Plough Inn, Sturminster Newton

  Another wet, wet weekend forecast but what the heck!  Mike set off early with John so as to avoid the Friday traffic rush.  They'd set everything up for me & Carol so we could relax straight away.
  On arrival, we found that the site was too wet and the caravans had to be pitched on the edge of the hard standing in the pub car park.  We're celebrating Carols birthday and have booked a table for us.
  The last time that we were here there had been a beer festival and a chicken pen on the site. None of that this time as the pub has changed hands. A hunt is organised close by for Sunday. Hopefully we'll be away before it starts as they've started to cone off the car park to stop everyone parking there.
Had dinner in the pub but it wasn't terribly memorable.  Had booked the table for 7.30 and then they insisted it was for 8.  It turned out that they also had a large table party booked out in the conservatory and consequently we didn't eat until nearly 9 o'clock.  We won't be coming again.

Silverwood Farm, Three Legged Cross

  Lovely site set amongst trees and laid out in small, private areas.  Can be a bit tricky with levelling the caravan due to roots and uneven ground but each pitch is in a clearing of its own!
   Josh is with us this time.  We got him involved with putting up the awning and getting the caravan set up.  This site was great for him as he could run around without us worrying if he was annoying other people.  We saw a baby bird that had become separated from it’s mother so it was good to watch this from inside the caravan.

   The entrance to the site was down a long track but to the side of the track was a field with horses in.  This was of great interest to Josh and each evening we would take a stroll down to see the horses, feed them some grass then say good night to them.  Josh was a little scared of them so didn’t want to actually feed them but he did stroke one very quickly!

    To the other side of the track was another field which lead to a pond where there were fishermen.  The field also held cows on one day.  It did have a gate which we could have gone through but didn’t really have the time to – maybe next time.
   The owner of the site had a tractor.  Josh and I were very lucky to be passing him one day and he very kindly allowed Josh to sit in the tractor cab.  I don’t think Josh really knew how exciting this was and was a little reticent but he did sit there for a while with a ‘what am i supposed to do now’ look on his face.

    To keep Josh occupied we'd bought him a puzzle.  We thought it was just a sports car but when he saw it his face lit up and he said ‘It’s lightin a keen’ (Lightning McQueen).  Obviously well known if you are in the know!  This puzzle is really a floor puzzle but Josh put it together on the table – and it only just fit! Thank goodness for large puzzle pieces.
   As we have done on our previous outing with Josh, we got him involved with setting up his own sleeping area.  He loved it!  However, he didn’t like settling down and in fact didn’t settle down on the first night until we had gone to bed and turned out the light.  It didn’t stop him from waking up early though!

    On Saturday we went into Poole.  We did wonder what to do with Josh and eventually went to a soft play area within a park setting.  Josh was a little overwhelmed in the soft play area so guess who had to follow him up onto the walkways and through the ball pool and dodge the soft dangly punch bags?  But I thoroughly enjoyed it!  After this we took him on a miniature train ride around the park.  It was rather cold outside and I don’t think Josh enjoyed it all that much.

    We then went into the town centre.  It was near lunch time so we found a café and had something to eat.  Josh also had a huge Bakewell tart – which he couldn’t finish!  Further into our amble around Poole, we came across the harbor with all the boats and street entertainers.  Josh wasn’t really impressed with these.  I think he was tired!  Not the only one!  An ice-cream later and we walked back to the car and back to the caravan.
We had some quiet time with reading books and playing cars then Mike cooked dinner; bangers, mash and beans – one of my favourites!  Josh got to mash the potatoes.

   That night Josh ended up gaining our attention with the balloon that he'd got in Poole.  He kept sticking it out through the curtain around his bed.  It did look funny and I made the mistake of laughing.  Well that was it, another night where he didn't sleep until we turned in.  He did sleep a little longer in the morning, but not much!

   Sunday and we packed up the caravan – Josh helped of course.  Then I took Josh down to say good bye to the horses.  Mike came to meet us but there was also another car following him so it was a very quick ‘goodbye’ and fasten Josh into his seat so that we could go and let the other car out.

   It was a lovely weekend, helped by good weather.  We will definitely go there again, hopefully with Amy, Dave and Sophia next time.

Bruce Arms, Easton Royal

   This is the second time we’ve been to this site but this time we have Josh with us for his first over-night caravan stay.

   After setting up the caravan, and when it stopped raining, I took Josh outside for a play around to help tire him out! We donned wellies and coats and took a wander up the track along the side of the site. It's an old drove road so part of it is fairly easy going. I see that a horse has been along the track and point out to Josh that I know that from the hoof prints and the horse poo! ‘Oooo’ he said. I also pointed out stinging nettles and thistles. When the track became a bog, we decide to turn back and I asked Josh to point out the horse tracks and poo, which he did.

   Back in the field, we take a wander around it then Mike kicks a football to us so we have a game of kicking the ball and running after it. I’m exhausted but I doubt if Josh is!

   After dinner we play with cars then it’s time for bed. Josh helps get his bed ready and yawns and says he is tired. This is not an indication of things to come! Of course it is all exciting and everything is for the first time. Needless to say he didn’t settle until we went to bed and turned out the light.

   The following day we had bacon and eggs and toast for breakfast which Josh loved!  Whilst I washed up Mike played with Josh. He had found the silicone egg poachers in the drawer and wondered what they were.

A hat?

Earmuffs?

Chin warmer?

  A good time was had by Josh and Mike! Then it was the turn of oversized table pegs.   Are they earrings?  Josh only stayed the one night as a trial. We took him home but we will definitely take him away with us again before too long.

   Dinner that night was in the pub – and very nice it was too

Gwithian, Cornwall. June 2012

   We liked Gwithian and the surrounding area so much we decided to come for another week.  Easy to get to and easy to set up.  We noticed this time that each pitch has its own supply of water!
We didn’t set off as early this time but we still made sure we stopped for a bacon butty!  Mmm.  There’s something rather satisfying seeing all the other cars zooming past, possibly to the next services, tucking into a freshly cooked bacon butty with a cup of tea.  Another time it would be us zooming past, but just this time we can relish in it being our turn.
 

   We did hit hold ups around Bodmin Moor and wished we had left earlier but they didn’t keep us held up by long.  We had to let another caravanner into the traffic as they hadn’t seen the lane converging sign – well, we assume they hadn’t seen it! 

 

   It was a little windy when we finally arrived but we still put the awning up.  It is so useful – even more so now that Mike has invented and made a coat hanger for our wet coats.  It is simply a broom handle inserted into a round pipe on the end of a spiral spike that is wound into the ground.  He screwed a few hooks into the top and voila!  And it works really well!

 

   We went down to the pub for dinner.  We only just managed to get a table!  It was packed.  I’ve never seen it so busy before.  It did give the place a holiday atmosphere as many of the people were from the camp site opposite. 

 

   We have noticed numerous amounts of a reddish pinky flower that we now know as Red Valerian growing form walls.  I’m thinking that as it seems to be fairly hardy that I would be able to grow it in our garden.  We did find some seeds so time will tell!

   Sunday saw us driving around getting the lie of the land under our belts again, shopping for food and nibbles then ending up down the pub again whilst dinner cooked – Chicken Chorizo.  Another  mmmmmm.

   Monday and we were left wondering what weather we would encounter.  So far it has been windy and drizzly.  Monday started off dry but with threatening clouds.  We travelled over to Falmouth to visit the Trebah Gardens.  We parked up and still hadn’t decided.  We took the plunge and paid our £8.50 entrance fee (each) for the privilege.  Actually, the price isn’t that bad.  For that we are able to come back for up to a week, which is what we will do.  The government have stopped the way charities are ‘helped’ by them paying a certain amount to them dependant on the tax payer that uses their services or helps them in any way.  Trebah Gardens is a charity and we found some small print that asked that if we were prepared to pay £9.35 then the government would pay an extra 25% to the charity (an extra 25% as opposed to what I am unsure).

   The gardens were great.  Really different to the Penjerrick Gardens we saw last year and totally in a different league.  The gardens are on a hill so there are some fairly steep hills to negotiate but we started off going down towards the beach (and little tea bar).  We criss-crossed the stream and waterfalls heading downwards.  I can imagine the hydrangeas, when they are out, will look truly amazing!  There is a section of Gunnera which is huge and must be magical and slightly scary for children, but nevertheless exciting to walk under!  I really wished we had Josh with us.

   The walk back up was less exciting but only because we took a different route.  We wandered into the shop.  There is always a shop cashing in on the unsuspecting public and yes we did succumb.  Something for Dave and Josh and Mum.  Now only Amy to find something for.  Oh, and I bought a packet of the Red Valerian seeds!

   That afternoon was glorious.  Not a cloud in the sky.  In fact when we returned to the caravan it was a change into the bikini and a sunbath!  And we got burnt!  I suggested a walk over the sand dunes to watch the sun set at 9pm.  It would have been lovely but the clouds started rolling in and they hid what would have been a memorable sunset.

   Tuesday and the rain!  Torrential.  Hard to think that only yesterday we were sunning ourselves.  However, we took the plunge and left for Porthleven to the Harbour Market there – and guess what – no rain!  Mind you, the market wasn't anything to write home about but there were some lovely crafts there.

   On to Penzance to buy Mike a pair of much needed shoes then back to the caravan for a cup of tea and cake – or in Mikes case a (‘nother) Pasty.

   Meal at the pub.  Again very good.  Mike had the steak and it was cooked just to his liking and I had the Crab Pasta.  Not that much crab but still tasty.  It looks like it would be a good sunset this evening but we are just too bushed to walk across the sand dunes to watch it.  I think we will definitely have to come back again.  I don’t think I will ever tire of Cornwall.

   Wednesday and the weather in the morning was an improvement on yesterday but we are still wondering whether we would actually be able to do anything without getting wet.  First of all to Potheleven to see the Tesserae gallery/workshop that we missed on Monday.  Madhu is a lovely lady and very willing to impart her knowledge, unlike some other mosaicers.  I signed up for a workshop on Friday so at least I can see if I am doing it correctly!

   On to the Mawgan Feast Week at Mawgan.  We found Mawgan but not any feasts.  In actual fact the Feast bit is actually for a fest or Festival for the local people although other people are very welcome.  Most of the events are during the evenings of the week with an all day event on Saturday.  Never mind – off to the supermarket to find something for dinner.

We would have thought this bench
 would have had more use being next to the car park.
It was covered in lichen

   We had lunch at Coverack, another lovely village.  We lunched in The Wave cafe which was extremely busy and only a few people working but we waited for our orders and were we glad we did.  Mikes Ploughman’s was huge with 3 different cheeses and ham along with salad, chutney and bread.  My Crab Sandwich was again very huge!  So much crab.  It certainly made up for lack of crab last night.  Salad and chips with that.  We were certainly satisfied with that so when we went shopping we wondered what to get.  Ended up with tapas.  Small dishes so probably better but we did also get some sharing bread to go with it so probably not a sensible as it could have been!

   We went to St Michaels Mount in the afternoon.  We had to take the boat there and back as the tides weren’t right for us to walk out on the causeway.  We actually went up to the castle.  Very steep climb but the views were stunning.  Shame about the dull clouds around but the rain stayed off so we can’t be too greedy.  We could see the gardens from the castle above and they look good too so we will have to come back just to see the gardens and perhaps picnic by the sea on the rocks.

   Back to the caravan at 6pm; late for us.  We are knackered!  Relaxed with a beer and read the paper for a while before dinner.

  Thursday and we lay in bed till quite late.  We’d arranged to meet up with Bob and Wendy.  Mike used to work with Bob a few years ago then he moved down to Cornwall, much to the envy of us and a number of other people!  We met up at the M&S at Hayle had a catch-up then moved on to the ‘Heartlands’, a newly opened museum to tin mining that is free!  We had lunch there then a look around.  The weather was atrocious; rain and wind so we stayed inside as much as we could.  There were also craft shops.  We looked around one but then we decided to go back to Bob and Wendy’s house for a nice cuppa tea.  A quick stop at the supermarket for dinner, and a run in the rain, before heading back to the caravan – and what a site when we got there.

   As I have said, the wind has been rather strong.  Our porch awning was down.  Still attached to the caravan but little else was as it should have been.  Luckily by then the rain had stopped so we set to and re-poled and re-pegged.  Then we decided to take it down!  We are glad we did as that night the wind was doing it’s thing again and it would have been flapping continuously.  Not conducive to a good night’s sleep but there again we didn't sleep much anyway!

This is the result of the mosaic that I started at Madhu's

   Mike had arranged for me to do a mosaic course so we had to get up to get there.  I insisted we had breakfast which in effect made us late but as everything is ‘dreckly’ down here I didn't think it would matter.  The course with Madhu was good.  She showed me a few techniques which I haven’t gathered from books and she made me aware that  I had a good sense of composition.  I’m glad she said that as now I feel I can continue with at least some confidence.  Mike, all this time, was patiently waiting in the car. (not all the time, he had to have another pasty)  Isn’t he a star!

   On the way to our second visit to Trebah Gardens, we took a number of small narrow twisty roads.  On the right hand turns I looked out ahead to warn Mike of oncoming cars.  This I did with varying certainty!  Some of the sounds I used to warn of an oncoming vehicle was; a sharp intake of breath, ‘a ccc’ when it was a coach, ‘car’, ‘a’ with a point; many and varied.  Mike did a wonderful job though but doesn’t really want to do too many of those roads!

   On the way back we stopped at a place sign posted for Looe Bar and walked along the road and cliff to try and find it.  We never found it but we did see some pretty amazing wild sea water.  Try as I might I could never take that definitive photograph but I think I have taken some fairly good ones.

   On our return we asked if we could stay an extra day as the wind is really too strong for travelling home.  Luckily they have allowed us to, given the circumstances, even though there are six vans now on the site.  We are assured the wind will die down on Sunday.  Here’s hoping.

   We went to Truro on Saturday.  We were convinced we had been there before but we certainly hadn’t.  There was farmers market and a craft tent.  We actually bought quite a few bits and bobs there.  One of the people on a stall in the craft tent thrust a leaflet in my hand.  He was quite insistent I take it.  When I looked at it the first thing I saw was ‘for the over 50’s’.  Do I obviously look over 50?  Maybe today after all this wind.

   Back to the caravan, replenish water and sort out stuff for our departure tomorrow (fingers crossed).  Nice cup of tea and a snooze for Mike.  Then the sun came out!  Quick, on with the boots and down to the beach.  Brilliant.  Exhilarating. But still windy!  Mike commented 'we could do that with our awning'  The kite surfers were out and it was fascinating watching them; how the criss-crossed each other without getting all tangled up.  I thought I would like to have a go but can see myself tying everyone up!  

   Picky bits for dinner tonight as we had a lovely lunch in Truro in a cafe near to the cathedral.  We got some lovely Olives and mix of sundried tomatoes, garlic and spiced shallot (not sure they are like the little onions) from a Mediterranean stall – wow the garlic was strong and hot!  Our fellow campers may insist we go tomorrow come what may!  Don’t speak too loudly but the wind is dying down.

   Sunday's weather was certainly a lot calmer and didn't have any problems getting home.  That's the way a holiday should end.

Lorne Hill Farm CL Marlborough

   We arrived on a grey evening – not raining but cold and miserable.  The site is on a bit of a slope and we gave the other two caravan owners a spectacle to amuse by tooing and froing our caravan – mainly by hand!! – until we managed to get it relatively level.  
   Mike tried to manoeuvre it by car but the wheels were just spinning on the wet grass.  Mike took ages trying to disconnect the stabiliser as it won't come off when there's pressure on it.  The slope didn't help.  

   A member of the audience did offer some help but he couldn’t suss out the tow hitch problem either.  He also said that 5 days earlier the whole pitch had been under water!

   Electric hook-up so no worries about running on battery – not that we do worry.  Mike read in his caravan mag that only 8% of the caravanning fraternity use battery power.

   Got to bed relatively that night.  It was nice to snuggle under our very heavy duvet though.  Nice and toasty.  Trouble is, it is so snugly that we didn’t want to get up the next day as it was so cold.  Putting the heater on didn’t do much to heat the caravan either.  No sunshine either – but also no rain.  A rare occurrence at the moment as we’ve just experienced the wettest April since records began!  And there a drought, apparently!!!

   After a very chilled and laid back morning, we eventually went into Wantage.  Nice little town which unfortunately had a fun fair taking up the market place and blaring very loud metallic sounding music.  Didn't look in many shops but there were a few ‘different’ ones that we should have seen.  Mike was a little concerned about the cars radiator as it had sprung a leak so we were looking for somewhere to sell us some Radweld and tools.
   That took us to Newbury on the hunt for a radiator!  Several ‘parts’ places later and none to be found.  We’ll just have to limp home and get the garage to do it when the car goes in for its MOT. 
   Back to Hungerford, a quick look for the hairdressers – I’ve arranged to get my hair cut and styled before Ali & Justin’s wedding reception – then to find a cafe for some lunch.  Eventually found one.  Seems there aren’t many cafe in Hungerford.  A very uninspired soup later and I headed to my appointment whilst Mike went food shopping.
   I am very disappointed with my hair!  The girl who cut it was more interested in talking to her own reflection in the mirror and listening to other peoples conversation – not that I was doing much talking but I was paying for my hair cut!.  Even Mike noticed the hacked about hair style I now sported.  Ah well, back to the caravan for some magic hair spray.
   After a little snoozette – I wasn’t worried about ruining my hair! – we both got ready for our night out.  Mike even had on his aftershave he’d bought earlier – Givency Gentleman...mmmm.
   Back in Hungerford and The Bear Hotel.  Ali and Justin’s evening reception was well under way.  Amy, Dave and Josh were already there having been to the actual wedding too.  I think I spent most of the time with Josh.  I introduced him to dancing although he spent most of the time running around, or crawling over, the dance floor!  He also liked to go outside – well it was hot inside.  He found a huge parasol which he insisted on running around whilst holding onto the pole getting lovely and dirty.  Still, he was keeping himself amused.  Later he pushed several chairs around it to make a ‘flower’.  We need to encourage his artistic flair!
   He got tired around 9.30 so Amy & Dave left to go to bed.  Whether they actually got to sleep I don’t know as their room was directly above the room the reception was in!  We also decided to go then.
   We had previously made the bed up so when we got back we sat in bed listening to music and talking.  It was good doing that so we had a lovely end to our day.
   Another lazy morning  and breakfast then up to see the site owner, Joanne.  She holds classes in the art of needlework – appliqué, embroidery, patchwork etc.  We had previously taken possession of a hand made quilt from South Africa.  It did need a bit of a repair but we couldn’t see ourselves actually using it, so Mike suggested giving it to Joanne.  Brilliant idea!  She was so enthusiast about it. I’m glad we did.  At least I know she will use it in some way, even if it is just to show examples of work to her students.  I really want to show her the cot bumper and quilt I made for Josh so I may send her a photo of it.  She has asked for more information about the quilts so I’ll send it then.

   She told us about a walk which we went on around the fields and beyond the ridge that we could see from the caravan (we kept saying ‘I wonder what's over that ridge’).  Now we know – a Huge field of Rape, so yellow. It was lovely but so smelly.    Our walk took us to the pub – what a surprise!.  It was lovely.  Certainly somewhere we’d like to go to have a meal; a real country pub with locals all knowing each other and plenty of dogs.  It was great.  Mind you, a couple of drinks later and a trek back to the caravan meant an afternoon siesta!

Continued to chill, eat, play games and chill some more.


Monday morning and rain.  No laid back relaxing breakfast but a quick wash, get up and pack up so that we didn’t get stuck on the field – it was vacating day.  Wrong!  We had to enlist the help of the owner and his landrover to get us out.  He was so kind.  I know he was just going out but he rescued us without batting an eyelid.
Definitely go back – especially now we have a new car and four wheel drive!

Waterwells Farm Colden Common

    We all (Carol & John as well) managed to get half a day off work on Friday so set off for Colden Common at lunch time.  The journey was uneventful although there were traffic lights just outside the entrance to the site which could have made it awkward.  Leaving the site may be a little problematical if there is a queue of traffic opposite the entrance.
    When we arrived I held the gate open for both outfits then ran to catch up with them.  On my run, the owner came out to warn us not to go onto the grass as it was very waterlogged.  Too late for Mike.  The field was like walking through puddles!  John kept his car and van on the hard standing.  Mike decided to do the same but couldn't  get off the grass and the owner had to pull the van out with his 4x4.  Settled on the hard standing we set up but found the van to be sloping slightly on a sideways axis.  Never mind we’ll just be very cosy in bed!
    Tea and yummy biscuits later we then set off to get some more gas from nearby Chichester Caravans then a drink at the nearby pub.  Carol and John hosted that nights dinner.  Beef One Pot.  Mmmm lovely.  Last bit of gravy and bread anyone?  Pud then cheese & biscuits and a few bottles of vino (although Carol not drinking) and a game of Uno.  How John won was anyone’s guess!

Mmmm, what shall I cook for dinner?

    The night was very cold but our 13.5 tog duvet kept us nice and toasty – too toasty sometimes but too cold not to have any covers.

    Saturday, after a leisurely breakfast and dinner preparation we tootled off to Winchester for a look around and to hit some charity shops.  We found the men in the pub, as usual.

    Dinner was a Stifado (Greek dish) slow cooked in a slow cooker.  We did think we would have electric but with having to use the hard standing our electric lead wasn’t long enough so the slow cooker went to Carol & John’s caravan.  We did retrieve it when we returned from Winchester just in case the smell was too much for them and we ended up with no dinner that night!

Start of another year

    Well, that's the cover off and things are looking good.  It's good that we don't have to wash the caravan before we go away after the winter's effects.  After all this rain lately, maybe we should have left the cover on ????

All battened down for the winter

    We've just fitted the new cover to the caravan and you can certainly tell that it's made for this caravan - it was tight to fit.  We had to use brooms and mops to get it over the roof.... and this is with Mike's new hip!  It's also got a door in the right pace so you can go inside if necessary to get anything.