We returned from our camping expedition yesterday afternoon. With the wet and windy summer we have had, it was always likely that we would get some rain. We were booked into a site at Chudleigh in Devon, which we thought would be ideal for Dartmoor and some walking, or going to the coast. The traffic on the way down was abysmal, and a 3 hour journey took in excess of 7. Robbie and Ellie were very patient, whilst stuck in the back of the car. Weather wise, Saturday was ok, and we were able to get the tent up in dry weather. As per this picture, this was Saturday afternoon, with a cup of tea after putting the tent up.

On Sunday we spent most of the day on or around Dartmoor. We visited a place called canonteign falls, which is apparantly the highest waterfall in England, and then went walking on the moor. This picture is a fine one of Robbie… the wind has blown his hair across his face. This was taken on top of a Tor.

On Monday we went to the coast (at Ellie’s insistence) and had a pretty good day, catching the sun, and I even went for a swim in the sea, which was blinking cold. This one is of Ellie venturing to the water. In the background is Robbie, having climbed out on some rocks.

But Monday evening the weather turned, the wind was up and the heavens opened. We had heard of ‘severe weather’ warnings on the radio, so we knew it was coming. It rained pretty much all of Tuesday as well. We went to Plymouth and visited an aquarium, but unfortunately, so did everybody else – the place was packed and we had to queue for nearly an hour to get in. On the Monday night we ate at a local pub. They served massive portions. Both Robbie and I had opted for a 12oz steak. I couldn’t finish my meal, but Robbie could. Out eaten by my son. I never thought the day would happen.

On Wednesday morning after persistent and heavy rain, we packed up. Which was a challenge itself in between the showers. We had thought we might use the Wednesday if the weather was good and come back in the evening, but instead we just came home. Nikki hadn’t burned the house down whilst we were away, which was good, and in fact had the house reasonably tidy, although she had forgotten to water some of the plants. But I was just happy the house was in one piece. Off to the New Forest on Friday morning.

Knowing we were camping, my father, who is something of an artist / cartoonist, drew a picture on the envelope of the anniversary card he and my mum sent… how close to being correct he was. The tag line says ‘oh what a lovely way to spend an evening’.