Back from beyond..............

We are safely returned from the deepest, darkest reaches of the New Forest, which isn't new, and even more surprisingly, isn't all forest.  

Having never been there before, I had the impression that it was mainly dense woodland, so it was a revelation to discover that it is incredibly diverse.  Yes there are lots of trees, but there is also heath and moorland, reed beds, rivers and streams and even a swathe of stunning coastline with incredible, deserted beaches, strewn with huge chunks of fossil rock.

The weather throughout was unremittingly gorgeous, and on the campsite, which was built on a WWII airfield, our pitch was tucked in a little suntrap slightly off the beaten track.

En route, we stopped off in Brighton for two nights to allow PP to participate in a caravan manoeuvring course run by the Caravan Club.  Given that this trip was only our second towing experience, the course was very timely, and proved its worth when, on arrival at the New Forest campsite, PP expertly reversed the caravan onto the pitch with pinpoint accuracy.  We were then able to sit back and watch the arrival of other caravanners later in the day, and can report that not one of them managed to pitch with such elegant and practiced poise.

In brief, we had a lovely time, shared with several of our camping chums.  We visited historic castles, roamed on empty beaches, walked on ancient heathland, and even caught a record-breaking 18 crabs on a crabbing expedition.  

Here's a pictorial resume .........

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Our lovely sheltered, sunny pitch with birthday bunting in situ......

 

 

 Small Dog taking a keen interest in the welfare of our crab catch.  They were all released back into the sea.......

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 That speck in the middle distance is Small Dog just before she rolled in pony pooh.  Eewww.

 Memorial just behind the campsite.  Sections of the original runways still exist.

 Herds of New Forest ponies everywhere......

 Small Dog Crusoe exploring a deserted beach.....

Happy days.....