West on the A30

Early next morning we were on the road to East Lambrook Garden, a place I'd wanted to visit for years. It seemed to me to be the perfect cottage garden. I have several cottage garden books and Margery Fish's garden always figures prominently in them. Alas, the unusual heat had taken its toll on the plants and it all looked a bit faded, but we enjoyed our visit none the less.

On the way back to the car park, we had one of those I'm a tacky tourist moments. An elderly gentleman was being escorted into the garden by a young woman. He was dressed in his Sunday best; black suit with waist coat, starched white shirt and tie. He must have been sweltering, but he knew that proper attire was required for a garden visit. I was almost embarrassed to be so lightly dressed.

After our visit we hopped in our trusty Yaris and headed west on the A30 rolling along past Ilminster, Honiton, Exeter, Launceston, and Bodmin. There we turned off the motorway and things got interesting.



The road became smaller.......

and smaller.

Like one lane small. And edged with granite banks. But every so often there would be a little lay-by where you'd scoot over to let someone pass. Of course the locals knew where all the lay-bys were and sometimes would force their hand so to speak, but they were always right and being forced to back up to the closest turnout became second nature to the Lord of the Manor after a bit. I must say the lorries were dreadfully close at times, but the little Yaris was returned with no damage. Well, not exactly no damage, but almost invisible damage. Ok, you could see it, but it was really small!

And the villages became more quaint. And we got hungry.....

So we stopped here at the St. Mabyn Inn...

and had the Sunday roast. Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, huge amounts of fresh veg, and local ale to wash it all down. What could be better?

After lunch we waddled around the village then we drove out to Port Isaac for a little look see before heading to the cousin's home in St. Kew.

The coast along this part of England reminded us of Northern California's rugged coast so we felt quite at home.

And then right on shedyul we arrived at this cosy cottage for tea and began the most pleasant three days of our trip. Do come back and join us for tea, won't you?