PODcast | A multi-award nominated lifestyle blog

Autumn at Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is one of several National Trust properties we’ve visited recently, POD and I were there just last month. We’d taken the access for all route which is a walk with no steps. Whilst our toddler loves walking outdoors, it’s inevitable she’ll need her buggy at some point.

The temptation to return to Winkworth Arboretum to see what had changed was too great this week. Especially with an Acer in our garden the most glorious red. It’s still a wonderful location too, even if many of the trees had lost their leaves.

The steep wooded valley of Winkworth and its lakes was bought by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937 so he could experiment with planting styles and different tree species. It was given to the National Trust in 1952 for what Dr Fox described as using plants to “paint a picture”.

It was a positive sign to see both the main and overflow car parks busy on arrival. Although strange not to have my toddler running beside me, I was also keen to investigate part of the challenging walk, which comprised of steep steps, to see the Boathouse.

After heading down the Fiona Adams Steps, the peaceful glade that is the Badgers Bowl with awash with hues of yellow, orange and red. The frost, chilly air and sunshine just added to the mystique. Squawking sounds could be heard in the direction of the Boathouse.

Rowe’s Flashe Lake was a haven of peace and tranquility, overlooked by the wonderful Boathouse. Following the path past wetlands to Rowe’s Flashe Meadow, a viewpoint framed the lake, Boathouse and surrounding woods beautifully.

The Azalea Steps were littered with colourful leaves, it reminded me a little of Alice in Wonderland. This pathway led to an idyllic spot where a superb collection of Acers stood tall above a carpet of red and yellow. A perfect Autumn display.

The Magnolia Wood was even more beautiful than our last visit and the view across The Bowl was incredible. Brightly coloured leaves were scattered everywhere – reds, yellows, greens and browns. POD would have had so much fun kicking them! Next time…

If you’d like to hear more about Winkworth Arboretum, October’s post is here. Other National Trust reads include The Sanctuary of Claremont, Exploring Polesden Lacey, Fairies & Bluebells and Maoris & a secret garden.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at the Mammasaurus.

Little Learners Finger Puppet Books

Little Learners Five Little Monkeys and Old MacDonald Had a Farm are nursery rhyme board books with a finger puppet built into the story. We’re having so much fun with them!

POD demands Five Little Monkeys be read over and over, each time it ends following up with “again, again, again”. It’s the same for Old MacDonald Had a Farm.

Our toddler has such varied taste when it comes to stories, her range spanning from Julia Donaldson to Beatrix Potter and everything in-between. The finger puppets built into Five Little Monkeys and Old MacDonald Had a Farm have added a whole new dimension to story telling.

She loves it when Mummy wiggles her finger a lot so it looks like the monkey or cow are playing. Sometimes POD likes to try and capture them. As well as encouraging imaginative play, additional sound effects often feature too.

POD knows the words to Old MacDonald Had a Farm and she learnt Five Little Monkeys. She loves to ‘read’ both books to her dollies – something she’s started doing a lot more of recently. It’s great to see.

Five Little Monkeys especially has been repeated everywhere, even Daddy has gone in on the act! We can often be heard chanting the words in the house:

Five Little Monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and banged his head. Mama called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys jumping on the bed!

The Little Learners Finger Puppet Books are a great size and even fit in a handbag. This works particularly well if you’re waiting to see a doctor for example. POD shouted “no more monkeys jumping on the bed” at the top of her voice although everyone at the surgery seemed amused!

As you may have established, the Little Learners Finger Puppet Books encourage interactive play and hand-eye co-ordination. For younger children (babies aged 6 months up) they will also help with language development.

The Little Learners Finger Puppet Books are available from Amazon. The range also includes Mary Had a Little Lamb, Incy Wincy Spider and This Little Piggy to name a few. With prices starting at less than £3, they’re great books to have around and will make perfect stocking fillers.

Disclosure: As a Parragon Book Buddy we were sent a copy of both books for the purpose of this review. Opinions are our own.

The historic Ciudad Bolívar

Following our trip to the jungle and Angel Falls, next stop was Ciudad Bolívar – the capital of Venezuela’s South Eastern bolivar state.

To get there we took a 4 seated Cessna over the 30,000 km² Canaima National Park that borders Brazil and Guyana. It was a journey that would last over an hour.

This photo was taken from inside the plane. Given there was only JD, myself and a pilot on board I was nervous to say the least. Noticeable perhaps from the lopsided smile! The pilot didn’t help quash my fears by spending too much time foraging instead of looking where he was going. Perhaps he’d done the journey so many times he longer needed to concentrate.

Ciudad Bolívar was originally founded as Angostura but renamed in 1846. The name comes from the Angostura trees that grow in the area. Angostura bitters were invented there and it’s also where the first Venezuelan newspaper was printed.

Despite the fear, the views from the Cessna were incredible and the pilot landed the plane perfectly.

We were met at the airstrip by a guide who took us to Plaza Bolívar located in the heart of the old city. There we found a statue of the Liberator Simón Bolívar who had declared Ciudad Bolívar the interim capital of the newly formed republic in 1818.

It was incredibly hot, not helped by our jungle attire – it really wasn’t trouser weather!

There is a cathedral located on the eastern side of Plaza Bolívar – music can be heard in the Plaza if the doors are open. A plaque marks the spot where General Manuel Piar was executed.

Whilst we were in Ciudad Bolívar we visited the Angostura Congress House where I tried and failed to make a guard laugh. I thought leaning over his shoulder would do it but alas I was wrong!

We also saw the San Osrido Museum, where Simón Bolívar stayed for a time, and the San Isidro house where he wrote the Angostura Speech. Now a museum, it was a great opportunity to glimpse into the colonial lifestyle and have a nose around some rather pretty gardens. Casa Piar is where General Manuel Piar stayed before his execution.

The Angostura Bridge over the Orinoco River was a wonderful sight. It links the Bolívar State to the rest of the Venezuela. We traveled over it on the way to Ciudad Bolívar and when we returned to the airport bound for Margarita…

We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? here on PODcast and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

What’s The Story? | 11th November 2013

Hello everyone and welcome to What’s The Story? for w/c 11th November 2013.

Thank you to those of you that joined in last week, amazing stories again. We particularly liked From boy to biker, Extraordinary, ordinary, An unexpected brush with royalty, Coombe Mill does Halloween, A welcome break, All about a boy, A moment in time, An extra special Country Kids, Remembering indoor fireworks and The Kindly Cabbie.

What’s The Story? focuses on the stories behind your photographs. To join in all you have to do is share a photograph and describe the story behind it.

You can say as little or as much as you like and you can select a photo taken any time. You might choose a recent shot or a real oldie you need to scan. New posts are always best but you can link up older ones should you wish too.

Feel free to use the What’s The Story? badge below, I’m happy to share your post in return, and do comment on fellow bloggers posts too. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful stories, have a great week.

Silent Sunday

Nominated for a Liebster Award

A huge thank you to the wonderful Nicola at Doubtful Mum who has nominated PODcast for a Liebster Award. It’s the best feeling being nominated for an award so I’m super chuffed! You can read Nicola’s fabulous post here.

A Liebster Award is a way of saying I really like your blog, in turn extending the blog love to fellow bloggers.

Nicola asked 10 questions which have been answered below. I’ve then nominated 10 bloggers to answer my questions.

So to answer Nicola’s questions….

1. What’s your biggest achievement so far?

Definitely creating this amazing human bean with Daddy. Amazing to think she’ll be three on Christmas Day.

2. What’s your biggest regret?

Not having children earlier in life, I would have loved for POD to have a brother or sister. We’re an awesome threesome though.

3. What one word describes you best?

Proactive. I’m not one for waiting for things to come to me, more of a you want it you go get it type. I started my working life as a receptionist and co-founded a sales and marketing consultancy last year. Achieving a better balance is definitely the driver now.

4. What is your biggest weakness?

Taking on too much! I’m not very good at saying no but I’m not one for letting people down either. I just do more.

5. What do you want to be remembered for?

Ensuring POD is a well-rounded individual and doing the best I can as a parent. In a professional capacity, I’d like to have achieved something incredible.

6. What is your favourite possession?

Everything in my camera case! Photography is my passion and I rarely go anywhere without my camera. I invested in an SLR the year POD was born and it was the best decision I ever made. Wish I’d done it years ago!

7. Your biggest fear?

Jellyfish! That’s all jellyfish even the see-through harmless ones, they terrify me! I have made a jellyfish costume for a dress as your biggest fear party though. It was a pretty special creation!

8. Why do you blog?

It’s a creative outlet for my photography and I find writing a blog hugely rewarding too. I love that one day POD will get to read all about our adventures.

9. Which person do you admire the most?

Richard Branson. I worked at Virgin in the late Eighties, Virgin Records existed at that time and Virgin Atlantic had recently launched. Richard Branson is a hugely driven individual with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s infectious. He’s also the only person that’s ever thrown me in a swimming pool when I was fully clothed. And the sea!

10. What is your worst habit?

Allowing a bottle of savvy to jump into my shopping basket!

I’m nominating the following blogs for a Liebster Award…

Elizabeth at Dragonsflypoppy

Jess at Catch a Single Thought

Jaime at The Oliver’s Madhouse

Vicky at Vevivos

Cathie at Wicked World of Lucas

Jocelyn The Reading Residence

Gina at Cold Tea and Smelly Nappies

Lou at Lou’s Lake Views

Afra at Mad Mum of 7

Dean at Mother’s Little Steps

Their questions are…

1. What are you passionate about?

2. Who inspires you?

3. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

4. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

5. What are the things that make you really happy?

6. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

7. What was the best news you ever received?

8. What’s something that amazes you?

9. What embarrasses you?

10. If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go?

The rules!

1. Each nominee must link back to the person that nominated them

2. Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator

3. Nominate 10 other bloggers you like with less than *ahem* 200 followers

4. Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer

5. Let them know they have been nominated

The follies of Painshill Park

Moving to Surrey in 2010 after nearly two decades in London was the best thing we ever did. We’ve discovered some absolute gems since we arrived and we’re continually exploring new places that offer different experiences.

Painshill Park is described as England’s most elegant 18th century landscape garden – a magical wonderland with hidden surprises. Located in Cobham, it’s Grade 1 listed and has been awarded the rare Europa Nostra Medal for its exemplary restoration.

Painshill Park was created by the Honourable Charles Hamilton who wanted a romantic landscape to stimulate the senses and emotions of visitors. He certainly achieved that.

The dramatic slopes of the vineyard can be seen with the lake below. The trees of Fir Walk provide a frame to views as far as the North Downs taking in Chatley Heath and its semaphore tower.

A Gothic Temple is one of Hamilton’s great surprises with narrowed openings of pillared arches framing a living painting. From inside the landscape falls away dramatically offering spectacular views of the Serpentine Lake. Even POD seemed in awe of it, surprising perhaps given she’s not yet three.

There’s also a zig-zag path that leads from the Gothic Temple downhill to the Chinese bridge peninsula. At the other end of the lake the land rises where there are glimpses of the Hermitage, Temple of Bacchus and Turkish Tent.

POD had a brief nap while I took in the Ruined Abbey which is built of brick but rendered to look like stone. Situated on the edge of the lake and with the sun shining brightly, it was a wonderfully calm place to be. My thoughts were disrupted by a swan flying at speed then coming to rest on the lake.

We came across many ducks, some of which were quite unusual, as we headed towards the Chinese Bridge. POD said “hello duck” to the majority of them. The surroundings really were quite beautiful, imagine a sunlit lake surrounded by old trees and Autumnal colours.

Also at Painshill Park is a restored Waterwheel, the largest working wheel in the UK, a Hermitage and a Gothic Tower. We saved these for our next visit as we spent too much time in the Crystal Grotto (restricted opening times apply). You can read The follies of Painshill Park: Part Two here.

It’s one of the main attractions at Painshill and the latest historic folly to be restored. Hundreds of thousands of crystals including calcite, gypsum, quartz and fluorite have been used to re-create this extraordinary folly.

The surrounding area almost takes your breath away, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. With a small entrance POD was apprehensive at first but once in and her eyes adapted to the light she loved it.

Stalactites hung from the ceiling and the walls sparkled with crystals. It’s said on a still day ‘nature’s mirror’ can be seen inside the crystal grotto. There were beautiful reflections that’s for sure. As you’re not permitted to touch the grotto crystals, the volunteers had loose ones available which could be held. POD’s offer to look after them was politely declined.

Painshill Park is like a magical wonderland. The excitement on POD’s face in the crystal grotto was something else. I can’t imagine what she’ll be like when we visit Santa there!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill and How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus.

Fireworks at Stoke Park

In November 2011 I was all set to see the fireworks at Stoke Park in Surrey. It sounded like the most incredible event. A torchlight procession from Guildford’s cobbled High Street up to Stoke Park followed by fireworks. I was SO excited.

It wasn’t to be though as on November 3rd I broke my wrist. We didn’t make it the following year either.

Last night we were determined POD would see her first firework display. Having decided against the torchlight procession this year we headed straight to Stoke Park.

There we were treated to a fun fair with everything you’d expect from bumper cars to a waltzer and a ghost train. Lots of lights, lots of noise and lots of people. POD had never seen anything like it so it was a lot to take in.

She had the best time spinning in a tea cup with Daddy and would have gone on again and again and again given the chance. Instead we opted for a train where she got the opportunity to drive her own carriage. It was a role she took very seriously and she didn’t want to get off!

It was quite a sight seeing the torchlight procession arrive – hundreds of torches amid a sea of darkness. We followed them to where the firework display was taking place. It reminded me of being at a concert where everyone is waving a lighter in the air.

It was reported 17,000 people were at Stoke Park last night. It was hardly surprising given it really was a spectacular show. And what a great introduction for POD. It was wonderful to see her little face when she saw fireworks for the first time.

We’re linking this post up with the Mad Mid-Week blog hop at Super Busy Mum.

The spectacular Angel Falls

The photograph of Mount Auyantepui above, was taken c.2007 in Canaima National Park. Located in Venezuela, this World Heritage Site is recognised for its flat-topped rock formations ‘tepuis’ which cover 65% of the park.

Also in the park is Angel Falls which, with a free fall drop of 979 meters, is the highest waterfall in the World. It was discovered by the explorer James Angel when he crashed his plane on an expedition in 1937.

Angel Falls is not easy to reach due to its isolated jungle location. Having flown from the UK to Caracas and the following day from Caracas to Puerto Ordaz, a further flight was necessary to reach Canaima. This is the starting point for all river trips to the falls.

We stayed at Campamento Tiuna in the Laguna de Canaima for 3 days which was run by Pemón Indians. This camp was situated off one of the blackwater rivers that flows through swamps and wetlands, the tannin in the water making it look like tea.

With transport around the Canaima National Park mostly by canoe or curiara, we traveled light. Our suitcases were abandoned at a larger camp for collection after our jungle stay.

Most people in the camp slept in hammocks under permanent shelters. We managed to secure a hut which although open to the elements included the bare essentials – a bed and a shower. There was no hot water available but we had privacy and were able to sleep horizontally.

The food in camp was excellent, we were well fed and looked after. We also met some wonderful people including a lovely Chilean family we spent a fair amount of time with.

The main photograph shows the cliffs of Mount Auyantepui which is where Angel Falls makes its dramatic plunge. It was taken the day we departed camp for Angel Falls – everyone hoped the cloud wouldn’t shroud the view of the falls.

In the wooden curiara with us was the Chilean family (of 5) and our Pemón guide. The journey to Angel Falls took at least two hours. We passed through two rivers, crossing rapids and giant rocks – one of which we got marooned on when we returned to camp. The men had got out of the boat to help the Pemón who had attempted to dislodge the curiara with all of us in it!

At Angel Falls base camp we were treated to a feast before we embarked on a 90 minute hike uphill. Frequently clambering over slippery exposed tree roots or climbing man-made steps.

It was steep and humid but the view from the lookout directly in front of the falls was spectacular. It’s hard to imagine what a waterfall with a 979 meter drop will look like but its immense. Some of the group even got to enjoy a swim in the pool at the base of the cascades.

We’re linking this post up with What’s the Story? here on PODcast and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

What’s The Story? | 4th November 2013

Hello everyone and welcome to What’s The Story? for w/c 4th November 2013.

Thank you to those of you that joined in last week, so many fabulous stories again. We especially liked My first day at secondary school, The First Halloween, Laughter is the best medicine, My Hurricane Sandy Experience, Memories found, Morocco Safari day 4, Mummy and Lucas, Summertime Halloween, an impromptu outing and Photo Love.

What’s The Story? focuses on the stories behind your photographs. To join in all you have to do is share a photograph and describe the story behind it. You can say as little or as much as you like and you can select a photo taken any time. You might choose a recent shot or a real oldie you need to scan. New posts are always best but you can link up older ones should you wish too.

Feel free to use the What’s The Story? badge below, I’m happy to share your post in return, and do comment on fellow bloggers posts too.

Thanks again for sharing your wonderful stories, have a great week.

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