Sunday morning walk around the seafront. . . . . . . .

Our one Sunday morning in Torquay was cool and somewhat hazy across the

 bay, but with plenty of intermittent sunshine it was perfect for a leisurely early 

walk around the harbour and seafront.  Less exciting things awaited back at 

the flat. . . . . such as packing up to leave for London the next day! 

The tide was in so not much beach was visible, however there were other 

surprises awaiting.

Abbey Sands beach - tide in - and the Rock Walk.  Last visit we spent Christmas 

 in the condos on the far right of the cliff. Beautiful view but 277 slippery steps

 down and then back up was a bit much . . . . . . which is why we chose the much

 more convenient harbourside location this time! 

The cruise ship Artania had anchored in the bay!

In all my years of living in Torquay, then visiting so many times since leaving,

 this is the first I've ever seen. Some years back there was chatter about building

 a 'cruise port' here but apparently that didn't go over well. Ships come now and

 then I hear, anchor in the bay like this one, then ferry their passengers and crew

 into the harbour via their own tenders/lifeboats to enjoy some time ashore.

Passengers we chatted with during our walk were German and told us the call

 there was part of a world tour. . . . . . how nice.

As you can see we still required warm clothes - it was cool when the clouds came in.

The outer harbour and pier.

English dogs are very well behaved on the whole - rarely have I ever seen street

 fights between passing dogs. They walk politely on their leashes, sit quietly at

 outdoor cafés, sometimes indoors in pubs when permitted, and they like to

 pose for photos when requested by their person. . . . . . . and I can assure you 

this handsome pair did not try to bathe in the historic Victorian fountain!

Perhaps English dogs are well educated and can even read!

This sweet mix and matched pair had been for a swim and were drying off on
 the low sea wall - when their person told them to sit, smile and stick their 
tongues out for a photo shoot - they obeyed!

It just seems no matter where you decide to take a walk in England there are 

always really interesting dogs of every breed, color and size.

Yes, there are palm trees in Torquay!!!!

The Gulf Stream passes by the bay as it makes its way through the 

English Channel blessing the area with some type of micro-climate

in which the tropical palms do grow very well.

Corbyn Head and the historic Grand Hotel.

We walked as far as this little cove which holds many childhood memories for me.

When in elementary school - about a two mile walk from here - on warm June 

afternoons before school was out for the Summer hols, my neighbor, whose two

 children were in school with me (sadly all are gone now) would meet us at

 4 PM and walk us to the beach. She'd bring our swimsuits, towels, cheese

 and tomato sandwiches - delicious and soggy after an hour or so in the

 sun - and orangeade drinks, and we'd spend wonderful late afternoon hours

 swimming and hunting for hermit crabs in the rock pools when the tide went out.

Those are days I will always cherish.

Tide in, rock pools just visible. Wasn't until I looked at this photo whilst editing I

noticed the girl - could have been me as she even had pigtails as I did back then!!!!!

The café already busy, and sprucing up the beach huts at Corbyn Head ready for the summer season was in full swing.

I'd love to still be there - must plan to stay longer next visit!