Tuesday 5 August 2008

STAR GAZING UNDER CANVAS

I don't mind where I sleep, provided I have a good pillow and dry surrounding so when I overheard the boys discussing camping, my heart just sank. Camping is definitely not in my vocabulary. I have occasionally been on a 2-night "trial" but never really got the hung of it. However, this time, I had 2 rascals to consider so my "selfish self" went out of the window.

A 3½-hour drive through busy Reading and weaving through lanes on the motorway took us to the glorious English Riviera - Paignton. Although the campsite is a bit "run-down", I was pleased to notice that it had facilities for the disabled and the demarcations were good. Unfortunately, both the diner and take-away were closed so we had to go to the nearest pub for something to eat. Blagdon Inn is just a 10 minute walk from the campsite with ample parking space and good food. It was very busy the time we got there as it had been raining so there was hardly any seating area.

We managed to travel on the "Round Robin" River Link starting at the very quaint Queens Park station in Paignton and briefly stopping at old fashioned Churston station. It was time for good old pasties after arriving in Dartmouth. The Thai chicken pasty at Presto Pasty was just what I needed after battling through a park of sea gulls.

After a picnic in Buckfastleigh paying £1 for 4-hour parking (I hope Reading Borough Council members are reading this), we drove through a very picturesque countryside to Dartington cider press. The kids enjoyed some Chilly Billy whilst I enjoyed some cream tea at the more restaurant - well, you can't visit Devon and not enjoy cream teas.

Did I enjoy camping? Well, it was more of counting the rain drops than star gazing under canvas. However, I am already planning my next expedition!!!