Hut Circles

As we have walked through the pre-historic downs of Dartmoor and Exmoor during these last ten days, we have frequently seen bronze age hut circles and standing stones...in our trail guide. Our experience, however, has been that we on the path--or what passes for a path--looking vainly at the place clearly described--usually far more clearly than the trail itself--and wondering, "Where is it?"

"Do you think that depression could be a hut circle? It looks kind of roundish."

"Hmm. Maybe. Maybe not."

"It says here that there is a standing stone at the top of the moor."

"Hmm. I don't even see a kneeling stone."

These are the conversations Sue and I had as we traveled the 89 miles from Ivybridge to Lynton. Both of us studied anthropology at University, so it was more than a little demotivating to be unable to recognize a hut circle when we saw one...or didn't see one.

We are, however, very happy to have completed our odyssey in good weather--mostly--and in good spirits. Here in Lynton, on a cliff above the fishing village of Lynmouth, we awoke this morning to the sound of gulls and the smell of frying bacon in our Georgian bed and breakfast, Croft House. As Bridget would say, "Life is good!"