Shell Island October 2007

http://www.shellisland.co.uk/

Fri 19th

We drove through glorious sunshine to Shell Island and arrived about noon. We drove around for a while to find where we wanted to park, there was plenty of choice. It was possible to park more or less anywhere on the island and it was very quiet. The rules say that with a motorhome you have to have a tent as well, then the motorhome becomes you r vehicle to travel in. We put up a small beach shelter to comply but no one else seemed to bother. We decided to park at the end of the car park overlooking the beach, we wanted Jilly to be able to get down onto the sand easily. After a bit of lunch we walked along the beach picking up shells, as you do. Whilst sitting in the van in the afternoon we watched at least 3, maybe 4, porpoises playing in the sea. We drove the van to the bar/cafe for a meal. The food was ok but the bar had some very noisy people in it.

Jilly went on the beach, was not very enthusiastic but had a bit of a mooch.

There was a gorgeous sunset.

I had to take Jilly out in the middle of the night but I didn't mind as the night sky was breathtaking. With little light polution and a clear sky I saw more stars than I have done a long time. I could also see the Milky Way which I haven't seen for years.

Sat 20th


When we first woke up we looked out of the windaw and saw 2 hares just outside the van. Walked along the beach again at low tide and there were hundreds of star fish stranded along the shore, some had been pecked at by birds, oyster catchers, turnstones, redshank. We also saw crows, curlew, heron and lots of gulls.


After lunch we walked across the island to the harbour, again in glorious sunshine. We called at the cafe for tea, again it was not very wonderful, then walked back to the van.

Sun 21st

Cooler this morning and breezy. Packed up and drove home via Harlech, Llangyneg and Bala. Autumn colours lovely on the hillsides.

Weekend in Shardlow October 2007

Fri 5th

We set off early and arrived at Shardlow Marina about 11am. We parked the van then drove to Ilkeston where we visited Regal Furnishings, we are thinking of having the van reupholsterd. We met Barry, the owner, and he was very helpul and we had a good look at samples of fabric and discussed what we would want. We saw a fabric we both liked but decided to go away and think about it. We got back to the site and set up properly. After a bit of lunch took a walk around the gravel pits. We saw 2 kingfisers together, a kestrel perched on a tree, moorhen, various ducks and some swans. We went to the pub on site for a meal and it was lovely, fish and chips.

Sat 6th

Having talked about the upholstery we decided to go and order it. We went to Ilkeston first thing and got a date of 22nd Nov to have it done. Had late breakfast/lunch then Rich watched Grand Prix practise. After lunch we walked all around the site. We went to Brenda and Doug's about 5 oclock to return the key for the house in Spain. They took us to the Rugby Club for a meal. Across the road from the club there is a water buffalo, called Oink, in a field. As we went to have a look at it it's owner turned up with a snack for it - two large loaves of bread and 36 weetabix disappeared without a trace! all the time it was eating it was making "oinking" noises. We had a reasonable meal in a very noisy club room then went back to B & D's and then on back to the van.



Sun 7th

After breakfast went a walk round the gravel pits, saw a flock of linnets and kingfisher again. Rich watched Grands Prix then we packed up and left by 2oclock.

Spain September 2007

We were able to borrow Brenda & Doug's house in Los Alcazares, Murcia, Spain for a reasonable sum so we decided to go with Margaret & Brian and booked cheap flights with Ryanair - £122.50 each return.

Tue 11th

We set off mid morning & drove to Stafford where we had a meal at the Luck Penny with Marg & Bri, Bri then drove us to East Midland Airport. We arrived in good time and got priority boarding passes. The flight took off a few minutes early - about 17:15. It was a good flight and we landed at Murcia 15 minutes early at 21:00 local time. Dave, a friend of Doug & Brenda's, met us and drove us to the house. It was a very warm night, but Dave told us it had rained that day. We decided to find the Chinese Restaurant, Richie knew where it was. After wandering around for about 3/4 hour finally found it! Had a nice meal and left as they were closing at midnight.

Wed 12th

It was a warm day but cloudy and breezy, the rain the day before had left sand all over the terraces so R & B washed them down. After unpacking we went to nearest supermarket, El Arbol and bought food and drink. We had lunch then walked around the area for a while, we were looking to find a tourist information office but didn't. Cooked some pork steaks that we had bought but they were not very successful - strange meat, strange oven?!

Thurs 13th

A Hot day with a breeze. After lunch we went to the beach for a swim, it was a bit choppy but very nice. Back for siesta. Went to Chinese Restaurant again. It was very good value with a special menue for around £5 our money, includind sangria and prawn crackers to start, a large spring roll, a main course of your choice and half a bottle of wine each, it finished with a liquer and they left the bottle, we were also given a bottle of wine to take home, so very good value.

Fri 14th

Another very hot day, we walked along to the shopping centre by the Mercadona supermarket. Found an "English" paper shop, the man in there told us about The Post Box where we could arrange car hire. We also found a bar. the "Ilu" where the men would be able to watch the Grande Prix. We arranged the car hire for next Wed. then had a snack at a kiosk and walked back. Cooked bacon and egg for tea.

Sat 15th

After breakfast we went to the beach for a swim, it was very hot and sea very calm. R & B went to bar to watch Grande Prix practice, V & M had a walk and then went to meet the men. We walked back along the sea front and stopped at a beach bar for a meal. V & M had fish which was ok but men had steak which they could not eat.

Sun 16th

After breakfast took a walk the other way along the sea to Playa Carrion, a small marina. Another very hot day. Back for lunch then the men went to Ilu to watch the race. V & M stayed in shade and read. In the evening we went to the Chinese restaurant again and strolled back along beach.

Mon 17th

After breakfast did some washing and tidying round then went for a swim. Had lunch then went to supermarket, bought some chicken which we cooked and then ate outside, quite nice and a lovely evening.

Tue 18th

Another very hot day, went round market in streets by the house then after lunch went for a swim. Went to a bar by the church for evening meal but the service was bad and food not very good.

Wed 19th

Went and collected the hire car at 10am then went back to house to make some sandwiches and drove down the "Strip" of La Manga, saw two police cars attending an incident where there was a body lying on the pavement shrouded in a sheet, very unsettling. Stopped by water on way back to eat picnic. Went to Chinese restaurant again.

Thurs 20th

Drove to San Pedro del Pinatar and on to Lo Pagan. Walked along the salt/mud flats, watched dozens of people covering themselves in the black, smelly mud - supposed to be a cure all! Saw many birds, Flocks of flamingoes, duck, little grebes, plover, sandpipers.
Started off cloudy but warm and as we finished the walk the sun came out very hot again. Called at a cafe for a meal, the service was very slow but fish and chips was ok.

Fri 21st

Drove to Cartagena, had a drink and walk round harbour then got on a double decker open topped tour bus to go round the town, it started to rain while we were on the bus but not a lot. We then walked round the town for a while and as it started to rain again went into a cafe. Great difficulty understanding menu/waiter, ended up with tortilla and salad which was quite nice. While we were in the cafe a group of people with a donkey dresed up like Romans and beating on drums went by, advertising some sort of festival, we think. As they came back down they all stopped for a drink, the donkey left his calling card all over the street!! We walked back towards the harbour there were green parrots flying all around we went up the steps through the old town walls to a park where there was a good lookout point over the harbour and town. In the evening we cooked bacon & egg and watched a terrific thunder storm with very heavy rain.

Sat 22nd

There was very heavy rain overnight and it was overcast in the morning, but still warm. The rain deposited red sand all over terraces again.
We went out to go to Almoradi for a market but got a bit lost, as it was raining we decided to give up and went back to Pilar de la Horadada and found teh Chinese restaurant there. We had a very good meal and very resonable, we felt it was even better value than the one in Los Alcazares. Did a bit of shopping at Alsi then went back to the house. The evening turned fine so went for a walk alonf front.

Sun 23rd

Went to a huge market at Cabo de Palos. We then went on to the lighthouse and walked up to it then around the harbour, we had a drink then went back to Los Bolones for a meal. The Oasis restaurant we wanted to go to was closed so went to a Spanish one Bar Rierpi, not a bad meal. Back for a rest then stroll along the front.

Mon 24th

Drove to Portman which is an old military establishment, looked at old amunition stores and gun emplacements then went back down and sat and had a picnic before returning to the house. In the afternoon we had a swim and went to the Chinese restaurant or the last time.

Tue 25th

In the morning we packed, washe the sheets, towels etc and cleaned the house and terraces. Went to Los Bolonese again to get a meal at Oasis but it did not open in the daytime weekdays. Went to the Village which was almost next door and did English food. It was run by an English man and we had English food ordered from someone who understood us for the first time in the holiday! Sat and read until time to go to the airport at 21:00. Got booked in and flight was on time, good flight landed at 23:20 ome time. Drove to Stafford where we stayed the ight with M & B then drove home Wed morning.

Morecambe August 2007

Sat Aug 24th 2007

We set off about 8am and met up with Emma and family at Mile End Roundabout near Oswestry. We filled up with fuel then set off. We arrived at Red Bank Farm camping site, Bolton-le-Sands, by about 11am. The site was larger than expected, two big fields plus some statics, and very busy. It is on a working farm and there were animals that the children could pet. Sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits etc.
We sited ourselves ourselves in the middle but there was plenty of space.Took quite a bit of setting up with Emma having her trailer tent for the first time and our awning playing up in the wind, finally set up by about 1pm. It was sunny but very windy. After a bit of lunch we took Emma's dogs to the beach, not your usual sandy beach but vast areas of muddy sand with wonderful views towards the Lake District one way and Morecambe the other. There was an old car stuck halfway out to sea, spoke to a chap who had been cockle picking on a quad bike he said it was idiots trying to "off road".

Sun 25th

After breakfast Veronica, Emma, Shannon & James went to a car boot sale seen advertised at Carnforth, not a lot there so didn't stop. Went on to Morecambe. Managed to park on the street and had a walk around the Festivel Market, a large undercover market and there was also a continental market outside. Walked down the town and stopped at Winter Gardens where there was a flea market the building looked interesting so we booked a tour for later. Walked on down to Lifeboat shop. Went back for the tour of the Winter Gardens, it was very interesting, it has been closed for many years but is still basically intact and people are trying to get it restored, click the following link to find out more. http://www.thewintergardensmorecambe.co.uk/

Went back to site and had another walk on beach. It had been another sunny but windy day.

Mon 26th

Took a bike ride along the coast and salt marshes. Saw heron,hawks, plover& oyster catchers amongst others. After lunch went to Heysham to have a look at the port, not able to see much or get very close. Called at Morrisons for a bit of shopping then back to site. Barry & Shelia, who live in Lancaster, came to visit and we had a BBQ. The evening was a bit less windy so able to sit out.

Tue Aug 27th

In the morning we went to the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis at Milnthope just north of Carnforth. It was a brilliant little place with plenty to see and hands on activities for the children.

The following link takes you to their site. http://www.wildlifeoasis.co.uk/ .
We carried on th Leighton Hall which was not far away and had a picnic in the garden before a guided tour of the house. A large country house that is still lived in. There was also a hawk flying demonstration but the bird flew off!!
Back to site for BBQ and another walk on beach. A bit of drizzle in evening but otherwise dry.

Wed Aug 28th

In the morning we went to Lancaster, we intended to go round the castle but when we got there it was swarming with uniformed men and we discovered it is a working prison and the prison wardens were on strike!. We enquired and found out that you can go ound but the enterance is the other side, we decided against it. We went down a very steep path with lots of steps to the river bank, it was very interesting as we got there to see the tide coming in very quickly against the flow of the river. We went to the Maritime Museum which was interesting and then on to Williamson Park where we had a picnic sitting in the sun by a lake. We walked on round the park which is dominated by the Ashton Memorial.
This is a large building which can be seen for miles around, built by Lord Ashton in memory of his wife in Edwardian times. Emma spotted signs for the Pendle Witch trail and we decided to follow them, ended up on a wild goose chase up on the moors, very nice views though. Back to site and a walk on the beach, Shannon & James "fell " in the mud and got covered all over, had to shower them off then clean showers out!! Warm & sunny again but site very windy. Had a few games with children before bed.

Thurs 29th

Went in to Morecambe again. Looked round market which was a lot quieter than at weekend, then walked on down and had a look at Eric Morecambe's memorial.
Took Shannon & James on funfair then walked down the Stone Jetty and had a drink in cafe, it was very windy again. Back to van for lunch, walked to sea at high tide then tried to fly kites. When the tide went out Shannon & James went to have fun in the mud again, this time in swim wear!!
After tea a few games again then bed.

Fri 30th

When we woke up the sky was very grey & threatening looked like rain coming so we started to pack up so that the tent and awning would be dry. Quick bacon butty then on the road by 10am.

Llanrhystud Aug 2007

Wed 15th August 2007

We set off about 11am and when we arrived at Morfa Farm the office was not open so we could not book in. We went to cafe in village and fetched fish & chips. By the time we had eaten them we were able to book in and get sited. We had a new awning with us and it took about an hour to put it up!! It was very windy! It was sunny but a cool wind. Took Jilly to beach and she seemed to enjoy it. Showers overnight.

Thurs 16th

We arranged to meet Caron, Nathan & Samantha at Llanerchaeron, a National Trust property nearby. An 18th-century Welsh gentry estate – a rare survival; Designed and built by John Nash. There are many unaltered features including a service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house. A working organic farm and two restored walled gardens

it is set in the beautiful Aeron valley with extensive estate and parkland walks. We had a look round the house and farm and took a walk round the lake. We then decided to go back to the van and get a cooked chicken from shop for a late lunch. We chatted with Caron while the children played on the swings, had a walk to the beach and they left about 6.30pm. It was sunny and dry again but with a cool wind.

Fri 17th

After breakfast we went to the Lapwing centre at Pennant. This was set up by a local farmer to try and stop the decline of the lapwing. There were hides, lakes and woodland walks. It was most interesting although being August there were few birds about in the woods. We saw plenty of geese, ducks, 4 whooper swan & 2 black swans, the swans, we learnt were "pets" not actually wild visitors. From one of the hides we watched buzzards and also a kite swooping down to take a rabbit.. We went back to Aberaeron and had a look round a site for future reference then on to Newquay for a flying visit before going back for a BBQ. Game of cards then bed. The weather was the same again, sunny with cool wind but it rained quite heavily in the evening and overnight.


We did not enjoy the site as much as we had on previous visits, it was high season and we were next to childrens play area where the teenagers gathered and played football very near the van, we had a couple of hits and insolent looks which tends to spoil things.

Sat 18th

Woke up to grey skies and rain, waited for a while after breakfast to see if it would dry out before packing up awning but it showed no sign of clearing so packed up and set off about 11am, rain most of way home.

Newark & Yorkshire July 2007

We set off about 0830 heading for Newark and Brownhills Summer Extravaganza, we thought we may as well get something back off them after all the trouble we'd had with our motorhome!

We arrived at the Newark Showground about 11oclock and met Jan & Mike. As we were towing the Smart car the man organising the queues told us to tell them inside that we were together and they would let us park together on the main area. When we got inside the marshal said we could not go to the main area with a car there was an area set aside for people towing cars, she finally agreed that Jan & Mike could park by us there. We got parked and set up and the marshal came and asked us to move, she didn't want us side by side but one behind the other! After a deal of arguing we decided to leave the car by the gate and park in main area. Once we were set up Rich fetched the car and parked it by our van and no body bothered us at all about it. Jilly had been very quiet all day and overnight had one of her turns and seemd quite poorly. She got better over the next few days.

Thursday 28th June 2007

After a bit of lunch we caught the shuttle bus to the Brownhills site, there was not a lot to see other than the motorhomes for sale. When we got back V & J went to get fish & chips from a mobile shop, we were amongst the first in the queue, about 15-20 people before us, but it was 1 hour & 10 minutes before we got served!!!! It got increasingly cold as we waited and people were getting very irate (us included) especially as marshals were coming up to the side window with large orders, jumping the queue and getting theirs free!!! After we finally ate our meal we went to the hall for a salsa evening, there were demonstrations and lessons for anyone interested and free drinks. Didn't stay too late. Heavy rain again over night.


Friday 29th


V & J went on double decker bus into Nottingham, it was very grey and raining bus steamed up so unable to see views as we travelled. We were dropped by a shopping mall so we looked around shops for a while, had a drink and sandwich then back to bus station, had to wait ages for bus, the sun had come out by then and day turned warm but still showery. When we got back J & M went to Brownhills to get some mattresses. In the evening we had a BBQ then went to the hall for a barn dance evening. Free drinks again and a pate supper. V & J had great fun doing barn dances.


Saturday 30th


V & J went in the Smart to Newark to have a look around, a very nice town with some interesting architecture and different areas of town linked through passages. R & M watched to Grande Prix on TV. When we got back we braved the shower block on the far reaches of the field. Not very salubrious!! The weather was warm and showery again. In the evening there was a 70s disco, BBQ and again free drinks.


Sunday July 1st


Went over to Brownhills again for couple of things from shop. R & M watched grand prix, very heavy showers with strong winds. Had a BBQ again then R took awning down before we went to the hall for last evening’s entertainment by local dance troupe and free drinks again. We reckoned that although it was £40 for the 4 nights camping we probably had our moneys worth in drinks!


Monday 2nd


J & M went home to attend Katie’s graduation ceremony, R & V moved to Brownhills camping site for overnight stop. This is a site where anyone who has purchased from Brownhills can stay free at any time; there are washing and drying facilities provided a swimming pool with sauna and jacuzi and a lounge with TV and tea/coffee making facilities.


V went for swim, sauna and shower, then went to do some washing but the washing machine was broken, got washing done by sitting holding the button in through the wash cycle!! Went in to Newark for a bit of shopping, it was sunny but muggy. When we got back to the van there was more very heavy rain and thunder.


Tuesday 3rd


The site which had been very wet when we arrived was like a lake when we woke up. V went to have a swim before setting off but the pool was not open. We set off about 10 and there were heavy showers all the way. We arrived at Carr House Farm near Pickering to find a very boggy field, the sun did come out and we found the driest - or least wet - area to set up. Once we'd set up there was very heavy rain again. The site was on a working farm, there was a small shower/toilet block which was quite new. We were able to buy fresh milk and eggs. At £8 a night we thought it good value.


Wednesday 4th


Went to Eden Camp.


"This is no ordinary Museum - Not another Military Museum - Not a glass showcase Museum - We have reconstructed scenes using movement, lighting, sound, smells, even smoke machines to transport you back in time, to make you feel that you are there taking part in history. Our special award winning Museum is an original Prisoner of War Camp built in 1942. Our fascinating displays hold, and reveal to you, the vital spirit which eventually triumphed in 1945. These superb and lifelike exhibits make a visit to EDEN CAMP a wonderful and educational day out for all the family."


This was very interesting, a good day out and at only £3.50 admission very good value for money. We took about 5 hours to see it all, every hut had a different exhibit; unfortunately half of Yorkshire's school children seemed to be there on their end of term trip which was a bit distracting at times. We had fish and chips in the cafe and although it kept dry all the time we were there we had to make a dash for the car through yet another heavy shower. We drove in to Pickering to suss out the train times and parking for the next day before heading back to the van.


Thursday 5th

Went to Pickering and caught the North Yorkshire Moors Railway train to Grosmont, the engine was a diesel for this trip. Got off and had a look round the engine sheds where restoration work was going on, saw Sir Nigel Gresley in the shed. Had a quick drink in a pub, well sat outside because the sun was shining and it was warm. Got Got on another train to go back to Goathland, this time it was a steam engine.. Got off at Goathland and walked up to village, famous as Aidensfield in "Heartbeat". Went to pub first, "Goathland Arms" aka "Aidensfield Arms", were surprised to find that the interior is the same as on television, thought it would be different; apparently they used to film there but now use a studio mock up. Had a very nice sandwich and drink before going on to see the rest of the village, not much to see really but very pretty location. Back on steam train to Pickering.

It had been warm and sunny all day but as we got back to the van there was more heavy rain with thunder and lightening.


Friday 6th


Packed up ready to move off, Rich so anxious about whether he'd be bogged down forgot to remove electric hook up! Moving off nicely 'til I shouted, stopped and got bogged down!! Had to be towed off with a tractor, very ignominious. Socket damaged but owner understanding and no charge. Drove to Rigg Farm site near Whitby along very hilly, winding narrow roads. Jan and Mike arrived at about the same time. A lovely site with view to Whitby Abbey. Amenities very good, each hardstanding had its own hook up, water tap and washing line. The showers were good with plenty of room and hooks and shelves. Reasonably priced at£16 a night unfortunately it was too far and too hilly to cycle anywhere so we decided to only
stop one night, we rang around and got in at Muston Grange near Filey. In the afternoon R & M rested after their drive so V & J took Smart in to Whitby, it was raining so took a bus tour round the town which also took us up to the Abbey. When we got off we realised nobody had taken our fare! Rain eased up a bit so looked round shops then back to vans. Had a BBQ then played cards 'til bedtime.


Saturday 7th


Moved to Muston Grange near Filey, this was a big site with security barriers; the wardens were very welcoming but despite having hardstanding it was very wet. There were a lot of seasonal pitches and it was quite crowded, the toilets were in an old brick building and were acceptable, at £13.50 a night good value but we were none of us keen on the site. R & M watched Grand Prix V & J took Smart in to Filey. Sunny until we got there then very heavy rain with hail, sat in car 'til stopped. Town very high above beach, walked in some gardens then in to a craft fair and on round town. Decided to go down to beach but then it looked like rain again so changed our minds. Back to van and had BBQ.


Sunday 8th


Nice morning R & M watched Grande Prix so V & J went in to Bridlington. Busy one way system but finally parked in Somerfield car park. Walked to front, very "Blackpooly". Walked round shops and market dodging showers. Found a department store, Boyes, which had a museum and cafe on top floor. Had cup of tea and toast watching storm over sea. Back to car and drove round looking for another site. Found "Beacon House" and booked in. Stopped and picked some strawberries then came across a farmers market in old Bridlington, stopped for a look around. Driving back rain came down so heavy with thunder and lightening overhead we had to stop for a while. Jan cooked a lovely Sunday dinner.


Monday 9th



Moved to Beacon House, a lovely CS, hardstanding and drainage so grass not boggy. We had a nice greeting from Phyll and Colin, the owners, and were presented with a loaf of freshly baked bread each. Once we were set up we sat out in the sun and had lunch. V & R went to Mossisons and when they got back Mary & Alan arrived. Sat and chatted in the sun for a while then drink & nibbles in A & Ms van before tea, a short shower whilst there was the only rain all day though thunder had rumbled round on and off.

A beautiful sunset.












Tuesday 11th


Caught the bus to Bridlington, a double decker and very rough ride going round villages and estates. Wandered around a bit then got some chips and walked along front got bus back. After a bit of lunch went on a bike ride. First we went down Danes Dyke which is a very steep path down to a cove with chalk cliffs; there were a couple of recent land slips down cliff. Climbed back up to road and went to Flamborough lighthouse, did about 7miles, it was breezy but sunny and warm. When we got back had a BBQ and sat out 'til about 8pm.



Wednesday 12th


Jan & Mike left. R&V M&A went to RSPB reserve in Smart, Started ferrying but all piled in in the end, much to the amusement of other motorists. It was warm and sunny and we saw a lot of gannets and puffins, we also saw razor bills, guillemots and kittiwakes amongst others, they were all nesting on the most unlikely looking ledges and the noise was tremendous. Went back for lunch then set of for a walk to Danes Dyke then along the cliff path to Flamborough, there was a very large land slip taking down the path and closing it off, although we made our way through. Saw quite a few yellowhammers on walk back. Had a BBQ and sat out for a while.

Jilly seemed to enjoy the sunshine.











Thursday 13th


Packed up and set of at 10.30, home by 2.30, sunny all the way then a shower at Telford.