After a lovely dry day on Wednesday the rains returned. We had originally booked 2 nights at a site in Budleigh Salterton, East Devon but they only had grass pitches so we decided not to risk it (our Dorset experience well and truly put us off wet grass pitches!). We were going to head straight home from Poole but decided to call into the Caravan Club site near Sidmouth instead to see if they had any hardstanding pitches for 1 night. They did, so we pitched up for the day. The rain was relentless so we had another chill out day before walking to the local pub (in the rain) for our evening meal.
The next morning we packed up and headed home. I have to say that this summer is turning out to be pretty awful for most of us, but it hasn't stopped us travelling around and enjoying our trips.
Our next booked trip is a long weekend in Dulverton in the middle of August. Maybe, just maybe summer will have arrived by then??? Here's hoping anyway!!
On Tuesday morning we were packing up again and heading south to Poole, where we stayed at South Lytchett Manor - a beautiful campsite on the outskirts of Poole. By then Paddy couldn't manage too much walking (luckily we were pitched right next to one of their dog walking fields!) so we spent 2 days on site relaxing. The Wednesday was the ONLY dry day of our week and the evening sky that night was something to behold!
That evening the rain had stopped again so we took the opportunity to have a walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal in the opposite direction. The area was teeming with wildlife, enjoying the dry patch! We walked as far as the Barge Inn, sat outside with a pint and watched the world go by.
From Caen Hill Locks we biked further along the towpath into Devizes where we had a wander and were lucky to see the traditional dray men from Wadworth Brewery delivering their beer. The return journey to the campsite was certainly a lot easier for all of us, as it was downhill all the way!!! Paddy wasn't too impressed that he got splattered with water and mud in his trailer though!!
On Monday morning we awoke to cloudy skies but no rain. We had promised ourselves a bike ride so decided today was the day! After some running repairs on a puncture in one of Paddys' trailer tyres we were ready for the off and headed out of the site, to pick up the towpath towards Caen Hill Locks.
I stopped to take a few photos along the way and the decline up the hill although not steep was pretty hard doing, especially for Michael who had Paddy on the back of his bike!!
From Slimbridge we headed across the country to the Camping & Caravan Club site just outside Devizes where we had booked 2 nights. After arriving and pitching up we walked to the local pub (just a few minutes walk from the campsite!) to meet up with my Dad and Step-Mum for Sunday lunch. It seems that all we did on this break was eat and drink in a pub!!!! Now that's my kind of holiday.
Later that afternoon/early evening the sun came out (albeit briefly!) so we had a short walk along the towpath, also just outside the campsite.
On Sunday morning we were all packing up ready to leave Slimbridge. We met up with our friends for another short wander. It was raining to start with but then the sun came out and it was quite warm (didn't last though!). Great weather for ducks...........and swans...........and cygnets!!!
