A perfectly perfect birthday!

If one has to (or is fortunate enough to!) turn 63, I can’t think of a better way to spend it! We spent the day traveling from Cornwall to Bristol, stopping at two fabulous spots for some tremendous walking (and a little cliff climbing!). On my bucket list has always been Tintagel, the legendary castle that according to myth King Arthur was conceived in thanks to the intervention of Merlin. Having immersed myself in books of these tales in my twenties, I had always wanted to visit the ruins of this very ancient castle…and I got the chance to do that on this special day! I will say I had not quite anticipated the rather strenuous elevations one must hike through to explore these grounds! I definitely worked off the gelato sundae Gary and I shared at the end of the day! Our second stop and hike was in Exmoor National Part at the Tarr Steps [an ancient clapper bridge created by placing stone slabs weighing up to two tons next to each other]. This beautiful wooded valley and trail running by a lovely stream was idyllic. After a long day, and several hours of driving, Gary and I were greeted at our hotel by this very appropriate and appreciated gift from Jan and Heather (my travel planners extraordinaire!)

Starting off the hike to Tintagel, not thinking too much about it. Yes that’s me in the bright yellow coat!
An entrance, or gate, still standing
I love the variations in stone wall construction.
This bridge replaces part of the mountain that collapsed (with castle structures) long ago…now the only way to get to the area across this ravine is on the bridge. And yes, we hiked down those steps you see!
The view across the grotto below
This teenage boy drove me crazy…kept perching himself at the edge of a cliff drop (no railings here to keep you in) just defying the odds. If he’d been my son I would have freaked out!
Looking back up at the bridge
The Tarr Steps
Quite clever and lovely to walk across
Another babbling stream…!
Thank you Heather and Jan, just what I was wishing for on arrival to the hotel!

6 responses to “A perfectly perfect birthday!”

  1. So happy to be able to help celebrate such an amazing birthday, Jill! The adventure continues and we’ll see you in Greece! x Heather

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  2. Happy Happy Birthday Jill! What a wonderful way to celebrate your special day!!!

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  3. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I can’t wait for all the sloe gins we’re going to drink in 3.5 weeks!

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  4. This place is my favorite so far! It’s so beautiful!

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  5. This place is my favorite so far! It’s so beautiful! I’m so glad you had an amazing birthday!

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  6. Absolutely stunning scenery! 😍

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