Motorhome Tales

2010-06-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

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2010-05-05T01:41:00.000-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Penpol Creek to Devoran - Sunday pm

On arrival in Devoran there were more lovely creek views to be had!

From Devoran we walked back to the campsite via Carnon Downs. This walk was the highlight of our whole weekend. We spent the rest of Sunday having lunch and just generally chilling out before heading home later that night.

On the way home to Bude the A39 was very quiet so I surprised Michael by asking to drive the camper (my first time!). She's lovely to drive but a bit too big for me. I may cope with motorway driving but don't think I'd want to attempt country roads YET!

We are all counting down the days 'til our next trip - 9 days in the Lake District with stops in the Cotswolds on the way up and back. So, the next blog update will be a bumper one!!!

2010-05-05T01:31:00.000-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Carnon Mine, on Penpol Creek - Sunday am

As we headed towards Devoran we came across Carnon Mine sat alongside the creek where we took the opportunity to have a rest and give Paddy a much needed drink.

2010-05-05T01:27:00.001-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Penpol Creek - Sunday am

There were some lovely (large) houses dotted along the creek road with superb views across the creek....all costing a small fortune no doubt?!

We walked along the small country road towards Devoran whilst the sun was desperately trying to shine!

2010-05-05T01:22:00.001-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Penpol Creek - Sunday am

There was an array of small boats on the creek and plenty of bird life to be seen, including a little egret and a curlew.

2010-05-04T14:03:00.001-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Walk to Penpol Creek - Sunday am

The campsite had kindly provided us with a pack of walks from the site so after bacon sarnies for breakfast on Sunday morning we put on our walking boots and followed their precise instructions towards Penpol Creek, hoping that Paddy would make the 4 or so miles (which he did - even clearing a slate stile like a professional show jumper!!!).

The bluebells were out in small patches but the promised bluebell wood wasn't quite there (we were just a week or so too early).

As we walked down the public footpaths and bridleways we were finally met by a view of Penpol Creek.

2010-05-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Falmouth - Saturday am

Falmouth has lots of little streets to explore off the high street which all lead down to the sea.

After our picnic lunch, sat outside overlooking the harbour, we headed back to the campsite on the bus, where we spent the afternoon reading and chilling out before heading to the 'local' pub for our evening meal.

2010-05-04T13:53:00.001-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Falmouth - Saturday am

Next stop was the docks area and the newly updated part of the town that houses the National Maritime Museum, where they were working on a cruise liner amongst other vessels. Rick Stein has recently opened a new fish & chip shop here!

2010-05-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Falmouth - Saturday am

We were up early on Saturday and as it was dry again we caught the bus from the site entrance into Falmouth for the morning. Paddy loves travelling on the bus, as they send him to sleep, and on this one he had his own 'Doggie Day Rider' ticket!!!

Half hour later we were dropped off on the outskirts of the town where were wandered through the high street just window shopping!

The harbour area was our next stop to view the many different varieties of boats moored there.

2010-05-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Early May Bank Holiday - Carnon Downs, Truro - Friday pm

Another bank holiday, another trip! Just how it should be.

We arrived on site just before 12noon and pitched up on our pre-booked 'super pitch'.

After a snacky lunch we walked into the village of Carnon Downs and then onto the local garden centre, where we were allowed to wander around inside with Paddy!

All of these photos were taken on site at Carnon Downs CC (affiliated) site. The weather wasn't great BUT it was dry, which was a bonus considering the weekend forecast!

We were joined on site by an afternoon visitor, who we saw more than once over the weekend. We also heard the owl each evening (so loudly, that we swear he was perched on our bike rack!).

2010-04-20T01:59:00.001-07:00

Porth, Newquay weekend - mid April 2010

Another evening spent in the Mermaid Inn (more food, more cider and more footie!) and another stunning sunset.

The skies were blue again Sunday morning and we had another visitor to our pitch!

After breakfast and a short walk across to the beach we packed up and headed home, happy that we'd enjoyed what turned out to be the warmest weekend of 2010 ......... so far!

2010-04-20T01:55:00.000-07:00

Porth, Newquay weekend - mid April 2010

After our harbour walk we headed into town where we picked up some supplies for a picnic. We sat on the headland on the way back to the campsite (or should I say pub to watch the footie!).

The colours were absoutely gorgeous.

2010-04-20T01:43:00.000-07:00

Porth, Newquay - mid April 2010

On arrival in Newquay we headed to one of our favourite cafes for a mid morning coffee, sat outside in the sunshine on the terrace overlooking Newquay harbour.

Afterwards we walked down to the harbour so that Paddy could have a paddle!

2010-04-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

Porth, Newquay - mid April 2010

We awoke to glorious blue skies on Saturday morning so after breakfast we decided to walk into Newquay via the coastal path.

On route were some of Newquays stunning beaches, including Porth Beach, Lusty Glaze (love that name!) and Tolcarne Beach.

2010-04-20T01:33:00.001-07:00

Porth, Newquay weekend - mid April 2010

We spent the evening in the pub on Porth Beach (The Mermaid Inn) along with most of the campsite!!!!

The sunset over the beach was stunning.

2010-04-20T01:25:00.000-07:00

Porth, Newquay weekend - mid April 2010

After we'd pitched up and had lunch we walked out of the campsite, across the road and up onto Porth Island. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and there were clear views around Newquay bay and towards Watergate Bay in the other direction.

2010-04-20T01:13:00.000-07:00

Porth, Newquay weekend - mid April 2010

We have been enjoying some wonderfully warm, sunny and most importantly DRY, spring weather down here in Cornwall so after a dreaded trip to the dentist last Friday we decided to throw a few essentials (cider!) in the camper and head down to Newquay for 2 nights.

We hadn't booked a site but had made sure that Porth Beach Tourist Park was open before we left. On arrival we found the site to be pretty busy, with a CC rally. It's a beautiful site (5*) and is situated just across the road from Porth Beach.

Whilst setting up we were welcomed by the campsite cat - Paddy wasn't particularly impressed!

2010-04-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

Motorhome D.I.Y. !!!!!

During our 'no trips' month (March) Michael put his carpentry skills to work in the camper. He made some lovely new drawers and fitted them in an un-used cupboard next to the cooker.

They have now been fully tested (and fully filled with all sorts of goodies!) and I can happily report that another job has been completed!!!!

2010-04-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 4 (Easter Sunday) - On site (Cheddar CC)

We arrived back to the campsite mid afternoon and spent the rest of the day chilling out on site in the sunshine.

Paddy was keeping an eye out for the campsite cat, who was making sure the bunnies didn't eat too much of the well kept grass!!!!

These photos were taken on site. The site was only half full because, sensibly, the CC had only let the hard standing pitches as the grass was very spongy!!!

We, unfortunately, packed up the following morning (Easter Monday) and headed home after another lovely trip.

Our next trip is in just over 3 weeks time when we are heading South to Truro for the next bank holiday. Happy days.

2010-04-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 4 (Easter Sunday) - Cheddar

Here are a few more photos taken in Cheddar village during our wander back to the campsite.

2010-04-07T06:19:00.001-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 4 (Easter Sunday) - Cheddar

The best day (weather-wise) of the Easter break. We woke up to lovely blue skies so had a quick breakfast and walked to the local car boot sale, where we spent 2 hours wandering around the many stalls. Didn't buy anything!!!!

After the boot sale we walked into Cheddar village again where we enjoyed our Sunday lunch sat in the beer garden of one of the many pubs in Cheddar, before walking up through the gorge. There were loads of people around enjoying the much awaited sunshine!

2010-04-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 3 - Wells

I took a few more photos, even though it was actually raining at the time, including one of the town crier giving his Easter message in the market place.

Before catching the bus back to Cheddar we nipped into a doggie friendly pub for a warming coffee, oh and to shelter from the rain!!!!

2010-04-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 3 - Wells

We then walked around the rear of the cathedral to the area known as the Bishop's Palace.

2010-04-07T04:07:00.000-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 3 - Wells

Saturday morning was dry (to start with) following another night of heavy rain and hail! As you can see Paddy wasn't too keen on getting out of bed!!!!

After breakfast we walked into Cheddar to catch the bus into the small cathedral city of Wells. On arrival in Wells, it started raining again so we headed for the traditional Saturday market situated near the cathedral.

We then walked around the front of the cathedral. Even in the rain it looked majestic.

2010-04-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 2 (Good Friday) - Cheddar

All of these photos were taken in the village, near the gorge.

2010-04-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 2 (Good Friday) - Cheddar

After a night of gusting winds and some hail and heavy rain we woke up to more heavy rain! We spent most of the morning in the camper, enjoying a full English breakfast, but come lunchtime we decided to head into the village for a wander as it had finally stopped raining!

We took the scenic route crossing the river and passing the pretty church.

2010-04-07T03:54:00.001-07:00

Easter - April 2010 - Day 1 - Cheddar

Easter was almost upon us, which meant another trip!

We had taken an extra day off work (Thursday) to head to Cheddar for the Easter break. On the way up we had to call into our dealer (again!) to have a new mini heki roof light fitted in the rear of our camper (bedroom). After the work had been done we drove just a few miles down the road to the Cheddar Caravan Club site, situated conveniently on the outskirts of the village and gorge.

After meeting up with my Uncle and Auntie, who had chosen to stay on the Adults Only campsite (Cheddar Bridge) opposite our site, we wandered into the village for a meal and a few drinks - hence the reason for no photos that day!!!!

2010-03-02T04:53:00.000-08:00

Hot News!!!

On return from our short trip to the Somerset Levels we arrived home to the April edition of Motorcaravan magazine and discovered that we had a full page spread in their 'Your Van Your Adventure' section with this photograph taken on site in St Ives at Christmas.

To say they we were chuffed was an understatement!

2010-03-02T04:45:00.001-08:00

Somerset Levels - February 2010

The rain continued overnight and was torrential at times. We awoke to a very wet campsite and a very muddy pitch. After having a lovely cooked breakfast in the restaurant on site we headed back home to Cornwall...........and the sunshine!! How typical is that?

We are hoping to be able to sneak away for a short break in March, weather and time permitting. Watch this space!

2010-03-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

Somerset Levels - February 2010

We were fascinated with how the mistletoe grows in large 'clumps' amongst the trees. We have only ever really noticed it in Somerset and certainly not seen it growing anywhere down here in Cornwall.

We managed to watch the sunset before the rain set in again!

2010-03-02T04:06:00.000-08:00

Somerset Levels - February 2010

There was a great dog walk on site, so with the break in the rain, we had a wander with Paddy.

The views from the dog walk, and from most of the site, over the Somerset Levels were stunning.

2010-03-02T03:55:00.000-08:00

Somerset Levels - February 2010

Most of Friday was spent out and about, driving around in the courtesy car that our dealer provided for us! We visited Clarks Shopping Village, had some lunch, a mooch around Highbridge Caravan Centre and a wander with Paddy before getting the call to return to the dealer to pick up our newly serviced camper!

From there we headed to our 2nd booked campsite overlooking the Somerset Levels, where we had a brief spell of dry weather and a glimpse of the sun.

2010-03-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

First trip of 2010 - Somerset - Feb 2010

Welcome back avid readers!!!

Finally, our first trip of 2010 and it's seems like it has been a long time coming!

The yearly service, habitation and first MOT was due on our motorhome so we headed north up the M5 to our dealer in Somerset on the Thursday afternoon.

We had booked our very first CS site just a few miles along the road from our dealer so that we could be on their doorstep on Friday morning.

It was a quiet farm site (apart from the traffic noise from the A38!) with 5 hardstandings - just what was required for a stopover.

Pity about the weather. It rained for most of our journey and for all the time we were there. We all got damp walking to the pub and back but I guess that's the nature of camping in February?!

2009-12-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas in St Ives 2009 - Boxing Day

Our last day on site. We awoke to the sound of heavy rain and hale on the camper roof - the sound of camping!!!!

The weather was very changeable all day long.

We did however manage to walk down into St Ives without getting wet,via Porthmeor beach again, where the brave, or stupid, surfers were enjoying their Boxing Day surf! We had a lovely pub lunch overlooking the harbour in the Lifeboat Inn.

We went back down into town that evening to watch the football in the Lifeboat Inn, this time we got a soaking on the way back to the campsite!!!!

Well, we can honestly say that this was one of the best Christmases we've had and we are looking forward to doing the same next year!

Happy New Year to all our 'avid' readers! Here's to more camping in 2010!

2009-12-30T08:18:00.000-08:00