Castle With A View

Sunday was the last official day we had to enjoy with Grandpa and Grandma before they flew home on Monday.  We set out for Exmoor National Park, just about a 2 hour drive west of Bristol. 

On the way we stopped at Dunster Castle.

It sat way up on a hill and even had a view of the ocean.

So, Nathan and I are horrible when it comes to naming flowers, plants, trees, etc.  Nathan turned to me and said, "what are these called?"  Before I could say anything Dylan says, "They are hydrangeas, Daddy."  It's a good thing we have our 3 year old to educate us.

            




 17th century horse stables.

Leah was pleased to meet the castle cat.  We didn't venture up to it, but there was a "pet cemetery" on the castle grounds.

 

The kiddos helping Grandma up the hill.

Ahhh, to be young again!

Dylan picked up some sweet chain mail at the gift shop under the pretenses that he wanted to be Mike the Knight for Halloween.  He has since changed his mind to a dragon, but wears the chain mail every day for dress up so I guess I can't be too mad at him.

 Next we made it to Exmoor National Park.  It was definitely not your average American National Park.  It was absolutely spectacular!!!  Not that the American ones aren't, this was just spectacular in a different way.  In the ocean view, bright green hills, and sort-of-wild ponies kind of way.

 The ponies aren't technically "wild" because they do belong to people, but they do roam free in the moor.

Gorgeous views all around on the drive through the park.

Sheep...

 

 ...and more sheep.

 

Just outside of Exmoor Park is a village called Lynmouth.  We ate lunch at Esplanade Fish Bar and had the best fish and chips we have found so far on our trip.  Then we took a ride on the Lynton Lymnouth Cliff Railway.

It was a fun little ride up the railway to the town of Lynton.  Where there were even more breathtaking views to be had.  We took what just might be our Christmas card picture for this year, which by the way will not go out until after Christmas this year.  Sorry.

(Photo courtesy of Nathan Miller...thanks babe)

It was a beautiful day with beautiful scenery.  We were sad to see Grandpa and Grandma go, but we sure did enjoy their visit.  We really did see some pretty amazing sights while they were here.  Hopefully they had as much fun as we did!