Weymouth with Family

On July 20, 2018July 21, 2018 By yokellcoupleIn Travel2 Comments

Friday 13^th July 2018

We are off again – back to Weymouth.

We have been home for a few days to catch up on the post and of course the piles of washing – and then the ironing. All done and dusted – feeling happy that all is tidy for when we return.

The journey down was mostly uneventful – we parked in a lay-by at lunchtime – a biker was waiting, on his phone most of the time – for breakdown recovery it turned out – puncture I think.

Anyway our only slow bit was on the Dorchester bypass where two lanes reduce to one – I do hate the way some drivers try to overtake while everyone else is waiting patiently – mind you Voyager is quite wide so straddling the white line tends to discourage all but the worst.

We arrived at the Haven Seaview site at about two o’clock, did all the booking in stuff and received our info pack (not sure how much use of the ‘fun passes’ we will make). Our pitch was in the corner and despite the name we had no sea view at all.

After getting pitched

– a fully serviced 7m square so we won’t be moving Voyager until we leave – we went for our usual trundle to find our bearings and check out the facilities. They provided a site map which as well as the normal stuff showed paths to the sister site ‘Weymouth Bay‘ and ‘buggy able’ ones to the beach (I think referring to pushchair type buggies – not our scooters) but we tried them and succeeded in getting to Bowleaze Cove.

There was a choice of route – over the hill which was a bit bumpy but afforded some excellent views

or around the hill on a hardcore path. We opted for the hill going – deciding that the path would be for returning. Took some good photos from the top.

We had a rather large ice cream which we ate watching the sea lap against the shore and I started to wish I had bought the swimming costume I saw the other day.

We returned to Voyager for our goto evening meal of sweet chilli prawns (forgot to get anything out of the freezer again).

Saturday 14^th July 2018

Wow another lovely day and forecast to be very warm. We had both slept very well – I seem to sleep better in Voyager than at home.

Today Roy and his family arrived to stay at Weymouth Bay for the week. His kids Russell, Michelle and Sophie along with grandkids Jake and Harry are all staying in a holiday caravan.

We weren’t sure what time they would arrive so we trundled into Weymouth to have a look at the Seafood Festival going on at the harbour. There were loads of people with the same idea so it was packed out and difficult to see anything between them. We didn’t stay very long before getting out and going through the town centre streets (which were very quiet) and on to the promenade again. We found ourselves very close to our favourite ice cream parlour (how did that happen) so had to check they were still up to scratch – Love the chocolate whippy!

We returned to site and found Roy’s caravan (he had texted the ‘address’) with no difficulty. We spent a lovely couple of hours with them

before returning to Voyager for a short siesta, some food and to get spruced up for a night out with the ‘gang’.

Nigel wore his seaside outfit – very smart.

We had a brilliant night out with the family

at the complex bar – we sat outside until it started to cool

before moving inside – had so many laughs and a few spritzers – got a bit squiffy.

Sunday 15^th July 2018

I know it’s getting repetitive but another sunny warm day – the gardeners may not like it but we do – more family is visiting today and the beach is beckoning.

My sister Dot came by train and Roy’s other son Danial with his young family also arrived during the morning.

So after the getting together chats we got everything together and set off on the path we found the other day to Bowleaze Cove.

A lovely day with the younger ones swimming and playing.

We more mature ones having a paddle – which was still very refreshing.

I had prepared our packed lunch so we ate while the others did their own thing (some fish and chips and some just liquid lunch).

The only loo was in the Café/Bar and designated for customers only – well we bought an ice cream the other day so I reckon that counts. The que was way too long so nothing today though.

Late in the afternoon we came back to camp– Nigel took Dot back to the train station (using Roy’s car) and we then returned to Voyager for our meal of Prawn salad – too hot for anything else really.

The gang came to us about 8 o’clock, we had a few beers and they all had a good look around our setup with many questions about how things work – it seems obvious to us now but we remember when we were as in the dark as they were.

On our trundles we had spotted a pub with good advertising on the roadside so went there for a few drinks – thought it would be cheaper than on campus which it was but that was the only thing going for it really. It was definitely on the decline – many of the machines were broken and the garden area had a covered decking area where we sat but some of the balustrade was broken and some of the boards were very ‘spongy’ – oh well must remember to check things out beforehand next time. We made the most of it though and had a good laugh – stayed until chucking out time so a good night overall.

Monday 16^th July 2018

We have run out of a few things so our first duty (after the normal morning chores) is a trundle to Weymouth ASDA to restock.

I also decided that I would buy that swimming costume I saw in Bonne Marche Chippenham in their branch in town here – if available in my size.

The journey was uneventful and everything went according to plan – I got the costume and a matching dress. Nigel said I looked really good in it and I must admit I am proud of myself for getting into it.

We managed to get all we needed from Asda and then headed to the front where we ate our Tapas style lunch (from Asda) followed up with – yes you guessed, it a chocolate whippy ice cream.

We were just preparing to make our way back when we got a call from the family – we arranged to meet them at the outdoor swimming pool when we got back.

So after putting the shopping away and changing into my new kit we made our way there. I did say that if anyone laughed I would go home – but they all said I looked really good in it. I even went into the pool a couple of times with Shelly and the kids and I loved it.

We stayed until the pool closed at five, then went back to Voyager for our roast chicken meal, meeting up with the family again later for yet another visit to the club house bar. Again we had a good laugh and joke around. Stayed until closing time again – I could get used to this but I’ve drunk way too much in the last few days – need to get back on plan.

Tuesday 17^th July 2018

Today the family are going to Bournemouth with Danial and his young family. We decided to have a chill day to recover from the last few lovely but hectic ones.

So after showers and a late breakfast we just chilled – I did a bit of sewing while Nigel was having a go at some video editing – that’s a slow business though.

Lunch was a simple affair (Mediterranean again) out in the sun – there was bit of a breeze but it was still warm. We made the most of the quiet day as we have to leave tomorrow – I really don’t want to go as it has been such fun with the family and the weather has been fabulous.

After our evening meal we went around to Roy’s – they had not been back long and were tired – we went to the bar but got bored with nothing going on so returned to Voyager early. A bit of a disappointing end but we will remember this break for the many laughs we had with our extended family.

Wednesday 18^th July 2018

Home today – early start as the departure time at this site is 10 o’clock (normally 11 at most sites). No problems packing up – on the road by 09.55 and the trip home was uneventful.

Another load of washing, then ironing, giving Voyager a good clean inside and out – oh and fitting some more vinyl’s we have had made.

Nigel has to do a bit of renovation work (bit more than touch up paint required on his ‘pilot error’ on the front. A botched repair (prior to our buying it I must stress) on the bonnet also needs to be sorted. Not sure whether Nigel will do it himself or take it to a body shop yet – but it’s high on the to-do list.

August is a month we don’t do much travelling (too many kids I’m afraid) apart from odd days out – mostly Weston beach when the need for ice cream can’t be supressed any longer – so maintenance, MOT and other boring but essential things get done.

We will update you when they are finished (or during if they appear interesting).

Hopefully we will find something to go to for August Bank Holiday weekend – that’s likely the next time we will be away.

Until then thanks for reading our Blog.

Would he hide in Corfe Castle

On July 11, 2018July 12, 2018 By yokellcoupleIn Travel2 Comments

Thursday 5^th July 2018

On the move again – now we were intending to return home today but the weather was so good we decided to move on to another site instead.

Nigel searched for a site near to Corfe Castle which is only about 30 miles down the coast. The CCC site was full so he continued looking and found Woodyhyde (thats the real name of the site not my word play title) which showed as only about a mile outside the village. He booked us a four night stay with electric – and very near the end of the process saw the note saying access was under a low narrow bridge. It did say it was suitable for tents and campervans only – no caravans – didn’t mention motorhomes at all. The size stated looked OK for Voyager but only if in a straight line – a skew bridge wouldn’t work.

Anyway the first thing on the agenda was a big shop – we had an almost empty fridge freezer. So off to Morrisons for a full shop – it took an hour but at the end of it we had crammed everything in and had enough for another week.

Then on we went – the closer we got to the site the more Nigel was fretting – would we fit– the bridge was 10ft6in high by 9ft wide – Voyager is 10ft high so that was OK but is 9ft3in wide with mirrors out but luckily is only 8ft6in with them folded in so 3in clear each side –

piece of cake.

We pitched up on the left on Field 1

for no other reason than we could see a couple of other Motorhomes and there was a sign saying the hardstanding was for Motorhomes only.

It turned out to be a good decision as shortly after we had levelled and got the electric connected a steam train chuffed by no more than few feet from our kitchen window. It’s the first site we have stayed on with a heritage rail line running alongside it – we didn’t know it when we booked but for us lovers of steam it was ideal.

The rest of the site facilities were OK as well although the disabled shower was not separate from the rest and there was no onsite laundry – both are not ideal but we adapt as necessary.

I made a pasta with meatballs in tomato sauce for our evening meal – so back on plan (SW). We watched a bit of TV and as we were both very tired after our exertions today we had an early night.

Friday 6^th July 2018

We awoke to another bright sunny day – by 8.30 it was warming up nicely. Nigel cooked breakfast of Bacon, sausage and scrambled eggs. I had my orange for speed.

We decided we would have a peaceful relaxing day just chilling so I did some cross-stitch and Nigel did a few chores and some blog/video work (he can’t sit still for more than a few minutes at a time).

We had a Mediterranean lunch – tapas like.

At about half three we thought we would have a look at the Bridle path to Worth Matravers but we didn’t get very far as it narrowed and got very bumpy – usefully we did find a discarded map (laminated photocopy of local ordinance survey one – no doubt lost by one of the school kids we saw orienteering earlier). We ventured the other way to the A351 road. We noticed a Blue Arrow pathway just over from our entranceway so thought we would try following it. The map indicated we could get to Corfe Castle without using the main A road.

We passed through a couple of fields and through gates with notices to close them after use (we always do) and then through a Farm yard. We spoke to a women (Farmers wife?) about her Angora goats

she seemed friendly enough, even told us the way to continue on the route.

We tried the hill that the path took after the Farm but it was too steep so we left the path and went on past a couple of houses to a B road that would lead to Corfe. It was too late to go then – we were just checking for tomorrow really. We thought we would just retrace our steps for now.

As we went through the farmyard again the farmer was just parking up his tractor. He stopped us and said it was illegal to use our scooters on the byeway – he said they had a motor and were therefore vehicles and as such couldn’t use it, like quad bikes he said.

I was all for having a go but Nigel was calm. I did say that he was discriminating against me because I can’t walk – which is illegal. I said we would go back and around the road way at which he relented and said we could use it this time but not to come back again.

When we got back to Voyager I looked it up on the web and found that Mobility Scooters (and powered wheelchairs) are allowed on bye ways but quad bikes are not.

I must say that it took the shine off being here for a while.

Had a lovely meal of Gammon and chips and spent the evening outside chatting until it got late and a little chilly but with a gorgeous sunset.

Saturday 7^th July 2018

Another bright sunny day with high temperatures forecast – what has happened to the weather – not that I’m complaining.

After showers (separately – first time for that in ages – and not easy for me) luckily Nigel was waiting outside for me as I really needed my nitro spray afterwards. Then breakfast (Nigel made it again) I made up our packed lunch and we set forth.

We decided after yesterday’s incident that we would just use the A351 into Corfe (only about ¾ mile to the edge of the village and the start of pavements). There wasn’t too much traffic and we had no incidents.

We had no set plan at that point but thought we would check out the Railway Station first – check access and see if we could take the scooters on the Train. As we were about to ask the lady enquired if we wanted to go on the train leaving in 2 minutes. Of course we did – so a bit of a rush to pay and then we were escorted to the guard van where a ramp was positioned for us. In a matter of moments we were inside, the doors were shut and we were on our way.

It is only a 20min journey from Corfe to Swanage but we took the opportunity to shoot some video and take some photos – even a couple of Voyager as we passed Woodyhyde.

Alighting the train was just as simple as boarding – they have a very professional procedure.

So there we were In Swanage for a couple of hours or so.

Nigel remembered the road layout from his many childhood holidays there so led the way from the station to the seafront – it was beautiful the sea was green and blue shimmering in the hot sunshine – very like the med. We trundled along the promenade looking at all the holiday makers having fun on the beach, others in their yachts moored just off the beach still more just sitting on the many benches watching like us.

We found a green garden up a bit of an incline where we parked ourselves to have our lunch

– and continue to look down on the happy scenes below us. As we ate I said to Nigel ‘it’s not too far to the sea from that jetty. I could walk that short distance with your help and have a paddle’.

He, of course, was not too keen (water’s for washing in not swimming in he says) but he is always happy to help me in anything I want to do. So we parked on the slip way and with his help I walked to the sea

we have a photo and a short video to preserve the event that I did in fact paddle and Nigel didn’t even get his feet wet. (Bless him).

After that we slowly made our way back to the train via the ice cream kiosk – nice one from a beach hut (surprise) and the young chap made a positive comment about our headsets.

The train ride back to Corfe was less hurried but uneventful – we checked out the museum at the station

before going for a look around the village itself. Nigel spotted a gift shop with postcards so popped in – I commented on some glass scent bottles in the window – and he bought them for me.

We thought about visiting the Castle but as I hadn’t brought my National Trust card with me we decided to leave that for tomorrow. Instead we checked out the model village.

The lady in the attached gift shop said we would get around with the 2G’s so we paid our money and went in.

It was a pretty and I think fairly accurate model of the village with the castle as it would have looked before the civil war.

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Even the Model village had its own Model village

Good to see and many pics taken as well as a bit of video. It’s not that big so didn’t take too long to explore.

We trundled back to Voyager where I cooked our meal of Pork escallops with wilted greens followed by ice cream – really must stop having all this ice cream – I’ll be putting on pounds.

Sunday 8^th July 2018

We awoke this morning and again (not wishing to jinx it) bright sunshine and getting really warm by 8.00 with not a hint of breeze. Insight tells me that the wind will get up later, as it has done for the last few days – I reckon it is like a funnel here – coming from the sea with the Purbeck hills on both sides of the valley – but it brings welcome relief from the heat.

So after a large Sunday breakfast we just chilled a bit doing the normal chores – Nigel flitting around with his duster – me sitting outside out of the way.

Later after lunch we trundled into Corfe again (this time with my National Trust cards) for a good look around the Castle. It is very impressive but because of steps we were not able to visit beyond the Outer Bailey although this did give us some great photo opportunities,

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as well as allowing me to dress up in an old costume

and watch the ‘chef’ at the ‘Time Travelers Kitchen’ –

make 17^th Century beans on toast – they added onion, herbs and nutmeg apparently.

When we left we had a last trundle around the old streets of the village

before returning to Voyager for our last evening meal as we are definitely going home tomorrow – we have loads of washing to do and a couple of appointments during the week before we are off again on Friday – that’s 13^th – good job I’m not superstitious.

Our Weymouth Break

On July 4, 2018 By yokellcoupleIn Travel1 Comment

Saturday 30^th June 2018

When we set off from home it was cloudy but the sun was beginning to burn through. It promised to be another fine day – that will be five days in a row without rain (can’t be England right!)

The trip down to Weymouth was brilliant – we thought we may be held up in Westbury or Shaftesbury but we didn’t meet much traffic until we got to Blandford bypass. Even that wasn’t too bad as even with stopping in a lay bye for lunch we still arrived at the Pebble Bank Caravan site about one thirty. We entered by the touring entrance (as instructed by their Website) and Nigel walked to Reception to book us in – not too far thankfully.

Our pitch is on the edge of the site and looks out on Chesil beach and Portland – idyllic.

We got settled then went for a short explore of the site and the local area. There is an Army camp just over the road but it looks very run down (rusty Nissan huts with broken windows) with no soldiers or action of any kind evident. At one of the gates there appeared, from a distance, to be a couple of soldiers at the guard house. When we got closer they turned out to be manikins.

Nearer the water is another area surrounded by a high fence with razor wire – there may be submarines – ooh young muscular bearded submariners – Nigel says that’s just my fantasy though.

Dinner tonight was sweet chilli prawns with rice – our go to meal when we haven’t planned too well and not got anything out of the freezer.

It was a lovely evening so we sat outside looking at the beautiful view and chatting with our neighbours until it started to cool down at sunset.

Sunday 1^st July 2018

Waking up today it was warm if a tad on the windy side. There had been a little shower about 6.00 but by 9.30 the sun was trying hard to break through.

After breakfast (scrambled eggs and bacon) I packed a picnic lunch and we set forth on the 2G’s into Weymouth town. It was a nice trip of about 3 miles and we spent the rest of the morning trundling along the seafront looking at the other holiday makers enjoying the beach, some swimming or paddling others cooking on a towel – that’s themselves not food : there will be a lot of sore bodies later.

We found a nice spot on the beach for our lunch – then we had the first ice cream of our trip – and what a disappointment it was – overpriced and very watery – note to self – avoid the beach front parlours.

Then back through the town and over the bridge

(had to wait a few minutes as it was raised as we approached – for a couple of yachts) to the west side. We went past Brewers Quay

and on towards the Nothe Fort (following the signposts) – I stopped to ask a local how the name was pronounced – lucky I did as he not only told me but also let me know the signposted route to the fort entailed a lot of steps – he advised a route that would work for our scooters.

Ten minutes later we were in Nothe Gardens – lovely green area with lots of trees for shade, lots of grass and many paths. The only thing missing was flowers – but I guess just grass is cheaper to maintain. The fort itself was impressive but not easily accessible so we just looked through the gate and at the outside

(the £7 entrance fee would be worth it for fully mobile people I think).

On our return to Voyager we found the Rodwell Trail which is a 3 km pedestrian/cycle route that was a railway line up until the1960’s (Beeching cut). Some of the station platforms remain as well as the tunnels and bridges.

We only used a couple of hundred yards before leaving and continuing through a couple of estates – saving the full thing for tomorrow.

Monday 2^nd July 2018

The early morning cloud burned off very quickly this morning so after breakfast and chores (plus making our packed lunch) we set forth again to the town but this time going through the village of Wyke Regis (nothing remarkable) and used the full length of the Rodwell Trail. It’s a lovely level and well tarmacked path and very warm in the sun.

We stopped at Sandsfoot Castle and Gardens

another of Henry 8ths fortifications which had some steelwork added with lottery funds in 2012 making it accessible

– worth a visit for the views it affords.

The gardens are more recent but are very well maintained with lots of flowers.

We continued into town and found Stuart Wiltshire’s workshop – to watch him blowing glass – he had some of his work displayed in cases

and we ordered a piece we saw. He will make one in a different colour for us to collect on Wednesday – I do like a bit of glass work.

Then onward to Greenhill Gardens on the seafront for our lunch.

We had a small bottle of white wine but I managed to knock mine onto the ground (luckily in a plastic tumbler) so I wasn’t meant to have it. Nigel enjoyed his ‘lemonade’ as he called it (Alcohol free area) – I wasn’t at all jealous.

On the way back along the promenade we bumped (not literally) into my sister Lyn with her husband Steve. She had decided to have the day in Weymouth with some friends – we chatted for a while then went our separate ways.

We spotted a few people eating chocolate whippy ice creams – they looked to be enjoying them – so we tracked down the vendor (a café) and had a tub each. Twice as much and half the price of the ones on Saturday – and very tasty.

Headed back to Voyager stopping on the way for a few groceries in Asda – but managed to forget the olives we should have got.

Back at camp I had a short nap (siesta) while Nigel polished the scooters and added some more vinyl’s – just so we know which is which.

Tuesday 3^rd July 2018

Today we awoke to a very windy day but it is still fairly warm. After a shower and a large breakfast Nigel did a lot of cleaning – I sat outside out of the way – he is like a whirlwind, flying around with the Dyson and Flash. I have to admit it was all very neat and smelling lovely when he had finished.

After lunch, which was later than normal due to the late breakfast, Nigel worked on the Blog and some video which will appear on our new YouTube channel soon. I did a little sewing and had a short nap (this holidaying is very tiring).

We decided to just go for a short trundle (it was about 4 o’clock) to the bay we can see from our pitch.

After a couple of consultations with Google maps we found Pirates Lane next to Wyke Castle and utilised the footpath to get to Pirates Cove which is now a nature reserve. I imagine this was used by pirates to smuggle goods past the excise man but that might just be my imagination working overtime again. Anyway it is a lovely little tidal cove with a compacted sand beach so we could go on it with the scooters. We saw a campervan parked above the shoreline – wild camping I guess.

After a good look around the lagoon we headed back as Nigel had promised me a meal in the ‘Fat Badger’ the on-site pub this evening.

When we arrived at the restaurant it was showing a football match (England apparently) so we sat on the balcony after ordering our food – the view is terrific – similar but subtly different to our pitch. We chatted, took a selfie and posted it and a couple of other pics on Facebook while waiting for our order.

I must say the food was nothing exceptional but OK – better for not having to cook it or do the washing up afterwards.

We returned to Voyager and watched a bit of TV – even stayed up to watch the highlights of England losing the first T20 match against India – Oh well.

Wednesday 4^th July 2018

This is our last full day here – we have had rain overnight and there were still showers through the morning up to about 11.30 when we set forth for the town. I have to collect my glass piece from Stuart (first names already) – nice to be a patron and commission a bespoke piece hehe.

We wrapped up well as it has turned a bit chilly – so no delays on our trip today – quickest route in didn’t take too long so got to the workshop where we found the furnace burning brightly and lovely and warm too.

My piece was waiting for me – Stuart wrapped it and we left –

– heading for the little Tapas bar we saw the other day. Had a lovely meal – olives meats and cheese starter – I had chicken with garlic aioli while Nigel had a seafood Cazuela with a couple of Fino’s to wash it down. Finished off with an espresso. Very Mediterranean.

Then a quick dash up the prom to our nice whippy ice cream café for another chocolate tub – good job we are moving on tomorrow as they could be very addictive.

Quickly back to Voyager where I had a nice siesta while Nigel did more photo/video/Blog work. When I awoke at 5.30 the sky was blue the sun was out and the wind had dropped.

So lounge chairs out for a bit before I got the light evening meal prepared.

Yokell Couple

Month: July 2018

Weymouth with Family

Would he hide in Corfe Castle

Our Weymouth Break