Kenneth heads to “TOWIE”

Don’t you just love the school holidays, especially late May when the weather is getting warmer, the cost of everywhere gets hiked up and the roads are congested as EVERYONE tries to get away with the kids.

So what do we decide to do?

Yep go camping with the three youngest Grandkids. Doh!

With Kenneth loaded, the besties and three of their Grandkids following we set off toward Mersea Island in Essex. It is only a part time island. During the Spring high tides, the water rises high enough to cut Mersea off until the tide turns & heads back out to sea. As we arrived the tide was fortunately out and, having been in the van a couple of hours, were trying to keep the boys entertained with a bit of eye spy, when we were greeted by statues of soldiers, guarding the island, commemorating those who had been lost in both World Wars. Totally unexpected but very humbling sight.

We had originally, planned a visit to Colchester Zoo on route, however with inclement weather forecast for mid afternoon we decided to head directly to the campsite to get the tent and awning pitched before the rain hit us. Turned out to be an excellent plan. No sooner had we pitched and put the kettle on, the heavens opened. Not easy keeping three restless boys occupied in such a small space.

However by late pm the clouds had passed and we were able to venture out to explore the campsite and let the boys burn off some energy in the play park. 🤞

Then after a chippy supper we wrapped up warm and headed out into the evening sunshine for some beach combing and scooting. Always a joy for kids to get very mucky and covered in sand. Smiles all round as three tired boys trudged back to camp and sleep. Fingers crossed for a brighter day for tomorrow 🤞.

The morning brought dry but cloudy skies, so we made this our zoo day. And a fabulous zoo it is. A tad expensive, but with the help of “Mr Tesco” and his “clubcard vouchers” it wasn’t so painful. The animals on the whole had a huge amount of space to run, climb and rest in. The boys had a great time coming up close with the “wild” animals, from big cats to elephants, giraffes to chimpanzees, spotting spiders and stick insects in their camouflage surroundings, getting hands on with a giant snail 🐌 and finding Nemo in the huge aquarium. Finally spending more energy in the play areas whilst weary Grandparents had a seat and a nice cuppa.

Still with, what seemed like boundless energy, we left the animals behind and went in search of some fresh air in Clacton-on-Sea , a place etched in my memory from my own childhood, and holidays in my Grandparents caravan. 💭 The weather was definitely against us and after a blustery fight along the Prom we ventured into the amusements on the pier, to escape the wind. The noise of the slot machines and beeps and music of the kids rides filled the air, along with the sound of cars and guns from the arcade games. An hour later and several £££’s lighter we were back at the van ready to find for some dinner and a good nights sleep 💤

As morning broke on day three the sun
finally decided to come out to play, and the boys were very excited to go to the on-site pool. Despite the water being so cold, it took your breath away, they spent a good hour splashing about and showing us their swimming skills. When their lips started to turn a shade of blue, we knew it was time to get out and have a nice chill in the warmth of the sun.

As the sun was forecast to spend the day with us, we enjoyed a bbq lunch and sat to watch the kids playing on the field adjacent to our tents. A well earned short rest for the Grandparents. And short it was, wanting to make the most of the weather we took the little cherubs back to the beach. The tide was out and they had a wonderful time on the flats, finding teeny crabs scurrying for cover in the tiny pools left behind, clam shells clinging to seaweed so they looked as though they had beards. There were shells whose inhabitants had left vacant, shiny stones and slimy seaweed. It was a joy to see their excited eyes and inquisitive faces as they explored the beach.

An ice cream and a stroll back to camp later and they still had energy to play on the field. 🥺. Finally they succumbed to tea, pjs and a film, whilst us poor Grandparents found time for a chill, glass or two of gin, some nibbles and a chat.

Final morning and after clearing the tent & packing the van there was some time for an hour of fun at the playground before grappling the tent back into its bag & heading home.