Wednesday

5 dogs charging around a stubble field chasing a rather large pinecone was how I started my day.
They all needed towelling off before getting into their perspective vehicles for their days adventures.
I met L and Logan at Rosemoor before heading to the Madewell centre for a much needed beverage (and a shared buttery, syrupy flapjack) and then on to Belstone on the edge of Dartmoor for a soggy undulating tramp. Driving rain and a strong southerly breeze made the experience damp but invigorating and unique as every day is of course. We dropped down into the sheltered valley absorbing the sounds and fragrances of the surroundings, the robins, woodpeckers and wrens plus a Family of Long tail tits were the main feathered characters, the clear waters of the brook dashing over the rocks was soul soothing together with various tones of green and yellow as the summer growth up here was starting to fade and prepare for autumn and it’s time for reparation.
Dippy was beside himself and just wouldn’t stop barking, hackles up head down when we came across these gorgeous bovine beauties (photo c/o L), his first time seeing these huge beasts.
A brief lapse of concentration before putting the dogs back on their leashes was not good as a small flock of sheep started to run and both Dippy and Logan joined in the “race”!
Logan twice as fast as his black and white puppy friend was soon amongst them and was briefly out of sight before charging back to us, Dippy the endurance athlete in training took a little longer to get back.
Safely back in the car we all participated in a prepared picnic with steamed up windows and the wipers on. A saunter back via some B and C roads brought us to a delightful flower shop and cafe in Winkleigh where we both experienced a babychino and purchased some houseplants and me a birthday card for a good friend.
A lovely hour with my friend and that included piece of chocolate birthday cake, a berry fruit tea and observing Dippy destroy a carrot designed for cat play!
Back to base to enjoy Roasted vegetable couscous with wild mushrooms picked from Dartmoor earlier and a piece of fried topside., Oh, and a dollop of double cream.:)
Alice produced a delicious slice of coffee and walnut cake whilst Dippy and Luna is the usual chaos in the foreground.. Thank you, Alice..
Zzzzzzz