Camping Day 2

Woke up early after a night so bitterly cold I thought I might cry!

Betsy and Al were both fine though, as was Ellie, who apparently hogged all the covers which she was supposed to share with her sister. Daisy emerged from the tent complaining bitterly about it, and was furious when an hour later Ellie appeared with bed head, saying sleepily that she had been so boiling in the night she had to shed several layers! I thought Daisy might strangle her! It turned into the most beautiful, hot, sunny day though.

Chris got bacon sandwiches going for everyone. It's lovely eating your breakfast outside in your PJ's! As it was the last day of the Bank Holiday weekend most people began to pack up and leave for home. The site had been about 3/4 full, but was down to about 1/5 by ten o'clock. We drank tea and chatted, nosing at everyone's camping gear as they packed it away. Not sure who I am most envious of, the professionals with huge tents and brilliant gear, or the ones who travel light with a backpack, a pod tent and a dog.

We went to the stables to see about a riding lesson for the children. The place is full of horses obviously, but also thick with cats, kittens, and about ten dogs. We booked the rides and the children stayed for ages playing with the dogs and petting the 3 week old ginger kittens.

We had a picnic on the villiage green outside the church and played cricket and frisbee and had ice creams.

After lunch the children had their ride - a first for Betsy and Al who just loved it. They were accompanied by one of the stable dogs, a georgeous chubby black terrier who led the way, there and back, obviously having done so a thousand times before, he was adorable.

By now there was so much space at the campsite, we had a huge rounders game, parents v children. We got thrashed obviously! In this picture the children are having a practice game. It's not a very good picture (they never are) but it's such a happy memory. They played all weekend like something out of Swallows and Amazons, disapearing off to the camp they had made in the woods at every possible opportunity!

Chris and I went and got fish and chips for dinner and it was just heaven, eating the most delicious fish and chips ever, outside in the fresh air after such an idylic day. The only cloud on the horizon was the thought of another freezing night!