June 21 Exeter, Devon

We are back to reality.  After being pampered and spoiled rotten on the QM2 we now have to accept that isn’t our life.  More’s the pity.

Did a lot of driving today; not by choice but because every place we tried to stop in had no room in the inn (a lot of driving is, of course, a matter of perspective).  But, it is the weekend, in the summer, and everyone and his uncle want to be at the seaside.  We understand.  Our initial plan was to go to Lyme Regis in West Dorset as that had a couple of things we wanted to see but it was not to be.  We couldn’t find a place to park or to stay but just driving around, it looks like a place we would like to try again.  We’ll see. 

Then we decided to go on to Seaton, a whole 7.7 miles.  We were able to park there and have lunch and a good walk around but again, no place to stay.  It seemed that everything was full no matter where we went.

; 

Seaton has a rocky beach rather than sand but it sure didn't stop the crowds from enjoying it, although I have to say this picture doesn't really show the number of people here.  Loved the garden above encouraging people to use their bikes.

We ended up at a Holiday Inn in Exeter about 23 miles away from Seaton.  So we will stay here for two nights and do some exploring and stop moving.  Tonight we are not moving except to go across the parking lot to the pub for dinner. 

I’ve run into something I’ve never seen before.  In order to turn on the electricity in your room you have to insert your room key into a special little box.  Who knew?  Good thing Norm had experienced that in Malaysia so he figured out why we couldn’t turn the lights on.

Sending love R/P