After a restfull weekend in the Cotswolds we took off to the south west. Our first stop was Exmoor in Devon. The heather up on the moor and the distant views across the patchwork fields to the ocean just can't be described in words.

We enjoyed exploring the coast and had our first Devon "beach" experience at a little village called Porlock Weir. People actually sunbake on these cobbles.

On to Lynmouth where we spent the night. It was low tide in the afternoon giving the usual surreal harbour view never seen in Australia, but commonplace in Britian.

We made a quick overnight stop at the tiny Cornish fishing village of Mevagissy staying at a small hotel right on the dock. Watching the fishermen going about their business and the swans cruising about the small port was neat.

We moved on to Marazion in west Cornwall and stayed in a lovely little B&B for a couple of nights directly opposite St. Michaels Mount. The changing light on the mount and the castle on top was fascinating, and we could see it all out our window. At low tide you can walk out to the mount and visit the castle on top which is exactly what we did. Fantastic!

Cornwall buildings tend to be painted white unlike other parts of England where the stonework is left bare. When combined with a thatched roof like this seaside home in St.Mawes the look is classic.

Just to prove that England does have some decent sand beaches we went to St. Ives, along with several hundred thousand close friends. This is the harbour but it also has a respectable surf beach. Fun to be had by all, and a great place to have lunch in a beach-side cafe watching it all happen.

What visit to Britan would be complete without seeing Stonehenge. It really is mystic and interesting, and we were both fascinated.

Another wonderful pub lunch at Winchcombe in the Cotswolds with good friends and another opportunity to sample a pint of English ale. This is what England is about.