Thursday, 14 May 2009
Day 4: The day we were beaten, battered and bruised.
Though we both slept pretty well, Claire's back was giving her gip. I was aching from head to toe when we woke at 8am and hobbled out of bed to greet Claire who was already up and hobbling herself, we groaned at each other! This is not a holiday for the feint of heart!
We had the pool tables booked for 9am, so skipping any breakfast, we showered and headed into the village. Once again, the weather was not as expected, it was clear and crisp and though the skies were a little grey, none of the forecast rain was falling.
10 minutes into the pool, I of course was hungry and grabbed a sausage bap, whilst Claire couldnt face anything - my breakfast snack tasted even better as I won our pool contest 6-3! :)
With nothing else planned, we had a wander around the shops and I treated Claire to some new swimming gear - so thought best to hit the pool again. It was a good tonic to the aching bodies again and we had a good hour or so splashing around in the rapids and I commandeered the rubber ring for when the big wave machine fired up.
It was time for lunch and we'd promised ourselves pancakes all week, so headed to Pancake House in the village. I had a large chocolate pancake with flakes and ice-cream and Claire had a more traditional pancake with sugar, lemon and maple syrup - they were yummy!!!
After a go on the arcade machines, we had a wander and watched some nutters going down the high zip-wire slide - which must start about 60ft in the air and sends you hurtling to the bottom about 3000 miles an hour... Claire wanted a go of course and I'm sure if her back was any good, she would have!
We wearily made our way back home after having another really fun day and thoughts now turn to packing up for the final day... I treated myself to a quick snooze and Claire went out to take some more photos and bother more squirrels!
Its still only half 6 though, so we are deciding what to do this evening, though staying in with sausage and (cheesy) chips is top place at the moment!
We had the pool tables booked for 9am, so skipping any breakfast, we showered and headed into the village. Once again, the weather was not as expected, it was clear and crisp and though the skies were a little grey, none of the forecast rain was falling.
10 minutes into the pool, I of course was hungry and grabbed a sausage bap, whilst Claire couldnt face anything - my breakfast snack tasted even better as I won our pool contest 6-3! :)
With nothing else planned, we had a wander around the shops and I treated Claire to some new swimming gear - so thought best to hit the pool again. It was a good tonic to the aching bodies again and we had a good hour or so splashing around in the rapids and I commandeered the rubber ring for when the big wave machine fired up.
It was time for lunch and we'd promised ourselves pancakes all week, so headed to Pancake House in the village. I had a large chocolate pancake with flakes and ice-cream and Claire had a more traditional pancake with sugar, lemon and maple syrup - they were yummy!!!
After a go on the arcade machines, we had a wander and watched some nutters going down the high zip-wire slide - which must start about 60ft in the air and sends you hurtling to the bottom about 3000 miles an hour... Claire wanted a go of course and I'm sure if her back was any good, she would have!
We wearily made our way back home after having another really fun day and thoughts now turn to packing up for the final day... I treated myself to a quick snooze and Claire went out to take some more photos and bother more squirrels!
Its still only half 6 though, so we are deciding what to do this evening, though staying in with sausage and (cheesy) chips is top place at the moment!
Day III Part II (Section 4: Sub-section 1a)
Despite both being knackered by now, we had booked in an hours badminton the day before and we were gonna see it through!
The rain was getting heavier outside and the 10 minute bike ride loomed. We put our hoods up and pedalled like mad (probably not wise) and made it to the village in record time, though both soaked and muddied.
Undeterred we hired some racquets and hit the courts - feeling about as energetic as two old farts.
Within minutes of starting, Claire had pulled a back muscle and was struggling to move. We saw out our 45 minutes and whilst probably neither in the mood for it, we both had a fun time.
Wanting to rest our aching limbs (and Claires back), we hit the pool for the second time and it was a welcome relief to the muscles. By now it was around 7pm and the rain was still coming down, but we ventured into the outdoor salt pool and sat in the rain - the steam coming off the warm water. It was quite surreal!
Claire wanted me to go down the slides on my own whilst she watched - "Again, again" she laughed - by the third time down I could barely breath after being battered around the flumes (oo-er!) and had to stop - that was about my limit to the day.
We headed back to the lodge, had a sarnie and called it a night - both fully satisfied with a great day...
The rain was getting heavier outside and the 10 minute bike ride loomed. We put our hoods up and pedalled like mad (probably not wise) and made it to the village in record time, though both soaked and muddied.
Undeterred we hired some racquets and hit the courts - feeling about as energetic as two old farts.
Within minutes of starting, Claire had pulled a back muscle and was struggling to move. We saw out our 45 minutes and whilst probably neither in the mood for it, we both had a fun time.
Wanting to rest our aching limbs (and Claires back), we hit the pool for the second time and it was a welcome relief to the muscles. By now it was around 7pm and the rain was still coming down, but we ventured into the outdoor salt pool and sat in the rain - the steam coming off the warm water. It was quite surreal!
Claire wanted me to go down the slides on my own whilst she watched - "Again, again" she laughed - by the third time down I could barely breath after being battered around the flumes (oo-er!) and had to stop - that was about my limit to the day.
We headed back to the lodge, had a sarnie and called it a night - both fully satisfied with a great day...
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Day 3
Hi'all - third day update as we have come home for a breather!
Weather has been kind again and only around 5pm has it started to lightly rain - we are really pleased to have got away with what was looking like a wash-out.
Anyways, onto today - we were both feeling it a bit this morning, so didnt rush around too much. After a light(er) breakfast, we headed into the village for a bit as we were going swimming and also wanted to book up a couple of other activities.
First off though, I sat in the sports bar with a beer and some tasty nuts, whilst Claire had a wander around the shops - I think she was glad that this place provides a 'creche' :)
Upon meeting up a little while later we had a drink and played some pool whilst reflecting on the activities we had managed to book in - Laser Clay Pigeon shooting, Badminton and some US Pool for Thursday morning.
Another diplomatic draw in the pool match saw us head to the real pool - the swimming pool. We brought a rubber ring and mucked around on the slides some more until it was time for the wave machine - which Claire enjoyed bobbing around in the inflatable. Before we left, we went out into the outdoor salt pool, which was REALLY hot! Lovely and it was such a nice day, it didnt feel cold at all and it was nice to lay back in the sun and relax in the warm salty water.
After going in the 'tumble drier' (a stand-up hairdrier that dries your whole body), Claire left me to pack up and meet her outside the pool.... 10 minutes later I was still wandering around the changing rooms! I was in a panic as I couldnt find the exit - it was like a bad dream! I even had to ask directions - when I finally escaped, Claire just 'tutted' at me and shook her head. I was right scared...
After that, we looked at a clock and realised time had flown and we were due at the Clay Pigeon shoot.... crikey! A quick frantic bike ride later and we just about made it in time.
This was a great activity, basically clay pigeon shooting using heavy rifles that fire lasers at the little clay things. There were about 10 of us doing it and after a short tutorial, we were put in place for the competition. The first match was all about high scores and ... yes, yes, I WON!! Of course... in fact, I thrashed the nearest competition by about 40 points - I was dead chuffed (and a bit embarrassed). See Mum, all those hours playing computer games paying off...
2nd Round was a bit different... but, yes, yes... I WON!!! I know... I'm bloody good...
Last match was a knock out between the 10 of us - whoever missed had to sit out until there were no-one left as we all shot at the same time.
And yes, yes... CLAIRE WON!!!! I dont know what happened, or how to explain it... the 3 year old blind kid she beat in the final did have to get back in her wheelchair first...
No seriously, she was brilliant - there were 3 of us left - me, Claire and another lad who had been close to my scores and was my nemesis, but in the semi-final I was knocked out and Claire pulled off a great shot in the final to win. So we beat all the competition!
For a reward, we went to the Country Club for lunch and again both eat far too much! Again, prices reasonable and everyone friendly - food fantastic.
We decided to head back for a rest - but upon passing the golf course, Claire decided I should have a go. I went to the kiosk as I hadnt booked and originally the guy behind the counter said I couldnt play, but then the instructor from the Clay Pigeon shoot came in and say me and said "No, let him play, he's my 'Laser Winner'"! So I got to go on straight away and didnt have to pay! (Should be £8.50).
Golf was really good - Claire was my caddy (bless her) and after a while, I was hitting some great shots. We finished golf just as it started spitting, so headed back to the lodge where we are now preparing to head back into town for Badminton (6:30) and then perhaps another swim - but we are also listening to the rain beating down through the trees outside, so we may be swimming there anyways!!
Glad you are all reading this now and we can keep you up-to-date. Might do more later today, if not tomorrow.
Pic below of me golfing :)
Weather has been kind again and only around 5pm has it started to lightly rain - we are really pleased to have got away with what was looking like a wash-out.
Anyways, onto today - we were both feeling it a bit this morning, so didnt rush around too much. After a light(er) breakfast, we headed into the village for a bit as we were going swimming and also wanted to book up a couple of other activities.
First off though, I sat in the sports bar with a beer and some tasty nuts, whilst Claire had a wander around the shops - I think she was glad that this place provides a 'creche' :)
Upon meeting up a little while later we had a drink and played some pool whilst reflecting on the activities we had managed to book in - Laser Clay Pigeon shooting, Badminton and some US Pool for Thursday morning.
Another diplomatic draw in the pool match saw us head to the real pool - the swimming pool. We brought a rubber ring and mucked around on the slides some more until it was time for the wave machine - which Claire enjoyed bobbing around in the inflatable. Before we left, we went out into the outdoor salt pool, which was REALLY hot! Lovely and it was such a nice day, it didnt feel cold at all and it was nice to lay back in the sun and relax in the warm salty water.
After going in the 'tumble drier' (a stand-up hairdrier that dries your whole body), Claire left me to pack up and meet her outside the pool.... 10 minutes later I was still wandering around the changing rooms! I was in a panic as I couldnt find the exit - it was like a bad dream! I even had to ask directions - when I finally escaped, Claire just 'tutted' at me and shook her head. I was right scared...
After that, we looked at a clock and realised time had flown and we were due at the Clay Pigeon shoot.... crikey! A quick frantic bike ride later and we just about made it in time.
This was a great activity, basically clay pigeon shooting using heavy rifles that fire lasers at the little clay things. There were about 10 of us doing it and after a short tutorial, we were put in place for the competition. The first match was all about high scores and ... yes, yes, I WON!! Of course... in fact, I thrashed the nearest competition by about 40 points - I was dead chuffed (and a bit embarrassed). See Mum, all those hours playing computer games paying off...
2nd Round was a bit different... but, yes, yes... I WON!!! I know... I'm bloody good...
Last match was a knock out between the 10 of us - whoever missed had to sit out until there were no-one left as we all shot at the same time.
And yes, yes... CLAIRE WON!!!! I dont know what happened, or how to explain it... the 3 year old blind kid she beat in the final did have to get back in her wheelchair first...
No seriously, she was brilliant - there were 3 of us left - me, Claire and another lad who had been close to my scores and was my nemesis, but in the semi-final I was knocked out and Claire pulled off a great shot in the final to win. So we beat all the competition!
For a reward, we went to the Country Club for lunch and again both eat far too much! Again, prices reasonable and everyone friendly - food fantastic.
We decided to head back for a rest - but upon passing the golf course, Claire decided I should have a go. I went to the kiosk as I hadnt booked and originally the guy behind the counter said I couldnt play, but then the instructor from the Clay Pigeon shoot came in and say me and said "No, let him play, he's my 'Laser Winner'"! So I got to go on straight away and didnt have to pay! (Should be £8.50).
Golf was really good - Claire was my caddy (bless her) and after a while, I was hitting some great shots. We finished golf just as it started spitting, so headed back to the lodge where we are now preparing to head back into town for Badminton (6:30) and then perhaps another swim - but we are also listening to the rain beating down through the trees outside, so we may be swimming there anyways!!
Glad you are all reading this now and we can keep you up-to-date. Might do more later today, if not tomorrow.
Pic below of me golfing :)
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Day 2
After a bit of a restless night (the sounds of the forest!), I awoke on Tuesday to something wonderful. Something... amazing - something I thought I would never, ever experience in my lifetime...
...It wasn't a work day and Claire was up before 8am!!!
Keen to make the most of clear blue skies, Claire was up, showered and dressed and out on the patio bothering the multitude of wildlife creatures scuttering around for breakfast. Camera in hand, she was demanding all sorts of poses from the squirrels, ducks, pheasants, rabbits and birds.
After breakfast, our first port of call was the sports cafe to grab some Wi-Fi so we can write this here blog. We spent an hour or so in there and it was nice and quiet - over in one of the arena's, a load of young kids were having a football lesson - it is nice that there is so much to do here especially for the little-uns.
After a quick bike ride back to get changed, we headed off to the village square again to try out the Tropical Swimming Paradise. Being greeted by around 2000 buggies parked in the toddler entrance filled us with dread, but the place is so big that it didnt seem that busy actually. The large heated 'Paradise' plays host to a number of pools, slides, rapids and even an outdoor pool for the (very) brave - all surrounded by various shops and food/bar outlets - its really cool. After getting our barings, it was straight up unto the biggest slide - not something I would go for usually and after nearly drowning I felt justified in my cowardess.
Claire rescued me from the landing zone's 2ft of water after my life flashed before my eyes (took about 3 seconds) and I wanted to go again!
We tried out some other slides, but then decided to brave the great outdoors. This was more like it, the water had to be much hotter to stop people dying, so it was like getting into a HUGE bath :) Once outside, you were f**king freezing to be fair and had to keep 95% of your body under water! In the outside pool (which worrying states "In the event of a thunderstorm, evacuate immediately!") there are the 'wild rapids', an open flume of fast, gushing water that twists, turns and drops from the outside, back into the main pool! This was even more deadly than the slides and it was Claire's turn to end up upside down in the landing pool gasping for air! I would have helped, but I had water in my eyes so....
We spent a good couple of hours horsing around in the pool and after experiencing the wave machine, decided it was a good time to have lunch. We'd brought food with us too, so we headed back to the lodge and shared some sandwiches with the wildlife on the patio and had a bit of a rest.
In the afternoon, we decided to have a wander on foot this time (sadle sores all round!) and realised our lodge is opposite the large lake! It is literally over the road behind the tree line, so we grabbed our camera's and went on a Richard Attenborough-style romp through the forest alongside the lake.
This was great as the woods were getting quite dense the further we went and we got some great shots, Claire even spotted a wild dear. I was looking for a bit more action and managed to find a great spot at the edge of the lake to catch some of the 'Rail Skiers' (basically a large pully type thing that pulls water skiers around the lake - its ace!).
Mid-afternoon we were both shattered - we had already booked the evenings activities, bowling and then a meal at an American Diner, so we grabbed an hours snoooooze.
Feeling (not very) refreshed, we regrouped and headed back into town. 45 minutes of bowling later and I think we were ready to be carted to the nearest retirement home! I must say I did thrash Claire though.... OW! She has just punched me in the arm! It was a fair draw, though in the 2nd game I lost 85-153... bit embarrassing, but you know me, I like to let her win... *ahem*
We had a bit of time before our meal, so we spent some time in the arcade machines and I had a go on a drum game and was even more knackered, I just wanted to crawl up and have a sleep.
The American Diner was really nice - food is very reasonably priced surprisingly and (as usual) we ate loads! Claire wanted to try Corn Bread - which she loved and I had my usual Ribs followed by waffles and ice-cream! We tried to get people to roll us home after we'd finished, but we had to somehow make our way back on the bikes - both of which were crying when we pulled up at the lodge.
Absolutely stuffed, we could do no more than flop into bed, watch some TV and go to sleep.
Happy to report that we both slept much better and after we finish typing this, are heading back to the pool.
The skies are looking a bit greyer today and the rains are coming, so gonna go make the most of it.
Will update this later with some more pics etc.
Till then, adios!!
...It wasn't a work day and Claire was up before 8am!!!
Keen to make the most of clear blue skies, Claire was up, showered and dressed and out on the patio bothering the multitude of wildlife creatures scuttering around for breakfast. Camera in hand, she was demanding all sorts of poses from the squirrels, ducks, pheasants, rabbits and birds.
After breakfast, our first port of call was the sports cafe to grab some Wi-Fi so we can write this here blog. We spent an hour or so in there and it was nice and quiet - over in one of the arena's, a load of young kids were having a football lesson - it is nice that there is so much to do here especially for the little-uns.
After a quick bike ride back to get changed, we headed off to the village square again to try out the Tropical Swimming Paradise. Being greeted by around 2000 buggies parked in the toddler entrance filled us with dread, but the place is so big that it didnt seem that busy actually. The large heated 'Paradise' plays host to a number of pools, slides, rapids and even an outdoor pool for the (very) brave - all surrounded by various shops and food/bar outlets - its really cool. After getting our barings, it was straight up unto the biggest slide - not something I would go for usually and after nearly drowning I felt justified in my cowardess.
Claire rescued me from the landing zone's 2ft of water after my life flashed before my eyes (took about 3 seconds) and I wanted to go again!
We tried out some other slides, but then decided to brave the great outdoors. This was more like it, the water had to be much hotter to stop people dying, so it was like getting into a HUGE bath :) Once outside, you were f**king freezing to be fair and had to keep 95% of your body under water! In the outside pool (which worrying states "In the event of a thunderstorm, evacuate immediately!") there are the 'wild rapids', an open flume of fast, gushing water that twists, turns and drops from the outside, back into the main pool! This was even more deadly than the slides and it was Claire's turn to end up upside down in the landing pool gasping for air! I would have helped, but I had water in my eyes so....
We spent a good couple of hours horsing around in the pool and after experiencing the wave machine, decided it was a good time to have lunch. We'd brought food with us too, so we headed back to the lodge and shared some sandwiches with the wildlife on the patio and had a bit of a rest.
In the afternoon, we decided to have a wander on foot this time (sadle sores all round!) and realised our lodge is opposite the large lake! It is literally over the road behind the tree line, so we grabbed our camera's and went on a Richard Attenborough-style romp through the forest alongside the lake.
This was great as the woods were getting quite dense the further we went and we got some great shots, Claire even spotted a wild dear. I was looking for a bit more action and managed to find a great spot at the edge of the lake to catch some of the 'Rail Skiers' (basically a large pully type thing that pulls water skiers around the lake - its ace!).
Mid-afternoon we were both shattered - we had already booked the evenings activities, bowling and then a meal at an American Diner, so we grabbed an hours snoooooze.
Feeling (not very) refreshed, we regrouped and headed back into town. 45 minutes of bowling later and I think we were ready to be carted to the nearest retirement home! I must say I did thrash Claire though.... OW! She has just punched me in the arm! It was a fair draw, though in the 2nd game I lost 85-153... bit embarrassing, but you know me, I like to let her win... *ahem*
We had a bit of time before our meal, so we spent some time in the arcade machines and I had a go on a drum game and was even more knackered, I just wanted to crawl up and have a sleep.
The American Diner was really nice - food is very reasonably priced surprisingly and (as usual) we ate loads! Claire wanted to try Corn Bread - which she loved and I had my usual Ribs followed by waffles and ice-cream! We tried to get people to roll us home after we'd finished, but we had to somehow make our way back on the bikes - both of which were crying when we pulled up at the lodge.
Absolutely stuffed, we could do no more than flop into bed, watch some TV and go to sleep.
Happy to report that we both slept much better and after we finish typing this, are heading back to the pool.
The skies are looking a bit greyer today and the rains are coming, so gonna go make the most of it.
Will update this later with some more pics etc.
Till then, adios!!
Here is a dear outside our lodge
This is me on one of our walks...
Day 1 from the forest!
Hello everybody and welcome to Day 1 of our Center Parcs holiday in Elvedon, Suffolk.
After a short drive up the A14 in the new Kia (you HAVE to get one Dad) and after putting up with Claire's squeals of delight as every mile drew closer, we arrived at Center Parc's booking huts around 12:30 on Monday.
All processed and checked in with the efficiency of a Nazi concentration camp, we proceeded to Car Park B to tuck into Claire's pack lunches - and a sneaky beer!
As you cannot get into the lodgings until3pm, we decided to make the most of the blue skies and have a wander around our new surroundings for the next few days. First stop was the Beauty Spa (of course - where else?) and booked Claire in for a good old fashioned tinting! I sat in the reception in the humidity for what seemed like an age... 30 minutes later Claire comes staggering out only to inform me she'd 'had a nice sleep'!!!! Thanks!
Next stop was the village square where it all happens... lovely little walkways and streams with plenty of wildlife merrily wandering around the shoppers and toddlers. A lovely little duck crossed our path, before nonchalantly dumping a trail of green shit behind it! Lovely!!! :)
We checked out some shops and then the 'Sports Complex', which is a massive building housing all sorts of indoor sports - plenty of badminton courts, tennis courts, pool tables, table tennis etc - very cool. Our wandering took us to the man made beach alongside the massive lake.
Caught up in the moment, we decided it was definitely right to take to the water and hired out a rowing boat! I proceeded to row us around in circles and then into the bank of reeds, before finally getting the hang of it - then sensibly letting Claire take over to get us back to dry land! A-hoy shipmates!
The weather was still holding strong, cold but sunny and blue skies - but it was now time to get into the lodge. We waited till the queues died down and headed to the car at around half 4 to off load our cases. Our lodge is fantastic, set back into the woodlands and clad in timber, it looks every inch the woodland lodge - inside everything is very clean and modern with a lovely kitchen/dining area, 2 bedrooms a large lounge with LCD TV and DVD player and a real fireplace should we choose to set light to one of the 100s of squirrels running around later in the week.
The main bathroom even has underfloor heating and a skylight - feels like living in an episode of 'Grand Designs'! Keep expecting Kevin to come walking through and get Claire pregnant :)
After offloading and realising how far we (seemed) to be from the main square, we decided to risk the weather and hire a couple of bikes - took a while to sort out and queing in the setting evening sun under shade wasnt much fun (ffffffreezing), but after a while, we were off and pedalling around like a couple of 12 year olds. Claire clearly needs stabilisers... but thankfully she knows EXACTLY where the f-ing bell is...
We enjoyed the ride and decided to put on some warmer clothes and go for an explore which was fun.
The evenings festivities had already been planned (by me) and as a lovely, thoughtful surprise by me to Claire, I took her out to the village square to watch Newcastle v Middlesbrough on the big screens, accompanied by a pint and a burger. Dont say romance isnt dead!
First downside of the day though was the hour plus wait for the dessert we ordered which never materialised, still got a refund and the barman gave us 2 'guilt cookies' to keep us onside, so alls well that ends well.
A cycle back through the now dark lanes brought the day to a close and we were both knackered. Despite a bit of a restless night, we are now up embracing the morning sun and ready to do it all again!
We'll update you again soon with news of Day 2 - swimming, bowling and who knows what else planned for later...
BYE FROM US BOTH!! XX
Oh... heres some pics from Day 1 - enjoy!
After a short drive up the A14 in the new Kia (you HAVE to get one Dad) and after putting up with Claire's squeals of delight as every mile drew closer, we arrived at Center Parc's booking huts around 12:30 on Monday.
All processed and checked in with the efficiency of a Nazi concentration camp, we proceeded to Car Park B to tuck into Claire's pack lunches - and a sneaky beer!
As you cannot get into the lodgings until3pm, we decided to make the most of the blue skies and have a wander around our new surroundings for the next few days. First stop was the Beauty Spa (of course - where else?) and booked Claire in for a good old fashioned tinting! I sat in the reception in the humidity for what seemed like an age... 30 minutes later Claire comes staggering out only to inform me she'd 'had a nice sleep'!!!! Thanks!
Next stop was the village square where it all happens... lovely little walkways and streams with plenty of wildlife merrily wandering around the shoppers and toddlers. A lovely little duck crossed our path, before nonchalantly dumping a trail of green shit behind it! Lovely!!! :)
We checked out some shops and then the 'Sports Complex', which is a massive building housing all sorts of indoor sports - plenty of badminton courts, tennis courts, pool tables, table tennis etc - very cool. Our wandering took us to the man made beach alongside the massive lake.
Caught up in the moment, we decided it was definitely right to take to the water and hired out a rowing boat! I proceeded to row us around in circles and then into the bank of reeds, before finally getting the hang of it - then sensibly letting Claire take over to get us back to dry land! A-hoy shipmates!The weather was still holding strong, cold but sunny and blue skies - but it was now time to get into the lodge. We waited till the queues died down and headed to the car at around half 4 to off load our cases. Our lodge is fantastic, set back into the woodlands and clad in timber, it looks every inch the woodland lodge - inside everything is very clean and modern with a lovely kitchen/dining area, 2 bedrooms a large lounge with LCD TV and DVD player and a real fireplace should we choose to set light to one of the 100s of squirrels running around later in the week.
The main bathroom even has underfloor heating and a skylight - feels like living in an episode of 'Grand Designs'! Keep expecting Kevin to come walking through and get Claire pregnant :)
After offloading and realising how far we (seemed) to be from the main square, we decided to risk the weather and hire a couple of bikes - took a while to sort out and queing in the setting evening sun under shade wasnt much fun (ffffffreezing), but after a while, we were off and pedalling around like a couple of 12 year olds. Claire clearly needs stabilisers... but thankfully she knows EXACTLY where the f-ing bell is...We enjoyed the ride and decided to put on some warmer clothes and go for an explore which was fun.
The evenings festivities had already been planned (by me) and as a lovely, thoughtful surprise by me to Claire, I took her out to the village square to watch Newcastle v Middlesbrough on the big screens, accompanied by a pint and a burger. Dont say romance isnt dead!
First downside of the day though was the hour plus wait for the dessert we ordered which never materialised, still got a refund and the barman gave us 2 'guilt cookies' to keep us onside, so alls well that ends well.
A cycle back through the now dark lanes brought the day to a close and we were both knackered. Despite a bit of a restless night, we are now up embracing the morning sun and ready to do it all again!
We'll update you again soon with news of Day 2 - swimming, bowling and who knows what else planned for later...
BYE FROM US BOTH!! XX
Oh... heres some pics from Day 1 - enjoy!
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