Three day's worth

Monday 17 September

A very productive day today!

First we needed to replace a bottle of gas which had run out so we went to a Caravan site on the way to Bude and managed to get a rust-free replacement. I know this is typically Kev but we don’t like rusty old gas bottles in our van, £25 and it lasted one month.

Next we went back to Bude. We parked by the Information Centre and went to a Department Store called Wrose. Yesterday, we went past the shop window and saw a lightweight table made by Gelert that we wanted to look at. Unfortunately, the shop was shut yesterday as it was Sunday so we had to come back. We liked the table and as luck would would have it, they had a sale on. Kev has been looking for some Teva sandals to take away to spain. He already has one pair and thinks they are the best shoes he has ever had. He ended up choosing two pairs and being cheeky asked if they gave discount for Caravan Club members? The very kind girl behind the counter phoned the director of the shop and he agreed to give us 10% off. This in effect paid for the table! So a bit of a result there and made us feel a bit better about spending the money on the shoes.

Finally in Bude, we walked to the Post Office in the big white building at the top of the hill. We were greeted with three windows and a person standing at each one. There wasn’t a single other customer in the place. We went to the middle window and a very smartly dressed man in a uniform waist coat, crisp white shirt and expertly tied Post Office tie greeted us with a smile and greeting. In the window to his right was another identically dressed man and to the other a very smartly dressed lady in a black dress. 

We explained to our man (the Postmaster according to his badge) that we wanted to take out two Euro travel cards and exchange some Sterling for Euro’s. He dealt with us professionally and efficiently, explaining all the pro’s and con’s of what we were buying and advising us on how we should proceed. We of course complemented him on his service which was so refreshing and unexpected. Our minds go back to Chichester Post Office, out of the eight windows they have we know only 3 will be open and just to post a letter or parcel you have to stand in the queue that you joined outside in the rain!! By the time you get to the counter you are frustrated, fed up and in no mood to deal with scruffy haggard counter assistant. Anyway, we walked out very satisfied indeed with Bude Post Office despite the fact that out bank balance has taken a serious hit. 

Our work done in Bude we set off explore a bit of the Cornish coast. We had been recommended a cream tea at Morwenstow about 10 miles from Bude. On arrival we parked up just outside the converted Rectory Tea Room. Morwenstow is a stunning little hamlet which is famous for the tea room and the local pub the Bush Inn. 

Opposite the tea room is a Morwenstow church. This is also famous, the graveyard is full of sailors who have perished on the dangerous rocks on the coast near by. It is a very dark church inside but quite interesting. There is a painted white ship’s figure head of a wrecked ship who’s crew are buried in the yard. 

We then walked on to the coastal path to the smallest National Trust property on their books. It is a hut made by Reverend Steven Hawker who was the vicar of the church and made the hut out of drift wood washed up on the shore. He used it a a refuge and wrote his sermons there. The coast here is very wild with huge plate of rock protruding from the ground. Any ship foundering here wouldn’t have stood a chance. 

The hut itself is very small, 6’ square with a bench going all around the inside. it has a split stable door. We decided this was where we were going to have our lunch and were half way through it when we had another visitor. We gave up and continued along the path to a sheltered spot overlooking the sea. 

By the time we got back to the van it was 1.30pm and we rested till 2pm before going into the tea room for cream teas which were really great. Petra had gooseberry jam and Kev had strawberry of course.

And that was the end of a really nice day for us. Oh, apart from the great curry Petra produced that evening.

Sunday 16 September

A new day, stuffed with toast we set off to Bude 8 miles from the lodge. We parked Campy behind a cafe called ‘Rosie’s’ which is on the far side of the town at Crooklets beach. We walked along the coastal path alongside Summerleaze beach towards the town centre. The quickest way to cross the beach is (when the tide is out) to walk down the steps that lead to the beach and cross to the other side up some more steps and you are at the sea lock that leads to Bude Canal. This is a lovely spot, very picturesque even with the tide out. The weather was perfect and we really enjoyed our walk along the canal.

The canal is two miles long, along the route there is a good Information centre which we looked into and some lovely houses on the opposite bank. We stopped for a while in a bird hide but as usual for us when ever we go these kind of places we didn’t see a single bird, duck or goose. The sides of the canal were full of fisherman with huge poles catching tiny little fish.

We walked back along the canal and into the town centre. It was a shame that quite a lot of the town was closed but it was Sunday so fair enough. We had a good look around the town and found the Bude light which is a multi-coloured interpretation of the original Bude light commissioned to mark the millennium. The original was a created by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney in 1830 to illuminate the rooms of his castle. He injected a stream of oxygen into an oil flame. This single light source was reflected around the rooms and corridors of the castle by cleverly positioned mirrors and prisms. He was then engaged to improve the lighting in the House of Commons by replacing the existing 280 candles with 3 Bude lights. So there you are.

By now we were a bit tired and decided to go back to the lodge for lunch and another relaxing afternoon.

Saturday 15 September

We had to get up early today as we have to leave for our stay at Sarah and Michael’s lodge at Hilton woods near Bude. We also needed to get to Tesco en route to stock up on essentials. It was 30 miles or so to the small estate which is nestled in a steep valley in a small woods. It really is an idiyic spot and we took to it from the moment we arrived.

Three of the Sprinks including Tom were waiting for us and were sitting on the balcony. It was great to see them again and we were made very welcome with a cup of coffee and a show around the lodge. Soon after they were gone and we were left on our own. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and going for a short walk.

Quiet Day in

Friday 14 September,

It's a bit of a sad day today as our time here at Padstow Caravan Park is coming to a close and our friends Paul and Kim next door had to go home to Sedgeley. What was worse for them was it was pouring with rain and they had to pack all their stuff up soaking wet. As you can imagine that's not much fun when you get home.

We are going to miss Padstow Caravan Park it's been a great two weeks and we feel really rested. The facilities are second to none and we have taken full advantage of all of them. It's the simple things like the washing up facility that make all the difference, turning a half hour job in the van into a 5 minute job. Having a washer on site is a real luxury. It's also been good fun people watching, orange van man will for ever be a lasting memory. We would come again next year, a shame really we have the rest of the country to explore!  You never know though, we have loved Cornwall and would like to come again soon.

We sat in Campy all morning and did our own thing and drinking fresh coffee till the rain stopped. Kevin could finally go out and give Campy a good clean. we have been out in her quite a bit lately and she really was looking a on the grubby side. No polishing today though just a couple of caps of wax in the washing water and a buff up with a clean dry cloth. Lovely...

After lunch we again had a quiet time Petra doing tapestry and Kevin doing some writing.

That's it!

Lanhydrock and Bedruthan Steps

Thursday 13 September

Today we decided we would head off towards Newquay along the coast road. The road is a bit narrow but, we are by now used to driving on Cornish country roads so they hold no fear. Unfortunately, to start with, the hedges were too high so we only saw the views on odd occasions when the hedges gave way. 

We really wanted to see the view from the cliffs at Carnewas which were supposed to be spectacular. (National Trust of course). It is also known as the Bedruthan Steps, it is said that giants once walked on the rocks. No idea why they couldn't use the path like we have to?  We arrived at the car park and made our way along the well signposted track past the shop and tea rooms, to the view point. The view simply took our breath away and is in our opinion is the most stunning view of the Cornish coast we have seen. We spent some time watching the long breaking waves rolling their way to the big sandy bay you could see tiny people walking on the sand which gave you a sense of the scale of what we were seeing. We walked for a while in both directions from the view point taking photo’s and enjoying the special moment. The weather was perfect sunny with a slight breeze.

After a cup of tea at the NT picnic table (chained to the ground for security) we set off again on our quest to have a look at Newquay. The journey took us along up and down valley’s into coves where the surfers and their shops take over. We stopped at one surf shop and bought a Rip Curl changing mat for Campy. We have been looking for something to use as a carpet outside when we have to put the Bus Shelter up and also to use at the back of the van to put stuff out of the boot on when the ground is wet. £10 got us a blue oblong piece of Neoprene 4’ by 3’- so ideal for our needs.

By now we were just outside Newquay and started to make our way through the town. We didn’t stop. We did have a good look at the town centre as we drove through and can see why students use it as a mecca after exams have finished but, to be frank it didn’t do anything for us that would make us stop and besides. We came out of Newquay the same way we went in. With all the other fantastic places in Cornwall to visit, I doubt we will be returning their again soon.

A quick trip into Wadebridge on the way home found Petra’s glasses repaired (lost screw) and a trip to Tesco for Cornish Butter which has become an essential staple part of our diet. What the heck we are going to do when we leave Cornwall isn’t worth thinking about. 

Wednesday 12 September

If there is one National Trust house we were looking forward to visiting the most it is Lanhydrock. It is situated about 16 miles from the campsite, not far from Bodmin. Very mixed weather today with showers interspersed with rain. It really blew in the night and the noise on the roof of the van was enough to wake us up (not for long though).

We set off at 9.30 and arrived at 10.00 the kind volunteer car park attendant showed us to our place. We parked up and as we were so early we decided we would go for a walk in the garden till the doors to the house open at 11.00. We hadn’t walked 10 steps from Campy when the heavens opened. We made a sharp about turn straight back to the dry comfort of the van for a nice cup of tea. By the time the rain subsided and we had drank our tea the sun came out and we set off to the house.

The walk from the car park to the house is 600 yards and mostly down a gentle slope. Lanhydrock was devastated in a fire in 1881 and was rebuilt in the Victorian style, it is classified as one of National Trust’s premier houses and it’s easy to see why. The visit starts with going through the impressive gate house which has rooms above the entrance. We did go up to the rooms on the way out and they are interesting. Great views of the house and the gardens.

As you walk up the short drive (100yds) to the house you get a taste of the sculptured gardens which are beautifully kept and in keeping with the impressive facade of the house. The lawns were superb with perfect stripes even on the sloping bits. 

Inside the house you are treated to 50, yes 50, rooms to look around and they are all individual time capsules of Victorian opulence. The most interesting thing for us was the size of the kitchens. Apart from the amazing huge main kitchen which boasted a spit large enough to take a whole cow, it had separate rooms for dairy, bread bakery, pastry, cheese, meat, fish, and more. It seemed never ending. 

Once through the kitchens your path takes you upstairs to the bedroom of the last heir to the estate, Capt. Tommy Robartes. He was killed in the Great War whilst trying to save an NCO who was injured in no mans land. He was recommended for a Victoria Cross for his bravery but it was rejected due the man being below him in rank. Apparently, to have been successful the man would have had to be a fellow Captain or above in rank. I cant believe the stupid rules they had in those days. Anyway in his bedroom were all his possessions including a huge port-mantle full of every need a gentleman would require to keep himself clean and tidy; Kev would have loved to have got his hands on that lot. 

You then carry on through the Lord and Lady’s apartments. Lord Robartes we thought had the rough end of the deal with only one bedroom and a flat tray in front of the fire to stand on for a bath. Her Ladyship however had a whole suite of rooms including a mahogany rimmed free standing bath in her boudoir and the most enormous bed you've ever seen.

Back downstairs there is a billiard room, offices, the saloon and the long room all of which are fascinating. You could really spend a whole day in this house. We thought it is one of the best houses architecturally we have ever seen. It was designed for efficiency, comfort and entertaining and must have performed brilliantly in all that was asked of it. Although the house is huge it doesn’t have that feeling inside, the only criticism we thought that could be said of it is it is a bit dark inside.

Back outside again we went back to Campy for lunch than back to the gardens which are lovely. To the top is the Church and small graveyard then a choice of paths takes you all over the hillside gardens to the woodlands to the back of the house. The formal gardens are a delight. Mainly because of their simplicity in design and use of colour. There are the usual National Trust tea rooms and shops in the old out buildings for the needy we didn’t take advantage but by 3pm we were on our last legs and called it a brilliant day.

Lanhydrock is a must see, not only for the fabulous design of the house and gardens but for the history of the family which is fascinating. If you are in the area and want a good day  don’t pass it up, pay it a call you will not be disappointed.

Rest and Recuperation Day

Tuesday 11 September 

By the time we got up this morning, 07.30 our German friend in the bright orange van had upped boxes and moved on. Unfortunately we are non the wiser as to the contents of his boxes. In fact the last sight of him was him standing in the middle of the road yesterday evening in his Y fronts taking a photo of the sunset. He then collected his wash bag and matched off to the shower block. Clearly he is less shy than us, although saying that some of the dressing gowns and PJs witnessed walking past our van is a sight to behold.

After yesterdays exertions Petra and Kevin decided today was a good day to stay in and do chores, besides it was a bit of a blustery day and quite honestly we couldn’t be bothered to go out. So we spent the day doing the washing and in particular the Duvalay covers which as brilliant they are are can be a bit of a challenge to clean (by that I mean labour intensive) and put back together again. At least we’ve got over the need to iron everything so as soon as they were out of the tumble dryer they were reassembled and packed away ready for tonight.

Other than that we did some lists, for example, we have decided to go back to the storage depot one last time as Weymouth is not that far away from Portsmouth. This is in preparation for our drive through France to Monaco and the French Riviera then along the Mediterranean coast to spain to Malaga which is not that far from Gibraltar (which is as far as you can go!). We really need to lighten Campy as much as possible to save on weight and of course fuel costs. It turns out, France has cheaper fuel than here in the UK but Spain is on an all time high right now and nearer to what we pay here. 

So things to go into storage include Kevin’s flag collection, the Cadac BBQ, Coleman foldaway table and the second Bilbo internal table. All of these items are quite heavy and will make a difference. In reality, we doubt very much we will use them so out they go. We have decided however to buy a smaller foldaway table that will fit in the place of the second table removed from the van. This will save weight on the Coleman and makes it more accessible for quick use outside. We have hardly used the Cadac this year other than the wok part which is excellent. This is not from want but it just hasn’t been the weather this year to do BBQ’s it’s also quite heavy and we won’t need our own BBQ in Spain.

We also did some more research on the computer into traveling abroad, we can’t believe it is only a few weeks (1 Oct) till we board the ferry from Dover to Calais. By then we will have stayed at Sarah and Michael’s log cabin Nr Bude for 4 days from this Saturday coming (thank you both so very much for the kind offer), we then have 9 days in Weymouth (Campy gets a face lift!) then up to Burton for Josie’s 21st birthday party (29 September) and the meeting of the Clan in the Dog and Partridge. Next day we drive to a small CL near Dover and the day after that we catch the 6am boat to Calais. Bring it on.

Today we must congratulate Sam for achieving her target, so proud of you. x

Crackington Haven

Monday 10 September

So today we were to meet up with Sarah and Michael who are staying nearby in Bude. We agreed to meet up at Crackington Haven which is about 25 miles along the coast to the east from Padstow. It is very pleasant countryside driving through valleys and small villages on the way and we arrived at the car park at 11am. Sarah and Michael waiting in their car in the car park. 

Campy was given the once over by both and of course we were proud to oblige. After the tour was over we were told we were going for a walk along the coast. Now, that’s fine and we were looking forward to it but, first we had to negotiate the rather steep climb to the top of the cliff. This came more easy for some than others. Michael was up and at it like a rat up a drain pipe followed closely by Sarah. Petra next did valiantly and Kevin took up his flagging position to the rear. The climb goes from 0 - 130m in no space on the map where all the contours are welded together in a single brown band. We climbed to the top and were greeted with spectacular views towards Tintagel on one side (the wretched Hotel Camalot could be seen perched on it’s cliff top) and Hartland Point to the other.

Before we could catch breath Michael was off again down the other side of the hill like a greyhound out of the trap. We followed on realising that on this walk if you go up you have to come down and if you go down, you have to go up the other side. This was no gentle amble along the sea front. We arrived at the crest of the second hill like a couple of old boilers on their last gasp. The views were of course spectacular and it was all worth the effort . We stood for a while and took in the view and the best the wind could throw at us. We took some photos and set off back along the same route we came by.

Back at the car park, there is a nice pub where we had a welcome pint of Tribute etc and a pub lunch, quite a treat for us.

By 2.30 we were saying our goodbyes and heading our different ways. We have had a great day and it was lovely to see Sarah and Michael. Kevin say’s he has lost at least 2 pounds today. On the way home it was off to Tesco and back to camp to collapse and have a welcomed cup of steaming tea.

Orange Sunday

Sunday 9 September 

Sunday is a day of rest and that is precisely what we did today. The weather was overcast all day which actually was a bit of a change from the baking sun we’ve had of late. The wind has also picked up and as a result there was very little dew on the van to give it it’s customary wipe over. Still Kev did his best and Campy sat resplendent on her pitch.

Although we decided to stay in that doesn’t mean that we sit around doing nothing, oh no, we have charging of the batteries to do. There is the AAA batteries for the radio, the computers and dongle, the camera battery, phones, electric tooth brushes etc etc. It’s a full time job juggling plug sockets as some are mains only and others can be charged through the van’s battery power system. It is however very rewarding to know that at the end of the day we are all fully locked and loaded and all charged up.

We said goodbye to our fellow Bilbo campers, Janet and Richard opposite today, so it was sad to see them go. We have seen more Bilbo’s on this site than at any other time so it is great to compare notes on van choices, gizmo’s etc. Janet and Richard live not far from Hardy’s Cottage in Dorchester where we intend to visit soon so you never know we might take up that offer of tea and using the loo.

Our neighbours to the our left, Kim and Paul ,on our side of the site, came to see us today with a plate full of scones with fresh cream, strawberry jam with a fresh strawberry on top. It was so kind and unexpected. All we can say is Sedgley rocks; thanks very much and it’s been great to hear a friendly and familiar accent.

In between all this going on we had a new arrival on our leg of the site, it was a German registered VW T3 van painted bright orange with orange hubcaps. Although the van was registered with German plates it had written on the side of the van, ‘We make your photo’s into books’ so not quite sure what’s going on there. Anyway the van was fantastic and we were amazed when out of the back of the van came 4 beautifully shiny metal storage cases with the word ‘DANGER’ written on the front of each one. The man took out each one of these cases and precisely laid them to the rear left side of the van. Then an amazing table came out that folded out to a kitchen work stand, two identical looking foldaway bikes and two bright orange sun loungers all of which were laid out to military precision. 

Amazingly, none of the afore mentioned fantastic metal boxes were opened, they just sat there in their neat row. We were expecting at least an awning or any manner of wonderful thing to appear but alas no! So, as yet what delights the boxes hold is a mystery to us all and if we ever find out what’s in them, you will be the first to know.

Now Kev thought he was well organised, but this was where he met his match and this chap clearly has the edge.  We are sure he must work for Huf Houses! It was really impressive to watch, you could see everybody else was watching him too with their mouths wide open. Walking back from the loo (as you do!) the side door to their van was open and inside you could see a full size pine desk placed just behind the front seats and on top of that was a 2 Litre German drinking glass full of lager. After lunch they went off for a ride on their bikes. How you can drink 2 litre of lager and go for a long ride on a bike is quite frankly beyond us and makes us quiver at the thought. Clearly this man is in a different league to us and we doffed our hats to him and went back to charging the batteries!!

In the afternoon we had a lovely time reading our Kindles. Petra read a book on driving abroad so she can tell if Kev is driving properly or not.  

Day at the beach

Saturday 8th September 

Today we decided to walk down to Padstow to spend some time on to the beach. The day started again with mist and cloud and the dew on the van was amazing. Kevin doesn’t mind this as it is natures way of giving him a free car wash. Whilst Petra makes breakfast he uses the squeegee and dries the van off with cloths. It’s great as Campy looks like new every day.

At about 9.30 we had finished our jobs and started off on our walk to Padstow. We followed the now familiar path across the fields to Tesco and on into town. It was a lovely walk, cool and fresh but sunny, ideal walking weather. When we arrived we sat for a while to rest on a harbour side bench and watched the young seagulls flying and people going by.

Once recovered we walked around to the other side of the harbour and to the path that leads around the bay to the beaches. The walk was fantastic a short climb and we were rewarded with some magnificent views of the mouth of the Camel estuary leading out to sea and the ‘Doombar’.

The Doom bar is a shallow bank of sand put their as a curse by a dying mermaid. We of course know it as a rather nice bottle of beer ‘thank you very much’ don’t mind if I do! Anyway, countless ships have been wrecked on the bar and we think it was a bit of an over reaction on her behalf and as a consequence, we don’t like mermaids anymore.

We climbed down onto the beach and sat on a big rock, had our lunch, we then sunbathed for a couple of hours. The weather was absolutely glorious and it is impossible to be bored watching all that’s going on in the sea in front of us. Thunder, Jaws and Thunderbolt went by with alarming regularity. The sand is so soft on the beach you can grab a huge hand full and it slips out of your hand like sand through an hour glass. It is impossible to keep it in your hand. When you walked along the sea shore your feet started to sink into the wet sand in places up to 6 inches. Despite it being so glorious we were shocked by how few people were using the beaches particularly as it’s a Saturday. The further we walked around the bay the fewer the people came across and the better the beaches looked.

We walked in a full circle and after about 3 miles we came back into the back end of Padstow. It was a much nicer approach to the town to the one we were used to and it looked very picturesque and dare I say quaint. We saw a small house we liked the look of for sale and later found it in an estate agents window it was £395,000 so it looks like Padstow is out of the question.

We sat for a while again on a bench by the harbour and enjoyed the going’s on and noticed everyone was eating. We had an ice cream and made our way home to Campy.

Another lovely day.