Adventures Archives - Page 20 of 36

Yaverland Beach, Sandown

The Isle of Wight boasts some of Europe’s best beaches – one of which is Yaverland. Located in the Victorian seaside town of Sandown, low tide sees the beach expand from the sailing club through to the chalky cliffs of Culver Down.

The acres of beach are perfect for families and there are some fantastic coastal pathways to explore. Fossil remains can also be found here as it’s one of the Isle of Wight’s renowned dinosaur beaches. At high tide you can walk all the way to the dinosaur strata.

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We headed over to the Isle of Wight by car ferry from Portsmouth so we could move about the island as we pleased. If you’re travelling by foot, you can catch a catamaran or hovercraft – the latter taking just 10 minutes from Southsea.

It’s always worthwhile checking the Tide Times before you head off so you can plan what you’re doing accordingly. The Isle of Wight Zoo is opposite Yaverland beach so we headed there first, stopping at the beach cafe afterwards for coffee and cake.

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Yaverland Beach has previously been home to the White Air Extreme Sports Festival and whilst there’s a lot to see, there are also safe areas for swimming too.

We were fortunate enough to see the kite surfers in action, they reached some pretty impressive heights at times! Windsurfing, surfing and dingy sailing are also on offer.

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POD was so keen to hit the beach with her newly acquired bucket and spade so we headed straight down after cake. Her trademark headband still strategically positioned round her forehead as it often is.

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As the tide headed outwards, POD was back and forth to the waters edge. She’d fill her bucket with sand only to wash it all away in the sea. Sometimes the simplest things in life really are the most fun.

We were so lucky it was such a glorious day. While there was certainly a breeze, it was wonderful to be chilling in the sunshine and listening to the sound of the waves. There was barely a soul around either.

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It was great to see POD comfortable in the sea. So much so she got herself completely drenched.

With her leggings hoisted up to her knees (she often does this!), she just stood on occasions watching the waves lap over her toes.

Venturing into the water and running out again before the waves caught up with her was the best game ever. Each time she succeeded she’d shout “ha” at the sea and giggle.

What better way to lose a few hours than to wander about a largely unspoilt beach with fabulous scenery. We totally fell in love with the Isle of Wight.

Other beaches nearby include Sandown which has an esplanade and a pleasure pier. Surf and paddle board hire is available there as are kayaks. Lake Beach (Dunroamin Beach) which is located between Sandown and Shanklin. It’s tucked away but can be accessed via the Sandown or Shanklin esplanades or from the cliff path at Lake.

Also in the vicinity is the Dinosaur Island trail which is set in the Culver Cliffs. And Dinosaur Isle which is a purpose built dinosaur attraction. Not to mention the fabulous Isle of Wight Zoo which has a special interest in tigers and lemurs.

Once upon a time tiger cubs used to be walked on Yaverland Beach. What an amazing sight that would be.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

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A favourite place

It’s almost five years since we left the big smoke. Despite spending almost two decades there, it’s hard to remember what life before POD was like. We travelled a lot, had a great deal of fun and drank a few too many vodkas.

She’s got to experience a great deal while we’ve lived in Surrey. There are around 20 National Trust sites to choose from for starters. We’ve discovered, explored and re-visited many of these but still have a few to tick off the list before we embark on nearby Hampshire. Alice Holt, managed by the Forestry Commission is not far away either. Nor is flagship garden RHS Wisley and Painshill Park which is home to a crystal grotto.

As well as what’s available locally, we’re within easy reach of Heathrow and the ports. Last weekend we took the ferry to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. We were at the island’s zoo in Sandown just over an hour after leaving Portsmouth. Remarkable really. We’d headed to see the animals first as it was high tide on Yaverland Beach.

By lunchtime there was more than enough beach to play on. Armed with her bucket and spade, POD dug holes, made sandcastles and collected stones. Every time she ventured into the sea, she ran out giggling. It was as if she were competing with the waves and she was victorious! POD also made mud pies and as you’d expect, she got drenched from head to foot.

After lunch in Shanklin we spent some time at Ryde beach before heading back to the port. POD jumped off the promenade into the soft sand umpteen times!

We had the funnest day. And for that reason, this month’s favourite place absolutely has to be the Isle of Wight.

Linking up with Sticky Fingers for #TheGallery where the prompt this week is A Favourite Place.

Watersports at Levante Beach Resort

We recently holidayed in Greece with Mark Warner at the Levante Beach Resort (read our post here). Located in Rhodes, it is a custom-designed five-star resort which offers state-of-the-art tennis and watersports in addition to a purpose-built childcare centre. We were thrilled to get back into playing the game we adore and you can read our tennis at Levante Beach Resort post here. The excellent childcare facilities meant it was possible to play tennis and check out the watersports too. Although just a few hours each morning, it meant we were able to do our own thing while POD did activities like sailing that she wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to do.

Does fear ever hold you back?

If you asked what my biggest fear is, the response would most likely be jellyfish. I came across a bloom of them while swimming in Antigua. Although perfectly harmless, somehow being out of my depth and at eye level with these squidgy pulsating bells didn’t especially appeal.

That said, photographing them really does and behind glass, they’re utterly fascinating. Whilst I didn’t swim in the sea for the remainder of that holiday, a later trip saw me venture in the water with sharks and manta rays.

So the question is does fear ever hold you back?

When we headed to Venezuela before POD was born, I remember feeling particularly uneasy at Caracas airport. Rightly so, the guide book I studied before leaving wasn’t particularly positive. The black market is rife too so changing money in the car park didn’t do much to put my mind at ease. Nor did the armed guards outside the hotel although it was wonderful inside.

The next morning we headed to Canaima National Park, home to Angel Falls, where our base for a few days was the jungle. The park is pretty remote but the plateaus of rock and waterfalls make for the most spectacular landscape. The Pemon Indians took our all our suitcases when we arrived as they were too heavy for the canoes. Each of us was allowed a rucksack that had to last the duration of our stay in the jungle.

Although somewhat unnerving, I was happy to go with the flow. It was quite exciting. But before long, I suddenly I found myself behind a waterfall with a stranger holding all our belongings (including passports) in a black bin bag. Two days earlier I’d been sitting behind a desk in London. The contrast between the two was so extreme, panic began to set in. We were standing on a ledge no more than two feet wide which was slippery under foot. One wrong move and we’d be brown bread. It was terrifying yet exhilarating at the same time.

Little did I know what was to come! It is thought Salto El Sapo is the, or one of, the waterfalls that featured in Last of the Mohicans. You can walk from one end of the waterfall to the other. The noise of the water was immense and whilst also wet and slippery, the path was wider so we were able to appreciate the wonder of nature. The wall of water was just incredible and our group got a bit silly trying to take it all in.

When the path became narrower and the water started lashing my face, fear began set in. The terrain became uneven after that and at one point we had to jump from one slippery ledge to another. You could barely see but in-between the two ledges was a sheer drop so you couldn’t miss. It was utterly petrifying. But when we reached the bottom of the waterfall and looked back at what we’d just achieved, it was quite remarkable. Would we do it again if we got the chance? Of course we would!

Linking up with Mum Turned Mom for #ThePrompt where the theme is fear.

Tennis at Levante Beach Resort

Having recently written about our holiday to Greece with Mark Warner at the Levante Beach Resort, this post is all about the tennis. Sure you don’t have to play tennis but if you enjoy the game, the facilities and coaching really are second to none. Apart from anything else playing means you have a great excuse to indulge in all the delicious food on offer!

We’ve holidayed with Mark Warner twice before as a couple but this was our first family holiday. And the first time we’ve visited Levante Beach Resort which is a five-star custom-designed resort located on Afandou, Rhodes. We obviously wanted to spend it together but we were also keen to pick up a game that’s been somewhat neglected since POD arrived.

Capturing a sense of calm

Sometimes when you go away, it takes a few days to get into the zone. Not this time. We were there within 24 hours, soaking up the rays, enjoying delectable food and attempting to play tennis.

One of my favourite times of the day was as the sun rose. We’d often see its orange-looking head peeping over the resort buildings but the best place to be before breakfast was undoubtedly the beach. Located less than five minutes walk from our accommodation, it was certainly where I found my serenity.

There was a clear view of the mountains to the left and to the right. An array of sailing boats and kayaks were beached on the sand. Colourful windsurfing sails were on display along with boards, lifejackets and helmets. The loungers were deserted. The sand was cool between your toes and there wasn’t a soul in sight.

The turquoise ocean glistened with the rising sun and on a clear day you could see for miles in any direction. A few boats bobbed up and down in the water. You could hear the waves lapping gently on the shore and the smell was so subtle you couldn’t help but breathe it in.

The sun caused you squint but the warmness on your cheeks made you smile. Just for that moment you were devoid of any thoughts and felt an overwhelming sense of calm.

Joining Sara at Mum Turned Mom for #ThePrompt where this week’s theme is calm.

Postcards from Levante Beach Resort

We’ve spent the past week having the most wonderful time in Greece with Mark Warner at the Levante Beach Resort. Custom-designed, the five-star resort is located on Afandou which is Rhodes’ longest beach.

This was our first trip as a family with Mark Warner although we holidayed with them twice before POD came along. We really hoped we’d have the same experience as we had done previously – fantastic activities, great food and with any luck a dollop of sunshine. We fell in love with the resort as soon as we arrived and who can blame us? It’s beautiful. There are full posts coming (oodles of editing to do!) but in the meantime here’s just a taste of what was a truly fabulous break.

Getting up close to nature

There’s something rather wonderful about getting up close to nature. Whether it be an unexpected crane going for a wander or capturing the detail in the every day. With Spring most certainly upon us, this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to really embrace the outdoors and I love it!

Here are just a few of the gems I’ve discovered recently at RHS Wisley in addition to orchids in the jungle and alpine gorgeousness. A bit of a photo extravaganza if you like. Some were taken on a day off I had recently and the rest on a blogger get together with some of my favourite people.

Bluebells and fairy houses

One of the best places in Surrey to see the bluebells is Hatchlands Park which is managed by the National Trust. This time of year has traditionally been a bit special as their ancient woodland is visited by fairies. In the past we’ve seen them flying about the trees and they’re always good fun to find. Although POD thought for a time think all woods had fairies living in them, she’s since discovered that’s not the case.

The fairies are no more this year but Hatchlands Park still had some magical treats in store. POD was looking forward to seeing the fairy houses we’d heard about but she was rather taken by the spacehoppers on the lawn when we arrived. Staying on one however was another story! The next few minutes mostly comprised of POD bouncing twice then lying on the ground laughing. There was more fun en route to Willow Wix as she found a partially hidden den which provided a great lookout point for watching people pass by.

It wasn’t long before we spotted one of the fairies houses though, a tiny blue door at the base of a tree. POD knocked gently hoping to find someone inside but the fairy living there must have been asleep. She did check the entire trunk to make sure there weren’t any fairies hiding from her.

I love this time of year, the trees smell fabulous and it’s great to see the primroses popping up.

While admiring the surroundings, we spotted another fairy house – this time higher up. There was no reply when POD knocked so she presumed this fairy was out shopping.

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We missed a couple of fairy houses on the way into the bluebell wood as we got sidetracked by all the beautiful cows.

At the Willow Wix Wood, we were back on the fairy house trail.

The smell of the bluebells and the wood chip after the rain we’d had earlier was just divine. It was great to see the purple carpet again, it looked amazing. The staff at Hatchlands Park have done a fabulous job making it look wonderful too.

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It wasn’t long before we discovered a few more fairy doors.

POD was convinced if she did a bit of magic herself they might appear!

I adore this look of joy on her face, just priceless.

After leaving the Willow Wix Wood, POD and Daddy thought it would be really funny to hide from Mummy while she was taking photographs of the bluebells. Both jumped out from behind a tree and POD let out the biggest roar ever – this is her scary face!

Another fairy door and more knocking. It was great to see POD check all the doors even if the fairies were sleeping or shopping. She does seem to think they’ll be back next time though so we might have to smuggle one in!

POD then embarked on some running around before attempting to do some star jumps. These mostly consisted of gurning and leg bending with little in the air action!

On walking back to the house we met a few more chums. This chap was especially friendly although we didn’t get too close. Horns are horns whatever size they are!

Another fabulous visit to Hatchlands Park. Next time we must stay longer and eat their cake. It’s very good.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast and #CountryKids at Coombe Mill.

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Alpine gorgeousness

If you read the orchids in the jungle post, you’ll get a feel for RHS Wisley. Funnily enough we visited several times before we discovered the landscaped alpine houses. Located above the beautiful rock garden and boasting fabulous views of the wild garden and the Glasshouse, it’s a place of wonderment and colour.

There’s a degree of escapism feasible in this area of the garden too as it’s often quieter than the popular Glasshouse for example. It’s the perfect environment for really appreciating the joy of nature.

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The houses showcase the most amazing collection of alpine plants with most flowering in Spring or early Summer. There’s plenty to see in the Winter too – I’m yet to see the alpine houses not bursting with colour.

It really is a feast for the eyeballs and whether you’re into flowers or not, you can’t help but be blown away by the absolute delights on display.

And who doesn’t want one of these in their garden? I adore these rocky planters and there’s quite a few dotted around.

They’re all different in terms of style but just as beautiful. Truth be told something like this would look amazing in the garden although I’m sure my variation wouldn’t be quite so pretty!

I love capturing the magic of the flowers at Wisley and when the opportunity arises, its the best feeling being able to do that. Especially when it means getting up close and personal to mother nature.

Whether it be teeny tiny flowers

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or the pollen laden interior of a brightly coloured bloom.

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There’s a fabulous range in the alpine houses too. From the bright pinks, yellows and oranges through to the pastels. Subtle but just as pleasing to the eye.