The ultimate staycation
We had planned on visiting Devon this month, but with the passing of a close friend and an unexpected car bill of £3,000 we opted to stay with some good close friends who happen to have a huge section of land that will one day become a small camp site. The location is Somerset, North east Somerset to be more specific, and the location set us up for having some great days away in the city of Bath as tourists. I visit Bath on a weekly basis, but its only when you really try to become a tourist in your local area do you appreciate and reconnect with your surroundings. During the week Angela...
Read MoreCamping in the forest
We recently spent a short break in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Staying at the Camping in the Forest site “Bracelands” we arranged to have a 4 day getaway with some close friends of ours. Of course, we are the only ones with a caravan everyone else hitched up in a tent. This was convenient as we had mains hook up (essential for blowing up beds, charging of phones, and boiling the kettle). Setting up in a circle we constructed a centrepiece where we had an gazebo, fire pit and a place for us all to sit, chat and eat. On the subject of eating – my pulled pork made its debut for the group....
Read MoreNorth Wales
Once every now and again you have a break that really means something. It really resonates with you. Well for us, and especially for me our Trip to North Wales was that holiday. We decided to stay at Coed-Y-Llwyn on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park. It’s a small Caravan club site about 10 miles away from Porthmadog. Its really peaceful and a real gem of a site. Our trip up however wasn’t peaceful, nor was it quick. It took us 7 hours to get to the site. This was in part due to the Bank holiday traffic and road works along the route. However once arrived, set up and settled our first...
Read MoreEaster break 2015
Our hugely anticipated Easter break was enjoyed in the New Forest, Hampshire. Sandy Balls Holiday Park accommodates chalet, Touring caravans, Motor homes and tents in a wonderful location just 3 miles outside of Fordingbridge. Our trip started in typical wet British weather, but a short reprieve in the rain did allow us to set the caravan up in fairly dry conditions, before the heavens opened again and gave the ground a good soaking. In fact this was the only rain we had all holiday so we were truly very lucky. The campsite itself was predictably packed and as we arrived on Good Friday we...
Read MoreI want to ride my bicycle
In preparation for the times away this year – we have done the unimaginable. We have purchased a collection of Mountain & Hybrid bikes for us all to ride and enjoy our times away. Quite possibly the most expensive thing on the list to purchase was the roof rack, not only do you need to buy the bars, but the feet pack that is designed for your car, but then the carriers themselves. And no one could tell me if I could get 4 bikes on the roof of our 4×4. So £500 of that was just to bolt them on the car – and no locks either !! As it turned out – yes no problem. We managed to get the...
Read MoreToo cold to camp ?
The first trip of 2015. and we are spending a cold January away in the Forest of Dean. Based in Bracelands its an incredible -6 degrees outside. and we are all toasty warm. So what precautions have we taken to ensure a trouble free get away ? In actual fact we have done very little, but some preparation before and after the trip is essential. The biggest issue is the water supply to the van. Pretty much everything else has operated exactly as it does when we are out in warmer weather. but do take these precautions when When not in use. Ensure the water tank (if you have one) is empty. Frozen...
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