Much as we enjoy Surrey and the surrounding countryside, we relish a visit to the coast too. Perhaps it’s the sound of the waves that provides the instant sense of calm. Maybe it’s POD’s sheer delight at being able to build sand castles, hunt for shells and jump the waves. Whatever it is West Wittering in Sussex is one of our favourite beaches with its miles of sand, sand dunes and colourful beach huts.
It’s been so nice to see some sunshine and enjoy more of the great outdoors hasn’t it? We’ve explored locally and further afield over the last few weeks spending time in the countryside, the forest and at the coast with trips overseas in between. We relish visiting new places and just recently discovered a boardwalk and some WW2 dragons teeth in the woods by a local park. What a fascinating find which came about after a wander along the canal. We had no idea the tank defenders even existed. We took some photos though so we’ll share on here soon enough.
Much as we love travelling abroad (check out POD Travels to see what we’ve been up to), we’re very fond of exploring the UK too. We’re fortunate in that we’re surrounded by the most wonderful countryside in Surrey but we do relish escaping to the coast on occasions too. With the likes of Littlehampton just an hour away, it’s easy to lose a few hours on the beach. There’s something so calming about hearing the sound of the waves, feeling the wind on your cheeks and breathing in that fresh sea air isn’t there?
Having been a climber even before she could walk, we always presumed POD would relish taking to the trees. But her first experience of a treetop adventure, at Center Parcs last year, didn’t quite go to plan. She had to be rescued after accidentally letting go of a zip wire rope which led to her dangling mid-air. The heavy rain that followed didn’t ease the situation that’s for sure although she was back to her usual chirpy self after a hot chocolate.
Goodness me how is it May already? The weeks seem be flying by at brake neck speed don’t they. No sign of summer yet (apparently it’s coming!) but we’ve made the most of the great outdoors when we can. POD recently took on a treetop adventure with Go Ape which she absolutely loved. She was so brave and went round the course so fast, she ended up doing it four times. And that included dangling mid air to check her harness would let her fall to the ground. She was perfectly safe. Much as she enjoyed the whole course, the zip wire was certainly her favourite part.
The past month seems to have flown past doesn’t it? I’ve no idea how we’re in April already although we’ve had a busy few weeks with work and trips. It was great to see some snow in Surrey finally, POD relished the chance to build a snowman. We didn’t get masses of snow though so she actually ended up building three small snowmen instead. Her Daddy got to whizz her around the garden too which she loved. Hard to believe she’s only just experienced this at the age of seven. We’ve also managed to escape to some of our favourite National Trust sites including the Devil’s Punch Bowl where the photo above was taken.
The Doves are a family of adventurers and we love to explore the great outdoors whenever we get the chance. Seven-year-old POD always enjoys creating treasure maps too so she was thrilled to hear we were going on an #OreoCookieQuest. If you’ve not heard about this yet, delicious cookie brand Oreo has launched an exciting on-pack competition and interactive cookie quest – you can play just by purchasing a promotional pack of Oreos. You could win a VIP trip to San Fransisco, explore the Wonderfilled city and experience the technology of tomorrow at GooglePlex in the Silicon Valley! Not only that, to celebrate those wonderfilled family moments, we’ve re-created our own scavenger hunt in this post which could win you a £100 Virgin Experience voucher!
We finally have snow in Surrey! Admittedly we’re not knee deep in the white stuff but heavy snow is said to be on its way. Having arrived on a white Christmas in 2010, we’re really hoping seven-year-old POD will get to build her first snowman, make snow angels and have a proper snowball fight. She thought the garden looked like Lapland when we had a light dusting so I cannot imagine how excited she’ll be if we get a proper covering. Fingers crossed, it would make her so very happy.
Isn’t it wonderful when you’ve lived somewhere for a few years and still make new discoveries? The Sculpture Park near Farnham in Surrey is one with another the brilliant British Wildlife Centre. Based in Newchapel near Lingfield, the centre is designed to educate the public about different species living in the wild. The British Wildlife Centre has been open since 2000 with the founder’s inspiration for the centre coming from pioneering conservationists like Gerald Durrell, Sir Peter Scott and John Aspinal.
It’s said Frensham Little Pond in Surrey hasn’t changed much since the 13th century although it’s had many different owners and inhabitants since. It was originally created as the Bishop of Winchester wanted a fish supply for when he visited Farnham Castle – some of the original stonework is still visible by the sluice gate. These days the beautiful Frensham Little Pond and surrounding area is an idyllic spot for a wander and a sanctuary for wildlife. Continue Reading…
