What the Boxers did on holiday

We climbed the dunes

We walked at Penrice woods (Millwood)

We made a Brin-cave for his cool, quiet time

Zozi slept with Mr B

Pawfect for everyone.

Rested, restored and ready

I think we all underestimated the toll the building work would take on our health and wellbeing. Whilst we had excellent builders, the project did have its ups and downs and the bathroom still isn't quite finished to our expectations. Nothing to do with our fabulous builders, but a totally avoidable cock-up between the plumber and his supplier. The less said about that, the better (for the time-being anyway). On top of which, our practice has been extremely busy (good), and Dad hasn't been well (bad).

When Dr B suggested we book our week away in Wales as usual I must admit, I wasn't sure. So soon after the builders? At the beginning of summer? With all that work to do in the garden? He was adamant, and so our wedding anniversary week was spent on the beach at Llangennith (possibly the best beach in the UK).

We booked our usual cottage. The Boxers felt right at home. The neighbours all came to say hello. But we were tired. It took 2 days to feel normal. We simply hadn't realised how tired we were. 

But a few hours in the sea washed the tiredness away. It restored us, we hardly even spoke to each other, just getting on with getting better. We knew it was all OK when we got in the car for the drive home on Saturday. We looked at each other and smiled.

When did life get so gritty? Why don't we take more time out?

One week in .... Wales!

We spent the last week of Summer 2013 in Wales. Llangennith to be precise. The best beach in Britain. But don't take our word for it. Go, and see for yourselves.

Worms Head

Enjoying the view

Coastal path

Hillend caravan and camping park

Cottages on the hillside

Looking out towards Llangennith Burrows

We've been going to Gower for about 10 years, but this year we took the Boxer dogs with us. It's a long trip, over 4 hours, so we took a break overnight each way in the Travelodge at Leigh Delamere on the M4. Did you know they allow dogs to stay? We booked a family room, and our allocated room was on the ground floor near the entrance so we could easily get in and out for wee breaks. It wasn't luxurious, but it was clean and comfortable and the dogs settled easily.

Feeling refreshed, we continued our car journey into Wales, stopping for a picnic lunch at the services at junction 47, the exit from the M4 onto Gower. Only 45 minutes to our cottage from there.

On arrival at Little Hill End cottage, we were thrilled. It was perfect. Cottagey, with a safe enclosed garden. Full kitchen facilities (just what we needed as our kitchen at home is still unfinished), comfy beds, roll top bath for relaxing. We put the dogs' beds down in the living room and they collapsed, exhausted after the trip.

But, not for long. After a quick cup of tea and a wiggle into our wetsuits, we were off. High tide beckoned. We fixed the dogs' leads to beach spikes and ran into the sea. It was thrilling, such fun. The dogs watched us the whole time, and after our swim, we let the dogs play in the shallow waves. They loved it. Pretty soon, they were happy to paddle in the waves. We kept them on lead though, just in case they got into difficulty. We all slept so well that first night.

The days settled into their own holiday routine. Walk, breakfast, read books, lunch, snooze, swim, walk, supper, telly, bed. Each day dawned bright and blue-skied, warm sunshine. We ventured a bit further from the cottage to nearby beaches at Broughton Bay and Whiteford Sands. The National Trust land at Whiteford Sands Nature Reserve is stunningly beautiful.

We took the dogs to lunch at Fairyhill. We have stayed there a few times as a couple, which was very romantic. We sat on the terrace for lunch. The dogs were well-behaved, and we got lots of admiring glances. The food was delicious.

Facilities in Llangennith are limited. PJ's surf school and wetsuit hire is useful, as is the Kings Head Hotel. Hilllend caravan and camping site is convenient, and the little shop there stocks most things, as well as fresh meat, delicious Welsh lamb chops too.

Footpaths and bridleways criss-cross the area, so you can't get lost. And all paths lead to the dunes and the beach.

This one week holiday felt like a life time away. It was that good. And we all agree.

With thanks to Pam and Rito for showing us the delights of Llangennith.

I'm linking up with Older Mum (In A Muddle) for #One Week - Summer '13.

Photography by Lesley Beeton