Boys Camping Trip

The date was set, the rest had wussed out so back to the usual two (me n Michael) plus the kids!! In fairness, Ollie n Jake were absolutely great – not a bit of bother, more or less. Bit of trouble finding it, need to head to the Farm House to sign in and get your map etc. Because of the weather and the tracks being a bit wet had to head round to the top of the woods and down from Barlow Lane. Got fairly nervous about getting back out as the field was VERY muddy and even going down the field could feel the car sliding around. But we made it, and a few trips back n forth the 100yards are so to the pitch, and me and Ollie were getting sorted. A quick couple of hotdogs for us to keep hunger at bay until later. All done and fire just lit for Michael n Jake arriving.

 

Jake was sporting some interesting eyewear, but the boys very quickly got in to a routine of collecting wood, burning it and basically trying to set fire to anything that wasn’t moving!

So with the camp setup and firewood being gathered, the ‘adults’ turned interests to more important things; food for the boys, drink for the dads! Followed by Smartie Cookies and the boys growing up fast! Only kidding!! Lovely watching the sun going down through the trees and building the fire up to keep everyone warm and entertained.

 

After some marshmallows which just has to be done, and us Dad’s enjoying perfecting the skill of the ‘Perfect Marshmallow’ at about 9pm ish decided it was late enough for them so tucked up in bed ready for the night… Last pic Oliver still asleep at 10am! Bless…

 

So with the kids off the bed settled in to finishing off the rest of the Cidre and Ginger Wine and prodding the fire until all the wood was burnt up. Morning came with starting the fire up again and breakfast… Saus/Bacon/Egg sarnies are just so much better in the woods. Mamma Why on the go…

 

While Ollie slept in we had breakfast, and Michael got packed ready to head off… 10am Oliver stirred in to life in time to say bye and have his own breakie. A makeshift swing kept him happy while I got our kit packed too, and no I didn’t have a go – was told I was too heavy! Fair enough.

 

At which point Oliver then got the camera and did some photos of his own… And got some very good ones too!

 

I got lazy and instead of heeding the advice of the farmer and not driving the car down the muddy track at risk of getting stuck I figured “Ahhhh I’ll be fine!” and drove down to save my legs… Word of warning to anyone else, he charges £50 to tow you out which I really really REALLY did think I was going to have to shell out for a good 10 mins while trying to get turned round!!! DON’T DRIVE THROUGH UNLESS YOU HAVE A GOOD 4x4. Hehehe…
It’s a fantastic site for wild camping and is established enough to make it perfect for kids too. Can see a number of return visits both with and without kids. Right on the doorstep and so easy going and welcome.
And to finish off, the customary group photo before leaving our site…