We’ve had a relaxing four days at The Mother Camp at Lime Tree Farm, North Yorkshire.
Apparently there were about 200 people at the camp, but it didn’t feel busy as there was so much space. At the farm they’ve built a roundhouse and a stone circle, and the setting is really beautiful. Composting toilets of course, and as a touch of luxury Paul and Veronika had a gas-powered shower set up as well. We didn’t feel the need to try that out, but we really enjoyed the farm. DH and the girls went on a tour of the place, and that took an hour and a half- I only got the edited highlights! The next field had a pond, a magnificent fallen tree that was fabulous for everyone to climb, and the stone circle. I think the stones had more attraction for the adults- the children mostly headed to the tree and pond. There was a cob oven by the roundhouse, where delicious bread was baked almost daily. That looked really tricky- trying to get it cooked through, and keeping the oven at a good temperature without a thermometer. DH helped with that one day.
We had a shared evening meal daily, something hot and delicious salads as well. A fabulous team effort making and sharing good food. I shall remember crushing 50 cloves of garlic ( it was for soup and chilli) and breaking the garlic press I’ve had for about 15 years! I was glad to have it with me though, and it was finished off doing a heroic task.
The bowls I carved were put into use for the evening meals, and were admired ( yay!). The fruit bowl that’s a bit small is great for getting one adult hot portion and two adult salads in, or doing the pudding round it could get pudding for 4 in comfortably.
The girls had a lovely time. They made friends with ‘the girl in the bell tent next door’ -there were about 8 bell tents in the field (I’ve not seen that many private bell tents all together), as well as a few tent tipis, and another friendly little girl as well. They busily disappeared, and in between times found time for crafts, making jam jar lanterns, tie-dying, origami and I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. One day an empty barrel and loads of children meant fun was had rolling the barrel around the slope!
I was able to tag along to the knitters circle- not that I can knit, but I could help crochet some of the squares together that were for the wedding gift. I even got to some of a talk about astrology- I’ve not really considered that for years now.
While we were there, there was a wedding- a Handfasting ceremony. I think it’s pagan,and it was a wonderful experience and beautiful ceremony within the stone circle. We were able to sit on the grass and enjoy the ceremony, with the sun peeping out from the clouds and the children happily running about without it being a disruption. I found it quite emotional at the start, then Veronika’s voice wobbled and I knew I wasn’t the only one! It was very...well I’m struggling to find the words, Peaceful? Magical? I’m not sure, but it was a really special afternoon and I will treasure the memory. I’m grateful that the happy couple shared their wedding with us.
One evening there was a Men’s Circle. DH went to it reluctantly, expecting to leave early, only to tell us in the morning it was great, he was out till all hours and after the discussions there has a few different opinions on things. I’m not quite sure what went on, but I’m really impressed. We’ve discussed vaccination at different points, and DH wasn’t for not doing it completely, but now he sounds fine about not vaccinating. I obviously wasn’t getting the message across too well, but a bunch of blokes having a good talk seems to have done the trick.
The Mother Magazine is considered a bit on the extreme side of parenting, and I wondered what to expect at the camp. Reading the rules last year dissuaded us from going ( and the cost, and getting the right time off work, etc) but this year we decided we are pushing our boundaries and 4 days out of 6 months isn’t that long to try something different. I think, on the whole, I was a little surprised that it wasn’t more different! I’m used to seeing slings in use, mums breastfeeding and ECing or using cloth nappies. Home education is what we do. We usually eat vegetarian food, vegan food isn’t a big deal... soooo- the Pagan aspects of it were new to me. The Men’s Circle is pretty fabulous as well. It didn’t hit me as odd that this was a field full of people I could talk about all of the above with- but then we’ve just chosen to spend 6 months visiting smallholdings/farms where folk are farming organically, care about the land and are pretty open-minded anyway. I think I’m going to be in for a major culture shock when I return to work.....but I don’t need to think about that just yet.
The Mother Camp also had a serious set of rules, which started off as a deterrant, but ended up a real bonus once we’d got there. There’s rules like no phones, computers, computer games, plastic toys, junk food, alcohol, dead animals( i.e.meat!). We’ve already easily lived without all of that list, but when you focus on it, it suddenly is a little harder to say we’d not have any of it for the entire time. However, when there it means you’re not going to find your child whining they want a DS because they’ve spent hours watching someone else play theirs, be hyped up on additives from some sweets you’d never have but the kids found in a neighbouring tent, worry about the drunken antics or be kept awake by drunken snoring from a fellow camper, standing barefoot on some abandoned lego, etc. It suddenly made a lot more sense. Our contraband was locked up in the van and out of bounds until we left, and I’m not sure it was particularly missed.
Talking of the van, it has been poorly. The morning before we head off for camp it started making an odd noise, which DH narrowed down to the fan. It wasn’t too bad until we were 5 minutes from the farm, and it really sounded rough. DH managed to find a garage, get the part ordered, and Paul very kindly helped with getting the van to the garage for the day for them to fit it. Genuine Ford parts are expensive ( the garage couldn’t get hold of another one) so only £18 labour but over £200 for a new fan. Ouch! At least the van was all sorted and able to drive up to Dumfries without any problems- and we’ll just be grateful nothing worse has happened- touch wood.
Dumfries and the hotel were very hot and sunny when we arrived- so another poor nights sleep, but thankfully we got rain today, so its been much nicer. We don’t like Dumfries for parking- not specifically the van ( though we did find one multi-storey car park it wouldn’t fit in) but so much of the parking requires a disc, which we didn’t have. We were happy to pay for parking, but couldn’t find anywhere after driving around for nearly half an hour ( we’ve not had this problem anywhere else) but finally found spaces (and free) by the river.
I’m still feeling tired, but also trying to figure out what kind of tired it is- its not just physical, and I think after a few days of being around a lot of people ( who I wanted to get to know!) and realising I quite liked the peaceful space in the tent- I think I’m finding all the talking, getting to know people, and then moving on quite quickly really draining. I realise I’m looking forward to the end of our journey now, and we’re on our second to last new host tomorrow. Our last planned host is for a longer stay, though that might not work out now. DH has an uncle and aunt who live near Aberdeen, and we just heard today they can’t fit us in when we’re free. So, when we get to our last host we’ll just have to see if we can break our stay to go up to them for a week or so, and then return to finish our planned stint.
We’re also fairly hopeful we can go back to our first host in September. Asking Big One about where she’d like to go back to, she still says Andrea’s after all these months. She wants to see how big the lamb is ( a sheep by now I expect!) and we had an email saying there were rabbits as well, so she’d like to meet them. I feel this would really nicely finish off our journey, full circle so to speak. DH likes the idea as well, so it feels a good way to end.
We did have a few more hosts we wanted to go to- but we realise we’ve probably done enough. We’ve worked hard, travelled a lot and need to make sure we continue to enjoy ourselves, and don’t push ourselves to work when we only have a few weeks left to enjoy. We’ve been recommended a campsite in the Lake District which I hope will be another welcome break for a few days.
Before I return to work, we also have some sorting out to do. We have furniture and belongings stored in various places, and its becoming clear that a conventional house isn’t what we want in the near future. So, we can try to sell beds, fridge freezer, dining table and chairs, etc (if you’re interested in anything we have, email me and I’ll give you first refusal when we come up with prices!)- we’ll probably offer it on the local home ed list first, and then see what we need to do.
Off to our next host tomorrow, must sleep......
Friday, 29 July 2011
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Further Musings
We're still in Wales, just moved along a bit further to Brithdir Mawr. This is a beautiful place, and as well as being a fabulous community (with a great family space vacant!) seems to be almost a community of communities, with other places nearby. We haven't seen the Roundhouse, but we've been having a lovely time just being here.
We've been a bit lax on the work front- the work days are short as only one meal is provided, and not every day ( with plenty of garden produce to self-cater from) . This has been perfect for us, me especially. Last week I was very tired and out of sorts near Llannelli, but when I got here I just couldn't find any energy at all. I spent most of the first day in bed, and the second day, once I tried to get moving I managed to slice my hand with an axe. A prime example of stupidity- which I think was more than partly due to still being exhausted. The damage done was minor ( much more wafer thin slice of meat rather than a bacon rasher) but I'm fairly awful when its my own blood, and on top of that the bread I was trying to bake (chopping wood for wood-fired range to bake bread) didn't rise either. Not a great day.
I wonder if some self- preservation was going on though, as I struggled to wear a gardening glove the following day, so I played with the girls instead of outside work, and got some onions plaited. We all had a good time, and giving myself a break from work really has helped me feel better. Sunday evening I realised I felt human again!
The gardens here are wonderful- different people have patches they are responsible for, and members of the community have to put in a certain number of hours each week. This community isn't a 'buy-in' one, and I realise that appeals to me much more than having to buy in.
I love the electricity is from the sun, the wind and the water here. The water is heated either directly by the sun, from excess other energy and by the woodburner that communal meals are cooked on ( chef gets first dibs on a bath!). This is how we hope to power our home one day- they already have it up and working.
They don't choose to run a fridge, which I'm really quite interested in. Currently we are running a fridge in the van, mainly for milk and cheese. The bottling - 120 jars of passata last year- sounds fascinating. I love preserving, but can also see how it could easily become a chore. Gardening and preserving as a community, the teamwork of it- is something I want to investigate further even if we find our perfect small holding. I had an electronic 'conversation' with my friend Gill about a communal hand-powered laundry, and its all these potential 'chores' that could be so pleasurable if shared.
When Little One was small a friend started a group of us regularly meeting up- we called it 'Tribe' in the emails. The idea was we weren't to be 'guests' in each others houses, but be a group of friends keeping and eye on the hosts child/children so a few jobs could get done and a natter as well. Well, it was a lovely idea, but my house was too small (to fit the group in!), and anothers too far, and we soon ended up always going to the same friends house and she ended up hosting us, without us really helping out. I think it was a great idea though, and wish we'd managed to make it work.
I really like that there is personal space for everyone at this place, it might be in the house, across the courtyard,in the garden, but it can be more than just a room or two off a corridor, which is what I've seen elsewhere. A little living as well as sleeping space that is private is what seems to be important to me and our family.
This week we've been staying in the house, which has been a novelty. Its started off feeling such a luxury- four walls around us, possibly popping downstairs when the girls are asleep. However after a few days we've seen how easy it is to stay in, not get out enough and consequently all our tempers suffer. Big One especially can be reluctant to head outside, she'd rather find some craft or indoor playing, but at the same time gets really wound up to a degree much worse than wet days in the tent. I suppose part of it is space- technically they can run around inside the house (no bouncing in the tent is a firm rule that generally sticks) but the noise of it aggravates DH and I, and the girls get frustrated that they can't play outside games inside. Hmmm, I'll have to think about how 'the problem is the solution' for this issue.
I'm also realising I am a person of opinions. We've been WWOOFing at 10 hosts DH tells me ( I've lost count). That means we've seen about 10 different compost loos, been shown 10 different ways to manage garden compost, 10 different ways to manage kitchen compost, different schemes for scrap food for hens or (shhh, its not allowed) pigs. Apart from the places with dishwashers we've had a variety of instructions on how folk prefer their washing up done (from soaking all dishes before washing, to rinsing everything after washing, to not rinsing anything, etc). After seeing all these ways- and forgetting most of it- I can remember various bits that have made sense as I've gone along, forming some opinions along the way.
Part of me is really looking forward to having My Own compost heap and (I suppose DH'll want to say something about it, but mostly mine) making My Own Rules for what goes in it! When we started I hadn't firm opinions, but after seeing so many I realise the bits that don't make so much sense ( to me- they might make sense to others!) are harder to remember to follow, which is probably in addition to being muddled from following different instructions each week!
Brithdir Mawr is a magical place, I love the gardens, the goats, and the people are great. I can see why people who have been here before could tell us we'd love it here. I've actually seen very little of Wales, but I know we're going to be coming back to this part of the world- I really love it here- even in the rain.
We've been a bit lax on the work front- the work days are short as only one meal is provided, and not every day ( with plenty of garden produce to self-cater from) . This has been perfect for us, me especially. Last week I was very tired and out of sorts near Llannelli, but when I got here I just couldn't find any energy at all. I spent most of the first day in bed, and the second day, once I tried to get moving I managed to slice my hand with an axe. A prime example of stupidity- which I think was more than partly due to still being exhausted. The damage done was minor ( much more wafer thin slice of meat rather than a bacon rasher) but I'm fairly awful when its my own blood, and on top of that the bread I was trying to bake (chopping wood for wood-fired range to bake bread) didn't rise either. Not a great day.
I wonder if some self- preservation was going on though, as I struggled to wear a gardening glove the following day, so I played with the girls instead of outside work, and got some onions plaited. We all had a good time, and giving myself a break from work really has helped me feel better. Sunday evening I realised I felt human again!
The gardens here are wonderful- different people have patches they are responsible for, and members of the community have to put in a certain number of hours each week. This community isn't a 'buy-in' one, and I realise that appeals to me much more than having to buy in.
I love the electricity is from the sun, the wind and the water here. The water is heated either directly by the sun, from excess other energy and by the woodburner that communal meals are cooked on ( chef gets first dibs on a bath!). This is how we hope to power our home one day- they already have it up and working.
They don't choose to run a fridge, which I'm really quite interested in. Currently we are running a fridge in the van, mainly for milk and cheese. The bottling - 120 jars of passata last year- sounds fascinating. I love preserving, but can also see how it could easily become a chore. Gardening and preserving as a community, the teamwork of it- is something I want to investigate further even if we find our perfect small holding. I had an electronic 'conversation' with my friend Gill about a communal hand-powered laundry, and its all these potential 'chores' that could be so pleasurable if shared.
When Little One was small a friend started a group of us regularly meeting up- we called it 'Tribe' in the emails. The idea was we weren't to be 'guests' in each others houses, but be a group of friends keeping and eye on the hosts child/children so a few jobs could get done and a natter as well. Well, it was a lovely idea, but my house was too small (to fit the group in!), and anothers too far, and we soon ended up always going to the same friends house and she ended up hosting us, without us really helping out. I think it was a great idea though, and wish we'd managed to make it work.
I really like that there is personal space for everyone at this place, it might be in the house, across the courtyard,in the garden, but it can be more than just a room or two off a corridor, which is what I've seen elsewhere. A little living as well as sleeping space that is private is what seems to be important to me and our family.
This week we've been staying in the house, which has been a novelty. Its started off feeling such a luxury- four walls around us, possibly popping downstairs when the girls are asleep. However after a few days we've seen how easy it is to stay in, not get out enough and consequently all our tempers suffer. Big One especially can be reluctant to head outside, she'd rather find some craft or indoor playing, but at the same time gets really wound up to a degree much worse than wet days in the tent. I suppose part of it is space- technically they can run around inside the house (no bouncing in the tent is a firm rule that generally sticks) but the noise of it aggravates DH and I, and the girls get frustrated that they can't play outside games inside. Hmmm, I'll have to think about how 'the problem is the solution' for this issue.
I'm also realising I am a person of opinions. We've been WWOOFing at 10 hosts DH tells me ( I've lost count). That means we've seen about 10 different compost loos, been shown 10 different ways to manage garden compost, 10 different ways to manage kitchen compost, different schemes for scrap food for hens or (shhh, its not allowed) pigs. Apart from the places with dishwashers we've had a variety of instructions on how folk prefer their washing up done (from soaking all dishes before washing, to rinsing everything after washing, to not rinsing anything, etc). After seeing all these ways- and forgetting most of it- I can remember various bits that have made sense as I've gone along, forming some opinions along the way.
Part of me is really looking forward to having My Own compost heap and (I suppose DH'll want to say something about it, but mostly mine) making My Own Rules for what goes in it! When we started I hadn't firm opinions, but after seeing so many I realise the bits that don't make so much sense ( to me- they might make sense to others!) are harder to remember to follow, which is probably in addition to being muddled from following different instructions each week!
Brithdir Mawr is a magical place, I love the gardens, the goats, and the people are great. I can see why people who have been here before could tell us we'd love it here. I've actually seen very little of Wales, but I know we're going to be coming back to this part of the world- I really love it here- even in the rain.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Musings
I’ve been trying to think about this week, and why I’m not finding this week as much fun as other weeks. I think perhaps I’m ready for a break- with travelling days we have one day off a week, so its been a few weeks since we had a couple of days off in a row. I’m feeling a little under the weather- not ill, but getting motivated and not being snappy has been a challenge for the last couple of days. On the whole, I think its me- rather than the place that’s not quite right.
We’re at a smallholding with a family near Llanelli, and its a beautiful place. They have their house, a place that’s going to be a holiday let, several camping pitches ( lovely, level pitches with nice ground for tent pegs!) an good size veg garden and a few acres of trees down towards the river at the bottom. Their place is on a hillside, so its good exercise up and down, and we haven’t been far into the trees, let alone down to the river yet.
The work we’re doing is clearing brambles, nettles and bracken from various places. DH has been concentrating on the orchard, where the chickens are, and I’ve been nearer the veg plot, and also turning the compost heap.
Compost is a topic that I’m finding interesting- everywhere we go folk have different rules. Here brambles, cleavers and bindweed go elsewhere, but docks can go into compost. We’ve been places where everything goes in the compost, where coffee grounds don’t go in, where eggshells must be baked before going in, etc, etc. I’m looking forward to having our own compost heap and making up our own rules- not that I know what they’ll be! I’m also looking forward to having chickens to eat some of the waste. One place we’ve been gave the chickens meat waste ( not chicken) but cooked all their food ( including pellets) for an hour- I wonder how much nutrition is left after an hours cooking?
This family’s way of living, with one of them working in a hospital even, is the closest we’ve been to how we think we might be living in a few years time. Its really interesting to see it in action, even with their children at school. Also lovely to have experience shared and things pointed out to us- so we can learn from others experience without having to do it all ourselves. Pointing out sneaky costs like how expensive oil and gas are in the country ( I was already aware rural people are discriminated against- you can’t get dual fuel discount if they don’t pipe gas near you), and we are factoring in extra travel costs into our planning. We hope not to be spending enough to be in stamp duty territory, but I wasn’t aware some places have discounted or no stamp duty to attract folk to move there. I know we know very little about the paperwork side of keeping animals, which I imagine has some sneaky costs with it.
The girls have been enjoying the company of the children when they’re not at school. One is a boy, who’s taken a little longer for the girls to get around to having fun with ( far too many baby and parent games for him to want to be part of). The older girl has clear ideas of how she wants the others to play, which hasn’t always gone down well. I’ve enjoyed seeing how Big One likes having other children to be around. Little One generally just wants to know where her big sister is, and is upset if she’s blatantly ignored or excluded from bigger girls play. I’m impressed at how Big One does include Little One in the games, and seems to enjoy things just as much with her as without her. I am happy that Little One ( and I) still benefit from an afternoon nap, so Big One can have some time without Little One if needed.
Bugs
Spiders were everywhere in the tent in April and into May, June and July we have black ground beetles. Their feet rustling on the groundsheet make much more noise than a mouse. One beetle nibbled our dishcloth, apart from that they just seem to be noisy neighbours.
Here we’ve not been too bothered by spiders, or beetles- at least with think the beetles we’ve noticed we probably brought with us from the last field. Garden type grass doesn’t seem to support the variety of bug life we’re used to in fields. The flying bugs here have been another matter- here there are some rather large biting flies. We’ve come across them at a few other places, but this place seems to have the most. Our hosts call them cleggs, and we think we’ve heard them called horseflies. Their bite hurts, and they seems to take a noticeable quantity of blood- judging from the injury I get when I splat them mid-bite. They’re easier to see than mosquitoes and midges!
Potential Land
We enjoyed looking at the plot of land on Monday. It looks lovely, and its had us thinking. I realise we need a village nearby for the children to walk to, but we also want to live outside a lot. Having neighbours talking distance ( i.e. talking over the wall, able to hear outside conversations) doesn’t feel right to me. I feel our lives would be too public. We hope that our eventual house will have a large veranda for us to spend time sitting out on, I imagine our utility room could well be a shed, or at least partially outdoors, and we’d definitely have an outdoor kitchen space. In a village I’d be aware of stream of people/traffic just by our place ( I know that if we want to sell produce we want some passing traffic) and worry about if I should be locking doors, keeping things out of sight. I suppose knowing about crime rates,and spending time in a village we’re interested in would all help with that.
What I have loved about our journey is so many places are off the beaten track, and doors and windows aren’t always locked and bolted. I was worried at the start of our journey about the value of certain pieces of equipment we have, and lack of insurance. Now I worry more about being in towns with a fully laden van, and some idiot taking a fancy to our van while its parked somewhere, but on the whole I worry less!
Seeing that plot, with outline planning permission, has also given me a bit of hope. I know that if we need to, we can buy a field and set up and run a business to gain permission to live on our field. However, without the planning battle we don’t need to set up the business to be profitable. I can see us doing farm gate sales, possibly the odd farmers market, but it being at a pace that suits us, and selling enough to cover some costs rather than a visibly profitable business. That feels like a lot of pressure of us, and a lot less compromises to happen.
So, regarding our dream I have more hope that it really can happen. Our plot does exist here so I can hope we’ll find something else in a better location for us.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Our dream Does exist!
I had a quick browse on Rightmove, and saw this.
It looks the part, almost affordable, no detailed planning to want to change, pasture and woodland and road frontage- even neighbours!
Old Ambulance Station, Heol Morlais, Trimsaran, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
Building Plot with Outline Planning Permission for a dwelling. Application number S/24693. Also included wood land with some grazing land approximately 25 acres. Situated on the edge of the village of Trimsaran in the Gwendraeth Valley with easy access to the race track at Ffos Las and the coast road leading to Burry Port and Pembrey.
It looks the part, almost affordable, no detailed planning to want to change, pasture and woodland and road frontage- even neighbours!
Old Ambulance Station, Heol Morlais, Trimsaran, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
Building Plot with Outline Planning Permission for a dwelling. Application number S/24693. Also included wood land with some grazing land approximately 25 acres. Situated on the edge of the village of Trimsaran in the Gwendraeth Valley with easy access to the race track at Ffos Las and the coast road leading to Burry Port and Pembrey.
Sorry this map is poor quality, but I imagine I'll want to look at it once this place sells, just to remind me it existed!
It isn't where we want to live, but all the same I'm hoping we can ring up the agents tomorrow and have a look. I've not seen anywhere that looked even vaguely right without being at least £100 000 more than I want to pay, so this is really amazing for us.
They've even already demolished the ambulance station. Wow.
On a more routine note, we're enjoying being with hosts who have children, and our girls enjoy playing with their big girl. Their son isn't into playing the girly games, so he's not getting so much out of our visit, but DH and I are enjoying re-arranging the compost, clearing brambles and bracken, and some ordinary weeding as well. The rain isn't constant, and the sunshine is lovely. However, I'm putting off doing our washing up, so I'd better get on with it.
Saturday, 9 July 2011
Guess what I found in the compost today?
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Morning!
What a nice way to start the day.
Yesterday was a pretty special day, as I got to spend a few hours with Jamie. He's a greenwood worker, who helps out at Clissett Wood (a famous place in the green wood working world). He needed a hand with something, and I was able to have a look at the workshop there. Wow. I had to apologise for saying wow so often, and Jamie seemed bemused at how amazing I found it!
Its a beautiful place, and I'm looking forward to returning at some point to do a course there. Jamie also offered to teach us some turning if we come back, so we're definitely planning to return (thoough Big One told us we were definately coming back anyway!).
The community here is lovely, but DH isn't ready for a community just yet, even if we did want to afford this place. I can see this as being a way to live a lot of our dream, but possibly only more likely if one of us wasn't fit and well enough to work on our own place.
Another opportunity has arisen unexpectedly for us- the cottage next door to my parents is going on the market. It doesn't fit into our long term plans, but could be interesting in the short term. My parents have added to the mix by offering to help us buy it, but I think that house (for us) would be ideal to rent rather than buy.
This has slowed us down on the caravan buying front, as we apparently would be house sitting rather than house sharing most of the time until after Christmas. That makes for a much shorter winter in a caravan....but we both still dislike packing up days.
So many ideas and opportunities, and that was just yesterday!
Today is packing up and moving on, so better get to it.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Result- 27 tent pegs
(posted direct from my phone- wow it worked!!!)
An update over breakfast
I'm sat outside what was once a stately home, has been a school and is now home to a few families. I'm not sure exactly how many live in the house bit, as the stable block is lots of homes as well, with about 20 families here, about 50-60 people.My breakfast included soft fruit from the walled garden, which is wonderfully tidy and productive- that's a huge difference from here to Crabapple, which I was fighting a battle with the nettles taller than me. And, as usual, this place is completely different to all that we've been to already.
We're at Canon Frome Court, and the big difference here is everyone has bought their 'unit' to live in at market price, and then pays a monthly fee for maintenance, and then a seperate subscription fee for the 40 acre farm. My initial response is surprise- no matter how much or how little you work in the farm, the fee remains the same. My gut feeling right now is requiring cash isn't good- I would prefer some scheme where people who work more (e.g.full time hours),would pay very little if at all, and those who go out to earn but have little time for the farm, would pay more.
We've only been here a couple of days and already I'm thinking how I'd change things-so much for being open minded!
I'm finding it all interesting, and an awful lot to think about and mull over. I didn't realise how many pre-concieved ideas I had about communities, and now we've been to two very different places ( though only two!) I definately need to reconsider.
Thursday was moving day for us, and very relaxed as we were only moving an hour down the road. We stopped quite a few times, mainly to look at caravans. We've had some interesting conversations with the retailers, so we've changed what we want to do. The latest idea is a 'van with twin bunks, NOT fitting the woodburner on the basis that at least initially we won't have a free source of wood- and buying firewood gets mighty expensive. Also, as caravans are not designed to cope with such fierce heat, everything would be damaged. I like the idea of some fitted things working for a while ( we're thinking of a new-ish 'van so we get reasonable insulation), so sounds like the woodburner in the 'van isn't a good idea.
We're considering getting a 'van quite soon, as we also reckon we're going to want to do this again sometime- this trip is seeming like a taster, we get so see so many places for a very short time, and making friends we'd like to visit again. We're also considering NOT renting a house as soon as we get back, and seeing how we manage in a caravan for winter.
So, we're at a beautiful place in cider country, so we were able to visit Weston's yesterday. They have pedal tractors in their 'farm' area, which the girls LOVED and were so dissapointed that by the time we got there after the tour they had shut that area. We had an interesting tour, and tasted several ciders, one of which even I could drink ( I normally HATE cider).
Right, being harassed - I promised to make cordial- and can't think so must go. Apologies for typos, I can't face leaving this to edit later!
We're at Canon Frome Court, and the big difference here is everyone has bought their 'unit' to live in at market price, and then pays a monthly fee for maintenance, and then a seperate subscription fee for the 40 acre farm. My initial response is surprise- no matter how much or how little you work in the farm, the fee remains the same. My gut feeling right now is requiring cash isn't good- I would prefer some scheme where people who work more (e.g.full time hours),would pay very little if at all, and those who go out to earn but have little time for the farm, would pay more.
We've only been here a couple of days and already I'm thinking how I'd change things-so much for being open minded!
I'm finding it all interesting, and an awful lot to think about and mull over. I didn't realise how many pre-concieved ideas I had about communities, and now we've been to two very different places ( though only two!) I definately need to reconsider.
Thursday was moving day for us, and very relaxed as we were only moving an hour down the road. We stopped quite a few times, mainly to look at caravans. We've had some interesting conversations with the retailers, so we've changed what we want to do. The latest idea is a 'van with twin bunks, NOT fitting the woodburner on the basis that at least initially we won't have a free source of wood- and buying firewood gets mighty expensive. Also, as caravans are not designed to cope with such fierce heat, everything would be damaged. I like the idea of some fitted things working for a while ( we're thinking of a new-ish 'van so we get reasonable insulation), so sounds like the woodburner in the 'van isn't a good idea.
We're considering getting a 'van quite soon, as we also reckon we're going to want to do this again sometime- this trip is seeming like a taster, we get so see so many places for a very short time, and making friends we'd like to visit again. We're also considering NOT renting a house as soon as we get back, and seeing how we manage in a caravan for winter.
So, we're at a beautiful place in cider country, so we were able to visit Weston's yesterday. They have pedal tractors in their 'farm' area, which the girls LOVED and were so dissapointed that by the time we got there after the tour they had shut that area. We had an interesting tour, and tasted several ciders, one of which even I could drink ( I normally HATE cider).
Right, being harassed - I promised to make cordial- and can't think so must go. Apologies for typos, I can't face leaving this to edit later!
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Another Busy Week
I think I last updated from Brick House Farm, nr Ashford ( beautiful place, well worth a visit if wanting somewhere to camp or a venue for a special occasion).
When we left there we headed over to Dunsfold Landrover Open Weekend- a marvellous collection of landys set out in a field especially for us to have a good look around. We had our first wet packing up to be immediately followed by a wet pitching of tent- leading to our first drips through the canvas (squishing wet canvas meant the surface tension of the water, which normally stops it getting through, was disrupted enough for the rain to drip in). We made a back up plan, then it stopped raining and the tent dried out with a fire in the stove,and thankfully all was well.
We had rain, thunder and lightning over the weekend, culminating in a near death experience for DH and Big One. The lightning grounded a few feet away from them, and they have been partially struck by lightning. Big One described it as worse than touching an electric fence (she's touched the one around some pigs), and DH felt he should have a lump on his head. I'm very glad I didn't see it- its easier to see both fine and telling me about it afterwards. DH didn't show any signs of making more sense than normal,he was just noticeably grumpier (though to be fair that could be seeing all the landrovers when he sold his).
Before the drama of lightning, we all had a ride on a little off-road course in a brand new Range Rover. WOW. I had no idea it could be sooo quiet, and so steady a ride (especially with moments of three wheels on the ground!). I feel that was a potentially expensive £6 (for charity) as I started looking at 10 yr old Discoverys online after that ride!
We really enjoy the van, its perfect for camping but we're considering a caravan for winter. If we go down the caravan route, then we really shouldn't need the long wheel based van. Talking about the van, and recognising that DH is doing the bulk of the driving-made me realise I like to know I can turn my vehicle around if needed. That can be tricky enough with a car, but sometimes it is impossible with the van. Reversing sensors help, but I tend to only drive where I've driven previously or scouted out parking beforehand. The visibility in the van is hard to beat, but I take children to the supermarket so I can park in the parent and child places, or shop when its not busy as the van isn't easy in a normal car space.
I feel I should add I would do a lot more driving (and I did the driving on the M25!) but DH is an awful passenger, and rubbish at navigating. Its much easier ( for all of us) if I navigate and DH drives. We do have a satnav- given to us by my sister after a holiday ( THANK YOU!!!) last year. We hadn't intended on getting on, but especially for this trip, it is fabulous. It sometimes takes us different routes, and I haven't quite mastered detouring around blocked roads ( it gives me 4 options, none of which co-incide with news of problems 15 miles ahead) but overall it has saved us loads of time and effort.
Anyhow, this isn't catching up with what we're up to.
Back to Dunsfold- I mentioned rain, didn't I? It kept raining. On Sunday morning we had the sport of watching the Icecream Van ( transit van base) being towed IN to the field! We talked to the icecream man briefly on the Saturday evening, and we all agreed that a field full of landrovers was the best place in the world to need a tow.
We were a little nervous about getting out of the camping field- thankfully nothing like the 6 + inches of sloppy mud at the show field and our van was absolutely fine. We had the long drive up the M1 to Huddersfield which went well, despite Little One not napping well and screaming each time she half woke up.
We were house-sitters for a few days, as my Mum got a better offer for her birthday. Dad offered her a cruise for her birthday so we just missed them. We were in for a treat though, as Mum left us an apple pie AND a fish pie- lucky us! That just left me time to gather a few elderflowers and pop them in a jar full of vodka- elderflower tincture is in progress at last.
We had a lovely sunny day on Monday, so got the van mostly emptied, almost everything aired, carefully considered and a few boxes were squeezed into spaces in the garage or house ( sorry Mum and Dad!) The van is a little emptier- not that you can tell when we pack it, but now we're camping I think there are a few less things left in the back. We had a good look around my parent's garden- finding ripe soft fruits. Raspberries and strawberries were eaten, but the blackcurrants turned into delicious cordial- I don't really like Ribena but this stuff is great.
Lots of washing dried on the line, and we felt a lot more prepared for the second half of our trip.
Tuesday was the Summer Solstice, with a long awaited party at Gill's. It was really lovely to see so many friends at one time, the girls were happy and we all enjoyed Mari's wonderful array of icecream catering for every dietary need! No sugar, no dairy, no nuts, vegan, extra chocolate- a fabulous array that all ( really!) tasted great. I wonder when she'll open a shop.......
Heath was followed by Manor Heath Park, and meeting up with E and J. It was E's birthday and wedding anniversary, so very important to see her! Big One made her a lovely card, and we picnicked and played. I celebrated my 30th birthday with a picnic there, so of course I think that's a great place for birthday celebrations :-)
Big One has been asking me to make crackers for ages- she remembers me baking some before we left. Lack of an oven ( and it being a little difficult to take over someone else's kitchen to bake when we're only at most places a week) had me say it'd have to wait, and she remembered we were heading to somewhere we could use the oven. I couldn't find my parent's yeast ( until we bought more, of course!) but our last evening there was a cracker-athon! Lots eaten, and a tin full with us should keep us going a while.
Thursday morning was the end of our trip 'home'. More packing up, with a last minute request for making a jam from some fruit Big One had picked- I seem to do 'requests' when its in the kitchen! So DH did most of the packing,and I did a fair bit of cleaning while making just one jar of jelly with the fruit that I could find- especially for Big One with her name on it.
I'm updating from Crabapple Community near Shrewsbury. Its a lovely huge Hall, with ex-stables out the back and fields and an awful lot of raspberries. I'm not sure how many rooms there are here, but with new central heating they tell me there are 43 radiators! We had the luxury of a room for our first night, and we could even have stayed in the house more night. However, for us it's nice to be in the tent, just having a little space for us. There are 3 families here, and several single people also, a really nice mix and everyone has been really welcoming and lovely.
I had a day picking raspberries yesterday- the first patch was either nettles in the raspberry patch, or raspberries in a nettle patch, but there were two more patches that were much easier to get to. Three huge bowls- and 8 children or so eating them, with a few left over for adults, and they all disappeared!
Today has involved coppicing some willow, stacking some split firewood, and starting the clear an old storage area for storing the firewood. DH has been enjoying using his scythe (he'll enjoy telling everyone exactly which Blackadder episode involves the line ' oh, its a scythe!'), and he finished off the bit of willow coppice when Little One and I needed naptime.
Our children keep disappearing here- there is a family with similar aged children so when they're around our children stick with them, and when they're not here the playing spaces are fabulous for them. No dogs, just a few cats so Little One is quite happy walking around, and Big One just needs to know where we are. We've felt a bit 'lost' not being constantly in demand, but its also lovely to have time to do things, like catch up on here.
Well, that feels a bit of an epic, so its time to stop. I feel a massive photo post coming up, but not today!
When we left there we headed over to Dunsfold Landrover Open Weekend- a marvellous collection of landys set out in a field especially for us to have a good look around. We had our first wet packing up to be immediately followed by a wet pitching of tent- leading to our first drips through the canvas (squishing wet canvas meant the surface tension of the water, which normally stops it getting through, was disrupted enough for the rain to drip in). We made a back up plan, then it stopped raining and the tent dried out with a fire in the stove,and thankfully all was well.
We had rain, thunder and lightning over the weekend, culminating in a near death experience for DH and Big One. The lightning grounded a few feet away from them, and they have been partially struck by lightning. Big One described it as worse than touching an electric fence (she's touched the one around some pigs), and DH felt he should have a lump on his head. I'm very glad I didn't see it- its easier to see both fine and telling me about it afterwards. DH didn't show any signs of making more sense than normal,he was just noticeably grumpier (though to be fair that could be seeing all the landrovers when he sold his).
Before the drama of lightning, we all had a ride on a little off-road course in a brand new Range Rover. WOW. I had no idea it could be sooo quiet, and so steady a ride (especially with moments of three wheels on the ground!). I feel that was a potentially expensive £6 (for charity) as I started looking at 10 yr old Discoverys online after that ride!
We really enjoy the van, its perfect for camping but we're considering a caravan for winter. If we go down the caravan route, then we really shouldn't need the long wheel based van. Talking about the van, and recognising that DH is doing the bulk of the driving-made me realise I like to know I can turn my vehicle around if needed. That can be tricky enough with a car, but sometimes it is impossible with the van. Reversing sensors help, but I tend to only drive where I've driven previously or scouted out parking beforehand. The visibility in the van is hard to beat, but I take children to the supermarket so I can park in the parent and child places, or shop when its not busy as the van isn't easy in a normal car space.
I feel I should add I would do a lot more driving (and I did the driving on the M25!) but DH is an awful passenger, and rubbish at navigating. Its much easier ( for all of us) if I navigate and DH drives. We do have a satnav- given to us by my sister after a holiday ( THANK YOU!!!) last year. We hadn't intended on getting on, but especially for this trip, it is fabulous. It sometimes takes us different routes, and I haven't quite mastered detouring around blocked roads ( it gives me 4 options, none of which co-incide with news of problems 15 miles ahead) but overall it has saved us loads of time and effort.
Anyhow, this isn't catching up with what we're up to.
Back to Dunsfold- I mentioned rain, didn't I? It kept raining. On Sunday morning we had the sport of watching the Icecream Van ( transit van base) being towed IN to the field! We talked to the icecream man briefly on the Saturday evening, and we all agreed that a field full of landrovers was the best place in the world to need a tow.
We were a little nervous about getting out of the camping field- thankfully nothing like the 6 + inches of sloppy mud at the show field and our van was absolutely fine. We had the long drive up the M1 to Huddersfield which went well, despite Little One not napping well and screaming each time she half woke up.
We were house-sitters for a few days, as my Mum got a better offer for her birthday. Dad offered her a cruise for her birthday so we just missed them. We were in for a treat though, as Mum left us an apple pie AND a fish pie- lucky us! That just left me time to gather a few elderflowers and pop them in a jar full of vodka- elderflower tincture is in progress at last.
We had a lovely sunny day on Monday, so got the van mostly emptied, almost everything aired, carefully considered and a few boxes were squeezed into spaces in the garage or house ( sorry Mum and Dad!) The van is a little emptier- not that you can tell when we pack it, but now we're camping I think there are a few less things left in the back. We had a good look around my parent's garden- finding ripe soft fruits. Raspberries and strawberries were eaten, but the blackcurrants turned into delicious cordial- I don't really like Ribena but this stuff is great.
Lots of washing dried on the line, and we felt a lot more prepared for the second half of our trip.
Tuesday was the Summer Solstice, with a long awaited party at Gill's. It was really lovely to see so many friends at one time, the girls were happy and we all enjoyed Mari's wonderful array of icecream catering for every dietary need! No sugar, no dairy, no nuts, vegan, extra chocolate- a fabulous array that all ( really!) tasted great. I wonder when she'll open a shop.......
Heath was followed by Manor Heath Park, and meeting up with E and J. It was E's birthday and wedding anniversary, so very important to see her! Big One made her a lovely card, and we picnicked and played. I celebrated my 30th birthday with a picnic there, so of course I think that's a great place for birthday celebrations :-)
Big One has been asking me to make crackers for ages- she remembers me baking some before we left. Lack of an oven ( and it being a little difficult to take over someone else's kitchen to bake when we're only at most places a week) had me say it'd have to wait, and she remembered we were heading to somewhere we could use the oven. I couldn't find my parent's yeast ( until we bought more, of course!) but our last evening there was a cracker-athon! Lots eaten, and a tin full with us should keep us going a while.
Thursday morning was the end of our trip 'home'. More packing up, with a last minute request for making a jam from some fruit Big One had picked- I seem to do 'requests' when its in the kitchen! So DH did most of the packing,and I did a fair bit of cleaning while making just one jar of jelly with the fruit that I could find- especially for Big One with her name on it.
I'm updating from Crabapple Community near Shrewsbury. Its a lovely huge Hall, with ex-stables out the back and fields and an awful lot of raspberries. I'm not sure how many rooms there are here, but with new central heating they tell me there are 43 radiators! We had the luxury of a room for our first night, and we could even have stayed in the house more night. However, for us it's nice to be in the tent, just having a little space for us. There are 3 families here, and several single people also, a really nice mix and everyone has been really welcoming and lovely.
I had a day picking raspberries yesterday- the first patch was either nettles in the raspberry patch, or raspberries in a nettle patch, but there were two more patches that were much easier to get to. Three huge bowls- and 8 children or so eating them, with a few left over for adults, and they all disappeared!
Today has involved coppicing some willow, stacking some split firewood, and starting the clear an old storage area for storing the firewood. DH has been enjoying using his scythe (he'll enjoy telling everyone exactly which Blackadder episode involves the line ' oh, its a scythe!'), and he finished off the bit of willow coppice when Little One and I needed naptime.
Our children keep disappearing here- there is a family with similar aged children so when they're around our children stick with them, and when they're not here the playing spaces are fabulous for them. No dogs, just a few cats so Little One is quite happy walking around, and Big One just needs to know where we are. We've felt a bit 'lost' not being constantly in demand, but its also lovely to have time to do things, like catch up on here.
Well, that feels a bit of an epic, so its time to stop. I feel a massive photo post coming up, but not today!
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Thank You Tom Kilner!
Huge thank you to Tom for pointing out what I needed to do- and amazingly the WWOOF Google Calendar has information in it. Please let me know if it doesn't appear to you as I think its sorted now.
I'm now feeling an old fuddy duddy as its perfectly obvious what I needed to change; I was just looking for completely the wrong search terms- which I'm usually very good at coming up with. Grrr.
We're enjoying a quieter week in the same place, and met a lovely neighbour who is doing our dream (so many people share our dream!) and having a planning nightmare. Our hosts are also having a planning nightmare- Ashford area planning sound to be awful to work with. We're having a day off tomorrow, so hope to visit our last hosts ( and pick up the voltmeter we forgot), visit Rye, hopefully a beach, and a vineyard. I'm hoping we set off early, as the girls also want to play with the neighbours when they finish school!
I'm now feeling an old fuddy duddy as its perfectly obvious what I needed to change; I was just looking for completely the wrong search terms- which I'm usually very good at coming up with. Grrr.
We're enjoying a quieter week in the same place, and met a lovely neighbour who is doing our dream (so many people share our dream!) and having a planning nightmare. Our hosts are also having a planning nightmare- Ashford area planning sound to be awful to work with. We're having a day off tomorrow, so hope to visit our last hosts ( and pick up the voltmeter we forgot), visit Rye, hopefully a beach, and a vineyard. I'm hoping we set off early, as the girls also want to play with the neighbours when they finish school!
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Wealdon TImes Mid-Summer Fair
We're here at Brick House Farm helping out with the Midsummer Fair. We've roasted three pigs, quite succesfully if I do say so myself! We've also been responsible for feeding the pigs- Dotty, Spotty, Madge and her piglets, Mattie and a gang of weaners, and taking water to all of them, and the goats and sheep ( though they haven't wanted any water, silly animals!). We've had a wonderful time, and I think the rain definately helped Fridays pig from being too scorched- the crackling was fabulous.
We've made friends with some exhibitors here, and been inspired. Jane and her sister ( sorry, I've forgotten your name!) made friends with the girls and we loved Jane's designs for Slinks. If I wasn't planning on spending this summer in a field.......
We also loved the look of a hot tub. Not just any hot tub- this one is wood fired! She only got it just in time for the Fair, and unfortunately we didn't get to talk to her until the last day, otherwise we could have tried it out one evening when the Fair was shut :-( but it really, really looks like something to aspire to.
All the exhibitors have been busy packing up, and we've been able to relax in the sunshine and enjoy. WE have remembered to get some photos today, so hopefully we'll get a photo post up this week.
Apologies regarding the Google Calendar- some info is there but in the wrong place. Soon I hope to get it sorted out, but that'll be a job for tomorrow, or the next day, or the next week.
Big and Little One have had a fabulous time, meeting new people and making new friends, but its time for me to go and play until our supper is ready. Its a hard life!
We've made friends with some exhibitors here, and been inspired. Jane and her sister ( sorry, I've forgotten your name!) made friends with the girls and we loved Jane's designs for Slinks. If I wasn't planning on spending this summer in a field.......
We also loved the look of a hot tub. Not just any hot tub- this one is wood fired! She only got it just in time for the Fair, and unfortunately we didn't get to talk to her until the last day, otherwise we could have tried it out one evening when the Fair was shut :-( but it really, really looks like something to aspire to.
All the exhibitors have been busy packing up, and we've been able to relax in the sunshine and enjoy. WE have remembered to get some photos today, so hopefully we'll get a photo post up this week.
Apologies regarding the Google Calendar- some info is there but in the wrong place. Soon I hope to get it sorted out, but that'll be a job for tomorrow, or the next day, or the next week.
Big and Little One have had a fabulous time, meeting new people and making new friends, but its time for me to go and play until our supper is ready. Its a hard life!
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Itinerary
I've been introduced to Google Calendars, which has a sharing option. I'm putting our itinerary on there, so if you want to know where we are, or where we're going to be, let me know!
An email would be best then I think I might be able to link you in.
Ah, the wonders of modern technology.
An email would be best then I think I might be able to link you in.
Ah, the wonders of modern technology.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
A few days off
We've been at the Sustainability Centre in Hampshire, and the folk there are brilliant. We got there by accident though, I was just looking for a campsite to break our journey at, and this was the one that stood out. Of course, when I looked into it, its just our kind of place. I was a bit concerned about the cost though- it sounded a bit steep for what sounded a very basic set up.
However, the facilities are great. The showers are nearly instant hot water, good pressure (important considerations for us) and the disabled access shower was great for putting the kids bath in, so they have had a bath this month. The hot water went to the washing up sink, which is also under cover and the building is on rammed earth tire piles- something I bet Gill would be interested in. The water was heated by solar power- and I now have a new respect for it. When I read solar heated showers on the website, I was thinking luke-warm showers but cold in the morning, but this was a 'proper job'- what I could easily imagine living with in a house, nice and hot all the time.
What really made it a great place was the family we met who live there. The mum writes for The Mother magazine, and our children all had a whale of a time playing together, from pond dipping to bike riding to playing baking....I don't think us adults saw that much of them when playing! Big One was so sad the day we left, wanting to play with their Big One for another day.
It was also a holiday for us, because of our accomodation. We intended to camp, but it was really windy when we got there, and swirling around the camping field. I just couldn't face another windy stay- after all this is holiday time, right? So, we inspected the tipis and yurt and stayed in Henry's spare yurt for the 4 days. The extra head room- even though the floor space was actually smaller- has made our tent feel small now! We had loads of room, and things hung up on the walls, what a novelty... it was great.
The downside was a mouse trying to share our home for 2 hours in the night- we eventually encouraged it out the door, and kept the gap under the door stuffed shut. We didn't notice the windy weather at all in the yurt- happy us. We did like the tipis, but the Big One ( absolutely huge) was in use the first night, and the smaller one didn't quite suit our sleeping arrangements.
Our last night was really great as my cousin Sally came to visit- she lives nearby and we've not met up for about 20 years, we figured out.
We were glad of the positive for our last night, becuase we were having a hard time with the MOT for the van. DH carefully worked out (with the van limited to 70 mph and we rarely get that fast in it) our load weight and what tires were suitable when we got our nice chunky tires, but the garage said we had to have commercial tires on it to pass. So another £220 on tires we don't want, put on the van on moving day when we're going to the one place that warned us about access with a big van, was a bit of bad news and a bit stressful. Thankfully we've got the van in here- I'm not quite sure how we'll turn it around and get it out again but that is definately DHs department.
We're at a Woods somewhere near Charing, with some amazing folk- and 3G mobile internet reception- yippee! We didn't expect them to have any running water but they had the tap fitted a couple of weeks ago- so yay we can wash up, but boo we have a huge length of pipe in the wood to dig in 18 inches down. DH is in his element with chainsaw work, we've even got some carving wood- sweet chestnut seems lovely to work with. Little One is having a nap so I'm getting time to catch up with the blog. I had to leave putting up the shelter though- with more folk expected more space under cover is needed for meals and breaks.
We seem to be falling into a work pattern where we both try to work the morning, and I take Little One for her nap, which seems to be about 1 pm. I stay with her, and then hopefully work a little more after her nap, but it does vary. The girls are staying up later, about 9 pm, as we've been chatting around the campfire the last couple of nights- but this is a little late for Big One. The woodland is beautiful, and Tinka and her boyfriend are just getting started with helping out her parents with woodland work. It sounds like they have more WWOOFers lined up for the coming weeks.
We're getting to cook over the fire- the air is so still here in the wood that breezes hardly get us. Normally its the breeze that makes sitting around in the evening too chilly, and cooking take too much wood, but this is great.
We did start the huge water pipe trench yesterday, but it was so difficult the hosts are now considering a digger to at least do the accessible bits ( some of the trees are a bit close together!) otherwise it could take years, and it need burying before winter frosts!
However, the facilities are great. The showers are nearly instant hot water, good pressure (important considerations for us) and the disabled access shower was great for putting the kids bath in, so they have had a bath this month. The hot water went to the washing up sink, which is also under cover and the building is on rammed earth tire piles- something I bet Gill would be interested in. The water was heated by solar power- and I now have a new respect for it. When I read solar heated showers on the website, I was thinking luke-warm showers but cold in the morning, but this was a 'proper job'- what I could easily imagine living with in a house, nice and hot all the time.
What really made it a great place was the family we met who live there. The mum writes for The Mother magazine, and our children all had a whale of a time playing together, from pond dipping to bike riding to playing baking....I don't think us adults saw that much of them when playing! Big One was so sad the day we left, wanting to play with their Big One for another day.
It was also a holiday for us, because of our accomodation. We intended to camp, but it was really windy when we got there, and swirling around the camping field. I just couldn't face another windy stay- after all this is holiday time, right? So, we inspected the tipis and yurt and stayed in Henry's spare yurt for the 4 days. The extra head room- even though the floor space was actually smaller- has made our tent feel small now! We had loads of room, and things hung up on the walls, what a novelty... it was great.
The downside was a mouse trying to share our home for 2 hours in the night- we eventually encouraged it out the door, and kept the gap under the door stuffed shut. We didn't notice the windy weather at all in the yurt- happy us. We did like the tipis, but the Big One ( absolutely huge) was in use the first night, and the smaller one didn't quite suit our sleeping arrangements.
Our last night was really great as my cousin Sally came to visit- she lives nearby and we've not met up for about 20 years, we figured out.
We were glad of the positive for our last night, becuase we were having a hard time with the MOT for the van. DH carefully worked out (with the van limited to 70 mph and we rarely get that fast in it) our load weight and what tires were suitable when we got our nice chunky tires, but the garage said we had to have commercial tires on it to pass. So another £220 on tires we don't want, put on the van on moving day when we're going to the one place that warned us about access with a big van, was a bit of bad news and a bit stressful. Thankfully we've got the van in here- I'm not quite sure how we'll turn it around and get it out again but that is definately DHs department.
We're at a Woods somewhere near Charing, with some amazing folk- and 3G mobile internet reception- yippee! We didn't expect them to have any running water but they had the tap fitted a couple of weeks ago- so yay we can wash up, but boo we have a huge length of pipe in the wood to dig in 18 inches down. DH is in his element with chainsaw work, we've even got some carving wood- sweet chestnut seems lovely to work with. Little One is having a nap so I'm getting time to catch up with the blog. I had to leave putting up the shelter though- with more folk expected more space under cover is needed for meals and breaks.
We seem to be falling into a work pattern where we both try to work the morning, and I take Little One for her nap, which seems to be about 1 pm. I stay with her, and then hopefully work a little more after her nap, but it does vary. The girls are staying up later, about 9 pm, as we've been chatting around the campfire the last couple of nights- but this is a little late for Big One. The woodland is beautiful, and Tinka and her boyfriend are just getting started with helping out her parents with woodland work. It sounds like they have more WWOOFers lined up for the coming weeks.
We're getting to cook over the fire- the air is so still here in the wood that breezes hardly get us. Normally its the breeze that makes sitting around in the evening too chilly, and cooking take too much wood, but this is great.
We did start the huge water pipe trench yesterday, but it was so difficult the hosts are now considering a digger to at least do the accessible bits ( some of the trees are a bit close together!) otherwise it could take years, and it need burying before winter frosts!
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Learning Stuff
Maturity is doing the right thing even if it's what your mother tells you to do.
Homeopathy is about energy. Electricity is energy you can't see and not easy to understand- you don't need to measure it, its still there.
When things go wrong we learn much more than when they go smoothly (I'm thinking of moving the sheep at Stroud here!)
4C at 2 am is very cold
7C at 7 am is quite warm
10 C at 10 pm is cold!
Walk behind the bull in the field- then you don't spoil his view.
A cow calving- if no further on after an hour or 2 might need some help.
When immunising lambs need to draw up 2 mls of vaccine very quickly.
Ordinary pegs are rubbish at putting up a tent in a stony field ( we had to use a crowbar to get a hole in the ground, which wasn't the same shape as our pegs)
A tent that normally takes 20 mins to put up can take hours in a stony field.
Rock pegs seem to be worth while ( in a stony, windy field).
We like the look of a caravan with bunk beds.....
Not cooking tea daily is really lovely for us as a family.
Stones used as a path mulch either need a membrane under or tending frequently. Digging up deep roots through a path is a pain.
Polytunnels are fab, and lovely for gardening in windy weather.
A hillside is good for walking up and down for fitness, but might need knee replacements after 20 years.
Washing up in a sink is lovely. So is running hot water.
But washing up without either means I use a lot less water.
Laundrettes are expensive.
Fresh veggies are lovely, as is home made bread.
Independant food shops can be so hard to find, and local and/or organic vegetables are even harder to find.
The first step in a forest garden is establishing windbreaks, and 10 years is good for getting them established.
For DH to learn forestry we'll have to WWOOF in winter somewhere.
Compost loos and tree bogs are great.We've been 6 different places, none the same and each has advantages and disadvantages!
Sheep are daft animals.
We like cows.
I work better with a siesta.
DH really enjoys hard physical work.
I'm good at getting mucky.
Its quiet when the rain stops.
Our children are more fun with other people to talk to.
Our wood stove is lovely.
We still have no time for hobbies or reading, but the internet still happens.
Homeopathy is about energy. Electricity is energy you can't see and not easy to understand- you don't need to measure it, its still there.
When things go wrong we learn much more than when they go smoothly (I'm thinking of moving the sheep at Stroud here!)
4C at 2 am is very cold
7C at 7 am is quite warm
10 C at 10 pm is cold!
Walk behind the bull in the field- then you don't spoil his view.
A cow calving- if no further on after an hour or 2 might need some help.
When immunising lambs need to draw up 2 mls of vaccine very quickly.
Ordinary pegs are rubbish at putting up a tent in a stony field ( we had to use a crowbar to get a hole in the ground, which wasn't the same shape as our pegs)
A tent that normally takes 20 mins to put up can take hours in a stony field.
Rock pegs seem to be worth while ( in a stony, windy field).
We like the look of a caravan with bunk beds.....
Not cooking tea daily is really lovely for us as a family.
Stones used as a path mulch either need a membrane under or tending frequently. Digging up deep roots through a path is a pain.
Polytunnels are fab, and lovely for gardening in windy weather.
A hillside is good for walking up and down for fitness, but might need knee replacements after 20 years.
Washing up in a sink is lovely. So is running hot water.
But washing up without either means I use a lot less water.
Laundrettes are expensive.
Fresh veggies are lovely, as is home made bread.
Independant food shops can be so hard to find, and local and/or organic vegetables are even harder to find.
The first step in a forest garden is establishing windbreaks, and 10 years is good for getting them established.
For DH to learn forestry we'll have to WWOOF in winter somewhere.
Compost loos and tree bogs are great.We've been 6 different places, none the same and each has advantages and disadvantages!
Sheep are daft animals.
We like cows.
I work better with a siesta.
DH really enjoys hard physical work.
I'm good at getting mucky.
Its quiet when the rain stops.
Our children are more fun with other people to talk to.
Our wood stove is lovely.
We still have no time for hobbies or reading, but the internet still happens.
Stroud
We had a wonderful week in Stroud with Sarah, Paul and Becky- home of the Stroud Pasty ( delicious- we had both beef and lamb hot from the oven and delivered to our tent!), and the most sheep we've met at once!
The downside- well, only the wind and the rocks under the tent pitch. We spent the weekend before getting there telling everyone how we love the belltent for being so easy to pitch- but not on rocks. We now have a selection of rock pegs, but we spent hours- literally- that first afternoon trying to get the tent to stay up. A tent in windy weather is ok, but we found the constant wind noise very tiring. We wouldn't have known it without trying it, but we're really thinking about a caravan for winter.
What we enjoyed at this farm: the sheep- we helped to immunise them and DH learned how strong they can be. How daft sheep can be- attempts to move them from one field to two fields over must have been hilarious to see, but ultimately not successful for us- we only got them into the next field, as half the lambs stayed put and could not be convinced to move to find their mothers, so we had to bring the flock back a field!
The beef cattle- we helped move one field of youngsters to get a couple of lame ones in the barn, so the girls ( safely behind a fence) and I had the exilarating job helping stop the cattle heading off into Stroud, while DH was part of the team herding them our way.
In another field on another day we were just in time to see a calf born- amazing stuff.
We helped with weeding in the market garden- 5 or 6 polytunnels of food growing- an amazing sight and we were glad to help with it, and eat the salads.
Which gets me onto the food- WOW. Sarah's ( and Becky's) cooking was fabulous. It was lovely not having to cook, and we all enjoyed the delicious food, and lots of it. Happy Us!
There was another WWOOFer who the girls adopted, calling her 'Koala'- quite close to her name, but not quite, who was really great to be around.
The girls discovered fossils while helping with the market garden, and that was a great project, with Little One also collecting snails or slugs in a more fatal way- her investigating tended to be quite squishy!
Big One loved watching the horses- she has yet to try riding and I imagine we'll have to get her to some stables when we get back if she doesn't get to try before.
We even managed to bump into a familiar face in the Market Garden- someone we met at Lower Shaw Farm also is involved there. It was lovely to see her, and be reminded again we want to revisit there.
Our journey South after Stroud even took us right past Swindon....
Our work days were long, and some of it quite tiring, especially when the girls really wanted to do the rounds of the fields but Little One not quite having the stamina. I was really grateful we had the sling, especially when immunising the lambs so she was on my back while I did the drawing up of the meds ( another new skill, I don't have anything to do with drugs at work!), and as well for trying to chase the sheep around the fields.
We all enjoyed the work, the food, the company and what we could learn- we know we like the cattle, and sheep seem to be a lot more hard work. We have so much to learn, but its been great learning a little about the animals.
The downside- well, only the wind and the rocks under the tent pitch. We spent the weekend before getting there telling everyone how we love the belltent for being so easy to pitch- but not on rocks. We now have a selection of rock pegs, but we spent hours- literally- that first afternoon trying to get the tent to stay up. A tent in windy weather is ok, but we found the constant wind noise very tiring. We wouldn't have known it without trying it, but we're really thinking about a caravan for winter.
What we enjoyed at this farm: the sheep- we helped to immunise them and DH learned how strong they can be. How daft sheep can be- attempts to move them from one field to two fields over must have been hilarious to see, but ultimately not successful for us- we only got them into the next field, as half the lambs stayed put and could not be convinced to move to find their mothers, so we had to bring the flock back a field!
The beef cattle- we helped move one field of youngsters to get a couple of lame ones in the barn, so the girls ( safely behind a fence) and I had the exilarating job helping stop the cattle heading off into Stroud, while DH was part of the team herding them our way.
In another field on another day we were just in time to see a calf born- amazing stuff.
We helped with weeding in the market garden- 5 or 6 polytunnels of food growing- an amazing sight and we were glad to help with it, and eat the salads.
Which gets me onto the food- WOW. Sarah's ( and Becky's) cooking was fabulous. It was lovely not having to cook, and we all enjoyed the delicious food, and lots of it. Happy Us!
There was another WWOOFer who the girls adopted, calling her 'Koala'- quite close to her name, but not quite, who was really great to be around.
The girls discovered fossils while helping with the market garden, and that was a great project, with Little One also collecting snails or slugs in a more fatal way- her investigating tended to be quite squishy!
Big One loved watching the horses- she has yet to try riding and I imagine we'll have to get her to some stables when we get back if she doesn't get to try before.
We even managed to bump into a familiar face in the Market Garden- someone we met at Lower Shaw Farm also is involved there. It was lovely to see her, and be reminded again we want to revisit there.
Our journey South after Stroud even took us right past Swindon....
Our work days were long, and some of it quite tiring, especially when the girls really wanted to do the rounds of the fields but Little One not quite having the stamina. I was really grateful we had the sling, especially when immunising the lambs so she was on my back while I did the drawing up of the meds ( another new skill, I don't have anything to do with drugs at work!), and as well for trying to chase the sheep around the fields.
We all enjoyed the work, the food, the company and what we could learn- we know we like the cattle, and sheep seem to be a lot more hard work. We have so much to learn, but its been great learning a little about the animals.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Holidays
We've had a break from WWOOFing, and had just over a week 'off'. Last weekend was the Bodgers Ball, and our friend Richard is much more efficient with pictures, so have a look at his blog where we had a lovely level pitch ( really appreciate these things after a couple of weeks on a slope!) and a peaceful place. We were at the Brockhampton Estate which was a lovely setting. DH and the girls spent 10 minutes going around the house, and said that was enough- I didn't get to have a look, but I'm glad we were members so a quick look was fine. The Ball is an annual gathering, and the APT has been going for 21 years, so this was the largest gathering in celebration. Lots of folk with lathes in the orchard, an amazing collection of items entered into the various competitions, from spoons to chairs, to sculpture and a very impressive Juniors section. I'm sorry to say we missed seeing what won for most sections, it was too crowded and hot in the marquee for us to stay through the awards. Both DH and I are keen to get on and carve more, but making time is the hard part. We came away inspired, weighed down by willow wands ( one made by Big One!) and a willow basket I enjoyed making. DH managed to have a go on a pole lathe, and we put on weight with the wonderful food that was arranged. We were impressed with both how it was organised ( children first at the hot evening meal) and the quality of food for the prices. We'd go there again! (however, the Bodgers Ball is in a different place organised by local teams each time, so I gather the food can vary).
After Brockhampton we had a little detour over to Wales to go to the Centre for Alternative Technology. I say little detour, as DH was arranging this part of the trip as was sure it was less than a couple of hours drive away.... It wasn't. Our journey also included a thunderstorm and hailstorm, prompting me to announce 'no matter how good experience it is, I AM NOT setting up camp in weather like this!'. It was sunny when we got there, but also a lot later than usual for us. Most of us went up the hill to CAT three days running- the girls liked the ride up, and enjoyed going back day after day- the last day was at their request! The shop was also visited daily, and the meal we had in the restaurant was fabulous- we only went in for a drink but it smelled too good.
Finally, we've been at the Natural Mamas forum Camp near Banbury. Its been a bit chilly in the evenings, which I think may have been a bit hard for first time campers- we were glad of the fire at bedtime. We bought food at this camp as well, and the lunches were amazing- the evening meal was absolutely fine, but a little dissapointing compared to the other food. Apparently the (volunteer) organisers envisaged a camp of about 30 or so, and instead there were a few hundred of us- they did a fab job, and I hope there'll be another next year! We managed to spend the weekend with friends from home, and meet a few new people. DH did a grand job doing 'guided tours' of our tent ( only bell tent this year, but I wonder how many next?lol) I think we were fair on the positives and negatives of camping in a big canvas tent. The magic for us was for the children. Most of the time they preferred to be with other folk, children or adults (especially Jill- thank you!) and Big One and I got to have a sewing and gluing time so she could make a picture for her friends. She did want it to be a purse, but I'm not up to that in 2 hours with limited materials....
We've had a non-motorway drive today Stroud, in a hotel for the night and then to our hosts tomorrow. They have an 85th birthday to celebrate today, and we don't want to interfere with their plans. We think we even have a rough idea where we're going- I think we drove passed a useful sign on our way here.
Right, better get back to enjoying family life and go find the family- they've gone to find the ducks.
After Brockhampton we had a little detour over to Wales to go to the Centre for Alternative Technology. I say little detour, as DH was arranging this part of the trip as was sure it was less than a couple of hours drive away.... It wasn't. Our journey also included a thunderstorm and hailstorm, prompting me to announce 'no matter how good experience it is, I AM NOT setting up camp in weather like this!'. It was sunny when we got there, but also a lot later than usual for us. Most of us went up the hill to CAT three days running- the girls liked the ride up, and enjoyed going back day after day- the last day was at their request! The shop was also visited daily, and the meal we had in the restaurant was fabulous- we only went in for a drink but it smelled too good.
Finally, we've been at the Natural Mamas forum Camp near Banbury. Its been a bit chilly in the evenings, which I think may have been a bit hard for first time campers- we were glad of the fire at bedtime. We bought food at this camp as well, and the lunches were amazing- the evening meal was absolutely fine, but a little dissapointing compared to the other food. Apparently the (volunteer) organisers envisaged a camp of about 30 or so, and instead there were a few hundred of us- they did a fab job, and I hope there'll be another next year! We managed to spend the weekend with friends from home, and meet a few new people. DH did a grand job doing 'guided tours' of our tent ( only bell tent this year, but I wonder how many next?lol) I think we were fair on the positives and negatives of camping in a big canvas tent. The magic for us was for the children. Most of the time they preferred to be with other folk, children or adults (especially Jill- thank you!) and Big One and I got to have a sewing and gluing time so she could make a picture for her friends. She did want it to be a purse, but I'm not up to that in 2 hours with limited materials....
We've had a non-motorway drive today Stroud, in a hotel for the night and then to our hosts tomorrow. They have an 85th birthday to celebrate today, and we don't want to interfere with their plans. We think we even have a rough idea where we're going- I think we drove passed a useful sign on our way here.
Right, better get back to enjoying family life and go find the family- they've gone to find the ducks.
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