2nd – 7th August
Due to Yob camp, Scout Camp etc we didn’t go away until a bit later but first Stop was Longleat – Lisa came too this time which was great!
It was very weird driving down the long driveway into Longleat House through a load of day visitors with a caravan. The site was very busy but a really short walk from the centre of the park. We had organised passports for the few days which allowed us to go on everything.
First there was the adventure castle – lots of climbing, swinging etc but best of all for Toby was the water jets. The weather was cold, windy and showery but there was Tobes true for form up to his armpits in water, with no clothes except pants and a t-shirt having a wail of a time. Josh, as per usual, was off making friends and swinging from a high wooden fort by his toes.
Then there was Postman Pat Village – for your average grown up, more than a little dull however the boys seemed to love it (go figure).
Pets Corner was next and it was as you would expect . The activities on the other hand were great, Josh held a ferret and a large snake, Jez held a tarantula and Toby held and was kissed on the neck by a snake. There was also a great parrot show with lots of tricks which was fab.
Then the boat ride on the lake to see Gorilla island. Josh said he wanted to move in as the gorilla got to eat Jam sandwiches, sleep and Watch TV. Toby liked the sea lions that chased and swam with the boat. We couldn’t see the hippo’s though they were hiding in a bush.
Then there was the train which of course Toby loved.
We went in the house as April is very keen on old houses, but the boys moaned the entire time (especially Josh who had been told off for taking photos!)
Toby’s favourite bit was, of course, that Sportacus was putting on a show and Toby got to dance with him. (Good old Josh he did a great job at the front as Toby was a bit shy)
Finally the Maze.. We all went in full of confidence in our ability and criticism of anyone who was lost. As time went by we began to discuss whether we should have bought supplies and which way was north. We were finally rescued by a young man however we did suspect him of preying on innocent people and that he probably was watching as we walked to our doom. However, shame on us as we found the middle the way he said and proceeded to be smug and laugh at those still lost. (We did help some of them though)
Last (but by no means least) the Safari Park. Oh Dear – it was raining – busy and dull. However we soldiered on, saw all the animals we wanted to see, got up close to some giraffes and saw a man break down in the wolf enclosure.
It was great being able to camp so close. At dawn and dusk you could hear the lions roaring and sea lions throughout the day..
And the our final day there approached and we packed up and headed for Dartmoor.. River Dart Country Park..
