Happy New Year from the Hoopers! Thank you for your continued support as we move into 2017. Every comment, share and like of our family blog is much appreciated. The Christmas holidays have gone by in a flash and the waistlines and wallet are showing the evidence of a very festive time! We had a lovely break but are now raring to go in our second year of blogging. New exciting adventures have been lined up for 2017. But first, let’s see what happened in 2016?
Our highlights of what happened in 2016
Geocaching
2016 was the year we got into Geocaching big style. Every trip out involved a meander off the beaten track to discover a cache cleverly hidden in a wall, hollowed out tree or fence post. The girls have really embraced this hobby and actually ask to go out on a hunt. As we have found most of the local caches, the net is now widening cross country as we continue this cheap and active hobby into 2017.
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
In April 2016, we took on our toughest challenge yet The Yorkshire Three Peaks. Covering 24.5 miles in 14 hours ascending the peaks of Whirnside, Pen Y Ghent and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales. Thanks to the encouragement of the team the challenge was completed despite my massive meltdown mid-route. I still cannot believe I managed it to this day, and my poor big toe has just about recovered. No more endurance tests for me, but I’d love to attempt some gentle hill walking with the girls in 2017.
Camping
The camping hobby was ramped up a notch in 2016 as we spent a total of 14 nights under canvas. The weather was mostly kind to us and we took the opportunity to explore the Lake District, Wales, and North Yorkshire staying in budget friendly Camping and Caravanning sites. A boozy adult festival (Kendal Calling) and a family festival (Just So) also shaped our summer adventures.
Mallorca
August 2016, saw us take a relaxing family trip to Majorca, staying at the Fergus Style Pollensa Park. The All Inclusive was certainly well utilised and we enjoyed unlimited Cava on tap for the adults, and fluorescent slush for the girls. The large swimming pool was a massive hit and the girls played in it from morning till night. When we could drag them away from it, we explored the island’s capital Palma with its lovely cathedral and harbour. August 2017 sees us head to the Costa Del Sol for more fun in the sun with a bit of culture thrown in.
Disneyland Paris Half Marathon
In September 2016, we headed to Disneyland Paris to take part in the first ever Half marathon. Although I wimped out of running, Alan and our friends Stephen and Louise did a fantastic job in completing the run, and then spending the rest of the day in the theme park.
Top Disney commitment!
Disneyland Paris Half Marathon
Snowdog Trail
October and November were spent following the St. Oswald’s hospice Snowdog trail. These cute hand painted works of art were dotted all around the North East and captured the imagination and hearts of the region. The final auction saw the doggies raise over a quarter of a million pounds to the hospice. Although this Pack of Snowdogs has moved on a new pack will return in 2019.
Disneyland Paris at Christmas
December 2016 saw us take a festive long weekend break to Disneyland Paris. The girls really embraced the rollercoasters and enjoyed meeting up with Disney’s newest character Moana. Other highlights were ice skating at Hotel New York and the newest eatery in Disney Village Vapiano.
The Golden Forest Club, Disney’s Sequoia Lodge
We can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for us. We’ve set out goals and hope you come with us and share our experiences.
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