Day 16. Thursday, June 16, 2011 - Barnstaple & Bratton Fleming

She picked me up shortly before dinner, and drove me west along the north side of the estuary of the River Taw, out past Woolacoombe and Croyd to Morthoe where we could have a quiet, intimate dinner on the sea front. As the miles slipped by, I grew increasingly enamored with her. I’m sure she felt the same about me.

She made me feel 40 years younger. As we passed the beaches and watched the surfers, I was brought back to my college days in Santa Barbara. I thought that perhaps I should abandon this silly walk so she and I could spend more time together. But no, this could be nothing more than a one-time relationship. We were destined to part ways, never to see each other again.

It could never work out for us. I have obligations back home; she is owned by another. Still, it was a special evening that I will cherish forever.

I ride shotgun in  Nora Too!

Of course, I’m writing about Nora Too!, the beautifully restored 1972 VW bus owned by Roger and Pauline, two of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet. Shame on you if you thought something different.

Roger, Pauline and I had good conversation over dinner, sharing stories about family, the past, the future – about life. They gave me a little memento to remember the occasion – a bookmark bearing the following inscription:

“He knows not where he’s going
for the ocean will decide –
it’s not the DESTINATION…
…it’s the glory of THE RIDE.”



Pauline and Roger play bookends

 Some of you wonder why I take these walks. I think you have your answer.

By the way, I also got in my mileage today.



© 2011 Ken Klug