Summer in Devon - Devizes

 ‘It rained heavily in the night’ Ian told me as I awoke. I never heard a thing, but surely enough the chairs, table, and new mat were all wet as I took Misty out. It was hot though so they would soon dry. We were moving on to Devizes today and this was another campsite with an 11am latest departure. Wells Touring has grown on me. It is certainly very tranquil, no children, showers are quite good although push button. It’s also within walking distance of the city centre and on a bus route. We breakfasted on porridge before packing up and rolling on out at exactly 11am. We got stuck for a bit behind a car and caravan that seemed to have hitch problems, but some burley men came along and moved it off the road. As we were not allowed in Devizes campsite till 1pm we decided to drive through the Cheddar Gorge. It was quite exciting in Dame Shirley, although Ian was very conscious that the trees were overhanging. That done we continued on our way, guided ably by Sir Georgie Kelly, and arrived at Devizes caravan and camping club site about ten to one. 

Devizes caravan and camping club site are very loosey goosey. Although early they welcomed us with open arms. Gave us loads of options for pitches. No need to be between the white posts as long as you are on gravel. (That’s usually a hanging offence!). No need to tell them about visitors. Portable barbecue? Fill your boots! We soon settled in and Ian set too with the awning (no wind) while I prepared some lunch.

The plan was to walk Misty up to vickys work along the canal, leave her there while we shopped, come back in Vickys car, prepare for a meal out, leave Misty and go back to Devizes and The Peppermill, a favourite restaurant of ours, eat, get a taxi back.

All went swimmingly apart from the taxi bit which turned out to be impossible that late (9pm) at night in Devizes. Luckily the last bus is 10 past 10 so we hung about at Vickys before catching that with the usual bus nutters and crazy driver. Back at the ranch it had started to rain so Ian took Misty to the dog field. It was here that she decided, after nearly eight years, that she likes to chase rabbits! Almost caught one too says Ian.

Unfortunately, I took very few photos in Devizes day one. None of lunch or dinner at the peppermill. Few on the canal walk. None of Dame Shirley in situ. So here are the limited selection I have.

OS watch

Neighbour watch

The caravan across from us were very friendly, but concerned that our alarm would be going off all the time because they saw one exactly like ours last week where the alarm kept going off. A caravan with the barkiest dog in the world has positioned itself at the entrance to the dog walk. Anytime a dog goes past, to the dog walk, it goes for the throat.