George and the Torch

After my caffine overload of Sunday night I was a little shaky yesterday morning, but George and I got up and off into Braunton on the bus to go and see the Olympic torch running through.

Braunton is usually a busy place anyway but to see so many people out with flags and balloons was quite amazing.  All the shops and businesses closed up for the procession.

First through were all the police bikes, loads of them!  George still not too sure of what was going on!  He had experience overload with the bus ride as well, he's never been on a bus before and was very well behaved - liked sitting right at the back so he could see out the windows!

After the procession of the Olympic buses, cars and floats came the torch bearer, flanked by other runners either side.  Unfortunately I can't find out who this was as the website descriptions of the runners do not fit at all with this man!  It was past us in a flash and down to the square to hand over to the next person who would take the torch out of the village and on towards Illfracombe.

Not being content with bus rides and the Olympic flame, I decided to see if I could beat the torch to Lynton and Lymouth - its last stop in North Devon.  At one point as I was driving I thought I was being a bit silly and very nearly turned back, but curiosity got the better of me and each time I got to a road junction where there was a police presence it was clear that we were ahead of the torch so I kept going!!

I parked out at Valley of the Rocks in Lynton, only a couple of other cars in the car park which is unusual for such a beautiful day.  I have never walked round the headland so quickly!  And I didn't realise quite how uphill it is!

We just stopped at the top of the lane where it joined the high street and waited for the procession to pass.  After a few minutes the Olympic bus stopped and a lady with a torch got off, we were standing right where the handover was going to be!  As far as I can gather from the website this is Jane Browne and her speciality is fencing. She very kindly posed for photographs with us and chatted whilst waiting for the flame to arrive.  Thank you also to the very nice gentleman who took my camera and grabbed this photo for me!

Then the torch was lit and off it went down the hill to Lymouth and out of North Devon onto Somerset on its nationwide travels.

 

So pleased I had a mad moment and decided to go off after the torch!

Hope you get to see the torch if it is coming near you, it is worth it if you can do, although it is only fleeting, it is a great atmosphere full of happy people!

Take care all

Sarah x