When it rains, look for rainbows

Oh this weather..!  Am I allowed to swear?!  Eek!  

I feel this is a perfect moment to pay tribute to the loyal and lovely campers who have braved the weather during this past week or two.  The fields have been busy and the atmosphere has been absolutely wonderful, despite the rather damp conditions the holiday spirit has thrived.  We’ve had numerous reports of a thoroughly relaxing time spent here at Sparkhayes, along with new friendships formed, new places explored, new ales sampled, haha!  A definite aid in this unhelpful weather is our covered 'chill-out' area, where you can relax, observe and converse with others.

I had a particularly memorable evening when collecting the camping money last week.  The late afternoon sun was warm (yes, it was a dry afternoon!) and it was conducive to watching the children play with new friends, their imaginations creating all sorts of intriguing things, including a bug hotel.  I was particularly impressed with their ingenuity, using a shoe to transport water for example (sorry mum and dad!).  Wine was offered (thank you Elouise) and food – no I dare not eat up your precious supplies!  Such a relaxing and friendly place to be; four hours later, we finished collecting the camping money.  

What is there to do this week in Porlock Vale (or nearby)?  Too much to list, but I’ll try.  There’s Dunster Country Fair (see previous post) on Wednesday 29 July, there’s an exhibition of Minehead-based photographers at the Beach Hotel in Minehead from 31 July to 12 August (Prints available for purchase. Free admission. Open daily:  11am – 6pm except on the opening night 31 July: 7pm – 10pm).  Then there’s a family fun day at Wimbleball Lake on Saturday 1 August, along with the open day of the Culbone Stone, an ancient standing stone high above us up Porlock Hill.  On Sunday 2 August take your pooch along to Bossington Dog Show and hopefully win a rosette! Then look forward to Porlock Country Fair on Sunday 9 August and, on the same day, the annual Raft Race in Minehead – for those with the stamina it’s possible to do both and make this a hugely entertaining day out! This is just a little flavour of what’s on in the area at the moment.  Email us for more ideas if you’re stuck or, if you’re in the area, pop in to the excellent Porlock Visitor Centre, they’re always full of great ideas.

I can’t finish without sending a HUGE thank you to Justin and Louise Rodden for this incredible picture of a rainbow (I think actually a double rainbow if you look carefully) stretching over Sparkhayes camp site.  The weather might be a little too soggy for our liking but it does have beautifully colourful advantages…