Oldies On Tour

Sunday 30th July

What a night, wind and heavy rain virtually all night, traditional holiday weather but no regrets returning from Spain.  I don’t think “global warming” has reached this country yet!!!!  Fortunately there was a rain break at 0700hrs when I took the dogs out, and another just when we went for showers, otherwise wall-to-wall rain and very heavy at times.   The good news though, with Mark’s tent being in the corner of two hedges, it was reasonably protected and he got a good night’s sleep.

After breakfast we got together and had a “pow-wow” to decide what to do today.  Naturally sitting at the top of Putsborough beach wasn’t going to happen but Mark and Ashleigh do want to get another surfing session in today, hmmm.   We eventually decided to go our separate ways and get together later for dinner in the local pub but after ringing to book, too late, all booked up.   We rang several others, same story, no room at the Inn; probably a combination of “Sunday Roasts” and “The Weather”, so Fish and Chips it is!!!

Today is the Belgian Grand Prix and with such appalling weather, an afternoon in Rosie watching it seemed attractive but must walk the dogs sometime.   We settled down with a cuppa and snacks just before the start and as the cars went on their “out-lap”, the heavens opened and just as the start lights went out, so did our tele 👹👹👹. When the picture did return, our WiFi  signal was so affected by the conditions that everything was buffeting so badly that we had to switch it off 🥵🥵🥵.  Had the weather been better we would have been on the beach and not seen it anyway!!!!   So now it is plan “B”, highlights on Channel 4 at 1830hrs.    Change of plan; as there was a “lull” in the rain we headed back to Saunton Sands to give Tom-Tom and Rosie a good run around and as always, they made the most of it.    They are much better at re-call these days so we can relax a bit more, though Rosie in particular thinks everybody and every dog is her friend!!!

Walk completed before it started to rain again; we were very lucky 😃😃, so headed back to camp; when all else fails, get the crib board out, which we did.

Around 1730hrs we got a message from Ashliegh, “we’re on our way, get the drinks ready and we have the fish ‘n chips” this was followed by their actual drinks order!!!

With the outside being rather wet but very cold, the 7 of us squeezed around Rosie’s table to eat our supper accompanied by several g&t’s; very cosy but great fun especially as we also had the three dogs trying to get in on the act!!!

Soon after dinner Derick and Cath headed back to their abode, they wanted to get on with the “packing” as tomorrow we all head back.   Once Mark had returned, still in Rosie we continued to party having a good laugh.   

Around midnight we broke up, walked the dogs and went to bed for our last night in Devon.

Saturday 29th July

This morning Ashleigh is joining us and whilst waiting, Mark got his fancy “Lotus” bar-b-q out again.   Ashleigh left very early this morning and was expected for breakfast so Mark  cooked loads of bacon and when she arrived, we all enjoyed bacon sarnies for breakfast; I must say I am very impressed by this “Lotus”, the big question is; do I, or do I not get one???   

After loading the surf boards onto the camper van roof, we followed them to the beach whilst Ashleigh headed to the B&B in Croyde to collect Derick and Cath.

There is an enormous car park above Putsborough Sands holding several hundred cars, or more appropriately VW camper vans, the surfers vehicle of choice.  Ideal as base having cooking facilities, space for changing and somewhere to keep warm and dry after surfing and naturally a bed if needed.   Mark being very thoughtful forewent his normal parking spot as near to the beach as possible, we were at the top where there is a lot of grass so that us “4-oldies” could get the chairs out and watch proceedings but before they went surfing Mark and Christine took the 3-dogs for a long walk along the beach.

Putsborough Sands, a wide expanse of sand with a few rock pools at its southern end; it  stretches 2-miles south from Woolacombe and is one of several popular beaches on this coastline that is ideal for surfers.

After the “dog walk”, which all 3 thoroughly enjoyed, they were now happy sit down and rest whilst Mark and Ashleigh prepped their boards but disaster, unfortunately Ashleigh hadn’t brought the “pins” used to hold the keel in place, still they both fought their way into their wet suits and headed down the hill, but only one surfboard under their arms; they are going to share it,  meanwhile the four of us sat in a line watching.   The weather couldn’t make up its mind up, our coats were continually being “put-on and taken-off” but fortunately no rain.

Whilst they were away playing in the sea, Paula spread out a lovely lunchtime picnic for their return.  We were hoping to get into the sea but the walk down the hill to get to the beach but more important the steep hill getting back up was a prospect too far🥵🥵.

After lunch 4-of us played a version of “UNO” but with a standard pack of cards though it was windy and we spent quite a lot of time picking up the cards that blew away!!!

Back at “ base camp” and tonight it is bar-b-q again, but Mark is our chef with his “Lotus” cooking whilst Paula prepped and I organised the “G ‘n T’s”.   Again it was windy but it didn’t cause Mark any issues; I may have to reconsider how I cook!!!

Again Derick and Cath were taken back to their B&B early evening and the 5-of us settled in Rosie for the rest of the evening; too cold to sit out tonight🥵🥵.  Later all the dogs were taken for a late walk before we headed to bed.   The forecast isn’t good for tonight and tomorrow and is telling us to prepare for an “interesting” night.   This will be very interesting for Mark in particular, with Ashleigh here, he will be sleeping in a tent!!

Friday 28th July

Sun shining this morning, but for how long?  The forecast isn’t too good, still it is what it is, we’ll make the most of it.

Around mid morning Mark arrived with Oakley, his Beagle puppy in his camper van with Paula in close pursuit driving her parents (Derick and Cath) car.   We had booked two adjacent pitches but as the pitches are so big, we could all fit onto one pitch; note to self, only book one next time!!  Once settled they headed off to the beach, Mark is a fanatical surfer and couldn’t wait to get going even though the state of the sea wasn’t too conducive to good surf.   We on the other hand headed back to Saunton Sands as the doge really do enjoy the freedom, the surf, and the sand dunes, and of course we also get some good exercise. 

Tonight we had volunteered to do a bar-b-q for everybody and as the family left Northampton around 0500hrs, their request was for an early one.   Unfortunately the wind was swirling and in-spite of a couple of wind breaks, we couldn’t get the gas bar-b-q to get hot enough and if that wasn’t enough, it kept going out so most of the food was cooked by Christine in the oven.   Mark on the other hand got his new modern “posh” charcoal one out, lit it and managed to also cook.  His “Lotus” charcoal one is a very clever design, it’s made to avoid being blown out, ideal for the U.K. 

Derick is not a well man at the moment so he and Cath are actually staying in a local B&B, so after dinner, in the early evening Mark drove them to their “something” for the next few nights.  Once he returned the four of us had a “good-old-catch” up enjoying a selection of “gin-n-tonics” sitting out albeit in thick coats!!!

A quick walk around at field with the dogs completed the evening before heading to bed.  Tomorrow we are heading to Putsborough Beach looking for the surf!!!

Thursday 27th July

After a comfortable night listening to the rain falling on our roof, we woke around 0700hrs and the bonus, the dogs went through the night, no interruptions; Long May this continue!!!

We had contacted “Incledon Farm”  who said we could arrive anytime after 0900hrs, so after a swift breakfast headed off.  We had a “dry” drive along the picturesque Taw Valley, following the river Taw down to Barnstable, arriving on site mid morning.  

We have two adjacent pitches as Mark and Paula are bringing their camper down for the weekend with Paula’s parents also join us albeit in a local hotel; probably the sensible option bearing in mind the weather forecast!!!

After settling in and a spot of lunch, we headed down to the 3-mile long “Saunton Beach”, where dogs can roam free and enjoy running in and out of the surf; Tom-Tom and Rosie had a “ball”.  Walking off the beach, passing surf shops and cafe etc., we treated ourselves to a couple of ice creams, and “treated” was the right word; two cones £7.50, my goodness, daylight robbery, still a captive audience🥶🥶,

Back in the car the dogs went straight to sleep, they were knackered as we headed to Braunton to do a bit of shopping.  The dogs were so knackered when we opened the boot they really didn’t want to get out!!!

A quiet evening back at the site and following dinner managed to get our original “Spanish  black box”  working on the TV; we were complete😂😂😂

Wednesday 26th July 2023

Having joined “BritStop”, an umbrella organisation offering pub car parks for free overnight motorhome parking, no doubt hoping you will frequent the pub.   We decided to give it a try, so left this afternoon and booked in at the “Portsmouth Arms Inn” Umberleigh, situated in the Taw Valley.  We are actually booked into  “Incledon Farm”, the same campsite we were at in June, for tomorrow.

After a dreadful journey in the pouring rain we arrived at the pub car park, one other motorhome parked, otherwise empty, well at the moment!!  Around 1830hrs the car park suddenly filled up so not having booked a table decided to join them.

The landlord, Stephen, an affable chap with plenty of front of house charisma welcomed us, sorted a table and even took the drink order “and” then delivered them!!  The food order on the other hand took longer to arrive due to a bar full of holiday makers who all ordered food and shortages staffed; we were the last to arrive as well.

Later in the evening after the diners had all left, Stephen sat down and chatted with us, 

and low and behold it turns out there is some fascinating local history around here.  He informed us this building dates back to 1420 and the interior is still in keeping with its low ceilings and dark wooden beams, as he said, centuries of history within the thick stone walls with many stories of death and debauchery.  

In the late 1700’s the 4th Earl of Portsmouth, a politician before he inherited the title, built the turnpike from Exeter and Barnstable but later, being a champion of railways he supported the construction of a railway along the same route.  The pub was named in his honour.  The railway company decided to have a station about 50-meters down the road and named the station “The Portsmouth Arms”; This is the only station in the U.K. with a name of a pub and the railway still runs today and trains stop at The Portsmouth Arms Station.

After our chat it was time to head back to the car park for our free night which turned out quite expensive in the end😂🤣. “No Such Thing As A Free Lunch”

Tuesday 10th July 2023

Christine was up at the crack of dawn to join Jane and her childhood friend Jo for a beach walk with the three dogs, obviously Tom-Tom and Rosie were besides themselves when we got back yesterday, and they were the same this morning so a good beach walk will calm them down. This worked well; whilst Christine had her nails done, I took them to the local park but the last thing they wanted to do was run about!!!!

Back home in time to enjoy the pasties we bought from the “Pasty Shop” in Port Issac for lunch, we also had the “team” back to complete our bedroom wardrobe doors and we’d also arranged for our last hall door to be delivered.  Everything had to be squeezed in including the washing etc; it has to be done as we’re off again tomorrow to London via a night just outside Burford. We’ve also got to sort out guest room as we have dog sitters whilst in London. 

Wednesday 11th July 2023

With all the work done, car packed we waited for our dog sitters to arrive mid morning.   This is a new experience for us but was recommended to this idea by friends; fingers crossed🤞🤞🤞

Our dog sitters arrived on time and after introducing them to the dogs and settling them in we hit the road: Cirencester for lunch today at “The Bear”, another “Butcombe” pub that offers its members 25% discount on food every Wednesday!!

After a very pleasant drive through the Cotswolds with a detour to Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop; good gracious cars everywhere, and the queue to get into the shop was long, we took a picture and headed off again through beautiful Bidbury and arrived at our hotel for the night; “The Inn Of All Seasons”, tonight we are on a fact-finding mission as we are looking for a suitable venue to celebrate my 80th.  When we booked we chose one of the dog rooms but not having them we tried to change to a normal room but alas, all pre-booked; getting into this hotel is difficult as it is so popular.  One reason for its popularity is the history of the place as well it’s location as the gateway into the Cotswolds. 

The original part of the Inn, now the bar area, was built in the 1500s and started out as quarry cottages housing quarry men and their families employed by the Barrington Estate and quarrying Cotswold stone.  With the arrival of the highway in the 1700’s the building became a coaching inn and later extended to accommodate coaching passengers and other travellers travelling between London, Oxford, the West and Wales.   The Inn’s current Coach House is to the east side of the main building and dates back to the 1870s; it has now been converted into comfortable guest accommodation. During the stage coach era it was known as “The New Inn” and provided an essential stopping place for horses, carriages, stage coaches etc., and today the “Inn For All Seasons” still provides hospitality to travellers, but this time for motorists!!

In 1960 The Barrington Estate sold “The New Inn” to Jeremy Taylor, The “Horse Master”, a well known figure in the film industry providing horses for period films from The Man For All seasons to Lawrence of Arabia and everything in between.  In homage to Jeremy’s career, the name was changed in the late 60’s to “The In For All Seasons” (from his film A Man For All Seasons) and it has now been sympathetically but substantially updated for the modern day traveller, yet still retaining many of its original features. The current owners, Eddie and Melanie Hillier, very experienced hoteliers bought the hotel in December 2016. 

We stayed in one of the outbuildings, very comfortable and of course perfect the dogs we didn’t have!!!   Being a Wednesday night, the restaurant wasn’t to busy but never less the food was excellent, the chef did us proud.  After dinner I stayed around the bar getting the “low-down” on the place whilst Christine, being tired, headed off to bed.

Tomorrow we head to London to meet Andrew and Elton, returning home Saturday.