Maria from Romania (left) and her 2 Chech friends both called Martina admire the local Alpaca’s en route to Mortonhampstead Carnival on Dartmoor

Whilst the short ride was mostly uphill we were overtaken by 4 different John-o-Groats to Lands-end parties of clearly much fitter cyclists…………….anyway, whilst dwelling a pause to catch our breath and to admire the local Alpaca’s I took this pic for fun.

We then got to The White Horse for a couple of well deserved pints of Otter Ale and I left the girls to tour around thereafter as I pedaled back to greet new guests. The pub was welcoming and in walked 4 Statue Players in their silver spray finery all gagging for a pint………….but were willing to pose for the camera nonetheless!!

Maria celebrated her 32 Birthday with a BBQ and some 9 friends from the Dunsford Mill complex and a lovely elderly lady she met whilst lost walking in the local woods shortly after arriving………and a jolly time was had by all as we sampled her Romanian dips and delicacies which accompanied the grilled bean-feast. She’s off back to Barcelona tomorrow after a wonderful stay having toured many of Dartmoor’s beauty spots both on foot and by bike and sampled many an ale in the local pubs. She’s been a fun guest and a pleasure to have at Orchard Barn.

Mortonhampstead Carnival Silver Statues pose at The White Horse Inn

 

Following their local wedding reception at Christow, the bride and groom Sally and Nathan returned to Orchard Barn to be met by another 50th Birthday Party also returning from their bash at the same time. The 8 of us migrated to the kitchen for a celebratory dram and congratulatory toasts were flowing with fun, laughter and jokes aplenty, all helping to welcome and relax the newly weds on arrival.

After an enjoyable hour they found their way to a candlelit bridal suite with heart shaped rose petals adorning the super king size bed and a soft and cosy atmosphere.

In the morning the newly weds were further welcomed to a hearty Champagne Breakfast with all other guests and a terrific banter flowed throughout and across the table.

Sally and Nathan were clearly very happy.