A series of essays….
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THE CRAGGY HARTLAND HERITAGE COASTLINE OF NORTHERN DEVON |
Courtesy of Pinterest
….as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E Hughes
Travel. Travel is a simple word that is often taken for granted. It’s often ignored, unexplored, and put off for a better time—when there’s extra cash on hand and more time to plan an adventure; being able to explore different possibilities after firmly establishing ourselves in a workplace.
When we snooze, we loose out in so many ways! COVID-19 has left us snoozing but feeling more cautious and aware of the world and the people around us. Fortunately, its ugly head has been pushed further into the background by science and those who choose to believe in the power of modern science by getting vaccinated and making the world a safer place. We’ve been transformed from fear into isolation and are, just recently, discovering a freedom of movement not felt in a very long time.
The travel juices seem to be flowing these days my friends. Like a flash flood following a heavy rainfall, more and more of us are riding the waves and itching from the travel bug by taking advantage of the opportunity to spread our wings and fly. The brilliant photos published on Facebook of smiling faces with parents and their children, ranging from toddlers to young adults, discovering themselves trekking trails in Ireland together, enjoying overdue family reunions in Italy, discovering the romantic charms of Paris, and opening new doors to the mind by visiting countless museums and historical points of interest all over the world!
It’s a good time to be alive! It’s the right time to explore places, reminisce about our youth and past experiences, and speak to others who can enlighten us and share their own stories for us to, perhaps, write about in the future.
Having always had a passion for history, especially social history and how ordinary people lived and saw the world, I feel a great affinity to this time and place, honed from the past. When simple pleasures of life were celebrated and human connection, respect, and empathy flourished. If stone façades and interior walls could talk, the stories they would relate would be nothing short of brilliant. The stones themselves carry the history of the world within them and I will continue to gently touch and caress them hoping to hear and feel their stories coming through my fingertips and the soft skin of my palms. I am always amazed by the ability of inanimate objects to communicate with us in such kind and subtle ways.
The destination for our upcoming trip next month was selected for its calm, undulating green fields, open spaces, stone houses, one-of-a-kind historical background, long stretches of sandy beaches, and the brilliant folks we will eventually get to meet. London isn’t even on the radar. Three days and nights exploring Devon and Cornwall, we’ll follow the expansive coastline and walk trails that meander through the heart of these beautiful counties with their picturesque villages and idyllic countryside. We’ll drive down to Land’s End (most westerly point of mainland England) and discover how much pirate’s blood flows within us at Lizard’s Point and Penzance.
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STONE COTTAGE WE’LL CALL HOME IN OSWESTRY, POWYS |
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OUR VIEW WHILE WE’RE THERE |
Leaving Hartland Heritage Coast of North Devon and its dramatic coastlines, rugged cliffs and breath-taking beaches, we will drive north to Wales to stay in a small, stone cottage within the shadow of Mount Snowden, standing tall at 3,560 feet. We’ll be calling this home for the next five nights. Open a door out from this sweet, two-bedroom cottage and we’re on the path of several countryside walks with mountains in the distance. Dan has his research of Arthurian Legend to peruse while in this area of Wales, as well as mapping our drive up
into the Lake District north of Wales where we’ll stop by BirdOswald Roman Fort and the Hadrian’s Wall & Museum in Gilsland.
Keeping a slower pace will require bringing a bottle or two of ‘good red’ home along with steaks to grill at the small side patio while observing the rolling green hills that surround us. Perhaps a good bottle of champagne will be in order to help celebrate this special anniversary trip!
Saying good-bye to Wales, we’ll drive east into the Yorkshire Dales and then head south into the Cotswolds for a two night stay in Buford, our home base for driving, walking, shopping and soaking in the beauty of the rich honey colored stone that comprise most of the homes, churches, and shops there. I can imagine walking over low bridges that cross the canals in this area and sampling regional fare from farmer’s markets and local eateries.
Flying out in the late afternoon for home from Heathrow Airport will give us time to visit Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, famous the world over for its University and place in history. We hope to familiarize ourselves with as much of this 9th century home to royalty and scholars as possible, taking many pictures in a vain attempt to capture its very soul. So little time…
Rereading my story makes it sound as though everything we will experience will be preplanned or scheduled. Not so! Because we choose to self-drive, it usually means that a certain amount of structure is necessary. Dan and I always make sure that, at least, seventy percent of our excursions are based on what comes naturally along with many surprises to fill in the gaps.
Along the way, the photos taken will pacify our desire to remember our time in England and Wales for many years. They will be used as writing prompts and eye candy by me for the future essays generated from our time there. And, I can only imagine that while we sit under the stars at night and reminisce about the day’s adventures, we both will be planning yet another trip in our heads to be shared with one another at a later date; another time.
Travel. It is the most unique opportunity we have to keep places close to our hearts and fold in ideas to fuel topics for future conversations. I am so looking forward to writing my stories while documenting and reliving this delightful adventure for years to come!
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