Croyde, Devon: Aug. 4-7th
We got an early start to Croyde Bay from Compton thanks to Hannah who woke us up promptly at 6 am! I used the new Ocean & Earth straps to tie the boards to Flash (easy!) and then we were away with Ryan and Lara following up in their own car. We travelled the A303 route and made good progress, stopping at Cartgate picnic area for an hour to feed Hannah, until we got to Barnstaple. Traffic was terrible then (about 1 pm), so we parked up at the Homebase for Hannah to feed again (!) and to grab some lunch. Unfortunately, when it came to leaving the bus wouldn't start. Figured it was the same problem as went the starter jammed at Membury Services, so Ryan and I rocked it back and forward while in gear. Didn't work this time though, but being so close to the surf we couldn't bail. Gave Bob a call at work and he suggested bump starting her, so got Lauren to shove it into second, coralled another pair of hands and got it going that way! Drove straight on through to Cherry Tree Farm and left Flash running until we chosen a place to pitch.
Quentin and family were there, and he showed us a good spot on a bit of incline (in case I had to bump start again) with a view of the sea. It was a pretty spot with plenty of space and simple, but clean, facilities. Quentin was really welcoming and everyone in his family made a good impression. He helped me set up the our new Reimo XL awning and it was magnificently huge, with a super little inner tent where we set up Hannah's travel cot.
After that I grabbed my board and hit the surf. Tide was going out, surf about waist high and clean, so nice conditions to get back into it. I didn't stay in long and then Lauren went out.
Over the next few days we surfed early am and late pm, usually on a lowering tide. While one of us was out, the other looked after Hannah, which worked pretty well. Surf improved over the weekend with some excellent sessions. Got some video of Lauren and she also went out without a wetsuit on the last day! I had super session on the Sunday pm. Hit the water about 7.30 pm, clean surf about chest-high with bigger sets sweeping in regularly. Caught some great rides and while in the line up had a spectacular view of setting sun!
On the Saturday, tried starting Flash. Nothing happened again, so broke out John Muir's bible and got under the van! Turns out that the solenoid was rusty, so after testing the contacts I banged it with a hammer a few times. Amazingly, it started first time! One less thing to worry about when we head for Eire!
Ryan and Lara did some body boarding and built a great sand castle. We also all enjoyed a nice night out at the Blue Groove with Hannah in the travel chair. On Monday afternoon, Lauren and I packed up and hit off for home (Ryan and Lara stayed on for a couple more days). Lauren drove through light traffic after refueling and lunch in Barnstaple and we made great time, back to Compton in 3.5 hours.
Quentin and family were there, and he showed us a good spot on a bit of incline (in case I had to bump start again) with a view of the sea. It was a pretty spot with plenty of space and simple, but clean, facilities. Quentin was really welcoming and everyone in his family made a good impression. He helped me set up the our new Reimo XL awning and it was magnificently huge, with a super little inner tent where we set up Hannah's travel cot.
After that I grabbed my board and hit the surf. Tide was going out, surf about waist high and clean, so nice conditions to get back into it. I didn't stay in long and then Lauren went out.
Over the next few days we surfed early am and late pm, usually on a lowering tide. While one of us was out, the other looked after Hannah, which worked pretty well. Surf improved over the weekend with some excellent sessions. Got some video of Lauren and she also went out without a wetsuit on the last day! I had super session on the Sunday pm. Hit the water about 7.30 pm, clean surf about chest-high with bigger sets sweeping in regularly. Caught some great rides and while in the line up had a spectacular view of setting sun!
On the Saturday, tried starting Flash. Nothing happened again, so broke out John Muir's bible and got under the van! Turns out that the solenoid was rusty, so after testing the contacts I banged it with a hammer a few times. Amazingly, it started first time! One less thing to worry about when we head for Eire!
Ryan and Lara did some body boarding and built a great sand castle. We also all enjoyed a nice night out at the Blue Groove with Hannah in the travel chair. On Monday afternoon, Lauren and I packed up and hit off for home (Ryan and Lara stayed on for a couple more days). Lauren drove through light traffic after refueling and lunch in Barnstaple and we made great time, back to Compton in 3.5 hours.
posted by Papa Jauss at
12:48
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