And so our Cali now has a name. She is called Nellie because Moe thinks she’s big and grey.
Nellie has been kitted out with pots and pans, an array of kitchen utensils and of course a small toilet. A morning’s shopping at the soon-to-be defunct Wilko and of course IKEA, has lined the various storage locations with an array of boxes and packing solutions.
To try all of this out, Saturday we set off to the small estuary village of Axmouth, less than an hours drive from our home, arriving at Axmouth Camping and Caravanning site on the edge of the Axe estuary just after lunch. We had booked a pitch with electric hookup but decided that we should try living off grid for the weekend. This allowed us to occupy one of the pitches alongside the River Axe with views across the estuary to Seaton and the Seaton tramway.
The wardens were extremely friendly and helpful and the facilities, whilst perhaps being a little dated are very clean.
With the help of Nellie’s on-board levelling meters we were pitched up perfectly next the to the Axe.
Views from our Pitch
Saturday night and we booked a table at the Ship Inn at Axmouth, just a few minutes walk from the campsite. This restaurant has been in the same hands since 2011 which is unusual these days. It is however fortunate for the local community because the food is absolutely first rate.
I ate a Calamari starter and a main of Hake filet in a crab sauce. Absolutely excellent. Even more outstanding was Moe’s breaded chicken which had a tantalising array of flavours.
Sunday, and with the previous evening excesses to be worked off, we departed from Axmouth to Seaton and then along the South West coastal path to Beer.
A 6 mile round trip hike in total. Half of which was level and along the Seaton beach. From Seaton Hole to Beer and back is somewhat more challenging.
After a couple of Beers at the Anchor Inn in Beer we re-traced our route back to Axmouth, stopping at the local supermarket for evening provisions.
We have a wet night ahead so will see how the pop-top performs…