Neither Stevenson's Rocket nor Treasure Island!

Tuesday 3rd May 2016 - Bishopsteignton.

We had a nice shock to see sunshine this morning.  It was so pleasantly warm that we actually sat out for most of the morning reading books.  The wind was occasionally cool and we played 'okey coky' with our fleeces.  It led to a discussion about the weather forecast temperatures.  We deduced that the official temperatures disregarded the direct sun and the cool wind.  Janice regaled me with a pearl of information about thermometers being kept in a 'Stevenson's Screen' which kept the sun off it and have vents to allow free air movement but not direct wind.  I was flabbergasted once more by the depth of her knowledge on a wide range of topics.  I questioned her about whether this was the work of Robert Stevenson who invented 'The Rocket' and other engineering inventions or was it designed by Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island.  As far as we know it was designed by neither but as we are short of Internet we couldn't check it out?

After an early lunch we set off cycling into Shaldon.  It's a nice little town opposite Teignmouth.  Janice has lovely memories of this area as she has stayed here with her parents and with her own children too.

This photo is from Shaldon looking across to Teignmouth.  We walked through the Smugglers Tunnel to Ness Beach and later had an ice cream watching the local ladies bowling team dressed in whites and red.

This is a photo taken from the caravan site that Janice stayed at with her parents and children.  The site was run by Mrs Adams in those days and we were told that it is still run by her daughter.

More nostalgia for Janice.  The last time she had her picture taken here she actually fitted inside the 'O'.

Teignmouth was bigger than Shaldon but till was nice, with a promenade and a good range of shops.

We had used the slow cooker again to make a chicken curry.  This is what I call a man sized portion.  We are going to the nearest pub tonight for the quiz.  The pub is small and traditional, it is called the Bishop John de Grandiosse, not a bad name eh!  I am hoping for a specialist round on Burnley FC promotions.  The licensee is a West Ham fan so I wonder if we might get some Claret and Blue affinity?

Would you believe it, we joined up with a local couple and won the quiz!  They were called Steve and Elaine, originally from Birmingham but have moved down here two years ago.  Here is our winning photo with our prizes.  Quiz rounds included famous quotes, famous Toms, inventions and identifying the artist from the paintings (I was good on the Constables and Janice was good with the Monet!).  We need to give a big thanks to Steve and Elaine for supplying the brain power.

We were made so welcome by all the people in the pub from the moment we arrived.  Overall we have been very impressed by the friendliness of people in this area.