Ben Howard....

I think I like you.

This song gets me every time.  Love it.

Ben grew up in Devon, in the southwest of England, where we just happened to visit in April when our friend Emily Duffey was here.  (What a gift it was to have her with us for 5 weeks!)  We rented a car (unconvinced that ours would make it to and back from Devon alive) and headed off on our 4 hour journey without a plan.  Our one goal was to see the sea and feel sand on our toes before the sun set.  We made it just in time.  After some time on the beach in Woolacombe, we set out to find a place to sleep.  Not long after, we found a great B&B with the nicest owners who helped us find food since most of the sleepy town had shut down by then. Next morning they fixed us a full English breakfast in their American diner then gave wetsuits to the boys, who were determined to bodyboard even though it was cold enough to wear coats and hats.  Once they had their fill of sand and water, we took the coastal road through the edge of Exmoor Park to the Valley of Rocks.  The (two way) road was so narrow at points that we had to pull the side view mirrors in to avoid scraping rock and trees.  If you meet someone coming the other way, one of you backs up until you can let the other car pass.  The terrain can go from heavily wooded regions to craggy hills and dramatic coastal scenes at the turn of a bend.  Along the way, wild Exmoor ponies and wild goats can be seen.  But the adorable lambs held our attention most.

The beauty of this place is indescribable.  Driving through the beautiful quilted countryside with the Bristol Channel  at a sharp drop below is forever etched in my mind.

It makes you want to sing.... just to bless the morning.

(haven't even left the driveway yet....)

24 hours in Devon.... 

Love this man.....

Woolacombe...

On our way to the Valley of Rocks....

The Valley of Rocks....

Emily's rendition of Lenny Pepperbottom.... 

A perfect ending to our perfect day.... cream tea on the coast.