It's Chrismas!

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year.

From Janet, Carl & Jake - Woof x

Who me? I didn't make that mess!

World war |||

Christmas is ere already

Canterbury

We have been into Canterbury again today & we had lunch in our favorite cafe - Caffe Venezia. It is so nice to have time off during the week where you can just stroll around & do whatever & not have to fight your way through any crowds! We left Jake back at site, where Auntie Eileen & Uncle Peter babysat for the day. It was lovely to have some time to ourselves - we had forgot what that felt like. Just listen to us - anybody would think that we had a small baby in tow, lol!

Can you spot Jake?

Ave you ever?

Lord Muck

I'm not looking!

Who? Me?

Jake still with wonky ears!

Back to normal at BHF

Peter & Eileen Walter

Pastel Jake

Many thanks again to Julie

Jake on folkestone beach

Jake's first time on a beach - Nice x

Click here to view All Pictures from Folkestone Beach

Jake's first time on the beach

Yesterday we went down to one of Folkestone's many beaches. It was very windy but lovely & sunny. It was great to breath the sea air again. Jake wasn't too sure about the waves, but he loved picking up, and eating, seaweed. We are now back on site & finally we have found something which tires him out!

On the road again

Just left Brecon en-route to folkestone in Kent for the winter. Looking forward to meeting up with our old friends again!

Jake & his toys!

The worlds first bionic dog

It's official we own the worlds first bionic dog - Jake. His very first walk tonight was to the pub, just less than 1 mile away. He also enjoyed being the centre of attention, with lots of cuddles & strokes - he has been barked at, sniffed at, snapped at - but also enjoyed the company of an enormous German Shepherd. On return to the site he promptly started to play with all of his toys in the garden & showed no signs of being tired - hopefully tomorrow he will lie in more than 5am!

Me & my Teddy!

Peace at last!

Jake - 11 weeks old yesterday!

Jake - In awning at Brynich

2012 Summer in the Lake District

Again, we were really pleased to hear, that we will be working in the Lake District next year. We requested to work in the North of England (for the Caravan Club) so that we can be miles nearer to all of our friends & family. We have been very lucky (in Brecon) this year as we have had more than 10 lots of visitors, so we anticipate more visitors next year, but it also means that we can do more visits too!

The site is only 400 yards from Lake Coniston & has the largest number of pitches on the sites network. It is run by 4 couples as it is so large. An added bonus is that the village of Coniston is only 1 mile away & there are numerous pubs selling the famous beer 'Blue Bird' - so Carl is very happy about this! Plus it is only 14 miles from Carl's favorite pub - The Dog & Gun in Keswick, of which Jake will be visiting on a regular basis to sample Old Peculiar with his Mum & Dad, lol.

Winter In Kent

We found out the other week that we will be spending this winter working for the Caravan Club at Black Horse Farm in Kent, with Peter & Eileen our great wardens from last year. We are really looking forward to it, as this is where we spent our first season working for the club. Hopefully we wont get as much snow as last year - but we have packed our thermals just in case! Also, we are looking forward to seeing 'Sue the loo', and Mick & Carol again.

Our New Puppy - Jake

Meet Jake, he is 10 weeks old and a little terrorist!
His second injection is due tomorrow - then 1 more week until he can finally go for a walk. We got him approx two weeks ago & he was been a true bundle of fun ever since.

We had forgotten how much running around you can do with a puppy as there are a few small escape holes in our garden (which luckily he hasn't found yet - but you never can be too sure).

He has a toy box full of all different kinds of toys - which he loves to carry (herd) around the garden, but his favorite toy of all - is too hang off your leg as you try to  walk around the garden!

His teeth are like needles & he loves to chew (savage) your fingers - rather than using the puppy teething bone which we bought for him!

He had his first taste of a slug earlier in the week - I could see him chewing something & thought it was a dandelion stalk hanging out of his mouth, but on closer inspection it was a slug, which was a stuck to his needle teeth - he wasn't too impressed we when tried to clean it off with kitchen roll - which he thought was game & promptly shreaded each sheet!

Phil & Dots Visit

Whilst Phil & Dots visited us in Sep we had a trip to Cardiff Bay. The weather was beautiful - just like a warm summers day.We saw:-

Wales Millennium Center

Parliament Building

Senedd

Norwegian Church


Click here to see all the photos

In Loving Memory...

 

Many thanks to Julie, Dot's neighbor, who drew these pastel drawing of Jess. They are just fantastic & we love them to bits!

Thanks again, Julie x

Gutted...

We really enjoyed our time with Ben, but it became very clear early on that his fear of people would be his downfall in his life with us, but still we persevered with him. Ben has a wonderful temperament, with not a nasty bone in his body.

We had a few glimmers of hope with him, but these were always in the early hours (and I mean early - 2am), when he had us up for his toilet duties! I suppose it was so quiet with no other people around to frighten him.

We have never known a dog wag his tail so fast & bend his body in excitement too see you & then in the same breath wont come when you call him! That was very disheartening for us.

We are gutted that it hasn't worked, but are happy that he will find his true calling as a Working Collie!

As a final note we would like to thank John & Deb for keeping their end of the deal and being so understanding when we returned Ben to them.

Ben's update week two...

Some Border Collies are born to be working dogs, others are born to be pets - at first I didn't know why I was born, being inside for 9 months wasn't much fun, but then I moved farms to live with John, Deb & lots of other dogs - this is where I learnt by basic commands.

But, for the last 2 weeks I have lived with Carl & Janet - this is where I found my true calling & I feel much better now I know exactly what type of Border Collie I want to be. I don't want lovely long walks in the country or on the beach chasing balls, sticks or frisbees, being spoilt & sleeping near the warm fire & having gravy bones for my supper.

No, I want to be a working Border. I don't really like being around lots of people as this feels very weird & I don't enjoy it, I want to herd sheep - as this is what I was born to do!

So I have moved back in with John & Deb - Let the training begin.

Week 1...

I have definitely found "my spot" in the awning - I feel safe there, and I can also walk in and out of it without feeling as scared as last week. I'm still not sure about the caravan yet & have to be carried inside at bedtime - but I do get very excited about coming out in the mornings!

I think that I am quite clever as I can slip my harness when I'm tied up during the day, but I'm not that scared anymore that I have to hide at the back of the 5 foot thick beech hedge at the back of my garden.

Yesterday I spotted someone walking down the lane behind the hedge , so I ran along it's perimeter & tried to bark - but only a small grumble came out. I wanted to ward off other dogs off my patch as I quite like living here with no other dogs - as I get all the attention.

Last week I had a trip to the vets, for my injections & frontline, and I had to be carried into the consultants room - she said I was very brave, although I have to go back in 2 weeks for my booster!

I really do not like the car and get very scared when the side door opens and closes. Mum says that I will have to eat my food near the car so that I get used to it - I'm not looking forward to that either!

I'm still not sure if my name is 'Ben' or 'Good Boy'!!!

... Update to follow at week 2!

Our new Arrival

Ben's the Name - Being a confident Border Collie is my aim!

I am 1 year old & until 3 months ago I was in a shed all day because my owner was very ill & couldn't walk me. Then I moved onto a lovely farm with loads of new friends there, which was just great, my new owners were really friendly & taught me my basic commands. But, yesterday I came to my new family. I think I will be very happy here!

Last night I had to be carried into the awning, but soon found 'my spot' - near the fire in front of the TV. I'm not really sure what a TV is but I enjoyed watching Emmerdale - I think it should be called Emmerdale Farm!!!

I did a little heel work outside too, but at bedtime I had to be carried into the caravan as-well, but it was so quiet, with no other dogs around, I slept all night & never moved.

This morning I ate all my breakfast (which really should have been last nights tea!) & even had a drink too - although I'm not quite sure what toast is yet! I'm still not sure about the awning, but I managed to do a 'belly crawl' in there on my own, straight onto my bed near the fire - I think I am going to enjoy living here with my new family xxx

What will the weather do today?

We can't see the Brecon Beacons from the site office again today. Also the 'hippo' has lost it's head too! What will the weather have in store for us today I wonder?

Sad News

Last week we had to have Jess, our 14.5 year old border collie put to sleep after another mini stroke. She had one 12 months earlier & we both said that if she ever had another we sort of knew what the outcome would be. It happened so quickly (24 hours previous she was he normal happy bounding around self) and we are still getting used to her not being around. After having dogs permanently for the last 22 years this last week has been so very empty - but I'm sure in time things will start to feel normal again.

Circular Walk via Brynich Loch

 Yesterday we did a lovely 5 mile circular walk along the Brecon Canal and the banks of the River Usk.
 Obviously, after such a tiring journey a couple of pints in the Three Horse Shoes Pub on the way back were called for. ST will hopefully concur.

On duty last night

Whilst on duty last night the bell rang while we were eating our dinner. Carl promptly got up - fell over Jess, kicked our electric convector fire across the awning & then flattened it when he stood on it with his size 12's. Not only did he blow our electrics, but next doors as well!

Pandy Caravan Club Site

We arrived at Pandy yest eve & once we were set up Carl prompty took us to the Old Pandy inn, which is 50 yards away!

Today the weather is sunny, if a little breezy. But we are having a lovey time at Pandy. Just about to cook a fry up for lunch - nothing quite tastes the same when you are outside!

Devils Bridge & Aberaeron

Yesterday we went for a drive and first we visited Devils Bridge, after coming over the mountain road from Builth Wells, by this time the weather had improved and the views were spectacular. We had our picnic lunch in a tourist spot on the mountain drive - needless to say we were the only ones there - its was great.

Later in the afternoon we ended up at the very pretty village of Aberaeron, with all the lovely pastel coloured houses, it was quite warm at this point, as you can see from our pictures. We also had a visit to one of the local pubs - as you do!!!

First Day Off

We have had wall to wall sunshine since we arrived at Brynich two weeks ago - today ( on our first day off) it's absolutely pouring with rain. I do hope this isn't the shape of things to come...

Dad & Janet @ Brynich

Janet's Dad & Janet arrived at the site on Friday, but since the first day was soooo busy we didn't really see them that much. So we made up for it last night, when we went to the Three Horseshoes @ Groesffordd, which was just fabulous - trouble was we forgot about loosing the hour for BST, some of us were suffering with bad heads today - Ahh well we never learn!

Back To Reality

Its our last day off today before the site opens for the season tomorrow. We arrived here at Brynich week last sunday and every day since we have all been working hard to get the site ready for 25th March, we now have muscles where we didn't know we had them (again!)

At the last count we had 67 due to arrive tomorrow, so a nice busy day will be in store for us all. We are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and having a great season with Les & Maria (the Wardens) , Tom and Mel (Virgin Assistant Wardens) and Alan and Margo the new shop managers.

Watch this space for further exciting installments from Brynich...

Resident Owl at Grafham Water Site

On site there is a North American Great Horned Owl which has 'lived' here for quite some time, along with a semi tame wood pigeon. The latter is feed by a local resident - who apparently feeds it chicken every day, no wonder it doesn't stray far - it has also lived here for over 10 years & it is getting rather fat now!

These owls hunt at night by waiting on a high perch and swooping down on their prey, which can vary greatly based on opportunity, as last night when Carl was returning to the caravan, the owl decided Carl's silly hat resembled at 'tall rabbit' and promptly swooped down to try & kill it. Carl had to change his underpants when he got back inside the van, lol !

Duxford Imperial War Museum

Today we had a trip to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, which is perhaps best know as one of the world's leading aviation museums, there are also tanks, vehicles and naval exhibits on display. One of the main attractions, which Carls spent hours at, was the Lockheed SR71 Blackbird. See picture above.

Grafham Water Caravan Club Site

We arrived here @ lunch time & the site is very picturesque - complete with resident duck pond & outside swimming pool : which I don't think we will be using, but only because we have no swim wear, lol!

Getting ready to leave

We will be leaving Common's Wood in Welwyn Garden City tomorrow morning en-route to Grafham Water nr Huntingdon & will be staying there until the Caravan Club Conference which starts on the 7th March 2011.

Our 2 months of holiday is nearly over & we cant believe how fast it seems to have gone. We may have a trip to Cambridge this week, so keep checking out our blog to see what we get up to this week!

Pudding after Sunday Lunch - Yummy

I asked Carl to remind me NOT to eat anything else tonight, he replied 'Remind me not to eat anything tomorrow', lol!

Bourton-On-The-Water

Yesterday we had a trip out to Stow-On-the-Wold & Bourton-On-The-Water. Both villages are extremely pretty and seem to be typical Colts-wold villages. We went to the model village in Bourton, which is a 1/9th scale of the actual village - which also the model village in the model village. See our photo's for an idea of the scale.

Morton-In-Marsh

We arrived safely in the Colts-wolds this afternoon. We decided to have a walk into the village & of course a visit to the local pub, but there had been a power cut earlier & they were serving free cheese, pineapple & pickles with all drinks served, result or what!!!

Brecon

We arrived safely yesterday lunch time & managed to pick of sofa & chairs for our awning for the coming season.

We had a 'few' drinks in some of the many bars in the town, followed by a delicious Indian - I think we will be going there again.

Also last night, we played on the XBox Connect, which is just fab - no Nun Chucks to worry about throwing through the front window. For those of you who know Carl, know exactly what I mean, lol!

Last night at Chirk

It's our last night at Lady Margarets Park tonight, as tomorrow we head off to Brecon for a couple of nights to drop some gear off.
Hopefully we will find someone who wants to get rid of a sofa, so we can put this in our awning whilst we working at Brecon!

Ellesmere in Shropshire

We went to Ellesmere today & had a lovely walk around 'The Mere'. The weather picked up after lunch & the sun tried to break though, although it stayed quite cold for most of the day.

Another trip into Llangollen is the order of the day for tomorrow, as they have lots a lovely Bakers & Pastie shops, yummy!

Chirk

Harry Hymer

We have just arrived at Lady Margarets Park Caravan Club Site in Chirk after an easy drive from Llanrwst. Again the weather is great, lovely sunshine but a little cool.

I seem to think it may be a 'rugby' afternoon today!

Jess

Jess, looking for Carl - Ahh

Llanrwst in North Wales

We arrived, eventually at Bron Derw in Llanrwst on Sunday 6th Feb 2011 - we were delayed by nearly two hours as the A470 was blocked, both ways, due to flooding - 5 miles from our destination, so we had a two hour detour, which we were overly impressed about, so a lazy day was in-store for the Monday.
Tuesday saw us drive into Betws y Coed to have a little wander around the town - it was nice to be able to walk around without too many visitors. We then had a drive down the A470 towards Ffestiniog, the weather was just beautiful - no breeze & lovely warm sunshine. Heading towards Beddgelert we then drove through the valley nr Bethania & up towards Snowdon. (There will be photo's to follow - but only when we have an internet speed greater than GPRS!)
On Wednesday we went upto Conwy & visited the castle, which was great, we were blessed with lovely weather again. In the afternoon we strolled around the town & bought the biggest vanilla slices you have ever seen, yep they were yummy too.
Thursday we had a relaxing stroll down the river, although the weather was a little cooler it was still very pleasant.
Today is another relaxing one, just getting things packed away ready to depart tomorrow for Chirk, nr Wrexham.

Carl has hurt his back

Just what I need when we are on holiday - Yesterday whilst attempting to empty the caravans waste master he twisted funny and now he can hardly walk. Talk about moan and groan - cant say too much as he will read this post too, lol. At least he says it is slightly better than yesterday, that's no good to me - I mean who is gonna go to the launderette today!!!

Birthday Party

It's Lisa's birthday today (Janet's Lil Sis) & we are all going to an Italian in Colne for a meal and we really looking forward to it.

Back In Lancashire

Finally we arrived back home on Tue 18th Jan 2011 and we are here until early Feb, where we then travel into North Wales to start our mini tour before conference starts in March. Temperatures here have been below freezing pretty much since we arrived, but we haven't had a problems with frozen water in the caravan - only the grey waste outlet - so no too bad there! Our social life is very hectic at the moment - trying to see everybody whilst we are here - our calendar has never been so full!