We actually had plenty of time to get to the National Trust’s Greenway Estates but it is the other side of the Dart so we thought we would allow someone extra time for a wee drive around. That wasn’t hugely successful but we did arrive in plenty of time for our 2pm appointment - they kindly let us in 10 mins early.
No rain today. Pretty chilly though but enough sun nearly to convince you that it was the summer. The house at Greenaway used to belong to Agatha Christie but, unfortunately due to COVID was shut. The gardens were only partial open as well but it didn’t stop us having a very pleasant couple of hours poking around. As enjoyable as it was there wasn’t a lot of colour in the garden (time of year?) and we were a bit surprised that the sheer amount of trees / shrubs got in the way of the fantastic views over the Dart.
As with all NT visits you really must go to the cafe on the way out for a nice cuppa. COVID has had its way with that as well - no longer a proper teapot with nice tea cups but now cardboard cups with a tea bag - we had coffee! We did however share our food with a wee robin who was feeling particularly bold and wasn’t as worried about socially distancing as most. The first of 2 ornithological experience today - and a nicer one than the 2nd!
We decided to go to Kingswear (other side of the Dart to Dartmouth) and get the foot ferry across. We parked the other side of a huge marina and walked through all the very impressive boats to get to the ferry.
We were very decadent when we got to the other side and the bright lights of Dartmouth - we got ourselves a drink from Bar 1620 (a lovely wee bar on the quay) and drank it watching the boats and all their comings and going’s.
Amongst the highlights of our viewing was a seagull getting stuck in some crabbing net string (it released itself eventually) and a couple on a very big yacht getting themselves (and the yacht ready) for a night in Dartmouth. Kim was convinced they were Swedish but after a bit of impressive googling (on her part) it turned out they were Dutch. As I’m writing this I’m thinking that this all sounds a little creepy and voyeuristic - so I’ll stop!
And stop we did when a seagull did an almighty s*** on Kim’s back. It was more like a flying Labrador’s poo than a bird’s to be honest. The woman on the seat next to us was in total amazement as to the sheer quantity - it took Kim a bit by surprise too. Luckily it missed her gin glass!
Thank goodness for wet wipes and a spare mac packed in case the rain returned. We scuttled back over the ferry and set off for Brixham to get a bite to eat - Kim now in my sweatshirt.
Brixham is nice enough but you can clearly tell the difference to the likes of Dartmouth, Salcombe etc. Let’s say it’s more English seaside than boaters paradise or even hippy hangout like Totnes. It was a little scruffy to walk around but had a very impressive harbour with more boats to watch - this time more working ones than those for pleasure! It also has a full size replica of the Golden Hind which was pretty cool.
We grabbed a Chinese takeaway at the Lucky Boat and, due to the genuine fear of more seagull attacks, we went back to the car to eat it looking out across the harbour. It was no Long Buckby Dynasty (nowhere is!) but it was more than acceptable. By this time it was 8pm and we remembered Ben and Beths weekly Zoom quiz. We swithered about joining it but in the end we decided to. So we spent 90 mins in the car park watching the tide turn, the boats dissolve into the darkness, the lights of Paignton twinkling across the bay and us coming 2nd (again!!) in the quiz.
Late back to Brunnehilda tonight and no Wire to watch. So we just stocked up our bladders with tea to give us the prerequisite number of ups and downs in the night and off to bed. Moving day tomorrow.
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