Two Go Mad in Dorset!

Hello there! Well, we're back from our few days away in beautiful Dorset and we had the most FANTASTIC time! The weather was really kind to us, the B&B was delightful, the beaches were walked, picnicked, crocheted, chess played and fossil hunted on, cream teas were enjoyed and dogs (well, a dog) were walked. E was just the best company and she didn't even pick up a book, let alone read one, for our entire trip - we did, however, listen to a Sherlock Holmes CD in the car on the way - does that count? 

Anyway, here are a few photos of our little jaunt, just because:

Breathe deeply, can you smell it?

 I managed a few rows of my Coastal Ripple on various beaches. I think I may give this one to E to take to uni (grades permitting!) and as a reminder of our lovely break.

 Magnetic chess and, just in case you're wondering, she thrashed me!

 At times I felt like we were in Broadchurch! This was West Bay:

.... and Eype:

 

One of E's highlights was a chip supper overlooking West Bay harbour where the seagulls, crows and starlings were so tame that you could hand feed them:

 

This is where we stayed:

V 

Our room:

 The view from our room:

The dining room where we had the BEST omelettes - apparently THE way to make them is on an AGA - just pour the eggy mixture onto a silicone mat, close the lid for 2 minutes and Ta-dah! No frying, just a perfect omelette to fill and fold as you wish. 

 

 Cilla the B&B cat - E was quite taken with her as she was so friendly and purry:

... and the star of the show - Meryck, the B&B dog. When we saw on the room info that we could ask Meryck to take us for a walk, it immediately went on our 'to do' list.

Believe it or not, that dog will indeed take you on a walk around the B&B's 14 acres. He walks in front, standing still and barking if you lag too far behind or wander off his chosen route. He stands by gates and stares alternately at them and you until you take the hint and open them. He encourages you along the path surrounding the lake by doggy paddling in the water next to you, before finally leading you back to the farm house. He was such an intelligent dog and E was utterly smitten.

The lake was beautiful with swans, 6 cygnets and benches set at various intervals around the edge where you could rest awhile before Meryck urged you on!

The Art Garden Cafe in Bridport:

The Girl's Own Store where, along with a yarn shop, a few purchases were made - more of those another time.

Beautiful beach huts at Charmouth:

 

  Hot chocolate at Eype with E and her braces photo bombing!:

 We sat with these ladies for a time at Burton Bradstock before going for a walk along the beach to breathe in more of that gorgeous sea air:

And that's it! Phew, quite a photo heavy post - I hope you didn't get too bored, I just wanted to record our lovely, relaxing hiatus between exams and starting A2s. E is now back at school and I'm just off to make some rhubarb and ginger jam with the recipe given to me by the owner of the B&B - I'll let you know how it turns out. Have a wonderful week.
Toodle Pip for now. x