What happened at Soar Mill Cove…
We found him, miles from anywhere, at the bottom of a narrow lane, in a sandy cove. The car was brushed by soft ferns on either side, as we made our way down the hill; we prayed we wouldn’t meet strangers coming up the other way, and we were lucky – a roadside standoff wasn’t needed.
We ran, released from our journey, through fields and over stiles, tumbling happy towards the sea. Pink splashes of foxglove and heather punctuated our route as we breathed in the salty air and the wind whipped at our hair. We picked our way down rocky steps, and over a stream, stopping to eyeball crabs in small rockpools, before landing with a jump into soft sand.
We began to explore, examining shells, pebbles, and granite rocks; look Mum it’s firestone – let’s make sparks! But as we travelled along the beach something caught our eye, just under the cliff. An arrangement of stones – placed, not fallen – deliberately grouped into a miniature replica of the Stonehenge wonder we had passed on our earlier journey. And there, lying on a flat stone topper, was a small, lonely bear.
Was this some kind of sacrifice, meted out by a previous owner? Did they grow older and leave him behind? Was he abandoned, or simply lost, and placed where he might be noticed, found, and taken home for a marmalade sandwich?
We debated what to do; it was getting late, the day not warm. Should we take him home and make him ours, or was he not ours to take? There were pleas, and angst, before – reluctantly – the small figure was placed back in the circle, to await the return of his rightful owner.
Heavy hearts were revived by a rather lovely game of chess, a glass of something special, and some Devon cream on freshly-baked warm scones.
Sad faces were cheered by creamy chocolate milkshakes, and the thought of the bear’s next adventure. Bet he would have like the homemade marmalade for breakfast though…
For this adventure, we were guests at the lovely Soar Mill Cove Hotel.
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Oh what an adventure. We have a tiny Paddington like that. X
They were so cross with me Rebecca that I didn’t let them take him. I’m on the hunt for a couple to make it up to them, and now I’m left wondering whatever happened to Paddington?!
We are off to Soar Mill Cove next weekend 🙂 I am off to read your other review and watch the video x
Oh you will have a wonderful time Vic, it’s so so relaxing and peaceful there. Do seek out the little lost bear and let us know how he’s doing 😉
I bet that bear has a few stories he could tell you all too! I wonder where he is now? What a lovely adventure. Thank you for sharing xx
Oh it sounds a lovely place wonder what his story is?
Ah, what a lovely post! Your bear looks at home in the mini stone henge, unwitting of his sacrificial role 🙂
Poor little Paddington 😉 I hope whoever left him went back and found him x x
Oh I loved how you transformed your travel in such a lovely story! you are a great writer !
Thank you Otilia! 🙂
I was trying to remember what this made me think of – it is brilliant by the way, just so evocative of the place and makes me want to jump in the car and head for the sea – it makes me think of a story book version of Puff the Magic Dragon we have, where Jackie Paper grows up and leaves his pockets full of toys behind, and the dragon too. Can’t read it without a tear. I love this find, what a magical thing, the kids will always remember it I am sure, and we will never forget the holiday where we first played chess! Looks like a magical spot you found.
Oh we had a vinyl record of Puff the Magic Dragon – always made me cry!
Looks like a magical place for a visit. Here’s hoping Paddington was rescued by his rightful owners and is enjoying marmalade sandwiches x
what a stunning set of photos. My kids need to run free cannot wait for the holidays now.
Such a beautiful way to tell the tale of what sounded like a lovely trip. I wonder what happened to the bear. I love the mini Stone Henge replica too, what a lovely thing to do.
Beautifully written piece, Helen. I hope Paddington finds many more families who will have an adventure with him. Sounds like you had a wonderful day, despite the weather x
What a perfect pint-sized family adventure! I’m glad chocolate milkshakes could win the kids over, that would have worked with mine too.
Stunning pictures, and a lovely break away. I’m sure wherever he is, Paddington is happy…
What a fab find! We always have the biggest dilemma conversations about discovering things that look obviously lost – I’m usually the one who wants to take things home and Al is always very much the voice of reason!
Awww, my children would’ve been heartbroken too. I hope his owner found him. xx
What a find – I wonder what happened to Paddington? It would be lovely to find out. Oh, and I still cry to Puff the Magic Dragon!