Lost on Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Holiday 2013 - Journal, day 5: Thursday

We has an early start as the kids were booked on an art workshop. The gas ran out while making our tea for breakfast - so couldn't have toast this morning. Instead, we had bacon cobs (butties, whatever) - which went down well. (We always bring a single burner gas stove for just such emergencies.)

After a bit of research, we found out that Stan May (Mace) stores in Bodmin stocks camping gas.

The kids went off happily to their art workshop while we relaxed by the tent, watching the world go by. There's not a lot of organised activity at South Penquite - it's not that kind of place. There is some stunning scenery, however, so if you're into walking of exploring then there's plenty to entertain.

There was an unscheduled downpour at lunch, but we quite enjoyed sitting in the porch - which we shared with a cockerel and one of the farm cats. After watching the rain for a bit it I spent a lazy afternoon writing blog notes.

The weather cleared up again later on so Jenny and I decided to go for a quick walk round the camp site. It was still fairly breezy and we ended up rescuing a gazebo which was trying to escape. We still had time to kill after our wander (it is a small site spread over a few fields), so we set out across Bodmin moor. South Penquite is in the middle of Bodmin Moor, at a high point - the land drops off pretty much whichever direction you go. We followed our noses, heading off in random directions. The going is quite touch as there are no set paths, so you have to work your way around bushes, rocks and trees. After a bit we so got lost. Well, I was lost. I'm not blessed with a sense of direction so after a few turns, I don't know which way is up. My wife has a built-in compass. Luckily I had a phone signal so when the kids finished early they were able to call and we could tell them we would be back soon. Also luckily, we found the road shortly after. I say luckily, Jenny would tell you that she always knew where she was. Either way, were able to fulfill the promise of being back soon and returned to camp: a little tired, but relaxed and happy.

Cardinham Woods and Cream Tea

Bodmin Holiday 2013 - Journal, day 4: Wednesday

After a late start we went shopping again. We tend to do this every other day when camping. It seems a good balance between having to shop too often and the storage space available. There was just toast for breakfast this morning. No pasties this time.

Having shopped, we returned back to camp for lunch. After lunch we went for a drive to Cardinham Woods. This is a little gem of a place, tucked away from the noise and bustle of the towns. There are marked walks and cycle paths and a small tea room. The area is owned by the Forestry Commission, so is well kept. After a short walk (we're not very adventurous in the walks department), we aimed for the cafe and a Cream tea. When in Cornwall...

We ended up very full - so didn't eat until late. Sky was overcast by the time we'd eaten so didn't light a fire.

As we were preparing our evening meal we had a panicked call from our teenage (who we left at home to fend for himself). He couldn't open the tin on sweetcorn we'd left him. After dispensing advice, all was well. All part of life's learning journey.

Port Isaac

Bodmin Holiday 2013 - Journal, day 3: Tuesday

Today we decided to go for a drive to the coast. I'm not the best sailor, but it seemed like a good plan to take Thought we'd take the Padstow-to-Rock ferry. On a whim we choose to park on the Rock side (this is nearer to Port Isaac... we planned to go on to there). A piece of advice: don't bother trying this! We had to gave up after half an hour in a queue for the car park and ended up driving straight to Port Isaac. We then made the mistake of parking in the first car park we saw, and had to walk miles to the beach. (We did find a short cut... though it was very steep.)

It was time for lunch so we decided to sample the local pasties (made in Padstow). While enjoying our hot lunch, we came up with the idea of rating pasties from various outlets this holiday. Our first entry is:

Chough Bakery, Padstow:
(NB: my auto complete suggests pasties for Padstow - an omen?)
Range of fillings: I had the blue cheese - there was a large and varied choice
Pastry: good mixture of flaky and chewy (not flaky enough for Jenny)
Meat: excellently cooked: tender and moist, no chewy bits
Veg: good balance (to much for the kids - particularly #3 who would prefer all meat)
Gravy: rich and tasty; plenty of it but not to much
Score: 9/10

It was a fine evening, so I lit a fire. The kids were delighted. South Penquite Farm is particularly laid back in this respect. They even sell kindling and chopped logs, but also ask that stones are put around the fire to contain it. It was a very successful first fire - even if I do say so myself.

The Old Inn at St. Brewards

Bodmin Holiday 2013 - Journal, day #1

We got up at 6 or so on the morning of our travel to Cornwall. The idea was that we get an early start to beat the traffic. (Google Navigation estimates 4 1/2 hours driving.) I wasn't convinced that it would be worth it - but I have to say that the plan worked. Getting up wasn't too hard, as we were all excited and eager to get going. We (I) had half-packed the previous day (most of the heavy stuff... the tent, cooking equipment and other bits and pieces we don't need at home).

We got underway by 8 - which wasn't bad for us - and made good progress. The early start seems to have worked. Sticking to the motorways and main A roads, we were in Devon pretty soon. We decided to stop just before lunch at Killerton - a National Trust property a little way north of Exeter. This was a great way to break the journey. British motorway services are hideous places ... but sitting in a historic garden in the middle of the countryside was very pleasant indeed. I'm never going to a motorway services again.

Having taken this little detour, we arrived on site a little later than expected: but were all pitched with a cup of tea soon enough. We've done a couple for short breaks recently so setting everything up goes fairly smoothly now. We camped at this site 3 years ago so already knew where to find the water, toilets, etc.

We had booked for an evening meal at the Old Inn in St. Brewards for their carvery at 6. We made this comfortably and were quite well turned out for campers! This was a great plan: no cooking on the first night, and a hearty meal at the end of a long day. It made the day part of the holiday, rather than just travel.

A Bit of Holiday Fun

This time next week, we should be sat in a tent on Bodmin Moor. Now if I were an optimist I would be picturing myself sat with a glass of wine in the sunshine after a blissfully easy drive from Derbyshire to Cornwall, a swift and dry tent erection (easy now, there are children on this trip!) and watching my offspring toasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs.

If you know me well, you will know that actually I'm envisaging a late start, a frazzled journey, an epic battle with the elements and four damp and slightly tetchy people huddled over a game of Uno wearing every jumper they possess.

Ah well, only time will tell.  I am trying not to look at the long range weather forecast and in true Jenny style also ignoring the thought that I should be creating packing and to-do lists, washing things and generally getting ready.  No, instead I'm looking at pictures of our last Bodmin holiday, three years ago and watching Dox Martin to get in the mood.

We're headed to South Penquite Farm, where we stayed very happily in 2010 and I'm hoping it's still as good as it was then.  I remember lots of animals, lots of space, a green ethos and a very nice line in mutton burgers.

As we're hoping to do some geocaching, I decided to set up a special holiday blog and invite my fellow happy campers to join me in creating some new memories.

Between now and then there is a lot of organising and packing to do, with the slight complication of number three child spending this week in Colwyn Bay, not returning until Saturday afternoon and us leaving on Sunday morning.  I may have to dry her smalls by tying them to the roof box on the journey down.  I also need to leave the older two, who are house and dogsitting, with a reasonably clean house and a selection of food that can be defrosted and microwaved by an 18 year old who can only leave his X-box for a short amount of time before his head drops off .

There is also a distinct possibility of a heated marital discussion on the optimum time to leave the house.  I like to pack the night before, get up at dawn and enjoy the empty roads with the tent up by lunchtime.  Raymond prefers to amble about, leave "when we're ready" and get the tent up before it gets dark.  I can feel the happy holiday mood starting already....