A slow day was needed today, the past few days have been very heavy on the walking and with Aprils knee still on the mend we thought it was time for a bit of a rest.

A number off options were open to us today, drive the majority of the way back and stay overnight somewhere in the new forest or try and find some shops for a peruse..

Tomorrow made up our mind, Toby will love it so we decided to head for Exeter. After a new pair of walking shoes for April (with grip) and some rugby clothes for Toby and a massively long roam around looking for something for me (which turned out to be pointless) we headed out of Exeter, refuelled and headed for Exmouth to find a wild camping place on the beach with some stunning views. Toby thought this was the greatest and was in his trunks before you could say “Beach”, grabbed his body board and was off.. The waves were a little big for him to use his body board so he stood there like King Canute instructing the waves to break.

The weather looked very angry, and later on did rain, Toby finished building some lego and we all played cards with a storm lantern lit.

After Toby had gone to sleep, April and I sat and watched the night roll in over Dawlish in the distance. Then to sleep with the waves crashing not 20 yards away.

Steps.. So many steps!!

We woke in the morning after a quite quiet nights sleep. I managed a bit of a stargaze in the car park at 3am, it was very clear and you could just make out the wisp of the Milky Way above you. A gorgeous sight.

We had a small breakfast and wandered out of the car park we had slept in, topped up the machine to allow us to stay the day and wandered down the road and path towards the castle.. Interestingly we thought we’d parked a long way away from the castle but it turned out to be quite close.

Having negotiated the cliff path up to the castle, the “head” Island wasn’t open for another 10 minutes but the views from the top were breathtaking.

We, ahem, paid for our entrance (another English Heritage site) and wandered down onto the sands where the caves were.

In the first cave, we were able to clamber through, neither April nor I having the best footwear for the job we ended up sitting in a cave looking out to sea, quite a lot of iron ore in the rocks by the looks if it and the cave walls were very high. We strolled across the other end of the beach to another cave which was impassible when April mistook a hole in the dark for a rock and tumbled over hurting her knee, shoulder, neck and back.

This, however, wasn’t about to stop her from climbing the many thousands* of steps up to the “head” Island. Again beautiful views and somewhat unsafe paths, particularly if you have children.

Cliff edges R us and with a hyperactive child it’s an accident waiting to happen.. We wandered around for a while and it started to drizzle so with that and April’s injuries, we turned back to the van.

I had booked a caravan and camping club site for this evening as we had waste to empty and so we headed for Bude. Strangely we felt a bit “observed” on this site, almost as if others were looking down their noses at us not a pleasant experience to be honest., Toby loved the playroom though, they had a pool table and a table tennis table. He found a few friends and played into the night. After a quick tea, we decided to get some sleep..

*tens! many tens but it was a long way..

Seemed difficult to start this morning, none of us wanted to get up, it was raining and a weird noise was coming from somewhere behind us. Not sure what type of machine was making the noise.. But it was very strange.

After a fry up for brekkie, we set of with the Lost Gardens of Heligan in mind. Helga (our Tomtom) decided to take us through the narrowest, hilliest and windiest road possible.. Not sure how to turn motorhome mode on (or even if there is one) but April was driving and not enjoying it one little bit. After the roller-coaster ride that it was we arrived to find a separate parking place for motorhomes with a sign saying “no overnighting please..” :o(

There was lots to see, Toby had a trail to follow at the start, with 5 stamps to achieve, whilst April and I enjoyed the wander through the woods.. It was a very large area to explore and there was something for everyone..

We wandered through a woodland trail which changed into a jungle, a oriental gardens and out onto a field for some games with a large rope swing, a set of skipping ropes, cups and balls and a small outdoor bowling alley.

After a short while here, we wandered into the house gardens which had walled gardens for flowers and vegetables. These were Aprils niche.. Apparently I have to come up with about 5 acres of walled off land so she can have a garden like that.

A short wander later and we find ourselves playing Crochet on the lawn. I must remember to look up the rules, I used the time as much needed golfing practise.. We must have walked about 5 miles start to finish.. I can feel the burn in my legs..

Once we were done, legs tired we strolled back to the van with tomorrow’s target in sight.. We’d chosen a BritStop near Bodmin (which is where April’s Dad was born) only to discover that we’d have had to have arrived there before 6pm.. With it being 6:30 we had to come up with a plan B. We decided to drive in the direction of Bodmin so that we could get us some internet. Bodmin provided us with what we needed and we pulled into a car park to find out where we could stay. We are planning to go to Tintagel tomorrow so we looked in that direction. I downloaded the wild camping points of interest into Google Earth and found that there were a number of car parks in Tintagel that allow you to sleep overnight (for a small fee). With that in mind we headed off..

We’re now sat in one of the best kept motorhoming secrets, a field with a pay and display meter in Tintagel. Very quiet and no-one except us (and 15 other motorhomes) here..

Toby has a bit of a cold, hopefully he’ll be ok in the morning.. He’s snot rattle snoring right now in his bed..

Here’s to a good night sleep.. Castling to do tomorrow..

Up early today and set off for St Austell and the Eden Project, lots to do and we all had a good day here, the Eden Project is significantly larger than I was expecting, and very cleverly placed so that you can only see it once you’re in and through the ticket barrier. The price wasn’t as bad as it could have been as we received a discount for being English Heritage members, we were also able to pick up a discount voucher for tomorrow’s adventure.

Once we were in, we received an adventurers booklet for Toby and he was given his adventurers name by some picking of letters of his name. His name was Poison Wolf he was taught how to navigate by nature, how to tie a couple of knots and we were sent in search of a T-Rex (nothing like throwing an 8 year old into the deep end)..

After wandering past a T-Rex that had slain a Triceratops we wandered around looking for a bite to eat. Burgers and hotdogs with sweet potato fries and we were ready to hit the bio-orbs.. Toby was very interested in the Mediterranean Bio-orb, but not the Rain Forest one. My assumption is it was too hot in the latter and it was a long walk around, certain bits were shut due to the temperature (too hot?). He did however do a grand job of getting stamps in his adventurers booklet.

After the bio-orbs we wandered around the gardens looking at as many nooks and crannies we could. April has decided we must get a couple of hundred acres so she can design a niche garden, I’m not sure Bognor Regis is ready for that..

After the Eden Project we left for Polkerris, which had a gorgeous beach with spectacular views. Toby realised it was a beach just too late, unfortunately leaving his body board, trunks and towel in the van. Not dissuaded by this he had a swim in his pants.

A long walk back up the hill to the van, we left Polkerris behind us and have found a BritStop for the evening (Number 5) my only complaint is they asked us to purchase a couple of drinks in order for us to stay, also I’m not convinced they have all the things the BritStops book says they do.. Anyhow, it’s much quieter here than the last place so hopefully we’ll get a good nights sleep.

Much fun to be had tomorrow.. Night all..

Hello!! So here we are, it’s about 2 o’clock on the 21st of August, the van is ready and we’re just leaving for Okehampton which is on the way to Cornwall, we picked a BritStop (number 12) to stay at and are on our way..

The journey was pleasant, April drove to Ringwood where we pulled into a layby for a short break.. After refreshments, I took over and drive the remaining 2.5 hours to Okehampton.

We found our stop, very nice and pulled into a parking spot. The landlady ensured we had parked in the best place, which we had and left us to ourselves for the evening. Next to where we had parked was a small play area which Toby was happy to utilise, we had tea and settled down for the night.

Our nights sleep wasn’t the best, we’d parked under a tree and the rain was very loud (also sleeping 2 feet away from it doesn’t help). There were , a few cars on the adjoining road as well but the rain was what kept us awake.

It does go to show how easy it is to relocate to a completely different area and how quickly.

Saturday morning, up early and the van is packed very quickly, there’ll be four of us this time so an extra set of clothes, one extra duvet and a full fridge. We left at about 08:30 and headed for a Camping and Caravanning Club Certificated Site called Mendip View. One stop in a services on the M4 and we arrived in Bristol. Nearly as soon as we had arrived in Bristol, Helga – our trusty Tomtom, seemed to have a problem figuring out where we were and we somehow managed to get lost in the Bristol roads and ended up driving over the Clifton suspension bridge, nice for all but April who doesn’t do heights well, and she was driving.

So once we were the other side we hoisted up our proverbial socks and arrived at our campsite at about midday. The quickest thank you to our landlord we headed for the Balloon Festival held at Ashton Manor. We had driven past a car-park just after the bridge and I had told Helga to remember it, so we asked her nicely to route us there again. £7 to the lady on the gate of a Nursery (a children one, not plants) and we had parked.

Had to walk quite a way and mostly uphill we find ourselves overlooking a mass of fairground rides, eateries and attractions.

We decided, at first to find the lay of the land and had a walk around the site. We then found a carousel and let Toby have a ride whilst JP and I sat on the grass and watched people wander by. Once the cliff edge chase had finished, we went to watch some model aeroplanes being flown in unison in the main arena and a paraglider. We then decided to have a peruse of the arts and crafts tent, which was very creative and Toby saw a ride he’d like to go on. Not the easiest if rides to explain but up to six kids stand on a bouncy castle style platform in a circle while a padded arm spins and tries to knock them over. The lady operating it was “evil” stopping it immediately underneath them or raising the arm just as it reached them (he he).

From there we went into the World War One site run by the BBC, Toby had a number of runs through their assault course and managed to bandage me up as I’d hurt both my head and arm. April helped the gentleman assisting Toby with my sling and Toby was issued with a certificate for his endeavours.

Soon it was to close, so we left and found a nice place to sit ready for the evenings entertainment and watched a Rolls Royce Spitfire fly past and a parachute display team.

A few battles with the rain later, a clear outlook and the arena flooded with hot air balloonists who all rolled out their balloons on the floor. Then the VERY LOUD COUNTDOWN started (which unsettled Toby and forced us to move).. After the countdown was over 20 balloons inflated in the field and once up they started flashing in time to music. Quite lame to describe but incredible to watch. Here is a video on YouTube of the night glow

A long walk back to the van and a short trip back to the campsite (no detours this time) and we were all tired enough to just pass out.

An experience not to be missed, I heartily recommend it.

A, again, very quiet nights sleep, we rose at about 8am and had a small bite to eat and headed for Winchester and the Intech Science Center. We all love this place as we have been here before, lots of hands on science for Toby to play with; he even made a tornado!

Theo was very good and stayed in the van whilst we explored the exhibits. April booked a stargazing for beginners session in the planetarium for Toby and I and whilst we did that she went and had a cup of tea in the cafe and went to look in on Theo.

After the planetarium, Toby and I went back to the van and then April took Toby back in the Center whilst I stayed with Theo and did puzzles in the paper. After 30 or so minutes, they were back and we were on our way again.

We came down the M3, hit the M27 and April decided she’d like to sit atop Portsdown Hill on our way home, so with a slight detour we had an ice-cream overlooking Portsmouth.

And then we drove home, the end of our first trip. We’re both amazed how much we have managed to fit into 5 days.. Imagine what we could do with two weeks!

Click here for a map of Trip 1
Here’s to many more adventures to come.

Well, last night showed us what motor homers have been keeping quiet, the ability to stop “anywhere” (pretty much) and enjoy vista such as the one that we awoke to was something I’m tempted to keep schtum about.

The view that welcomed us from slumber

We awoke and sat and stared, agape, it was a truly glorious morning not a sound was to be heard anywhere and we truly understood the pull of this type of camping.

We weren’t able to stay there for long, we had to somehow get closer to home so after a peruse through the BritStops book of goodness we set off with an Indian Restaurant just outside Warminster in mind. I must admit I thought all my birthdays had come at once, staying overnight at an Indian Restaurant can only mean one thing, I get a curry!!

The road was narrow at times, but the views were breathtaking April did a sterling job of keeping the van on the road; even though it would seem that Somerseters were keen to drive on our side of the road, her road rage was kept in excellent check. So we decided to stop in Bridgewater and grab a decent road map, had a wander down the town waiting for the shops to open to the River Parrett. After breakfast at Costa, WH Smiths was open so we popped in for a map and in between there and Sports Direct we somehow lost April’s Purse.

We headed for Warminster and stopped at a play park for Toby to kick his new ball around and they had a play area with a paddling pool, well that meant Toby needed his trunks and had a good splash in the freezing cold outdoor water. Once he was dry we headed off for the restaurant. We pulled into their car-park and it didn’t take us long to realise that we would have to sleep next to quite a major A road, April wasn’t comfortable with this so we got the BritStops book out again and found a pub just the other side of Winchester (another hours drive though), the book said they were closing for the afternoon, so a quick phone call from me and they were most welcoming, wishing us a very good night in their car-park.

We arrived after 7pm and as yet hadn’t eaten, I rustled up a fry up as we had everything we needed and got ready to stay. This evening I managed to get a good few minutes of stargazing done as it was very dark and very clear that evening.

We were awoken in the morning by a cacophony of sounds. Mostly the cockerels, there were three of them, two of which sounded very fine, the third however got 10 out if 10 for effort but instead of a resounding cock-a-doodle-doo, was more of a ‘bwaark’.. Alongside these three was a Kookaburra which made you feel like you were on a farm in the jungle.. And then lambs, cows, horses and donkeys threw their voices into the pot.

After waking, some cereal for breakfast, alas the restaurant wasn’t open we had a look round the farm. I’m not sure that the cows in Somerset are all there.. They’re very friendly..

As Toby will verify but this one was far too busy licking his digger to give us any attention at all..

We met Mr Snood their mascot turkey who was very friendly and met the animals that had woken us. A quaint little farm shop with a lot to offer. The people were friendly and helpful, offering to top up our water, alas the journey in to the tap was too tight for us and heavily populated with children so we left early, heading straight for Watchet. What a lovely town that is, parked up and had a wander down their pier to a lighthouse at the end

The View from the foot of the pier, April would like to move into either the white or cream house in this image. She’s not fussy which..

And from the End of the pier

And the lighthouse..

We then walked back up along the Esplanade to find a steam train.. Well, we couldn’t let that lie, so we hopped on and took a steam ride to Minehead.

Our transportation

April explaining the finer points of steam locomotion to Toby

A picture of the fire (wish I’d had some eggs and bacon for them)

After a portion of chips on the beach we went straight back to the train station to find the return journey hadn’t left. Hopped on and were back in the van heading west towards Minehead.

After a few diversions we ended up heading south looking for Exmoor National Park, which we discovered was quite large and very picturesque, so we ended up pulling into a lay-by and walked up a grass hill whilst Toby flew his kite. We decided to move from there and headed for Lynton for a shop.

Lynton is stunning! A gorgeous rolling river greeted us

and Toby couldn’t resist getting his feet a bit wet (much screaming ensued)

and a short walk away was the seafront,

a truly beautiful part of the world

I’m surprised I have any room in my phone memory for any more photographs as I have taken loads.

From Lynton, we headed east towards Minehead and have stopped in a small car park with stunning views of the Bristol Channel and Lynton itself.

A panoramic view of what we would wake up to.

The Sun setting that evening

It was truly breathtaking and remarkably quiet, we were hoping that the weather would be nice and the sky would be alight with stars, but it was too cloudy. As darkness was approaching we were joined in our “camp-site” by a very nice French couple who asked us if we’re staying. I invited them to join us as they were reluctant to solo camp.

Our first “wild camp” and we’re impressed..

We packed the motor home away, threw the rubbish in the bins provided by our hosts and set on our way, hoping to make it to Stonehenge before the tickets we booked online kicked in..

A few losses of mobile signal and a few wrong guesses sent us on a bit of a wild goose chase where we couldn’t see the goose.. So we reinstated Helga our long unused Tomtom and “she” turned us around and got us there.

Once there we walked the mile and a half to the monument, we had the dog and he’s not allowed on the land train or bus, so we walked up to and through the copse, which was a gorgeous wood and then onto the monument. April and Theo waited at the entrance to the monument field, no dogs please, so just Tobes and I walked around it.

Toby seemed quite interested in how the stones were bought to the site, but more so in how they were positioned once they’d arrived. He worked out however how they were put up very quickly…

All in all a pleasant experience, particularly as it was free. If we weren’t English Heritage members I’m not sure we’d have stomached the £14.95 per adult price.. So after a seemingly lengthy walk back, we went back to our shiny new van.

The locations for our second night away was decided whilst having a fry up with the addition of a cuppa, for the missus, in the motorhome in the car park of Stonehenge. A novel, but excellent idea as a number of jealous people walking past seemed to support. And it was to be number 28 in the BritStops book of wonders.

A bit of washing up and a short 2.5 hour journey and we rock up to a farm/shop/mini zoo. They have alpacas, reptiles, birds of prey, and their very own Meerkat Manor (tsk) and with a restaurant/cafe I think breakfast tomorrow is sorted.

April cooked pasta bolognese, which we ate whilst admiring the torrential rain that greeted us to Somerset and Toby accidentally spilled half a glass of cherry coke over me which prompted my first use of the shower in the van.. To be honest,. We have been on camp-sites with worse showers than the one in the van. It’s warm and has enough pressure to rinse you off, it got Toby clean so, it must be up to any task.

And so the evening draws to an end soon, April and I are both worried by the cockerel that is likely to wake us up at 5 am, so it will be an early one for us. I’m probably not going to be drawn into another game of cards.. I’d prefer not to know if I’m on a losing streak.

Tomorrow I need to figure out how to keep the fridge cold.. It would seem that it only works on battery when we’re driving and not off the leisure battery, that kinda makes sense. I need to see if I can run it on gas, but I’m not a) waking Toby up right now and b) leaving it overnight running.

Good night one and all..