Kerry & Oliver Hugh-Jones

Disaster struck. Despite not having any instructions, I was sure that this easy to erect tent would be up in no time, but after a quick inspection of the supporting poles, it was obvious that our camping for this weekend was over before it had started. one of the two main poles has sheared in two and the overall condition of the poles was not as advertised. With real regret, we packed up the faulty tent, cursing the shop that had sold it to us, and headed off to the pub that we had found earlier and agreed would be Plan B. We spent two very enjoyable days at the pub. Both days, I was on the water for a few hours and totally exhausted by the evening. As our room was above the pub and we had the baby monitor with us, Kerry and I had two delicious dinners once A&F were in bed. Unfortunately Felix didn’t have a cot and a combination of not being penned in and a new environment meant that he kept waking and crying for much of both nights. As a result Kerry, Amory and I suffered on the sleep front! 

For Sunday and Monday we set off to stay at Bishopstrow House, a very smart Hotel / Spa with TWO swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor and heated to 30oC.  Needless to say Amory was keen to check out the outdoor pool and Daddy was forced to spend much of the day swimming around as “motorboat” whilst Amory sat on my back shouting “faster motorboat, faster…”.  The big news of the swimming sessions is that Amory is now able to dive (head underwater for 1-2 seconds) and retrieve stones or other objects close to hand from the very shallow part of the paddling pool.  He was very pleased with himself and immediately awarded himself “big boy” status for his achievement.  

Kerry didn’t take full advantage of the Spa facilities, but we may go back for a short break and spend more time relaxing.