In fact, I met my dear friend Av in Tavistock which was a great help, and we had a bite to eat in the market cafe (OAP special of quiche, salad and chips plus a cuppa for £3.95 so she was well pleased!), and headed on to Chagford and the Sandy Park Inn.
I’d come across this pub about 3 years ago when reviewing another place just down the road, and Viv and I had eaten there, and loved the laid back atmosphere, the gathering of dogs that roamed round happily, and the fact that we were welcomed like part of the family. Despite different owners, we had a great time - the food was amazing and very reasonable, the wine ditto, and we had some fantastic walks along by the river, up towards Castle Drogo, Fingle Bridge, etc. Admittedly several of the walks were in the rain, but hey, you can’t have everything and it was lovely to catch up with Av again.
The journey home on Sunday was horrendous,but I managed it. Driving across Dartmoor in gales, with driving rain and fog was a test of anyone’s driving abilities, let alone mine, and being the only van on the road (no surprise there) and with no mobile reception, I just prayed I wouldn't break down. The end of Desert Island Discs and Just a Minute saw me through to Tavistock where I breathed a sigh of relief, stopped for something to eat and then continued my journey.
By the time I got home I was so shattered I went to bed for a couple of hours, but at least I did it, and feel better for it. As I said to Mr B, it’s like slaying dragons. You just have to keep at it, or they will rule your life. And I really don’t want to go through that again.
12 comments:
Well done.It does make you feel good when you have faced your fears and overcome them. Slaying a dragon is a good analogy.
Thanks Addy - it's all about building confidence isn't it?
I meant to comment last time. I too have a fear of driving on my own but do it. I much prefer it if DB can come with me the first time then I am usually okay. That is what we used to do if I needed to drive to work etc.How I would manage doing an unknown journey without his input I not sure. Well done anyway on your recent driving.
DC - it's been a real struggle driving on my own but after Pip died I had to and it's much better that we do, isn't it? I agree - I hate journeys into the unknown but last week wasn't as bd as I thought it would be!
Yes, facing our fears is so hard. I read a book once call Feel the Fear But Do It Anyway.
My MIL came to grips with her agoraphobia after reading it.
What I fear most is losing my independence.
I find when going to a strange place I play it over in my head while I look at the map and leave myself plenty of time as I sometimes take a wrong turn !
My mother was proud of her good driving skills and drove until she was 93 so I had a good role model.
Lets all keep slaying those dragons !!
Lizzie - it is hard to face our fears but we do feel so much better afterwards, whereas if we don't we feel much worse as they rule our lives. Good advice about going somewhere strange and yes I fear losing my independence too. Thanks Lizzie! Let's keep slaying x
Great analogy and one I might use myself. I am very proud of your dragon slaying - well done x
Colette - many thanks!
I don't mind driving but I DON'T DO Motorways!
Ak - no, thankfully we don't have any in Cornwall. I hate them with a vengeance!
Well done FP, a fair bit of driving there. I'd rather drive over the moors in adverse conditions than drive on a motorway, hate em.
Keep up the good work,
Love Di xx
Thanks Di, helped my confidence a lot!
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