Walking at dawn........

I sensed, on my first evening, after unpacking and wandering through the beautiful house, that early mornings would be calling to me......................come out into the fresh sea air, breathe in the salty scent of home, relive childhood on the shore, smell perfumed flowers, and sigh while climbing up through sloping bluebell woods.

First to awake, I seemed to be roused each morning by hefty pigeons and often magpies, who cooed from the balustrade. On the south coast of England, daylight comes very early in Spring, filling the room with watery sunlight, reminding one to enjoy the quietness of the dawn before early showers or clouds roll in across the English Channel. I quietly left the house.

Climbing up from the garden..................................

.............................I was soon above the bay. The scene across the water, often seen cast in gold when I've visited in Autumn when sunrise comes later, was silvered like a vintage photo plate. The glitter of the water back lit the tropical foliage which thrives in the mild climate of Devon.

Clambering to the top past ancient trees, their trunks gnarled and mossy, plants such as tiny dandelions, competed with tall cow parsley and a myriad of shade loving green plants.

The pathway, mostly softly mulched, had ancient steps in steep places making the climb easier.

Looking down as the trees thinned I could see across the Channel toward France. Several ships were at anchor, tankers apparently awaiting the price of oil to rise........even paradise has its modern touch.

Arriving at the top of the cliff, the Sweet Chestnut trees were brilliant in their new Spring green and I took time to sit and view the lovely valley below

More walks, drives and fabulous scenery to share with you later.

Many thanks to all who've left such generous comments during my trip....I love to share the beauty of England, my homeland, with you.