Oh what a luvverly summer… 1

OK, so this is gonna be a long post. Been somewhat remiss about blogging as has been pointed out to me… but only because I’ve been oot and aboot enjoying the summer while it lasts.

Early September saw us in Woolacombe Devon, for a great week in the camper van, and visiting friends en route in Bristol and other bits of Devon.

Our first campsite in Devon was something of a disappointment to say the least, so we only stayed the one night… fortunately there was another lovely site down the road.

One thing you can say about this bit of Devon is they sure know how to do a sunset…

The  views from the coastal paths are pretty stunning taking in wide and sandy, replete with dunes …

… Interesting rock formations hosting pretty little rock gardens…

… Big sea views like this one from Baggy Point, Croyde Bay…

…Hardy goats clinging to the cliff tops…

…And colourful beach huts…

After Devon, a few of us had a lovely overnight camp in the New Forest with Bikes to take part in a cycling event. Unlike the last time, we actually almost managed to do the long (60 mile) route we’d signed up for. In the event, we were a bit late starting (none of us particularly being morning people), and by the time we set off, route signs had been taken down and we had to settle for the medium route (c45 miles). We’ll have another go at the long one next year and perhaps it will be third time lucky…

Another gorgeous late summer day took us  on a walk to London’s Olympic Park. As well as the lovely meadows that had been planted, and trees just starting to show their beautiful autumn colours, we came across these weird looking mushrooms which I was later reliably informed are ink caps. Which go from looking like this…

… to this

… to this

Bizarre! and slightly discomfiting… There was me thinking they were at least 3 different species.

On a completely different note… Also took in a great night of South African Jazz courtesy of a fantastic performance by Joyce Mohololagae as part of the London African Music Festival.

The second set was a particularly lively affair with some classic choons like Miriam Makeba’s Click Song.

Most recently it’s been another trip up in the camper van to see a mate in Todmorden on the Yorkshire / Lancashire border.

The 14 hour round trip in often crawling motorway traffic was well worth it for the beautiful drive over the tops, lovely walk and countryside, and best of all, a good old catch up with fab friends. The wildlife was a little unexpected at times and more reminiscent of our trip to Australia in the spring…

So that brings us bang up to date, and apparently there’s still a bit more summer to come. Bring it on!!