Devizes, CandC Club Site. June 2016.

June 12th.

Set off for 3 nights in Devizes. Left storage at 1000hrs. Usual stop go on M25, M3 ok, A303 to Andover then cross country to Devizes. Arrived on site 1340hrs, checked in and set up.

It was raining when we set out but dry on site, though dull. Had to be careful with cigarette butts around the shower block. Blue Tits had made a nest in the ashtray.

  Walked to the "Three Magpies" for a beer.

Back in Eevie, had dinner watched a bit of TV before bed.

June 13th.

After our cuppa and breakfast we cycled along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath to Trowbridge, about 8 miles. Some of it was quite bumpy but we made it ok.

Took about 40 minutes. It was a strange place, large scale demolition taking place, and a very small Town Centre. But we had a good look around, had a coffee in the precinct.

Not at Costa I might add, a small Independant further along. Not having much more to see went back to the bikes. Discovered some low life had had ag at cutting the cable part Hazels lock. Luckily not successfully. Then back along the bumpy towpath to Eevie.

  Had our showers and changed, then at 7 over to the pub for a meal.

We opted for the Burgers. Very nice they were too. A lovely end to a dissapointing day.

June 14th.

Caught the 1020 bus to Bath, free for me of course and £7 return for Hazel. Took an hour, but worth it as we both like Bath. The forecast had warned of heavy showers. Was this the reason for this?

I don't think so, seems to be becoming popular street decoration, even seen it in France. Had a look round the shops then a salad in Pizza Hut.

By the time we'd finished all sign of rain had gone, it become sunny and warm. Walked down to the river, looked in the Charity Shops, no exciting finds. It was just nice to be out in the sun.

We caught the 1605 bus back to the site. On getting back we showered and decided to BBQ on our Cobb.

It was a nice meal and a lovely evening. We went to bed happy and content.

June 15th.

Packed away and on the road at 1000hrs. The same journey as outward but in reverse. Arrived at storage 1300hrs, and home half hour later. Another good trip. Had we at last broke the weather jinx?

Spring Tour. England and Wales. 2016. Part 4.

May 3rd.

Leaving the lakes today. Left the site 0930hrs, rural roads for about 45 minutes then M6 south. Trouble free run, and nice weather. We arrived at Chester Fair Oaks CC site at 1215hrs. (Much nearer Ellesmere Port than Chester). Set up.

Then a cuppa. A 15 minute walk took us to "Cheshire Oaks" a large retail and entertainment complex. Had a stroll round that for an hour, then into Sainsburys for supplies. Because of the hot weather we made a refreshment stop on the way back to Eevie.

As you can see we were well loaded with supplies, thankful for the trolley. Then back to the site, shower, dinner, bit of tv then bed.

May 4th.

Left site 0940hrs, headed for Beddgelert in Snowdonia. Some lovely scenery en route, stopped in Caernarfon for a look round, and had a coffee and sandwich.

Then back on the road for the short drive to the site. We arrived 1200hrs. Beddgelert Forest C&CC site is a camping in the forest site, but with all facilities. We selected a pitch and set up.

At last we had the opportunity to use our E-bikes. It was a mile into the village, downhill all the way. We found it to be a very picturesque village.

With the river running through it. We had a drink in the "Saracens Head" before tackling the hill back to the site. Of course with power turned on the hill was a non-event. When back at Eevie we decided to christen our Cobb, which we'd bought in Brighton a while back.

We were more than pleased. Sitting relaxed after our meal, some locals paid us a visit.

Seemed they have free range of the site. After what had been a very good day, we went to bed content.

May 5th.

Woke to another lovely day. After breakfast we set off on our bikes to visit the Copper Mine, when we got there, there was nowhere to secure our bikes so we gave it a miss. Cycled back to the village, then along the river in the other direction. Here we found "Beddgelerts Grave".

True or false, it's an interesting tale. We then followed the river until we reached the railway bridge.

Pure luck, but we arrived at the same time as the train. There is still something very stirring about steam trains. Then we retraced our steps to the village and a coffee stop.

Back to the site, then we cycled up the track behind the site, a signpost said to the Gallery. When we got there it was a cottage. A man came out and spoke to us. He lived here, sold hot and cold drinks, plus a selection of lovely photographs taken in the area. The view from his home was stunning.

He chatted for a while, told us which mountain was which. We asked about the train as it runs along the rear of the campsite. He informed us that there was a halt for the campsite, and the train would stop if you put your hand up. We thanked him for his time then went to check out the halt.

Superb, to late this trip, but if we return, I'm sure we would give it a go. It had been another lovely day. Rounded it off with a lovely Shepherds Pie cooked in the Remoska.

Had an early night, heading for Brecon tomorrow.

Brighton. January 2016.

January 17th.

Eevie had her MOT and service last Tuesday, so decided on a run to check all ok. Brighton was chosen for a 2 nighter. Picked up Eevie and left home 1100hrs, arrived at Brighton CC site 1310hrs. Not a bad run but wary of ice as it was very cold. Set Eevie up,

then the bikes. Just as I was doing that a caravan arrived on the pitch opposite. It was an elderly man with a young oriental other half. Once pitched he disappeared inside and the lady began setting up a full awning, completely on her own. We cycled down to the Marina and ASDA for some food, also bought some gloves as both of us had numb fingers. Then back to the site, where the young oriental was just completing the awning. She then went inside and prepared their meal. For us dinner, beer and tv before bed.

January 18th.

Woke to a very cold but bright sunny morning. Decided we would walk into town, about 1.5 miles. It takes through Kemptown where it all happens in the summer. Lots of small shops, cafes and bars.

 

Also very much the hub of the Gay community. Eventually reached the centre, had a walk through the "Lanes" which I find overrated. Then some more back streets with Antique/junk shops, nothing inspired to spend any money. We then went to Churchill Square shopping centre.

All the usual shops that you find in these places. We went into "Lakeland" to see what if anything they had for us. Lo' and behold a gas Cobb reduced to £79. Had to buy that as it would be great for cooking outside on our Eevie trips.

Gas giving us less hassle than charcoal, also it takes its own canisters, so can be used in the unfortunate event of Eevie being out of gas. All in all made the visit worth while. Popped in a local cafe for coffee, the retraced our steps to the site. Another evening just relaxing, then bed.

January 19th. 

It had been a bitterly cold night and very frosty morning. Packed our kit and hit the road 1030hrs. Followed the coast road and home 1320hrs. Unloaded then took Eevie back to storage.