Christmas Eve in Devon
Tuesday 24th December 2019
The plan for today was to stock up at the big Sainsbury's in Pinhoe near Exeter, then have a lunchtime drink at the marvellous Bridge Inn in Topsham. Slightly waylaid by an unexpected trip to Kwik Fit!
Devon and South Wales Christmas 2019
John's Pictures

08:47:13
The morning view from the lounge at Dad's house.

08:47:40

09:38:18
The garden room, where Chie Erika and I were sleeping during our stay.

10:06:07
Chie, Erika and Jess the dog.

10:06:09

13:04:42
Unexpected visit to Kwik Fit as our zipcar had a bump in the tyre wall.

13:08:11
Fortunately they were - just - still open, and lived up to their name and were quite quick!

13:08:48

13:32:56
...so we still made it to the Bridge Inn at Topsham.

13:34:40
Quickly poke our nose in at this bar room, where we've yet to actually sit.

13:34:42
Even the corridor is surprisingly attractive.

13:34:52

13:40:16
As it was a busy day, they opened up the Malthouse which is normally saved for private functions etc - so fortunately we had a place to sit!

13:46:30

13:49:47

13:49:52
Everyone looks a bit glum here! However I assure you we had a nice time at the Bridge Inn.

13:49:56

13:50:08

13:55:42
The little passageway leading to the serving hatch.

13:58:24
Inside the cellar / servery.

13:58:52
More views of the Malthouse.

14:08:26

14:13:48

14:13:50

14:14:41
Outside the Bridge Inn.

15:05:30
Back at Dad's house, some Laphroaig seemed the order of the day.

15:58:40
Chie and Jess by the fire.

16:13:11
Erika and Jess.

17:06:44
Chie, Erika and Jess by the fire.

17:06:49

20:35:17
Erika taking the things for Santa Claus down to the garden room.

20:37:32
The things for Santa Claus - a couple of mince pies, a glass of whisky, and a cup of milk for the reindeer.

00:50:14
I woke up in the night to go to the loo, and as it was a clear night I thought I would try out the astrophotography mode on my new phone - the first few attempts didn't really work.

00:52:37

00:53:35

00:54:20
...eventually I figured out you ideally have to leave it absolutely still for minutes. I grew impatient after 30 seconds or so though, so still not really seeing the full potential here...

00:55:16
...but still, you get the general idea.