The temperature was supposed to reach the high 20s today so we headed off to the beautiful hamlet of Symonds Yat, situated on the edge of the Forest of Dean and overlooking the river Wye.
It is a very popular spot for canoeists and kayakers, with launch points along the bank. You can walk up to Yat Rock and look out over the Wye Valley but as it was so hot we decided we’d do it another day! You can walk along the river bank for miles into Monmouth or you can take the hand pulled ferry across to the other side of the river.
The road into and out of the village is very narrow and it was interesting to see everyone trying to navigate their way into the few car parks – it would definitely be easier to visit here mid-week.
There are river cruises that can be taken from the village run by Kingfisher Cruises, their details can be found at www.wyenot.com. They last around 40 minutes and are priced very reasonably at £5.50 for adults, slightly less for children and the boats look beautiful.
Having walked along the river we went for lunch at The Royal Lodge where we were able to sit outside in the shade, people watching over a pint of lemonade!
We left it until as late as possible before we attempted to leave the hamlet but by the time we left our car was all on its own! As the weather was still glorious when we got back to site we grabbed our chairs and a drink and went and sat down by the lake for a couple of hours. Such a hard life…
About Dean
Angela and I decided that there was more to life than working hard to keep up the payments on the mortgage, to pay the gas, electric, phone bills etc. etc.
SO............
In 2008 we sold our house, I initially took a year off (Unpaid) and Angela handed in her notice!
We bought a motorhome and set off for a year of travelling!
This was the best thing we had done in our lives (Apart from getting married) and we have no regrets.
During the year I managed to secure a redundancy package which felt very strange. Almost sad as I had worked for the same company for 19 years (BT).
It was always our plan to have a whole year off before thinking about the 'W' word.
We began applying to the Camping and Caravanning Club (CCC) for the position of Holiday site assistants in August 2009. After the interview, work experience and induction we were finally given a contract at the CCC site in Inverewe (Scotland).
Our plan is to work through the summer in the UK then head to Europe to overwinter before coming back to work the following summer season.
Hopefully these few words and our blog will inspire others to get off the hamsters wheel and see that there is more to live than having a house and material things.
A cliche I know but this is not a rehearsal, life is too short!!!
Since our first contract in Scotland we have worked a winter contract in Oxford (never again!) not Oxford but a winter contract. Hereford for two years, living in a yurt for one! And Cornwall. In between our working we have also travelled a bit.
Hopefully this website will give you an insight into our alternative lifestyle.
Get out there and live the dream!
