Need a new hobby?

If you're short on ideas but long on time, how about taking up a new sport? This clip features the little known Japanese sport of Bo-Taoshi (Pole Toppling to the uninitiated) Not for those who are faint of heart!

I recently came across this clip of this guy, which left me amzed. There really is no substitute for a little talent and a LOT of practise.

Staying warm when the weather won't play ball

After a few recent camping trips with "less than ideal" weather, I got thinking of stuff to make those trips a little more cosy. Sometimes when the weather is against you there is nothing to do but hunker down in your sleeping bag with a good book. This is where the amazing Selkbag comes in to its own. The all-in-one suit is like a seeping bag with arms and legs, that allows you freedom of movement. Whilst it is no replacement for a good sleeping bag I reckon this is a great one for lounging about in the unpredictable British weather.

Wedding Anniversary / Photoshoot

This weekend we headed of to the Tempest Arms in Elslack, Skipton, a lovely gastro pub in a tiny hamlet in North Yorkshire where we got married 3 years ago.

So far we have managed to treat ourselves every year, spending our time over indulging in great food and wine on the Saturday and then on Sunday heading off to walk one of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

This year with me being 6 months pregnant, we skipped the walk on the sunday and instead took advantage of some of the great scenery to take some photos of Penfold for  JollyCampervans website so go check them out on the 'Vans' page.

Fun in the snow

Lovely weekend with friends in a great Bunk house called Swathghyll Barn   near Hawes, North Yorkshire.  I think it sleeps about 40, but was perfect for the 20 of us, massive kitchen, lounge and awesome games room with table football, ping pong and snooker.

We also had the added bonus of waking up to a good couple of inches of snow on the Saturday , unfortunately we did not get snowed in though and did all have to return home on Sunday.

Nothing gets between Jolly and his bike

Boy done well





Valentine kisses off Jolly.  If you have not already discovered the joys of Etsy then I whole heartedly recommend it. 

It speacialises in the sale of handmade items from around the world and if you are looking for something that little bit unique either for yourself or as a present it is a must.

My sister who is the owner and artist behind Belle & Boo sells through here and her online shop.



Work begins on Nursery/Office

Not only have we decided to start our own business this year but we are also expecting our first child on the 19th June. 

Both of which require a certain amount of planning and space so this weekend we cracked on with converting our office into a nursery/office.

Jolly had to part wtih a number of books and I had to say goodbye to an old friend who had been with me since the start of uni

Road Test for Jolly's Birthday

Whilst sunning ourselves in the lovely warmth of Sydney in January deciding what to do for Jolly's Birthday we thought that it would be a great chance to trial 'Penfold' and head off to the Lake District for the weekend.

Now we are both great believers that you should never let weather forecasts interfere with your plans, you should just adapt your clothing/equipment to suit, but as we headed off Friday afternoon in pouring rain and gale force winds I was starting to wonder if this was one of our better ideas.

Arriving at our campsite Sykeside Camping next to Brotherswater and near Ullswater my concerns were put to rest.  This is one of the few campsites that allows all year round camping and the facilities and staff are superb.  Our electric hook up pitch in the Camping and Carvanning Club area meant we were a quick dash away from the toilet facilities and pub on site serving scrummy food and good local beers yet still were able to enjoy the stunning views when there was a short break in the rain.

Penfold did us totally proud keeping us snug and cosy during the nights and enabling us to cook a lovely

 fry up in the dry and warmth on the Saturday