End of the Summer...

It clearly is the end of the summer, despite a nice day yesterday. I can feel it in the mornings, the flat is really cold! But I don't mind too much as we are off on holiday to Majorca on Saturday for a week, yay!

Have had a good few weeks since the last exepod post, had a fun game of Poker at the Double Locks (I lost), have been watching a lot of motor racing, F1, BTCC and even some of the ALMS series from the states. I have also rediscovered my GT Pro Series game on the Wii, and am excited at the launch of an official F1 game for the wii next month.

We also went to a fun walk to Turf Locks one evening...

Will try and blog after the holiday with some pictures, and if anyone has any ideas for the next exepod, or wants to help in recording it let me know, would be nice to have more than my voice on it.

(Steam train whizzing past Powderam)

Living Coasts, Torquay and being cold

Yesterday we went on the train down to Torquay to go to Living Coasts (http://www.livingcoasts.org.uk/) and to do some shopping. Living Coasts is like a zoo for the sea, and although is perhaps only an hours entertainment it is great fun. Contains mostly birds (with a smattering of seals and fish) and the penguins are the highlight (everyone likes penguins, surely?)





I think the above penguin looks a bit sad!



You could walk under the sea pool and see things swimming above, which was quite fun.





The estuary area lets you get close to birds that otherwise you would only be able to see from a distance on the Exe, such as the Avocets here.



And Auks and Puffins,



We then went to the Harvester restaurant on the harbour and had a really nice meal (Harvester have vastly improved recently) and then into the town to do some Christmas shopping.

It really was quite freezing down by the coast, but it was also freezing today when I decided to go for a cycle ride along the river Exe to the Double Locks. Two Winter Warmer beers helped, but I was still very very cold! This is me being cold, and a friendly Robin that kept me company!

Exeter Pub Guide, No. 3, The Double Locks

Where is this pub?
Down the canal towards Countess Wear, but on the other side of the river. You can drive there, but most people cycle, canoe or walk on a sunny day.

What would draw you to this pub?
Lovely canal side location, good beers, the chance for some exercise and fresh air



What sort of person would you find in this pub?
The middle class family, the sporting young couple, wannabe marathon runners, fair weather drinkers.

What can you consume in this pub?
Mostly Young s Ales, including at this time of year Winter Warmer. Several other guest ales straight from the barrel, Addlestones cider, a rather expensive range of wines and plenty of soft drinks.



What is quirky about this pub?
The location, it takes a bit of effort to get to. Also the pool table outside, and the outdoor area for children. Live music and Barbecues are also a regular feature of this pub.



What is specifically “Exeter” about the pub?
The Exeter canal, this is an historic pub that has been used for centuries by traders and locals. The local bands, the poker playing bar manager.

What is there to do in this pub?
Admire the views, play pool, run around outside, get fit getting there.

What are the worst things about the pub?
In the summer it gets awfully busy, and the food is pretty average.

Is there an old man sat at the bar?
No, just a man with lycra shorts and bicycle clips.



In a word, should I bother coming here?
Yes, but pick a midweek day, or a sunny winter afternoon. Make sure you don't wobble off your bike on the way home.