A Birthday Adventure (25th to 27th June 2010)  From Simon & Helen

A bit of plotting and scheming went on in preparation for Helen's Birthday weekend. I had planned a weekend in Pembrokeshire, but to undertake the adventure in a VW Camper Van was a last minute blast of inspiration. Fortunately Kadie was free and the planning was more or less complete.

 

 

Up early the following day. Continued to Marloes, the intention always being to take a boat to Skomer. Unfortunately all the twitchers knew better and all the tickets had gone by the time we arrived (just after 9am)! Still, we enjoyed a short boat trip, then wander on Marloes beach. Time for the return journey- an amble all the way back up the coastline on a perfect summers day. Eventually we parked up in a fabulous spot overlooking Ceibwr Bay (a bit west of Cardigan). Made our tea as the sun went down and settled in for the evening. Our only interruptions being occasional sunset watchers and very keen walker looking for somewhere to camp. He sounded like a retired major, but we never found out- he was rather deaf to say the least, so conversation was very one sided and spoken at high volume! A perfect evening.

The following day was a continuation of the amble up the coastline with a brief stop in Aberaeron; even Kadie's bright paintwork struggled to compete with some of the houses here! Gradually wound our way back to Shropshire. All we can say is thar we are totally hooked. Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was all the admiring glances that we attrscted (which were definately directed at Kadie rather than either of us), but it was a fantastic weekend adventure and perfect Birthday treat. Now we just need to book one for part of our summer holiday.....

Simon & Helen

photos to follow

 

 

 

Beccy and Ian's Road Trip

28th December 2009 -2nd January 2010

We began our 750 mile round trip from Pentre to Edinburgh on 28/12/09 at approx 11a.m. Caroline and Graham gave us a great send off after our detailed safety check.

Initially apprehensive and misguidedly ambitious, we commenced the first stage of our trip to "........." in Selby. Upon arrival, mistaken for travellers, we were asked "What you sellin?" by the 5 locals in the bar. After realising we were staying there, we were told to "hook up at any space goin". After a swift brandy in Gloria to warm the cockles, we decided to grab a bite in the bar only to be told "We're not servin food.... its wrong time of year.......nooooooo..... that beers not on...... its wrong time of year...... we don't accept cards..... it wrong time of year""  WORD OF ADVICE.... DON'T GO TO     "............." in Selby in DECEMBER.... ITS THE WRONG TIME OF YEAR!!!!!!!

time to "warm the cockles"!!!	this is better than a tent!

 

After several wines and a turkey sandwich in Gloria and a great first night's sleep, we began stage 2 of our trip to Newcastle.We had planned to stay at "The.... Inn",  North of Newcastle. However, upon arrival we realised we could do a bit better and ventured 100 yards down the road to the "....... P.H." Seston Burn, where we were welcomed by Jim and his daughter, niece and father in tow, necking whiskies,,, a far more fitting venue!!! Gloria settled in at the rear car park and we dined at the Rakhi Indian Restaurant-Splendid!! We returned to     " ........P.H." to watch the tactical game play of the local octogenarians card team, who were competing to outshine for  attention with the local octogenarians dominoes team!!! A very entertaining evening!!!

"fry up"

 

Day3, following sausage fry up and Yorkshire tea in Gloria, she began her journey to Edinburgh. After a windy turbulent journey, with horizontal hail, we finally reached Morton Hall Camp Site, Edinburgh - a fantastic site, great shower and toilet block, warm and welcoming bar (typical traditional Scottish log fire) where we stayed for the next 2 nights in minus 5 degrees C temperatures and below ( if you think we're mad there were people in tents!!!!) Gloria stood out amongst the rest and survived the sub-zero climate, despite a 1/4 inch frost on the ceiling and glass in the morning!!!

Edinburgh 31st December 2009

New Years Eve was spent touring the streets and sights of Edinburgh, on a beautiful snowy day and later experiencing Edinburgh Street Festival, including live music and fireworks. WORD OF WARNING... If your'e planning to use the night bus, find out where it runs from!!!!

New Year's Day was spent travelling 180 miles South along the "A" Roads to Carlisle, amongst beautiful snow swept countryside. We had planned to visit "Tan Hill" at Swaledale, but due to so much snow, diverted to the Preston area, discovering the ".......Inn," Samlesbury, near Preston, where we were given a warm welcome by Amanda & Mick, who along with their friends, were on the 2nd day of their New Years Celebrations (without sleep!!)

 

more snow	"turkey sandwiches"

After a bit of a mad night, we began the last leg of our journey back to Pentre to say our farewells to Gloria.

Beccy and Ian