We left home yesterday and after a few ‘go pee’ breaks for the dogs and us on M5, we reach this beautiful cottage called Puddleduck Valley near Holsworthy in Devon. It is so beautiful and green even in this rubbish weather. Phil and Melanie the owners own the whole valley and advised us to go for a walk into the woods. After a good look around, we decide on this walk. We pass the valley to enter the National Trust woodlands. There are numerous birds chirping, so many sounds but I get to see just the common ones I know- robins, blue tits, blackbirds and sparrows. I am sure there are owls and other varieties, if you have the patience you will see them. The old Dunsland house existed once in the woodland but was burned down in the 60s under mysterious circumstances after a huge party. No one has found the cause as yet. Something like the Season 3 of YOU. The woodlands are lovely and so expansive that you can go on and on! There is a car park somewhere near by if you are not staying close enough.
This morning we see King Charles being crowned and the whole nation is celebrating. We just catch this on the tele and decide to go to the closest pub, Bickford Arms for lunch. Never had anyone on the other end sound so excited when we called for a table. He said, people are all away doing something somewhere , so please come. Booking for 2 people, 2 dogs at 2 o’clock was that easy! My husband decides to go there so he can charge his electric car ( I understand this only later)! Travelling in a fancy electric car is very stressful, most of these points here seem to be faulty. Just letting you know. We have a slow lunch and the car has his share of food too! The veggie lunch was delicious with beer and cider! Hugely recommend.
The best part about this pub : 1)It was empty 2) Gizmo could be loose and he had a good roam around like he owned the pub with people pampering him 3) The owner has 7 emus! Who would have 7 pet emus? They were so beautiful with those massive eyes and reddish mouth and so much sas! They seemed so friendly( I think), because they stretched out their necks to greet us. My dogs couldn’t figure out what they were, so left them alone. I don’t blame them. They look intimidating with 3 hairs standing up on top their heads and those sharp open beaks. I called two of them Edward and Edwina, after the characters in book Kate Rose so kindly sent after she returned to Aussie land. I have read ‘Edward the Emu’ a million times in my class, so I had to name one of them Edward! The sequel is about Edwina, so obviously the other was Edwina. The crazy but wonderful illustrations of Edward were true to life. These emus do look crazy! Forget selfies or doggie pics. I was obsessed and probably clicked 50 of the emus!
We then stop at Holsworthy and nice cute pretty village with some nice shops on the high street. Sadly they were all shut. Maybe tomorrow and then we will head to Bude.
I am still wondering why people have so many stuffed statues/ funny stuffed people around on the streets or hanging from the streets. My Lumi barked at a witch.
Wonder what the story is? I will have to find out.
