skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Thursday, 23rd July 2020.
A cloudy day, but, still mile at 19C, rain is promised for afternoon, and, it does rain by 15:30.
Today, we give the cycling a rest, and go walking.
A circular walk, up one side of Cheddar Gorge, and, down the other side. Following a designated footpath, except, when Kathleen decided she knew better, without even looking at the map ;) ). Not actually very far (just over five miles), but, quite strenuous.
We, or at least I, did have thoughts of cycling along the Gorge, but, having
watched several "real cyclists" (ie lycra and expensive bicycles), slogging up the gorge, As we sat munching our picnic lunch, I think we are wise to give it a miss.
Not that walking it is an easy task, on the return leg, we climb up to the top of the cliff, and walk along the top well away from the edge!). We are rewarded with some spectacular views, over Somerset, and, the reservoir where we walked on Tuesday, from up here, it looks like a large pond!
Fortunately, we have finished our walk and and are back at the Van, when the rain comes.
Looking at the weather forecast, it does not look too good for this area, from Saturday coming, to Wednesday, lots of rain, so, perhaps, just as well we move on, Saturday!
Friday, 24th July 2020.
Rain over night, and, still raining at 08:00.
The original plan was cycling, followed by major hair care session (Kathleen, not me), but, even when it stops raining, it has all the signs of a heavy rainfall and possibly thunder (ie humid, warm, lots of heavy cloud).
So, instead, we have the pleasure of masked shopping at Sainsbury's, inline with the latest Covid-19 idiocy, followed by a short walk to explore a river side walk near the campsite. We may follow this up, later today, if the rain holds off.
Lunch and hair care completed, we take the walk along the river, beside the site. Very pleasant, but, after a mile, the path deteriorated into nettles, not easy walking in shorts!
Saturday, 25th July 2020
Another night of rain, but, dry by morning, very cloudy however.
We do not have far to go today, only about 80 miles.
Just as well, poured with rain for the whole way, plus, this area appears to compete with Lincoln area for narrow single carriageway roads.
We arrive at New Forest Centenary CAMC Site (N50 47'11" W1 42'24") at about 13:30, in pouring rain, it is still pouring with rain at 16:30 and, looks as if it is going to continue for the rest of the day.
Tuesday, 21st July 2020
Beautiful morning, 21C promised for today.
Sticking to the plan, we go walking today. Just over five miles, to, and around, the Resevoir, near Axbridge.
The remainder of the day is spent lazing in the sun.
Followed by a barbecue, in the evening.
Wednesday, 22nd July 2020
Another bright and sunny morning,
Today is a "cycling day".
We have done the only "official" route, from here, so, I am trusted to ad-lib and make something up, without the benefit of a map.
Working from a photograph (on. my phone), from the Road Atlas, off we go.
There is a signed cycle track, initially, but, that runs out after about half a mile, but, we
(I) manage to make a 16 and a bit mile circle, via Wedmore, Cross, and Axbridge, back to Cheddar.
We even manage to avoid cycling along the busy A38, by taking a detour through the village of Cross. There is a pub there, our little faces light up, but, it is closed due to Covid-19.
The pub in Axbridge is also closed, so, we have to settle for a Magnum Ice Cream, from the Co-op.
Rather hilly, is, I think, a fair summary.
Sunday, 19th July 2020
An early start (07:30), on a cool but dry and sunny morning.
317 miles, uneventful miles, with only one small set of road works with 50mph limit, and no contra-flows, I think that is a record for my lifetime driving experiences in the UK!
Cheddar Caravan Club Site (N51.2719, W2.77568) is small, but pleasant, and, in walking distance of the village of Cheddar.
It is approximately 15:00 when we arrive, so, just sitting in the sun today.
A very rare admission from Kathleen. I am always blamed for any mess, in the house, or in the motorhome, crumbs, grit, gravel, bits of grass, etc etc, all down to me. Yesterday, Kathleen has been hoovering the whole van, using her Dyson cordless, which I very generously bought for her. Today, there was debris in the cab, bits of grass etc. It turned out, it came from Kathleen's trainers, and, more importantly, she admitted it! First time in 33 years ;)
Monday, 20th July 2020
Dry and sunny start to the day.
We decide to do the Cycle ride which is described on the CAMC Website, ie, Cheddar to Yatton.
The route is called "The Strawberry Line", and, the information sheet says it follows the route of a former railway line.
This implies a fairly flat ride.
Well, the former railway line bits are reasonably flat (and well surfaced), but, there are gaps in the former railway line, and, these are rather hilly!
Just over 9 miles each way, according to the information sheet, although we clock up just over 23 miles, including diversions for coffee and cake etc.
But, it all accomplished without complaint, and, today, thank goodness, no punctures.
Picnic lunch in Yatton, followed by well earned coffee and cake.
