Last Trip of the Year. North Devon

Well for the last trip of the year we headed for North Devon. Our first stop  was  Uplands CL at Chittlehamholt so that we could visit Jade, James, Jack and Josie. We had a good run down and were soon set up on Pitch 5, which is the most well protected pitch, which in view of the weather was a sensible decision. We were the only outfit at the CL, although the following day two motor homes turned up.

Set up on pitch 5 Angled to protect us from the wind.

For the next 4 days we duly went down to the J's home to see them, and also we collected Jack from school each day.

The view from the caravan was quite grey most of the time as it seemed to rain most of the time.

Looking south from the caravan.

On the Friday we moved some 30 miles to Exmoor House CC site at Dulverton. At this time of year we always book a fully serviced pitch if we can, as it saves having to go out in the cold and wet to fill water barrels and empty the waste.
Exmoor House is right in the middle of Dulverton, a lovely little town!  No need to cook on our first night as there is an excellent fish and chip shop only a five minute walk from the caravan.
On the Saturday I was up early and I drove over Exmoor to shop in Minehead. It really is a lovely drive over the top!  I did stop to take the photograph

The site filled up on the Saturday as a lot of people had come for Dulverton by Starlight on the Sunday.

We decided that as it was the now the 1st of December that we would put our Christmas lights up!

Unfortunately Sunday started with a gentle drizzle! I went up to church at 8.00am, and was greeted by several people that I had met on previous visits.
As I walked back to the caravan Dulverton had come to life with many stalls and a stage being erected in the town square. The whole thing started at 2.00 pm, so despite the persistent drizzle Lizzie and I braved the town. I am afraid that in view of the weather we went up the stalls and then headed to the Lion Hotel, for some respite from the weather and a glass of wine. We then headed back down the town, stopping at a few stalls. The rain was now getting serious so we called in at the Bridge in for some more wine.
Then it was straight back to the caravan for roast chicken!
There was a short break in the weather so the fireworks went ahead as planned.

On the Monday the site began to empty as many people went home. This meant that the local wild life could return!

          I spent the rest of the day getting the Christmas cards done, and then wandered up to the Post Office, still in the rain, before wandering round the little shops.

On the Wednesday , after very heavy overnight rain we went up on to Dunkery Beacon. It had actually stopped raining so we could actually see something. The Exmoor Stag hounds were out and about, as we could hear them, although we only say the occasional rider! The views from the top are quite stunning.

Looking north west from Dunkery Beacon.

Whilst in Dulverton I did take some pictures of the remains of the old railway that once ran through the area from Tiverton to Barnstaple!  It shut around 1964.

Finally we cleared up on the Saturday morning and set off for home.

An excellent last trip of the year.