Wed 2nd May - the journey down to Woolacombe

It could have been a lot worse. Pretty soon after joining the M5 at Cheltenham we started seeing signs telling us the motorway was closed between J25 & J26. A quick check of the road atlas, an announcement on the traffic news and the satnav updating meant we left at J23 instead. That meant we had to use the A39 which wouldn't be so bad if it didn't include Porlock Hill and the road between Lynmouth & Lynton, both of which are narrow in places and steep (1 in 4). Anyway, I managed it although I had to drop down to 1st gear a few times. What with those hills, a pony running out in front of me, an idiot with a horsebox with no indicators working, I was a gibbering wreck by the time we arrived in Woolacombe. I certainly earned my beer! :) A quick walk on the beach after checking in to the hotel and unloading the car - then a meal in the hotel brasserie and we're both feeling a bit zonked now.