Connievan Jolly Holiday

Hello, so lovely to be back! Been pootling through my photographs over the past couple of days putting together the visuals for the latest installment of Tales From The Connievan. I surely hope you're not going to get fed up with hearing about all things caravan related cos I have a feeling that this'll be a long-winded, enduring, obsessive love affair and I can't see it letting up anytime soon. I just can't get over how happy being a Caravan Owner is making me :: I am love love love love love loving it! So much!!!

We had such a fabulous Jolly Holiday last week, it was pretty much perfect. We went across to the north east coast, to a magical little place that we've never visited before called Saltburn by the Sea. So it was a double whammy for me really, as not only did we get to spend 5 whole days jollying with Connievan, but we were beside the sea too, woooohhoooooo!!!

We booked onto a very small campsite called Bunnyland (I kid you not) which was a combined small campsite/boarding kennels/cattery/rabbit breeding/bed and breakfast type farm. It was in the midst of beautiful moorland countryside, with the sea sparkling in the distance and a green and golden buttercup field given over to a very informal campsite. We rolled up with Connievan on Monday afternoon and were given a fabulous pitch in the corner of the field with uninterrupted views all around. There was a swing under a small clump of trees for the Little People, and yes there were rabbits. Lots and lots and lots of rabbits, plus a few cats, chickens and a stunning peacock too. The Little People were so happy with this setup, they spent their whole time bicycling up and down the track between Connievan and the rabbits, with frequent detours to the swings.

I didn't take that many pictures inside Connievan as she isn't particularly photogenic just yet. I did want to show you our bed though, oh how wonderful our caravan bed is! So cosy and comfy and lovely, although I do apologise for it's unmade state, I certainly didn't bother to style this picture for you did I? 

Waking up early each morning was such a pleasure...drawing back the curtains and opening the window to take in the glorious weather and the green and golden scenery was bliss. The above view was mine-all-mine as I sat in bed with my tin mug of tea each morning, I couldn't have been happier.

Saltburn by the Sea is a very charming old Victorian seaside town. The beach is huge and expansive, the sea comes in across the sands in big, rolling waves making it perfect for surfing. And considering the weather (FABulous, glorious sunshine), it was very, very quiet too.

You can see my Little Man there look, sitting in the sea just chilling by himself....

....and this is Little Lady, putting the decorative touches to her sandcastle.

Little B, wiggling his toes in the sunshine....

....and this is me look....sitting in our newly purchased (and quite brilliant) beach tent, hooking myself into a delirious granny striped frenzy complete with sea views.

 

Hooky, hooky, stripy, stripy, glance up to the see the sea, squeeeeeeeeeal with happiness, then back to the hooky. It was blissful.

Saltburn has a rather splendid pier look, it's been beautifully preserved over the years and is blessedly free of Entertainments.

You basically stroll along it and view the view. Breathe in the air and admire the rolling waves. Think salty thoughts then stroll back again. Wonderful.

Saltburn also has this :: an amazing way to get from the seafront up to the top of the cliff where the town lies. There are steps of course, but why toil up the steps when you can ride up in fantastical Victorian Style??

It was a wonderful feeling, rising gently up and up above the beach and pier below....

....sitting cosily inside these cute little painted carriages with the most beautiful stained glass windows.

The view from the top of the cliff was breathtaking.

I think Saltburn was at one time a little run down and neglected, but has enjoyed a revival in recent years. It was all beautifully designed and well kept....

....and a real pleasure to stroll about in the afternoon sunshine taking it all in.

The town itself is small and quaint and wonderful. Very ornate and pretty. Lovely swirly whirly bits. I really liked it a lot.

After a stroll about town where we picked up some provisions from the local bakery and superb deli, we made our way back down the cliff, via the steps this time. Ahhhh coastal views, you can't beat 'em, they make my heart soar.

After a day at the seaside, it was so good to return "home" to our little corner of buttercup field. The days were hot last week, and it meant that we were able to happily sit outside enjoying the sunshine well into the evenings.

Connie's table lived almost permanently outside and we ate breakfast out here as well as evening meals.

Outdoor eating was kept simple :: crusty bread, chevre goats cheese, ripe tomatoes, crisp apples...

...and chilled white wine. Connievan has a super oven and gas hob which we very successfully cooked on, but I do love the ease of picnic style food eaten outdoors on a warm evening.

After the food was cleared away, we continued to sit outdoors and indulge in a little relaxing hobby-time. Colouring, building domino runs, reading and hooking were all carried out around the table as the sun descended in the sky. It was absolutely blissful.

 

Such a wonderful week, we were all sad to see it end. Little Lady cried when it was time to leave, it was quite heart breaking. Connievan is surely helping us some build some wonderful family memories. I'm cherishing them, holding them close, full of gratitude for such happy times.

Tomorrow I'll show you another little place that we visited, so do drop by for more sea breezes....see you then xxxxxxx

Comments

[andigal]

This vacation looks more like a dream! Thank you sharing with us. The progress on the granny stripes is lovely!

[Shirley]

of all the blogs I read I think I like yours most of all. Pictures are great! Also you have inspired me to learn to crochet....
have just finished a blanket not as lovely as yours but has got me familiar with the stitches and ready for more. Its a camping blanket for our trailer tent and will be lovely and warm.

[Emma]

Hi Lucy

I went to Saltburn as a child, to meet our penfriends from Cambridgeshire (all the way from Tyne & Wear). We stayed in a methodist guest house, and it rained. I am now inspired to go back! Does that campsite have showers (the site wasn't specific) cos we've just bought a tent?

Emma

[Jenni at Baa-me Kniits]

What a beauiful place! It looks like the perfect holiday :-) I loved the little carriages with the stained glass windows and those lovely terrace houses!! Glad the kids really had a fab time and such lovely memories. Sounds like Bliss :-)

[Eileen Gamache]

Good morning Lucy!
This post is magnificent!! I feel as though I was there myself!! The pictures, one more beautiful than the next~
I went online right after you bought your Connievan to price out the same here in New England~ just for kicks of course....
Your blog brings me such joy!
♥E

[Sabine]

That´s stunning! And it was a great pleasure to read and see the pics. Thanks for that. Makes me feel as if I was there,too
Have a lovely day,
Sabine

[Emma Roberts]

Hi Lucy - I bought all the wool for the hook along & done the first 2 lots of granny clusters. Just wondered if it would be possible for you to list a colour order for the stripes in the blanket. I think the first 2 were Pomegranate, then Plum. Hope that was right. Loving the look of Saltburn - on my list of places to caravan now!

[Nélia]

Como vai Lucy?

Fotos de sonho...fantásticas!...e sempre um pouco de crochet Parabéns e boas férias!
bjs
Nélia

[Kay]

Your blog has inspired me!! I don't have a caravan, but ... our back porch is being tidied up this week by a builder friend and I'm thinking that maybe I could decorate my little conservatory in the style you have planned for Connievan. The conservatory makes our dining room quite dark, so I want to put lots and lots of cheerful accessories in this new room to put against the brilliant white walls. I'd love to learn to crochet granny stripes although I don't even have a natural eye for good colour schemes. Can anyone recommend a dummies guide to the style a la Attic 24?

[RachelM]

It looks looks like you had a wonderful time. I'm glad the weather was kind to you, you certainly chose the right week to go away! I'm looking forward to hearing about your future adventures in the caravan! I've always wanted a caravan/camper van. :) XxX

[giusy]

Hi Lucy, we miss you!!
It looks you and your family have had a lovely vacation!! I'm consider to convince my partner to buy a caravan, we have Croatia Camping very near here, (I'm in the north east of Italy, near Venice and Slovenian border) :))
Little B foot is so cute!!!

[Heather]

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant !!! Good morning Lucy, glad to have back from your wonderful jaunt with family and Connievan. Such an uplifting holiday blog.Grey skies here right now but feel as if we have been on holiday now too. Just love the photos. What great memories for you all. Isn't it bliss waking up and seeing what the new day has bought you !! Fabulous sky shots Lucy. The little feet are so cute right now....agree with you again there. Your latest hooky creation is looking good, the colours are just asking to be put together....lifts the spirits greatly.Thank you for being ...just wonderfully you and bringing such a joy to us all, wherever we might be in the world xxxx Heather.

[rach]

so jealous, i have had all this week off and it has done nothing but rain all day every day, we are off to skipton shortly for a i would think more rain ho hum!

[Louisa]

So glad you had such a lovely holiday up in our little corner of the world :-) the entire north east coastline is beautiful and each place has something special to offer. I live right next to Souter Lighthouse - you may like to visit there someday!

[Mrs C]

I think I'm in love...

[Marian M-S]

I love traveling vicariously through you :-). Until we can visit England, that will have to do, and you do make it very enjoyable, so I don't mind a bit! Lovely pictures too!

[Louise]

Hi Lucy and thanks for visiting my blog!! I found this and wondered if you had seen it. It would look good with the lucy treatment. I may have a go with the rico when it comes!!! http://yarnartist.blogspot.com/2010/06/granny-cardigan_06.html

[Josette]

OH, how lovely. I love the seaside...just love it. I love those kinda of vacations noncommercialized just enjoying being together and the lazy hazy day of it!

[Linda M]

What wonderful memories you have brought to me. I am here in Aussieland but used to holiday often in Scarborough and go for day trips, was there last in 2007 when I was back in UK for a trip, thank you for your wonderful stories, i hope Connievan gives you and your family many more wonderful adventures and memories.
Linda

[Sara]

Wow. Amazing pictures. Bebeh toes are so precious!

[Sally]

This looks just wonderful! Such happy memories for you and your family. :)

[Lauren]

Hi Lucy...I'm so excited to discover your blog (thank you Google!). I'm equally addicted to colour and crochet and am enjoying your most excellent tuition. Thank you...
I'm free range crocheting at the moment making tea cosies...maybe the connievan needs a groovy crocheted one!
http://polkadotobsession.blogspot.com/

[Leonie Guld]

Ok...so I have just turned green with envy and started dribbling all over my key board. You look and sound like you had an absolute ball.

Oh...I can remember a while back about your...."can I crochet something to wear" delemma. Well...I wrote this very odd knitting pattern for a "wrap vest" and someone else has converted it to crochet and I thought you may like a look.

Heres the link http://raglanguld.blogspot.com/2010/06/wrap-vested-interest.html

Leonie x

[luciep]

Thank you for sharing all this. I just loved it!

[Amanda]

Ooooh what a beautiful place to have a holiday.
Very jealous, i miss England