Holiday
Here we go, the last of our holiday. As with any holiday though, far too quickly it came to an end. WIth some good weather forecast, we had a lazy morning then headed to the beach. Not much more to say really, having barely moved the car for a week we had had the most amazing time.
A lot of photos taken reflecting how much fun we had. We will be back!
The people sat round the pond ended up being the cheering crowd. It was like what I imagine the Colosseum would have been like. Ok, Ok, maybe not quite, but you get the idea.
Read MoreAnother belated holiday write up, although, as a warning, there will be a few of these.
Day two saw us wake up to mist, mist and more mist. So much so that standing at the bottom of Bamburgh castle you could not see the top of the ramparts, absolutely crazy weather. Apart from the misty damp, it was dry.
Having popped out into the town early to explore and see what was about, I came back home with an arm full of breakfast materials from the local butchers. It was amazing and featured the famous Bamburgh Banger, a very tasty sausage.
Having filled our faces with sausages, bacon, black pudding and the trimmings, we headed out for a walk on the beach. It was such an eerie walk, with people appearing out of, and disappearing into, the mist, as if from nowhere. Lyns’ nose however did not fail as she managed to sniff out a coffee shack in the gloom.
We had a lovely walk along the beech whilst enjoying our drinks, just what the doctor ordered to keep the conditions at bay. Jess and James loved it, running in and out of the sea and generally causing chaos.
We must have walked a good few miles up and down the beach, making the most of the peace and quiet that seemed to settle on you in the mist. You could certainly see the magic of the place. However, it did not last long as James and Lyns spent a good few minutes racing up and down the dunes to use up the last of the little man’s energy before we headed back to the house.
We headed home for dinner and to put the little man to bed. Once he was tucked up and Lyns was snuggled under the blanket in front of the TV, I headed back out for an hour or so as the mist had finally cleared. There was no spectacular sunset but it was nice to be out to enjoy the last of the days light.
A lovely first full day for our holiday, we did not let the weather get us down and absolutely made the most of being at the seaside.
So here we are, another summer and another summer holiday, although what a difference to any other year. Covid is still gripping the country, although no where near as badly has it had done so we booked a last minute trip to Northumberland to get a break away and spend some time on the beach. As it turned out, we only moved the car once and come rain or shine, we went to the beach, much to James’ delight.
Read MoreWeek two of our holiday saw us heading to a very small Island in the Outer Hebrides, namely the Isle of Eriskay. Situated at the very southern tip of South Uist and only joined to Uist by a causeway in 2001 it is an absolutely stunning Island. The cottage we had booked was right on the beach, by the ferry port to Barra. We had several rush hours during the day, sometimes even seeing a dozen cars in one go! Other than that and one coach trip, we more or less had the place to ourselves.
Read MoreWe were getting the ferry at 9am on the Saturday morning from Skye which meant leaving home around 11pm the night before. Lyns drove the first couple of hours and then I took over and drove through the night. It was an epic drive through the dark of night in the rain, especially once we arrived in Loch Lomond and it became single track roads. Luckily, by the time the sun was coming up we were driving into beautiful weather, such a shame that was one of the few days we got sunshine throughout the holiday. Not that it mattered.
Read MoreI had taken a week off work to use up some holiday from last year before I lost it so, as Lyns also had a few days off in her shift pattern, we decided to head up to Durham for a mini break. We had always wanted to visit the city, and as neither of us had ever been, we decided to go. It also meant that we could use our tickets to visit Beamish again.
Read MoreToday saw a huge gale blow in and what a gale it was. However, we would not let this stop us and we headed out to Nairn Beach with Lyns’ not so little sister Lauren and her boyfriend Thomas. James was once again on the hunt for shells and he found some really big ones this time. One thing both Lyns and I found hilarious was that the wind was strong enough that if James jumped in the air it would actually blow him forwards, much to his delight.
Look at these massive shells
Lauren and Thomas have two huge dogs, Lurcher and German Shepard cross, which dwarfed Jess and are big enough that James could have ridden them. Jess gave up trying to play with them within a couple of minutes as she could not keep up!
We spent an hour or so on the beach before Lyns had to head back for her hair appointment! It was a wild and windswept trip out but a good way to blow the cobwebs away let some steam off.
So the first couple of days of our holiday saw us visit Rosemarkie Beach on the Black Isle. We went by ourselves on the first day to explore and let both James and Jess run off all the energy they had built up after spending cooped up in the car the previous day.
What’s this Daddy?
We headed to the beach mid morning, looking to have lots of fun. Both James and Jess were full of excitement. Lyns had spent a large part of her childhood living on the Black Isle so it was really interesting having her point out where she had lived and hearing some of the stories about the mischief she had got up to and seeing where it had happened.
Although it had been raining earlier in the morning, when we arrived it had cleared up nicely so we were able to enjoy the beach without our waterproofs which was nice, even if James did manage to fill his wellies with water.
Really?? More photos?? Whatever poser!
James was in his element, finding shells everywhere. We came back with two whole bags full which took forever to wash, but that is no problem because his face was a picture every time he found a new type of shell. Also, it let me explain to him, albeit with my limited knowledge, about all the different types of shell and what lives in them and yes James, Grandad does eat the ones in mussel shells!!
We even found a dead crab which James thought was amazing. Especially as we could see how its claws worked. The last time I was this close to a crab we were crabbing in Northumberland and I picked it up ‘the right way so it could not get me with its claws’ and next thing I knew, I was yelping as it had grabbed me, much to James’ and Lyns’ amusement.
Yes James, Grandad eats those
No chance of getting nipped by this one
Whilst James was busy running around and collecting shells, Jess was running wild on the beach. Off the lead, she was into every rockpool, into the sea and digging huge holes. I think she enjoyed it more than James!
After we had had a good run on the beach, it was time for lunch. We headed to the Rosemarkie Beach Cafe for lunch. James and I had a very nice sausage sandwich, each made with sausages from the local butchers. They were pork, sweet chilli and Ironbru! Amazingly tasty, much to Lyns’ envy as she was tucking into a cheese and tomato sandwich. They were so nice in fact, that we hunted out the butcher’s they came from and bought some to have later in the week. After lunch and couple of quick selfies we headed back into Inverness where we were meeting Lyns’ family for some bowling.
Say cheese
All too much for someone!
It was James’ first experience of ten pin bowling and he loved it, although he did get bored about half way in, but nonetheless, it was lots of fun. I was too busy playing to take many pictures of the actual bowling.
The next day saw us head back to Rosemarkie beach to meet James’ cousins Lachlan and Madison. This was another opportunity for James to collect bags upon bags of shells! We will have to do a cull at some point.
Look, another shell
This is a good one
Lachlan turned out to be a little daredevil. He was climbing over all the rocks and nothing daunted him. Every time he fell over, he was back up again and scrambling over the next set of rocks.
Which rocks next?
Look at me
James showed Madison what to look for in the rock pools as she had never been rock pooling before. Unfortunately, we did not find any crabs but we did manage to see lots of shells and a couple of fishes to, much to her and James’ excitement.
Piggy back for her tired little brother
I’m the queen of the castle
It had been a lovely two days at the beach and, in the main, the rain had held off allowing us to have lots and lots of fun, although, it would not be a British beach holiday without a little rain. It is shaping up to be a lovely holiday.
So, for the first time this holiday, we woke up to overcast skies and blowing winds, which was a little bit of a shame but it was not going to hold us back. Today we decided to go to St. Michaels Mount. We checked the tide times before setting off, the causeway was open 10am to 3pm, plenty of time to get across and back, with time to explore in the middle. The mount lies out in the bay near the town of Marazion and gets cut off when. the tide was in. There is a boat service, £2 per person, however, it was amusing to see a group try to wade back and get soaked up to their waists.
After arriving in Marazion and parking, £4 all day which was very reasonable, we headed across the causeway to the mount itself. With the wind howling it was an emotional walk but we got across, windswept and cold but in one piece. National Trust members get in free to the house which was very good. The island is managed between the family that own it and the National Trust.
We then began the long climb to the top of the mount. For us it was steep but on, the little guys on the other hand were true mountaineers getting to the top. They both did it though, without any complaints, and soon we were stood at the top.
Its windy up here!
Which way is the beach?
Does this thing fire?
After this, we went into the house itself. The house was interesting to walk around and the boys got a treasure hunt to do, with stickers every time they found one of the treasures. We managed to miss a few as we went round, but that did not stop them getting their medal when we got to the end. I did not manage to take any photos inside as I was too busy looking around, however, there was a brief part of the trip round the house which is outside. This was hugely windy, but the boys had lots of fun running around.
Nah Nah, I'm out of the wind
I wish I was!
By the time we had finished round the house it was lunchtime. We headed back down to the mount's harbour and found a lovely little cafe call the Sail Loft. Here they did a selection of meals, I had whitebait, and the biggest sausage rolls you ever did see. Lyns was very jealous of Gav having one with his soup! Afterwards there was a cookie to share which the boys really enjoyed.
Eat it or wear it?
After dinner it was time to head back across the causeway before it closed. Here we had a problem, both the boys had tired legs and were hesitant about walking back across. At this point we pulled out Lyns' secret weapon. For Christmas she had bought James a set of super hero capes but we had not opened them up to this point. I had thrown them in my camera bag for such an occurrence as this.
Very soon we had two re-energised toddlers or should I say we had Batman and Spiderman on hand to deal with any trouble that may come our way. Talk about a new lease of life, the two of them looked as if they had had their batteries changed. I think I am going to carry a cape wherever I go from no onwards.
Come on Robin
Go go go...
Come on Batman
Coming!!!
I'll show you all the way
After we had flown over the causeway we had a little wander around Marazion, it would be rude to have a cream tea so soon after lunch! There were a few little shops, all quite unique and interesting, with lots of little bits, right up the girls' street, not so much the boys' though and they lost interest quite quickly.
Then came the most important job of the day, finding somewhere to have a wee afternoon snackette as Lyns calls it, meaning tea and cake. We tried the hotel on the bay which advertised cakes and cream teas but we walked out quite quickly as it did not appear to be the kind of place that welcomed young families. We ended up going to the Chapel Rock Cafe, a hundred or so meters down the road. Here they made us feel very welcome and the cream teas - wow - two huge scones, still warm and a good pot of tea. So much for my diet and so much for a little snackette! Nevermind though, too late to complain.
Elliot looking chilled as ever
Kisses for his baby brother
After demolishing the cakes, it was time for the promised trip to the park we had seen in the morning. It was a lovely park on the front. Lots of things to play on and because the weather was not great we had it to ourselves. At this point, I would like take a few minutes to have a Dominique spot as she made the most of all the equipment.
This is how you do it boys!
Or not
This cannot be too hard!
Errr.... help?
Even the boys / superheroes had lots of fun in the park.
What happens if I pull this?
What's down there?
After the park, it was time to head back to the cars and onto the cottage. Even though the weather had conspired against us, it did not hold us back and we had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Oh yes, the giant's heart, on the path up to the house on St. Michael's Mount there is a heart shape rock marking the point where the giant's heart is buried. The boys had lots of fun looking for it, and even though there is a sign marking where it is, we still managed to walk past it, and had a nice gentleman not have pointed it out, we might still have missed it!
The Giant's heart
So today we woke up to an overcasting windy day, not what we had become accustomed to over the past few days. Not that the weather would hold us back. Today we were off to explore Lizard Point and Kynance Cove. The Lizard is roughly a thirty minute drive away so not too far at all. We drove past HMS Culdrose on the way, a Navy Air Squadron base, as a training jet took off over the car, much to James' delight. The other thing we saw from the base were helicopters. These were overhead for most of the day and the boys had great fun spotting them.
When we arrived at the point, car parking is free for National Trust Members, I knew I had made a mistake in my clothing choice. We had come to the only sunny part of Cornwall, and there was I dressed in trousers and a hoody! It is a short walk down to the point itself. To be honest, there is not a lot at the point other than a couple of cafes and a road down to the old fishing station. The views, however, are spectacular. We walked down to the beach by the fishing station. This is not a beach to spend any great amount of time on, however it was good to let the boys explore the rock pools and the the small caves.
What can we see here?
Carefully does it
What do we have here?
There was one interesting thing on the beach, a giant cement filled cone. If anyone could tell me what it actually is, that would be great!
What is this?
After looking at all the sea urchins and walking up the steep climb back to the cafe, it was time for lunch. Conveniently placed is the Polpeor Cafe. We sat outside to take in the views. You could not get a better position for a cafe. The food was simple but tasty. The children's meal were the star of the show, they fed the boys with some left over for us.
When is lunch coming?
Lunch with a view
After lunch we headed back up to the lighthouse itself. We did not go in as we wanted to head to Kynance cove, but just had a walk round the grounds. Not a lot to see outside but I explained to James what the lighthouse did and why it was there so hopefully he got some understanding out of it.
Who is loving the cuddle more?
Backwards we go!
After that it was back to the cars and off to Kynance Cove. It was a drive of ten minutes at the most to get there. Again, it is a National Trust carpark so free parking if you are a member. It is a fifteen minute walk down to the cove itself, or thirty if you have two tired boys with you, and if you are inclined, there are lots of footpaths to explore around the area and across the headland.
The tide was almost in when we arrived, so there was only a few minuted for the boys to have a paddle and build a sandcastle before the sand disappeared and we were just left with rocks. Not that it mattered as they had loads of fun.
View from the beach
After we had scrambled back up the beach, it was time for a cup of tea and a cake. Now, Lyns and I had come here a few years ago and the weather was truly horrendous, very dramatic, but not the sort of weather to go outside in. This time I was going to make the most of the nice weather and explore a little. Sacrificing my tea and cake, I followed the footpath up onto the headland past the cove and what views there were, well worth missing out on cake for. It was a shame everyone could not have come and seen them, however it was not suitable for the little ones.
Overlooking Kynance Cove
Further up the headland
I had half an hour to explore then headed back to walk back up to the cars. With one last look it was time to head off.
Last look before heading back to the car
Both the boys did very well with the steep walk back up to the cars. After getting James settled in the car, we were off back to the house. James was asleep before we left the carpark. We managed to get back to the house for around 5:30 and transfer him straight to bed where he slept for a solid fourteen hours. We had one very tired but very happy boy.
We have just arrived back from our holiday to Cornwall with some friends. Unfortunately, there was no internet access, well there was but it was slower than the good old fashioned dial up (remember that, where you could not use the phone at the same time), so I could only write the text to this blog and not upload the pictures. Therefore, over the next couple of weeks, I will let you know what we have been up to....
So today finds us in a very sunny Cornwall with some good friends. Apart from a spell of heavy rain on the way down, the seven hours of driving yesterday had passed very quickly and we arrived at the stunning cottage we are staying in, about two miles from Praa Sands, in the middle of the countryside. There was a beautiful sunset which boded well for our holiday. Today has not disappointed in terms of weather. I was up for a run at 6am and whilst it was chilly, the sun was shining. By the time I was back at the house two hours later, it was starting to warm up nicely.
Today we had decided to stay fairly local as it was the first day of the holiday and all being National Trust members, we headed to Godolphin. The house here is a holiday property and only open for a few days a year but that did not matter as there are gardens and an estate to explore. As it happened, we did not get out of the gardens. As we arrived we did not think there was a lot there, however, we were proven wrong.
First we headed into the medieval walled garden which was supposed to be a sea of tranquility. To be fair it might well have been, however, with two hyper active three year olds playing together in there, it was not to be. We had loads of fun, however, anyone wanting to relax in there would have been disappointed.
Chaaaarrrrrgggggeeee - at least the medieval spirit lives here!
Causing chaos
The walled garden was lovely and we spent a lot of time in there. It was nice to let the boys run wild without the need to worry about them disappearing into the distance. There was a modern art exhibition on which I'll be honest I did not get. I described it as a nursery when the children had gone home as it was piles of sand and lumps of clay. It reflects more on my lack of ability to see the art than the quality of the the art, but it was just not for me.
We headed back to the garden for a little bit more chaos causing.
Thou art made a daisy chain for ones' beloved
Through the rose bush
Spying on the children - only way to take pictures sometimes
Look what I found
Just when we thought the boys could not cause any more chaos, Gav decided to lie on the grass for a few minutes! Big mistake. Two little heads shot up, sniffing the air as they scented their prey. Faster than a striking cobra they pounced ...
Got you!
After rescuing a badly mauled Gav, we headed out into the grounds. There were lots of dandelion clocks around and the children took great glee in blowing them.
Took a few goes but we got there not to be held back then
All the children had fun blowing dandelion clocks
By this time the children were getting hangry so we headed to the picnic benches. Conveniently there was a little cafe near by. Two cream teas, with the largest scones you ever did see later, we were all satisfied. The area we found ourselves in was a wild flower meadow with paths cut through it to allow you to wander through the flowers. With the sun shining it was a beautiful area.
All paths were kept to - honestly
Contemplating where to run off to
How to get to the next stepping stone
Our trip to Godolphin finished with some races as both the boys love racing. However, I do not think it was the boys who enjoyed it the most!
Who are the bigger kids here?
It was now time to head back to the holiday cottage. As it was the first day and we had not done any proper shopping yet, we did what anyone in Cornwall would do, we ate the scones that the owner of the cottage had left out for us. Two cream teas in one day, well, when in Rome and all...
After we had eaten we decided to pop out for a little walk, to help the little guys burn some energy of, and us our scones. Lyns and I had come down here on holiday a few years ago so I suggested we head to Prussia Cove.
The road down to the parking is horrendous. Very narrow with high hedges on both sides. Luckily we only met a few cars on the way down and made it safely to the parking area. We headed down to the cove itself however, disaster, the tide was all the way in so no bubbles on the beach. Instead, we walked half a mile or so on the coast path to a headland. There were a few steep drops on the side of the path as well as on the headland. We got the bubbles out and had sitting down bubbles due to where we are. The little guys did not mind though as they had great fun letting the wind blow the bubbles.
Let the wind do the work
Much easier than blowing
After we had had our fill of bubbles it was back to the cottage and dinner all round. What a lovely first day it had been and if it was anything to go by, this week was going to be amazing.
