18th April 2003

I woke again around 5 o'clock which seems to be when the night is at its coldest. However I soon got back to sleep and finally woke about seven, to the sound of the dawn chorus in full song.

Having got dressed, I relaid and relit the fie. Breakfast was soon on the go. After egg, bacon, sausage and mushrooms, the daily camp chores resumed with the washing up and replenishing the fire. The weather is again hot, sunny, and dry. The GPS records it as 28C at 11:00.

After another few goes at starting the brushcutter I abandonned it for the day. It would have been too hot anyway. I think painting the North Gate would be a good task for the day. Having gathered together the necessary paint and tools, together with a drink I headed off.

The gate was as I had left it, so no one had been using it to gain access to the neighbouring plot. Painting proceeded at a leisurely but steady pace. Amy Bloie cycled past and we said hello. After an hour or so the pot was nearly empty and the gate painted, so I returned to The Hollies.

Took a rest and had a read whilst drinking more water. At half one I decided to go up to Barney's and refill the water tank. Had a nice chat with them. Roger then drove past so I headed back lugging the water. We had a good long chat about the track systems. We decided upon a 'Cat1a' (Ministry of Transport specification) road down to the glade and continuing on to the North Gate. This would mean I don't need a lorry turning circle. Various hard standings will be put along here for cross-cutting and storage of timber awaiting collection.

Roger had a look at the brushcutter, and he couldn't get it working either. We determined that there wasn't a spark. He said I could borrow one of his. We set off and I followed him back to to his house to collect it. I quickly set to work clearing the area by the Main Gate and also along the loop. It is so much easier than doing it by hand, although you need the protective gear as it can throw stones and twigs at you at high speed.

Just after 5 o'clock Alan, Sue, and Jo arrived; visitors 3, 4, and 5 (Vistors 1 and 2 were cousins John & Val who visited whilst I was deciding whether to buy the wood or not). They got stuck in chopping firewood and clearing the main track. This will need renaming once the road goes in. Maybe Eastern Avenue?

By 6 o'clock we were getting hungry. We had planned to go down the pub for a meal. However the chicken needed cooking, so I offered to cook dinner. We had perfectly cooked baked potatoes (1 hour) with chicken and baked beans. After cleaning up we decided to head down to the pub for a drink. The pub is the Elliot Arms at Tregadillet, and it's a wonderful traditional pub with really friendly people. We decided to order a pudding. Sue and I had apple pie and custard, whilst Alan and Jo shared a chocolate fudge cake. Must remember that they stop serving at 21:00. Jo wanted a glass of milk which they rustled up from the kitchen. Alan only wanted half for the second round, but got nearly a full pint. When he commented on it they said "yeah, we're like that", and I believe it. We then headed back. After taking a few astro-photos I retired about half ten.