Summertime

​Wow, it’s been too long since my last post, doesn’t time fly?!  I hate to use excuses but my second child arrived in the middle of July and provided no small distraction..!  Once I’d recovered from the initial exertion, we set off to North Wales and gave him his first taste of camping, followed by climbing to the summit of Snowdon.  At three weeks of age, we wonder if he’s the youngest to scale this beautiful mountain but can only find information for those who’ve managed it on their own two feet.  Anyway, we then set up camp at a local festival and relaxed there for a few days and now we’re home and back in harness, so to speak. 
 
So you know what I’ve been up to and why I’ve been a bit delayed with my news.  What has been happening in Porlock?  Well the season has been going fantastically well at Sparkhayes, despite the sometimes unhelpful British weather (nothing new there).  Phil has been as hectic as ever with his mower, his rubbish-empyting rounds and of course a measure of socialising… it’s always great to meet our campers.  We’re gearing up for the busiest weekend of the year, the August bank holiday weekend, which is always popular so if you’re staying with us you’re advised to arrive as early as possible and please note, all the electric hooks up are now booked so there probably won’t be any available on spec.
 
If you’re in Porlock this weekend and feeling fit, the annual ‘Fun Run’ takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, starting from the rec and proceeding in a circular route around the village.  Some debate how fun it actually is and I can vouch for the unpleasantness of the initial long, slow climb but the descent that follows down Doverhay feels lovely.  A good way of working off all those cream teas and the Sunday roast..! 
 
If you’re visiting instead during the following weeks, you could catch the last in the series of walks on Porlock Marsh on Friday 2 September: Join a Heritage Walk Leader on a walk to discover the history and formation of the Porlock Bay landscape and how this has affected the village and the surrounding area.  Booking essential, time: 10.30 to 1.00pm, venue: Meet at Porlock Visitor Centre. TA24 8QD Price: Free but donations welcome, contact: Porlock Visitor Centre 01643 863150.
 
On 8 September a walk is being guided along the Coleridge Way by a member of the Exmoor Society, to the magical location of Culbone. Here you will be rewarded with spectacular views and a nosey around England’s smallest church.  The steep hills might be a bit muddy so bring suitable footwear and waterproofs, plus a picnic. Dogs on leads welcome. No need to book, just turn up.  Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm  Venue: Meet at Porlock Weir car park TA24 8PD (parking fee)  Price: No charge - small donation appreciated from non-members of the Exmoor Society, for more info contact: 01398 323335.
 
And of course there’s Porlock Carnival on Saturday 3 September – if you haven’t seen it before then come along, it’s going to be hilarious...!  More about this next time.. for now there is a tiny babe needing a new nappy (again).  We’re both looking forward to seeing you at Sparkhayes soon!