Jul 31

First night away (31st July)

With a days work out of the way and the motorhome all packed and ready (April and Toby worked very hard on this) we set off.

We’d joined wildcamping.co.uk and downloaded a list of POIs for Google Earth and also had joined BritStops who sent us a very detailed book of places we could stay. We set off with one of them in mind.

April was keen to avoid as many motorways as possible so, after the M27 and M3 (oh well) we went up the A34 and cutoff across country.. Beautiful scenery and a great drive we arrived around 19:30 and went in to the pub for a drink and some vegetable soup.. A little peppery for our liking but warming nonetheless.

After the soup, back to the van and watched the evening draw in. We lit one of our oil burning lamps and played cards. April was completely supreme at this, this evening, we played about 20 games and I only won the last one!!

And so we battened down the hatches and went to sleep. Toby taking up the rear bunk and April and I above the cab. April wasn’t keen on sleeping next to the drop so she slept towards the front of the van. We were all very comfy and were woken up by the town clock bell chiming 7.

Off to the worlds biggest Henge today as it’s only about 10 minutes from here. No idea where we’re staying tonight which is a new experience for us.

Must dash, have to make ready to leave..

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Jul 29

Goodwood Trundle Car Park for tea

And so it was, April decided tea was to be eaten on the Trundle at Goodwood, so we packed some grub and headed off..

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Parked up, need to learn how to level it properly!!

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Lovely view out of the door!!

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And the front window..

We had bought a kite with us for Tobes to run around with,  he did an amazing job of keeping it in the air, narrowly missing a passing Chinook and only worrying a coach driver once!

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He seemed to enjoy himself..

So when we arrived home it was time to sterilise the waterworks, and fire up the water heater for the first time.. 18 sterilising tablets later, we flushed quite a lot of water through into the waste tank ready for us to empty it tomorrow evening, we’ll have to fill it again, flush that clean water through and then again and hopefully it’ll be good to drink.

The water heater took a while to get going, I found out that they need a lot of gas pressure and the gas bottles tap wasn’t fully on (after the 15th time of trying to start it). So it finally fired up and I thought I’d test the heating as it has been nearly 30 degrees C out recently we might need it. Lovely and warm, it’s going to be toasty.

Left the water heater running for about 1/2 an hour and it was far too hot to touch.. Excellent!! So, we now feel ready for our excursion on Thursday.

Jul 23

New Blog..

Right, We’re soon off on a new adventure. We’ve just bought a Dethleffs Globetrotter Motorhome, ditched the caravan,┬átow car, ceased being “tuggers” and are going to log our adventures here.

Schmazin’

So we’re off on the 31st July to Exmoor National Park with a few stops on the way and back for four nights as a new Motorhome test.

 

Here’s a map of everywhere we’ve stayed in the caravan.

Let the adventure begin.

Apr 10

2012 – Morn Hill

10th April

Left home at middayish trying our best not to crush the new turf we recently laid in front of the caravan. And after completely failing to do so, we set off. Drive was 45 mins and very easy. Forgot to check caravan tyre pressures but it seemed stable. We arrived just after 1pm and pitched very quickly after I had freed the right rear steady. Pitching was very easy as we (sadly) don’t have Martha with us but that means we don’t need the awning. So here we are one fry-up, one run through of shrek 2, some card games and four games of football down, kids are out on their wheels tearing around generally shouting at each other. And we’re inside telling the nice man with the chainsaw to be quiet.
Waiting for tonight to see how clear this dark spot is and if the milky way is actually visible and I have the right time of year or not. Sky is clear at the moment so fingers crossed.
11th April
Today was slow, we finally emerged at around nine this morning after Toby had watched Shrek 2 again.  So after a leisurely breakfast we hopped in the car with a picnic and found a walk near Alresford. The weather was “changeable” but we didn’t mind and stopped for a brief picnic. Then once we’d finished it started to rain and we got back in the car and drove back to the campsite.
After a game of cricket, football, frisbee and catch we settled for tea and another film “who framed roger rabbit” this time and then showers all round. Hopefully we can get a relatively early night as we’re all quite tired.
We might be going to inTech tomorrow which will be the first time we’ll leave the dog on his own in the van  (which will be interesting). Should be a good day. The weather doesn’t look that bad so, fingers crossed.
12th April
Not much happened today.. We decided not to leave the dog on his own. April felt he’d just whinge too much (and may tear the caravan apart trying to get out). So, instead, we decided to go back to the spot we went for walk the day before and walk in the other direction.. The dog wanted desperately to catch the rabbits in the field adjacent to the path we were on so after about a mile of walking we turned on our heels and headed back to the car and after quick Asda we went back to the campsite..
A lovely evening this one.. Nice to just sit down with the family and play games. Although quite a lot of this evening has been making good the van for the journey home tomorrow / not having to clean it when we got back. This time I have remembered to check the van’s tyre pressures
13th April
Home today.. (Yes towing on Friday the 13th!!) We didn’t get up too  early to pack as we’d done most of the organising yesterday and we found it was just a simple case of lift and shift.. Left at about eleven to be home by midday, all in all a very good journey. A shame to be home..

Feb 24

2011 – Abbey Wood

Thursday 24th Feb 2011

Left at Lunchtime to get to the campsite. The traffic was a bit slow on the M25 but we got there OK and the setup went well. We went to see Suzie, Richard and Eva which was lovely. We had a pizza and then came back to the caravan to rest before tomorrows busy day.
Friday 25th Feb 2011 – Trip to London
We went on the DLR to Tower Hill then took the boat along the Thames which was lovely. We then took the underground to South Kensington and the Museums. The queue for the Natural History Museum was really long so we went to the science museum first. There were loads of people so it was Manic. We went and had lunch, then braved the queue at the Natural History Museum. It was busy too but much better for the kids. We then tried the V&A but the kids got bored very quickly. So, we went back to Tower Hill and had a McDonalds to wait for the boat home. It was lovely along the Thames in the dark with everything lit up. The kids met some little girls and chatted the journey home. All in all a tiring, full on, but good day.
Saturday 26th Feb 2011 – Tower of London
We took the DLR like yesterday and then got off at the Tower. we had a good day – lots of armour, jewels and torture! Home by tea and a relaxing PM. Home tomorrow..

May 01

2010 – Corfe Castle

01/05/2010
Firstly today we had to finish packing then take Toby for his swimming lesson. After that we hitched and were on our way.
The Journey was ok and the views of Corfe Castle was we drove past were lovely. Bit of a struggle getting the caravan into the campsite as they’d recently had some work done and the road into the site was very uneven (lots of very heavy trucks)
The Pitch is good – right next to the dog walk. The chap said it’s just a 20 min walk to the castle. We realised that when Dawny arrived we wouldn’t have time tomorrow to go to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door so we decided to go after tea. It was lovely at Lulworth Cove – we walked down the the cove first (Josh found a strange man decorating shells etc) then along the cliff and had a tea and biscuit picnic over-looking another smaller cove with holes letting the sea through the cliff. Very picturesque. Then we went to Durdle Door. Well, Lulworth Cove was nice but Durdle Door was fantastic. Thought you had to look at it from the cliff top but you can go down steps (very steep and dodgy) right onto the beach next to it. It was fab, the kids loved it and next time, definitely picnic day out material. The walk back was hard up hill but worth it.
Dawny’s bed had a hole in it so we spent half an hour trying to sort that out but we all need some rest for the long walk tomorrow.
02/05/2010
We woke up around 8 and managed to get out of the van at about 10 which with 6 of us and the dog wasn’t bad. We walked down to the castle which was mostly down hill but a nice walk (not looking forward to the return journey!)
When we got to the castle they had a Viking and Saxon camp and reenactment (2010 must be reenactment year). The Kids were excited though. We watched the first battle – the Vikings won. Then spent some time walking round the camp. The kids pressed some pewter coins, played a saxon board game and chatted to the people. Josh had some issues with the smoke from the fires but had fun. Then they joined in the battle – Josh was first – they lined up the kids and then the Men and charged the against each other (the men were looking quite scared) the kids were very enthusiastic. The Martha’s turn came. She had previously picked a fight with one of the more hairy men, so she picked on him when the fight started – very funny who was scared most. The we went for a nice lunch and back to watch the Saxons take back the village (this took a long time). We went back to the van – the walk back wasn’t too bad and we had had a long, cold but good day. Dawny then went off to cousin Jay’s and Toby found a friend so we had a quiet afternoon. Thank Goodness!

 

Corfe Castle

Feb 12

2010 – Alderstead Heath

12/02/2010
Yes, I did say February. This is our “train Theo to be in the caravan weekend.” The journey was good with no whining and went very well with the new Shogun. We have come to Redhill again which is a great site. We arrived around 2ish and after a cup of tea, Josh and April went to walk the Dog over the fields (very muddy) Josh Decided to go through the woods but after a bit we went back to the path. Theo has been great so far – off to Suzie’s tomorrow for a visit so that should be nice.
13/02/2010
Theo was good all night. He barked a bit when the neighbours got up but that was fine. We walked him a couple of times both off the lead and he did great. Mid morning we went to visit Suzie on the way stopping at Asda. Jez went in and April walked Theo around the car park. He was good at Suzie’s and we had a look at their cool allotment, discussed the wedding “Yay” and she told us she was pregnant “Woo Hoo” due in August. We are all excited. The journey back wasn’t so good, lots of stopping in shops and going the wrong way. Theo was so good. Mixed day all in all but good. Try and have a relaxed one tomorrow (Yeah Right!)
14/02/2010
Woke up this morning after a good night with the dog and the kids (miracle!) to snow. (yes Snow!) not much though and it didn’t last. We walked the dog. He met some other dogs and behaved very well. We had lunch and watched a film. Unfortunately the dog must have stepped on something so we had to find a pet shop to get some medicine. Rest of the day was spent in playing games etc. Was actually quite nice.
P.S.  the dog was fine when we left him. Back home tomorrow but I think we’re ready to go.

 

12/02/2010

Apr 02

2010 – Wellingtons

02/04/2010
Off to Wellingtons again. We missed visiting here it’s always relaxing. April had hurt her knee so Jez was left to organise most of the work and sorting. The Journey was good but when we got on the pitch the water thingy (technical) was broken and we had to go out and buy a new bit or no water. After that though we took a quick look around. New animal area, a Circus, American Civil War re-enactment and new loo’s. (Lot’s to do tomorrow) Weather a bit showery but not too bad, looking forward to tomorrow.
03/04/2010
We had to go to Asda as we forgot cash (Derrr!) We left Theo in the car while we shopped and he did really well. Home, we walked around the lake and played in the park a bit. Back to the van for lunch then we went to the Circus – it was a mini Circus but really good, Josh got called up the front and a man on a unicycle jumped over his head which both boys thought was cool. Toby especially liked the trapeze lady and the clown that sprayed the people. Back again to the van as we rested and the boys played in the woods. Evening was tea and a DVD.
04/04/2010
We went off to see the Civil War re-enactment – lots of very loud cannons and shooting. Toby and Theo not so impressed so left Josh to watch. He had a good time and found it all interesting – Though we thought the people were mad – under canvas with no electric or tools!!

 

Wellingtons 2010

Aug 02

2009 – Longleat

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..

May 25

2009 – Morn Hill

25th May 2009
We went to Morn Hill in Winchester. The site was very nice and we had nice neighbours with a boy of a similar age to Toby and Girls a similar age to Josh so they were both off playing happily. There was a steep ramp that the children raced down on their bikes. Toby managed to end up over the handlebars and ate gravel.
On the first day there April went to Fareham to have spa day with her Mum and sisters which was very nice and the boys and Jez went to Southsea for the day.
26th May 2009
Very wet so we went to a technology centre where the boys could fiddle and experiment to their hearts content – all very cool. We went into Winchester and ended up going for a long walk which took us to the city gate, castle, cathedral etc which was exhausting but interesting.
Toby and Josh had their photo taken in the grand hall while brass rubbing to go in a promotional leaflet for Winchester.