Day 1 - North Devon

With the hectic pace these past weeks we jumped at the opportunity to take a four-day long weekend. We've been talking about visiting the picturesque Devon and Cornwall. To do it justice we knew we needed so spend some time in the region so in the few days leading up to the break Merrilyn researched the area and what accom was available.

The timing isn't great. School holidays have started in earnest this week and most places are heavily booked. But she did manage to find a B&B in North Devon and an Inn in South Devon.

We started at 9am and headed south west for Exmoor Forest in North Devon. Acciessing the region is simply a matter of heading due west on the M4 and then SW on the M5. The traffic was flowing so we arrived in Minehead at lunch time.

Our first stop was the Tourist Information Centre. These are well worth a vist as the local staff usually have good pointers on local sightseeing. This one was no exception. Minehead is on the coast with a bluff on the northern edge. We got advice to travel to the north cliff and from there walk to a small village called Selworthy. Sounds great.

Before that we visited the local supermarket and picked up some sandwiches. Here's a tip - you can often buy good quality sandwiches very cheaply at Safeway equivalents. For about 10GBP we had sandwiches, a paper (for later!), drinks, some fruit, and an icy pole for James.

We decided to have lunch on the beach. The beach at Minehead is pretty much your standard Englich beach. A little sand (that's a bonus), pebbles, and due to a hugh tidal variation, a silty sludge for about 50 metres. As soon as James saw this he exclaimed "That's not a beach. There's no sand. And there's no water"! Priceless.

The day was heating up so after lunch we decided to explore the rocks and the sand. It was a slow 30 minute amble to the water's edge. We had to stop off at all the little things that took James' interest.

When we finally reached the water's edge we were filthy. The sand is a sort of sludge and our feet and clothes were black! I took a panaroma which you can see on flickr here.

We drove up to the North Cliff which is covered with flowering gorse and heath. Seeing the small signpost to Selworthy we pulled over. The route to the village is along a creek that winds from the cliff top through the forest with tall tree providing welcome shade from the hot
day. James wasn't in the mood to walk too far so it was up on my shoulders for a ride. After a pleasant 15 minutes walks downhill we arrived at the spectacular village. The National Trust has a large landholding in Exmoor and keep the houses in top nick. We just had to stop at the tea room for some scones, clotted cream, and tea. (Mama - we thought of you. You would have loved it!) It was a joy to wander the gardens and take lots of photos. The township is perched on a valley wall and there are views over the roof tops to the Exmoor Forest. I guess the only hitch with the walk down was getting back up to the car. Probably wothwile exercise given the afternoon tea we'd consumed!

It was about 5pm when we returned to the car and we knew the B&B we were staying at was only about 30 minutes away. So we quickly decided to explore the northern coast a little more and arrive at the accom after dinner.

So our next stop was Lynmouth. Along the way we journied high on the cliff tops and saw some wonderful coastline. I guess we hit Lynmouth about 6:30 and the evening light cast its orange hue. The village is sited on an inlet and framed by Foreland Point. Due to the tidal variation we found fishing vessels sitting on the river bed. James thought it was funny. We even say a fisherman drive his truck up to the side of his boat. Easy access when the tide is out. You'd want to remember to drive it away!

Lynmouth is also home to a cliff (funicular) railway. Its a facinating contraption and we know Papa will be interested to read some details. There's a wikipedia entry here.

From Lynmouth we drove to Combe Martin. Until this stretch of road we'd basicllay been driving on single carriage roads winding with large hedge rows on either side. Occasionally the tree canopies would join overhead to form gorgeous green tunnels. On this stretch however the road narrowed to a really only a single car through. There are frequent pull over areas to allow vehicles to pass but you do have to be very cautious. And winding through the villages you come across old houses that cause the road to narrow even further. Some even have posts out front in an attempt to prevent cars driving through the lounge room!

From Combe Martin we left the coast and circled back through Exmoor Forest to our B&B, Cutthorne, just out of Luckwell Bridge. Its a beautiful old farm. Apparently there has been a farmhouse on the site since the 16th century. We parked our car in the courtyard (still originally sighted). The "modern" farmhouse is 250 years old. Our room was on the top floor and overlooked a barn and fields full of sheep. Apparently this is same view as the original house would have enjoyed. Arriving upstairs at about 8:30pm we found the windows flung open and a cool breeze coming in. There was an antique four-poster and James' bed was set up by the fireplace. The room had its own ensuite and plenty of charm.

Before bath we headed to the barn. This is newly constructed using traditional methods and where the original stables were located. James was excited at seeing his first real barn. Inside were some hay bales he just had to climb. There was also an owl nesting box in the rafters. After picking up small pine cones "too put in my fireplace", saying hello to the sheep, and making friends with the cat we all had bath and James was off to bed. I finished the day reading the paper in the the bath. Now thats a luxury I haven't enjoyed in a long time!

Our Devon photos are here.

A visit to Bath

Given the combination of lovely weather and high work load we were determined to get out of Windsor. Sunday looks like I'll be working so Saturday was the day. Bath has been on our "to-do" list every since arriving. So it was not a difficult decision to set out for Bath.

Merrilyn and I have visited Bath when we were here in 1998. So this time we decided to skip the Roman Bath and instead focus on exploring the city.

We left around 10am and headed west on the M4. Its an easy drive of about 1.5hr to the outskirts to Bath; just before Bristol. On the way we passed many holiday makers and caravans. Its only a few days before the Summer school holidays start. Parking in Bath is horrendous so we took some advice and opted for a Park and Ride. Easy. For 3.50GBP we got a return bus ticket from the car park into the centre of the town. Buses make the trip every30minss and the journey itself is only about15minss. So all up - very easy.

We got in to Bath at midday and made our way to the Abbey. We learnt that inside is a small bronze memorial plaque dedicated to Admiral Arthur Phillip - the first Governor of Australia. He died at Bath on 31 August 1814.

A good way to see Bath is via the "hop on - hop off" open top tourist busses. We were able to pick up half price tickets from the tourist information centre (a good tip) that let us tour both the city and the outskirts. Good value. Before jumping on, however, we grabbed some lunch. Whilst eating outside we had our first rain shower in many weeks. It wasn't very heavy and was a welcome cool break. You can see from the photos that it was a little threatening all day.

We found the bus a fun experience. The tour guide was a local chap with a great sense of humour. And whilst the banter was wellpracticedd it was nonetheless very entertaining. You can hop off at any time but we decided to enjoy the ride as we toured the Pulteney Bridge, Royal Circle, Abbey, and Georgian architecture.

But there was one place we had to stop off. On the map we saw that the bus passed a playgroundthat'ss part of the Botanical Gardens. Jumping off we weresurprisedd to find an enormous playground. James was thrilled and couldn't decide what to do first. He climbed a fort but that didn't quite impress. Next to it was a high slide. Imagine a flattened "S". He climbed to the top but was a little daunted by the steep drop. Easily fixed. I climbed up and we both went down together. Of course, we did that for the next 10 minutes. Other things he loved was a long sliver slide, rope bridge, and a yellow "curly" slide. That one he could do himself.

After about 45 minutes of fun we were back on the bus to completed the city tour. Arriving back at the Abbey we decided to take the tour that runs along the outskirts of the town. You can usually get a great view of the town but it was raining again by this time so we stayed in the lower section. We learnt that Bath is situated in an extinct volcano. (Makes sense I guess - hence the thermal spring feeding the baths).

We finished up about 3:45 and caught the Park & Ride bus. On the way up the steep hill (side of the volcano rim) the heavens opened up. Whilst itunlikey rained for about 10 minutes the steep slopes caused an enormous amount of runoff. Very soon the streets were flooded and the bus was throwing up a huge wake. Luckily by the time we got to the car park the rain had stopped.

Probably not suprising - when I asked James that night what he enjoyed most about our adventure we said "the playground"! Its nice that we could all enjoy the day!

See the photos here

Britain's hottest July day on record

The title says its all. We've just survived the hottest July day on record here in Britain. It was 36 degrees in London.

Whilst it doesn't sound all that hot from Australian standards let me say that here in the UK they just are geared up for this heat. The airconditioning in the buildings is overloaded. The tube was around 40 degrees (I'm sure the heaters were on in the train!). Kids were even encouraged not to turn up for school (again - the class rooms are sweltering as they don't have any cooling).

I left work early this afternoon. Mostly to avoid the crush at peak on the tube. It get absolutely packed and with this heat the air is stifling and bodies jammed against each other. Not pleasant!

Leaving the tube at Paddington I boarded the overload train to Windsor (usually about a 45 min journey). The air conditioning in the carriage was overloaded and continuously shut down. You can imagine the sauna! And with the heat the drivers are advised to slow to half speed. Not sure why. Perhaps because of concerns that the tracks may buckle? This slow down caused large spread delays on all lines. So the trip home was an adventure.

When I got home we joined Gary and his kids and headed off to Batchelor's Acre for a play in the water fountain. The kids enjoyed running through the water and chasing each other. We were happy to sit back and enjoy a cold beer.

The fountain switches off at 7:00pm so from there Merrilyn, James and I headed off to the Long Walk for a lovely alfresco picnic. There was the beginning of a cool breeze so it was very pleasant.

Following that we walked to the Castle to watch the boom gates and bollards. Talking to a policeman guarding the Castle he suggested James ask the bollards to go down. Of course he did (with his best manners) and magically they lowered (he holds a remote control to allow the traffic through). James was rather impressed with himself!

Weather over the outlook is around 30 degrees. Who said English weather was rubbish?!?

Windsor Wheel

A few weeks ago we witnessed the contruction of a Ferris Wheel in Alexender Gardens by the Thames in Windsor. Its known as the Windsor Wheel and can be seen above the roof tops from most locations. James has been asking for a ride ever since.

We've been experiencing some unseasonally beautiful weather here in England. Most days are between 25 and 30 degrees. So last night we decided to head on down to the Thames for a ride on the wheel. Its a pleasant walk as always and we arrived about 8:15pm. There were only a few people in line so the wait was only about 15mins.

A ticket allows you a ride of 20 minutes or three revolutions. James was very excited to get on board so whilst we waited we explained to him what was to happen. Being his first ride we weren't too sure how he'd handle the height. Of course, we needn't have worried. He absolutely loved the experience. Even Merrilyn - whose not keen on heights - enjoyed herself.

Once onboard we climbed steadily. The first view was of Windsor Castle. What a sight. And at about 8:30pm the setting sun cast a glorious hue. Turning a little you can follow the Thames and across to Eaton. To the other side you can see the Thames Valley stretch out below.

James pointed out the boats on the river and the little collection of swans. He also waved to the other gondola as it passed in to view. At the end of the ride we walked to a favourite Italian restaurant and got some tasty pasta.

Not a bad evening!

Photos of the adventure are here.

Althorp

Today another of my dreams came true. A visit to the ancestral home of Diana, Princess of Wales has always been on my wish-list. As it turns out, Althorp is only an hour and a half from home! The house and garden are only open for the months of July and August.

We had an excellent run up the M1 - right up the backbone of England. We arrived at Althorp at 12.30 and first priority for a hungry little tummy was a picnic lunch. Salad rolls and scones with jam, and grapes. Yum! We sat in a glade of beautiful old trees overlooking the vast rolling parkland of the estate. To our pleasant surprise there was no crowd, only a few other groups of people enjoying the brilliant Saturday sunshine.

From the front gate you approach the house on foot via a tree-lined avenue. There are many oak trees hundreds of years old and a more recent addition of young oaks planted by Charles Spencer in honour of his sister, Diana. I would like to visit again in many years’ time to check on their progress! The drive is lovely and our stroll ends at the striking sandstone stable buildings. Once the hub of the estate the quadrangle now houses the Diana exhibition, café and shop. We passed under the arch and made our way to the grand house she called home from the age of 14 when her father became the 8th Earl Spencer.

The Althorp staff is obviously passionate about their subject and was keen to impart their extensive knowledge of the house and family. We entered through the front door into an impressive foyer richly decorated with the finest European art and sculpture. This set the scene for the rest of the home which amazed us with treasures at every turn. We distracted a wriggly James by pointing out dogs, horses and babies with chubby bottoms in paintings, and fireplaces. He was eager to get down and make his own way, thank you!

We toured both floors and I get the sense of a real family home. Charles Spencer and his young family live at Althorp (he has 6 children) so I was warmed to see photos of them all as well as those of Diana, William and Harry. Amid the riches was a TV and billiard table!

Once outside again (blue sky, lush greenery, birds twittering..!) we walked to the Round Oval, as the nearby lake is called. This is where Diana is buried and instead of sad isolation I felt relieved that she rests in such a peaceful and serene setting. There were still only a few people about so we walked right around the lake, stopping at the Temple. Here is where one can place flowers or tributes. I can’t describe to you how beautiful this little part of the park this is. Ducks and geese provide happy background noises and James was kept laughing with their incessant duck-diving!

Our last stop was to visit the Diana exhibition and it was there that I was quite emotional. Seeing her famous possessions – wedding dress, Spencer tiara – was very moving for me. But it was her private belongings that made me sad – her childish letters to her parents, little school uniform, diary and soft toy – these things belonged to a little girl who grew up to be a Princess. A privileged, but nonetheless ordinary, little girl.

There were home movies taken by her father and footage of her public life. Also many dresses, some of which we had seen in 1999 at Kensington Palace.

By this time I needed a coffee so we sat in the stables courtyard and I got my coffee and, to James’ delight, ice creams! It was a hot day and he wore a lot of his!

Althorp is a beautiful, stately home in the heart of Northamptonshire and we will be going back! It was a lovely experience and nice to know that my favourite angel will always be there.

See the althorp photos here.

James not well

About a week ago Gary's family was struck down by a virus that resulted in the whole family feeling nauseous and vomiting. Lasted about 48 hours and was pretty nasty.

Yesterday afternoon it appears James was struck with the same bug. He was home with Merrilyn when he suddenly vomited. This was a first for our little one. He was a little startled but other than that it didn't worry him. As luck would have it he vomited on one of the carpet squares so the clean up was no problem. After that he was back to his old self.

Then again at 3am this morning we heard a little voice calling for Mum. When Merrilyn went in she discovered he'd been sick again. So I took him into the lounge room as Merrilyn changed the bed. Again - he was talkative. Telling me "Look at the lights Daddy (garden lights). SShhh - the trees are asleep". We put him in our bed for a while but he returned to his bed. Slept through the night no problems. In fact when I left for work at about 7:15am they were all sound asleep.

Today he's been mainly fine. And tonight he seemed OK to me. So hopefully he's over the worst.

The end of a busy weekend

We are the end of our first weekend in the new apartment and both Merrilyn and I are feeling exhausted. Its probably due to our (well ok - my) nature to get settled as quickly as possible. Tonight - we're well on the way.

Friday night we unpacked the half dozen boxes we air freighted that had been sitting in a row in James' old bedroom. There were two boxes of kitchen items so Merrilyn was pleased. You can't underestimate the value in having familiar items around you. Even if it is just plates and some Brunetti espresso cups!

We swapped James into the study. Although it doesn't have built in wardrobes it is a better suited to him. We also put him on a mattress on the floor. He has a trundle bed which puts him too far off the ground.

Saturday we moved some furniture around and set up the new stereo. What a joy to have music to listen to again. It pretty much hasn't stopped. In the late afternoon/evening we took a break to have a picnic dinner with Gary and the family at Runnymeade (you know the spot Lynne) by the Thames. The kids enjoyed playing together. There is a small wading pool that well all enjoyed impromptu. Merrilyn bought James' bathers (it amazes me what she thinks off!) and he wasted no time stripping down and commando crawling through the water.

Although there are rooms like the lounge and master bedroom that are well furnished others like James' room and the study are less so. So this morning I made a long trip to ikea. There are not a lot of them around London so I had to travel a little over an hour on the M25 north (just past Luton). Once there I spent hours finding shelving, drawers, a desk, and plenty of storage odd & sods. I felt like a pack horse lugging three polyethylene bags loaded with booty. As the back seat of the Volvo was folded down I came along. That - I think - was a mistake. Particuarly when it came to picking up the flat packs from the warehouse and into yet another trolley - through checkout - and out to the car. Not to whinge but some of them are about 40kgs each.

In any case got them home and Merrilyn and I lugged them up the stairs with James looking on. Of course, he wanted to help but generally just got in the way (poor thing!)

Construction will have to wait for another time. Its been hot here this weekend. 32 - 34 degrees. But also quite humid. And the apartment doesn't have cooling (this is after all England). The windows are double glazed so the trick is to close the curtains in the late morning and them open the windows in the evening.

Tonight after dinner (and some "chunky monkey" - James favourite ice cream) we went for a short walk up to the Castle to see the boom gates. James wasn't disappointed with a few cars going through; each time the bollards going up and down.

He's getting a little disobedient at the moment. Probably a combination of nearly 3 and all the changes in his life lately. We're doing our best to keep perspective but sometimes you really have to take a breath... Another way to look at it is that he's spent some time in some really interesting corners.