Tempted by The New Forest?

The beautiful New Forest in pictures 

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.

All photos taken by Mel of Acorns of Lyndhurst

Skydiving - Free falling from 15,000 feet is truely awesome!

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 .....

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.  
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 :)

The perfect duo 

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.  
Go Skydive 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.

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 about 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 Lyndhurst Workmens Club from 11.00am - late and everyone is welcome.  

Charlie Binder x

On top of that I lost my Dad after he suffered several strokes, 
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 
I had left it a bit late really but in about 2 weeks I managed to raise £165.00 for Epilepsy Research UK and £421.41 for Stroke Association - not too shabby!

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 :)
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!

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.
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. 
 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 one 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.  
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.  
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. 

We both had our families there to watch 

My kids joining in the limelight 

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 video package. 

 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.
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 :)

No going back now 

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 video 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.  

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 camera - this is my only regret about the entire experience but it is only a tiny regret.  

Let's go!

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.   
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.  
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.

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 New Forest National Park 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. 

Touchdown 

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. 
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 :)

 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. 
The whole team at Go Skydive 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 :)

Also just to add that I am so glad that I bought the video 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.

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 Go Skydive - they do it all for you and you just get to enjoy the ride!

So go on - do it:)
Mel x

Steam Travel - Swanage Railway

Swanage Railway 

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to a familiarisation day at Swange Railway.  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 Little Hayes Guesthouse, their daughter and 2 grandchildren and after a slight mishap of missing the train, lol, we caught up with it at the other end.

It's a 12 mile return trip on a beautiful historic steam hauled train that runs between Swanage, Herston, Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle & 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.

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.

Swanage station

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.
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.

Corfe Castle 

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.
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.

We were guided round the small but interesting museum of steam railway memorabilia which has FREE admission (donations welcomed).  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.
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.

Time travel ?

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.

my favourite shot of the day 

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 Purbeck Mineral & Mining Museum which again has FREE admission.

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 Jurassic Coast" with  lots more stunning places of outstanding natural beauty to explore.

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.

Would I go again ? - 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.

Would I recommend it ? - Yes, just for the stunning view of Corfe Castle from the footbridge and platform.

Mel

2 Minutes of Fame (my opinion on cycling in the New Forest)

I still can't quite believe that I was on TV last Sunday, did you see me? 


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 Jessica Parker from BBC South and explained that she was calling about a current debate that's going on here in the New Forest National Park 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.  
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.  

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. 
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.  
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.  
I was told that the interview was going to be part of the Sunday Politics Show 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! 

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.  
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 website, Twitter & Facebook pages is also invaluable.  
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 :)

You can watch it here if you missed it: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=725349927555600&set=vb.153132638110668&type=2&theater

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.  
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 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. 
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!!

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.   
I am all for live and let live :)
Mel

New Forest Tour Bus - A perfect day out :)

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 New Forest Tour bus.  
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.

So we all met at the main car park bus stop in Lyndhurst at about 10.00am and introduced ourselves.  There were representatives from Careys Manor Hotel & Spa , Ringwood Brewery, Shorefields Holiday Park, Daisybank Cottage B&B, New Forest Wildlife Park , Brand New Forest, The New Forest Tour, The New Forest, Cottage Lodge B&B, Camping in the Forest, New Forest National Park Authority

We started off on the Red route, 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 Burley Fudge.

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.

Ordinarily if you stayed on the red route you would then continue onto Ringwood, Blashford Lakes, Fordingbridge, Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Ashurst, Longdown Dairy Farm, the New Forest Wildlife Park and then back to Lyndhurst.  

On this trip we changed buses and picked up the Blue route 
at the stop next to the famous Coven of Witches  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.

You can even see over to the Needles on the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks of Dorset. 

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!
If you stay a little longer, one of the things you can do is take the Puffin Cruises,

They depart regularly from the quay side and take you out into the Solent for panoramic views of the Isle of Wight 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.

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.

So after a short stop at Lymington we jumped on the Green route from the main bus station.  This took us across country to Elmers Court Hotel, Beaulieu Motor Museum & village taking in the picturesque views of the Palace House across the lake and then some of the tranquil Beaulieu river, onto Exbury Gardens, then to Hythe



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!
From there we then cut across the open heathland over to Beaulieu Road Station - this particular part was extremely windy but still good fun.

Finally after an extremely enjoyable day out, we arrived back at Lyndhurst main car park.
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.

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.

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

 Mel :)