When we last visited Salcombe about eighteen months ago, the youthful warden kept us entertained with his impressive collection of enormous snakes. We were somewhat disappointed, therefore, to discover that he has now been replaced: apparently his many unusual pets had been causing a number of problems for YHA members!

We were stuffed into a poky, dismal dormitory at the back of the hostel while another female hosteller was given sole rights to the enormous Royal Suite overlooking the sea - usually reserved for us! This didn't put the new warden high on our list of favourite people.

After enjoying what we had to admit were quite reasonable meals we set off for our traditional walk along the coastal path. As we approached the inky darkness of Starehole bay we saw a flashlight in the distance. From the coast path on the near side we could see that there were two flashlights, moving unsteadily through the undergrowth on the far side of the bay and heading towards the water. They (whoever THEY were) knew we were there, but their lights couldn't quite reach us across the water. Some of the lads were all for going over to investigate, suspecting a smuggling operation, but Michael overruled and we returned to the hostel.

Sunday's ride included the usual ferry journey to East Portlemouth, the outdoor cafe stop on the far side overlooking the estuary, the ride to Torcross and the homeward route through Tuckenhay.