According to Wikipedia ‘Instow is a village in north Devon, England. It is on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet, between the villages of Westleigh and Yelland and on the opposite bank of Appledore. There is an electoral ward with the same name. Its total population at the 2011 census was 1,501.[1]
There is a small river beach and sand dunes, that home some rare species of orchid including the pyramid orchid.[2]
The Tarka Trail passes through Instow, providing an easy means for people to arrive by foot or on bike. This section of the Trail is also part of the South West Coast Path, offering longer walks along the coast.’
From 1985 Jessica, Sam, Louisa and I enjoyed many annual holidays there with various family members.
On that first visit Sam clambers over a stout, cemented, stone wall in the garden of our borrowed house.
Louisa then received a nature lesson from her mother, Jessica,
seated on that wall, introducing her to the wonders of nature. An insect perches in our daughter’s hand; tall violet irises stand proud while yellow roses ramble along the stones.
Sam took his turn, too.
Here Jessica admires sculptures at Marwood Hill Garden near Barnstaple.
We took the car to Mousehole in Cornwall for one day. Sam loved donkey riding. A peculiarity of this ancient fishing village is the main road through to the harbour. Sam’s donkey stands on it, and is perhaps a more convenient way of manning the steep, cobbled, ascent. The granite strips among the setts provide steps between the houses. It is not suitable for vehicles, other than the shallow wooden sleds used by provisioners to deliver their produce.
The harbour has a similarly stout protective stone wall that can be ascended by substantial steep steps, such as those Jessica, Sam and Louisa are scaling. Jessica seems a little perturbed by our intrepid daughter’s purposeful strides.
Sweet pictures of Jessica and the children. Looks like a wonderful place for a vacation. And I can certainly see why Jessica was vigilant when climbing those stairs with a young one.
Thanks very much, Laurie
Love the pictures. Mousehole is a fascinating name for that village in Cornwall. Oh to be young again.
Ah, yes, Pat. Thank you very much
Such lovely photos for you to enjoy the moments all over again.
Indeed, Sue. Thank you very much
Such wonderful photos and such sweet memories, I’m sure. Thank you for sharing, Derrick.
I think Sam’s donkey is smiling. 😊
Much appreciated, Merril 🙂
😊
Children do like donkey rides. They are quite expensive now in Cleethorpes so I am pleased my grandchildren have got through that stage in life.
🙂 Thanks a lot, Andrew
Love these photos. Thanks for sharing.
Much appreciated, VJ
Wonderful photos and narrating, Derrick. ❤️🇬🇧
Thank you very much, John
Aw, what gorgeous memory-filled photos! What beautiful places to learn, grow, and play! Donkey rides…such fun! No fishing…but so many other things to adventure-about.
Your words that accompany your photos are a joy to read.
The photo of the two Moms and their children is a wonderful capture! (I love seeing sculptures that that one.)
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Well seen, Carolyn. Thank you very much X
These are very precious moments from the past.
Thank you very much, Anne
What gorgeous photographs, Derrick! These memories of early family holidays are so precious.
Thank you so much, Clare
Sweet memories for the knight.
Thank you so much, GP
Yeah, donkeys
I could hear you saying that, Sheree. Thanks very much
😎
Well captured moments, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Rupali
Nice place.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
An enchanting adventure. I like the maternal sculptures on the little island.
Thanks very much, JoAnna
That looks like an idyllic place devoid of the trappings of modernity and the assorted accompaniment. Those photos are so lovey they seem to belong to a fairy tale. I am sure you are all deeply fond of those memories.
Thank you very much, Uma. Louisa often posts one of those pictures on FB. Yes – there are no normal seaside amenities there.
Such adorable children they were!
Thank you very much, Dolly
The best days of their — and your — lives.
Thanks very much, John
I enjoyed your pictures and commentary about this town, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Robbie
I love your nostalgic post! Beautiful shots of your family in days gone by. That is an impressive stone wall!
Thank you very much, Dwight
You are welcome, Derrick!
Those are beautiful photos of Jessica and the children, Derrick. Sam looks very happy riding his donkey.
Thank you so much, Lavinia
What a beautiful place to go on vacation! Lovely photos!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Those steps would be challenging enough with wearing a dress to tackle them in.
They would. Thanks very much, AnneMarie
Spending a week in Appledore in September?
That will be good, Ann. Thanks very much