Ben’s birthday walk …

Note:  This is the printable birthday bunting that I’m giving away with the May issue of the Bustle & Sew Magazine on Thursday.

Here at Coombe Leigh we are all very patriotic – and would like to wish everyone a very happy St George’s Day.  But as far as one member of the family is concerned, 23rd April is very important for quite a different reason!  No, not Shakespeare’s birthday (though it is), but Ben’s birthday – the big fellow is SIX today!!  And so, in honour of this very special event, we went on an especially favourite walk this morning.  Luckily the day dawned fine and bright ….

 We parked at the top of the hill opposite Salcombe in the little car park at East Portlemouth.  The view is amazing – right across the estuary and as far as Dartmoor in the distance on a clear day.  But I wasn’t allowed to linger – my two furry friends were keen to set off …

 Down, down, down – the path through the woods … can you see the impatient black shapes just disappearing around the bend in the path?  I hope they’ve remembered that we’ll have to climb up again at the end of the walk!

 Hmmmm … which way shall we go – beach only – I think!

 Here we are – and nobody else in sight.  A private beach for Ben on his birthday!  The newfies rush ahead of me now ….

 Anxious to dive into the water!  This is a lovely safe sandy beach that shelves very gently so is ideal for Daisy to practise her swimming skills.  Ben pretends he doesn’t know her!

 There’s a stream to paddle in too.  Lovely cool fresh water – nice and clean too – great for thirsty canines!

 What a wonderful walk – we came back across Mill Bay and turned up the steps to East Portlemouth at the Venus Cafe… we didn’t stop for an icecream today though.

And the steep climb back to the car.

Happy Birthday Ben!