tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30647046673421482542024-03-20T15:41:21.733+00:00Acorns of Lyndhurst out & aboutAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-45402103881190821052017-03-23T18:17:00.000+00:002017-03-23T18:17:25.257+00:00Pub crawl bike ride <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So many of our guests ask us "where do you go at weekends?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, we do try to visit new places frequently so that we can share our experiences, but we do also have some favourite regular places and activities. Bike riding is one of them and I thought it was about time I wrote down our most regular route.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfalW-i-anazoZC6y4tbfoPpJFWVkoPNTEwJsc0l4eKw7mzmRszw5eYJkH7KK1gQWWleJm-FLya6qlZ7dFr6aEHeVBAxQHB-vf9HG8gCExO7OgVJ9ppqU7FVUo31EQHhdPXkkeWXF8shzM/s1600/20170321_130844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfalW-i-anazoZC6y4tbfoPpJFWVkoPNTEwJsc0l4eKw7mzmRszw5eYJkH7KK1gQWWleJm-FLya6qlZ7dFr6aEHeVBAxQHB-vf9HG8gCExO7OgVJ9ppqU7FVUo31EQHhdPXkkeWXF8shzM/s320/20170321_130844.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Starting from <a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/">Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B</a> we head left down the one way system (Shrubbs Hill) to the forks at the bottom, which is called Goose Green, cross over the green to the Brockenhurst road (A337). A couple of 100 yards along on the left you come to Beechen Lane with the <a href="http://www.midforestvets.co.uk/">Mid Forest Vets</a> on the corner, cycle down there to the gated end. There are 3 gates, the first (left) heads back towards Lyndhurst via the Beaulieu Road. The 3rd (right) goes to the Crown Stirrup pub on Clay Hill and the middle gate takes you on the official cycle track to Brockenhurst. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLHJwtG0chEisK7h9CRvFqwQ9OY2hyphenhyphenWTRJkuUs3cPmBu5ikZWs2ju4fT9sV4h6gGE69rnNG-aP2t4VO6d_x58eS5weELXW95WHjgV46_ktMcnjE-CzJhihTmQ8qYl-X4-m0yW11_25aYW/s1600/20161009_140305_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLHJwtG0chEisK7h9CRvFqwQ9OY2hyphenhyphenWTRJkuUs3cPmBu5ikZWs2ju4fT9sV4h6gGE69rnNG-aP2t4VO6d_x58eS5weELXW95WHjgV46_ktMcnjE-CzJhihTmQ8qYl-X4-m0yW11_25aYW/s200/20161009_140305_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this blog we are taking the middle gate & this is a circular route ending back in Lyndhurst High Street which if you just cycled it without stopping its about an hour & a half cycle (with children). Obviously if you choose the pub crawl version it takes as long as it takes you to visit each of the pubs, and no we don't actually visit all of them. The whole thing is about 10 miles but when you have all day it's easy, even the kids do it. Remember to keep looking around you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and you should definitely see ponies but maybe even deer & in the Autumn some pigs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This part of the route is all within beautiful broad leaf forest and its all clean gravel cycle tracks. So following this fairly straight bit of cycle track (that does have a couple of hills) to the end, there is a gate on the right hand side - post no. 281. Go down the hill to post 283 then it pretty much levels out through posts 285, 286, 287 & 289. By now you should be at Standing Hat car park. Its down hill again for a bit then it flattens out at the back of Hollands Wood camp site & the Balmer Lawn Hotel. Once you reach the tarmac road, turn right and you will end up at the A337 by the river where on a sunny day everyone stops for a picnic and a paddle.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSWX8f5ml05kzRjDYNjH-khFUpej6QNly0StACZMww29EMwgtixGegbmJJ_CwBL6J5AsJYJOKqMKT11sUz1gWyJLri70Mvsn2T-uIVSVyX9lXCZ5HQEYzWfrP6Pcd__f7KhuExGXEkd54/s1600/20161002_163909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSWX8f5ml05kzRjDYNjH-khFUpej6QNly0StACZMww29EMwgtixGegbmJJ_CwBL6J5AsJYJOKqMKT11sUz1gWyJLri70Mvsn2T-uIVSVyX9lXCZ5HQEYzWfrP6Pcd__f7KhuExGXEkd54/s200/20161002_163909.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When your ready you need to turn left over the bridge and continue into Brockenhurst. The first pub stop along this road is The Hunstman (previously the Rose & Crown) they have a beautiful garden and they serve food all day long. The next pub along is the <a href="http://www.thesnakecatcher.co.uk/">Snakecatcher</a> & again they serve food all day but their garden isn't quite as pretty. Then if you want to squeeze another pub in there is <a href="http://www.forestersarms-brockenhurst.co.uk/">The Foresters</a> which is just behind the cycle hire shop on Brookley Road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once you have had enough drinks here you need to start to slowly make your way back home. First head back along the A337 a little bit, to Meerut Lane, it's just after <a href="http://www.careysmanor.com/">Carey's Manor</a> on the left hand side. Follow this road round past the Cloud Hotel and just before you reach the junction with Rhinefield Road you will see a sandy walking track on the right with a low gate in front. Take this; it cuts across the open meadow past the allotments & leads straight to the other cycle track starting at post no.262. There is a wooden bridge over the river and this is another peaceful place where people stop to enjoy the water, the kids & dogs in particular.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmrcysN790SsDIE1rDAWXcHHsmhN-s9MTRNXNECCTd2BcQXlujQZYjVJE2JnaN2ure2oGDl2XZsu7HbComHTz0tP5q2HFMO4F1Jbhe7Qzk2qNVjU6eMmz49BhyW6GWFUmMm0fN8-THmKh/s1600/20161002_164007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmrcysN790SsDIE1rDAWXcHHsmhN-s9MTRNXNECCTd2BcQXlujQZYjVJE2JnaN2ure2oGDl2XZsu7HbComHTz0tP5q2HFMO4F1Jbhe7Qzk2qNVjU6eMmz49BhyW6GWFUmMm0fN8-THmKh/s200/20161002_164007.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9M_WLE4u5LSQ2SY6-eJG2aJgKr6pu9Xw2sGKnzNoBq2Dt7lM12h3qN0WT9OPgX_9fVQ6Lvt24UBpV0v_FAlV1JVGpUc9MBqeY9BgvgH_ajhJbFejdzJ6k_XPX4ZaZA35Z0U60yA4ujHT/s1600/20161002_164229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9M_WLE4u5LSQ2SY6-eJG2aJgKr6pu9Xw2sGKnzNoBq2Dt7lM12h3qN0WT9OPgX_9fVQ6Lvt24UBpV0v_FAlV1JVGpUc9MBqeY9BgvgH_ajhJbFejdzJ6k_XPX4ZaZA35Z0U60yA4ujHT/s200/20161002_164229.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then continue on through the gate on the other side and take the track veering off to the left - post no.260. This part is also through broad leaf forest and it goes round the back of New Park. Continue along this track through post no. 258 & 257, after that gate you will start to climb a very, very, long, hard hill - it is a killer but when you make it to the top, it feels amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now you really do deserve another drink and thankfully there is a lovely pub just down the hill in Bank. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio21JXVaoEg_HPq2foZSsl34z3-5hhVWUNVq5Rrnx6U3x3m6FrXbC2WrEgaKsWGp3Yiyo-OYvKpxLrBscM5wzofBgf-GK7Gv8rcdwbi0vyoUIK7VFv00Ay_ae1D5cxutq7IR39TUxypQIn/s1600/%257E1490290196%257E20150510_154629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio21JXVaoEg_HPq2foZSsl34z3-5hhVWUNVq5Rrnx6U3x3m6FrXbC2WrEgaKsWGp3Yiyo-OYvKpxLrBscM5wzofBgf-GK7Gv8rcdwbi0vyoUIK7VFv00Ay_ae1D5cxutq7IR39TUxypQIn/s320/%257E1490290196%257E20150510_154629.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Coming out of the gate at the top of that awful hill you join Pinkney Lane, head left follow it all the way down until you see the <a href="http://www.oakinnlyndhurst.co.uk/">The Oak</a> pub on the left. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take as long as you like here it is a lovely place and they too serve food all day. Eventually you need to continue along that road until it joins the A35 Christchurch Road. You need to cross over here and get on the footpath heading right, back towards Lyndhurst. Unfortunately there is another steep hill to climb but it is the penultimate one. At the bottom on the right hand side you'll see <a href="http://www.theswanlyndhurst.co.uk/">The Swan</a> pub. They have a good size garden with a kids play area but it is roadside so can get noisy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nearly done now as your already on the edge of Lyndhurst. Cross over to the pavement on the other side as its safer and head right up the final hill and into Lyndhurst High Street. It's up to you now how many more pub stops you make but the first one is the <a href="https://www.crownhotel-lyndhurst.co.uk/">Crown Hotel</a>. We normally go straight onto <a href="http://www.foxandhoundslyndhurst.co.uk/">The Fox & Hounds</a>, who have a lovely big patio area and quite often entertainment. Then carrying on further you have <a href="http://lwmc.club/">The Workmens Club</a>, <a href="http://www.stag-hotel.co.uk/">The Stag Hotel</a> and right at the bottom <a href="http://www.mailmans-arms.co.uk/">The Mailmans.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are a few variations you can do to this route but it gives you a good idea of what you can do on a nice day in the forest. If you give it a go - I hope you enjoy it as much as we do and we will look forward to hearing about it when you get back; either to us or by reading your comments on my blog. If you need to hire a bike dont worry, our friends at <a href="https://www.thewoodscyclery.co.uk/">The Woods Cyclery</a> will be more than happy to help.</span><br />
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MelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-18544943037698967852017-01-28T10:16:00.000+00:002017-01-28T10:16:51.555+00:00Costa Rica - Pura Vida <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2vzBQEF-EInWa5xN_V0qk97CNrGL37Zl5uNNxCLm5bWNjEcbwdoXU097A24hOZDHwQLodecfYNfKcCnFvQmoEZaiixk6NqHVHaLC9RE1wOIUrKTv9bMa7nEJnhkK9F4eE8U53o2sE8Z7/s1600/20161216_112005_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2vzBQEF-EInWa5xN_V0qk97CNrGL37Zl5uNNxCLm5bWNjEcbwdoXU097A24hOZDHwQLodecfYNfKcCnFvQmoEZaiixk6NqHVHaLC9RE1wOIUrKTv9bMa7nEJnhkK9F4eE8U53o2sE8Z7/s320/20161216_112005_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well what can I say? Costa Rica really does do what it says on the tin; Pura Vida means pure life and it definitely is. Whatever it is your looking for in a vacation I'm certain that Costa Rica has it. It's hard to explain in words exactly what it is about this small Central American country but it just grabs you by the heart. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkJ5Uj6SA89LFmrMkSslMWGKLti4_LUNG0sRvpkxrti0Ui6S-1mQJ_P6dtly7yRHwSDDWSAeBRBpkzW_lruu4HomBMjaRlb7MEBYkP3Dsd7xoLFlT_jUvhzI_BXq4RM3WHPtoZR9wUfLZ/s1600/20161226_092104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I could go on & on for hours but I'll try to keep it brief......</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrr03agtL6pI7kkDjcnw4UQC1g2W8l_Go2sVGUWQuopwHBnnelhnb1jOLlS24xM2f5llJbEGstuJ4ecrQtHj47RMdB7RyKX_CzajBAsTaMu4Jc_uvjXuzwtQqs-wXwrWGthp8cFz9AWJA/s1600/20161218_100840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrr03agtL6pI7kkDjcnw4UQC1g2W8l_Go2sVGUWQuopwHBnnelhnb1jOLlS24xM2f5llJbEGstuJ4ecrQtHj47RMdB7RyKX_CzajBAsTaMu4Jc_uvjXuzwtQqs-wXwrWGthp8cFz9AWJA/s200/20161218_100840.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For us, this was a very last minute decision with hardly any prior knowledge of the country at all, but just a real need & desire to get away to find some sunshine and enjoy some local activities. After reading a little bit about the place I decided to go for it! I booked a 2 week all inclusive holiday to Costa Rica for the 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 children (12 & 7). We arrived on the 12th Dec and departed on the 26th Dec, so we had Christmas day out there which really was lovely.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkJ5Uj6SA89LFmrMkSslMWGKLti4_LUNG0sRvpkxrti0Ui6S-1mQJ_P6dtly7yRHwSDDWSAeBRBpkzW_lruu4HomBMjaRlb7MEBYkP3Dsd7xoLFlT_jUvhzI_BXq4RM3WHPtoZR9wUfLZ/s1600/20161226_092104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkJ5Uj6SA89LFmrMkSslMWGKLti4_LUNG0sRvpkxrti0Ui6S-1mQJ_P6dtly7yRHwSDDWSAeBRBpkzW_lruu4HomBMjaRlb7MEBYkP3Dsd7xoLFlT_jUvhzI_BXq4RM3WHPtoZR9wUfLZ/s200/20161226_092104.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYdOv2rYTuMMQDMfx4r9K8KkCez-jaiK_UkVqAJGB_vXCUjsrCDhZKQGBhbJlnIfRzZhZDCqjHkuvfk-F2ebtfejoTPaes8Qv6X1AYGLDk2lyU5EA4Xv8q2IMs5W1wc6Js4JPtwvVX_vV/s1600/20161218_110550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYdOv2rYTuMMQDMfx4r9K8KkCez-jaiK_UkVqAJGB_vXCUjsrCDhZKQGBhbJlnIfRzZhZDCqjHkuvfk-F2ebtfejoTPaes8Qv6X1AYGLDk2lyU5EA4Xv8q2IMs5W1wc6Js4JPtwvVX_vV/s200/20161218_110550.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our location was Riu Guanacaste on Matapalo beach & it was amazing, can't fault it all. The beautiful gardens led down to the public beach which was never busy. It's a beautiful natural cove with a fairly calm Pacific Ocean rolling on to a dark sandy, very clean beach which we also shared with the Riu Palace next door. There are plenty of things to do from the beach: jet skis, scuba diving, canoeing, paddle boarding, snorkelling, boat trips and also other activities that could be booked from the beach vendors - who I have to say were lovely and very reputable, they took very good care of us at a very reasonable price. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnqNM3PadqxPAjaRQaVirfAHmOJulyDyo3t3pZm4-QI1uihdOLTdLtCM4jvGbqHYPTZuGJLhJF9RGmYuEU3h9jtSU_Ab3tDZLC8Xn1j8o8uUzsTRJW06XjpwE3Cxx48dhKJPT6mtZrfUS/s1600/20161219_091941_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnqNM3PadqxPAjaRQaVirfAHmOJulyDyo3t3pZm4-QI1uihdOLTdLtCM4jvGbqHYPTZuGJLhJF9RGmYuEU3h9jtSU_Ab3tDZLC8Xn1j8o8uUzsTRJW06XjpwE3Cxx48dhKJPT6mtZrfUS/s200/20161219_091941_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X1D36C6azJhGeQmeer0_RS4YUgWcnP1Equu92Lv7PJk5gVdsiCS4hSzH4_Su5oyrTkvjsBIK_Sb9Ref_nXj4XPcDBE_4lf-XqXqqz7LloHdlh8uRuuj8kdHjPuEHEqwaFCiMirXkdO3y/s1600/20161219_091609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X1D36C6azJhGeQmeer0_RS4YUgWcnP1Equu92Lv7PJk5gVdsiCS4hSzH4_Su5oyrTkvjsBIK_Sb9Ref_nXj4XPcDBE_4lf-XqXqqz7LloHdlh8uRuuj8kdHjPuEHEqwaFCiMirXkdO3y/s200/20161219_091609.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We booked 2 activities with them: horse riding & quad biking, and would have done a lot more if we had realised sooner. Both these activities were in the forests close by our hotel for ease and they were amazing. We encountered 3 types of Monkeys up close on the horse riding: White faced Capuchin, Howlers, and Spider which was fantastic, then we ended the ride with a canter along the beach which was a real bucket list thing for me, absolutely beautiful as well as funny - we all had a really good </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">giggle, such great memories. Then the quad biking was awesome we drove them through many rivers where we had water up over our knees, through all sorts of terrain in the forest & up to a beautiful waterfall with a deep splash pool at the bottom. We took a break here and the brave jumped into it from the top of the waterfall but unfortunately this was 1 thing I couldn't do - it freaked me out standing at the top. Afterwards we then made our way back through the rivers again - this time a bit more aggressively making way more splashes and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwN1Eg5bdWA8hDJntXkVrPx3Dpp3CkcVY2iouqIk_3Ch4SHwf34v29U27lClvFTDCqwFhTTTgfs6XRyodkcVZr4ZhiCiT7EKhM6BNQU2eSgxD6Q-bGxZ-W1rrXj6THDj11Xypkkj8Q_B4/s1600/%257E1484050964%257EZip+Line+Adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwN1Eg5bdWA8hDJntXkVrPx3Dpp3CkcVY2iouqIk_3Ch4SHwf34v29U27lClvFTDCqwFhTTTgfs6XRyodkcVZr4ZhiCiT7EKhM6BNQU2eSgxD6Q-bGxZ-W1rrXj6THDj11Xypkkj8Q_B4/s200/%257E1484050964%257EZip+Line+Adventure.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just next door to our hotel was an <a href="http://diamanteecoadventurepark.com/en">Eco Adventure Park</a> which is home to the longest ocean view dual zip line in Costa Rica, the Superman. So obviously us 4 being a adrenaline junky family had to give that a go. It's 4,461 feet high, almost a mile long and its fast. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZfdnA3-YzkRRQ-LAEpE6jGjrw0rAf_ZIhlTPLljc5CpRXkiwUNNbIwzGjawj_mA8nZBU1nIOHKyJt4e8MwOkQ42oFN2esL6kDdNRKa4p1ah5mVRp5tZI3CjpbyG3pNGwoVoRay0oJd2a/s1600/%257E1484051427%257EZip+Line+Adventure-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZfdnA3-YzkRRQ-LAEpE6jGjrw0rAf_ZIhlTPLljc5CpRXkiwUNNbIwzGjawj_mA8nZBU1nIOHKyJt4e8MwOkQ42oFN2esL6kDdNRKa4p1ah5mVRp5tZI3CjpbyG3pNGwoVoRay0oJd2a/s200/%257E1484051427%257EZip+Line+Adventure-59.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWoT_prMGX4nbWQVY2wNcyO2Yeo8I1ppO19vL0-lXcoWA7Z1GZ5zN-kGujW8Sy9tycw-nd5pVRykDwksAuwN7H7UeoYxcEV-3V_0MkD08bS_RZBVtnFz9XpPUjg3TCohUFGZ5HccngVq3/s1600/%257E1484051567%257EZip+Line+Adventure-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWoT_prMGX4nbWQVY2wNcyO2Yeo8I1ppO19vL0-lXcoWA7Z1GZ5zN-kGujW8Sy9tycw-nd5pVRykDwksAuwN7H7UeoYxcEV-3V_0MkD08bS_RZBVtnFz9XpPUjg3TCohUFGZ5HccngVq3/s200/%257E1484051567%257EZip+Line+Adventure-70.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have all done various other zip lines and we all agreed that this one was the best. If you get the chance - do it, it's awesome. The views from up there are stunning too, you can see the Arenal volcano fairly well on a good weather day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN1AL7ho6y3e53FhaN2qtpeUNHjCpVcRmzk78tvt8Ec_b6WJ6QLL6lMikX-8NSK22pR3TW8cbjMNyf3f-tl4tF7aqsmUwn5Kovx8i-wOUmcPRne38hrbRHCrO5oBKTbDoYS6LIylRqwIl/s1600/20161222_171826_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN1AL7ho6y3e53FhaN2qtpeUNHjCpVcRmzk78tvt8Ec_b6WJ6QLL6lMikX-8NSK22pR3TW8cbjMNyf3f-tl4tF7aqsmUwn5Kovx8i-wOUmcPRne38hrbRHCrO5oBKTbDoYS6LIylRqwIl/s200/20161222_171826_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the Dive centre on site we also booked a sunset cruise on a party catamaran. Originally we had chose this because we had heard that you could possibly see Humpback Whales but subsequently we found out that it was the wrong time of year sadly, but it is true they are found in this bay. It was a great afternoon sailing around some of the many islands in the area, one of them we moored at so that we could all go snorkelling but the visibility was poor with lots of tiny jelly fish in the water, nothing painful but irritating. So we went on to the beach to see the White faced Capuchin's who were hanging around. We had taken bananas with us for the fish but we fed them to the monkeys instead. They were so cute how they come up to take them from you. Obviously you need to be very careful as they can be nasty and carry disease. It was a fantastic experience though. Once back on board we </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">had a lovely dinner with lots of drinking, dancing and everyone having fun whilst watching the stunning sunset - priceless.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKXkRTuzf77O9GTAjEid5ZTR-frDKRVo3-INNEFJ0FuwN4ezC55ymyeVtxsMS5srDwB9MfMKPdbGFEeVufM2ckxHnBw4lUEMsB_bsPsIYbyd_IDuJGXSlMWijaat76r-uSC6H-kBuPHl7/s1600/20161222_172730_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKXkRTuzf77O9GTAjEid5ZTR-frDKRVo3-INNEFJ0FuwN4ezC55ymyeVtxsMS5srDwB9MfMKPdbGFEeVufM2ckxHnBw4lUEMsB_bsPsIYbyd_IDuJGXSlMWijaat76r-uSC6H-kBuPHl7/s200/20161222_172730_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyANDuCUQwJTVUncfewbY-axB3CrhJocTQCJ4obMPCONA2Z7zHVGbNztl73iERS4NJeAl2wmXWKuDdwHCY7Pvfx7iN0B8UWDYLzRpks5HNki9NGBZB6Ikp9lZocsdE0j0O_sOygHZIwhG/s1600/20161222_172623_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyANDuCUQwJTVUncfewbY-axB3CrhJocTQCJ4obMPCONA2Z7zHVGbNztl73iERS4NJeAl2wmXWKuDdwHCY7Pvfx7iN0B8UWDYLzRpks5HNki9NGBZB6Ikp9lZocsdE0j0O_sOygHZIwhG/s200/20161222_172623_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gjKfUbx6s7c4JAvmF6CJuF_I1idDxVHtvhjeD65nVXHvtNns-Dx_C4YseNhaJaAgvW-_euC3rm8pstYNw9ubKXCg8JoV8oEke7QKxyr7QHT3CcG8b_AMoJtbya-EGNNbHRLreqPXe97-/s1600/20161222_172319_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A couple of times we took a small boat taxi round to Coco beach for a change of scenery. This is the closet town to our hotel for all your souvenir shopping and everything else too. A great local place, very real, another great experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On another note we also chose to a book a day trip excursion through our reps in the hotel thinking that these would be the best trips on offer but after our experience I would most definitely say - Shop around before you book anything! </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtjZFHNnhJOeMddIJiWiugDmWXuyKZQ_bhzdymdGVbWC5IDAjUVTsuCC3M4wNqtGURWXr1vHIxgpPhw8OcgchjnuJKopDuy5lINiBnKuXas9FN4Yob5X7EGlYHOXXoeDtVObYWta8YJap/s1600/20161216_115756_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtjZFHNnhJOeMddIJiWiugDmWXuyKZQ_bhzdymdGVbWC5IDAjUVTsuCC3M4wNqtGURWXr1vHIxgpPhw8OcgchjnuJKopDuy5lINiBnKuXas9FN4Yob5X7EGlYHOXXoeDtVObYWta8YJap/s200/20161216_115756_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKXkRTuzf77O9GTAjEid5ZTR-frDKRVo3-INNEFJ0FuwN4ezC55ymyeVtxsMS5srDwB9MfMKPdbGFEeVufM2ckxHnBw4lUEMsB_bsPsIYbyd_IDuJGXSlMWijaat76r-uSC6H-kBuPHl7/s1600/20161222_172730_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We booked their Villa Verde trip which was sold to us as a full day experience at a cost of $130 each which we thought was expensive, but hey we are only here once and we wanted to see Sloths. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBJwRH62KywnfkClAVDfXo8D39BINhuSxF-9T046fNuKLiVed6MFMlPhV4hxGQNCLyRcdSDeGmULTIsWBaUis3gsLC-_ouM-gJo4rOpKz61y7zbOdjvF5KKNJvrtjgJWitH-C4raML8sj/s1600/20161216_150714_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBJwRH62KywnfkClAVDfXo8D39BINhuSxF-9T046fNuKLiVed6MFMlPhV4hxGQNCLyRcdSDeGmULTIsWBaUis3gsLC-_ouM-gJo4rOpKz61y7zbOdjvF5KKNJvrtjgJWitH-C4raML8sj/s200/20161216_150714_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were made aware that it would be about a 2 hour drive so that wasn't the issue but unfortunately we got caught up in a road closure which meant we were stuck in the minibus for over 3 hours, but that was just unfortunate. The real issue was that all in all between the guided tour around Villa Verde (which was very good don't get me wrong & we did see Sloths in the tree tops) lunch & then onto a beautiful waterfall that you could </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">swim up to and get behind (again very lovely) but it was all too brief. The so called full day ended up being about 2.5 hours of experience which I think is stretching it to say the least. If only we had found the beach vendors or similar sooner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One thing that became very clear when we ventured outside of the hotel was that Costa Rica is not a cheap place to buy anything, but if you shop around you can barter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The range of excursions and activities in Costa Rica is amazing and it caters for everyone from adrenaline junkies, nature lovers to sun worshippers. The wildlife and rain forests are stunning, you can actually experience a lot just from the beach and surrounds of the hotel, you don't need to go far. The scenery, landscapes and views are picture perfect and something that will stick in my mind forever. With the sights, sounds, smells & everything we experienced i</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t really felt like we were in one of Sir David Attenborough's nature programmes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghihr-c7FlOS9B88R_yS74RAYx-ntdt3ORvRZnjNA1a4FAeG2BMcp4RjdYFBs_KnVzWI_oOgyE3VeB9U8WyYXTAxsVXd7cFsrR3PGbAxW4BXuL_cW7ZIbs_bPLaYU9iPuixqdAzF6KTM4u/s1600/20161222_164029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As I said earlier my knowledge of this country was seriously limited before we went but it has so many islands, volcanoes, waterfalls, beautiful beaches and it also has the National parks, it does just keep giving. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWC5iNTkLvF21k7JPvVtj3Y0Qfb6V0rORnU9fDaCLrZQEGXv6YfjKV2PdtYXUPvVJaxQ9xWEcy-8eqOaRjT-O3gKArW26sp_2SaiwgO5UfZtRoIj1LxNtl4gBjcjpDoHC7gfwR4ThBJ3rk/s1600/20161222_164219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWC5iNTkLvF21k7JPvVtj3Y0Qfb6V0rORnU9fDaCLrZQEGXv6YfjKV2PdtYXUPvVJaxQ9xWEcy-8eqOaRjT-O3gKArW26sp_2SaiwgO5UfZtRoIj1LxNtl4gBjcjpDoHC7gfwR4ThBJ3rk/s200/20161222_164219.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghihr-c7FlOS9B88R_yS74RAYx-ntdt3ORvRZnjNA1a4FAeG2BMcp4RjdYFBs_KnVzWI_oOgyE3VeB9U8WyYXTAxsVXd7cFsrR3PGbAxW4BXuL_cW7ZIbs_bPLaYU9iPuixqdAzF6KTM4u/s1600/20161222_164029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghihr-c7FlOS9B88R_yS74RAYx-ntdt3ORvRZnjNA1a4FAeG2BMcp4RjdYFBs_KnVzWI_oOgyE3VeB9U8WyYXTAxsVXd7cFsrR3PGbAxW4BXuL_cW7ZIbs_bPLaYU9iPuixqdAzF6KTM4u/s200/20161222_164029.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In my opinion this is a country that you need to visit more than once as you really can not do everything in 1 visit, you just literally scratch the surface. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next time, we have already decided that we really want to tour Costa Rica with a hire car using B&B or small hotels to get a much deeper experience of the country. Don't get me wrong the all inclusive hotel was wonderful but you are detached from a full on rain forest experience. While we were there we were never warned about going outside of our complex, or any trouble in the area, and we spoke to lots of people who had been backpacking and touring around so I am confident in saying that it is very safe to do so. The only thing you have to worry about is the wildlife as they do have many dangerous/poisonous species out there, but it is about using your common sense. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It really was a perfect holiday and perfect Christmas with no hassles, no family issues, no stress just glorious hot sunshine, pool swim up bar with cocktails and such a great choice of delicious food. One that we will treasure forever. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmSBjNEm9VgwDhqZlLSzPPPHVEL4cP6XLzmCI1CY8v4R0reoK1EsPDWzqknn088yd_MTZ-U8pKAOfxfoCnIxP8aN-jK67ohwZdp1ZQ_QEbh5SM6aOshcmA6yG5KhTx30GSlLjbjqEO7HW/s1600/20161224_194400_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikboO1Ehp90xqdVgGwKa73PZEXVuBL4a1GvDENFKzfdvHvoia-jFEnjW1kF2tpK73OGkQN0aLtcAcIzyrdf6yArqIty_a102Tplw8ncrT5exfOnmYSF32_ZXrPhTQQFGkJKE0MVXANqt4x/s1600/20161224_183021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikboO1Ehp90xqdVgGwKa73PZEXVuBL4a1GvDENFKzfdvHvoia-jFEnjW1kF2tpK73OGkQN0aLtcAcIzyrdf6yArqIty_a102Tplw8ncrT5exfOnmYSF32_ZXrPhTQQFGkJKE0MVXANqt4x/s200/20161224_183021.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TVZ_WyI5jk6Ri1xvQYgEh_5HogLaWf2iJ6qVH3C-S8LFpdOpYcN2IFWBMR6XYJYLzjA9mTR9FDnl58cwsI2Ci-gCa8iMWm94YN7xvoZjQIIp8u2pLGgzmepnrH1VBPuSWBHhjJ2IFHEA/s1600/20161218_150317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TVZ_WyI5jk6Ri1xvQYgEh_5HogLaWf2iJ6qVH3C-S8LFpdOpYcN2IFWBMR6XYJYLzjA9mTR9FDnl58cwsI2Ci-gCa8iMWm94YN7xvoZjQIIp8u2pLGgzmepnrH1VBPuSWBHhjJ2IFHEA/s200/20161218_150317.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmSBjNEm9VgwDhqZlLSzPPPHVEL4cP6XLzmCI1CY8v4R0reoK1EsPDWzqknn088yd_MTZ-U8pKAOfxfoCnIxP8aN-jK67ohwZdp1ZQ_QEbh5SM6aOshcmA6yG5KhTx30GSlLjbjqEO7HW/s200/20161224_194400_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="150" /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Writing this just brings it all back so vividly and I just so want to be back there right now, it really did steal my heart x</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ix8r4ycJTwOmeJPi0uxZal5eSlzLZ6Z83eGpu0XYG9TENoNgORftu21aLxt7gQJnH9M4na50X3Aj4dq5IykYqIMUzfHk_Cn_liO8TlO0j0TPvWOD-AH2HNZiswPLNWjSFc8mog294fES/s1600/20161226_091608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ix8r4ycJTwOmeJPi0uxZal5eSlzLZ6Z83eGpu0XYG9TENoNgORftu21aLxt7gQJnH9M4na50X3Aj4dq5IykYqIMUzfHk_Cn_liO8TlO0j0TPvWOD-AH2HNZiswPLNWjSFc8mog294fES/s320/20161226_091608.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mel</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-46087848224563669652017-01-18T13:07:00.000+00:002017-01-18T13:07:19.805+00:00My guide to eating out in Lyndhurst part 2 <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been 2 years since my previous guide to eating in & around Lyndhurst, so I thought it was time I followed it up as some places have now gone and also we have tried some very nice new places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I guess I should start with what has changed:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Imperial China </b>- Very sad to say it's closed & still currently empty</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Curry Leaf </b>- Closed but re-opened as Indian fusion - haven't tried it yet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Haywain</b> - The price of the carvery has increased to £4.50 now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Special offers/news<b>:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Waterloo Arms</b> - now participating in the Brand New Forest scheme offering 20% discount on food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Mailmans</b> - participating in the Brand New Forest scheme offering 15% discount on food excluding Sun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Fox & Hounds</b> - participating in the Brand New Forest scheme offering 15% discount on food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Oak</b> - participating in the Brand New Forest scheme offering 15% discount on food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Swan</b> - participating in the Brand New Forest scheme offering 10% discount on food Mon - Fri.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Drift Inn</b> - now participating in the Brand New Forest scheme offering 20% discount on lunch Mon - Fri.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So where else is good to eat in Lyndhurst ....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.anissasthaikitchen.co.uk/">Anissa's Thai Kitchen </a>(restaurant)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Situated in the High Street, at the bottom end opposite the Post Office. This place is amazing, the staff are so welcoming and can't do enough for you. The food is delicious, well presented and good value for money. It's all in door seating and it's not huge so I would recommend booking at weekends as they do get very busy. This is one of our favourite places in Lyndhurst.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stag-hotel.co.uk/">The Stag Hotel</a> (pub & restaurant)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A very prominent position on the High Street with its very distinctive curved turret like frontage near to the Ferrari garage. We eat and drink here a lot - the staff are always lovely, the food is great value and delicious with lots of tasty specials as well as a varied menu. They have a lovely rear garden which has a couple of swings tucked up one end. They have live music every Friday night & some times on a Saturday too, occasionally they have extra things like bouncy castles in the garden for kids. They participate in the Brand New Forest scheme offering 10% discount on food Mon-Fri</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.delriotexmex.co.uk/">Del-Rio</a> (Tex-Mex restaurant)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The newest eating place in the village - I think they opened in Nov 2016. This is a Tex-Mex restaurant with a good variety of spicy and mild dishes to suit everyone. It's located near the traffic lights at the top end of the High Street. We have already eaten here 3 times in 1 month as we all love it - even the kids. They are very accommodating, the decoration is great, the food is well presented with very good sized portions and reasonable prices. All in door seating. They have lots of Facebook special offers for you to look out for. Definitely gets our thumbs up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.berties-of-lyndhurst.co.uk/">Berties Fish & Chips</a> (take away & restaurant)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Situated mid way in the High Street opposite Budgens. Can get extremely busy so be prepared to wait in the take away. The chips are hand peeled and chopped meaning that you only get the good bits of the potatoe. They do all the usual chip shop options and it's always fresh. The size of the fish is good and the chips are really good quality. A real bonus for me is that they do gravy and it's yummy. Just so that you don't get caught out, the opening hours do vary between summer & winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Close by in Brockenhurst</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://thehuntsmanofbrockenhurst.com/">The Huntsman</a> - formerly the Rose & Crown (pub)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This pub had a massive refurb & name change at the beginning of this year and although it was a bit controversial I think it does look lovely. Its always had the best pub garden in Brockenhurst anyway but the new decor really is lovely. A new addition which seems to be extremely popular is an in the pub pizza bar where you can see your pizza being cooked. Several of our guests had said how delicious the pizza's are. We are still waiting to try it as one of our kids is extremely fussy about pizza and we are still trying to persuade her to give it a go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/brockenhurst/new-forest-restaurant">The Pig</a> (restaurant)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This place is probably my favourite place to eat in the New Forest. It's located just outside of Brockenhurst in it's own beautiful grounds. It's an old country house that's been transformed into a very popular shabby chic restaurant & hotel, a sister hotel to the prestigious Limewood Hotel on the out-skirts of Lyndhurst. This place is a MUST book venue if you want to eat in the main restaurant. You can eat out on the patio or in one of the informal rooms without booking - if you can find a seat. It's a little bit expensive, but really for the quality of the food and the amazing setting it's well worth it, especially as a treat. The food is sourced either from the kitchen gardens which are immaculate or within a 25 mile radius. The menu changes by the moment as they really make the most of what is available in the garden daily and then when something runs out they just switch to something else. The food is amazing and you really should take the time to walk through the garden or even book yourself a pamper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are always trying different places and will recommend when we feel its deserved, so look out for any future additions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mel</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-54036153973597380082016-08-31T14:59:00.002+01:002016-08-31T14:59:25.059+01:00What's happening in the world of Acorns Of Lyndhurst?<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13592435_1166119603408416_6028542363797184071_n.jpg?oh=4e1ae8b014ba3cbae13797f5b22139a5&oe=58525EF5" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13592435_1166119603408416_6028542363797184071_n.jpg?oh=4e1ae8b014ba3cbae13797f5b22139a5&oe=58525EF5" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where has the time gone? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've literally just realised that I have not written a blog since November last year & was astounded, time really has flown by, and I do apologise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what has happened in the world of <a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Acorns of Lyndhurst</span></a>???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sadly we started this year with saying goodbye to a very special friend who lost her brave battle against Cancer just before Christmas. It was the most beautiful and moving service I have ever attended and the church was absolutely packed - an amazing send off for an amazing lady who was taken way too young x</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It kind of shakes you up a lot, it makes you realise that life is precious & that you have to make the most of everyday & make as many memories as is physically possible because you never know what might happen. So when you see us having fun - that's exactly what we are doing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Business wise we have been extremely busy, thanks to everyone who has stayed with us this year - it has been amazing. We had our 10 year anniversary too, which we decided to just celebrate with a few friends & left it all low key, but it is an acheivment that we are both very proud of. We also did some re-decoration in the breakfast room & Allium room </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13265977_1138676822819361_7019365721801317838_n.jpg?oh=1588759548a240327e7f331dd2cbb353&oe=5858222B" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13256045_1138676846152692_1548099262347955520_n.jpg?oh=6a43554dc321977919c5371e8b04953c&oe=583E8700" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12717253_1076895175664193_3711422785314702199_n.jpg?oh=ef5c32f32df18d06bf120a17fc11f30e&oe=583F929D" width="200" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fun wise - well if you follow us on Facebook then you will already know that we have been very busy enjoying ourselves and our beautiful surrounding areas, but those of you that haven't followed, here is taster (not necessarily in order) of our adventures....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">January actually was a real challenge for me as I decided to join in with Dry January - something I didn't really think I could do as I do like to socialise with my friends over a lager or two! It was ok during the week but the weekends were tough. I managed it though and was extremely proud of myself. I found it easier if you kept busy so out & about we went.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/561439_1051328614887516_8889976576616328456_n.jpg?oh=2bc72ffc1fedb8081797b4be5f6c3d3a&oe=58863C1D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/561439_1051328614887516_8889976576616328456_n.jpg?oh=2bc72ffc1fedb8081797b4be5f6c3d3a&oe=58863C1D" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We did our annual visit to the <a href="http://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink</span></a> which is always a winter highlight for us. It is just such a beautiful setting for ice skating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We took the kids Crabbing a couple of times at <a href="http://www.lymington.org/naturereserve.html"><span style="color: red;">Keyhaven Nature Reserve</span></a> I think our best total here has been 40. This place is a favourite all year round for everything from walking, camping, cycling & crabbing. It really is a great place to enjoy nature and just being outdoors. We did many walks including a few new places like Hengitsbury Head, Longslade Bottom & Setthorns. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In February we finally, after driving past for 15 years (when going back home) stopped for a beautiful few hours in <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Oxford</span></a>.</span> This will definitely be on our itinerary again when we go visiting family next time as we want to do the open top tour bus next time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11230660_1076854585668252_6236031809689329802_n.jpg?oh=72da6866151c9292f4408a550e67cc09&oe=583AAF82" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12705786_1076854859001558_7822653160895346167_n.jpg?oh=e6ec6045da69355a1a3f6f7e8eddcfb7&oe=583F8B35" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12715491_1076855075668203_9213925842398245062_n.jpg?oh=a0ad2fcbdb9fe7e959ce52fdcc1737f9&oe=58813B28" width="200" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In April we adopted a third cat, she's 11 years old & used to live in a care home which sadly closed down and she desperately needed a new home, feeling sorry for her we took her in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Meet our newest addition - Pixie x</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13062092_1121391311214579_8698888681198568778_n.jpg?oh=fdfc47e29c74ddadc71b628758d1c483&oe=5848AD28" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13173628_1129737043713339_6845451979057524570_n.jpg?oh=3f0c13819c21c1da2215eeda1b8dcb51&oe=584AA67B" width="200" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13394015_1143517852335258_1642955982898026300_n.jpg?oh=66b9ce6f9697863b4afea40e30e7f7cb&oe=5885D094" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13394015_1143517852335258_1642955982898026300_n.jpg?oh=66b9ce6f9697863b4afea40e30e7f7cb&oe=5885D094" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over the summer months we have attended a few beer festivals at the <a href="http://www.foxandhoundslyndhurst.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Fox & Hounds</span></a>, Non-Descripts Club and also an amazing private festival: Turnerfest. This was a very small family & friends gathering involving camping, food, drink, music, lots of sunshine, fires, laughing, singing & relaxing - it was awesome. We've also had summer fayres, fun days, bike rides, camping trips, afternoons out by the river, </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">many beach trips but some including evening bbq's - always a highlight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13934829_1194542737232769_3168230762215779039_n.jpg?oh=13f04b361548a1cb975708737e55a694&oe=58858D00" width="200" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The major event of the summer though was most certainly our Skydive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Both Fred & I were already planning to do a skydive as I enjoyed mine last so much that I had to do it again but it was prompted when all of a sudden we lost a very special and influential person in Fred's life from Leukaemia at the end of May. We did it in July as a charity event to raise money for <a href="http://www.bloodwise.org.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Bloodwise</span></a> and our amazing friends & family all helped us to raise a grand total of £700.00. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The skydive for me was awesome, even though it was my second time it was still different, all thanks to Tim from <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.goskydive.com/"><span style="color: red;">GoSkydive</span></a> </span>who decided to mix it up a bit for me :) I definitely won't forget it - I absolutely love it and have already told Fred that it needs to become a yearly event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img height="112" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13614915_1165468753473501_2562056811451150121_n.jpg?oh=4af96720db84550ff39244e5656f59c3&oe=584B8449" width="200" /><img height="112" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13615153_1165468763473500_3935369052097771107_n.jpg?oh=66f6e43e5f72b4df70df32300e16891e&oe=5843B467" width="200" /><img height="112" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13631535_1165468866806823_396694466726555059_n.jpg?oh=bf3fec6324af21ee28128a5070c3e44d&oe=583D4F35" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13627240_1166364936717216_7505620948938063937_n.jpg?oh=3ed9cdc7e88daf797a1d091f1ce06b6e&oe=5837BE0D" width="150" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Still carrying on though - more recently we went to the <a href="http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Isle of Wight</span></a> a couple of times, first for a 60th birthday party which was a great weekend and then just for the day to visit our lovely friends again. We really love the <a href="http://arretonbarns.co.uk/the-dairymans-daughter"><span style="color: red;">Dairymans Daughter</span></a> up at Arreton Barns and are hoping to go back again at the end of September for the annual Sweetcorn Fest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We went down to Bournemouth for the Friday Night Air - part of the <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://bournemouthair.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Bournemouth Airshow</span></a> </span>which was great. For the first time we went child free so we were able to take full advantage of the prime location that is the balcony of <a href="http://www.aruba-bournemouth.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Aruba</span></a> on the pier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14063973_962911340503608_5917981146420113781_n.jpg?oh=b286201b21de8206bb0a3e4017da0ed7&oe=58429796" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14055186_962911423836933_6940026368690190096_n.jpg?oh=12990a1eea26f6ad573a2fdd7364a941&oe=584D5BBD" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13932887_962912090503533_8376904020014018672_n.jpg?oh=f8156690d45b4eb2d5610f87d498987f&oe=5881C4DF" width="200" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then to bring you right up to date we had a fantastic time over the bank holiday weekend with family that came to visit. A group of 11 of us went on the open top <a href="http://www.thenewforesttour.info/"><span style="color: red;">Tour Bus</span></a> red route on the Saturday, which we turned into a pub crawl. It was a hilarious full day out, starting at 10.30am and returning back to Lyndhurst at 6.30pm. As you can imagine we had a couple of drinks but we had so many laughs and saw some lovely scenery and some lovely pubs along the way. We can definitely recommend it - this is already booked for an annual event from now on :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <img height="200" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14080087_968622789932463_7448991601800380329_n.jpg?oh=55406f6d4138d8bf107387e456c2fdb0&oe=5880984E" width="150" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14079526_968622829932459_3666663134928737339_n.jpg?oh=e288c8a39958ab0575a241a4874f6653&oe=58868AAB" width="200" /><img height="200" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14088423_968622939932448_2985835298087107125_n.jpg?oh=45faf739bcd5d438652d7b4b6d57700f&oe=583B0C88" width="150" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14079845_968622976599111_9206223067345321804_n.jpg?oh=5c1a50121726ea44a3465f8cc90013bd&oe=5850D2F8" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14141785_968623119932430_3465370088661826992_n.jpg?oh=189c86e1465f1aeef386a57fadb8daf6&oe=58510BFF" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14054229_968623213265754_8370266647272977029_n.jpg?oh=7430ea5fc1417d20d14be71109cbe8fa&oe=583D53DE" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14183941_969226483205427_4823366200797602208_n.jpg?oh=db9f172b3d2c974a2a3f8926e6ff5574&oe=583E4B95" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14067661_969228269871915_3554821528567685689_n.jpg?oh=cf305da87b243c01b4e1164095467317&oe=58472E36" width="200" /><img height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14055072_10154187295699300_7886502648426390665_n.jpg?oh=588ae729bae5194f823c9be264288555&oe=583BD24C" width="200" /></span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14095794_1206136489406727_3617125213723999714_n.jpg?oh=9f0616af11f09480cd7da5a7eab97c28&oe=584AD70A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14095794_1206136489406727_3617125213723999714_n.jpg?oh=9f0616af11f09480cd7da5a7eab97c28&oe=584AD70A" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the Sunday we took the family over to <a href="http://www.furzey-gardens.org/"><span style="color: red;">Furzey Gardens</span></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for a more sedate leisurely day looking for Fairy doors, which then took us on to showing them the <a href="http://www.thetrustyservant.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Trusty Servant</span></a>, <a href="http://www.thenewforestinn.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">The New Forest Inn</span></a>, having an amazing Carvery Sunday Lunch at the <a href="http://www.mailmans-arms.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Mailmans</span></a> - all of which they really enjoyed & praised. Then proceeding onto a couple more pubs before ending up at a wedding reception with lots more lovely people including all the TurnerFest gang :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you can see from this little insight we have been quite busy & we have been making lots of great memories x </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The year isn't over yet, so here's to the next 4 months lol</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mel </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-55915681893281800372015-11-26T10:37:00.000+00:002015-11-26T10:37:23.318+00:00Tempted by The New Forest?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbjx1JyXHJk7-O2Fs7KeuDq2_TdD0A1WzJ-9W9IiULk_8N_Z8xV8xP5-ee-CbrxtIFYj8KREYz7YXK4vDhvi-f8ebnQDKtLB30aDTS0-5KJJ3MXRLqaTQQX6HI4xx558G-Es_xM1Dcn2q/s1600/20150331_141524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><span style="color: black;">The beautiful New Forest in pictures </span></a></div>
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I have taken countless photograhs of Lyndhurst & the New Forest over the years and for me to select just a few was not easy; but I wanted to show you a glimpse of what it's like here and hopefully persuade you to come & visit.</div>
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All photos taken by Mel of Acorns of Lyndhurst<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-63882873163884049022015-08-20T13:05:00.001+01:002015-08-20T13:05:20.249+01:00Skydiving - Free falling from 15,000 feet is truely awesome!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well it was always inevitable that I would blog about my totally awesome skydive experience, It was really just about when I would find the time to sit down and write it - so from the beginning .....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a habit of talking myself into doing all sorts of things when I'm out having a drink with friends and around about this time last year was definitely one of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Several of us were trying to come up with a special present idea for my friend Jayne's 40th birthday, and me being me, came out with "I would really have liked to have done something memorable like a parachute jump - something awesome that you would never normally do". So after much deliberation, as non of the others were keen, we finally bought her a tandem skydive present and then guess who was instantly chosen to jump with her for moral support :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect duo </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had a year to get the skydive done but both of us decided to wait until the summer for the warmer weather. I think we were just trying to delay the inevitable for as long as possible, but after some gentle pressure from our other friends involved we finally got our act together and booked our jump. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.skydive.com/"><span style="color: red;">Go Skydive</span></a> at Old Sarum were very helpful and easy to deal with. Within minutes we were booked in for 2 x 10,000ft tandem skydives on Sat July 18th at 2pm and there was no going back. Suddenly I felt impending doom and a bit panicky as the reality was starting to kick in - we were going to be throwing ourselves (with help) out of a plane! I soon got over it though and after talking to people about skydives that they had all done; I soon realised that I really should upgrade to 15,000ft to max the whole experience because it was going to be a once in a lifetime experience lol.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After booking I started to think that maybe I should actually be doing this for a charity as it's quite a big deal in most people's eyes and a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bout 2 months ago a friend's husband suffered a life threatening stroke which he is still slowly recovering from now, but thankfully is doing well. Also at roughly the same time the husband of another friend was diagnosed with Epilepsy which for him is also life changing and because of this the wives of these two started to organise a village charity event to raise awareness and money for both of these lesser known charities, which is taking place this Friday 21st August at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lyndhurst-workmens-club/178522262180227?fref=ts" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: red;">Lyndhurst Workmens Club</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> from 11.00am - late and everyone is welcome. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie Binder x</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYtAfnbw66CTtvL6XOEh_AA_ilGV1Qwo77W6CLjMgTnLo2wdWcz5lHE48_3AhFOhXUbrsp6wXZJuy155MDxk69Jzp9cTwkhYc7k861F5A8hQXz2b3S-lz4-ZoKsFqoYPsj0FnsMeA_E5s/s1600/20131119_101226_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On top of that I lost my Dad after he suffered several strokes, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">which each time robbed him and us of a bit more of him until he was just trapped inside his own body and stuck in a nursing home. It was a horrible way for him to end up and if anything could have been done to prevent it - you certainly wouldn't think twice. Unfortunately it was too long ago for my Dad, but with someone else close by suffering from the same horrible condition and at a much younger age, it suddenly became clear to me that I should support and help my friends raise money for their charities and I chose to dedicate my jump to the memory of my Dad x </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had left it a bit late really but in about 2 weeks I managed to raise £165.00 for <a href="http://www.epilepsyresearch.org.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Epilepsy Research UK</span></a> and £421.41 for <a href="http://www.stroke.org.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Stroke Association</span></a> - not too shabby!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The days leading up to the jump were all a bit surreal really the more I talked about it the more excited I was getting - no fear at all, but I did decide that this was probably a good time to write a will, just in case :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyway that morning was a bit crazy, I got up for breakfast as usual which was fun. The guests were almost as excited as me, and we joked about it all which was all fine, but then when they had gone I started to wobble big time. I started to feel sick and shaky and I was wondering what the hell I was doing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The evening before I had with the help of friends on Facebook created a play list that was fitting for the days events so as soon as we got in the car we started to play the songs and everything was cool. We were laughing, joking and having fun. The airfield was really easy to find and as soon as we got close you could see the other skydivers all coming down - it was a great sight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We checked in which again was all very easy and then waited for our slot in the training room. The facilities there are very good and the atmosphere was buzzing with people ranging from those who were waiting to jump, the spectators and those who had just jumped. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> After about 30mins we were called up. The initial training was a good mixture of important information, motivation, encouragement, fun and light hearted explanations of what exactly to expect. The next stage ordinarily is for you to go and sit around waiting for the next flight, but that didn't happen to us. Instead o</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ne of the team came over and said that our package (Jayne, me & my photographer) was perfect to fill the current plane - if we were ok with that. So rather than delaying the inevitable any longer we both looked at each other and said "yes, why not!?" So off we went. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had asked if we could go to the toilet quick first but we were just whisked off - straight in to flight suits and final practical training; practising what we had just been told in the previous room whilst hanging from straps. Once all the gear was on there was no way I was going toilet, luckily it was just that nervous need for a wee and not an actual need. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally we moved on to the departure lounge and once I got out there I was fine, the noise of the plane was really loud but the buzz out there was great, I felt a bit special like a star or something. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We both had our families there to watch </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids joining in the limelight </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and also our friends Claire and Rachel with their children. They were all eager to film and take photographs and luckily they had realised that we had been pulled forward to the awaiting plane, as we had left them down the other end of the field when we first went in. All was good though, they were there with us and managed to get some pictures. I had a short interview with my camera lady because I had not only upgraded to 15,000ft but I also added on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McPYS4tfEOE" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">video</span></a> package. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbtznhjNY6CzQF9tbBIll6c0BFgQsD827DJTRNNj52Y419fiEBcb_m7aRR5hfUskzdXDxUY3va2j_ndiRzDFuzQM-pIM4uIMz-lCE5AevWqzKz9d7vfn_Yrg_u-5ItTCDw7LLBAZB5j8y/s1600/20150718_152419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbtznhjNY6CzQF9tbBIll6c0BFgQsD827DJTRNNj52Y419fiEBcb_m7aRR5hfUskzdXDxUY3va2j_ndiRzDFuzQM-pIM4uIMz-lCE5AevWqzKz9d7vfn_Yrg_u-5ItTCDw7LLBAZB5j8y/s200/20150718_152419.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I thought if I'm doing this for charity I need to have some evidence that I did actually do it. Lee - my instructor kept chatting to me, reassuring me and making sure I was not about to panic, but I was fine, I just put all my trust in him. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjWKRgLSld-Le7gsgpUP35Z0cBFIfOrqYRhcSIEZbR-QNOitKBbM79g9ZQlyR7s27v4PhyphenhyphenFj_XloKq_IoEg6pFH6BHiwRCK3JrCnbwcOUUmzLtfncInhCuKiYI7vkr4mw5On8paowC2Eb/s1600/Mel+Binder+0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjWKRgLSld-Le7gsgpUP35Z0cBFIfOrqYRhcSIEZbR-QNOitKBbM79g9ZQlyR7s27v4PhyphenhyphenFj_XloKq_IoEg6pFH6BHiwRCK3JrCnbwcOUUmzLtfncInhCuKiYI7vkr4mw5On8paowC2Eb/s200/Mel+Binder+0033.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He was very quietly confident which was calming, he was frequently checking/adjusting my equipment and as he'd already done something like 5,000 jumps I thought he should know what he's doing :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No going back now </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately for Jayne she went on the plane almost first, so that meant she was almost last jumping out, but because we had a camera lady we were near the front. There were 3 others in front of us but for the flight we were right by the door which was amazing. As we started off I was able to wave at all our gang on the ground but obviously for safety reasons they do have to close the door until you almost reach altitude. For most of the ascent my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McPYS4tfEOE"><span style="color: magenta;">video</span></a> was running, catching all the emotions and reactions all the time but because of the noise inside the plane it was a strange quiet time. A few more equipment checks, then your straps all get seriously tightened to the point that you become part of your instructor & goggles on. When the door opened again it was amazing - I could see everything. I watched as each tandem pair sat on the edge of the plane then just fell out, it was incredible and in no way scary. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TKC1Hc-0OjJ6LMyF0_MXLJeYb3ZWbswPpUkN8bGzxF_udXZ8d6CvTQ0zRx2LOwQlTZQVd7JTgw90hTJh0wM1-VG2KlEDf06JjamEwC0oyQA0-3UfWY67qdXm1XkYtQTzze07RL4PrlB_/s1600/Mel+Binder+0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then in a flash it was our turn. My camera lady went first and apparently clung to the side of the plane ready and waiting to film me coming out, but sadly I didn't realise, I was so intent on following my training instructions because otherwise I would have looked and waved at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McPYS4tfEOE"><span style="color: magenta;">camera</span></a> - t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">his is my only regret about the entire experience but it is only a tiny regret. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's go!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then we were on the edge of the plane, I had a quick look down and thought "yes that's ok", got into my position and then like in slow motion we leant forward and was out. We tumbled a bit and then once we levelled it was just like we were floating. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbNuEM3BWeDQZrdjS4dTmY70twVZa2YaQjsDlNU2B3XYUqxRSOQ6JURd81l19mX3onHNK8pH_BlAjqNM6lfv2wVMhswDWG4LffgOxZAFHG8snP9eyzPH3SQTIAVnxk-n20zwdF7kSLj2D/s1600/Mel+Binder+0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbNuEM3BWeDQZrdjS4dTmY70twVZa2YaQjsDlNU2B3XYUqxRSOQ6JURd81l19mX3onHNK8pH_BlAjqNM6lfv2wVMhswDWG4LffgOxZAFHG8snP9eyzPH3SQTIAVnxk-n20zwdF7kSLj2D/s200/Mel+Binder+0063.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fX5v_g5nP4aQvzTKJ3anAhrh_NXc45qkJsCtY4XXknfi6XE9Rq2ETJV9WqMx0rMrH8pAGgCfXWfVlZMwmQUzHue1gX02dMbi0cHwcJbuHfyK1sx7_03PbWZHfw1PHrTOGP0XMYtRM45C/s1600/Mel+Binder+0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fX5v_g5nP4aQvzTKJ3anAhrh_NXc45qkJsCtY4XXknfi6XE9Rq2ETJV9WqMx0rMrH8pAGgCfXWfVlZMwmQUzHue1gX02dMbi0cHwcJbuHfyK1sx7_03PbWZHfw1PHrTOGP0XMYtRM45C/s320/Mel+Binder+0123.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not exactly sure how to begin to express in words how the next 70ish seconds of free fall felt but it was THE best thing ever, something like: awesome, exhilarating, loud, breathtaking - literally, fast, timeless, rushing, intense, extreme, amazing & fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's weird because it's only a minute of your life but it feels like 10! and you don't feel like your falling at all, it's just like your staying still but you spin around slowly and there's just this real rushing force pushing against you, distorting your skin & face, drying your mouth out and it's sooo loud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just as you never want this feeling to end suddenly you get yanked by the parachute deploying, which feels like someone just slammed the breaks on and suddenly turned the sound off! It is a ride of 2 halves and total extremes. You go from about 125mph to what feels like 5mph in seconds, but the gliding down under parachute is also amazing. You now get the chance to take it all in - the view is stunning, the quietness is lovely and serene and you can actually chat to each other too. I could clearly see the </span><a href="http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: red;">New Forest National Park</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and the Isle Of Wight which looked great - the weather was beautiful. Lee asked if I was up for a few turns and took us on a bit of a spiral which was great fun - you do pick up a lot of speed when they do that giving you a different buzz, a bit like a roller coaster, but unfortunately you do come down quicker too. It is all over way too quickly and before your down you just start wishing it could last forever. Way too soon we were getting ready for our landing but I have to say even that was fun because you really pick up speed again just before you hit the ground, which is like a last buzz to finish your experience before your down, and our landing - thanks to Lee, was amazing. I just sat on his lap and we slid in to a perfect stop - absolutely awesome. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touchdown </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg0oZNk3sWHN1Wv4h8RkuOHCkVGll8I9l79fnqOFFCDvbXP_8HjhyphenhyphenYvocPbm85QBdqPbzxJedySBRIT-X-KH4xVsGwo4eRBMFdahMxAw1GIHqrimL-ifazk5V-V30wJBcbBnjU4kbmJGN/s1600/Mel+Binder+0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am now completely hooked and if I could have, I would have got straight back in that plane and done it all over again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't find enough superlatives for this whole experience and also for my amazing instructor, all I can say is that I have a new hero :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhjI851IS9byepnF8rfurdNj8NgZqeXcIJcRx_N1aFkAFSSWvIJ89LbNCG5awwU5g5QVmR3qS1jSNDOi5KGNFfCNJXQFg11WaGyss4RsRWF3c02S0q_VwBCNCM0CeqZoFQGhe2ywJjmgq/s1600/Mel+Binder+0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhjI851IS9byepnF8rfurdNj8NgZqeXcIJcRx_N1aFkAFSSWvIJ89LbNCG5awwU5g5QVmR3qS1jSNDOi5KGNFfCNJXQFg11WaGyss4RsRWF3c02S0q_VwBCNCM0CeqZoFQGhe2ywJjmgq/s320/Mel+Binder+0191.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I was on such a high for at least a week and I still get a buzz now when I think back and remember - it's something that will stay with me forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The whole team at <a href="http://www.skydive.com/"><span style="color: red;">Go Skydive</span></a> are great, friendly, helpful and a pleasure to deal with but the one that I would really like to thank for the most awesome experience of my lifetime; is Lee - Thank you so so much! I will be back :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also just to add that I am so glad that I bought the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McPYS4tfEOE"><span style="color: magenta;">video</span></a> package as now I can watch it when ever I want and it's like I'm re-living the whole thing over & over again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone should give this a go, you really don't know what you are missing. It's not scary at all. They are very thorough and professional at <a href="http://www.skydive.com/"><span style="color: red;">Go Skydive</span></a> - they do it all for you and you just get to enjoy the ride!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So go on - do it:)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mel x</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-48904745892480536442015-03-23T10:41:00.000+00:002015-03-23T10:41:56.115+00:00Steam Travel - Swanage Railway <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq4u4JPQHEP5OUmaZdHdB8COBmRMoD1VVzuy4al15zggJZsK05LyFgaHI8tiFRjckgS6KIVVux5TaYDwqQLx9EK5ubqNX5pztXAiiwB1Nh6lJ2Tfca0n7Mn4aWKz0psW_oCBv5p32F5Zb/s1600/20150316_110544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq4u4JPQHEP5OUmaZdHdB8COBmRMoD1VVzuy4al15zggJZsK05LyFgaHI8tiFRjckgS6KIVVux5TaYDwqQLx9EK5ubqNX5pztXAiiwB1Nh6lJ2Tfca0n7Mn4aWKz0psW_oCBv5p32F5Zb/s1600/20150316_110544.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swanage Railway </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to a familiarisation day at <a href="http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Swange Railway</span></a>. It was something I had never done before so I was quite excited about it. So that I wasn't travelling alone I joined up with my friends from <a href="http://littlehayesguesthouse.co.uk/">Little Hayes Guesthouse</a>, their daughter and 2 grandchildren and after a slight mishap of missing the train, lol, we caught up with it at the other end.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's a 12 mile return trip on a beautiful historic steam hauled train that runs between <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://www.visit-dorset.com/about-the-area/areas-to-visit/swanage-and-purbeck&sa=U&ei=nJENVeWsHdHdaNCcgKAG&ved=0CC8QFjAA&usg=AFQjCNGGPIh8hm2q0R70UUBan1pnZfSF3A"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Swanage</span></a>, Herston, Harmans Cross, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle/&sa=U&ei=85ENVYiOI8vtaOjlgbAM&ved=0CC8QFjAB&usg=AFQjCNHV-EZdpO1wVbsiqc264pRPadqBGA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Corfe Castle</span></a> & Norden. The weather wasn't particularly kind to us as it was cold and drizzling for most of the journey, but luckily the sun almost made it through while we were at Corfe Castle for some beautiful photographs. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We were welcomed in the dining car at Swanage station for a brief overview of the railway and the day ahead with coffee & very nice scones, then at 11.30am we boarded the train. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhot0iH937G37nukkqlAYFcGtUTNb0oOLlhN_4x1tTsyqa0m3rVmCAIIgi3dwrG-r6mEDHCP2voMh1jO8qZs55NCvATpmSUDFtEeDj8LfRHZIkKOoTvk3f8j5PuH7-QOlurTtuk_CI1qw2A/s1600/20150316_110029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhot0iH937G37nukkqlAYFcGtUTNb0oOLlhN_4x1tTsyqa0m3rVmCAIIgi3dwrG-r6mEDHCP2voMh1jO8qZs55NCvATpmSUDFtEeDj8LfRHZIkKOoTvk3f8j5PuH7-QOlurTtuk_CI1qw2A/s1600/20150316_110029.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Swanage station</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Initially we were all seated in the special viewing carriage which has extremely large windows purposely for making the most of the views. Then for the rest of the journey we were able to occupy the traditional carriages with all the features that you see in movies.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We rode the train through Herston & Harmans Cross going through small tunnels and under bridges with countryside passing us by, steam billowing and the whistle tooting until we arrived at Corfe Castle station.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxrtKNvV-yAoFrgYc8HqOuS28_YCPYoWcdEHQVmNN1QmOzfFvXswxkap1dEo8v0Ot3cUM9loL1PCRVFFyVNp9FsH4sVvD39AgvusP9K_JqaeIJjzTUvkeeBos-mMG78Kj9KA4cqczodCB/s1600/20150316_121504_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxrtKNvV-yAoFrgYc8HqOuS28_YCPYoWcdEHQVmNN1QmOzfFvXswxkap1dEo8v0Ot3cUM9loL1PCRVFFyVNp9FsH4sVvD39AgvusP9K_JqaeIJjzTUvkeeBos-mMG78Kj9KA4cqczodCB/s1600/20150316_121504_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle/">Corfe Castle</a> </span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have to say that for me this stop was the best part of the whole experience. Many times I've driven by the iconic Corfe Castle but never actually stopped to take it in. The station is situated pretty much right underneath the National Trust's stunning castle remains that once belonged to William the Conqueror, which if you have never seen it - sits majestically on top of quite a large hill. The station is about as close as you can get to the remains without actually going to them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Initially when you get off the train, the view is obscured by the picturesque station which has been lovingly restored to how it was back in 1885 when it was opened, so at that point I was still naively unaware. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEimEBrw9Y-k70FRNNILmqZlqAGUpill_ZiD4V4xT9B2JpfkDRjHTaImVl_bOKXApYN59PIbkruBIb7b39L6HXHgN07MmKp0gbYlTfO18bR282YftZwxQiycOTQy8ztakHKAiKYsAB_ydG/s1600/20150316_115003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEimEBrw9Y-k70FRNNILmqZlqAGUpill_ZiD4V4xT9B2JpfkDRjHTaImVl_bOKXApYN59PIbkruBIb7b39L6HXHgN07MmKp0gbYlTfO18bR282YftZwxQiycOTQy8ztakHKAiKYsAB_ydG/s1600/20150316_115003.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We were guided round the small but interesting museum of steam railway memorabilia which has FREE admission </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(donations welcomed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Ordinarily there are also 2 further renovated train carriage museums here; 1 being a cinema with films & photo's about the reconstruction of the railway, all FREE admission, but unfortunately they were not open today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some of us were then guided round the signal box on the other side of the track but as space was quite limited we decided to just make the most of taking photographs. We walked up the steps of the footbridge to cross over the line, taking photo's of each other, when suddenly once we reached the middle of the bridge I turned & was blown away with the sight.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kqcG50jUuVseJJfqveQbZY0Pi3wg0ZCatcbePHuNfYrZFFDK71r-v9k78jhKTUH0fx5OYNjZUkrUM1LwXUd0lwYc6ZeRbMPJEFdOik6qYrZQVXmA57AZ1H3p8prdRbdO8CmglpCDaU6r/s1600/20150316_121018_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kqcG50jUuVseJJfqveQbZY0Pi3wg0ZCatcbePHuNfYrZFFDK71r-v9k78jhKTUH0fx5OYNjZUkrUM1LwXUd0lwYc6ZeRbMPJEFdOik6qYrZQVXmA57AZ1H3p8prdRbdO8CmglpCDaU6r/s1600/20150316_121018_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Time travel ?</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The beautiful remains were suddenly centre stage looking stunning just in the background with the historic steam locomotive billowing steam at the station in the foreground. The sight, smell and ambiance was like being in a scene from a whole other era, very nostalgic and wonderful, it's not every day you see something like this. As you can imagine I was very busy clicking away with my camera. For information ordinarily you can get off here to visit the pretty village and remains.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu00kqmlpudW7eIR2PZL7Lf9-2nf3eIKwLg8adk0WfbemsMkXjZCASsHvTnRJQfxx31JRsqKfIrs9AssaGOCTeaOFe36-69ZZ56zapbiL9raeLDPTh93kUcbZ9O6Dm0WBny3Zo_wONL-UX/s1600/20150316_121421_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu00kqmlpudW7eIR2PZL7Lf9-2nf3eIKwLg8adk0WfbemsMkXjZCASsHvTnRJQfxx31JRsqKfIrs9AssaGOCTeaOFe36-69ZZ56zapbiL9raeLDPTh93kUcbZ9O6Dm0WBny3Zo_wONL-UX/s1600/20150316_121421_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">my favourite shot of the day </span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our journey then continued down to the end of the line: Norden Station, where we decided to have some lunch in the buffet car there, but if you have more time, there is another museum here; the award winning <a href="http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/museums-educational"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Purbeck Mineral & Mining Museum</span></a> which again has FREE admission. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The return journey was just direct back to Swange, passing by all the same places through the pretty Isle of Purbeck countryside. At Swanage station there is a souvenir shop with gifts suitable for all ages. The station is ideally located in the heart of the town for easy access to shops and the beautiful blue flag beach. Swanage is also known as the "Gateway to the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://jurassiccoast.org/&sa=U&ei=XZINVcr2BdX5at3_geAK&ved=0CCIQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNGr1CwpFuW15zszNR6q7jW1a_BPlQ"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Jurassic Coast</span></a>" with lots more stunning places of outstanding natural beauty to explore.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All in all it was a lovely day out for all ages as we travelled as a mixed age group, ranging from 18 months to 50+, it has the flexibility to be a whole day out or just a couple of hours and it doesn't really matter what the weather does while you are on the train. For a family of 4 it's £32.00 which really isn't bad value for money and you are contributing towards keeping this non profit heritage railway attraction alive.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Would I go again</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> ? - Yes, especially if I was staying in Swanage as it really is just a short walk and then you are on the train. From Lyndhurst it's at least a 1 hour drive so you would want to make a full day out of it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Would I recommend it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> ? - Yes, just for the stunning view of Corfe Castle from the footbridge and platform.</span><br />
<br />
MelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-16039891899964389212014-10-30T15:53:00.000+00:002014-10-30T15:53:03.739+00:002 Minutes of Fame (my opinion on cycling in the New Forest) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I still can't quite believe that I was on TV last Sunday, did you see me? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAx6KqoBSZyrQTbVVU8jfJZ5tJxGRSkrEJDEPBPUHxuuOd2yvLh34fdLYhFDUELJ-sMTJ10hxz-uenEozyaf7exa7OeGDphh65c5CDYK1XdmxgQxdrGN-ychizTPxNcd8LiQlb-hrZu2q/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAx6KqoBSZyrQTbVVU8jfJZ5tJxGRSkrEJDEPBPUHxuuOd2yvLh34fdLYhFDUELJ-sMTJ10hxz-uenEozyaf7exa7OeGDphh65c5CDYK1XdmxgQxdrGN-ychizTPxNcd8LiQlb-hrZu2q/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">About 2 weeks ago I was just getting myself kitted up ready for my usual cycle in the forest when I received a phone call. A very nice lady introduced herself as <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkerJParker"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Jessica Parker</span></a> from BBC South and explained that she was calling about a current debate that's going on here in the <a href="http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">New Forest National Park</span></a> about cycling, and she wondered if I was willing to talk to her about it. Well anyone that knows me would know that if I have any knowledge or opinion on a topic I will talk to anyone about it, so it was a no brainer really. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, after about a 15 minute discussion she asked me if I would be willing to be filmed for TV at my B&B for a short programme she was making about this debate as she was interested in using my views on how this issue could affect small local business's. I had obviously given her the right answers to her questions on the phone :) I was a little surprised but instantly said "yes", as I think we all have this "thing" about being on TV lol. We agreed a day and time and then I went off and did my cycle, smiling & feeling quite chuffed with myself. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Filming was set for Monday 20th Oct at 4.30pm and all that weekend before, I was panicking, cleaning, tidying, cleaning again, gardening, panicking, cleaning again, until in the end I had ran out of time. I had been worrying about what I should say and if I knew enough about the topic to give an informed opinion, so I had debated it with everyone I bumped into and all my guests too, and obviously told them that I was going to be on TV. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The time arrived, and they were very prompt. The decision was made by the camera man to shoot the whole interview in our guests breakfast room for ease. He did quite a bit of filming around the room picking out all my homemade jams & marmalade's and any literature that involved cycling. He also filmed me setting up the table for breakfast from start to finish. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a very structured interview as she had very specific questions she wanted to ask and I answered them all honestly. Afterwards though I felt that I could have said more. I could have expressed a stronger opinion in less words, because after seeing the finished item on TV I realised just how short and sweet it was - most of what I had said was cut out. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was told that the interview was going to be part of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00ly0k7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Sunday Politics Show</span></a> which is aired on BBC1 every Sunday at 11.00am, and that our bit was included in the local debate at 11.30am. Who would have thought it, me being part of a political debate show! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the next 5 days I was left wondering what exactly it was going to be like, how much they would use and whether or not they would hash my words around to make something completely different to suit their needs. I told everyone in advance that I know to watch it either live or via iplayer or Facebook and we all waited in anticipation. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Saturday night I was actually put out of my misery, as I was given a link via Twitter to a sneak peak of the finished piece and it was really weird watching myself. I was a little disappointed that it was so brief but they did only use my words and chose some that obviously suited the programme. The shots of our signage are great publicity for the business which is always a bonus and the support and extra activity on our <a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">website</span></a>, Twitter & Facebook pages is also invaluable. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did also watch the full programme, just to see how it all fitted together and if there was any further debate about the film afterwards - there was some discussion, one of the ladies actually supported and agreed with me & our plight as small business's, before they cut her off :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can watch it here if you missed it: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=725349927555600&set=vb.153132638110668&type=2&theater"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=725349927555600&set=vb.153132638110668&type=2&theater</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The whole experience was a little surreal but fun and well worth doing even if just for the publicity for my B&B, but don't get me wrong - I do really support the pro-cyclists in this very emotional and important argument. I do feel that if we turn our backs on cyclists in the New Forest National Park we will loose out on a huge amount of visitors and a lot of money being brought into the local economy here. We rely on tourism and that includes cycling. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Funnily enough we are being encouraged as B&B owners to push the "Green Tourism" concept - Yeah you might laugh! how can we really do that if we object to people cycling. The health benefits too of<b> </b>getting out and doing some exercise on a bike whether it is just a couple of miles or a whole sportive event, everyone is telling us we need more exercise, it's all just backwards! How does driving cycling away from here fit in with the government's "get people cycling" campaign? The government have actually awarded a £3.57m grant to extend & improve the cycle tracks and implement a new extensive cycle hire scheme throughout our National Park, which is predominantly what the argument is about, and the fact that if it doesn't go ahead the money will be withdrawn. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other places manage to deal with cyclists and we are in serious danger of loosing them all to places like the Isle of Wight & Peak District simply because they welcome them and encourage them. If the grant ends up going to somewhere like that and it becomes a success lots of people will have egg all over their faces!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We need to open our eyes to see the big picture and the oppourtunity for this National Park, it's a special place for all to enjoy, not just the blinkered, small minded minority that think it belongs to them. For the Park and surrounding areas to financially survive and continue to be a leading vacation destination we need happy visitors that stay and spend money, and as long as the infrastructure (whether it be new or modify what we have) is put into place it should be able to include everyone. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am all for live and let live :)</span><br />
MelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-62327745124343334932014-07-08T21:43:00.002+01:002014-07-08T21:45:49.130+01:00New Forest Tour Bus - A perfect day out :)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIdzC8Yev4KMT6L2ZrbLqoIqNfVQY5C0216nZpQ8OdiledhAxSWVV_LqMedYjQMsC8QSY9Z4q5XG4_AIDK0W8g_cWHqQktfInvt3EOULhnLnZLl71BJSr7jX8Qyi9dSjwQRFusKCcoBgf/s1600/New_Forest_Tour_Three_Routes_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIdzC8Yev4KMT6L2ZrbLqoIqNfVQY5C0216nZpQ8OdiledhAxSWVV_LqMedYjQMsC8QSY9Z4q5XG4_AIDK0W8g_cWHqQktfInvt3EOULhnLnZLl71BJSr7jX8Qyi9dSjwQRFusKCcoBgf/s1600/New_Forest_Tour_Three_Routes_2.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last Wednesday I was lucky enough to be one of a select few local business who were invited to a special social media day out on the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.thenewforesttour.info/">New Forest Tour bus</a>. </span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was an organised event, (although we mingled and travelled with actual tourists throughout the day) for us to experience the tour bus first hand and share it with the world.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So we all met at the main car park bus stop in Lyndhurst at about 10.00am and introduced ourselves. There were representatives from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.careysmanor.com/">Careys Manor Hotel & Spa</a> , <a href="http://www.ringwoodbrewery.co.uk/">Ringwood Brewery</a>, <a href="http://www.shorefield.co.uk/">Shorefields Holiday Park</a>, <a href="http://www.bedandbreakfast-newforest.co.uk/">Daisybank Cottage B&B</a>, <a href="http://www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">New Forest Wildlife Park</span> </a>, <a href="http://www.brandnewforest.com/">Brand New Forest</a>, <a href="http://www.thenewforesttour.info/">The New Forest Tour</a>, <a href="http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The New Forest</span></a>, <a href="http://cottagelodge.co.uk/">Cottage Lodge B&B</a>, <a href="http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/">Camping in the Forest</a>, <a href="http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">New Forest National Park Authority</span></a></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj8de8hNrffhgb0KA1TdOn-0sbMv7bIyNGX-DRXzXw9fWY2mkT6sBO-_ZT5TSN9ajjGwZA0a4XeWfArqG0-sp5rk2dYA7g23hzhq6qz-yHGiBzsXS52K6ZMD49WszbiFrrloh4577IiFB/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj8de8hNrffhgb0KA1TdOn-0sbMv7bIyNGX-DRXzXw9fWY2mkT6sBO-_ZT5TSN9ajjGwZA0a4XeWfArqG0-sp5rk2dYA7g23hzhq6qz-yHGiBzsXS52K6ZMD49WszbiFrrloh4577IiFB/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwt4O_YiT6LSpaiX82Tf-Jn7M93Oem69GQQ2OF-4gPemkjdC2DAS3chgCl6KZOMxA_Sn8HUZqb5AehkS5V3uK7jqxW2Gog1wq0E_6uwN4LUHQtV0qXCedSO4Ql0qsWlXi58IwDhe-4_FK/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwt4O_YiT6LSpaiX82Tf-Jn7M93Oem69GQQ2OF-4gPemkjdC2DAS3chgCl6KZOMxA_Sn8HUZqb5AehkS5V3uK7jqxW2Gog1wq0E_6uwN4LUHQtV0qXCedSO4Ql0qsWlXi58IwDhe-4_FK/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We started off on the <a href="http://www.thenewforesttour.info/routes/red-route"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Red route</span></a>, this took us from Lyndhurst straight to Burley through some beautiful scenery and past lots of ponies enjoying the sunshine. Burley is the Brand New Forest Village of the Year - 2014 a well deserved award for a lovely village. If you read my blogs regularly you will know that I really like Burley and I wrote a blog all about it. Every time I go there - whatever time of year, it always has a village fate feeling about it and this time was no different. The weather was amazing which enticed some to buy a New Forest ice cream, others bought the handmade <a href="http://www.burleyfudge.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Burley Fudge</span></a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9Zite6hsIWdQfyON-LlE2fT0V-dmWyY5KoDaMvQK1WKjEBQvk-Khh5Z73rKwJjX4Ilygw28NTKnM8xmxf9wTY1mFdlQlRqdM78Q_Ga4MkJeH4mUUSpIINvFGvdFJAa3MClkbJmh0qYBg/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9Zite6hsIWdQfyON-LlE2fT0V-dmWyY5KoDaMvQK1WKjEBQvk-Khh5Z73rKwJjX4Ilygw28NTKnM8xmxf9wTY1mFdlQlRqdM78Q_Ga4MkJeH4mUUSpIINvFGvdFJAa3MClkbJmh0qYBg/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" height="177" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This time I just went in search of ponies & deer. Burley is one of the few remaining villages with no cattle grids which allows the ponies and cattle to roam freely. It's always fun as a spectator to see the traffic held up by them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aGKeOAafvi7QFr4tKxj6sqQijwV5wywaCWkX5C-VdCkTyzEkfP0Gr49pb4DBrXG4ntH6SIAJ7q8bVYn3QT6mRm_5r9_07GxO5Mk5IWKhcDtxrojzzBF-RGx_4SqRcb9BK7ZelDbXEn8H/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Ordinarily if you stayed on the red route you would then continue onto Ringwood, Blashford Lakes, Fordingbridge, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.sandyballs.co.uk/">Sandy Balls Holiday Village</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;">, Ashurst, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><a href="http://www.longdownfarm.co.uk/">Longdown Dairy Farm</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">, the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><a href="http://www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">New Forest Wildlife Park</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> and then back to Lyndhurst. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgts1KVxcL9dvRW4QfBj5i1Ub91KfEVE8cCG0cM7agX4PjEghpuguAk3JQ9U9xxyhvA8WNb7pxZl9V0aIxfvK_KbTb4jzryQbXgN9mo6TjwFK-r1xO6ZuJfs3vxrbZMrG-j4Ab_a4_Jo8sq/s1600/Blue_Route_Milford_on_Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgts1KVxcL9dvRW4QfBj5i1Ub91KfEVE8cCG0cM7agX4PjEghpuguAk3JQ9U9xxyhvA8WNb7pxZl9V0aIxfvK_KbTb4jzryQbXgN9mo6TjwFK-r1xO6ZuJfs3vxrbZMrG-j4Ab_a4_Jo8sq/s1600/Blue_Route_Milford_on_Sea.jpg" height="110" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On this trip we changed buses and picked up the <a href="http://www.thenewforesttour.info/routes/blue-route"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Blue route</span> </a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">at the stop next to the famous <a href="http://www.covenofwitches.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Coven of Witches</span></a> shop. On this leg of the trip we stayed on the bus for about an hour and enjoyed all the beautiful and diverse scenery that the New Forest has to offer, ranging from heathland, forest, coastal paths & beaches, wetlands & nature reserve and some beautiful old historic buildings like Hurst Castle. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8UoI_mIIS2vZE9G8l_NIgwbNrn_mpNkGBT4vqpXABd7WzInB2JDT_FjfXIQMJegetffE-jtre4IEHM0XuBKFQjmu4B-hhqiCdO_3Omn6hEkQlRg8O7fViWg8bxdKQmNvx36Kk_ySBNNM/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8UoI_mIIS2vZE9G8l_NIgwbNrn_mpNkGBT4vqpXABd7WzInB2JDT_FjfXIQMJegetffE-jtre4IEHM0XuBKFQjmu4B-hhqiCdO_3Omn6hEkQlRg8O7fViWg8bxdKQmNvx36Kk_ySBNNM/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" height="200" width="111" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX3TN0uERV0Fk1gCtmJXAjV3NTnvAZoje-V7uHYWomNT5DpUqhFVW_G06a1lFLOcDeLmc1C53ApqgXqLro6vbneV3Em2x4yaZeEhO5-GX93BXjwbg3lfDnI_q3-0xFszAxBc4KryaLPLy/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX3TN0uERV0Fk1gCtmJXAjV3NTnvAZoje-V7uHYWomNT5DpUqhFVW_G06a1lFLOcDeLmc1C53ApqgXqLro6vbneV3Em2x4yaZeEhO5-GX93BXjwbg3lfDnI_q3-0xFszAxBc4KryaLPLy/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can even see over to the Needles on the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks of Dorset. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This particular leg ended at the lovely Georgian town of Lymington, another one of my favourite places. We had just enough time to take in the pretty cobbled streets at the old quayside end of the village which looked amazing in the gorgeous weather we were so fortunate to be out in. Although I have to say, you still need a cardigan or light jacket on the open top as it does get windy and chilly, and don't worry about doing your hair before you get on - it's a waste of time lol!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you stay a little longer, one of the things you can do is take the <a href="http://www.puffincruiseslymington.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Puffin Cruises</span></a>,</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDrPAHQRgtHJHmc9H7MtWJ5qfZ78I58LepF9Ohl7sCLGAczArYwOM6-2VJqsFlU9K4UtEyQRteX72LaJ2PEXk9mvZLDUHFrnf7jsKtXLu_yQCCPdf580c-CoyUstoX3_8dDNrUvPj0jBA/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDrPAHQRgtHJHmc9H7MtWJ5qfZ78I58LepF9Ohl7sCLGAczArYwOM6-2VJqsFlU9K4UtEyQRteX72LaJ2PEXk9mvZLDUHFrnf7jsKtXLu_yQCCPdf580c-CoyUstoX3_8dDNrUvPj0jBA/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They depart regularly from the quay side and take you out into the Solent for panoramic views of the <a href="http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Isle of Wight</span></a> and the National Park coastline. On a day like today it would have been amazing. There are many unique shops, tea rooms, there's a salt water Lido, children's play areas & quiet parks, 10 miles of nature reserve that you can walk through, and even a traditional street market on a Saturday. So much to do and see.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The running commentary that you get throughout all of the journey's is very informative and interesting, talking about the fascinating history of the area and special places of interest. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dK6-30zg8SGV7x8NuPx-wjtnllHIrzXNQkvCbf1w9InRakNegMYmHBXxwXUs2wYS8wGIBkJpQYRptUe7P9OyOM2lT2BVDX2sva73L6owVpv_-pdi8Z9-flDP4AsPzHyrE0rs-SUk7M64/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dK6-30zg8SGV7x8NuPx-wjtnllHIrzXNQkvCbf1w9InRakNegMYmHBXxwXUs2wYS8wGIBkJpQYRptUe7P9OyOM2lT2BVDX2sva73L6owVpv_-pdi8Z9-flDP4AsPzHyrE0rs-SUk7M64/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So after a short stop at Lymington we jumped on the <a href="http://www.thenewforesttour.info/routes/green-route"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Green route</span></a> from the main bus station. This took us across country to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our.../macdonald-elmers-court-hotel-resort">Elmers Court Hotel</a>, <a href="http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/">Beaulieu Motor Museum</a></span> & village taking in the picturesque views of the Palace House across the lake and then some of the tranquil Beaulieu river, onto <a href="http://www.exbury.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Exbury Gardens</span></a>, then to Hythe</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScvhCwiKjPqgM7YapVOG_kj3lVUD-yMyx9I2Wff_xngPw6ysMr08zFzYvZ4Kv-G7Emxq_9Mvcaae5XrD43LfrG7qEIHqdtoWLULEqMa56jeDAQKQYdW14hlHPnn9gRAch07rRcROXYzOc/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScvhCwiKjPqgM7YapVOG_kj3lVUD-yMyx9I2Wff_xngPw6ysMr08zFzYvZ4Kv-G7Emxq_9Mvcaae5XrD43LfrG7qEIHqdtoWLULEqMa56jeDAQKQYdW14hlHPnn9gRAch07rRcROXYzOc/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">where the historic Pier train runs to the ferry that connects with Southampton, it's actually listed in the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest working pier train in the world!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From there we then cut across the open heathland over to Beaulieu Road Station - this particular part was extremely windy but still good fun.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally after an extremely enjoyable day out, we arrived back at Lyndhurst main car park.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This particular itinerary was chosen for us as an example of what you can do on the Tour bus. You can do more or less and in a different order if that's what you choose. You can even (if you choose) just sit on the bus all the way round and not visit anywhere, it would still be a good day out, but if you are able to get off you certainly experience a lot more and probably take away a little bit more of the forest with you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfJDsL7oLcadTsH7QHx0dpRpmGf86EIZMFYBFfPrDrCPVT031Txxu9quX_bLyOq7Hnkin0KnACr9cmdDJn9xSVwC1-HnhKkRdRrKoXhWyqQAZyyGN7gOJrFT4SAM0bpcVh9sNdXj2HiuJ/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfJDsL7oLcadTsH7QHx0dpRpmGf86EIZMFYBFfPrDrCPVT031Txxu9quX_bLyOq7Hnkin0KnACr9cmdDJn9xSVwC1-HnhKkRdRrKoXhWyqQAZyyGN7gOJrFT4SAM0bpcVh9sNdXj2HiuJ/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowyxd1hyJ_dQl7lM8nat3tp68mL3OLrwNDUJihkjYVhQUmjr1hShXWstcWW9rpE5EXBVWz-amQ8jP8utbc-GdD7YE2uHmzU4sYs6fh97bZZjDh1K4YMcbPqnVEpU6SUrj_8ImPhapMTk1/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowyxd1hyJ_dQl7lM8nat3tp68mL3OLrwNDUJihkjYVhQUmjr1hShXWstcWW9rpE5EXBVWz-amQ8jP8utbc-GdD7YE2uHmzU4sYs6fh97bZZjDh1K4YMcbPqnVEpU6SUrj_8ImPhapMTk1/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All in all it was a perfect day out, the weather was amazing, the company of the other business's was a pleasure, ordinarily I would probably not have met these lovely people, so it was great to be brought together. The scenery was superb, you can't beat the view from the open top of a double decker bus, the whole event was very well organised and a great success as a social media event, as all of us couldn't stop Tweeting and Facebooking all day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All that is left for me to say is a massive thank you to Shona, I would have recommended the tour anyway as I always do - but now I can share about all of the routes and attractions with confidence and enthusiasm as I can't stop myself from talking about it</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnG_dyXIRrb0B18F7_ZO3B0VaMC0No6rM6GXiWonknfS8ztm7SAwjF4G9TxuRMRpJ_BfO40khJn_XEoHa5EnDwOjkPJgz3Xvi8q7xekjSgqvnYXwm8LdCixOcqYTIM7lWvMP00U-0SyJG/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnG_dyXIRrb0B18F7_ZO3B0VaMC0No6rM6GXiWonknfS8ztm7SAwjF4G9TxuRMRpJ_BfO40khJn_XEoHa5EnDwOjkPJgz3Xvi8q7xekjSgqvnYXwm8LdCixOcqYTIM7lWvMP00U-0SyJG/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" height="200" width="111" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Mel :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rewinding back a bit to explain, we moved to our current address in 2011 and after a bit of time refurbishing the place and converting the spare rooms into B&B guest rooms we opened our doors in 2012. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That year we basically didn't even exist anywhere because our location is so very well hidden, yet still in the centre of Lyndhurst. Even most of the locals didn't and still don't know where we are. This was one of the reasons we loved the location although we always knew getting noticed would be a slow process. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moving from a prominent position on the busy A337 Romsey Road where passing trade could clearly see us and stopped most of the year round, to a quiet secluded, well hidden gravel track that no one knew existed and couldn't see us as we are at the bottom, meant that business was almost non existent. We were totally reliant on other B&B's passing business on and the few websites that we were advertising with, as well as our own - which, to say it was under achieving is probably being polite. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because of the way our old B&B performed solely on it's location and repeat customers we had never really needed to bother with websites, advertising and I certainly hadn't even entertained other options like social media. Suddenly not knowing what to do to increase bookings, when we had hardly any money to spend on advertising, things were starting to get me down, I was really beginning to think that we had made the wrong decision in moving to such a location. Knowing that something needed to be done otherwise we might not have made it through another poor season I was starting to open my mind up to new options and strategies. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Out of the blue one day I received an email from the <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=ZjWgU7m2GtDR8geGgoGoAg#">NFTA</a> (a support organisation for local tourism based business's) announcing that a project had been offered by Bournemouth University in conjunction with Tourism South East which would involve a selected amount of business's to work with and share the experience & knowledge of a final year marketing student and the project leaders for 8 months - for free! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Initially I read it and thought it's out of my league, but maybe Fred would be interested, so I mentioned it and his response was "it's your business - so you need to do it for yourself". Not really wanting to throw myself into something I knew nothing about, I decided it was sink or swim really and entered my application. The amount of applicants for it was very high and I had already convinced myself that I didn't stand a chance of getting on it, but at least I'd taken the first steps of trying to change our situation. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So when I didn't get selected I wasn't surprised, although I was surprised when I got a phone call from the University a few weeks later saying that someone had pulled out at the last moment and if I could make it to the first seminar the next week - I was in. You can probably imagine that I was excited but afraid all at the same time. On arrival my fear was compounded even more, all these other business's had already been doing some social media and 'little ole me' hadn't even been interested until a few weeks prior. I was out of my depth big time and nearly never stayed, the only thing that kept me there was Sarah Willats from the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_803283372"></span>New Forest Destination team<span id="goog_803283373"></span></a>, I knew her from other things I'd been involved with for the promotion of the National Park, if it hadn't been for her friendly face in the room I would not have continued - I'm sure. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After a few hours of getting to know everyone in my team I began to realise that although they were already using social media, they didn't actually understand much more than me. We all gelled really well and helped each other out to gain from each others experiences and failures which to me was invaluable - I owe a lot to each and every one in our #APPSFAB team inc Philip, Maureen & Steve and I want to thank them all again and again. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To a small struggling business peoples support, help and encouragement can make so much of a difference, I know - <a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Acorns of Lyndhurst</span></a> is proof.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyway to get to the point, since that project which made me (with the fantastic help of my web page designer) upgrade our web page and get us on page 1 of Google rankings, I made 2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGaV34vKurY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Youtube</span> </a>videos with 1 being an advertising promotional video & the other was used as an inspirational presentation at the <a href="http://www.tourismsoutheast.com/">Tourism South Easts</a> AGM & conference, we joined <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tripadvisor</span></a> and have soared, I became a blogger and a regular Facebook & Twitter user making the most of all the free channels available to any of us, I now make my own </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">preserves too and I have just been invited to a special social media event on the <a href="http://www.thenewforesttour.info/">New Forest Tour Bus.</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It does take time to get a good presence on the social sites but the rewards are great when you see yourself on page 1 and you see the bookings flooding in. Last year was a good year for us as we watched the business start to grow and made a little bit of money, but I have to say that this year so far has exceeded my expectations. Listening to a lot of B&B owners in the area they have complained about how poor the first quarter of the year was - not for us. We are up on the same period last year, and this second quarter so far, we have continued that trend. We are having a very busy year and I am very happy. To top off the amazing start we were unexpectedly awarded a <a href="https://www.prod.facebook.com/events/461609417317592/?ref=22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence</span> </a>last month, which is amazing. I can't thank the people who have reviewed us enough, as that was all down to them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know sometimes you get fed up with people always bleating on about how well they are doing and everything is all about them praising themselves, but I really wanted to share this because I really am so grateful for how my business has turned around from 2 years ago, and it's mostly because of a special few people that inspired me, converted me and supported me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am eternally grateful and I can't say it enough, so using the skills they taught me this is my thank you.</span><br />
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Mel :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-9217380893388421882014-05-12T18:12:00.001+01:002014-05-12T18:12:47.665+01:00Never a dull moment @ Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEuzLXytVSZjkGVfxWSPbDmuEWrotOoI2pXLdy46BgEamu1E1btvpkP5skwTUZ2IeD_ko6Y00x2pgGZwiizS2qekbCS7YqyexqOOpqEuk67cmP2bok8t4K5Ozmx-oRFe4xhRue3M4q2U2/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEuzLXytVSZjkGVfxWSPbDmuEWrotOoI2pXLdy46BgEamu1E1btvpkP5skwTUZ2IeD_ko6Y00x2pgGZwiizS2qekbCS7YqyexqOOpqEuk67cmP2bok8t4K5Ozmx-oRFe4xhRue3M4q2U2/s1600/003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The last few weeks have been very eventful at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Acorns of Lyndhurst</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> as those of you who follow me on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Acornsoflyndhurst"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Facebook</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Acorns_BandB"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Twitter</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> will know. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My mum has been staying with us for a while and unfortunately or maybe fortunately for her I ended up taking her to Southampton A&E 2 weeks ago and she was diagnosed as having DVT in her left calf. I say fortunately for her because it needed to be found as it's dangerous walking around with clots. I have to say that all the staff in the hospital over the 3 days that we were there were all lovely and incredibly thorough, and at least it was picked up, as if it hadn't been spotted she might not be here now. She has been getting very good care and treatment from all involved and is doing pretty good now. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We even managed to get out for the day for her 80th birthday last Monday. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqKrkJFKbCCeRMBxPltBIrCpDiPNarcHg3gVCGIq4u13T89k5cyva6crfpQgfKkijULue3_TqdGBVaOiA2djkgMdXM3gt9651X8Gtf7f4BaXIqhgoWHvCsVUW6PZx09jW2LskVu9XIJrv/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqKrkJFKbCCeRMBxPltBIrCpDiPNarcHg3gVCGIq4u13T89k5cyva6crfpQgfKkijULue3_TqdGBVaOiA2djkgMdXM3gt9651X8Gtf7f4BaXIqhgoWHvCsVUW6PZx09jW2LskVu9XIJrv/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSgHiHn_oAvKUXi2kh4L7m7bcVxPFa0XetR217MkVh_EnKTXvSXRbMZPRWZiRVPJWIRpN9Yp0ZfXQtlrN7I3ldZvCJL72Gd8N608dKQ75SOABhnpOHd6kSevnnIl0pDKE72_DDamunRRr/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSgHiHn_oAvKUXi2kh4L7m7bcVxPFa0XetR217MkVh_EnKTXvSXRbMZPRWZiRVPJWIRpN9Yp0ZfXQtlrN7I3ldZvCJL72Gd8N608dKQ75SOABhnpOHd6kSevnnIl0pDKE72_DDamunRRr/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" height="200" width="111" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We all went out and became tourists for the day in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Burley village <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y_zjOO9Etn90ehW9x1OVi5ZJQQhaVQr6fuVNGYFMoWRFuNdIsWCx0T4qincv9-iqI9V-847LRbRVgXTqrbBmCNi8tP0NaoRGH3Em7v0RqiXNhdyE1e_Yoh3GsN2DHwbQAfWKEXOFsfo6/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y_zjOO9Etn90ehW9x1OVi5ZJQQhaVQr6fuVNGYFMoWRFuNdIsWCx0T4qincv9-iqI9V-847LRbRVgXTqrbBmCNi8tP0NaoRGH3Em7v0RqiXNhdyE1e_Yoh3GsN2DHwbQAfWKEXOFsfo6/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and a great day we had too, I can definitely recommend Burley as a place you must visit in the New Forest. One thing in particular that we did was the <a href="http://www.wagonrides.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Burley Wagon Ride</span> </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which leaves from the <a href="http://www.queens-head-pub-ringwood.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Queens Head Pub</span></a> Car Park regularly and does either 20mins, 30mins or 1 hour tours around the village and surrounding forest. A very enjoyable experience for all ages and abilities as mum obviously wasn't able to walk too much. Mum also insisted on going into the <a href="http://www.burleyfudge.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Burley Fudge Shop</span></a>. We got to try 2 types of fudge, clotted cream which was lovely but obviously a bit on the sweet side, so then she gave us marmite fudge. Yes marmite, it was actually nice, very unusual but nice. If you have never tried it you must pop in and give it a go. We then ended our day at <a href="http://whitebuckburley.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The White Buck Inn</span></a> for dinner. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPH0glKRdTYmPgT6UYM6txpRL5qoXKCh5uVJNAJMHH9Lb1UYBUH-0BPZqI6Ztazjl5v_eJhvrTYVZT21ZtZlBF0yzNxXqix89xhoh_h-3EMAVuPqPtVN5al1-XpSRMrCIWkuhIlo527n0/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPH0glKRdTYmPgT6UYM6txpRL5qoXKCh5uVJNAJMHH9Lb1UYBUH-0BPZqI6Ztazjl5v_eJhvrTYVZT21ZtZlBF0yzNxXqix89xhoh_h-3EMAVuPqPtVN5al1-XpSRMrCIWkuhIlo527n0/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_noo_crxFSCuwv1ZfNNedsDMjGDCS-8qAyT2oxW8GugbEsJ3UzsfXxlGX0pLGc98cvZ6iHGubsfG46Wbwaofgkd1Ez8qiqfFHYowPHVLOUj8bWiEV1yuaWUqfaN_eOVy4EqW6XsWygtM/s1600/DSC_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_noo_crxFSCuwv1ZfNNedsDMjGDCS-8qAyT2oxW8GugbEsJ3UzsfXxlGX0pLGc98cvZ6iHGubsfG46Wbwaofgkd1Ez8qiqfFHYowPHVLOUj8bWiEV1yuaWUqfaN_eOVy4EqW6XsWygtM/s1600/DSC_0562.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We sat in their beautiful garden as the sun was shining. Our meals were lovely. They have recently under gone a refurb inside and it is lovely, I always did like this pub but it's even better now. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The reason why Mum came to stay originally was so that we could take the kids back down to Looe, in Cornwall again. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiAQuLPfEyfqNDagsjV-RXaUnxpN1ur9v_fxMbwan0hG5MWAVtev0ZVX-qIboe1qZf52Nf2W7GWGpBKEqZYioQ3B3veyIAB65rJAfHXcVYQckLpXMddpyAEe2bBERsFA96DpzXU3oxKUw/s1600/1396973382269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiAQuLPfEyfqNDagsjV-RXaUnxpN1ur9v_fxMbwan0hG5MWAVtev0ZVX-qIboe1qZf52Nf2W7GWGpBKEqZYioQ3B3veyIAB65rJAfHXcVYQckLpXMddpyAEe2bBERsFA96DpzXU3oxKUw/s1600/1396973382269.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I had managed to book a 3 day weekend break in the <a href="http://www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk/.../looe-bay/looe-bay-holiday-park.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Parkdean - Looe Bay</span></a> site again with the <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/holidays%E2%80%8E"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Sun £9.50 </span></a>offer, as we did last October. I have to say that although it was nice to get away and be back in Looe, the overall experience in Parkdean to me was not as good as the first time, mainly I think because none of the entertainment crew were the same and last time round they made it for me. I think if I do the deal again I will try somewhere else next time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The kids loved it though - which I guess is the main thing and I do really like <a href="http://www.visit-southeastcornwall.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Looe</span></a> itself.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3WtLIADtsKkndwqPP6vv57TSAnZqkurh1AD6F9JkkMbxgRNcTMy95IaRnXqw9nOv3Bbdn8em5pHb6vRlHu9v4a-x67dyrbDAQxPz2PdqQYO12uq3VtkvGiXSvcXpK-9hsjPOavQBSaV1/s1600/1396688446649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3WtLIADtsKkndwqPP6vv57TSAnZqkurh1AD6F9JkkMbxgRNcTMy95IaRnXqw9nOv3Bbdn8em5pHb6vRlHu9v4a-x67dyrbDAQxPz2PdqQYO12uq3VtkvGiXSvcXpK-9hsjPOavQBSaV1/s1600/1396688446649.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other major event was us bringing home our new kittens, Daisy & Amber.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ8t6HsRE2Vsrr8eYUgn5d3mUBz82evp01lbVR8iwCUiliROV7k5O-b8tZMRLwMCgszWoQNVEAHq1VRd4WVf46oTFgtQyy1mHuIazAcLUIARcpC0hm8pu4XSjCJsDIsDWbAeUhoDLEVl9/s1600/.facebook_685740304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ8t6HsRE2Vsrr8eYUgn5d3mUBz82evp01lbVR8iwCUiliROV7k5O-b8tZMRLwMCgszWoQNVEAHq1VRd4WVf46oTFgtQyy1mHuIazAcLUIARcpC0hm8pu4XSjCJsDIsDWbAeUhoDLEVl9/s1600/.facebook_685740304.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> They are so adorable and funny. The kids absolutely love them, so much that they can't leave them be for a minute when they are at home and trying to get the kids to do anything now is a major ordeal, especially getting ready for school in a morning. You can waste so much time though just sitting with the kittens or even just watching them. In the last 2 weeks they have grown so much confidence around the house, so much so that they charge around after each other causing a trail of devastation behind them. They sound like elephants charging around on our wooden floors and they are still only tiny little things. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other news includes my highly popular jams & marmalades, they sold like hot cakes again this weekend. Production is going well for both my friends charity stall for the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"<a href="http://www.lyndhurstparishcouncil.org.uk/picnic-in-the-park/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lyndhurst Picnic in the Park</span>"</a></span> in June, and also for my B&B guests. It has become so talked about, that some of my Twitter followers are trying to persuade me to take part in a jam competition <a href="https://twitter.com/Jampionships"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">@Jampionships</span></a> that is held in September of each year. I have to say that I am a little bit tempted - so watch this space :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also last Saturday we were all lucky enough to be invited onto my cousins current cruise ship - <a href="http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/ep/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Emerald Princess.</span> </a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jfIfWivH3-M4-zrxoCafWbhANqmssX1YfK79iMyuBoGheBWwkWQiKVQlcUCpmH5YeQ1xFHKpvAngD5xIkuljpf2uNEYGo2k2a2HiY2Qh7v-VmGmdjb-gu0pbYQytIX0SZAI6m3CRrbjo/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jfIfWivH3-M4-zrxoCafWbhANqmssX1YfK79iMyuBoGheBWwkWQiKVQlcUCpmH5YeQ1xFHKpvAngD5xIkuljpf2uNEYGo2k2a2HiY2Qh7v-VmGmdjb-gu0pbYQytIX0SZAI6m3CRrbjo/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VwbSBu6zP9uwoxaE-qWmlwX7uzJDb1HLrZRMM8KYDfFvILs0XdjE_-_MZhkh171jaVdH2JNR4-tvdQ6jra4GXGJnCIMEs9LojU26eiQmZjUcMfl8yyj0C8_qbm-4xtB9_n8jAqcpRlFm/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VwbSBu6zP9uwoxaE-qWmlwX7uzJDb1HLrZRMM8KYDfFvILs0XdjE_-_MZhkh171jaVdH2JNR4-tvdQ6jra4GXGJnCIMEs9LojU26eiQmZjUcMfl8yyj0C8_qbm-4xtB9_n8jAqcpRlFm/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> She has just started the UK & European leg of her rotation which means she docks at Southampton on either a weekly or 2 weekly basis, which for us is great as it's just 15mins down the road. This ship is apparently a bit smaller than her last one, but to me it was still huge. The weather was kinder to us this time and Fred & the kids got to make use of the pool and Jacuzzi while Mum & me watched and sunbathed in front of the big screen. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We were treated to a lovely buffet lunch which basically was eat as much as you can - it was all delicious. Before we left Jo insisted that we tried the pizza and ice cream too, not that we needed anything else, but we did. It was a lovely day out again and we couldn't have asked for any more - Thank you Jo. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Business is going extremely well for us at the moment with lots of new guests aswell as quite a few regulars coming back again. I am thoroughly enjoying the taste testing of my homemade preserves and seeing everyone faces light up when they taste them. I really starting to think that they are making a genuine difference to the overall experience when you stay with us and the recent <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Tripadvisor </span></a>comments back this up. I even had 1 guest stay the other weekend, just to try my jam, as he had read about it on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g503849-d3278193-r204623278-Acorns_of_Lyndhurst-Lyndhurst_New_Forest_National_Park_Hampshire_England.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Tripadvisor</span></a>. I'm pleased to say that he was impressed enough to take a couple of flavours home with him. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am loving my job at the moment and feeling very lucky :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why not treat yourself to a short break with us and see what we are really all about, the jam's are good too.</span><br />
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MelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-19594905999799541462014-03-05T20:33:00.000+00:002014-03-05T20:33:32.568+00:00My guide to eating out in Lyndhurst<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My simple guide to eating out in Lyndhurst</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am not going to put these in order of preference, it's just as I think of them and I may miss a few out this time round but I can always do a part 2. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also just so that you know - all of the pubs and restaurants mentioned are children friendly as we have 2 of our own.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The Waterloo Arms, Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst </b>(pub)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.waterlooarmsnewforest.co.uk/">www.waterlooarmsnewforest.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This 17th century thatched pub is tucked away just off the A337 on the edge of the village. It's still within walking distance at about a 10 minute stroll. It is full of character with open log fires in the winter and the best pub garden in the village in the summer. The menu is a little more original than most pubs and everything that I have tried so far has been delicious. The atmosphere is very friendly and quite often they have things going on like musicians, quiz, garden parties & BBQ's. The only criticism I have of this pub is that it's slightly more expensive than the others in the village but they have for the last few years done a 10% discount card on food for all our guests.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The Fox & Hounds</b> (pub)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.foxandhoundslyndhurst.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">www.foxandhoundslyndhurst.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is another traditional village pub with log fires and beams. It recently changed ownership to the Fuller's Brewery and since then we have not been in to eat, however it was always consistently good food, very reliable. The pubs prominent location in the High Street means that it is always popular with tourists and our guests feedback so far has all been good. It has a small rear patio and a semi separate indoor area for families. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>La Pergola</b> (restaurant)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.la-pergola.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">www.la-pergola.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is at the very bottom end of the High Street just after the fire station. A fantastic authentic family run Italian restaurant which is usually extremely busy, I would certainly recommend booking between Easter - October to avoid disappointment. You can sit in or out as it has a pretty patio garden and also an outdoor play area to entertain the children. The food and service here is fantastic - the best ravioli I've ever had! Being a restaurant it is little more expensive but definitely worth it, ideal for special occasions. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Imperial China</b> (restaurant)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.imperialchinalyndhurst.co.uk/">www.imperialchinalyndhurst.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is opposite the traffic lights at the top of the High Street. A fantastic Chinese restaurant which again is usually extremely busy and I would recommend booking between Easter - October. All indoor seating in a very elegant setting and the food is amazing - the best prawn toast I've ever had! The service is extremely efficient and friendly, another ideal place for a special occasion. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being a restaurant it is little more expensive but definitely worth it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They do also offer a take away menu if you are unable to eat in.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Siam Thai Lounge</b> (restaurant)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.siamthailounge.com/%E2%80%8E">www.siamthailounge.com/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is next door to the Fox & Hounds in the High Street. Really nice food although the menu is a little hard to understand but the staff are very attentive and nothing is too much trouble. All indoor seating over 2 floors .</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Prezzo</b> (restaurant)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/restaurant/lyndhurst%E2%80%8E">www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/restaurant/lyndhurst</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Placed in between the Fox & Hounds and the Imperial China. A lovely old converted building with lots of old features. They are part of a chain but even so the food is lovely and affordable. All indoor seating and it's not that big so it may be wise to book in advance. There is also a take away option if you are unable to eat in.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The Mailmans Arms </b>(pub)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.mailmans-arms.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">www.mailmans-arms.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Situated at the bottom of the High Street next to the Ferrari garage. During the summer this pub is ideally situated for sitting outside at the front and watching the world go by while dreaming of owning a Ferrari that's parked right next to you. It's probably the best decorated pub in the village with masses of beautiful flowers from early summer and then Christmas lights in December. The area out the front is always the centre of the Christmas Fun Day and also the Christmas lights switch on ceremony. There is also an enclosed rear garden that is ideal for the kids as they can't get out and it has a lovely lawn for them to play on. The food ranges from very simple things like bangers & mash that are very reasonably priced to more expensive and slightly more sophisticated food, all of which is very nice.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They also do a lovely carvery on Sundays, the only one actually in the village and children under 10 eat free with each full paying adult. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Passage to India</b> (restaurant)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.passagetoindia-lyndhurst.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">www.passagetoindia-lyndhurst.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Situated just on the A337 from the High Street at the traffic lights. It's an unusual shaped restaurant so it doesn't seat quite as many as you would think from the outside and it's looked the same inside & out ever since we moved here in 2002. The food is very nice although I have to be honest and mention that more than once I have specifically asked them to leave out the coriander and it's still been all over my meal - therefore it's been sent back to the kitchen. Just a little personal niggle really.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The Curry Leaf </b>(restaurant)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://curryleaflyndhurst.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">curryleaflyndhurst.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We have only eaten here once for Fred's birthday and I have to say I was really impressed. The staff were all great, the food was delicious - with no coriander! The price was very reasonable and the atmosphere and decoration was fresh, modern and very relaxed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My guide to eating out in places further a field</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">High Corner Inn, Linwood</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px; white-space: nowrap;"><cite class="_Fe" style="color: #006621; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal;">www.<b>highcornerinn</b>.co.uk/</cite></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We ate here last night for my early birthday meal a little bit by accident really (as the Red Shoot Inn wasn't doing food) but I was really glad that we did. Just as we pulled up in the car we were met by a funny New Forest pony trying to get through the old fashioned turnstile as if he'd just been in for a drink, the bar tender then proceeded to come out and let the pony out of the main gate, and he wandered of - just a little insight into the quirkiness of most of the pubs out in the Forest. It's a very welcoming pub with a massive inglenook style log fire to great you and very friendly staff. Even the other customers in there were extremely friendly and with it being a dog friendly pub there were 3 dogs there and our children loved them. One lady there was on her way to "Crufts" with her Whippet, fingers crossed for them. The food was delicious and plenty of it, the special Stilton crusted sirloin steak looked amazing and apparently tasted it too. The setting of this pub really is in the middle of the forest, a real hidden gem, and there are some lovely walks around there too.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Haywain, Bartley </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.crowncarveries.co.uk/thehaywainsouthampton/%E2%80%8E">www.crowncarveries.co.uk/thehaywainsouthampton/</a></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This pub does a very nice Carvery every day of the week and during the week it is such good value for money, it costs £3.75 (I think) per adult Mon - Sat and then Sun it's more like £7.00 per adult. You get a generous amount of meat and there is usually 3 different meats to choose from or have all 3, then you can help yourself to as much veg as you can get on your plate. It does get extremely busy so at peak times you will have to queue and wait but other than that it's unbeatable really. The prices of the drinks here are also probably the cheapest in the area too and they do offer other meals as well as the carvery.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other places where we have eaten and would recommend but it's been a while</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">White Buck Inn, Burley</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px; white-space: nowrap;"><cite class="_Fe" style="color: #006621; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal;"><b>whitebuckburley</b>.co.uk/</cite></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is a very impressive former country mansion that has substantial grounds including a great semi hidden play trail for the kids. The garden seems to catch the sun just about all day long but if you prefer you can sit in and enjoy the very elegant decoration. I always think that you feel like you have been somewhere special and out of the ordinary when you go here. We have been here very recently for a drink, but we haven't eaten for a while, although when we did the food was really nice.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The Oak Inn, Bank</b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://oakinnlyndhurst.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">oakinnlyndhurst.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A lovely pub but quite small so it gets busy very quickly. A lovely outdoor sheltered area and a garden too - very popular with cyclists.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Swan, Lyndhurst </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #006621; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">www.<b>theswanlyndhurst</b>.co.uk/</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the edge of Lyndhurst on the A35. It has a nice garden with an outdoor play area but it is on the road side. Very nicely decorated inside and the food was lovely the last time we ate there. We used to go quite frequently until we moved house. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The New Forest Inn, Emery Down</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.thenewforestinn.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">www.thenewforestinn.co.uk/</a></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Very nice traditional pub with a lovely garden. This pub has previously been host to the fantastic talent competition - The Forest's Got Talent, in conjunction with the Trusty Servant at Minstead & Wave 105 radio station. We have had lovely food here but it was a while ago.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The New Forest Hotel, Ashurst</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://newforestashurst.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">newforestashurst.co.uk/</a></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This pubs caters for most of the campers at Ashurst campsite so it really can get busy although it is a very large pub with an even bigger garden. There is a nice play area that is fenced in to keep the kids safe and a huge lawn area to play on, although it does go all the way to the main road. We have had some very nice food here and it's very nicely decorated inside with a very relaxed feel about it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sir Walter Tyrell, Brook </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.newforestpubcompany.co.uk/page/sir-walter-tyrrell/">www.newforestpubcompany.co.uk/page/sir-walter-tyrrell/</a></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A great outdoor play area here for children - probably one of the largest I've seen at a pub. The food was very nice but only ever sat outside. It is a bit in the middle of no where but very near to the famous Rufus Stone.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Drift Inn, Beaulieu Road Station.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.driftinn.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">www.driftinn.co.uk/</a></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another good outside play area and very large garden. It is a bit exposed though and situated right next to the railway line, but they are not that frequent to make it a nuisance. Some great walks around here and the food from memory was good. We used to cycle to here have a few drinks and maybe something to eat and then cycle back to Lyndhurst. </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crown Stirrup, Lyndhurst</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.thecrownstirrup.co.uk/%E2%80%8E">www.thecrownstirrup.co.uk/</a></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This pub has changed hands since we ate here but it did do good food. What I really like about this place is the garden. It has an unusual fire pit in the middle which is lit regularly through the summer and you can just sit round the fire enjoying your drinks. There is a play corner for the kids and also an outside bowling/skittle alley. The other nice thing is that the garden backs straight onto the open forest and cycle routes at the back of Lyndhurst leading to Brockenhurst, so it's a great watering hole for walkers & cyclists.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These are places that we have tried & tested and enjoyed. There will be more as we are continually trying to visit new places all the time and even re-visit old places to make sure that they are maintaning the same standards. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are visiting the New Forest, especially Lyndhurst you never know this blog may just help you to decide where to eat :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mel</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-19445927809164030252014-02-15T14:34:00.001+00:002014-02-15T14:34:17.624+00:00Special occasions & decorations<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/539705_541310089222707_1734030060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/539705_541310089222707_1734030060_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thought I would do a quick blog to share and promote my individual room decorations. I love doing them and I get immense pleasure from the reactions & appreciation when my guests arrive and see their decorated room. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have done several occasions now and I try to do something different for each of them even if they do ask for the same as the photos on our website</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b><a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/">Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B</a>.</b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I only do them on request and I charge for any items purchased and a little bit extra for my time & creativity, but I'm certainly not expensive. If you bring your own props/gifts I will arrange and decorate for free. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love a challenge too so I will try to cater for any request.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1797475_711237488896632_348144361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So far most of my requests have been for Valentine's day and the choice of gifts and decorations for this is almost endless and is really only limited by budget. The only thing we don't allow is candles as obviously it's a safety issue.</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1920286_711625978857783_685611463_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1920286_711625978857783_685611463_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1797475_711237488896632_348144361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; color: purple; float: left; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1797475_711237488896632_348144361_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1012078_711626308857750_2113621979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1012078_711626308857750_2113621979_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">but it really doesn't have to be a special occasion, you might just want to spoil your loved one any day. </span></div>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1476681_670529246300790_1460837685_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1476681_670529246300790_1460837685_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1622052_711598562193858_1662629233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1622052_711598562193858_1662629233_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOFjkZnL5PipFbza8gbfAdj6_mbdRc2ThBIbCqj-4SXRjAjVongVJyIcmDeXeTg6fVhrwbhFJgvTacrcqc-KEkVtTwvjt7UMtmzpXW7ER806lwmHcxQd7mo3-KuCn5LSPM0ftX_Kgz2aT/s1600/2009_0315march090019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Birthday's - Helium balloons, banners and streamers - just a simple idea and could be adapted or expanded to suit any occasions. </span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOFjkZnL5PipFbza8gbfAdj6_mbdRc2ThBIbCqj-4SXRjAjVongVJyIcmDeXeTg6fVhrwbhFJgvTacrcqc-KEkVtTwvjt7UMtmzpXW7ER806lwmHcxQd7mo3-KuCn5LSPM0ftX_Kgz2aT/s1600/2009_0315march090019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOFjkZnL5PipFbza8gbfAdj6_mbdRc2ThBIbCqj-4SXRjAjVongVJyIcmDeXeTg6fVhrwbhFJgvTacrcqc-KEkVtTwvjt7UMtmzpXW7ER806lwmHcxQd7mo3-KuCn5LSPM0ftX_Kgz2aT/s1600/2009_0315march090019.JPG" height="150" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCSZ8jbSPnUi__ri0D5-NUbQfouJn47Qzxh0DNjIoiu2uK-g5kdEkGgLlqAMm09VRS89FnrdX3g6b9yEMm6zAKxnrRbQBa5h4tEJQhG-UM4J4SSnjaz2yP_80avPVENQ41l63u7ledoj4/s1600/2009_0315march090022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCSZ8jbSPnUi__ri0D5-NUbQfouJn47Qzxh0DNjIoiu2uK-g5kdEkGgLlqAMm09VRS89FnrdX3g6b9yEMm6zAKxnrRbQBa5h4tEJQhG-UM4J4SSnjaz2yP_80avPVENQ41l63u7ledoj4/s1600/2009_0315march090022.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A couple of years ago I had a very low key wedding couple staying, who are family of regular guests of ours, who over the years have become very good friends. As a special personal touch I just added the confetti heart and helium balloon as a small gift from us. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Hand made paper bouquet. I made this for one of my best friends 1st wedding anniversary (paper anniversary) last year. It wasn't involved in a room decoration but it is something that could be, I can make on request if desired and the added bonus is it keeps for ever unlike fresh flowers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All of the examples in the pictures can be mixed and matched and adapted, you just need to give me a simple brief and a budget to work from and I'll do the rest :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Mel</span></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-u6YR1FABPiQ%2FUv9iyAHhEbI%2FAAAAAAAAAXI%2Fw8ii9Szxns8%2Fs1600%2F2009_0315march090019.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOFjkZnL5PipFbza8gbfAdj6_mbdRc2ThBIbCqj-4SXRjAjVongVJyIcmDeXeTg6fVhrwbhFJgvTacrcqc-KEkVtTwvjt7UMtmzpXW7ER806lwmHcxQd7mo3-KuCn5LSPM0ftX_Kgz2aT/s1600/2009_0315march090019.JPG" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-39355343907375238842014-02-09T14:07:00.000+00:002014-02-09T14:07:04.056+00:00An afternoon in Burley <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8Z1KfV8MI12-bQ89ropPA9ZWR18eDCaQu7aoUpJpQjEQnxIK_" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8Z1KfV8MI12-bQ89ropPA9ZWR18eDCaQu7aoUpJpQjEQnxIK_" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although the weather yesterday was very blowy, it was at least dry and the sun did make a few brief appearances so we decided to drag the kids out for a bit and went over to the nearby village of Burley. I have driven through so many times but have never actually stopped to explore Burley and we decided it was about time we did. Parking is very easy - there is quite a large pay & display car park just next to the Queens Head pub and it's right in the middle of the village. Quite often they hold a farmers market here at weekends which is always worth a look. Burley isn't a very big village but it is very pretty with some very unique shops, a whole range of activities and of course surrounded by beautiful forest.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As soon as you enter the main street you can't help but notice that the shops are not your normal shops with 2 of them being witches shops, selling all sorts of mystical, magical & humorous gifts, they are definitely worth a look for their uniqueness. There is also a delightful leather shop that we visited <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TitanLeathercraft?fref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Titan Leather Craft</span></a>.</span> There's lots of lovely things here and not too expensive either. While we were there the lady, who I believe is the owner, was busy decorating a beautiful leather book cover and she explained to my kids what she was doing, what it would be like when finished, explained about the unique paper from India and her experimental techniques. It was really interesting and an absolute surprise to find such a shop. You really can't beat seeing the products being made and listening to them talk about what they are doing - it's far more rewarding and enriching than just going to a shop, buying something of a shelf with no interaction with anyone, other than handing money over. We were only browsing this time but I know where I will be going next time I want a special gift for someone. </span><br />
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7yolAOFf0Ee1Kd2tUAgvE8C-CT_1y1I-vbptwxXDy_-a5-iIjhQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7yolAOFf0Ee1Kd2tUAgvE8C-CT_1y1I-vbptwxXDy_-a5-iIjhQ" height="133" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are several lovely pubs & cafes to take a pit-stop and enjoy the surroundings but I think my personal favourite is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://whitebuckburley.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The White Buck Inn</span></a>.</span> </span> It is situated just outside of the main village near to the golf course and it's a beautiful country house set amongst a substantial sunny garden with a semi-hidden woodland play area for the kids. It's an ideal spot to sit for either just a drink or to have a meal - the food is lovely.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Going back to the village just next to the main car park there are two great attractions: <a href="http://www.wagonrides.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Burley Wagon Rides</span></a> and <a href="http://www.newforestsafari.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Deer Safari</span></a>. So far we haven't done these yet but have seen them in operation and they are fun ways to see a bit more of the forest and the animals witnin. They are both seasonal and currently neither are open but they should be on everyone's list when visiting Burley. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also operating from the beautiful Burley Manor hotel is a riding school, <a href="http://www.burleymanorstables.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Burley Manor Riding Stables</span></a>. We popped in yesterday to find out more about this, as I personally have decided to tick this particular activity off my "list of things to do" this year. We have more recently, had several guests go out horse riding whilst staying with us and every time they talk about I am always jealous, so this year I am doing it. The setting of the stables obviously is quite nice, in the grounds of the hotel and they are very well placed for walks out in the forest. They offer 1 hour (£33 per person) or 2 hour rides (£66 per person) they take any ability and anyone from the age of 4. The owner is a lovely lady who was very helpful and from what we could see from the group going out, they are very professional. Although I have not booked my session yet (only due to weather conditions) I would, from what I have experienced so far, have no problem with recommending them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other things to do in Burley - obviously cycling, there is a very helpful and friendly cycle shop <a href="http://www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">New Forest Cycle Hire</span></a> who will fix you up with whatever you need and send you off on one of the many "close by" routes that are suitable for all ages and abilities. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.newforestcider.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">New Forest Cider & Cider Pantry Tea Room</span></a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interested in how cider is made? This is a Commoner's smallholding with traditional cider press. You not only get see where it's made but you get a chance to sample the cider & perry too. There is a farm shop with lots of local preserves, cheese, wines & liqueurs and a tea room where you can enjoy a cream tea, home-made cake or lunch.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is something for the sweet toothed visitor too with <a href="http://www.burleyfudge.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Burley Fudge</span></a>, where they traditionally hand make fudge, Turkish delight, Belgian nougat, marzipan's, fondants & gingers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of course there is always just walking, with the forest all around you don't have to go that far, just get out there and enjoy it. There is nothing better than being outdoors, exploring and doing something different. I can't imagine how you wouldn't enjoy yourself in Burley - it has so much to offer - come see for yourself!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-4763656637122126822013-12-19T18:58:00.000+00:002013-12-19T18:58:44.222+00:00Christmas Winter Wonderland <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I always love Christmas time and the build up to the big day. I love all the pretty lights going on and the little Christmas fayres that pop up everywhere. The excitement of seeing Santa when you are out and about. The general good spirit of everyone and also the many places to stop and have a festive drink with either live music playing or the classic Christmas songs being pumped out from every shop or pub. As we have 2 kids we always enjoy the tradition of visiting Santa somewhere so that they can give him their Christmas lists and this year was no exception. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This time we decided to take them up to London, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEgr6eXFvU4aK2jETHzZjXeYS_9ij_vUXNam-Wjvq69rF1bBRTJgmn4JIcjcPX_zzRP3ytYMfeELM9aXBxfFPP_0wLSpej66UIm2R2A-ga7DuwW6ZoddaNyfuqEcxENdudJDYc4utSwGT/s1600/20131125_190240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEgr6eXFvU4aK2jETHzZjXeYS_9ij_vUXNam-Wjvq69rF1bBRTJgmn4JIcjcPX_zzRP3ytYMfeELM9aXBxfFPP_0wLSpej66UIm2R2A-ga7DuwW6ZoddaNyfuqEcxENdudJDYc4utSwGT/s320/20131125_190240.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think it was as much for me as it was for the kids. We did, a few years back, do something similar in Brussels, but I had never been to London at Christmas time before, so I was really excited. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luckily we had a school inset day at the beginning of December so it meant that we could go up for the day and it wouldn't be too busy. We parked in an underground car park on Park Lane, which was literally underneath Hyde Park - we couldn't have been any closer! As soon as the kids saw the park we got a joint "Wow!". </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjX-vyTN4_R95DaBkubnBPQSk51_BPHQLLnTkDLQg_IyuO54Jaypv2U7YqxRPtZmXGdkw-4B345g0SlLBZJk8DoxdFmJym2Y14ixt0nU3LJNyVBjW3L-J5lwoM1RJN5sz9qTA_zwJW37L/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjX-vyTN4_R95DaBkubnBPQSk51_BPHQLLnTkDLQg_IyuO54Jaypv2U7YqxRPtZmXGdkw-4B345g0SlLBZJk8DoxdFmJym2Y14ixt0nU3LJNyVBjW3L-J5lwoM1RJN5sz9qTA_zwJW37L/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Entrance to the Winter Wonderland is free, yes free. The fairground rides are expensive though, so be prepared to get through some money! I was really impressed with the whole thing, it is such a beautiful setting and it all looks so magical and wintry. It's like a kids dream come true, which looks great in daylight but looks amazing in the dark. We were very lucky going on a Monday as it wasn't very busy at all during the day, we didn't have to queue more than 5 - 10 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mins</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for anything, if at all. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our first port of call was to visit Santa in his Grotto. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVF3WQ5KX6u8JCeHkOr_BfJRXzkgRPj8lCJGlh4z00au6uCiYO50vHPcZJiy4PIXAxyXooVn21-HK-e7B-FH4diix8jxPsikuXX7dQVfKOgdJEYps94b4jjNIafruN9VZP2FragaKSHl-R/s1600/20131125_121348_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVF3WQ5KX6u8JCeHkOr_BfJRXzkgRPj8lCJGlh4z00au6uCiYO50vHPcZJiy4PIXAxyXooVn21-HK-e7B-FH4diix8jxPsikuXX7dQVfKOgdJEYps94b4jjNIafruN9VZP2FragaKSHl-R/s320/20131125_121348_1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We thought it was best to get this done before the queue got big, although to be fair it never did. He was really good, he took time to read their lists and talk to the kids about it and they had loads of pictures taken - they loved it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We then had a walk round to see what was there and choose a few things to do later on. It is a large area and it's filled with food & drink stalls and German market stalls selling all sorts of crafts and gifts. It all looks lovely and very tempting. There are loads of ride on things for all ages and some awesome big rides for the brave big kids :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had made a decision to do 2 of the main attractions that are there, we chose:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Giant Observation Wheel </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqttGtB833jlvyZDA4AKMtzYp0CeyhWn_OfCPn4oKjRW3cHsBETchG2SazwC5zUvXhgOycIWesGD8MJNlNl-_48AleY2VpTVrdLUfz-DOyKO9zuA48EbkWVTMDr5yZnDpKUv219gKSrguQ/s1600/20131125_122020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqttGtB833jlvyZDA4AKMtzYp0CeyhWn_OfCPn4oKjRW3cHsBETchG2SazwC5zUvXhgOycIWesGD8MJNlNl-_48AleY2VpTVrdLUfz-DOyKO9zuA48EbkWVTMDr5yZnDpKUv219gKSrguQ/s1600/20131125_122020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqttGtB833jlvyZDA4AKMtzYp0CeyhWn_OfCPn4oKjRW3cHsBETchG2SazwC5zUvXhgOycIWesGD8MJNlNl-_48AleY2VpTVrdLUfz-DOyKO9zuA48EbkWVTMDr5yZnDpKUv219gKSrguQ/s200/20131125_122020.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6nFPE7agH-KYriO48yWU4hHWQ3WLfSxIlSMUky985EQNfx8o_nUuZNQAMN-zsuJatJeYhFsEIcRAiVaGYS9YaDEcYHczjPh5X7YERSVliWNAKgCqbA-i5TaIzg5QG5s2fZA8VIMS4sE5/s1600/20131125_123102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6nFPE7agH-KYriO48yWU4hHWQ3WLfSxIlSMUky985EQNfx8o_nUuZNQAMN-zsuJatJeYhFsEIcRAiVaGYS9YaDEcYHczjPh5X7YERSVliWNAKgCqbA-i5TaIzg5QG5s2fZA8VIMS4sE5/s200/20131125_123102.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6nFPE7agH-KYriO48yWU4hHWQ3WLfSxIlSMUky985EQNfx8o_nUuZNQAMN-zsuJatJeYhFsEIcRAiVaGYS9YaDEcYHczjPh5X7YERSVliWNAKgCqbA-i5TaIzg5QG5s2fZA8VIMS4sE5/s1600/20131125_123102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and the Magical Ice Kingdom </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">but the others include an Ice Rink, Circus & Cirque Berserk. The giant wheel was very good value for money, it was £20.00 for a family of 4 and we had about 15 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mins</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in it. The view from it was really good, all the main sites can be seen which was good for the kids to see. We also did the ice kingdom. This again was £20.00 for a family of 4 but unfortunately our kids were so cold in there that they couldn't wait to get out. It did warn us that it was -8 degrees and we were wrapped up, but even I have to say, it was flipping cold. At one point I thought I'd got frost bite in one hand as I had to take my glove off to take pictures with my phone. The sculptures though were amazing, to think that it's all ice - it is a sight to see. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF4wdxvtgjTG5nh2uq2T-V4HcKTaDUg8GVzZFhffDdj2RMmgea8MhJZf5w2yRx9jB-QbA-HcEUOmKlkhLfaikHLg5YfK03nf1rdY3PtTugoVOPENO2Qqc-CK-Ydj_qzlcqr1Aw5tOGddR/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF4wdxvtgjTG5nh2uq2T-V4HcKTaDUg8GVzZFhffDdj2RMmgea8MhJZf5w2yRx9jB-QbA-HcEUOmKlkhLfaikHLg5YfK03nf1rdY3PtTugoVOPENO2Qqc-CK-Ydj_qzlcqr1Aw5tOGddR/s200/017.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rBotIkeszCWbCaL8Q0Q2C-qTDXamiBpQGBTVjPzRu0fOi8pETYM3DIz5tK7AiDigv5rEY4XMADs_QI6Cd9fyikVZeT4UVJjcua2hcaMO2_cuXj-sUD10q45J7f13owXEHN82Eldzalp6/s1600/20131125_123428_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rBotIkeszCWbCaL8Q0Q2C-qTDXamiBpQGBTVjPzRu0fOi8pETYM3DIz5tK7AiDigv5rEY4XMADs_QI6Cd9fyikVZeT4UVJjcua2hcaMO2_cuXj-sUD10q45J7f13owXEHN82Eldzalp6/s200/20131125_123428_Richtone(HDR).jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As it was going to be a long day we decided to take a break and walk the kids down to Buckingham Palace, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">as they had never been to London before, and we wanted them to see something else while we were there. If we had thought about it all a bit more we should maybe have took them on an open top tour of London first and then do the Wonderland, but we didn't, so we'll have to do that next year ;)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXpxqO1gMQf7_CuLsbALlfMWgCFEmJrXZp0XpUqjIolQGcgMXZWWXSwJDA78UocWgablG9skDmkFpvcex_Iou2VYZ5g0MuQ2XFRBJqa9tOYTMEi3RhNcaoAmR1hyphenhyphenIYoqnEw4vYdK85gkS/s1600/20131125_141452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXpxqO1gMQf7_CuLsbALlfMWgCFEmJrXZp0XpUqjIolQGcgMXZWWXSwJDA78UocWgablG9skDmkFpvcex_Iou2VYZ5g0MuQ2XFRBJqa9tOYTMEi3RhNcaoAmR1hyphenhyphenIYoqnEw4vYdK85gkS/s200/20131125_141452.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It really wasn't far to walk down to Buckingham Palace and it was nice walking through Green Park. We had lots of pictures taken in front of the gates and on the fountain, </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMDW6K0KQsN9a6Ga4wKe9I9OC480DYjCS1tso5IvkTvDQawS6sj-b4AZIc7HukMBKctzsDtx_JEQRNlg_BjGuUW-bTUeJX-pfysLYjM3WRguH5S6eViymVrZFmus8dcRZxP1Cvdh8ZbRz/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMDW6K0KQsN9a6Ga4wKe9I9OC480DYjCS1tso5IvkTvDQawS6sj-b4AZIc7HukMBKctzsDtx_JEQRNlg_BjGuUW-bTUeJX-pfysLYjM3WRguH5S6eViymVrZFmus8dcRZxP1Cvdh8ZbRz/s200/030.JPG" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and from there we could see Big Ben and the London Eye. On our walk back we walked up to Oxford Street to have a little look and stopped for hot chocolate to warm up, as it was cold. By this time it had now become dusk and the whole of Winter Wonderland was lit up :)</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMivH3f_lDcYGs7Svvzga5jA0wletpJHEqXi7eFnVw_pr5k2LdLpGN6SeNXQ7gElL9nRBK1Gflbo3ZR99wC8ZwqLd0N12TsWvyykDY934yvgYRe8vs45oVwT5rhV7J98Bna89sOzSRZn4x/s1600/20131125_162237_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMivH3f_lDcYGs7Svvzga5jA0wletpJHEqXi7eFnVw_pr5k2LdLpGN6SeNXQ7gElL9nRBK1Gflbo3ZR99wC8ZwqLd0N12TsWvyykDY934yvgYRe8vs45oVwT5rhV7J98Bna89sOzSRZn4x/s320/20131125_162237_LLS.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh073D6Bny8y9ifDrIekDDlC-dY-Df9DbbXcG42NwDj5ZopSriimCF_JzT6btlF56T26mTCs076rqC-xD1ZgrqAsIySS3kdIvroIM6Z5UCrlxgWazv-_al-oadpfYdwfz_VdCSGaXW0xq6N/s1600/20131125_185152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was live music playing everywhere and the atmosphere had changed from in the daylight - it was even more magical and exciting. It had really come alive and also got busy. After doing a few of the children's rides and walking round the rest of the bits that we hadn't seen earlier we found the ice rink. It really is beautiful and next time I will definitely be booking that up. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh073D6Bny8y9ifDrIekDDlC-dY-Df9DbbXcG42NwDj5ZopSriimCF_JzT6btlF56T26mTCs076rqC-xD1ZgrqAsIySS3kdIvroIM6Z5UCrlxgWazv-_al-oadpfYdwfz_VdCSGaXW0xq6N/s1600/20131125_185152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh073D6Bny8y9ifDrIekDDlC-dY-Df9DbbXcG42NwDj5ZopSriimCF_JzT6btlF56T26mTCs076rqC-xD1ZgrqAsIySS3kdIvroIM6Z5UCrlxgWazv-_al-oadpfYdwfz_VdCSGaXW0xq6N/s200/20131125_185152.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSBlW9pNZN9fYFKpUEvm1UVWXEw-7smlW4mlDc3aMcn-5lcRC66qUwmQUUyzQrrEKmZGTMfyt7Po-2TaDVwTgARYQ7sCVskw3vsq4X6lg3Nk60H53GiJxzm7GQQmf4EXyypnMLVB8GB2q/s1600/20131125_174035_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSBlW9pNZN9fYFKpUEvm1UVWXEw-7smlW4mlDc3aMcn-5lcRC66qUwmQUUyzQrrEKmZGTMfyt7Po-2TaDVwTgARYQ7sCVskw3vsq4X6lg3Nk60H53GiJxzm7GQQmf4EXyypnMLVB8GB2q/s200/20131125_174035_LLS.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSBlW9pNZN9fYFKpUEvm1UVWXEw-7smlW4mlDc3aMcn-5lcRC66qUwmQUUyzQrrEKmZGTMfyt7Po-2TaDVwTgARYQ7sCVskw3vsq4X6lg3Nk60H53GiJxzm7GQQmf4EXyypnMLVB8GB2q/s1600/20131125_174035_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> We then found a Bavarian bar with live music playing, so we stopped to have a beer to finish the day off. You could tell that the night was just getting going and it was going to be great fun. I have to say that I didn't want to go home, if I could have, I would have stayed all night but sadly we did have to get the kids home for school the next day. I think if we go next year I might look at staying over for a night so we can do a lot </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">more and enjoy the buzz of London. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FaMkGBE4e2OlX7xoYtxd89zYl2PMqsPiST0wpqKYHshKcRlIeOdrgT5O3CZ3mpktQVaeykcuBiX1ABFN5aREj7QOVD2m2_Qgq5M88E3YRAT71fXdwtr7Wt1fpw_27ra4Y095C7ehSkK_/s1600/Nativity+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FaMkGBE4e2OlX7xoYtxd89zYl2PMqsPiST0wpqKYHshKcRlIeOdrgT5O3CZ3mpktQVaeykcuBiX1ABFN5aREj7QOVD2m2_Qgq5M88E3YRAT71fXdwtr7Wt1fpw_27ra4Y095C7ehSkK_/s200/Nativity+016.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since then we have been to a few local Christmas Fayres and seen Santa in several places. The kids & adults have had Christmas parties, we've watched the pre-school nativity and we have done our Christmas shopping. Everywhere looks lovely all lit up with twinkling lights and decorations and a lot of fun has been had by all - already. Now we can sit back and enjoy the holidays, bring on the celebrations! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrYf0tx_ToewVb8GWGudSEYOKM2M0sE8IjlPWX5jQDrhHuJD8WEQxfJf-UNVAlKMUyLiSAZBZqZLKhgyDN8AvuqapBk78tcyUGSNEbDEsxhilLY7LJsTY-TjwBsoB1BfGtL8tK1DE7kSa/s1600/DSC_5480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrYf0tx_ToewVb8GWGudSEYOKM2M0sE8IjlPWX5jQDrhHuJD8WEQxfJf-UNVAlKMUyLiSAZBZqZLKhgyDN8AvuqapBk78tcyUGSNEbDEsxhilLY7LJsTY-TjwBsoB1BfGtL8tK1DE7kSa/s200/DSC_5480.JPG" width="133" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All of us at Acorns would just like to wish all our past, present and future guests, Facebook & Twitter followers and blog readers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous & happy New Year x </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We would very much like to see you all soon </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Mel, Fred, Isabelle & Sophie</i></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-29799434478575480632013-11-05T13:23:00.003+00:002013-11-05T13:23:26.773+00:00Homemade preserves - you really can't beat it!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If any of you have been following me on<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Acornsoflyndhurst"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Facebook</span></a> </span>& <a href="http://acorns_bandb/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a> you would know that recently I have been experimenting and enjoying making my own preserves. It is something that I am really getting into and so far everyone who has been lucky enough to try some of them, have throughly enjoyed them, especially my <a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">B&B</span></a> guests. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp28lVEdRSkZzLsz7-psd0qEHaVEY6gIs20INIeZ_9uWoo6wf_ASP4ossh_2YdVmkpLkqrYH7cOxx8aBBqulNy5Gc6Ej63G62q4hq3lCTWqgODs2D9rt__OfAHXq-a9JZikwUUrUGqe93h/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp28lVEdRSkZzLsz7-psd0qEHaVEY6gIs20INIeZ_9uWoo6wf_ASP4ossh_2YdVmkpLkqrYH7cOxx8aBBqulNy5Gc6Ej63G62q4hq3lCTWqgODs2D9rt__OfAHXq-a9JZikwUUrUGqe93h/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started off with the very easy to make blackberry jam. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This all started because we have a lot of blackberry bushes growing down the side of our garden and this year was an amazing year for the amount and the size of blackberry's. As we have always encouraged our kids to make the most of and appreciate seasonal fruits and veg that we can have fun harvesting ourselves, they were very keen to get out there and start picking this abundance of fruit. Obviously this then resulted in a huge amount of fruit sitting in my kitchen and me wondering what to do with it all. I hadn't made jam for about 10 years, but thought I did it then - so I can do it again now. The first batch went really really well, it was surprisingly easy and Sophie & Isabelle helped so it was another great family activity. The very next morning I put a jar out for the guests to try and it was an instant success, they loved it and over a few weeks ate most of it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the kids were still busy picking more & more blackberry's I made a second batch of this jam, but unfortunately this time I was a bit too eager and it ended up a little bit on the runny side, although the taste was still very yummy. The guests got to try this too and finished it all, so I guess the consistancy didn't really matter as long as it tasted good. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After realising that I had hit on something here I decided to try a different flavour so the guests had a choice. I decided to use more ingredients that we had growing in the garden and made rhubarb & strawberry jam. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Unfortunately the strawberry's weren't mine but the rhubarb was, and now I will never be stuck for what to make with it. This jam was a delightful surprise, I had been a bit unsure as rhubarb can be sour but put with strawberries it was amazing. Again another success with the guests, it didn't last long.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The great thing about making my own jam is that the guests really do appreciate that it's not shop bought, something that I have put effort into to make myself and use where possible ingredients that I have grown myself. It's something that alot of people don't or can't do at home for one reason or another but everyone can just go to the supermarket and buy jam. It's also been a great coversational topic as everyone is suddenly interested to hear about my homemade products.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next I wanted to experiment with something a little more unusual, something that isn't your normal supermarket jam and I found a great recipe in a book that one of my friends lent to me - plum, orange & ginger jam. The recipe didn't actually have ginger in it but as I was getting a bit more confident now I decided, what the hell - give it a go. I'm not actually very good at following a recipe to the letter as I either don't read it properly and think I know what I'm doing or I might not have exactly the right ingrediants but something similar and think, it'll do. So far - so good! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This jam is really nice but could possibly have done with slightly more orange in it, but other than that it's also been a great success. I still have a bit left but if you want some you'll have to <a href="http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/accommodation/thedms.aspx?dms=2&pid=3703370"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">book up</span></a> quick!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moving on to something slightly different, my tomatoes had started to die off in the greenhouse a few weeks ago so I decided to pull them up and with all the green tomatoes I would make chutney. Again I hadn't made this for maybe nearly 15 years but not wanting to see anything go to waste it was time to try again. It is a lot of chopping but not really difficult. The smell was really good while cooking but I have to say that we haven't tried any yet as it recommended that you jar it and leave it to mature for a few weeks, so we are still waiting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So by now my confidence has been growing with every guest that has eaten my jam and complimented me on how lovely they all are, so I felt it was time to give marmalade a go. I have never done this before and had the idea in my head that it's difficult, I don't even know why, I just did.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was pushed into to doing it by Fred, who whilst out shopping bought a box of clementines that had been reduced as they were nearing the end of their shelf life and it would be far too many for us to just eat as fruit so I thought, right that's it - marmalade here we go. I searched on the internet to find a clementine marmalade recipe as I wasn't sure you could even do it with clementines, but sure enough you can. Again doing my usual trick of not reading the recipe properly jumped straight in. Boiled them for 3 hours in water as it said, then realised that this was a 2 day process, as they then had to stand overnight in the pan before starting again. The next morning I read on that you then have to pulp all the flesh through a sieve - bit of a faff I have to say and then alot of boiling to get to the setting point, as I was determind to make sure that this marmalade was spot on. I have some lovely regular guests that are marmalade lovers and for them aswell as myself I wanted this to be my best effort yet. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well I have to say that I have amazed myself and it is delicious, it's nice and firm and the peel strands are very tasty and just the right thickness - it is most definitely my best yet :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of my regular workmen is staying again at the moment and he's one of the marmalade lovers that I mentioned earlier, he gave it the taste test last week and loves it, I can't ask for anymore than that. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have been approached now by several people asking me if I sell my preserves and have had to answer with, not at the moment as I don't have enough to sell. My guests are busy eating it all and the whole purpose has been to give them something that they don't get at home, a bit of a treat. Although I am now considering starting to make bigger batches and then I could sell them if there is a demand, we will see. Maybe if enough people ask me I could be persuaded:)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The amazing popularity of my jam & marmalade with my guests has really suprised me but I am now so glad that I made that first batch. Since I started offering my own jam, no one has used any of the bought portions that I still offer in the breakfast room, funnily enough. I do now intend to carry on and make all my own jams for the breakfasts as you clearly, really can't beat homemade jam, I don't care what anyone says.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know it's not rocket science but I am feeling very pleased with myself </span><br />
Mel<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-86039314819661109022013-09-23T17:08:00.001+01:002013-09-23T17:08:34.078+01:00Childhood memories brought to life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last weekend we made a bug hotel in our garden and watching the kids building it & enjoying it, it just reminded me of when I was a little girl....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can't quite remember at what age it began but I was probably even younger than Sophie and the happy memories will last with me forever. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Dad & I would spend hours together in his greenhouse or working in the garden. It was our quality time and to me - the best times, which I now treasure immensely. Sometimes we would be busy sowing seeds, as my dad was a believer of doing everything from scratch, not only because it was cheaper, but because he could, and he liked to follow the whole cycle from start to finish. We would spend hours pricking out from the seed trays to pots when they got big enough, and then obviously from pots to planting out in the garden. Sometimes though we would just sit in the greenhouse, out of the wind or rain, and watch the plants & garden grow and enjoy it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had quite a large garden that dad split into 2 so that we had a vegetable patch at the top and then an amazingly manicured lawn area with borders close to the house. Dad was very proud of his lawn in particular, but also of all his gardening, and he used to get so many comments about it. There were a couple of years where he opened the garden up to something like the open gardens scheme and everyone that came loved it. He was very particular and a perfectionist in the garden, like he was in his work. I remember he used to have an electric mower which had a heavy roller in the back so that when you mowed it you got the definite stripes up and down (just like the football pitches) and they had to be straight! It did look nice when he had done it, I have to say, but he didn't like anyone ruining his lawn. He used to stop any women walking on it in high heels and mysteriously my swingball ended up broken after a couple of times being used - mmmm??? It did always look beautiful through the summer though, full of colour and immaculate. Although I'm not quite as dedicated as him I do still aspire to be like him and have a garden as beautiful as his, even though I prefer a looser style.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because we had the veggie patch we always had something from the garden to eat and I remember vividly eating the peas straight from the pod and the tomatoes straight off the vine and how good they tasted, it's something you really can't beat and I believe that all kids should experience this. Dad's homemade pickled onions were always amazing too and we both used to enjoy a bit of the vinegar from the pickle jar poured on melted cheese on toast - yummm! Eventually though as he got older he gave up the veggie patch and turned that into more manicured lawn with ornamental beds cut into it - another project that we did together.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another large part of my memories of gardening with Dad was the amount of butterflies that we used to have in our garden and although I used to catch them in my net (unfortunately not realising that I was adding to their decline) I used to love seeing them and running round the garden after them. Looking back too I remember so many bees, caterpillars and all sorts of bugs in general and it's because of these memories that I have now made a conscious effort to do what ever I can to help nature and all the wonderful natural things I took for granted when I was little. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a huge part of my life the one thing we both shared was our love of gardening, even when I was a difficult teenager, which I'm sure I was. I would still find some time to help him, and still enjoy it, it was never a chore. I am thankful that we shared this passion and that what he taught me has stayed with me, so that now I'm passing it on to my kids. I have always included my children in my gardening as I want them to grow up with the same memories that I have and I think it's important for them to appreciate how things grow, where our food comes from and how important insects & bugs are in the whole process. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year in particular the kids have helped sow, plant and also harvest all our fruits and vegetables from our veggie patch and it's been great seeing them enjoy picking them and trying them the same as I used to with Dad, even if they don't like them in the end. It's like seeing my memories played back again through my children now and it's really, really lovely. We have eaten our fruits & veg raw & cooked, we've made jam, we've frozen some for the winter, we've made Ratatouille for the first time, I plan to make chutney and also kept some as seeds for next year, ready to do it all again. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I must admit that I'm not such a perfectionist when it comes to gardening but I think that isn't such a bad thing as gardens can be too tidy. Since we have lived in this house I have been planting wild meadow flowers to encourage the bees & butterflies and also leaving weeds that flower, where as Dad never had weeds! I've made a decision that if the bees and butterflies like it, it can stay, what ever it is. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just the other day "we" as a whole family built a bug hotel in the garden. It was great fun and something that we've all done together to help nature - <a href="http://rspb.org.uk/homes">giving nature a home</a>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It wasn't hard and hopefully it will make a small difference. The kids think it's great, Isabelle has always been bug mad right from being able to walk, but Sophie's not so sure, hopefully this will encourage her to accept them and enjoy them for what they are. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Watching the kids taking part and enjoying being in the garden, making things and growing things always takes me back to when I was little and for a few minutes I feel close to my Dad again, which always makes me happy. Sadly my kids never knew their Grandad Binder as he passed away the year before I was pregnant with Isabelle, which does sadden me, but I'm sure if you can look down, he is up there watching over them and enjoying them loving nature just the same as I did, and saying "Melly, get rid of them bloody weeds!" </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I do miss my Dad a lot, but at least in a way I keep him alive in the things that my family & I are doing :) Quality time with your kids is precious aswell so if you can find something special like this - make the most of it.</span><br />
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Mel<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-13689452691538760372013-09-18T16:34:00.000+01:002013-09-18T16:34:13.918+01:00Looking back over the summer <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RQPfglGkDvToqMvY5YherJDUYjtPnw175Cav7S2DxxYEKy7NtZOEEyxYkAoqZ4pzATFIwK-gxi6WK5FPNDvNnH2kgggnpF8UPq6AtszOYffudcJsRKoIFgY_iJyhlw9JdC9XIZMDEgdD/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RQPfglGkDvToqMvY5YherJDUYjtPnw175Cav7S2DxxYEKy7NtZOEEyxYkAoqZ4pzATFIwK-gxi6WK5FPNDvNnH2kgggnpF8UPq6AtszOYffudcJsRKoIFgY_iJyhlw9JdC9XIZMDEgdD/s200/103.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I haven't blogged much this summer I know, but to be honest </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the weather - for a change, was just too flippin good to be sat in doors :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In & around</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lyndhurst</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, such a well placed part of the country to make the most of good weather, we have had so much fun. The forest is the ideal place for simple walks, cycling & picnics. The seaside is ideal for a gathering of friends having fun, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">paddling</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, swimming, making sand castles and then to top it all off sunset </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bbq's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> on the beach, there's something quite beautiful and special about the light of the setting sun on the beach and I think this is going to be one of my favourite memories from this summer time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfM8xMFvP0-1wMtnTtBem7uNs4g0OYBkWMhFLMkr9Wsr1Aej2t9LXunIr-Hy0m5lVv5GsmKROM86pcmuYhHSDee0Ue7jfoceE7-6r1paDmo9XRbNWRTX4t-o1PolR9ackMqgCzQCdN1v8/s1600/IMG-20130819-00142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfM8xMFvP0-1wMtnTtBem7uNs4g0OYBkWMhFLMkr9Wsr1Aej2t9LXunIr-Hy0m5lVv5GsmKROM86pcmuYhHSDee0Ue7jfoceE7-6r1paDmo9XRbNWRTX4t-o1PolR9ackMqgCzQCdN1v8/s200/IMG-20130819-00142.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbc8F3ULqBtDtIegRsx88Dkn-Q6SPkywdY6i7jvtgXCIouuALc62XOpmoNWL9BpRuN7tjJiRyKtUoqibehG2f7g8qenEhYjz27txppGjVVQ3EOm4vjTNgHlLcYaF79Q0zl1ujsPtphooq/s1600/IMG-20130819-00138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbc8F3ULqBtDtIegRsx88Dkn-Q6SPkywdY6i7jvtgXCIouuALc62XOpmoNWL9BpRuN7tjJiRyKtUoqibehG2f7g8qenEhYjz27txppGjVVQ3EOm4vjTNgHlLcYaF79Q0zl1ujsPtphooq/s200/IMG-20130819-00138.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As for attractions, we are a family of season ticket holders for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.paultonspark.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Paultons Theme Park</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> so we spend many an afternoon there for just a couple of hours doing a few of the rides and the splash park, the kids always really enjoy it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year we re-visited <a href="http://www.furzey-gardens.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Furzey Gardens,</span></a> which we went to a few years back when Isabelle was probably about Sophie's age now. They both really enjoyed the search for fairies and fairy doors, which Isabelle had no memory of from the first time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We managed to find about 32 out of 38 which was pretty good going. It's a great place for young & old, the whole place has a magical and tranquil feel about it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxDvgGgDt0VEEbqKsJLCWvfX8oylH4aRr-dI5jiYaOgcDY3R0hE45v4CJuQgwWo5tKwG6z6H8v-P-8S3SLiomLK6uRFK7A-BNM1GaYidprsBF_B4S7lJaR7VQ-XnwQlimqgoq9Q-xL7lj/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxDvgGgDt0VEEbqKsJLCWvfX8oylH4aRr-dI5jiYaOgcDY3R0hE45v4CJuQgwWo5tKwG6z6H8v-P-8S3SLiomLK6uRFK7A-BNM1GaYidprsBF_B4S7lJaR7VQ-XnwQlimqgoq9Q-xL7lj/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We also fitted in a couple of brand new things this summer too, we managed to get reduced tickets to <a href="http://www.snowtrax.eu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Snowtrax</span></a> through <a href="http://www.wave105.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Wave105</span></a>, this was great fun. I had looked at doing it before but had never actually got round to it. We did the Ringos & Skibobs, they are both very different ways of getting down the slope but both really great fun, the ringos are like big round tyre inner tubes basically that you sit in and get launched down the slope. Then the skibobs are like sit on trikes but with ski's on the bottom rather than wheels and you steer them down the slope. The ringos are quicker and more thrilling but the skibobs are more controllable. Then when you have finished there is a great log cabin style eating & drinking area which all adds to the experience, you can almost imagine you are on the side of a snowy ski slope somewhere in the Alps. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIbDBGJ8IZMuX4MEoL2cByocplc7karIW19q_buXaVO8jJnoLM2J3crfKnbh3K1UKKZ3lzvE7DXtBsYymJ4pJRcIVhAU8-1c8RuLpip3I2OiLXWQo_5FN6PARw40zLgepuMDnNhaaK2Ua/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIbDBGJ8IZMuX4MEoL2cByocplc7karIW19q_buXaVO8jJnoLM2J3crfKnbh3K1UKKZ3lzvE7DXtBsYymJ4pJRcIVhAU8-1c8RuLpip3I2OiLXWQo_5FN6PARw40zLgepuMDnNhaaK2Ua/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other new place we visited was</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.longleat.co.uk/"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Longleat</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">,</span> again it didn't cost much as we used our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tesco</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> points for it. It was an awesome day out, the weather was great and it isn't that far from us really, just over an hour away. It is probably the best attraction I have been to that involves animals, other than our safari trip to the Kruger National Park, SA. We got there literally just as it opened and we did the drive round safari bit first, this was great and I got some great shots of the lions. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zq7qpF5GAk0MrdDF1atFvLPefDATzPeIYKkhX_Cpi_I8C0p2aOrlWfM2nqyxPk-jniKjR5WctdZE8HzZY7uxkAivZmCwEW-Ao7nm5iEEomqSVxlMcXGpat2F-xsI9nhS4BGoPqWuqSMo/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zq7qpF5GAk0MrdDF1atFvLPefDATzPeIYKkhX_Cpi_I8C0p2aOrlWfM2nqyxPk-jniKjR5WctdZE8HzZY7uxkAivZmCwEW-Ao7nm5iEEomqSVxlMcXGpat2F-xsI9nhS4BGoPqWuqSMo/s200/087.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I really liked the giraffe area too as it's a raised platform over a valley which means that you are strangely at eye level with the giraffes. Also in this area there was an African village which included tribal dancing and the start of the Deadly 60 safari. This kept the kids busy looking for clues in all the enclosures to make a secret code at the end, a great bit of added fun for them. Once we had done the safari we parked the car and wondered round all the other bits. It is so large that you do struggle to fit it all in in 1 day, but we did, just. There is a train ride, boat trip on the lake to see the old </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">silverback</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> gorilla on his island, a massive play area, the Deadly 60 Challenge, a maze, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">falconry</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> display, animal handling, all sorts of animals in different enclosures, and also the house & gardens. A </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">truely</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> great day for all of us and we would certainly go back again. My kids are still talking about it loads.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRM1hY3w4LR1Spmxe_6P5SXAikzjbS0yu0YLeb-YE2S47tu-VtgLMtSEB5RFZlpHJVKKhHRivrndon9WJ_yo62Eho6YHLYb0aeTdr0sQ6ZpKhnAxgCMb5uni0lC03CpLDewB6DLGCNaqL/s1600/480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRM1hY3w4LR1Spmxe_6P5SXAikzjbS0yu0YLeb-YE2S47tu-VtgLMtSEB5RFZlpHJVKKhHRivrndon9WJ_yo62Eho6YHLYb0aeTdr0sQ6ZpKhnAxgCMb5uni0lC03CpLDewB6DLGCNaqL/s320/480.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to this we visited the <a href="http://www.bournemouthairshow.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Bournemouth Air Show</span></a> on the beach. This is a great weekend event that takes place every year and includes everyones favourite planes doing thier stuff but the real surprise this year was the Night Air. They had a fantastic early evening Flying Circus Display which was basically 2 planes display flying but with fireworks coming off thier wings, really really effective and at the same time there was a concert on the beach which carried on till late. A great day & nights entertainment all for free. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other thing that we managed to do during the holidays was a couple of camping trips, these are always great fun as we go with several friends and their children and it's just laughter, fun, bbq's and beer - what more can you ask for? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So looking back at this summer and the school holiday period we have had a fantastic summer. We have spent lots of time with all our great friends either out and about or at home having bbq's in the back garden and just making the most of what we have around us. We have had many, many laughs at each other and with each other, created lasting memories, friendships and new traditions and I do feel really lucky with what we have and what we've done - long may it last. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mel</span><br />
<a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/">Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B </a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGaV34vKurY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Watch our video </span></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-61433274744141427592013-07-27T12:56:00.000+01:002013-07-27T12:56:09.342+01:00The "Good Life" & simple pleasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know the summer isn't over yet but just sitting back in our sun drenched garden and looking over what I've achieved so far this year it's really quite satisfying and I thought I'd share it with you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the beginning of the year I decided to double the size of my little veggie patch and have a proper go at growing my own veg this year, as last year's effort were pretty poor really. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I decided to grow my usual runner beans, carrots, lettuce, peppers & tomatoes as I'm comfortable with them but then I also decided to try potatoes, peas, broad beans & courgette. My strawberry's, chives, mint and rhubarb were already there, they just got relocated. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In March I very excitedly bought my seed potatoes and left them chitting in the house in anticipation, but the weather was so cold and miserable and not owning a greenhouse it meant that I wasn't able to get on and sow any seeds or crops, and I was beginning to think that maybe I was going to fail miserably again this year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The weather did finally start to improve a bit and I took a chance on getting my veggies started. I had some advice from a very nice head gardener that was staying with us for a weekend and I used his experience & knowledge to the full. Once all the sowing was done we made the decision to get some hens, as we thought it would be nice to have fresh eggs everyday for us and to share with our guests for breakfast. Also we had an opportunity to buy a secondhand greenhouse from a friend which we did, as tomatoes and peppers definitely grow better in a greenhouse. These 2 decisions did result in virtually the whole garden being re-arranged to accommodate them. The shed was moved - there is a funny movie of the shed move, check it out<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u41RFHzLMXc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">How to move a shed </span></a></span>and converted into the chicken house & run and the greenhouse was installed in the place where the shed had been. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06VZtIiF64lUDRUPMaE0qzVaLQBv_sHNJQhIWdP7jfqqbE-rCS1R7kZRgaTPDkwOvUkKgCT8CDNOIqp_BOiZLWwbJyUBbK3z563ZspXSAk-mvXDq8JCQv1pSdQ7mfbnGiS6ujfDR-rsC3/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06VZtIiF64lUDRUPMaE0qzVaLQBv_sHNJQhIWdP7jfqqbE-rCS1R7kZRgaTPDkwOvUkKgCT8CDNOIqp_BOiZLWwbJyUBbK3z563ZspXSAk-mvXDq8JCQv1pSdQ7mfbnGiS6ujfDR-rsC3/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFnSNTX_uL9kOo7UncwSGPtijVce_1DW0crqh2eM6kwEXAaBBz-8agHcYG8ViHy74SNdO_7FZQJT7oSgONRH5re5joS5LbK4bGM87JBrEZ9hzU3hZGjmOUGoja_SBvbzfqjRoS_CPQvYw/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFnSNTX_uL9kOo7UncwSGPtijVce_1DW0crqh2eM6kwEXAaBBz-8agHcYG8ViHy74SNdO_7FZQJT7oSgONRH5re5joS5LbK4bGM87JBrEZ9hzU3hZGjmOUGoja_SBvbzfqjRoS_CPQvYw/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The weather then did sort it's self out and everything took off. My gamble with the weather for my early potatoes really paid off as I started digging them in early June and they have been fantastic. Considering I have never grown a potatoe before in my life I am really pleased with these. We still have some left to dig but basically they have provided us with lovely tasty potatoes for about 6-7 weeks now. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tGqiYmBEfyc08R56nk_UQuK2c6urxiK82Wd1EdQMHHp5F3_g3sd3IHNaUyKuQTRyHVUpfYlkyO0_88UbrRWzNAStYXg2UpBds4-O8zTuKOxFpmPk7wKtybPd7I-8TCldIcgEhaiB1yhX/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tGqiYmBEfyc08R56nk_UQuK2c6urxiK82Wd1EdQMHHp5F3_g3sd3IHNaUyKuQTRyHVUpfYlkyO0_88UbrRWzNAStYXg2UpBds4-O8zTuKOxFpmPk7wKtybPd7I-8TCldIcgEhaiB1yhX/s200/074.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQSBeK4Wtc6jPTH_tBpAVD7cWOpncnYZyQOfqwCbFn-RSRbDKnVk66sdW9G_spcY4AGEofoviqfAR_-kB-pmUAQWp0ziUvQcij3r-cIq9iu3xFLfsOsD7i_p1n6_PgwPrhBVyLe0EEwYv/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQSBeK4Wtc6jPTH_tBpAVD7cWOpncnYZyQOfqwCbFn-RSRbDKnVk66sdW9G_spcY4AGEofoviqfAR_-kB-pmUAQWp0ziUvQcij3r-cIq9iu3xFLfsOsD7i_p1n6_PgwPrhBVyLe0EEwYv/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My strawberry's and lettuce have been prolific, the lettuce basically was because I went a bit mad with the seeds not thinking that they would all be ready at the same time, but I'm sure my friends have appreciated them! The strawberry's did very well - probably the best they have ever done. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had never grown broad beans before either and I have been really pleased with these too, although they did get infested with black fly which I think may have ended their production a little earlier than if they hadn't had black fly - i don't know? The kids really liked them though, which was a bit of a surprise as I remember as a kid hating them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz0lc-c0m5W4J5_xztLLxZ2HAt82kLIUAduV16pPF8FQ3ZayBreZZ-h3Sx5eAdGdEd2E489Jyjv-Kia62vO06R85D13r3_ipVdKvgSMRjzb5Irj6KNW8eTI7_Vcc67yfgolMspEcxD11z/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AOQhyphenhyphencLy4OSzyDDKamCU8tqIZK6H3W6huB04dCDI6nOzcLX3n4QZLgtMxDuhs5kQqo_SrH4lwqb4g2OEuX2bm5iExs1VWYzl1wd3Cz0AgJrBNd7mxtsrRfL-IcGw1n9CgygVDG9544uE/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AOQhyphenhyphencLy4OSzyDDKamCU8tqIZK6H3W6huB04dCDI6nOzcLX3n4QZLgtMxDuhs5kQqo_SrH4lwqb4g2OEuX2bm5iExs1VWYzl1wd3Cz0AgJrBNd7mxtsrRfL-IcGw1n9CgygVDG9544uE/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My rhubarb hasn't done very well, I'm not sure why, but we have now moved into the runner bean, pea & courgette stage. It's quite nice to have a constant cycle of something. Very soon now we should start getting some tomatoes, they are just about starting to turn. To keep the cycle going a bit longer I have sown a second batch of lettuce, not as many this time, so they should keep us going to the end of the summer. We still have some apples on our little apple tree still to mature and then the big finale of blackberries that are prolific at the bottom of the garden, they really are doing well this year and will certainly be a bumper crop to look forward to. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5CkOYJ3G-jel2bVcFZXJQFo7iJ97dmuguv2o4W9DVvuTzRi959LNKlpNhpTbxc9PTXVPSS31XGpgk0J58q2b-poLhIsvqBSBqhdX45fQmF3b3nLZecvigYGNQFI8FuxOnwvjZxA_GcHF/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5CkOYJ3G-jel2bVcFZXJQFo7iJ97dmuguv2o4W9DVvuTzRi959LNKlpNhpTbxc9PTXVPSS31XGpgk0J58q2b-poLhIsvqBSBqhdX45fQmF3b3nLZecvigYGNQFI8FuxOnwvjZxA_GcHF/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On to the hens......</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We finally got 4 Rhode Island Reds </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">on Wednesday this week which was very exciting as it had seemed to take forever to prepare their house and run. The kids were really looking forward to this and I have to say have virtually moved in with the hens since they came home. I think deep down we didn't really expect to get any eggs for a few weeks, thinking that they may need to settle in first but to our surprise the first morning about 10ish the first egg was laid, what a result. The kids again were so excited and thought it was amazing. They are very quite birds and I must admit you almost wouldn't know they are there, but they are lovely and have already become part of the family even after just a couple of days, and it's great that on top of being lovely they give you something everyday. So far only 1 hen had been laying the egg but today 2 have laid so each day it's getting better & better. We are going to purchase 2 Light Sussex hens next week to add to the family as a bit of variation and in total that will hopefully be 6 eggs a day. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClHadnHwgsIvQf-HMhfrttr3aOVgtJteF9vHpZDz8fAEURVEK2Km7h0dGSS8askHorbwnapvlccY0X03moqxvbJNOvOUqJW8hytbfdmTQ5JBFlZQKc4MZBVqx3BljnGcrPlPOJDWP65nU/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClHadnHwgsIvQf-HMhfrttr3aOVgtJteF9vHpZDz8fAEURVEK2Km7h0dGSS8askHorbwnapvlccY0X03moqxvbJNOvOUqJW8hytbfdmTQ5JBFlZQKc4MZBVqx3BljnGcrPlPOJDWP65nU/s200/011.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I said at the beginning, sitting in the garden looking at what we have and what we are being rewarded with everyday really is very satisfying and enjoyable. All it takes is a little effort and a bit of space and it's amazing what you can do. I am loving this summer for everything that I have achieved and nurtured, even down to the increase in numbers of butterflies and bees that we have enjoying our garden. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So lets hope that the summer sunshine continues and maybe I might have inspired or encouraged someone to have a go next year!</span><br />
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MelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-69069621340760150492013-07-02T15:04:00.001+01:002013-07-02T15:04:58.708+01:00A day at the races<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Salisbury Races Family Day </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last Sunday a gang of us took the kids to the family fun day at Salisbury race course. I had never been there before so wasn't quite sure what to expect really, but Rosie had convinced me it was going to be a good day out.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The weather was absolutely fantastic the whole day and suncream was most definitely required, for some more than others though (Jane & Rosie) We managed to get there for about 11.40am and the gates opened at 12.00pm so that wasn't bad, it's only about 25 miles from Lyndhurst.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The entrance fee was a mere £6 per adult, kids under 16 are free, and on top of that all of the kids were given a voucher for a free 99 ice cream each, bonus!!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once we got in we set up our picnic spot in between the toilets, kids entertainment and the big TV screen so most things were covered. As we were 4 families we took up quite a bit of space compared to everyone else but I think we chose well. Out came the picnics and the drinks and the men then wondered off to check it all out. One of us, Graham would say he's a regular horse gambler and likes to give the impression that he knows what he's doing, so he was itching to get betting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Almost next door to our picnic spot was the children's entertainers that did a bit of Punch & Judy, magic, singing, dancing etc that seemed to be going on all the time. All the kids stuff was free to use but the craft/activity tent had to be reserved due to limited spaces. Beyond the craft tent there were bouncy castles and trampolines, and if you were prepared to queue for it there was a face painting tent as well. So plenty going on all day long to keep the kids busy with the addition of the regular excitement of watching the horses thunder down the track.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE2Dv2WWlBmc78ieXx1gV7jJNUI4ajXV6UH8qekNoqpgruIQYfPLQHBKKOJD3vo5gSMXpgQoZVkWHdIy3Ulzs70ROoyOSSJankgUceKcDT7sc7Ks6JqNnYId_6D74argMRERAtb0LPQBv/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE2Dv2WWlBmc78ieXx1gV7jJNUI4ajXV6UH8qekNoqpgruIQYfPLQHBKKOJD3vo5gSMXpgQoZVkWHdIy3Ulzs70ROoyOSSJankgUceKcDT7sc7Ks6JqNnYId_6D74argMRERAtb0LPQBv/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the day there were 7 races and I believe the last one was around about 6pm and as it was such a lovely day it all seemed to go by so quickly, I could have stayed there all evening as well. From memory I had at least a place in the first 6 races, sadly I missed out completely on the last race but in one of the races I got 1st and 3rd, woohoo! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All the men decided to follow Graham's lead and go for the accumulator but sadly non of them won on it, Fred & Ty dropped out on the first race and then Tim & Graham lost around about the 5th race. Graham was very quite really throughout the day so that probably meant that his choice of horses wasn't going so well, especially when in one race his jockey fell off - on a flat, straight track for god sake!!!!! We did all have to laugh - a lot! I think overall though we all probably either broke even or made a couple of quid, and considering all except Graham were only betting £1 or £2 each way, we didn't do bad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have to say that the excitement as you stand near the fence and watch, hear & feel the horses thundering along and then realising that your horse is in with a chance, it really is great. I thoroughly enjoyed my first day at the races and I would certainly recommend it to anyone, but especially families, as the kids were so well catered for that they didn't ask for anything the whole afternoon and they slept so well that night. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mel </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-2321618641010759332013-06-06T13:38:00.001+01:002013-06-06T13:38:25.121+01:00My social media journey <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Back in November last year I was given an amazing opportunity by <a href="http://www.budigitalhub.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Bournemouth University</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span>to be part of their DDBU digital marketing & social media project. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I applied for it, I have to admit that I didn't really know what it was I was signing up for or even if it was really something that I wanted to do, but I knew I needed to open my eyes to new ways of advertising for my small struggling to be noticed Bed &Breakfast business -<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.acornsoflyndhurst.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Acorns</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">of</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lyndhurst</span></a>.</span> </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I was actually only offered the last place due to someone else dropping out at the last minute I had missed out on the introductory and familiarisation session, so on the first actual meeting I felt very nervous & a little out of my depth. I walked into the room and immediately noticed that I was going to be part of a team consisting of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">My</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">New</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Forest</span></a>,</span> </span>which is only part of the official New Forest Tourism Board who promotes everything & everyone in the area extremely well by using all the latest media's already! Then as we mingled and introduced ourselves it became even clearer to me that I was the weakest link in the room, the others are: <a href="http://www.exbury.co.uk/" style="color: blue;">Exbury Gardens</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://www.hotelterravina.co.uk/" style="color: blue;">Hotel Terravina</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://www.thegreenhousehotel.co.uk/" style="color: blue;">The Greenhouse Hotel</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://www.bedandbreakfast-newforest.co.uk/%E2%80%8E" style="color: blue;">Daisybank Cottage B&B </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://www.oldwalls.com/new-forest-costal-area.asp" style="color: blue;">New Forest Coastal Cottages</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk/" style="color: blue;">Forest Leisure Cycling</a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> </span><a href="http://www.snowtrax.eu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Snowtrax</span> </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and </span><a href="http://www.juliashouse.org/" style="color: blue;">Julia's House</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">.</span> In my mind all of these business's were well established and already using social media very well, and then there was me, the only thing I had any idea of was Facebook but even that was extremely limited. I sat there and thought "what am I doing here?" </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The session was lead by <a href="http://bu.bournemouth.ac.uk/business-services/benefits.../philip-alford.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Dr Philip Alford</span></a> &<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.mcallisterandco.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Maureen McAllister</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span>who are extremely knowledgeable on marketing and social media but quite down to earth, normal, really nice and friendly people. After listening to everyone else in the team I began to realise that although they were all already using social media and some SEO they still didn't really know what they were doing with it and that they were not quite so far ahead of me as I first feared and they were all so lovely. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our team or cluster was created - AppsFab! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We each were assigned a final year marketing student to work with for 4 months of the project and my student was Stephen Manns, a really nice young man who clearly had his work cut out being stuck with me. Philip & Maureen each gave a presentation and by the time they had finished I was so excited & fired up about the prospects of this new opportunity that I could hardly wait to get going - the transformation was amazing!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The only problem though, was that once I got back home and was all alone, the task actually seemed overwhelming and because of my lack of understanding I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall and I went back to being very frustrated about the whole thing. I had been shown the possibilities but I didn't know how or what to do with it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did however have the support of Stephen at the end of an e-mail and between us we managed to get the ball rolling. We changed my Facebook account <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Acornsoflyndhurst"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">www</span>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">facebook</span>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">com</span>/<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Acornsoflyndhurst</span></a>,</span> to be a business page rather a person, created a Twitter account @acorns_bandb - which at the time I absolutely hated with a passion. I just could not get to grips with the lack of visibility and the coded messaging thing. A blog was created <a href="http://acornsoflyndhurst.blogspot.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Mel's blog</span></a> - which I love doing. My website underwent a make over and I learnt a lot about SEO which is quite empowering actually. I started to feel like I had taken control of my destiny now rather than sitting around waiting for something to happen. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In between our official sessions we organised cluster meetings which I have to say were invaluable to me. I learnt more from just talking with my team mates about what they were already doing, what they did and didn't like and what they thought was a good idea, than I did from anyone else really. Don't get me wrong though Steve, Philip & Maureen were great and helped me a lot, but my team mates had experienced and were still experiencing the exact same things that I was experiencing and sharing that knowledge is what kept me going. I knew I could ask these people anything and someone would be able to help.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The main role of the student in my opinion was to focus me and my business on a couple of specific goals so that a strategy could be put in place. The goals we decided up on were: to integrate Twitter, Facebook & Blogging into the business, target specific audiences via the website makeover and a quarterly e-newsletter campaign and to address the SEO of the website. At the end of the students time with us they had to submit a report as part of their final year assignments therefore making the collaboration beneficial to both us. By the time Steve left me we had made some significant improvements but his report did highlight that I still have a way to go, this was never really a quick fix, but a long term strategy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The final session with Philip & Maureen was yesterday - June 5th and this was all about us giving a short presentation to them showing our journey so far and looking on to where we want to be in 1 years time. This date had been torturing me ever since it was mentioned because I wanted to do something different, exciting and challenging. I wanted to create something that I could proudly put my name to and use it as an advertising tool as well as my homework. After a lot of beating myself up about the lack of ideas Fred & I came up with the idea of an acorn growing and being symbolic of my growing on the project. He showed me the tool to make a film and after many hours of taking pictures in the New Forest, carefully choosing the right ones, editing, choosing the right soundtrack etc, the rest is history ........check it out </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOz2ocq5huA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Acorns</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lyndhurst</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">digital</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">marketing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">&</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">social</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">media</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">case</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">study </span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the day there was only 5 of us presenting as sadly along the way we lost a few members, but the standard of all of the presentations was amazing, I am proud of all my team mates but especially David, Nina, Cheryl & Nigel you were AppsFab! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have to just mention though that I did blow them all away with my film and even reduced Maureen to tears. I am not very good at speaking in front of a crowd so the whole idea was freaking me out a bit. David went first and did a launch of his new website, Nina was next and amazed us with her statistics and her amazing blogging achievements, then it was me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was really worried at this point because my piece was so far, nothing like anyone else's, and certainly not as factual or statistical and I thought I'd got it all wrong. Anyway I stood at the front my heart in my mouth and said a few words to introduce myself and where I was at before I started this journey, then Maureen loaded my film. My heart was pounding, I could hardly stand up and I was too afraid to look round but I could tell that everyone was stunned. I had a very quick glance round to Philip who was jigging to the music so I took that as a good sign. As it came to end I felt myself getting all emotional and everyone was cheering and clapping, Maureen came straight over and hugged me with tears in her eyes and I knew I'd done ok :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cheryl did a really nice visual presentation using her logo - the daisy & daisy chain, it was a really good way of using what she already has and building on it, then for the finale was Nigel. Appsolutely fabulous, normally Nigel is quiet and unassuming just taking it all in, but he found his voice here - he broke out into a rap! The footage will be released soon as it is a must see, but it was great. He had crowd (us) participation, humour and individuality, he just completely took us all by surprise and what a way to end a fantastic day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think that doing this presentation is one of the most emotional and proudest things I've ever done and although I keep saying it, I really do mean it, without the team including Steve, Philip & Maureen, I never would have done any of it and I genuinely thank you all so much.</span><br />
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If you would love to read your comments about any of my blogs, or if you have any similar experiences why not share them too?<br />
Mel<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-73322518742534647522013-05-13T13:30:00.000+01:002013-05-13T13:30:54.305+01:00Caribbean Princess<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have a niece, Jo, that has been working on cruise ships for the last 8 years and yesterday was the first time in all that time that she has docked in Southampton. She has wanted to show us her boats ever since she started, so yesterday, she arranged a family day on board the <a href="http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/cb/">Caribbean Princess </a>for us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3BC-hnnm8gMf5NdRGD_csBaCKphkW5w8rYhgJ_OmPeoXkT8fa_PmHKbZY5eBCKhDId45Hbxj7AVTbHqTXczBT5j77F1qYePFuVmEGgbOWj0csuh3EYD3QarteXtvP7EhZdNiEL8m3r4L/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3BC-hnnm8gMf5NdRGD_csBaCKphkW5w8rYhgJ_OmPeoXkT8fa_PmHKbZY5eBCKhDId45Hbxj7AVTbHqTXczBT5j77F1qYePFuVmEGgbOWj0csuh3EYD3QarteXtvP7EhZdNiEL8m3r4L/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wow, as we pulled up at dock gate 4 the sheer scale of this ship was amazing. This was the first time I had actually been up this close to one and they are awesome things. At 19 decks high it is like a skyscraper on water. Jo & Matt came down to meet us, there were 7 of us invited on board - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachel.brooks.583">Rachel</a> and her fiancee Anthony, my Mum, Fred, Izzy, Sophie & myself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After clearing security with these dodgy people we embarked via a mountain climb up the gangway which was very steep due to height of the tide. The main arrival area and central promenade was very impressive and everybody greets you as you walk through, Rach even managed to have a chat with the Captain to make sure he knew what he was doing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our first stop was the crews quarters where Jo & Matt's cabin is. It's quite interesting to see both sides of the operation and how different they are. As soon as you go through the door that separates them there is instantly no carpet, just grey painted metal walls and doors and everything is very industrial. You have to negotiate the M1, the main route straight though the middle of the ship where there's trolley's rushing everywhere carrying luggage and food supplies etc. The cabins obviously are tiny, usually without a window and where 2 people share the tiny space, but Matt has been upgraded to a rather nice double cabin with sea view for him & Jo, as he was recently promoted which came with a few nice perks. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next on the whistle stop tour was weaving our way through the ship up to the sun decks and pools - the pools unfortunately had all been emptied as the day before they had encountered a storm and the water had been sloshing about the ship, then right up the top to deck 19 where the basketball court is located - it was very windy up there, through to the nightclub which is right at the back of the ship in the odd looking spoiler type thing and then back down to the salon, where Jo works doing her teeth whitening and then round the spa & gym. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> obviously hasn't got the hang of the machines in the gym, a bit like the cooker! The view from here though is amazing and I think it would inspire anyone to do a bit of a work-out.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We were then treated to a fantastic buffet style lunch with so much food to choose from that you just didn't know what to have. You could have as much as you like and you could just keep going back for more. Unfortunately after lunch Jo had to go back to work, but as arrival day for her is just being in the salon for advertising and demonstration purposes we were able to go up with her. She even talked Rach and myself into being the clients for the teeth whitening demonstration. Before we took part though Matt took us on the final leg of our tour, the shopping arcade, the central promenade where the daytime entertainment takes place, the casino, theatre and his office.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> It seems that there is always something going on all the time in the central promenade area and it's just a lovely place to sit and have a drink watch everyone go by and just take it all in. There is a lovely relaxed & comfortable atmosphere on board, it's not all formal and posh like I had imagined, although it is all very beautiful and quite luxurious.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After going up & down stairs, in and out of lifts and getting slightly dis-orientated we ended up back at Jo's salon for the finale. At this point Rach was starting to back out of teeth whitening due to a fear she has of dentists and was trying to get everyone else in there instead of her, but Jo persuaded her and in the chairs we were. I have to just mention at this point that Jo hadn't really explained the procedure other than I just paint this stuff on your teeth and you sit under a lamp for a few mins. So as soon as we laid in the chairs, side by side, we started giggling about the white coat Jo was wearing making her look like a dentist & that Rach didn't really like that look, Jo was trying to be professional like she would with normal clients but normal we are not!! Jo then pulls out this scabby looking ripped towel to put over me and of course that started the banter about the six star salon and from there it just went down hill rapidly. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jo then proceeded to start with me as Rach was giving her grief, this therefore made me the guinea pig with an unfair disadvantage, then she produces this plastic, springy mouth guard thing and tells me to put it in my mouth just inside the lips to hold them out the way. Well, I was already laughing so much that I couldn't get anything inside my lips, let alone this springy plastic thing. After a few failed attempts and hysterics, and Rach nearly wetting herself watching me, I managed, but that wasn't all - I also had to wear some silly orange glasses too. This wasn't quite the look or the experience I had signed up for and I think at this point Jo was getting fearful for her job and wishing she had chosen someone else as we were being too raucous! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7VshFkPMVaEMabDeMcC3Tco7U2-RGUJfTcEqPnqHbUDuRF_xD825H3sjg3lcU6B0qcmWikjj7PeDopP-Yo6NxXbj-YrjeAw7X5MyCJGSBsfqP7ZT2qLsd42PWppNjf-ezPZY1SY5wOkG/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7VshFkPMVaEMabDeMcC3Tco7U2-RGUJfTcEqPnqHbUDuRF_xD825H3sjg3lcU6B0qcmWikjj7PeDopP-Yo6NxXbj-YrjeAw7X5MyCJGSBsfqP7ZT2qLsd42PWppNjf-ezPZY1SY5wOkG/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After laughing so much that I was actually crying with tears streaming down my face it was my turn to laugh at Rach, but as I say she had the benefit of being second and managed with hardly any trouble. She still looked ridiculous though, we both looked like Wallace from Wallace & Gromit!!!! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />As I was first I was able to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wind</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> up a bit as she has a fear of anything </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dental</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">found</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> it </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hilarious</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pretend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> that it was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">painful</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. It was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">almost</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">impossible</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">talk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> with this thing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pinning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> your lips back so everything </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">sounded</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> silly even </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">if</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> it wasn't and the "more </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cheese</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gromit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hilarious</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">between</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> us we didn't stop laughing through the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">entire</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">treatment</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> which </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">incidentally</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> takes about </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">40</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mins</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and would </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cost</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">around</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">£90</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">00</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> on the ship or on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">land</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">£250</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">00</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Afterwards</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> you have to obviously </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rinse</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> your mouth out and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">again</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I just had to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wind</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> up one last time and as I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">spat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> out into the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">basin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">shouted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> out "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">oh</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> no my teeth have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">fell</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> out!" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rach's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> face for a second was a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">picture</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">along</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> with a few </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">mumbled</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">swear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">words</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkcvWTLyIaXMclxeIwILqA-_oNH4s_JWJyi8TVvPygB-GUCYKyFi3YeMaptm9Qx0DKsfOdOKXaFMYdMHvls6VDluPR-D_e0s2URkwROWgDhU70FIYurXw7QNp2LJsSZ6FOFkBRlCuMXkb/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkcvWTLyIaXMclxeIwILqA-_oNH4s_JWJyi8TVvPygB-GUCYKyFi3YeMaptm9Qx0DKsfOdOKXaFMYdMHvls6VDluPR-D_e0s2URkwROWgDhU70FIYurXw7QNp2LJsSZ6FOFkBRlCuMXkb/s200/024.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLaVCzOWfbZj_g8CHhO4gxjwiVOkozQ6zx5c7HEGf8w7ed7Fte0ItnZFS8DgtxuFERWhyphenhyphentBZhAv_YI5rCsGbqDVYGQGe-hbWydf-G0VppJjpvZATOelHaqXCcK75qcpmH5ndEtnsmaolf/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLaVCzOWfbZj_g8CHhO4gxjwiVOkozQ6zx5c7HEGf8w7ed7Fte0ItnZFS8DgtxuFERWhyphenhyphentBZhAv_YI5rCsGbqDVYGQGe-hbWydf-G0VppJjpvZATOelHaqXCcK75qcpmH5ndEtnsmaolf/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After all the mickey taking and messing around I have to say I was really impressed with the results, it definitely works, my teeth are very noticeably whiter and it was great fun, Thanks Jo.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you want to have a giggle at us check out the video clip on my Facebook page, it is funny. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Acornsoflyndhurst">https://www.facebook.com/Acornsoflyndhurst</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The time on board really did just fly by and as it got close to the time when we had to go it was quite sad, I would have liked to have been staying on board a little bit longer but I still don't think I could cruise. I enjoyed this day as the ship was virtually empty and we had plenty of space to wonder around in, but I'm sure that when there is the 5,000 people (guests&crew) on board that it carries, it's not quite the same and for me that is the reason why I won't be booking up - Sorry Matt.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A massive thank you to both Jo & Matt though for getting us on board and showing us how lovely it is and we look forward to seeing them both when they dock again in a few weeks time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mel </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-47211667629798831252013-04-25T12:07:00.000+01:002013-04-25T12:07:51.233+01:00School hols fun part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's took a while to finally get round to writing this one!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6GOiY-YI7JU3iiSUdMpLQZcvLP1u1PQ-HHGhg4CbpxZ_1sUv4hAloxWonzfRdB9R9xFQQ0PkWd8EewrpNXHn8iRxU0NhDw9Y_K2X3dOAbJ5VSiB67mIwbtcxFinWtbSywpZcbWtPcgLi/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whilst the kids were still on Easter hols we took them to see something new and something that we use quite a lot when the weather's reasonable. Hopefully my insight into some of the attractions here in the New Forest will encourage and assist you in making a visit here for yourself.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.libertyscentre.co.uk/">Liberty's Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre nr Ringwood</a> </span> </span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6GOiY-YI7JU3iiSUdMpLQZcvLP1u1PQ-HHGhg4CbpxZ_1sUv4hAloxWonzfRdB9R9xFQQ0PkWd8EewrpNXHn8iRxU0NhDw9Y_K2X3dOAbJ5VSiB67mIwbtcxFinWtbSywpZcbWtPcgLi/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6GOiY-YI7JU3iiSUdMpLQZcvLP1u1PQ-HHGhg4CbpxZ_1sUv4hAloxWonzfRdB9R9xFQQ0PkWd8EewrpNXHn8iRxU0NhDw9Y_K2X3dOAbJ5VSiB67mIwbtcxFinWtbSywpZcbWtPcgLi/s200/035.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had never been here before so it was nice to see something new and be able to tick another attraction off the list. It was really easy to find as it's clearly sign posted from the A31 as soon as you approach <a href="http://www.newforest-online.co.uk/ringwood.asp">Ringwood</a>. When we arrived it was almost time for the Owl display in the main barn but we had a quick walk round the first few enclosures which house quite a few different types of owls but also Kites and other birds of prey that I believe are all rescued birds. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iIDIGPFsjuizD7qktbPTJnrWQ3HUpyyZxhG2kbkM7CxwHNSkCjwMWsQapXJYGgclRc0ScVVIslhXct46XbxDGl0AUM58MQHR_TtygdjuG_Pkf6Mvi1jwRK3rm0klEFom31pFaegrCfLo/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iIDIGPFsjuizD7qktbPTJnrWQ3HUpyyZxhG2kbkM7CxwHNSkCjwMWsQapXJYGgclRc0ScVVIslhXct46XbxDGl0AUM58MQHR_TtygdjuG_Pkf6Mvi1jwRK3rm0klEFom31pFaegrCfLo/s200/008.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUtI8LjKoLd0q1TeoXteBg-LrUbBZIRjn1W1vYewkosk9C46bigrS1nT1M9dXWhnBaM9vGHld_kDQ2nwS6P5H41ZlSSbMJzAMMWsAuYnot78e8-OcGyyZqSQIGnSfL9FgpqC3RLXEK2uC/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUtI8LjKoLd0q1TeoXteBg-LrUbBZIRjn1W1vYewkosk9C46bigrS1nT1M9dXWhnBaM9vGHld_kDQ2nwS6P5H41ZlSSbMJzAMMWsAuYnot78e8-OcGyyZqSQIGnSfL9FgpqC3RLXEK2uC/s200/022.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ5c9rARbdA5oTD90FigS8uRJT-Y7h1hbvGCXBFlfk8CrhOwqMlXr42vd3gW6i-b3SItq1PuDGnxErdND-7GHMkamwaZRXO-F70t7uff5AxmGZtfN8FF5pmBA_1EhVD5eTHKwgGVIB7yc/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ5c9rARbdA5oTD90FigS8uRJT-Y7h1hbvGCXBFlfk8CrhOwqMlXr42vd3gW6i-b3SItq1PuDGnxErdND-7GHMkamwaZRXO-F70t7uff5AxmGZtfN8FF5pmBA_1EhVD5eTHKwgGVIB7yc/s200/017.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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The Owl display was about 30 mins and it was great to see these birds up close. They were trained to fly to the handler who was constantly moving around the barn by using food as a reward. They flew so low that they feel like they brush the top of your head and you feel the wind as they silently go past. They really are amazing birds! At the end we got see a baby Owl and I have to say it was ugly, poor little thing. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The kids were allowed to touch it and it's fluffy feathers were so soft, they just really are ugly. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> After that it was back outside and we continued around the enclosures of rescue birds. We got to see Liberty herself up close, the centre is named after an American Bald Eagle called Liberty, and she is very impressive. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1YQirv-8XeRqOaJoJG4wkXgTu7WTm98B99K-X34_34rUPI2Z9pqza24aqkPQxShB1_f5MVIk2qS6JSVZ_Z7ET6Q767NK_dow7czhP_Me6Hb68epl816EMas2-APsRkdL7Pj_ZBKcyFVq/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1YQirv-8XeRqOaJoJG4wkXgTu7WTm98B99K-X34_34rUPI2Z9pqza24aqkPQxShB1_f5MVIk2qS6JSVZ_Z7ET6Q767NK_dow7czhP_Me6Hb68epl816EMas2-APsRkdL7Pj_ZBKcyFVq/s200/024.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time for a quick cuppa in the cafe and then next on the agenda was the reptile display. A very well presented talk about the snakes, tarantulas & lizards. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Each time she spoke about a different reptile/spider she walked around the crowd showing everyone up close what she was talking about. They insist that you don't touch though, just look! The python at the end was laid out on the floor at the front and everyone was asked to come close to see her, i'm not sure what her length was but she almost stretched from one side to the other - massive! Although these are not my most favourite things it really was interesting and great for the kids to experience these animals in a controlled environment where it was not frightening for them. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another wander around outside and then it was time for the outside flight display in the arena. It was a little bit windy out there but the birds still did very well. Again we saw some Owls, a Caracara - a very intellegent and funny bird from the Falkland Island that just runs around on the floor & virtually tripping the handler up to get his food. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The main event though was Liberty flying and very impressive it was. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After this we decided to come home as it was a bit chilly but you could easily stay longer - a full day out and great for kids and adults alike, well worth a visit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.Moors-valley.co.uk/">Moors Valley Country Park</a></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmiUox9u9rZF3L7eAHbNzMwhDxCQQggNrhwkiSBUjU8mxchlKdDNgEwjdxWSPEX_OmMo3csjWCqHhtWaGfT81pt1S7la-antfIeG8uAD4YXxQJ9mRXAqMxO_AmYfyzyLClQzdWcXca4FZ/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmiUox9u9rZF3L7eAHbNzMwhDxCQQggNrhwkiSBUjU8mxchlKdDNgEwjdxWSPEX_OmMo3csjWCqHhtWaGfT81pt1S7la-antfIeG8uAD4YXxQJ9mRXAqMxO_AmYfyzyLClQzdWcXca4FZ/s200/037.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is one of our regular haunts as again it's enjoyable for both kids and adults. You can just walk, cycle, play golf at the 18 hole course, ride the narrow gauge railway, play in the tree tops with <a href="http://goape.co.uk/days-out/moors-valley">Go-Ape</a>, do the play trail in the forest, play in the massive sand pit play area or the older timber play area or just sit and have a picnic. This place does cater for everything but in a lovely simplistic kind of way. You only have to pay for parking which does vary depending on the time of year but it still isn't expensive for a family day out, I believe the max charge is about £8-£9 for the day. It's easily found as again it's clearly sign posted from the A31 just after <a href="http://www.newforest-online.co.uk/ringwood.asp">Ringwood</a>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One thing you need to know is that there are no bins in the park as they just encourage mess and wasps, so you do need to take all your rubbish home with you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We always take a little picnic with us aswell as our own bikes, but if you can't there is bike hire there and also a very nice cafe. If you are interested in doing the tree top adventure with <a href="http://goape.co.uk/days-out/moors-valley">Go-Ape</a> it is strongly recommended that you book this in advance as it is always very popular. You can watch most of the circuit from the ground below and it is fun to watch. There are usually lots of screams and giggles going on up there! It's great fun if you don't mind heights, we did it a couple of years ago. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecLLGtjHmh1Zv6AmIq5fSmEmohkV9NpECMJq3NbTAI335WtF99KBm9EubS6fYZU0GuO1O76c3BkcrTocigim3BN9yWI4dF-lqWQkTepK3KzHzHdnbjyjfvrbgtaQRRQTcgGjd5BrY5frR/s1600/031+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecLLGtjHmh1Zv6AmIq5fSmEmohkV9NpECMJq3NbTAI335WtF99KBm9EubS6fYZU0GuO1O76c3BkcrTocigim3BN9yWI4dF-lqWQkTepK3KzHzHdnbjyjfvrbgtaQRRQTcgGjd5BrY5frR/s200/031+(800x600).jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianMzAZpyNu-m8Dw03_M6rFiUlpxARPHe6nGRmKdDeKgMcOeXLy2_I_ClBU-6LL4L-evCi-Sq41V9wj_0Dr_H-IS98UwTF4FYeNfI8Deu_kC_Ui6uZ4rGXx1_o_un7OsTS0xZsmkkgXMKm/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianMzAZpyNu-m8Dw03_M6rFiUlpxARPHe6nGRmKdDeKgMcOeXLy2_I_ClBU-6LL4L-evCi-Sq41V9wj_0Dr_H-IS98UwTF4FYeNfI8Deu_kC_Ui6uZ4rGXx1_o_un7OsTS0xZsmkkgXMKm/s200/009.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuSxC14F3ZdMA96e8Orp94CAnEoUbylO6IztDH1opWh1Ds_FzFfwDWi4PHxePzqgyPbxrkjCDf_D-eNmfm-Y9wDCjy5opfYFBx4mKRpUTgToP7KiQL5JydmlHPbdyoDdm5__N15dlQ8JF/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuSxC14F3ZdMA96e8Orp94CAnEoUbylO6IztDH1opWh1Ds_FzFfwDWi4PHxePzqgyPbxrkjCDf_D-eNmfm-Y9wDCjy5opfYFBx4mKRpUTgToP7KiQL5JydmlHPbdyoDdm5__N15dlQ8JF/s200/035.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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It's always a good idea to take some old bread with you aswell as there is a large lake with ducks and swans that always enjoy a feed. You can walk or cycle for a several miles around the edge of the park and lake and it's more peaceful out there if you want to get away from the crowd. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVHr0jRS5eUkdSSyFIOpv8EPjO6qyGHo0g7DgKAvY9bSltSHFCaGqHtuoVaq-DyGjM-IheQj_KDk0vaGns7GDMlaRd0UlIdZwxZeHFStQzMARrb6fipOsFlg6GcAUWjVrZbuxyV88fHKf/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVHr0jRS5eUkdSSyFIOpv8EPjO6qyGHo0g7DgKAvY9bSltSHFCaGqHtuoVaq-DyGjM-IheQj_KDk0vaGns7GDMlaRd0UlIdZwxZeHFStQzMARrb6fipOsFlg6GcAUWjVrZbuxyV88fHKf/s200/014.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The main play areas can get busy but on the play trail you can at least keep moving. All the play structures on the trail are made from logs and ropes and they look great. It's been very well designed and laid out and even big enough & sturdy enough for adults to have a go aswell. They are always updating and modifying the trail so quite often you come across a new structure, this year there are quite a few, some are still under construction so we are eagerly waiting to see what they will be. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH9hMuEjHrq8x8sgcT_iEUWjyqWoVuhFrlBl3xcYJGq8-oSHd0ho3cq47P03LxLJpMPlH2B6LlVEiKDbm965SZFoihE3mdJDNQkO6iWPAd0kEtR43EMwHlwUhSN8vM4DjMazlWIZRcMLV/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH9hMuEjHrq8x8sgcT_iEUWjyqWoVuhFrlBl3xcYJGq8-oSHd0ho3cq47P03LxLJpMPlH2B6LlVEiKDbm965SZFoihE3mdJDNQkO6iWPAd0kEtR43EMwHlwUhSN8vM4DjMazlWIZRcMLV/s200/018.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the other side where the lake and playgrounds are, there's also a lovely big grass field which has picnic benches and plenty of space to play football, rounders, cricket etc if you are organised enough to take all that stuff and you can even bbq on there too. It's all very relaxed and friendly. The 2 main playgrounds are fantastic - the sand pit area is great for the younger children in particular but the big ones still enjoy it too. Then there is the older side which has more climbing structures and a zip wire which is great fun. Also on this side there is the narrow gauge railway which runs around the playgrounds and lake. It's a great minature train ride which the kids love but there is an additional fee for this. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really, really like it here and on a warm summers day in particular you can stay until sunset, if you can last that long!! It's a fantastic fun filled, full day out just enjoying the great outdoors and for not that much money. Kids don't need electronic games, just give them some logs to climb on and some trees to hide in and they love it!!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mel</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-24916488028475690832013-04-11T14:08:00.000+01:002013-04-11T14:08:07.184+01:00School holiday fun<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the kids are off school I always feel like I should take them out somewhere and entertain them for at least a few of the days, so I thought I'd tell you about where we have been.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.paultonspark.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Paultons Park inc Peppa Pig World</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the last 9 months this has been a favourite of ours as we became season ticket holders last summer and have tried to make sure that we use it. Our Children are 8 and 3 and this family theme park definitely caters for both of them. The weather was a bit cold so we only stayed for 3 hours but we still had a lot of fun. We even got to try the new 4D cinema. We had already experienced 4D at Legoland so knew what to expect, but to be honest I came out of it with mixed feelings really. The amount of waiting time seemed excessive especially after being told by the attendant that it was only 5 mins until the next showing, there was hardly any people queueing, and then when we finally did get inside nearly 30 mins later, they were only half filling the auditorium - so we probably could have got in to the show before as it's only a 15 mins movie! Anyway the <b>only</b> movie was in my opinion a bit too scary for the kids as several had to be taken out crying half way through, including Sophie and the clarity/focus of the film was not very good either. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The one really good thing about it was the effects, the chairs move and vibrate, the water & wind spurts out from the back of every chair and bubbles float out of the ceiling. This was a definite improvement from the Legoland one as their effects all only came out from the front stage or above in the middle of the ceiling, so not everyone got the full experience. I am glad we tried it but I certainly won't be queueing for it again. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The rest of the afternoon was very good, the children love the indoor soft play area of Peppa Pig World and we also managed to fit in some of the rides too. All in all I do recommend this as a great day out but if you are paying the day ticket price make sure you stay all day and get the most for your money. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.longdownfarm.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Longdown Activity Farm</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had'nt been here for quite a while so it has changed a little. As soon as we arrived it was time for the baby goat feeding, which the children love. You feed them with bottled milk and the goats are so funny, they climb on top of each other to try to get a bottle and then gulp it so quickly they nearly pull it out of your hand. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXYL1joqmJnwWA0qj77Dhbkizdo-xNZteia8H08kw1DboY8LDFCF7uRQU4MjFSS2YTmZMkkULiGo8Nc3z0do2kzQ4-p7VK23qF1zKYiVth4ZvRkm3UVJmdRXw-uks6KBiHBLrXMrNMaLl/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXYL1joqmJnwWA0qj77Dhbkizdo-xNZteia8H08kw1DboY8LDFCF7uRQU4MjFSS2YTmZMkkULiGo8Nc3z0do2kzQ4-p7VK23qF1zKYiVth4ZvRkm3UVJmdRXw-uks6KBiHBLrXMrNMaLl/s200/031.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next door is the trampolines which are always a favourite and always very busy, so while the kids got the chance they had a play in there. After this we walked around the chick shed and guinea pig shed where some had just had babies & they were so cute. Next was the petting corner, for this we had to queue for a while but the children were kept busy looking for eggs in the hens nesting boxes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcof-ukcjrRCT7lsNV0hyphenhyphenupY8knzgb9n-o0XPm-joley_8otZhwZI_xTh3CIx2JkgRmm2g87pEBwcgOP8Ve0X3IlI6iqmxDwVEKSbRsZ7WJlbOvmSjpOHuJy0r6Gmc8lTSQHPrL0lCRLiw/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcof-ukcjrRCT7lsNV0hyphenhyphenupY8knzgb9n-o0XPm-joley_8otZhwZI_xTh3CIx2JkgRmm2g87pEBwcgOP8Ve0X3IlI6iqmxDwVEKSbRsZ7WJlbOvmSjpOHuJy0r6Gmc8lTSQHPrL0lCRLiw/s200/037.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The kids got to hold tiny little chicks, stroke the baby bunnies which were so, so soft and adorable and then brush the baby goats which I have to say were so placid and well behaved - nothing like the ones we fed! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another play - this time in the soft play area and then outside on the pedal tractors & go-carts. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A new addition this time was pony rides, you do have to pay an extra fee for this but it was very popular. Sadly the big tractor ride was cancelled due to the soggy field, but normally we do really enjoy this bumpy ride. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The kids however were quite happy playing at the outside play ground and picnic area which then leads quite nicely to the pig feeding. The pigs pen has lots of plastic tubes which you pour feed pellets down for the pigs and the kids just seem fascinated by. They kept on going back round in the queue for more. The straw play barn is another great play area with a couple of slides and masses of straw bales and the kids had loads of fun running around in a very safe environment. Finally on our way out we had a look round the very lovely farm shop and bought some yummy strawberries to eat in the car on our way home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.new-forest-national-park.com/new-forest-reptile-centre.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">New Forest Reptile Centre's Wild Wednesday</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh748EKAubyQIUa1BbXmxGkbgwu8vH4n2ZeOlPGi2u6I06ualkWNybbUn0En28lJkJeIuxpC_myfG6oJ8jQiASxasJYZxKbfhazmJSP0nmpt5ECJNURFcXmGNIOCrVkn_pM4Y0DX7z4mKcL/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh748EKAubyQIUa1BbXmxGkbgwu8vH4n2ZeOlPGi2u6I06ualkWNybbUn0En28lJkJeIuxpC_myfG6oJ8jQiASxasJYZxKbfhazmJSP0nmpt5ECJNURFcXmGNIOCrVkn_pM4Y0DX7z4mKcL/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We have been to the Reptile Centre before, but not for "Wild Wednesday". Last year we had one of the RSPB volunteers that was working at the centre stay with us, and she had recommended it back then, so I thought we should take her advice and check it out. Admission is free but you pay a small fee for parking.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are about 6 pods which house the reptiles that are native to the New Forest, but obviously they only become active when the weather is warm. We did manage to see a couple of common lizards and a toad, but sadly no snakes - although we have been lucky enough to come across Adders & Sloworms out in the Forest. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwG3-9J7JQSlR07lQbU0KXjr9CskLnMx5pDug9eqXtBIifsFAgSmM1IxD4WP3fCFO2SChTpm2Ht3-toZTYU5IO3iRuHeB6OSBzxm34pNy9NZGoZhyphenhyphenjWsqzgWODrHcI21hutm7Xt7jCldd/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwG3-9J7JQSlR07lQbU0KXjr9CskLnMx5pDug9eqXtBIifsFAgSmM1IxD4WP3fCFO2SChTpm2Ht3-toZTYU5IO3iRuHeB6OSBzxm34pNy9NZGoZhyphenhyphenjWsqzgWODrHcI21hutm7Xt7jCldd/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There were a few stalls set up with activities for the kids like colouring in & making things and although we didn't do it, I believe there was a nature trail too. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was a lovely gentleman there with two telescopic bird viewers set up watching a nut feeder, allowing everyone to see the birds feeding right up close, it was great. There had been a Woodpecker and lots of Siskins and Tits and apparently he had seen a Nuthatch but it was in hiding. He was really helpful and very interesting to chat too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjf6aVGAFMxJsKu-FAonX8AShsWwz-KuhXFfeF4ZRx2HmgBa3FvCK9HiunB_kXbcl6O3kXzWvE1Ro5se1Yeuo7FIgG4Qk4UIkS_AVWFOdap2XbJrdw7tLqojDmn7VzlTFr3iMe0HcBRzX/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjf6aVGAFMxJsKu-FAonX8AShsWwz-KuhXFfeF4ZRx2HmgBa3FvCK9HiunB_kXbcl6O3kXzWvE1Ro5se1Yeuo7FIgG4Qk4UIkS_AVWFOdap2XbJrdw7tLqojDmn7VzlTFr3iMe0HcBRzX/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjf6aVGAFMxJsKu-FAonX8AShsWwz-KuhXFfeF4ZRx2HmgBa3FvCK9HiunB_kXbcl6O3kXzWvE1Ro5se1Yeuo7FIgG4Qk4UIkS_AVWFOdap2XbJrdw7tLqojDmn7VzlTFr3iMe0HcBRzX/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the main hut they have some TV screens that are linked up to live webcams that are watching the birds close by and one in particular is the live feed from a secret but local Goshawk nest. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If it is a nice warm day there are picnic benches around and also some walking trails, so you could make a day of it and it's just a really nice, peaceful place which is fun & educational without the kids realising. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mel </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064704667342148254.post-72913917487104175272013-03-23T14:12:00.001+00:002013-03-23T14:12:19.336+00:00Something completely different <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My neice is currently in New York and somehow inspired me to come up with these fun versions of 2 famous New York songs, changing them to be relevant to the New Forest. I enjoyed myself and just wanted to share them:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 23px;">New York New York by Frank Sinatra</span></span></h2>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Start booking a room </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm on my way </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm going to stay </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">New Forest, New Forest</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These walking shoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Are leading the way </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right through the heart of the </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">New Forest, New Forest<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">I woke up in the country</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Had an amazing sleep</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Now I've climbed that hill </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">To the top of the ridge </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">My stressfull town blues </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Have been blown away </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">I'm loving the R&R you get</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">In the New Forest </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Now I found my way here </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">I needn't go anywhere else</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Can't wait to be back </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">New Forest, New Forest </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">New Forest, New Forest </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">I woke up in the country</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">I had an amazing sleep</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">And I've climbed that hill </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">To the top of the ridge </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Looking down at the view</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Oh what a sight!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">My stressfull town blues </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">Definitely blown away </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">The R&R is really great </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Right here </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">In the New Forest </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">And don't forget</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Now I found my way here </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">There's nowhere better than here</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">Why don't you come along </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">New Forest, New Forest</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 23px;">Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys </span></span></h2>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As this one is possibly a little harder to remember the real lyrics I have left Alicia's in black & my version is in blue. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;">Grew up in a town that is famous as the place of movie scenes </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Visiting a town that is famous as a tourist scene</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Noise was always loud, there are sirens all around and the streets are mean </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue;">There is no noise and the streets are kept really clean</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere, that's what they say </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I have found my way here, I needn't go anywhere else that's what I say </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Seeing my face in lights or my name on marquees found down on Broadway </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">People are so nice, they will help you and even go out of their way </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Even if it ain’t all it seems, I got a pocketful of dreams</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Even if it rains, I've got my waterproof's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Baby, I'm from New York </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Baby I'm in the New Forest</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Concrete jungle where dreams are made of </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Woodland jungle where adventures are made of </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">There's nothing you can't do </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's lots here you can do</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Now you're in New York </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now you're in the New Forest!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />These streets will make you feel brand new </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">These open spaces will make you feel recharged </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Big lights will inspire you </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Great sights will impress you</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Hear it for New York, New York, New York! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Let's hear it for New Forest, New Forest, New Forest!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">On the avenue, there ain't never a curfew, ladies work so hard </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">On the cycle trail, you can walk aswell and it's not that hard</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Such a melting pot, on the corner selling rock, preachers pray to God </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Such diversity, plants & animals for all to see </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Hail a gypsy-cab, takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hail a Twizzy car, takes you on an eco trip from Brockenhurst all around the Park</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Some will sleep tonight with a hunger far more than an empty fridge </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">You can stay the night then have a breakfast that's got the NF mark</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">I'm gonna make it by any means, I got a pocketful of dreams </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">You will have a great time, maybe pack your waterproof's</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Baby, I'm from New York </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Baby I'm in the New Forest</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Concrete jungle where dreams are made of </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Woodland jungle where adventures are made of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />There's nothing you can't do </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's lots here You can do</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Now you're in New York </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now you're in the New Forest!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />These street will make you feel brand new </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">These open spaces will make you feel recharged </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Big lights will inspire you </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Great sights will impress you</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Hear it for New York, New York, New York! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Let's hear it for New Forest, New Forest, New Forest!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /><br />One hand in the air for the big city, </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">A review on TripAdvisor for all to see</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Street lights, big dreams all looking pretty </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pretty sights, coastal, heath & lots of trees</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">No place in the world that can compare </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Creating memories for you to share </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">A place of outstanding beauty - yeah yeah, oh yeah yeah</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />In New York </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">In the New Forest</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Concrete jungle where dreams are made of </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Woodland jungle where adventures are made of</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />There's nothing you can't do </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There's lots here you can do</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Now you're in New York </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now you're in the New Forest!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />These street will make you feel brand new </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">These open spaces will make you feel recharged </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Big lights will inspire you </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Big sights will impress you</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />Hear it for New York! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let's hear it for New Forest</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">I have tried singing them much to Fred's annoyance, and I think they do work.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23px;">Mel :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11062184499613092073noreply@blogger.com0