Time to head north today and drive through the wilds of Dartmoor. Such a different landscape to the south of the A38. Dartmoor ponies and their young were everywhere, frequently stopping us in our tracks. Painterly skies made the day even more special.
We spent a good part of the day at Buckland Abbey. Home to Sir Francis Drake. My memories of this gallant hero come from a ladybird book from many decades ago. Not sure how much was true although I remember well the part where he had to finish a game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe before he set off to defeat the Spanish Armada. I dare say the tide was against him. But it always made him sound like a swashbuckling hero.
The former abbey has been totally transformed in the Elizabethan period and we were able to venture around a few of the rooms. Some are still unavailable as they are not covid safe as far as a one way system would work. The highlight was a Rembrandt painting. The volunteer suggested that it was worth in the region of 3 million pounds. It looked so unassuming hanging on the wall.
I loved the kitchen too. From the terracotta walls to all the paraphernalia set out. Definitely my favourite room.
After lunch we headed out on one of their many colour coded walks through the grounds. My highlight of the day was to spot a Silver Washed Fritillary butterfly. Definitely a first for me. You will have to wait till we return home for a post about the flora and fauna of the region. All my photos at the moment are from my phone. So you will have the added excitement of a fritillary in a week or so.
Tomorrow beckons with the thought of a train journey. You have to wait for the next instalment to see where to!
Barbara xxx
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