Western Super Mare

We've both had a week off and we had planned a trip to Weston Super Mare

We chose the same B+B that we've stayed at on a previous visit

After a 4 hour train journey, we arrived, and had time before check in, so walked to town and looked for a café for lunch.

After dropping off our bags, we walked down to the large expanse of beach

The tide was right out, and the beach quite deserted

It's nickname is Weston on the Mud, as the tide goes out so far

We went treasure hunting, but the beach is predominantly sand. We did however find this little patch of mini shells, so we did find a handful of pieces

We went to go on the pier, but found it closed early. We stopped for an ice cream and headed back to the beach

The tide was coming in, and it comes in quickly. The wind was strong, so this was perfect conditions for the kite and wind surfers, who were out in force.

As England were playing in the Euros we looked around for a chippy, and took it back to our room to watch the match

The following morning we went down to breakfast, and then went in to town to buy some baked goodies to take to my Grandad, the reason we were visiting Weston.

We took the bus to Worle and spent the whole day chatting with Grandad, catching up with news and hearing about his jobs in the past and his farming days.

In the evening we got the bus back to town and headed to a Weatherspoons, always a safe bet for a good value meal

We headed back on foot, with the sun going down

and the lights twinkling on the pools of water

We had chosen to stay an extra day, as we wanted to take a day trip to Cheddar Gorge. After breakfast we took the bus to Tween town, where we took a wander around the little stores.

As the tills were down at the ticket office, we stopped for coffee, before getting on the tour bus which took us up through the gorge

We went into the main cave, Gough's cave, where we were handed audio phones to learn of the history and the features

We walked through large chambers

seeing many different formations

The second cave, Cox's cave, was a completely different experience, as they have set up DreamHunters, the adventures of early man

Each little cave you went into had a light show

the features lit up with colourful lights

and story images projected against the cave walls

and an audio soundtrack telling the story of man at the same time. It was very clever

Next we took on Jacobs Ladder, where 274 steps took you upwards, and yes we did need to take breathers! Just when you made it to the top, you then had more steps up to the top of the lookout tower

to have the vast view across the Mendips

After the trek back down, we needed lunch, and found a lovely little café and sat in the garden for paninis.

The weather had held off for most of the day, but we had to finish our drinks inside as a heavy shower came down. We went around the little museum, the various shops and of course the Cheddar cheese shop. We finished off with an ice cream, and unfortunately after all the difficult climbing, I took a tumble down a few simple steps!!

We took the bus back to our B+B and rested before heading our for food

We found a nice little bar by the seafront called Nicks. I had a delicious chilli, whilst hubby took on the mighty Challenge burger!

Our last day, and after breakfast and packing we headed to the retail park so I could get some new trainers, as mine were literally on their last legs! Then we continued on the bus back to my Grandads to have a last cuppa together. Then it was back down to the beach to see the annual Sand sculpture exhibition, somewhere we have visited before, and is always impressive.

Each year they choose a different theme

This year was "When I grow up", with a variety of different career options depicted in 5,000 tons of sand! Again we ended up not venturing on the pier as we found they now charge entry, ridiculous when all the food, amusements and rides are expensive enough! We found a little arcade, where I left hubby to keep himself amused whilst I went off to the craft shop and bought a few more balls for my huge mandala. I went back and played on the 2p machines before taking our long journey back home again

Despite taking a bag of mini balls away with me, with the intention of starting another basket, by the time you've eaten out, its quite late and you're exhausted with trekking around for the day, I didn't end up doing any!

We had 3 days at home to enjoy together, so other than some housework, we've spent most of our time relaxing, especially as I needed to rest and elevate my foot. So I have continued working the long, hard complicated rounds of the mandala, and i've finally completed week 10

**If you wish to read more about the places we visited I have added links to the attractions

Costa...

We managed to escape this year, for a much needed break, and Spain was our destination of choice. We had a very early flight, so our first day was just spent browsing the local area by foot, in a dazed tired state, but we still appreciated the warmth of the sun, and surrounding beauty.

For first full day, we had pre planned to take the Benalmedena sightseeing bus, and got ourselves a great 2 day deal.

Our first stop-off was at the cable cars. Hubby was a little trepidacious, as it went up the side of Calamorro mountain, but it was fun and could see all along the Costa del Sol coastline.

We made it up just in time to see the falconry display at the Valley of Eagles

Some beautiful birds, with huge wing spans. One did fly off for a bit of a tour, I hope he made it back ok!

We climbed the rest of the way up to the top, to see the outstanding views layed out before us

After our ride back down, it was back on the bus for bit more of a view of the town.

We got off early, so we could take a stroll down the promenade.

With shops and restaurants to our left and the sea and beaches to our right we had plenty to look at on the stroll back

But all along the way were great art works on the paths to distract us from the long, hot walk back

Day two, and it was back on the tourist bus, this time we went to the Dolphinarium, which we only  went to as it was part of the package. Again our timing was impeccable and we arrived just in time to see the dolphin show. These adorable creatures showed off their skills, leaping and acting on command.

There were plenty of animals to take a look at after the display. The penguin enclosure with its mix of breeds, swimming and waddling were beautiful.

After our packed lunch, we headed to Paloma park, another pre planned destination. This park totally lived up to its reputation. Initially our views were lush greenery, palm trees, and chickens!! Winding our way round the pathways, we then spotted some stunning peacocks, with extremely long plumage.

We've heard plenty of squawks coming from the tops of palm trees on previous days, but this time we were able to spot what was making the raucous noise. Bright green parakeets.

Best for me, later in the afternoon, was spotting the lovely bunnies. Shading themselves under bushes and out on the lawns nibbling.

There was just one incident that dampened the mood briefly, when we were approached by 2 gypsies trying to sell us flowers, invading our space. On their departure hubby knew something wasn't right, and found he had been pick-pocketed, but he went straight after them, and got our money back. We decided we needed a strong coffee and cake after that!

It was then round to the top end of the park, to the Cactus area. There were a huge variety in all shapes and sizes, tall and fat, fluffy and spiky. 

This park had everything lakes, trees, flowers, birds, animals, sculptures, exercise areas, green space and cafes

I can honestly say this is the best park i've ever been to!!

Day three, was a rest day, lazing by the pool and soaking up the sun rays, just moving on occasion to fill ourselves with a bit more food!

Day four, and we took the public bus up the mountainous roads to an Andalusian village called Mijas

                            

With the traditional white houses, and tiled roofs

There were plenty of steps up, but worth it for the views

They still had the traditional 4 legged taxis

The 17th century shrine at the cliff side

And an array of colourful fountains

We stopped for refreshments and ended up with the hugest slice of cake!

Day five and we hopped on the public bus to Fuengirola as there was a massive weekly market, the stalls seemed to go on forever, but we managed to pick up a few gifts

After we ate our pack lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon  relaxing on the beach

Day five, We stayed local, walking along the promenade looking around the shops for more gifts, and took more time to relax on the beach

Each night, after dinner we enjoyed an evening stroll, whether along the beach or the promenade. It was still lovely and warm , and relaxing to hear the sound of the waves

For our last day, we took another stroll around the marina

and a last look around the shops. I found the best shop and could have spent a fortune, with clothes and bagis in a rainbow of different colours!

It was the hottest day and our flight wasnt till the evening so we made the most of the sun rays and sat on the local beach

I enjoyed paddling and foraging amongst the shells and found my first piece of sea glasss

Of course throughout our time I took plenty of pictures of flowers! A whole bright, colourful bunch of petals for future inspiration

We were sad to leave sunny Spain and head back to England to face a long stretch of  Winter, but we have some lovely memories...