Birthday treats

Bikes were hired and we set off to cycle along the Exe estuary. This is a lovely area with 26 miles of cycle paths and ferries that expect to transport bikes. Many wading birds can be seen on the mud flats at low tide .We found a watering hole by Turf locks which is where the Exeter ship canal joins the river Exe. The canal was first built in 1567 to bypass private weirs that blocked the river passage to Exeter. Initially this could only carry vessels of 16 tonnes but it was enlarged in 1701 to carry ocean going ships. After the Blitz the planning department decided to enlarge the Turf lock to carry ships of up to 600 tonnes. We could bring our boat up here at high tide with care but unfortunately the bridge carrying the M5 across the canal is not lifting so we could not reach Exeter.
After our cycle ride a second treat ! We had an evening out at Branscombe where Leo Green played sax at the music festival there. It was impossible to keep sitting down and so we all just had to dance. What a fun day