An extra picture from 4th April 2009

An extra picture from the Oz's visit.

Whatho! Mortehoe! - 15th - 17th April

After I got back from my flying visit to Cheshire, we spent a day tidying the garden,  so that we can now see and appreciate all the flowers that were being hidden by the weeds.

Then it was time to pack up Burt for his first proper holiday of the year, as we decided to head to Devon for a few days.

Taking the scenic route along the A303, for once there was no roadworks or queues of traffic.  We had timed the trip so it was after the bank holiday, so we were travelling against the tide.

A303 - Burt and Stonehenge


 

We booked to stay at Warcombe Farm Camping Park, endorsed by David Bellamy for it's conservation.   Yes that's David Bellamy, remember him?

They have a huge field at the back which they have planted hundreds of varying trees, so that one day it will be a lovely forest walk.  There's a fishing pond.  And every pitch has plenty of space and they're growing trees and bushes between them, to give some privacy to each van or tent.  Whilst I can imagine during the height of summer it might not be quite so idyllic, it was certainly a lovely place to stay on a warm April week.

Where's Timmy?

One morning we spotted Mr Toad catching a lift on Mrs Toad on their way to the pond.

The campsite is just over a mile from Woolacombe Beach, so we could take a trip down to the beach every day to make the most of the warm April weather.

Warcombe Farm Park View

The quickest route from Warcombe Farm to Woolacombe is a steep narrow road.  Too much and too dangerous for Burt but easy for us to walk down.  There was no way we'd be walking back up though, even after an evening of drinking. Especially as it was so narrow, dark and cars were using it. How it wasn't a one way road, as we only say one passing point near the bottom, is anyone's guess.

Our first stop on a night out was the Red Barn.  A large family pub, filled to the brim, where were all these holiday makers during the day?  Woolcombe seemed so quiet during the day.    

We found a table outside, with a view of the beach and sunset.  All that we required.

Moving on to Captain Jacks for many more drinks and meeting the locals, before joining them in a newly opened bar.    I discovered a new drink, Sailor Jerry Rum, with a lovely Vanilla flavour.  

The next morning was slow.   By mid afternoon we finally made it to the beach, needless to say I didn't fancy getting a vanilla ice-cream.  I could have drunk another rum though...

Back on Woolacombe Beach

We were also just over a mile from the small quaint Mortehoe, where they like sheepdogs...

Then before you know it it was time to take Burt home.  Roll on May!

Nan's 90th and a trip to the pub - 11th April

A trip back to Cheshire to meet up with the gang,  see the parents and catch up with all the new young ones coincided with our Nan's 94th birthday.  So tonight was all about paper plates, egg sandwiches, sausage rolls and lots of homemade cakes.

Oh and a trip to Bhurtpore Inn where Erdinger is on tap and there is a menu just for the whiskey.  Happy Days.

Shrewsbury 11th April

Adam very kindly drove us over to Shrewsbury to see Sara and Katherine today.  A quick pit stop in town to get necessary Easter Eggs and treats, before seeing the newbie.

Everywhere I've been in the last few days there are Magnolia tree's.  I know I don't have room for one,  but I want one.

Nantwich Reunion - 10th April

For the first time in 2 years the gang were all back in the same room for one night only.   With baby Katherine being looked after by her Aunty, Sara and Ben joined Kev, Rach, Caz, Adam, Dave and me.   Sat in a quite section of the old black & white pub the Black Lion, Nantwich, it could have been someone's living room.  (I remember when this place was Drunken Duck and a topless bar.  That's classy Nantwich.)

We sat and reminisced, telling stories of classic Kev and all our drinking days.

Somewhere along the way, I can't remember why, the daffodil took on the role of talking stick.

Cue lots of photo's with the daffodil baton being passed...

Nice stains...

Tea for a year...

In an effort to stop smoking, albeit just as a social smoker, there was a bet made that if he was ever to light up again then as a forfeit he would have to make cups of tea for me, whenever I requested, for a year. After last night's social drinking that includes that first cup in the morning....

Out with the Aussies - 4th April

We spent a lovely day catching up with the Australian's on tour in London.  Finally getting to meet little Linus.

Look an almost proper tourist shot with the Houses of Parliament in the background.  There should also be a big red bus in this shot, but that took some 20 minutes more to turn up and take us to our next destination.  

Back to Marylebone for proper English Fish n Chips (with mushy peas for those of us who are northern.) Before heading to Covent Garden to hit the usual haunts the Lamb and Flag and Navajo Joe's.