Apologies for the latest break in transmission, which would have been longer but for the fact that my plan to spend today on schoolwork has been thwarted by Word incompatibility issues. Ah, well, it'll keep.

So where were we? Just off to Devon as I recall. A splendid week was enjoyed by all, indeed all our workaday worries floated away to such a degree that at times i was almost able to forget that Michael Owen had been handed United's Number 7 shirt. Almost.

For a meticulous and highly entertaining account of the week feel free to click here and visit the magnificent blog that Iain managed to maintain throughout the week.

The shot above shows Olivia ensconced in the buggy that was attached to the rear of my bike as we ventured along the Tarka Trail. Many of you may be aware that in my youth i was a kingpin in the Royton BMX scene and that people would travel literally yards to witness my bunny-hops.

Naturally, the second i mounted the bike those long-dormant instincts roared back to life, though luckily for Olivia i was unable to locate a quarter-pipe and couldn't fully give into them.