Five go to Demons Rocks

We awoke the first full day of our holiday to the sun streaming through the curtains, the sounds of birdsong, and a wet hairy tongue. To be fair, Misty had slept well with only a bit of mooching and scratching. She leapt downstairs with Ian to be fed, then stood at the bottom of the stairs barking when Ian had brought the coffee back up. Meaning he had to carry her back up again. We chilled for a bit before I braved the shower. We had found the water to be hot, but with very little pressure, in the other taps, but the shower was OK. I then braved the Aga to make bacon and eggs. If you recall we had one when we first moved in many years ago, and I haven’t lost it. Soon after the little ones arose, followed by Colette and Roland. The kitchen isn’t really big enough for eight! After breakfast we had a very nice sit in the garden watching the birds and butterflies.

Just chillin

The little ones at breakfast

Alex finds a new friend

Due to poor old Kathy having to work all week, I let her choose where we would go today. Much to my annoyance and everyone else’s delight, she settled on the wonderful sounding Valley of the Rocks, where the horrific sounding Feral Goats roam free. After much pfaffing and many showers, we were ready. ‘What are we doing for lunch?’ asked Chris. (Heather look away now). ‘Dunno’ I replied. Cue full on panic. People flew though the pantry scoffing whatever they could find. ‘Hold my half eaten cold burger while I get my shoes on’ asked Chris as we were going through the door. We decided to follow Colette and Roland so they pulled out. But wait, Kathy decided she needed the loo, again, so rushed back inside. Five minutes later we were off. And let me tell you, Roland takes no prisoners when driving. Ian had to drive like a demon just to keep up, which he loved and we hated. I must say, the views, through half closed eyes with a clenched jaw, were spectacular from the road. Just coming out of Porlock up a massive hill we caught a break. A horse box being followed by a learner driver slowed us right down. But on the very top of Exmoor they both pulled off. Time to cling on again. We soon (very soon!) arrived in The Valley of the Rocks, and after more pfaffing we were ready for the walk. Just as a band of rain swept in. Didn’t stop us from enjoying it though.

It really is a lovely place, with sweeping sea views. Unfortunately we couldn’t see much through the rain. We had just turned the last corner, when, like Caradhras turning back the fellowship of the ring, the rain stopped and the sun came out. We walked on a little further hoping to get to a beach to give Misty a swim when we spotted them. Glaring with malevolence. The Feral Goats. ‘Oh aren’t they cute’ cried Colette. She has obvious never been butted or had to rescue her daughter from a field of them wanting blood. ‘No’ I replied. Nevertheless they all wanted photos. I had my sticks though, and felt I could take one if necessary. 

They are really well camouflaged. This guy is actually on the top picture

A ‘cute’ one

Headed back to the car we found a sign for Mother Mashams cave, which caused the majority of our party to go crashing through the undergrowth a la Jurassic Park. I stayed to be the official cave photographer.

Can you see the six people on this Photo?

There was no cave though, so they came back. A little further up the road we found something better. Mother Mashams tea room. Bemasked,  Ian and  Colette brought us coffee, ice creams, and cake with clotted cream (Ian) and we sat outside in the sun.

By this time our parking ticket had expired and us Walters were getting twitchy, so we rushed back, via the Valley of the Rocks toilet. Colette, Roland, Alex and Misty wanted a swim so we followed on behind again ( 😱) to Blue Anchor beach. I believe we passed some Exmoor ponies on the way but I had my eyes closed. Blue Anchor beach is muddy and the tide was out. Cleethorpes out. We still had a walk on it but the swimmers (even Misty) decided against it. 

Colette and Roland came back to the Chapel to use the facilities then set off home. We had all really enjoyed their little visit. We ordered Pizza from Vladi’s in Minehead. The reviews were really good, they even delivered to someone who didn’t have any access! Vladi was way quicker than he said he would be, and the pizza was really good. There was also loads left for snacks etc. After we had eaten we followed the lengthy instructions to set up the snooker table and played some Doubles pool. ‘HOLD IT FURTHER BACK! NO, NO DON’T GO FOR THAT ONE! OH MY GOD WOMAN!’ Were a few of Ian’s encouragements during our heavy defeats to both other pairs. It turns out Alex is a ringer having played professionally at university.

Professional coaching

Kathy makes a shot

Worryingly Alex got a text from Colette and Roland to say they had had a bit of a problem. It transpires that they had a puncture on the M5. They had to stand by the side of the road for an hour waiting for the AA. Unfortunately for them it wasn’t the fabulous Jason, but they did get home safe.

Soon after we retired to bed leaving Misty in the kitchen. Soon after Misty came up to bed with us

Time to bring back an old friend, and introduce a new one

TOILET WATCH

Most of the party visited a little toilet block at Valley of the Rocks. Men’s toilet was really smelly with a wet floor and two resident giant spiders. Possible bees nest in light. 3/10.  Ladies Cleaner than expected, no soap, floor was muddy and went when we went later in the day. Hand dryers were useless. 5 or 6 out of 10. Average 4/10

STAR WATCH

No word from Virtual Astro, cloudy skies, so I want to bed.