Out of (with) the blocks - Racing underground - Beer Quarry

	Beer is a small village on the south coast of Devon, it is mainly known for the stone that was quarried in the hills above.  The houses in the picture are partly built with the local stone.   The other industry here is fishing; there are still fishing boats on the stony beach.  The village is surrounded by steep hills and has a stream running down the main road (Fore Street).
	We arrived in the Car Park a little before lunchtime.  This is Charlie's Yard, where we sat to eat lunch.  While eating we watched the swifts flying in and out, collecting food for their young nesting in the roof.  After lunch, we walked into the village.  St Michael's church is huge, and a mixture of traditional (the bibles) and modern (the children's work and use of the space).
	Leaving the car park was difficult, we were parked on a steep hill, pointing downwards.  The spaces are made for 1960s cars.  The Sharan refused to go backwards.  I ended up using left foot braking to control the car, to get enough revs to move and not collide with the car behind.  Then up to the quarry. We changed into walking boots and put a coat on.  The temperature in the quarry varies between 7 and 10 Celsius.   Today it is a little over 8.  The guide was brilliant.  Telling us about the Roman, Saxon and later quarrying techniques, and showing us some of the evidence the various historical characters have left behind.  Guided tours are essential, the quarry covers 40 acres.