The Mumbles

 

Last night we were one of three vans, the others arriving late between ten and midnight. This morning we were awoken by a group of dog walkers, a male voice suggested they knock on the door of the campervan. That'll be Marge then as the others were van conversions. An hour later said dog walkers returned, the only male amongst them head looking at the ground as he saw we were up. A little old to be so childish don't you think Marge? Lost his bravado whilst walking his dog. We think so. Around eleven, just before we left the park, wardens arrived just to inform us no overnight parking and sleeping were allowed. The signs didn't state this, and anyway it was a little late telling us now. Really.

Free overnight stops in this area are limited so we drove to one at Southerndown high up on a cliff. The sun showed, but the wind blew. There were three people obviously living in their vans already there. We parked up, ate lunch, took a short walk and moved on along the coast to Ogmore-by-Sea to a pleasant spot by the river with views of the river Ogmore. The land owners are aware that the vans park up here and on Park4Night they have put up a post asking you to clear up any litter. Angela did a litter pick. Rubbish is one of her pet hates, especially when there are bins nearby as there are here!

Marge tucked out of the way in the corner of the parking area we crossed the swinging bridge spanning the river and walked across the floodplain to the stepping stones that crossed to the ruins of Ogmore castle.

The afternoon sun was warm and we sat on the grass in the castle grounds watching the horses in the nearby field, their faces expressionless. What were they thinking? A flock of swallows performed Aerobatics above them. Sometimes it's nice just to sit a while and watch things that make you smile.

Time passed quickly and realising it was past five o'clock we walked back across the stepping stones to Marge deciding to walk further to the village stopping at the church to look at the ancient stones, some mediaeval. Finding overnight stops takes us to pretty places, unfortunately sometimes people spoil them which is what happened this evening. So around seven thirty we moved on. We quietly packed up Marge, smiled and waved as we left the men we felt would turn our stay into a nightmare and headed to the Mumbles, where we knew we could park right on the seafront for free until eight o' clock in the morning.

Porthkerry Country Park

Angela thinks she should perhaps write a cookbook. She'd call it 'Cooking in a Car Park!' Last night a cheeky little chicken chow mein. Another quiet night despite the car park being full until quite late on. Another walk around the town and yet more bargain drinks at the Weatherspoon's set us up for a good night's sleep after our earlier walk up to the Devil's Pulpit.

The heavy rain forecast from ten last night until ten this morning thankfully did not materialise, just a little light drizzle. John took a look out of Marge's roof window this morning only to be greeted by the sight of the lady in the nearby Citroen Berlingo micro camper appearing to pull on her pants. Good morning. Van life, anything goes. Mid morning and we departed Chepstow for the second time, happy we'd put money into the local economy during our two night stay. A short drive would take us to Caerleon to visit the National Roman Legion Museum, amphitheatre, Prysg field barracks and the fortress wall. Expecting heavy traffic this being the first weekend of the school holidays we were surprised just how few vehicles accompanied us along the M58. Where were the holidaymakers? Dover. Alright Marge, don't be clever. The M4 however was a different story, heavy with traffic all heading west.

The museum at Caerleon was fantastic. Filled with an abundance of Roman items found nearby, each displayed with information about the item close by. The weather held and we were able to enjoy walking around the Roman garden and other attractions.

The Roman Legionary Barracks, the only ones on view in Europe, were impressive.

 As was the amphitheatre where Angela was amused by an information board that pointed out women had to sit at the back so their interest and morals were not affected by the male body. We were back in AD 75, the whole experience was wonderful. A top morning out.

We are now in 'Gavin and Stacey' country. Tonight we are staying at Porthkerry Country Park, Barry Just us at the moment, but we're hoping at least one other van will join us after eight when the parking becomes free.

Chepstow (Day 2)

Once the pubs closed and the Friday night revellers left, we settled down in Marge to a quiet night. The park up was reminiscent to one we'd stayed at in France by a chateau, under the trees. An added bonus nice clean public toilets with a hand dryer that blew warm air, perfect as a hairdryer. Needs must.

Today we decided to visit Tintern just six miles down the road. The village is famous for its Abbey founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks. This roofless splendour dominates the landscape and attracts many visitors each year. Today was no exception, when we arrived around midday the area was busy. Marge parked on the site of the old wireworks we walked down to the abbey, astonished by its size. One could only imagine how impressive it must have looked in its heyday. 

Keen to explore the area more Angela walked back to Marge to make sandwiches which we took with us up to the Devils Pulpit. 

The walk up was challenging. Our feet slipped on the rocks and dry ground as we made our way up, up and up careful to avoid catching the exposed tree roots which were waiting to trip us.

Along the way John spotted a few fungi, none of them edible (one lethally poisonous) so we left them in place. The woodland was dense and stunning. However, the walk was worth it.

We were rewarded with spectacular views from the rocky outcrop down to Tintern abbey and the river Wye below.

Having puffed and panted our way to the top we now had the joy of the descent. Fortunately, Angela had remembered to bring the walking poles with her when she returned with the lunch which helped stabilise us as we returned to the village. After walking three strenuous miles there had to be a reward. Ice cream anyone? 

Tired from the day we decided to return to Chepstow. The weather forecast for tonight is not good so we'll sit it out until mid morning tomorrow when we will move a little further into Wales. There's no rush is their Marge?

Chepstow

What are you doing? It's the beginning of the school summer holidays! We know Marge, but we've been home just over three weeks now, time to set off on another adventure in you, our happy place. After copious amounts of water had been deposited into our raised beds, we set up an amateur watering system in the hope Angela's plants would be looking as good as they do now upon our return. 

Right Marge, you're off to Wales. Let's do this! A couple of hours into our journey the weather turned. Lashing rain, traffic and unfamiliar roads do not bode well and Angela felt a little stressed. But needs must, we needed to escape Poole, our neighbours and the holidaymakers. 

An accident on the M4 saw us diverted by our sat nav onto country roads, the journey taking us into Gloucestershire and eventually to the bridge crossing the river Severn into south Wales. Our destination Chepstow. 

By now the weather had thankfully settled and with Marge happily settled by the castle we walked into town.

Although a little down at heal it was an interesting place to explore.

And pre dinner drinks totalling less than four pounds, bargain, what was there not to like about this town, where you can buy a tortoise seven days a week!

And better still a Chinese take away. Tired and full from our meal we walked down to the nearby river Wye, the tide out exposing the mud flats sculptured by the water and heat of the sun. Around four o'clock tomorrow morning the tide will be high, having risen around twenty-eight feet.

We walked across the bridge leaving Marge in Monmouthshire, Wales, whilst we headed back into Gloucestershire, England. Bizarre. 

This evening we must plan our onward journey. We have two weeks here in Wales and are looking forward to cramming in as much as possible. You know what they say Marge. 'Go big, or go home'!