Above: I hiked over to this granite outcropping to enjoy the views of the moors in Dartmoor National Park.
July 9th (Day Eight): DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK
We spent all day in Dartmoor National Park. The weather continued to be fantastic. We didn't get to experience the moodiness that fog and rain bring to this landscape, but I wasn't complaining. We did a quick stop at The Clapper Bridge at Postbridge. As we entered farther into the park, the scenery changed from trees in the valleys, to fern and heather plants, and then more to hills and moors. What was surprising to me is that your feet sunk just a tad as you walked out upon the moors. The rocks you are seeing are granite and we were on the lookout for tors or exposed granite outcroppings. Our tour guide, Mark made the landscape come alive. You started to notice that many of the granite rocks you were seeing weren't just randomly there but were the remains of Prehistoric settlements. We explored some of the ancient stone settlements and then hiked up a hill for a picnic lunch. Although the Dartmoor ponies kept their distance while we were walking around, we had several close-up views as the bus drove through the park. Back at our home base in Chagford we enjoyed an afternoon cream tea.
MUSINGS ABOUT DAY EIGHT
- Small village life: I have lived around cities all my life. Normally when I have traveled to Europe I have explored the major cities like London, Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. This trip showed me that experiencing village life can be just as enjoyable. I found people were happy to talk to us wherever we went. In big cities I keep my "street smarts" about me. But, I found I could really relax in the places we visited in Southern England. It has made me consider taking more trips that include small towns and a slower pace.
AN AFTERNOON IN CHAGFORD
A Sketchable Moment
A double stone row of Prehistoric stone just begged to be painted. This sketch gave me a good chance to play around with perspective again. I also liked the long expanse of land in comparison to the sky. Although I am glad it was sunny, it would be really fun to paint the fog and mist here in watercolors too.
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Solo Travel Tips |
Slowing Down |
Stepping Up |
My tour group really added to my experience and happiness in England. They were funny, well traveled, knowledgeable and interesting. Today I hung out with different people for cream tea and then happy hour. Afterwards a group of us went to dinner together. Even if you decide to travel independently, instead of on a tour, I think that signing up for a small 1-2 hour tour or even a half-day tour a few times on your trip will help you feel connected to others. |
I allowed myself to take a nap this afternoon. I don't typically take them on trips for fear I will miss out on doing something with my limited time. But, I should take more of them. When I lived in Spain, over twenty years ago, the siesta time allowed for this. You wake up with more energy and are less likely to be as tired the next day. |
Walking + Running: 4.6 miles Steps: 11,181 Flights Climbed: 5 floors |