This place is a fantastic destination for those with children aged about two to six, and well worth the journey. We stayed four hours but could easily have been there much longer. Immediately inside the entrance was a tarmac slope and children could use coloured chalks from a large box provided to draw whatever they wanted on the ground. A short walk brought us down into a little valley filled with fun things to try. First we had a little ride in an elevated, pedal-powered helicopter. Running underneath it was a mini-rollercoaster, also propelled via pedals, though the initial incline was motorised. It really looked very tame and within even my limited nerve, but I let Nick take Emily on as each car was only for two people anyway. It did look good fun and a gentle introduction for Emily to white-knuckle rides.
In the same area was a course laid out for unusual and inventive bikes and trikes. We tried out several of the novelty vehicles, to Emily's delight. She even managed to pedal now and again. The one she liked the most was where she stood in a rotating cage with Nick seated behind pedalling.
By now it was getting late for lunch, so we walked back to the entrance where the only cafeteria on site was located (in future we will just take a picnic). After we'd filled up on noodles we went back across to the bicycle rental and had a spin round the one mile course. Emily rode behind Nick on a tandem and I had a regular cycle. It was quite hard work in parts as it was not flat, and I had trouble controlling my heavy mount at times. When we'd finished we walked through the centre of the park, stopping at several play areas along the way.
We had run out of time for a pony ride or the small zoo or the boating lake, but will surely go again soon. There is also a great outdoor water park for warmer weather and a seasonal skating rink. The 110m roller slide was a bit disappointing due to the sheer numbers using it and also some parents were very annoying as they were going down backwards slowly so they could film their offspring. Emily was grinning nonetheless. We ended on a climbing frame then shared an icecream, made from milk obtained from cows in a small farm on site.
Back home, I went out for my weekly run and managed 80 minutes. It came on to rain from the 30 minute mark and continued for the rest of the run. It was pleasant to smell the negative ions on the air. I can't recall the last time it rained. The final quarter hour was tough but I dug in. I have to confess that I can't imagine doing that three times more. Maybe I had better stick to half marathons after all - less intrusive into one's life too. I weighed in at 63.4kg; steadily going back up from a good start point at New Year!
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