Welcome to My Blog!
A lone trip wasn’t something I’d planned until a week or so before. My husband was working but the call for a break and a refresh of energy was too strong to ignore. I knew if I stayed home I would fall into the usual patterns of cleaning, perhaps finding things needing a touch of paint or a cupboard that needs re-organising, but that wasn’t going to do the trick, so, I got to researching things I could do. The more I thought about it the more it felt like a good idea, the chance to reconnect with myself and explore my own personality. As a person you would call ‘a people pleaser’ it seemed even more intriguing to see how I would fare not having anyone with me to focus my attention.
The plan was to have our external walls cleaned and to spend the first few days painting. April had other ideas and we had to postpone. The first day I decided to treat myself to breakfast in a restaurant called Cote in Exeter Cathedral, the views were lovely and food even better, the eggs royale was delicious.
After, I made my way to the Museum just after opening time at 10am. I had prepared myself for loudness due to school holidays and the possibility of feeling uncomfortable by pre-loading the museum's mindfulness playlist. I spent a good couple of hours wandering around, taking everything in. I really enjoyed it, and found it much calmer than expected.
My day trip wasn’t due until the following week, but the weather looked good for the next day and having only myself to convince, I changed the day.
The night before I began to wonder - is this silly to be going alone? Will I be safe? Will I even have a good time with just myself to keep me company? Nevertheless I felt it was something I needed to do, deep down I was excited and confident I would be just fine. I had decided to do the Steam Train and Cruise trip advertised in the South Devon travellers guide, using the website to plan timings - I was ready to go. I decided to purchase my ticket when I arrived.
The early train from Digby and Sowton to Paignton was quiet and so calm. I enjoyed my journey sitting near a window watching the waves crash against the shore line. It was a 1 hour and 20 minute trip, and it went by very quickly.
On arrival I navigated my way to the Steam Railway which was just next door to the train station. Just in time for the 10am journey. After confirming which times I’d like for the cruise and the train journey back from Kingswear I purchased my tickets.
Along with a chamomile tea from the cafe I boarded the train and comfortably sat in my spring filled allocated seat. A short while later we’re off, the journey a little jolty but all part of the fun. We pass people standing and waving to the train as it rumbles past, it’s in those moments I noticed I was on my own and feeling the pressure to either wave back or simply smile, after the first encounter it felt far more comfortable to make either decision, sometimes I sat back as the strangers around me returned the waves, other times I reciprocated.
The views from the steam train as it passed the beaches were stunning, with the plumes of smoke and loud toots from the horn paired with the aroma of varnished wood and vintage upholstery I very quickly felt I had a glimpse of what the journey could have been like so many years before.
A quick 25 minutes later and I arrived at Kingswear, I decided to wander up a little of the very steep hill and caught the view over the harbour across the lake to Dartmouth. I hopped on the ferry to cross the river and 5 minutes later I was in Dartmouth.
With plenty of time to spare before the River Dart cruise I sat on a bench near the water and enjoyed a little of my packed lunch. Taking in more of the views I walked down the side of the river and ventured into the Bayards Cove. I looped up and back down into the quaint shops of Foss Street. Meeting a few lovely locals on the way and having nice conversations about the location and of course (in British fashion) a discussion on the weather and the incoming threat of storm ‘Kathleen’ over the next few days.
Ready for the cruise at 12.30pm I boarded the boat and picked my seat at the very top in the corner, it was a little windy but with the moments of sun bursting through it was lovely. We sailed up the river dart viewing interesting sites such as the Royal Navy college and Agatha Christie’s house. As the boat turned and I was halfway through my 1 hour cruise I caught myself thinking ‘i’m freezing, I should really stay up here though to make the most of it’ then remembering they mentioned the bar over the tannoy when we boarded ‘Tea and Coffee will be served’ .... right - i’m going in! This turns out to be my favourite moment of the trip, warming up with a big mug of pg tips, indulging a kitkat and enjoying the scenery. I smiled to myself, appreciating the little moments and the feeling of accomplishment, I had managed a trip all on my own without any awkwardness or nervousness, and even better - I really enjoyed it!
Back at the harbour I find shelter from the wind looking over the water and enjoy the rest of my lunch. One moment I felt startled by a loud howling, it sounded as if something could either rise from the water or swoop from the sky, quickly realising it was sound of the wind, catching in the crevasses of the buildings, the sail poles of the boats it was quite a daunting and beautiful sound.
Time to say goodbye to Dartmouth, head back to Kingswear on the ferry, and hop on the 2.45pm Steam Train back to Paignton.
After a trip away I always like to buy a postcard and write on the back about my trip - a tradition of course I couldn’t miss today. I make my purchase and as I turn into the station I noticed my train to Digby and Sowton was sitting on the tracks. A quick jog up the steps across the bridge and I made it on time earlier than I expected.
I start my journey home and arrive in time for dinner.
If you are longing for a little solo adventure of your own my advice would be - take a deep breath, plan if you feel you need to and listen to your own impulses.
I hope you have the best time and that you're reminded of who you are.
Much Love xx
Comentarios