Bodiam Castle.. Take 2

With all the recent rain and storm activity, the river close to Bodiam has burst its banks and flooded the surrounding marshlands, almost to the moat. Most of the carparking area is under water, which is why it was closed the last time we came.

This panorama shot aught to show the extent of the flooding across the plains.  The river is normally way in the distance.

To be honest, most castle ruins look similar on the inside, crumbling walls, archways and narrow winding stairs to the towers. What sets Bodiam Castle apart from others is it completeness from the outside. For all intense purposes, it embodies what the romantic medieval castle aught to look like. 

The sun blessed us again.. But the biting wind made taking photos on the towers a task only for the insane.. 

The kids love archery, having been inspired by the incredible skill ( and wit) of the archer at Warwick Castle last summer. The archer here was very skilled and had the patience of Job.. Ankle deep in slushy mud, he made certain each kid was positioned correctly and understood the range of movements in order to shoot the arrow perfectly. Ive taken some video footage, which only beknownst to blogger, will not load.. So check facebook or instagram for two brief videos in that. 

Both kids did well, hitting the targets, despite the gusty wind.

We took our time to wander around the inside of the castle, but I have to admit I didn't take as many shots as I might have liked to as it was so cold, every time I took my hands out of the gloves, they absolutely froze.

Cleaning and tidying

Back at the Big House, the kids and I have been busy cleaning out the fridges. There were some interesting lessons on bacteria and fungus - coupled with shrieks of horror as plastic containers were opened.

All perfect now, and another task ticked off our list for our HelpX host.

Cooking cooking

I have always loved to be creative with my cooking, but the last year or so that love has sort of drained away.  Working in makeshift kitchens, other peoples kitchens and without my equipment ( oh my knife I miss you.. Oh my beautiful blender... I miss you!!) - well it makes it a little more challenging.

While at our Hastings Helpx placement, I have been cooking mainly vegan meals - which is no biggie as we were vegan for a good while ( as well as raw foodists, vegos and just about any other health diet around)

I must say that my baked polenta and rich tomato salsa was a bit of a hit. So good and so easy.. well - most things are to be honest. I've also made a vege slice - vegan.. ( but I have to say the addition of cheese is always pretty good...but not this one)

One of my favourite 'wow' items I like to make on the spot is my raw chocolate mousse.  I made two batches to produce this parfait. I like the rich dark chocolate one - but the kids prefer the 'milk' chocolate one.   Made with avocados, coconut cream and a soaked nut (cashews or macadamias) and cocoa... its so easy to make, vegan and yummy to boot.

This has some organic blueberries drizzled on it for contrast.

I'll boot my raw foods blog back into life to put some recipes up as I have been asked a few times about this particular item. http://family-journey-to-raw.blogspot.com.au/