We trialled a modded Forged Alliance Forever, co‑op against new AIs before going online—without Michael—against four unknowns. We were routed, undone by poor scouting and metal extraction, a sharp lesson in how regular online play produces techniques that are far harder to match.

A biting wind reshaped the ride, sending us off the high moor onto an unusual lower route to Widecombe via Buckland-in-the-Moor and Elliott’s Hill. There was a churchyard hunt for “My Dear Mother”, and later a local blamed a fox for the missing duck.

Another Games Evening centred on Supreme Commander, with Lawrence and Michael teaming up against the rest and winning both matches; we rounded off with some Modern Warfare 3.

A cold, windy run to Avon Dam became a glove drama: only Michael had proper ones, prompting a rotating loan as hands vanished into coats on the bleak reservoir and boggy moor. With the wind finally behind us, we rolled home gratefully to the fire at Crofters.

An evening of Supreme Commander saw us finally bring down a cheating AI through dogged teamwork. Michael survived near-annihilation by missile launchers and kept rescuing others, took top score — until Will broke alliance and nuked him — and we wound down with talk of a France trip and conspiracy theories.

A very small turnout saw the ride converted to a planning session: we booked the Easter Tour, then rounded it off with a low‑key social at Crofters.

Supreme Commander again set the tone for our penultimate social, with Michael and George taking on Dillan and Will despite Michael urging AI opponents. After mid‑island skirmishes, a pair of nukes at George triggered a ruthless counter; M and G won, and George then discovered Michael’s air power was decisive.

The ride centred on the newly working HEP station at Totnes weir, its twin Archimedes screws turning while the weir lay almost dry; a local said it flows after rain. A friendly long-eared owl under the arch charmed everyone, and a later phone drop mercifully resulted in only a cracked screen.

A relaxed Good Friday games night started late after George mistook the day and Lawrence had his own delay. We still fitted in a long film-clip quiz, narrowly won by Dillan.

A windy Easter outing on the southern Tarka Trail mixed easy rail-trail miles with tailwind elation to Instow and a grinding headwind home. Highlights included a sand-blasted lunch after Tao’s ‘sheltered’ spot, and a shower arriving after Michael praised the weather, redeemed by a cosy, dog-decked café.

Flooding after Storm Katie dominated the ride: Topsham detours, a ferryman refusing any discount and reports of a submerged Powderham road sent us back along the Exe trail, ending with a barefoot wade to the cars. A superb coffee stop in Shaul’s briefly lifted the chill.