New Forest – Friday 17th March : Sunday 19th March
Last Christmas we were given a camping site voucher from my daughter. This was for use at one of the New Forest camp sites. and with improving weather on the horizon we chose this w/e to try it out. Now I have crossed the New Forest many, many times in a car (most recently for Fords), tramped over parts of it with schools teams on their DoE but never actually camped there. This then was going to be something new for us both.
Friday 17 March
With Kaz often working late during the week Brit Stops are ideal for us as a first nights stop over. It allows us to take our time and sort ourselves out for the w/e. Also we were advised not to arrive in the dark at the campsite as there are no lights around the site. We did stop at Tesco on the way to collect some bits and then on down to East Boldre in the New Forest where we were staying at The Turfcutters Arms. This roved to be great choice with a warm welcome, roaring fires and real ale. The food was brill too and Kaz tucked into Fish n Chips and my pub favourite of Liver and Bacon with Mustard Mash.
Saturday 18 March
First thing in the morning we took The Boys for a walk in the Forest. This was so easy as the entrance to it was by the side of the pub. The ground was rather wet and boggy as it had rained hard during the night although neither of us had been bothered by the noise on the roof. It did not take us long to get to the camp site at Stretthorns Enclosure. The views from the cab are excellent and you tend to see far more being higher up. An easy check in at the entrance and then we were trundled around the various areas to find a spot. Actually we were spoilt for choice as the site was not too busy. It also does not have any toilet blocks so we think that explains why. Being in such a wooded enclosure the wild life was a joy to watch during our stay. However we did miss a great rugby match on the tv as the signal could not penetrate through the trees, still we heard it on the radio! Before turning in for the night and it became too dark we took The Boys for a walk around the site and along the railway cutting that divides the site.
Sunday 19 March
In the morning The Boys had a long walk with me while Kaz did some school stuff. As we set off we immediately came across three deer, fortunately The Boys did not notice. This time we walked along the old railway lone again but in the other direction. Later in the day we had a lovely drive home across the Forest with the sun shining down on us.
Although not a long time away from home just being away somewhere new is a holiday in itself.
Dreamin 2 