The 25 Beach Challenge

The Jolly Green Hero

2010-08-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

It started so well; two out of three children sleeping peacefully in the back, music on, sun shining, bank holiday traffic queuing in the opposite direction and the anticipation of a couple of sunny days on the beach. Half way into our journey those fateful words came 'I think she's losing power!!'which changed it all.

Inevitably 30 minutes later we were on the hard shoulder, all three kids needed the loo, the Green Flag operator assured us road-side assistance would be there within the hour and all we had to do is keep smilimg and try not to get too annoyed with all the other smug VW campervanners who kept beeping and waving to us!!

To cut a very long, boring story very short at 11.30pm that night we crawled into our own beds, with Clementine tuck up back in her shed waiting for further assessment as to why she is poorly.

Oh well, I suppose it is all part of the fun and there were some highlights; such as brewing-up while waiting the hour and a half for the Green Flag to arrive, and changing pick-ups mid-journey in a Mcdonald's carpark, allowing me not only to take the children to the loo, feed them, provide them with a plastic toy to entertain them for the pending 2 hour journey but also put smiles on their faces, and the look on the recovery man's face when Stu's mum offered him a piece of cheese with his apple pie and cream! All prize moments which meant the day wasn't totally wasted.

A Pleasant Surprise

2010-08-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

'We want to meet other kids...we want a play area...we want a beach' came the cries. So I booked us a night at St David's on Red Warf Bay. On paper it didn't sound very promising (as we like quiet and no crowds) but it had a play area and lovely looking private beach so we thought it would suit the children.

Well, I have to say what a pleasant surprise! The facilities were great, there was an onsite shop, pub and laundrette and it was in the most beautiful spot. We were lucky with the weather which helped. On the down side the campers and caravans were closely packed in and there was no fires allowed but it was quiet at night and the kids made friends which was great.

All in all we had a great time and enjoyed a memorable evening on the beach. We will definitely go back to St David's which I think has shocked us both!

I think this was our 6th beach and my favourite. Miles of lovely sand and a gently shelving sea. If cafes and shops are your thing this beach will disappoint but if you are self sufficient and want space, calm, sand castles and clean water head to Red Warf Bay. For a small private section of beach St David's is the campsite to be.

2010-07-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Rain Rain Go Away

Last weekend took us to the foot of Snowdon on the wettest weekend so far this year! It was our first big campervan challenge - a night of howling winds, torrential rain and a campervan that rocked asthough it was a boat!! As you can imagine we didn't get much sleep (except for Alana who missed it all). It was so bad that we got up the following morning at 7.30 and by 9am we were in a Little Chef, half way home!!!

We can't wait to go back to the site though as it was stunningly beautiful with a fantastic lake, a crystal clear river and great facilities. Can't tell you where it is though as it is our secret!

Valley Winds and Rock Climbing

2010-05-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a great two days on Gwern Gof Isaf campsite in Capel Curig. The scenery was absolutely amazing and because we were in the campervan we were directed away from the crowds and told to find a space to the right of the house. It was just us in a beautiful valley.

The winds whipped around through the night and there was a couple of times we had to hold on but we survived and it was worth it to spend two quiet days in such an amazing place.

The kids loved the nearby little stream and spent a pleasant hour dipping their nets and throwing stones. Emily discovered a passion for rock climbing and kept disappearing off up the hills.

We had a little trip to Betws y coed. The children had £10 each to spend on a birthday present each for us (we share a birthday). I can't wait for tomorrow to see what delights they have bought! We had to have one present each early, the two plastic bowls, as there was nothing for them to have their weetabix in this morning. (just something else we forgot to take, along with any pants for Alana!).

We also bought two stripy mugs for all future campervan cups of tea.

I think we are settling into the campervan better this time. The children actually slept really well. They didn't wake until 7.40 this morning and keeping things in order and cooking are getting easier too. You know what humans are like and we are no different; we have established our little routines!

A note about the campsite, it is absolutley beautiful and quiet, although the tent field was quite busy. It attracted walkers and climbers and some families. The facilities were very basic, but it was reasonably priced and the owner was friendly. It was right off the A5 but don't let this put you off as the traffic was far enough away to be of no hinderance at all. http://www.gwerngofisaf.co.uk/

A Maiden Voyage

2010-05-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

And we're off...! Our first proper camping trip. Ruthin was the destination and a test run was the mission.

The weather was hot and the hills were steep but we made it to the beautiful campsite of Gwerd Lake. It is a fishery and campsite with the added bonus of a shop and cafe. This might make it sound commercialised but it was lovely and quiet, the staff were friendly and the views were breathtaking. The only thing that it let it down were the loos and showers but they were working on new ones while we were there and they should be up and running in the next week. http://www.gwerdylakes.co.uk/

I can't continue without mentioning the fabulous Raven Inn, at the bottom of the long steep hill. A gem of a pub which was run by the community; food, ale or staff couldn't have been better, we would travel the hour just for lunch. If you are in the area make sure you stop in. http://www.raveninn.co.uk/

Beach 1 and 2 visited too! On Sunday we took a scenic drive over to Rhyl and Prestatyn. We have family connections and took a momentous photograph outside Stu's Grandparents old chip shop (now an aquarium shop).

The kids played on the sand, until we became too concerned about the sludge!! The best bit was a picnic, in the van, on the sea front, looking out to sea and basking in the sun.

We took the old coast road home through Flint where the traffic flowed at Clementine's pace; harking back to the days of old when holidays to Wales involved a mini and a four hour journey!

Clementine Arrives

2010-04-22T13:38:00.001-07:00

Well She's arrived. 9 o'clock last night Clementine drove into our drive and she is perfect! We got in, we got out, we lifted lids, flicked on lights, lay on beds and sat and smiled!
The kids had to wait till tonight for their go and they were beside themselves with excitement by the time they got home. They chose their seats, tried all the beds, summoned their best friends and squabbled about when we can sleep in her.
Our only problem is we have commitments for the next three weekends. Boo!! Next post will hopefully be the first beach.

Introductions and Anticipations

2010-04-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

The first entry of our Blog. We are Jo (the mum), Stu (the dad), Emily(7), Alex(5) and Alana(2). Wednesday is a very exciting day for us, as we have finally, after 6 years, bid on and won a VW Viking campervan - and Wednesday is the day we take the 400 mile round trip to collect her.

So here begins our adventures with Clementine and our first challenge? 25 beaches in a year! The first thing to do is sort out breakdown cover as she is 30 years old and so can't be blamed for the odd hiccup and then we'll be off.
This blog will share the highs and lows of our campervan dream and also share any practical advice we learn along our way not to mention a first hand family review of 25 beaches.