The Life and Times of this Old Git

Name:
Location: Teignmouth, Devon, United Kingdom

I'm married with two grown up children and four grandchildren, My wife of 47 years is Sue and we are the same age. My two children are Pamela (blogging occasionly under Pam-bigbustybikerbaby.blogspot.com and Roy,who was recently Paralysed from the waist down due to an Absys on his Spine. My 4 grandchildren are (oldest first) Gavin, Hayley, Thomas,and Zoe. Sue and I are both retired and we're disabled too, her with a badly Arthritic back and spine, me with lung (COPD) and Heart problems.I have always loved Fishing (all sorts) Sue started fishing with me about 8 years ago, now she really enjoys it too. We both love m'cycles and m'cycling, Sue owns and rides her own bike which is a Custom 1981 250 Honda.I own a 1979 Honda CX500. We are both members of this motorcycle club ( view or join our club on http://www.cx-gl.org.uk/) or see my blog post Dec 2007 blog "Getting old, never", of course we're badly resticted now due to our illness, only riding in really good weather.Just over three years ago we lost our best friend and Baby Mojo the border Collie, Gone but never forgotten. Please feel free to use any of our photo's but do let me know you have used them, thank you.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

A WEEKEND AWAY.

As the few of you out there who regularly read this blog probably know, we bought an old trailer tent a couple of months ago. So after quite a few repairs, waterproofing and fine adjustments we were ready for a trial. Next month we are hoping to be able to go to the CX500 (Motorcycle) Rally which this year is held in Walcott, Norfolk. So, as its 300+ miles (480+ kms) away, we thought a local trial run would be the order of the day. After browsing loads of local campsites we decided on "Cofton Country" between Dawlish and Starcross here in South Devon. This site is only around 6 miles from us and has 5 fishing lakes, a pub with regular live entertainment, a restaurant, a well stocked shop, a swimming pool, a chip shop etc etc, all set in 85 acres of open Devon Countryside. A picture of the the camping area (borrowed from their brochure) is shown below.More information is available here http://www.coftonholidays.co.uk/about/.
Click on any picture to enlarge it.
This picture here is of the heated outdoor swimming pool, alongside is the shallow kiddies paddling pool,they are both supervised by a lifeguard at all times, this allows for family peace of mind. The building shown is the main reception area, shop, pub, restaurant, toilets etc.
The picture below shows just how close its possible to locate a caravan/awning or trailer tent to the 5 lakes.
Here is the tent up and ready to go, notice the hard standing, this is made up of old road Tarmac ground up and is an ideal base as strong pegs can still be used.
Sue couldn't resist a quick picture of me as I'm unsuspecting and looking the other way.You can see on this picture the pegs have a healthy gap in between each one.
This was taken just after getting up on the first morning, it shows the beds either side and the centre table with my night breathing gear. Under the table is a fully fused box which connects to the mains and has three outlets.
This picture shows the large windows and curtains that Sue made. Rod bags are on the floor behind the table, the groundsheet (we guessed the size) was just about a foot short all round.
This was, as the picture shows the kitchen area, we also had a fridge (on the left)+ an electric kettle and a Toaster, all mod cons eh. In the bottom left hand corner is my oxygen making machine (called a concentrator). The camp site is family run and has been since it opened 20 or more years ago, this shows with the thought put into it.The owners and family are regularly seen working around the site and shop.Their are three sets of showers/toilet/ blocks and two extra sets of toilets plus 5 chemical disposal points around the site, each of these has an outdoor (under cover) utensil washing area. As well as Camping it also has both Static and touring van areas. Also available are all year seasonal caravan pitches, holiday chalets and cottages too. The five Coarse fishing lakes contain quite a mixed head of fish and fished reasonably well both days we fished, my only very minor criticism would be about children running, shouting, riding scooters etc around the fishing lakes, (I did not get out my £300 pole for fear of it being trodden on) but I know this is very difficult to police I appreciate that.
As far as cleanliness and friendliness goes this site is second to none, staff put themselves out for each and everyone who come here. Me being disabled they asked if we needed any assistance of any sort and told me to sort out a peg area that suited us.
All in all this is a superb family site that both Sue and I would highly recommend to anyone without question, in fact, we will be back. Last but not least I thought the tarrifs were very very reasonable, with reductions for pensioners /disabled too.
For some reason known only to blogger, it refuses to allow me to put any text or joke of the day below this picture, so my apologies.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

BRAUNTON BURROWS (DEVON).

Last Sunday started off really well so we thought we would get a walk in before the weather changed again. After trying for ages to think of a walk that wasn't too far away, we settled on Braunton burrows. The burrows as they are are known, are a large series of sand dunes at the rear of Sauntons three miles of golden sands, these Burrows reputedly got their name from the thousands of Rabbits living and burrowing here.The Burrows themselves are reputed to be the largest expanse of dunes in the UK, these cover over 1,000 hectares. At the farthest point from Saunton the dunes turn the corner at "Crow point". This is where the sea changes to estuary and where the rivers Taw and Torridge join the sea. Just a few hundred yards across the estuary lies the fishing village of "Appledore" a little further round is "Instow".
This area actually stands on a peninsula, so it was not hard to see why American forces were trained here during the war.This was easy to cut off from prying eyes during the build up and training of troops ready for the "Normandy" landings. It is said as many as 70 or 80 landing craft with crews were amassed here, during one training sessions 21 American soldiers lost their lives.To make it easy to transport all these troops, craft, ammunition and supplies they built a road through these dunes, this is still in use and is known as the "Yankie" road.This road although not of Tarmac was built to withstand the heavy vehicles used for conveying amphibious landing craft (Ducks) and supplies, so is still there today although fairly pottholed. At the end of this road is an open flat area of beach where the "Ducks" entered and left the sea. Also here there is a slatted wooden footpath around half a mile long, this path goes right through the dunes to the sea. Although doing a search I have been unable to find when this was built, I know it has been in existence since at least the mid 60s when I first visited the dunes. It would make sense to think it was built in wartime to allow troops to move easily across these difficult to cross dunes, although that is only supposition on my part.One thing for sure is whosoever built it must have really struggled doing it.
Please click on any photograph to enlarge it.
This picture was taken from the road above Saunton Golf course, these beach huts are close to some hireable chalets and are not part of the dune system protected by a nature Biosphere.
This picture shows was again taken from the edge of the road overlooking the dune system.These dunes are Protected by a being a Nature Reserve and a Unesco Biosphere site, this is because of the amount of Flora (400 types) Insects, Birds and Animals here.
Part of the Dune system taken from half way along the "Yankie" road, the sea in the distance also a glimpse of the beach at "Appledore".
Its a shame the sun refused to shine for this shot of the end of the road, this is where its possible to access the beach by vehicle (restricted of course). This view was taken when the tide was fully out.
A view the short distance across the estuaries to "Appledore"beach, again at low water of course.
Here we are at the very start of the wooden path, this shows the path disappearing into the distance.
We took this picture around half the way along the path, it gives you an idea how difficult it must have been to build.
Nearing the end now, you can see the beach and sea from here.
Its a pity that vehicles are now stopped from going more than a third of the way along the "Yankie" road as its quite a walk to to reach this path (600yards), in the 60s and 70s you could drive right up to a car park at "Crow Point". We used to own a camper van and often spent the day in between a couple of grassy banks Picnicking, sunbathing etc.From "Braunton" (reputedly Britain's biggest village) there is also a "Toll road"which leads alongside the Estuary to a car park on the edge of the "Burrows", this road has some lovely views from the top of its high banks and in places overlooks the Airfield at "Chivenor". To get more views of this area do click on this link to BBC footage.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/panoramas/braunton_burrows_360.shtml

Joke of the day.

Yesterday I went into a Public Toilet I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying: 'Hi, how are you?'

I'm not the type to start a conversation in the restroom and I don't know what got into me, but I answered, somewhat embarrassed,
'Doin' just fine!'

And the other person says:
'So what are you up to?'

What kind of question is that? At that point, I'm thinking this is too bizarre so I say:
'Uhhh, I'm like you, just traveling!'

At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question.
'Can I come over?'

Ok, this question is just too weird for me but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell them
'No..No I'm a little busy right now!!!'

Then I hear the person say nervously...
'Listen, I'll have to call you back
. There's a bloody idiot in the next stall who keeps answering all my questions

Cell phones, don't you just love them.




Monday, April 14, 2008

BAGGY POINT WALK, CROYDE BAY.

Last week while at our caravan we were joined for a few days by our friend Sue Cockerham. Sue's husband Steve delivered her and their caravan down on site but was unable to stay himself due to work commitments. Sue a deputy head schoolmistress came to the van for peace and quiet while marking end of term school reports. During the week she joined us for an evening or two's drink in the pub, also accompanying us on a couple of walks too. On Friday the weather forecast looked fair so a walk to "Baggy Point" at Croyde was then decided upon. The point lies at the far end of Croyde (N Devon) and is around a mile each way I suppose. We took our car and drove to the National trust car park at the end of Moor lane, from here we started the walk. Below as we started the walk, just a few hundred yards from the car park, you can just see the Point in the background. Please click on any picture to enlarge it.
The picture below shows the narrowish cliff or coastal path, here about a third of the way.
This picture shows one of the moments when it went quite dark and threatened rain although thank goodness it didn't.
The picture below shows the view when looking back nearly at the point, thats Croyde and Downend in the distance.
Below at the point, there are several little paths running from this point out on to little outcrops, though sadly we forgot to take pictures. On good (especially in Summer) days you will sometimes find 7 or 8 parties of Climbers/Abseilers here all around these virtually sheer cliff faces.
Below our friend Sue on one of the paths leading off from the point, just as we were walking away a group of people arrived carrying ropes and climbing gear.
After a short rest on a very well placed bench we climbed the steep hill to the cliff top path. This path runs adjacent to the outward journey, but lies about a hundred feet above it. This picture shows the lovely scenery that abounds on this walk.

So passed an hour or two and gave us all our evercise for the day, shame was the little Cafe we spied near the start of the walk had sadly closed, so NO TEA !!!.
In case you miss us, were back to the van Tuesday for around ten days.

JOKE OF THE DAY.
A doctor in Dublin wanted to get off work and go fishing, so he approached his assistant. 'Murphy, I am going fishing tomorrow and don't want to close the clinic. I want you to take care of the clinic and take care of all me patients'. 'Yes, sir!' answers Murphy.The doctor goes fishing and returns the following day and asks: 'So,Murphy, how was your day?' Murphy told him that he took care of three patients.'The first one had a headache so he did, so I gave him Paracetamol.' 'Bravo Murphy lad, and the second one?' asks the doctor. 'The second one had indigestion and I gave him Gaviscon, so I did sir' says Murphy. 'Bravo, bravo! You're good at this . . . and what about the third one?' asks the doctor. 'Sir, I was sitting here and suddenly the door flies open and a young gorgeous woman borsts in so she does. Like bolt outta the blue, she tears off her clothes, taking off everyting including her bra and her panties and lies down on the table, spreading her legs and shouts: 'HELP ME for the love of St Patrick! For five years I have not seen any man!''
'Tunderin' lard Jesus Murphy, what did you do?' asks the doctor.

'I put drops in her eyes of course'.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

BULL POINT LIGHTHOUSE WALK.

Firstly I would like to thank Jeanette for the "Ewe Rock" award. There are loads of other blogs out there more worthy of an award than mine but thank you anyway. I would also like to thank the few readers out there that stick with me, particularly during the summer months when I only blog maybe once or twice a fortnight, again thanks.
Now the blogs that I am passing this award on to,
1. Martin @ Coombe Martin Life.
2. Bob @ Taxi Tales.
3. Fennella @ Rookes Nest.
4. Peggy @ Day to day life of a very lazy gardener.
5. Daffy @ Approaching 40.
Now down to tonights quick bitsa blog. My last post covered our recent walk to the Light house at Bull Point, Morthoe. As promised this blog follows the return journey along the cliff path.Below this set of 96 steps ascended one of the many and varied inclines on this hard (for us) route.
Please Click on any picture to enlarge it.
Below. At the top of the first hill after leaving the lighthouse, this view looks back and you can just see the tops of the chimneys of the keepers cottages, these cottages all have real open fires, as well as basic central heating, imagine on a windy wet night sitting in front of a roaring fire,with views over the wild ocean what could be better?

Below. This view is looking down on the semi private "Rockham" beach. This beach is really secluded and is reached from the cliff top by a set of 65 steep but hand railed steps.When I say semi private its because the beach lies at least 1.5 miles from the nearest road. The nearest access point is through the "North Morte " caravan/camping site , this is a steep 500 yard climb away.
Notice the coastal path which leads on through to first "Morthoe" then a mile further on the surfing village of "Woolacombe".
Below. We climbed up from the top of "Rockham"steps beach through the lovely "North Morte" camp site, here you have five fields and dozens of acres of beautiful coastal view fields. Before we settled on our present site we spent 12 happy years visiting here at least once sometimes 3-4 times a year. There are fields with electric hook up points and all on hard standings and four huge fields and headlands, where its possible to literally camp alone and on the edge.We camped and brought our camper van on different occasions, the site has a well stocked shop and 30 or 40 static vans for hire, some sleeping 8-9 people. The site has a large childrens play park and a lovelly well mown grass dog walking area.The site owners are really friendly and will do anything to make your stay good if they can (not getting commission by the way).We would probably have been on a seasonal site with them now, if they had a seasonal pitch available a few years ago when we were looking.
Below. A similar view from one of the camp site fields illustrating the views you could wake up to in the mornings !!.

Below. This picture is of one of the caravans on site, notice the hard standing for both caravan and Awning, this is so usefull when the weather is very wet as the entrances can get very very wet and muddy on grass.
As a final note both Sue and I both now have our motorbikes MOT'd, Insured,Taxed, and tested all ready for riding on our return on Tuesday.

JOKE OF THE DAY.

WARNING. THIS JOKE MAY OFFEND SO PLEASE BE WARNED.

Do you recognise any of this?.

Woman

Take off clothes and place them sectioned in laundry basket.
Walk to bathroom wearing long dressing gown.
If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas.
Look at your womanly physique in the mirror - make mental note to do
more sit-ups/leg-lifts, etc.
Get in the shower.
Use face cloth, arm cloth, leg cloth, long loofah, wide loofah and
pumice stone.
Wash your hair once with cucumber and sage shampoo with 43 added vitamins.
Wash your hair again to make sure it's clean Condition your hair with
grapefruit mint conditioner enhanced.
Wash your face with crushed apricot facial scrub for 10 minutes until
red.
Wash entire rest of body with ginger nut and jaffa cake body wash. (
I am currently trying to find where I can purchase this) Rinse conditioner off hair.
Shave armpits and legs.
Turn off shower.
Squeegee off all wet surfaces in shower.
Spray mould spots with Tile cleaner.
Get out of shower.
Dry with towel the size of a small country.
Wrap hair in super absorbent towel.
Return to bedroom wearing long dressing gown and towel on head.
If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas.

Men

Take off clothes while sitting on the edge of the bed and leave them
In a pile.

Walk naked to the bathroom.
If you see wife along the way, shake willy at her making the
'woo-woo' sound.

Look at your manly physique in the mirror.
Admire the size of your willy and scratch your bum.
Get in the shower.
Wash your face.
Wash your armpits.
Blow your nose in your hands and let the water rinse them off.
Fart and laugh at how loud it sounds in the shower.
Spend majority of time washing privates and surrounding area.
Wash your bum, leaving those coarse bum hairs stuck on the soap.
Wash your hair.
Make a Shampoo Mohawk.
Wee.
Rinse off and get out of shower.
Fail to notice water on floor because curtain was hanging out of bath
the whole time.

Admire willy size in mirror again.
Leave shower curtain open, wet mat on floor, light and fan on.
Return to bedroom with towel around waist. If you pass wife, pull off towel, shake Willy at her and make the woo-woo' sound again.

Throw wet towel on bed.