An Afternoon by the Lake
I'm a zealous seeker for nature reserves, so I was thrilled to discover this hidden treasure, that's right on the edge of the town of Newton Abbot, called Decoy Country Park.
Getting there on foot, was a short walk from the popular Sainsbury's supermarket to a road that leads to a footpath below a bridge, where the railway lines run; Before getting to a quiet neighbourhood.
Along the streets, there were many mothers pushing prams, and when I stopped to ask for directions, one of the ladies was courteous and told me to follow her, as she was heading to the park with her little boy.
I arrived at the kids' playground section where families enjoyed the range of facilities which included ziplines, swings, and exercise equipment.
However, I required stillness, so I quickly wandered off to explore the grounds, where I was enchanted by the presence of this shimmering lake.
Several pontoons were separated by shrubs which lined the lake and provided complete privacy.
These sturdy pontoons were secluded and ideal for a variety of different activities, whether it be a couple's hideaway, a quiet spot for reading, or immersing in the surrounding nature by feeding the ducks, and fishing, (with a special license).
Or, as in my case, the most pleasant surprise a wandering yogi with a mat, could stumble upon.
I was as cool as a cucumber admiring the houses nestled among the trees across the lake, as some ducks sailed by. I listened to what sounded like a father and son fishing on the pontoon a few steps away.
This location was perfect for me to stretch my legs, and my mind, as I jogged my memory back to when I first arrived to live in the UK.
... One of the things that perplexed me when I first came to live in this country, was how could people have access to and the freedom to roam these nature reserves, yet be so caught up in consumerism.
It took me some time to get my head around the concept of spending money on the latest gadgets and toys, and I went through a transformation of understanding differing norms.
It was a big deal for me to finally be able to be in solitude in nature, stress-free, and safe with a true sense of freedom.
I embraced the nature at Decoy Country Park in a way that I believe was intended. I was mesmerised by the well-maintained nature reserve, and I was delighted to see parents spending time with their kids and making them connect with nature, and their friends in the outdoors.
I went for a walk around the woodlands where it was a different yet equally beautiful vantage point for viewing the lake.
You could do so much or so little; go for a quiet space to clear the mind, or a perfect location for heart-to-heart conversations, where the mind and the body can be easily synced.
This park, which was referred to me by some locals when I mentioned that I sometimes do yoga in nature, was a pleasant discovery, that ticks so many boxes; for nature lovers, a family location, or just for an afternoon break, as there's also a snack shop that serves refreshments.
These are the last days of summer, but still, I get the feeling that this park would be a spot worth visiting for all that the seasons offer.
Thanks for stopping by, as always.
Peace and Love:)
All mobile shots were taken by me on Wednesday 13 Sep 2023, in Newton Abbot, UK.
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The place is so beautiful. Good place to relax and have a little bit of yoga on the side. Have a wonderful day sis.🤗
Thank you 😊
I didn't do any research on the place, and I just wandered aimlessly. So I was blown away to discover the lake and the pontoons and so happy that I took my yoga mat:)
Yes, having this kind of place around is so relaxing for our body and mind.😊 thanks for sharing.
Indeed!
You're very welcome:)))
Indeed a perfect spot for yoga.. I knew it was yours and you will do yoga when I saw this mat in the photo hehe.
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Thanks for the LOH tokens @jane1289.
Much appreciated:)))
Hehe!😍
There were some ducks on the first pontoon, that flew away when I got there. They left shit all over, and I was so disappointed and started looking around for something to clean the area. Then, I decided to roam around and I discovered that there were secluded pontoons right around the lake.
I can't believe that I've lived here for over a year and just discovered there. 🤦♀
Now I can alternate between there and the woods:)
If it's just a walking distance, then I'll choose the part by the lake hehe.
.
I've been living here for more than five years but only discovered new places recently 🤣..
If that's the decoy park, the real one must be absolutely fabulous!
Hehe! That's a good one 😁
Yoga by the lake is a fantastic idea. The tranquility of the place brings peace to the mind.
Yeah, and I'm mystified as to why more people don't gravitate to places like those. Mind you, I love that I basically have the place to myself, so I'd never complain😁
How lovely! I absolutely love places like that. I love to walk the trails, sit on the docks, enjoy the waterfowl and the boats. And how great that you found a place to practice yoga.
Oh my, isn't that the truth? The antidote to my angst about that very thing is realizing that if everyone wanted to be out in nature like I do, it would be horribly trampled and over-run!
Thank you 😊
Yes, places like these are more than a blessing to me, and there can never be too much.
👆 That, is so true, and it's one thing that makes me walk away feeling good every time :)))
Ducking beautiful lake! And that vantage point looks like a perfect place for having some coffee ☕ 😁
I still don't really get it.
The peace and quiet in nature are priceless, figuratively speaking and literally! But to each their own I guess. 😅
Yes, it's the perfect place for a coffee in nature. It was a last-minute decision to go there, because when I got to the woods people were conversing, so I ventured off. Next time I'll pack coffee and food for a picnic.☕️😁
To each their own, indeed! ... It's applaudable that a tech guy like you also sees the beauty and value in nature 😊🤗
How lovely! I absolutely crave multi-purpose places like this. Spending time with your family or for readers/nature lovers like me. A chance to read as well as connect with and ease your mind. And if it's a walking distance from you, even all the better wouldn't you say?
You have summed that up so well @jhymi.
Yes, I particularly like places that you can get to on foot or by bike. I don't have a bicycle right now, and this is not an ideal town for it, but it was reminiscent of me riding to the lake in the Netherlands and just being happy.
I think I'll take a book on my next trip there:)))
What a beautiful lake, it surely is peaceful in there, a perfect place to be with Nature. I think if this is just nearby in our house, I'll go there as often as I can. The beauty of it is mesmerizing, I will never get tired of this beauty. That's for sure. I'll gladly join you in your yoga in therr if only it is close by (≧▽≦)
I agree with you.
I met a few people who told me of another place that's closer to where I live (not that I mind the 20-minute walk to this lake), that I'm gonna check out too.
It would be awesome to have you or even a group yoga session there 😍
And a Yoga Session with Hivers, that'll be awesome (人 •͈ᴗ•͈)
Hehe! Now you're talking 😍
A wonderful place and this wooden deck is perfect for all those enjoyable things like Yoga, meditating, relaxing, reading, writing, dreaming, watching lake birds clouds ❤️
Absolutely!
I'm beating myself up for just discovering the area. I think the locals take it for granted.
Have a lovely day ❤️
Thank you and have a nice evening :-)
🤗😊
What a beautiful setting for Yoga. Wonderful.
💯%
Thank you 😊
How are you dear friend @millycf1976 good morning
What a lovely place to visit and get away from the city, the perfect place to read or, in your case, do a little yoga.
How good that you have discovered this lost paradise, and even better, that you let us know
Have a beautiful morning
Hello @jlufer
Yes, this was the best discovery I've made in a long time. There's so much to explore, so I'll be back.
Have a lovely day, and I do hope that you're experiencing nice weather:)))
Since yesterday the days have not been very nice, the weather has changed again and the temperature has dropped a lot, being just a few days away from the beginning of spring and the cold days do not want to go away.
Two days ago the weather was miserable here, then yesterday it brightened up. Today has been grey and wet.
You have opposite seasons from us. We're seeing the last days of summer and the days are getting shorter as night comes quickly.
I do hope that you'll see more signs of Spring soon, and I'm hoping that summer will linger for us here in the UK:)))
We appreciate your work and your publication has been hand selected by the geography curation team on behalf of the Amazing Nature Community. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the support and it's always a pleasure to share content with you.
Nature is never over rated.
Have a nice day:)))
Bendiciones amiga, hermosas fotografías, lo más maravilloso es contacto con la naturaleza
Hello @nara61
Thank you!
yes, being in contact with nature is something that I cherish:)))
Saludos bella amiga, gracias por leer mi post, bendiciones
Guao que paisaje tan hermoso, realmente un paraíso de belleza
😍 Yes, I feel the same:)
I haven't been out with nature I weeeksss! Hectic schedule at work is the culprit. Hope to find time reaaaal spoon!
Yeah, I hope you find the time cos that would be the right balance.
Have a nice day 💐
Looks like you found the perfect "Happy Place." This place definitely has all what is needed to allow some unwinding 😁
You're absolutely right.
I wish I'd discovered it sooner though.
Hope you're well:)
Sometimes we find a place and hold onto it. I have discovered many places by venturing out and searching what else there is recently. I been going to a lot of the same places for years and I decided this year I would see somethings new, lol. I have been at my location for almost 20 years.
Wow! 20 years is a lot of time, so I get the need to try out different places. I bet sometimes common things surprise you when you realise that you've missed them over the years:)
Whoops 30 years (mistyped got here 94) I fell into doing a lot of the same routine. I tell you I probably seen more new things this year than when I first moved here. I was 20 when I first got here so my priorities were simple and much different, haha
I believe that.
It's a great way for you to reflect on how much you've grown personally and also in relation to others from back in the days, who might still be there now:)
Are these regular mothers pushing prams or the annoying type that you talked about before? Lol
Nice calming spot on the dock 👍
Hehe! No regular ones😆😂
I wouldn't have asked the other type for directions at all 🤣
Yeah! It's amazing, and the best thing is that you can't see the people on the neighbouring docks😁
A perfect place for yoga! I know I've been to NA, but I can't recall why - maybe it was a festival or something. Do people swim there??
Hmm, I don't think people really go there for swimming but for other watersports activities. I saw a caution sign which said deep waters though:)
I think my biggest concern about being back in the UK is not being able to be in the sea as often as I'd like, so I'm always on the hunt for water!
Yeah, I can imagine that you're gonna miss the Australian waters. The weather here at the moment is dreadful. I want to go for a walk but it's windy, cold and wet today. We're off to Cornwall for a week this coming Saturday and I'm hoping that we'll be lucky :)
I hope so too! I'm not looking forward to British weather. Where in Cornwall are you going? I'm going to spend a lot of time begging Jamie to take me surfing in north Devon.... I'll be able to drive my sister in laws van if we can get insurance I hope but it'll be tricky and I can't drive the land Rover. Have a Cornish pastie for me 💕
We'll be staying in the Clowance Luxury Accommodations timeshare that our friend has in Praze-an-Beeble Camborne.
Yeah, I'm looking forward to a Cornish pastie 😋
Sounds good!
🤗
what a gorgeous plot so beautiful and fresh walking there must be so refreshing
Although I am a bit of a gadget geek, I do try and leave them in my pocket and ignore them when out exploring the beauty of nature
Thanks for joining the Wednesday Walk :)
Thanks for your lovely comment @tattoodjay
I'm impressed that you find the right balance between gadgets and nature.
Have a lovely Wednesday:)))
👍🙂👍
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Thanks for the reassurance:)
Wow! It's wonderful🤩
Yes, it was amazing.
Thank you:)
Incredible places to relax, walk and see how beautiful the nature is