Life of Riley

We had an exhilirating circular walk today from Bolberry Down to North Sands, Salcombe in the South Hams area of Devon, and then back to Bolberry inland. The scenery was magnificent, and the weather kind, with sun and breeze most of the day. This rugged coast is a ship's graveyard, the most notable wreck being the Herzogin Cecilie, a four masted barque and the last of the tea clippers who came to her final resting place in Stairhole Bay in January 1936.

There is a folk song about her and this is the chorus

Words and Music Ken Stephens
(Recorded by Lewis, Pint & Dale on Making Waves)

Sailing down the Baltic, where the wreck mark buoys peal
She's the mighty sailing ship, the Herzogin Cecile!
Cruising down the Channel where the steamers never yield,
She's the mighty sailing ship, the Herzogin Cecile!
Beating through the Biscay where the crew, they get no meals -
She's the mighty sailing ship, the Herzogin Cecile!

Ironically at South Sands the lifeboat station donated by Richard Durant in 1860 is now a café. Had the first swim of the year at North Sands- invigoratingly cold.. After the walk we had tea at the Sunbay Hotel, Hope Cove. Stunning location. Another day living the life of riley