2020 - January - Campsite Wardens

We left the Black Lion, our home over Christmas, and headed to Wales for the start of another adventure 😊

We arrived on site and parked up in our warden's pitch, and spent the afternoon chatting to the full time wardens. They were heading off on a month's holiday the following day, which is why we had come early, to be on site while they were away. They seem a lovely couple, and they gave us some hints and tips from their 12 years' experience of working on this site.

The following day (Saturday) we spent with the owner, having our induction. He appears to be very hands-on, showing us around the site and the out-buidlings, even showing us how to clean the shower / toilets. About an hour before he had to leave, he went through the emails, booking process and card machine with me, and I then put the office phone through to mine and was left to take any calls from the motothome - I have loved it, taking over 150 booking during the month. They are just changing over booking systems, so people are not able to book on line at the moment, and we have to do the calcuations manually. It was obviously daunting at first, getting used to the prices for the various pitches, and where they all are, and when the prices change during the period of a booking - that took some getting used to in the beginning, especially when people are on the phone and wanting a price from you and you are sitting there checking the dates / pitches / prices and adding it all up trying to appear professional to the customer !

On the Sunday, we went to walk around the site. It is quite a big site with 6 different fields, catering for static caravans, motorhomes, campers, tourers, trailer tents and tents. They all have amazing views of the mountains, it is such a beautiful location.

We then went to do some research in the local pub - it has it's own brewery, and we both loved the choice of beers on offer, and the sunday lunch with welsh lamb. We have visited the pub a few times during the month. Once was with my brother and his partner, who had come to visit us. We hadn't seen them for 9 months, and had so much to catch up on. On other occassions, we have been made to feel very welcome by the staff and locals - looks like we will be making many more visits throughout the main season.

We captured some beautiful photos of the sky between us during the month, the colours were just breathtaking.

We have had such strong winds here, we can actually hear the wind coming, and then brace ourselves as it reaches out motorhome - it can be quite scary at times. When it has been particularly windy, it is part of Chris' job to go around the site, checking the chains on the caravans, and looking to see if any damage has been done. On one night, a tree had been blown down blocking the dog walk, so the next day the chain saw came out and cut it away, clearing the path again.

Chris has also been tidying up the pitches, planting trees, PAT testing, checking / maintaining the pitch lights in the winter stay area. He loves his new transport.

The following weekend, we had a lovely walk around the site following the frost we had had over night - the colours were beautiful with the frosty ground and the wintery colours of the mountains.

More recently, we had snow on the mountains.

Although the owner doesn't allow drones on site during the season, he did let Chris take some photos while no one is on the main site. He is still learning some of the features and managed to have the time to "play" - this video is one of my favourites.

As we had a drive towards Bedgellert, exploring the local area, we came across a rescue helicoptor as it landed on some wasteland, and a few fully kitted mountain rescuers got in - hope the emergency they were going to had a happy ending.

Last week Chris had a doctor's appointment, so we had a couple of days off to go back home. We partked our motorhome near to our son's on the first night. As it was late we let him know were there but didn't want to intrude on them, but he came to see us which we weren't expecting - it was so lovely to see him - we speak via facetime, but face to face is so much better.

On the second night, we stayed at the Black Lion, and had a catch up with a few of the locals and our friends who live on a narrow boat. It was just like old times, we love going back there.

We were able to collect Izzy from school on both days which we love. I had my hair cut while I was there, and Izzy wanted to check whose hair was the longest.

I can't believe we have been here a month already. It is lovely making bookings for people, as they sound so excited on the phone to be coming over. We have shown people around both sites (the other site is Rhyd y Galen about 3 miles away), who are looking for seasonal pitches and have received such lovely feedback from them. It is lovely to chat to them while we take them around, getting to know them - especially if they do decide to secure one of the pitches.

People who already have seasonal pitches have been coming over to check on their caravans, and have chatted with us too, as they look forward to the main season opening at the beginning of March.

Tomorrow (Monday 3rd February), the full time wardens are back from their holidays, so we are taking a few days' off.