19 to 22 January 2024 - Another Visit to Center Parcs (Sherwood Forest)

There's a full list of our Center Parcs visits since 2007 here.

This trip was the usual format, with five of the seven of us exercising madly, Lyn suffering from bad knees caused by a failed operation over twenty years ago, and disabled Louise now on a mobility scooter.

The lake was frozen. Canada Geese and a variety of gulls were slipping and sliding on the ice, which many preferred to sitting in the cold water. (Wouldn't you?)

Sue and I went for a swim in the pool. Others arrived at chalet 868 a bit later.

A prawn and squash curry went down well.

Saturday morning, and Sue and I went along to Sherwood Pines parkrun for the fourth time. Robert joined us for his first ever parkrun. (The first of many?)

Full results are here.

Then, after Gerry and Chris had enjoyed a bit of archery, and coffee and cake had been consumed, the active five went off to play badminton. Four of them enjoyed that. I can't hit the slow moving object that is supposed to be sent over the net. 

After lunch, bowls. Everyone could manage that as long as we played from the same end.

The family ball wall on a squash court followed. I failed to record the mayhem, but I did get this picture of Sue trying to play the piano before we left.

Robert and Lyn provided an excellent beef meatloaf for dinner.

Sunday started with table tennis - one of several visits to a table that five of us could enjoy without getting too knackered.

Nearby, the game of Pickleball was in progress. Here are the rules. We hadn't come across this game before.

Squash followed. Sue tried to play against Chris.

Outdoors tennis was booked, but was cancelled because of windy conditions. It was deemed too dangerous to play on the courts away from the trees, but quite safe for children to play in a playground under overhanging trees! (Health and Safety gone bizarre?)

Later, after an entertaining and successful game of pickleball, a walk back to the chalet through the Winter Forest Lights. 

Dinner was Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya, provided by Gerry and Chris, who also supplied a tasty 'Mystery Dessert'. (Summer pudding.)

Monday morning was spent playing table tennis, pickleball and bowls, whilst watching a crane recovering a large tree that had fallen overnight into the Winter Forest Lights.

Then an easy hour and a half drive home.

Another most enjoyable Center Parcs visit. Thanks everyone for your company.