After finishing the convention, we hired a car (a teeny weeny 2-door Skoda that barely fit our luggage) and hightailed it out of the city to visit my great aunt J in Plymouth. It was certainly a different experience driving from the East End than last time driving from Gatwick airport, not least because the unhinged GPS decided on a route which took us straight through the middle of London at 4pm in the afternoon, instead of using the Ring Road, which might have saved us some time, and definitely would have saved me grey hairs!
We did end up doing a great sightseeing “tour” on the way the GPS took – past the V&A, around Trafalgar Square, along the Thames… eek!
Eventually we managed to get out of the city and onto the motorway, which by this time had filled up. Nevertheless, I was able to put the leadfoot into action soon.
Stonehenge from the road
A highlight of the trip down to Plymouth was actually seeing Stonehenge. Now I understand all the “Stonehenge ahead: please drive carefully” signs. As you crest the hill, Stonehenge is silhouetted on the hillside, causing many drivers to attempt driving with their knees whole they take photos with both hands, all at 70mph! Luckily I had R to take the pics while I kept my eyes (mainly) on the road.
River Cottage Canteen
The view
Aunty J was apologetic that she leads a quiet lifestyle, but it was fantastic to be “quiet” for a few days. Of course the “quiet” involved dinner (and a lunch) at the River Cottage Canteen restaurant. Gorgeous fresh, mainly local food, sustainably sourced. I had a beautiful local pollock meal, and R had a big hunk of meat.
Entree platter – local fish
Pollock on garlic mash. Yummmmmmy
When we returned for lunch, we had the awesome special of the day – a big bowl of mussels in white wine and cream sauce, accompanied by bread and a glass of vino.
Mussels
We also had a classic “British” meal at the Yacht Club, namely bangers and mash with a side of cider! Fabulous, especially when watching the boats out in the bay from our perch on the top floor of the yacht club.
After our lovely sojourn, we waved a teary goodbye to Aunty J, and dropped the car off at Exeter Airport in readiness for the flight to Dublin for the next leg of the trip.
Two Weeks Away 