Sunday 13 September 2009

So Long Summer

Or maybe not. Camping this weekend was magnificent. The weather was impeccable, sunny days and cool crisp starry nights. Really, it could not have been more perfect.



Just look at that sky!



Some highlights

A trip to Totnes - there was a flea market, where I found a great winter skirt. A mustard pencil skirt no less (photograph to follow). Some books including an Errol Le Cain! And some tap shoes and checkered plimsolls for Iris (although, i really do wish they were my size, I mean, look at them!).



A look around the church (Iris is crazy for churches and castles these days) where we saw a sneak preview of the enormous Angel, Mary, for the annual Lantern Parade. I spied signs of Autumn tucked into corners everywhere, and some opportunist graffiti.





A picnic lunch in the grounds of Totnes Castle.
We enjoyed the men all dressed fetchingly in World War Two Home Guard uniforms (they were having a History Day). I thought this chap looked very dashing - that moustache! Oh my!







Lots of things for sale by the side of the road.

From zinnias to...



Tractors! Obviously Iris was quite keen on this. (We didn't buy it).



A magical Lantern Procession through the tiny winding streets of Totnes starting as gloaming fell. We were super-keen to see the Angel after the little glimpse that morning. Iris was so excited!







Sitting underneath a sky laden with stars, in front of a campfire with an amusing companion and a bottle of red wine.

Paddling in the river. Floating fairy boats and see who could make the biggest splash.

Pancakes for breakfast every morning with homemade plum jam and butter.

Another picnic, this time with the wild ponies of Dartmoor, standing really rather close by, amazing and slightly unnerving.





A peaceful walk around a beautiful reservoir, Iris walked/trotted/skipped/jumped and ran the whole way round. That in itself made me very happy.





Look at the dam! So beautiful.



So, Summer, if this really is it, what a way to go out. It was with heavy hearts that we packed away the bell tent, but memories of this weekend, might just keep me going until April 2010. Just.

20 comments:

Kickcan & Conkers said...

What a beautiful post nath, really enjoyed reading this. thanksx

Poppy said...

What a beautiful trip, thanks so much for sharing.

Jane O Sullivan said...

lovely lovely....happy days.......... , we too have had a blast of sun and it makes the humble seem so epic ! ...by which I mean sitting at the back door drinking tea , it makes me so happy .
You sure had a fab time , the ponies were very cheeky !

Stéphanie said...

Lovely pictures !

Flora said...

it was a magical weekend wasn't it? We snuck in one last camp too...like you say, hopefully that should keep us going until next year!

littlebyrd said...

It sounds just perfect. I can't believe you didn't by Iris the tractor - lol :) Oliver would have wanted that too.
Love the picture with your man and the horse!

lauren said...

i am also last-hurrahing summer this weekend by camping... the cool mornings and warm afternoons are camp perfect!

Meaghan Kelly said...

aww wow all of this is so picturesque. staring up at star laden skies? thats amazing!

Top Bird @ Wee Birdy said...

How amazing. I love the apples in the church, and the lantern procession looks amazing. xx

Anonymous said...

Amazing, reads like a dream. Love your dam pic.
Adele

rachel said...

Those shoes are adorable!

Unknown said...

perfection. i can sure use such mercies until i depart from earth. thanks for sharing.

Naomi Devlin said...

Looks like summer is a going today though no? I got your comment and would love to meet up, but next week, completely full this week and weekend.

There is a walk happening at Monkton next sunday 27th, thought I might go and revisit a few memories maybe?

Planning to have a night out next week too, so maybe a little knees up?

x x x

Amanda Nicole said...

So much gorgeousness! Love the lil plaid shoes.

Laura said...

Did it really happen Nath? Those last few golden days of Summer? I have been thinking of your wonderful photo's all day, especially the ones of the lantern walk. How completely magical.

Fabiola "Fab" said...

Summer is my favorite season! so sad to see it go! but fall is not too bad but it doesn't last long.

Thanks for sharing a beautiful summer photos with us! :)

Natalie Ryan said...

Gorgeous photos and a lovely little story!

Conversation Pieces said...

Lucky Iris... those pumps are so cute! Great pics... I want to go out wandering in some sunshine now though!

stephanie dosen said...

*lovely trip!*
summer happens to leave us
waaaaayy toooo quickly on
this little island ♥
xoxo

gracia said...

Here's to fine moustaches and starry nights...