Saturday

Today I felt the need for some mindfulness in the form of endurance test. Nothing like when I was preparing for a major sporting performance but for my own mindfulness, health and wellbeing.
A good breakfast and hydration enabled me to get going with an hour on “The Farm”, including tidying another section of the stream and checking for more fallen trees and branches in the woods.
ParkRun in the company of 139 other participants felt good with some faster efforts to lift my heart rate and push my circulation to the furthest points. A lap to cool down and help return signage to the store room was followed by a quick wash and brush up before walking around the delightful coast path to Appledore. Warming sunshine and heavenly fine rain provided several rainbows.
We had some heartwarming moments with kind people who were on similar journeys, some with dogs some solo.
The market Street kitchen came to our rescue regarding nourishment and rehydration. Sweet potato coconut and chilli soup and crusty bread with sausages on the side for my assistance dog:)
A young family of seven adopted Dippy and asked we would show them the way to the lifeboat station.
During the stroll Dippy met mostly friends whilst the eldest lad took the leash. Some rock-pooling entertained everyone in timeless fashion. Including Dippy who seemed to enjoy capturing bubbles as the tide crept across the rocks.
The gentle stroll back to the village ended with a chocolate shop visit and a gift of psychedelic sweets from the family for my “ tour guide” adventure:))
We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. A quick visit to my favourite antique shop brought more success.. watch this space.
An uneventful return to Bideford other than meeting more friendly people-and their similarly friendly pooches.
Home via a petrol station to fill up the tank for a possible trip away very very soon.
Smoked haddock with poached eggs and buttered sourdough followed by Christmas cake and the remnants of clotted cream satisfied my appetite whilst Dippy dreamed about his earlier adventures.
Zzzzzzz