon to a Close

Looking over the Tarr Steps, a traditional clapper bridge. Apparently, these massive slabs of stone were placed by the Devil so he could sunbathe. He might have picked the wrong country…

Lynmouth

 

Drawing Devon to a Close

Moor views on the way to Lynmouth.

Drawing Devon to a Close

Lynmouth town appears from nowhere at the bottom of a tight, twisting valley.

Drawing Devon to a Close

Sun shines over the hotel on a hill.

Drawing Devon to a Close

Out in the bay. Seems the sea is out.

For Good Measure

 

Drawing Devon to a Close

Ok, one last sunset for good measure. I couldn’t resist.

About Doug

Here you will find the (hopefully) up to date adventures of the incredibly handsome pioneering explorer, Doug. As modest as he is wise, as awesome as he is brave, Doug will endeavor to recite the tales of his travels with utmost accuracy. No embellishment whatsoever.

2 Comments

  1. Hi Doug,
    Thank you for keeping me up-to-date with your postings from China. Glad to hear that you have settled into your new surroundings and enjoying your career. At the moment I am very busy with my own work, and life is much the same here in Dolton.
    Shane

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