What a magnificent day! I needed to go for a drive to clear the cobwebs out of my head and managed to find and explore some fascinating places! I needed to be home by around 3:30pm or just a little after to take care of a bunch of work and I then had back to back calls with clients until 10:00pm, but the morning was mine to explore to my heart’s content…
After sleeping in, having a leisurely breakfast and start to the day then leaving home around 10:30am, my first stop was The Finch Foundry, a 19th century water-powered forge and the last of its kind in England.
Andy, the blacksmith, gave us a wonderful demonstration of what is an almost forgotten art…
…and then it was time to fire up the big guns…
Next discovery on my travels – Okehampton Castle.
Built between 1068 and 1086, the castle was still in use until the early 17th century, but soon afterward, fell into decay and ruin…
Meandering along lovely Devon roads, I happened upon the self-proclaimed “most unusual pub in England” – and a well-deserved description!
Originally built as an inn in 1282 (yes, that is 1 2 8 2), the Highwayman Inn is now a supposedly haunted eclectic treasure-trove.
Yes, that is a replica of King Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus…
These pots are actually embedded in the wall…
Time for a good old-fashioned pub meal for lunch…
…and a one-penny slot machine!
This little fellow lives on the roof…
Hmmmm – “weak bridge” does not instill one with confidence!
…and now we enter the Saxon village…
…and Lyford Castle – originally a prison, it was built in 1195 and is apparently the earliest example of a purpose-built gaol in England.
Time to pop the top off Prince (my beloved convertible), pump up the volume once we were past the township, and head for home…
Oh, and this is the “weak bridge” – looks strong enough to me!
Back home on the English Riveria – home sweet home – one of only seven UNESCO Global Geoparks in all of the United Kingdom!
…and upon my arrival, I see the postman has delivered my acceptance as a member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club Fellowship!
…and still home in time to complete all my work and client calls…
Am a very happy, happy, happy Princess Pixie!
~ Bella
