FOREST OF DEAN

9^TH – 13^TH APRIL

We are in the car for hours and hours, traffic slowing us down. We finally arrive at our destination, whilst the rain spat on us. We patiently waited in the Reception area, having a hot drink, until we were allowed into our cabin. Time flew past, it turned 4.00pm, and then we got the key and drove the short distance to our cabin in the woods. As soon as we walked through the door, my brother laid claim to the best room! I on the other hand, just picked a room with 2 single beds in it, and started unpacking.

Soon it was time to eat, we were all very hungry after the long journey. As soon as we finished dinner it wasn’t long before the adults decided to have a snooze as it had been such a tiring day, but my brother and I were too busy doing homework ( J ).

The next morning started with light rain and a dull grey colour to the sky. The room I was in was quite big, with the 2 beds and a mirror, relying on light from the window. During the morning we got BAD NEWS that an 8 year old was missing from the Park we were staying on! Whilst lots of Police cars and men searched everywhere for him, even around the outside of our cabin. Things started to get more serious so they called in the Police helicopter to help the search, flying over our heads very low, also going in massive loops. Hours past, no sign of him, Policemen walking by calling his name. On the TV in our cabin there was a message alerting us of the situation : “8 year old, male, missing. Keep a look out. If you aren’t using your hot tub, please check it for him”. Then came the GOOD NEWS early evening. We get word that he has been found (from the TV, and passing Policemen), but nothing on the late news on the TV.

Next day, Wednesday, we travel in the car to the Dean Forest Railway where we took a steam train from Parkend Station to Lydney Junction, about 30 minutes ride. Back to the hot tub after this, on the decking outside. We shrivelled up like prunes we are in so long. We see squirrels climbing in the trees, raiding all the nuts every morning.

The next morning we went to Symonds Yat where we visited lots of view points to admire the view of the Wye Valley. The RSPB are at the Rock lookout to point out the different birds to be seen. There are hoawks, falcons and many other countryside species. After that we drove on to Tintern Abbey, which was built in 1131 by monks. We had lunch in Tintern and then drove to Chepstow, past their racecourse, and on to see the Seven Bridge which divides England and Wales. Then we went back to Monmouth to get some shopping for dinner at the cabin.

Next morning came round quickly, and this was our last day. We had to be out of the cabin by 10am, so it was a rush around the cabin, packing and tidying up. We were all ready to leave at 9am, but we had a quick drink and check everything again. We is – me, my brother, my Mum and Dad and my Nanny and Grandad. My dog – Lilly – came with us also (her first holiday). My Nanny and Grandad head off back to their house in Surrey, whilst the rest of us walk our dog for the last time in the Forest of Dean around a long Sculpture Trail. After that we head back to Cornwall, and the journey is much faster, and dry. It’s good to be home!

By Holly Cole