France 2014

After two years camping in the Dordogne, we wanted to try a different area of France. Steve fancied somewhere with slightly more dramatic scenery and the kids weren't bothered as long as the campsite had a pool and people to play with. The photo to the right shows the campsite in the foreground and the village of Chamalieres sur Loire in the background.

It took a lot of hunting around, reading reviews and trawling on the Internet to find an area and a campsite that matched what we wanted. Eventually we booked a pitch at the Cosy Camp campsite in Chamalieres sur Loire in the Auvergne region of France (near to Le Puy en Velay).

It was quite a bit bigger than last years site (80ish sites vs. 40ish) but the reviews were good and it still seemed small enough to be friendly. Pictures on both sides show our tent with views each way.

I think we made a pretty good choice. Despite the campsite only opening last year, most things are pretty spot on, the scenery is stunning, the facilities great (food is lovely in the area despite lentils being the specialty ;)) and the owners really friendly and helpful. 

We were a little spoiled this year as we met up with three other families that we'd met last year so the kids had instant friends (as did we) and it made for a very relaxing couple of weeks. 

We had hoped to spend a lot of time in the Loire River which ran alongside the campsite, but due to the weather it was churned up and didn't look too inviting - it was also pretty high and fast moving. 


It didn't matter too much as the pool was lovely Beth managed to perfect her diving whilst Toby sped back and forth with his new flippers (I think he amazed himself at how fast he could go, especially under water!). 

We had a few trips out when we could drag the kids away. I think all of our favourite was the day we hired bikes and rode along an old railway line cycle path. The kids loved going through the tunnels (some over a kilometre in length) and I think the adults liked the scenery and beer at the halfway point!

The town of Le Puy en Velay is quite stunning as it has two 'mounts', one with a statue on top and the other with a monastery on top, both can be seen from quite a long way away.



We did get to the market there but unfortunately didn't get to see an awful lot of it as it started to rain so we went to a museum about the area instead.


On one of our last days we visited the medieval village of Chalencon.  It was very picturesque with some beautiful views over the valley.  The two photos of 'old buildings' are both taken in Chalencon.

As a treat after all our friends had left the campsite, we rented out the campsite's indoor pool for a private swim.  Although it was small, it was very nice to have a pool all to ourselves and as an added bonus the water was lovely and warm!

The photo above and to the right is of the cafe and family room at the campsite.  They had a couple of ponds around the campsite and herbs, vegetables and fruit growing all over the place which you were welcome to pick.  Much of the food in the cafe came from the gardens.

It was a fab holiday but over way to quickly.  I think I'll have to get the maps out soon and start planning for next year . . .

Happy Holidays (at last)!

This term seemed to last forever but at last, on Tuesday, the kids finished school for the six-week summer break and on Wednesday I finished work for the summer too. :)

We headed straight from school to have some water-based fun with friends - despite the stance, I can assure you that Toby was having fun too!

I suspect that the paddling pool may be out again over the weekend as it's still pretty warm.  We will be heading off to France camping fairly soon but at the moment I think the climate is probably nicer here!!!

Tour de France

With the race starting so close to us this year, we thought it would be rude not to pop along and cheer the riders on.  We caught the train to York (it's only 30 minutes away) and walked the route of the ride to get to the racecourse where we had tickets for the official start of stage 2.

We timed it all pretty well as the caravan with all the publicity stuff and advertisers was just coming along as we reached the route.  We watched them all come by and attempted to get some freebies - not particularly successfully and only managed a slapband and some tea!

Once that had passed it was easier to walk but still loads to look at as there were loads of parties going on in the gardens and side streets and the occasional police pushbike got lots of cheers!

When we got into the racecourse we met up with Steve's brother and his family.  The kids were pleased to see their cousins, especially since they had saved them premier seating on the front row with perfect views for seeing the riders go by!

The wait wasn't too long and it was helped by a Lancaster bomber fly-by and lots of people-watching.

Despite them doing a procession for the first 20 minutes out of the racecourse and through York, they still seemed to zip by at a fair old speed.  I would quite like to see them go and full speed but have to say it was nice to see them all saunter by with smiles.

We're now back at home watching them with just under 10 miles to go before they reach Sheffield - the kids are a little confused and can't quite believe they are the same riders that we saw this morning. Don't blame them - it seems an awfully long time to spend on a bike!

Happy (Belated) Birthday Beth (& other bits)

Well, it's over a month since Beth's birthday but she had a good one and I thought I'd better do a quick post before I totally forgot!  It was over the Easter holiday so we got to do what we wanted with no school to get in the way. :)

She had a few choices for a party but decided that she wanted to go and have a mini manicure and pedicure with her friend then a sleepover - obviously her California roots are intact!

I'm not sure I would have chosen those colours but I guess on my birthday I'll get to choose!  

For presents Beth asked for a satchel and some chocolates - easy enough. :)  She did manage to get three cakes, I haven't included the one I baked as the icing, despite me aiming for a delicate lemon, ended up a lurid neon yellow!  At least it still tasted good (even better if you closed your eyes while eating!!).

On her actual birthday we took their bikes, we walked, and went for a mooch around the Thoresby Estate.  It was a lovely day and would have been perfect for a picnic if we'd have thought ahead a little.

Since they were off school for two weeks for Easter, we managed to cram quite a lot in.  Beth had her first Brownie camp.  They went to the PGL about half an hour from our house.  I haven't quite managed to get a full account of all the activities they did I know they went on the massive climbing walls and did some sort of assault course.  They were really lucky with the weather and came back knackered and pink.  I suspect poor old Brown Owl was in need of a large glass of wine after that!

Although we no longer have season tickets we did have a day at Sundown Adventureland.  Again we were really lucky with the weather and had a brilliant day.  I'm still quite surprised that we didn't loose anyone - we had quite a rag-tag bunch!



The only other trip I can think of was one to Fountains Abbey to meet up with family.

We had a lovely walk down to the Abbey and despite it not being the most beautiful weather, managed to incorporate an ice cream into proceedings!

Bits and Bobs - 2014

I've been really bad at updating the blog so thought I'd do an odds 'n' ends type of post with photos from the last few months . . .

In January Beth was a dancer in the village pantomime.  I was dubious as to whether she would hold her nerve when it came to the opening night but she (and the other seven dancers) did brilliantly.  The panto was Antony and Cleopatra (I doubt a common panto theme!) and it was on for five nights.

I think Beth really enjoyed wearing a costume and make-up and being up on stage with a load of her friends.  Toby had originally volunteered to be a dancer too but I think the boy to girl ratio (1:8) was a little much for him and he stepped aside after one rehearsal!

For Steve's birthday in March we met up with his brother and family at Fountains Abbey.  We picked a beautiful day and had a lovely walk and meal and the kids got to catch-up with their cousins.  It was lovely especially as we haven't been for a couple of years so the kids got to explore things all over again.

We have spent quite a bit of time around the village recently, mostly around the park and playground; we're very lucky to live in a place where we can easily walk straight from the house with the kids and not be worried about lots of traffic and crowds!



Yesterday we met up with friends that we made while camping in France last summer.  We took a chance with the weather and decided to meet halfway between houses at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire.  It's been a couple of years since I last was there and it's easy to forget how lovely it is. We did a fab five mile meander, stopping for ice creams and to explore interesting trees on the way.

Lastly, for this post at least, Beth received a trophy from her athletics club for outstanding achievement in the under 9's section.  I think the head coach was a little disappointed to find out she is only seven and won't be able to compete for another year or so (races are all for nine's and over) as she can be pretty speedy!

P.S. Here's a little message from Toby - testament to his patience - I'd be pushing it to draw a house . . .

Six Already?!?

Well, it's birthday season again - seems to come round quicker each year.

Toby requested a camera for his birthday and since we didn't really want anymore plastic monstrosities around the house, we decided to comply. He's also pretty careful with electronic gadgets so we figured he'd look after it. 

Good old Argos had the best deal on the camera we were after - a Canon Powershot A2500 - smallish but with a big screen, easy to use and not overly expensive. Toby was pretty happy and has been snapping away catching family life for posterity!

He did get a few other bits including a box of chocolates (of which he is very protective), the ghost hunt game and some clothes (borrrring!).  Oh, and apart from his camera, his favourite present was an outdoor remote control car from Gran and Grandad (which daddy is rather partial to also!).  It must be fairly robust as now, three weeks after his birthday, it is still in one piece and working!


Thankfully Toby did not want a party at home and opted for a trip to the cinema to see the Lego movie with three of his friends. In hindsight, a party at home might have been less stressful - who knew four boys could move so quickly and make so much noise and mess???

He's certainly growing up fast and turning into a great conversationist with a lovely sense of humour; fingers crossed he stays that way!

Now we have the Easter break to enjoy and Beth's birthday over the Easter weekend, pj days here we come!

Pre Christmas Jolly

To start the Christmas holidays off with a bang we decided to have a three-day trip to London.  It’s a while since we were last there and since Beth loved it so much last time, we thought we’d try and explore a bit more.

We caught a very early train on the morning of Saturday 21^st then headed to the hotel to drop our bags off.  This trip we decided to try a smaller hotel called The Academy, it was on a pretty quiet street but only a few minutes walk from Oxford Street.

From there we took the tube and slowly made our way to Portobello Road.  I’ve always wanted to have a nosey around there and the kids were curious as they like watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks.  Sadly there was no dancing in the street but there were a lot of shops and stalls to look at.

To stem their hunger, the kids managed with Nutella pancakes bigger than their heads and we had a lovely wander along the entire street.  Unfortunately, when the kids realised we weren’t going to buy something from every shop, they became a bit less enthusiastic about browsing. 

So, after a bit of brunch, we headed back towards the hotel and called in to the British Museum.  Beth wanted to see the Aztec masks and Toby the mummies.  I’m sure I’ve been there before but I can’t remember.  It’s a pretty impressive building with some pretty impressive items.  

We located the mummies first.  Beth was particularly interested in Cleopatra – the village panto this year is about Cleopatra and she is one of the dancers in the intro sequence (she looks a bit miserable in this pic, can’t remember why or if she was just being serious to mark the occasion!).  Toby wasn’t bothered about individuals; he just wanted to see bodies and was especially interested in the cat mummies.

We did manage to see the Aztec masks and artefacts – they were beautiful, however we didn’t stop too long.  By the time we found them, everyone was a little disinterested and ready for a sit down and some refreshments.

The next morning we headed towards Covent Garden for breakfast then on to the Tate Modern.  Beth is very creative and loves drawing and painting but has no confidence in her work, I hoped that visiting the Tate Modern might convince her that her work has merit.  I was very happy to see that my theory was confirmed and it took little to convince her that pretty much any of her creations would shine among the ones on show!  I think our favourite was this 'square tube' installation. ;)

From there we wandered across the wobbly bridge, past St Paul's and on to Hamleys (of course).  Amazingly it wasn't as busy as feared - think most people had bought their Christmas gifts by then - so we had a good wander, poke and prod and managed to escape without spending any money.  Christmas being only three days away was a fantastic excuse!

After a rest at the hotel, Auntie Jane arrived to join our adventure.  We meandered through London and got some dinner.  Toby found a worthy adversary in Yoda in Trafalgar Square.  Not sure who won that duel, suspect he did as we parted a couple of quid worse off for the pleasure!  

Steve kindly offered to take the kids back to the hotel so Jane and I did a little shoe browsing, wandered through Carnaby Street and managed to find the time for a sneaky pint too.

The next day, after a rather lovely breakfast (in a shared-booth cafe that strangely, no one wanted to share with us), we went to Fortum and Mason to have a look at their window displays and scare the shop assistants by hurtling around very expensive and rather fragile merchandise.  

After a relaxing lunch we caught the train back up home, rather slowly as the rain and wind had caused a few problems, and got back a couple of hours late.  Despite that it was a very enjoyable trip and the perfect start to the holiday season.