Beaches, beaches, and more beaches

When I think of a beach, I think of Florida and the Carolinas because I grew up going to places like St. Petersburg and Myrtle Beach for family vacations. Very hot and humid temperatures, lots and lots of sun, and water that can range from choppy and lukewarm to placid and really warm depending on the location. 

When people find out we travel to England fairly routinely, the first thing they ask is if we visit London (which is usually a "no" at this point). The last thing they think to ask is "will you be going to the beach?" Granted, even in July, the height of the summer, the weather varies greatly on the coast. You can have a beautiful, hot, sunny day that is perfect for sunbathing (think San Diego) or you can have a cool, blustery day where little children still splash in the water, and I think they are crazy (think San Francisco). And the beaches are so varied as well. In fact, they have an entire television program dedicated to Britain's coastline, called "The Coast." Here are some of the different coastlines we've experienced thus far on our holiday in Devon.  

Shaldon, Ness Cove
Moira has already been to Ness Cove twice, and no doubt we will be back again. It is a quiet little beach about 15 minutes from the house.  Both days were quite windy and cool, but she loves it anyway. I think the red cliffs are just beautiful, and the views out to the sea are gorgeous as well. After visiting Ness Cove with Verena,  Moira absolutely loved returning to Shaldon the next day with Uncle Gav and Grandad, and below is a great video documenting her excitement!








Moira had so much fun splashing in the waves...in fact, she was a little ambitious with how far out into the cold water she was willing to wade.


Saunton Sands, North Devon
Alan, Gavin, Grandad, and Moira ventured up to North Devon to see Gavin's new flat in Barnstaple and to visit the beach as well. Saunton Sands seems to resemble some of the sandy beaches I've visited in the States. They lucked out with the weather--it was a warm, sunny day, and Alan reported that the water was like bath water (thanks to the Gulf Stream). Moira had a great time wandering along the expansive beach, and it seems as though everyone else had just as lovely of a time watching her explore.











Teignmouth
Back in South Devon, just 10 minutes or so from the house, is the lovely seaside town of Teignmouth. It has a promenade, playground, and pier that are perfect for taking Hannah for a stroll and Moira for a spin on the swings or slide. And the views of the cliffs and the houses in the hills are breathtaking.




There are so many beautiful beaches to see in Devon. We've only scratched the surface, but it has been fun thus far!






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