The highlight of today, will be Wareham Wednesdays, which we enjoy tonight. But until then, we have spent four hours today packing up Dibby, our campervan for our 2 week France Campervan road trip. A job that should have taken no more than two. But, when you have a 4-year-old “helping”……………….anyway.
Day 1 doesn’t get us anywhere near France. In fact, we are not going to put so much as a little pinky on French soil until Day 5. But, as we are spending 12 of our 16 days in France, we have named this holiday France 2018. “Wareham for 1, Jersey for 3, France for 12, 2018” isn’t as user-friendly!
We never pass up the chance to visit Dorset, so of course, this is our first stop.
We have managed to squeeze all we need in. Which considering we are going for 2 weeks and have the tendency to overpack, is quite an achievement.
We Are On Our Way
After running a few errands in our village we are ready to hit the road. Thanks to summer traffic in Hampshire and Dorset, the normal 60 minute drive takes double that.
The sat nav has deemed that the fastest route is via the back roads, so in true lemming style we followed along. It takes us though a lovely little village called Sopley. We have vowed to return for a visit.
Max dozes off in the back. We are both convinced that what is making for a straight forward peaceful journey now, will lead to a trickier bedtime.
We have now arrived in Wareham safe and sound, although later than anticipated. The first few days of this trip sees us staying with family and not in the campervan.
It is a beautiful day, one that warrants a walk to Wareham Quay. What greets us is a hive of activity as the town prepares itself for Wareham Wednesdays.
We witness the workers and stall holders scurrying around to get their stalls set up. At the other end of the spectrum, the public chilling by the riverside. The majority enjoying either an ice cream or a cold drink.
Getting Ready for Wareham Wednesdays
We stand there taking onboard all that is going on. At the same time Max takes on board a mint choc chip ice cream!
A sit down and a drink later, we head home. We all have tea, and our earlier fears of Max being up late go unjustified. He has drifted off to sleep without too much fuss.
We seize the opportunity of staying with grandad. While he sits in with Max, we head back to Wareham Wednesdays on the quay. The summer day is being extended into the evening, and at 9pm we are walking through the town still wearing shorts and t-shirts.
Wareham Wednesdays
The evening is now in full swing. There is even more hustle and bustle than earlier.
Customers who seem eager to part with their money, queuing. The stallholders eager to help them achieve that aim serve them as quickly as they can.
The activities and stalls are on both sides of the river. Your senses get attacked as you wander around. The air, filled with the sounds of the music, and the chatter and movement of the crowds.
Competing for your senses are the smells of the various food stalls. Donuts and grilled cheese toasties to name but two.
On the other side of the river, the scent of sugar wafts through the air. This entices adults and children alike to the candy floss sellers.
Those immune to the lure of the sugary treats get captured by the treats of a more active nature. Hook the duck and a huge bouncy slide are two of the Wareham Wednesdays sideshows.
Some though, are happy to sit on the banks of the river and take in all that is going on around them.
Dotted around the quay are eating and drinking places of the more permanent variety. Ice cream parlour, pizza place, and a couple of pubs. We decide to head inside one of the pubs for a drink and a respite from the hustle and bustle.
…and the evening ends
One drink later and we are enjoying the 10 pm climax of Wareham Wednesdays, the fireworks. You are never going to appreciate fireworks watching them through a half-open glass door. Particularly with your view further obstructed by trees.
We enjoyed them anyway.
Five minutes later we were ambling home, knowing we had a 5 am start in the morning. Day 1 at Wareham had been a success. In less than 7 hours we start Days 2-4. Jersey here we come.
Until then, happy campervanning!
Miles travelled today = 47
Total Miles this Trip = 47
