WW 30th May 2012

A lovely summer evening and six of us set out from Shapley Tor car park to follow the Mariners Way. This path goes from Dartmouth to Bideford. Through the Devon meadows and past a field of rabbits playing in the evening sun to the remote hamlets of Lower Hockner and Hethercombe before going up the steeper bit to King Tor. Across to Hookney Tor where we took our break. From here you can see the Warren House Inn and so we stepped up a gear to 'pub speed' to get back to the cars.

WW 23rd May 2012

The hottest day of the year so far so it was surprising just how cold it was on the moor - with extra layers being applied. We set off towards Cox Tor but didn't go to the top instead we weaved across towards the gap between Great Staple and Middle Staple Tor. Great Mis Tor was hidden in cloud but King Tor wasn't. We walked down to the Sett Makers' Bankers and Mike demonstrated how the men would work - kneeling at the 'banker' to produce the setts (granite cobbles). Using a hammer and chisel the setts would be cut to size. A single worker might produce 40 a day. The setts were taken to Tavistock railway station by cart. This work was done between 1870 and 1880 when there was much demand in the larger towns of the the southwest for kerbstones and small blocks of granite for paving town streets. Just a short walk from here to the disused quarry at Merrivale which closed in 1997. On the side of the quarry is an old Perigrines nest. From here we walked towards the forbidden territory of Vixen Tor where the landowner has banned public access. It is amazing what you can do with a telephoto lens these days especially if you can get in really close! Finally around Pew Tor before returning to the cars. Drinks were in the Whitchurch Inn. Some people have no consideration for others - they actually ordered hot chocolate after the bar lady had cleaned the machine - but in the event she was most helpful.

WW 16th May 2012

A goodly crowd stepped out precisely on time from Hound Tor car park on a crystal clear evening. Glimpses of them had been caught on the way and we were hopeful of a good show. Out across the point-to point course and down. They were there slightly hidden in the old bracken and briar but still all there. Up and over to Saddle Tor where our chief demonstrated his canine proclivities. To Smallacombe to watch and hear the busy cuckoos. Down and up the route of extreme cyclists. On and back to the Rugglestone. Of course he was there in his sweater and may even have had a small drink.

WW 9th May 2012

Well they did forecast a bit of rain, and it has been raining, and it was raining, so we went out in the rain. From Meavy, along the lane and up through the mud to Bluebell Woods with lots of bluebells. On along the even muddier track to Sheepstor where we were so kindly invited to to the tradesman's entrance to stand in the rain to watch it raining. Onto another testing ground to check that our senior members' members were functioning properly. To watch the water pour over the dam and down in the mud and the rain to the pub. Which was jolly quiet so we had a few pints before heading home in the rain.

WW 2nd May 2012

Gently does it.
Gentle evening weather with gentle company.
Up gently and along gently and down gently.
Just the job for a gentle return.
Gently mystical, too -
For, we left the car park with only our cars in it.
But, something must have sprinkled magic dust.
For, on returning, a khaki camo encampment had sprouted.
Seventy-two navigators with tents and vans and buses and dogs.
I like Wednesday nights! Good to be back.
 

And behold  a great multitude assembled below the slopes of Mount Leedon Tor to welcome the return of the old master. His followers were legion. A great army bearing large sacks pitched tents, lit camp fires, parked their wagon trains and unloaded bushel upon bushel of provisions. So great was the throng that it grew fearful in the twilight. The prophet and his seven true disciples slipped away in the dark to The Rock, where they were joined by a man whose boat had delayed his arrival to the scene of the earlier miracle. And they took 'Tribute' and shared one bag of crisps among the many. Blessed are those who walk the wilderness.