Day 50. Can you see the sea yet?

North Morton to Barnstaple. 19.97 miles, 1,831ft of elevation, 45,697 steps

I woke to sunshine and a lovely breakfast shared with Dave who was down for a funeral and wake. Before leaving. I used the last of my Nik Wax on my shoes although to be honest they are no longer waterproof as they have been force dried too many times on the radiator.

I also saw this in the pub garden which I thought was interesting, although no ideas what it is. Answers on a postcard as I am not sure if this is a smoker or a fancy bbq.

As we walked out of North Morton we were quickly in to pheasant country again and the cavalcade of vehicles that accompanies a shoot. We eventually got down to what is clearly the beaters shelter and saw the graffiti written by each shoot over the last two years. Today’s team seemed fairly short in number but good to see a couple of regulars on the list not least the two Michaud’s. Husband and wife perhaps?

Today was just a lot of fun. We were relaxed for time and so took it easy. Schooner really was in pheasant heaven and the weather was good. Stops for coffee and a couple of phone calls added to a lovely day.

We went past some long forgotten towns like East and West Buckland (although the school seems to be thriving), a beautiful, imposing church at Landkey- although not much else there, and I had a chat with a really engaging vicar in his little Suzuki Jeep 4×4.

My first view of the sea was a long range sighting of Woolacombe over a gate. Soo many memories of family holidays but sadly not a stopping off point on the walk. Eventually we arrived into Barnstaple – no sign of the sea yet but we knew we were close due to the ice cream vans and seagulls

Schooner and I took a detour into town to get a haircut before seeking out our accommodation.

So tonight My brother David, and Paula from the office, have come down to join the next leg. We were all booked in to Barum House for the night. I had wanted them both of the potential quality of establishment as the price suggested something basic. Unfortunately I don’t think this photo does it justice – this car is a burnt out wreck, right outside the terraced house in which we are staying.. (I shall have to take another photo in the morning). To give you an idea, imaging staying overnight at your mates house. Your mate who is still a student……. well that’s where we are tonight.

And here is the bed that David and I are sharing (the master suite…..). I think we may have an early start tomorrow.