Wednesday 21 April 2021

At Last!, Covid Lockdown eases, Chapel Lane CAMC Site

 The Plan

Thanks to Covid-19 restrictions, we could not make our usual trip south to the Iberian Peninsula, this winter/spring, instead, we have enjoyed(?) a very cold (but dry) spring, in the UK. Covid-19 lockdown restrictions mean no overnight stays, and, "staying local" (whatever that means.

Restrictions were eased, 12th April 2021. We had appointments for second dose of Astra-Zeneca Covid Vaccination, of 25th April 2021, which meant we had to be "home" for that date, so, we could not take immediate advantage of "the great re-opening". 

Thanks to influential contacts, we manage to obtain an earlier appointment for our "jab", so, we are able to fit in another stop-over, and, depart on 21st April 2021.


For our European mainland trips, we do not make anything approaching a plan, since, in our opinion, this takes away the fun, but, the UK, even in "normal" times is different, just "turning up" is seldom an option, this year, with supposedly most of the population planning a "staycation", it definitely does appear wise to have a plan, and, some reserved stop-overs.

Accordingly,  we have booked three CAMC sites, and, will round off our trip by visiting "the Windsor Reay", who we have not been able to visit for several months, and, they have a new house, since last time we saw them.

The plan is: Home -> Chapel Lane -> Moorhampton (Hereford`) - Tewksbury Abbey - Windsor -> Home, approximately 700 miles.

I did attempt to make a last minute amendment, an additional "stop off" on the way home, at CAMC Norfolk Broads site, no chance, fully booked!

Preparations.


Van washed, tyres checked, "internals" (ie water, fridge,  freezer, shower, toilet, heating) all checked for functionality (van has not been used for 6 months). 

Garden tidied, ready for Claire, and (?)Phillippa's tender care.

Diesel filled. All ready to go, as far as I am concerned. 

Kathleen has done her bit, organising some provisions, clothes, bedding, etc etc.


Chapel Lane CAMC Site, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6JX. (N52.373 E -1.8942)


Wednesday, 21st April 2021.

214 uneventful miles, although, roads are busier than I had expected, given that some Covid restrictions are still in place.

Rumour has it that everyone with a Motorhome or caravan is "going away", well, that is not in evidence today, we see very few caravans or motorhomes, perhaps, they are all "there"?

Certainly, Chapel Lane is busy, but, far from full.


Time for a walk to explore the immediate surroundings. The nearby A435 is very busy, definitely not cycling territory!, but, there do appear to be quiet alternative routes.

Weather is not too disappointing, dry, sunny and 14C.

 




8 comments:

  1. A Plan, couldn't leave home without one!
    You have beaten us to it, our 2nd jabs are moved to this Saturday at 1900ish.
    We are currently in the middle of The Great Fence of Fellgate. The 20+yo wooden thing has almost been removed and is replaced by concrete posts and plastic panels (I know, not environmentally friendly but will see us out. Ken S is doing a great job but we are worried that it will be his swan song as everywhere posts were needed there was concrete, bricks or Leech scaffolding poles! We are going sliding garden gate (hopefully) which will save one post hole having to be excavated. Gates are made from Unistrut (versatile electrical channel) saving a fortune by requiring great thought and lots of cutting. The clamps are known a Zebedees - rectangular piece of metal with threaded hole and a spring on the bottom - I'm sure you are old enough to remember? Current plan is to complete by next Friday. OUR Plan is Grand Tour UK South (Liverpool (CAMC CL - our first), Porthmadog (Railway afternoon tea and Portmeirion, Llanidloes (adults only), Hereford (CAMC), Frome, Torquay (1 week, adults only), Poole (CAMC and Parsons colleague) Teresa's for 2 weeks of decorating (!) All planned up to here as you say we wouldn't go on spec in the UK. Hopefully returning via Bletchley Park (the Science Bit) We now aim to do adults only, full service pitches wherever possible (especially in Covid Days) Further road reports welcome, as I am slightly concerned that we are out of practise! Take care, Doug
    P.S. Bill & Dave drinking on Friday as ken and I are project managing (i.e. working)

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    1. Hi Doug. That Fence is taking longer than Hadrian's Wall! When you are finished, you will have to petition the Post Office to move Wallsend to Fellgate. On the Covid front, this site (Chapel Lane CAMC, Birmingham) is about 2/3 full I would say. Very few children, probably because they are at school. The site is surprisingly quiet, facilities open, but, not showers.

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    2. I understand what you mean by "out of practice". We have become so used to not travelling than a few miles from home, during various lockdowns, that it felt very strange to driving along a motorway, and, even stopping at services!

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    3. I understand what you mean by "out of practice". We have become so used to not travelling than a few miles from home, during various lockdowns, that it felt very strange to driving along a motorway, and, even stopping at services!

      Delete
    4. I understand what you mean by "out of practice". We have become so used to not travelling than a few miles from home, during various lockdowns, that it felt very strange to driving along a motorway, and, even stopping at services!

      Delete
    5. I understand what you mean by "out of practice". We have become so used to not travelling than a few miles from home, during various lockdowns, that it felt very strange to driving along a motorway, and, even stopping at services!

      Delete
  2. Good that you managed to get away with MOHO.
    The Nelson was well rammed today and it
    actually felt rather chilly about 4pm even in the sunshine. Staff weren't wearing masks and toilets were over crowded despite notices saying only 3 at a time in the loos! If this continues we won't get the numbers down for Boris to give the go ahead for the 17th May in my opinion. Doombar real ale was on the way out (Tasted of vinegar) so just had one and then went on the Guinness followed by Mince,Leek Dumpilngs,Mash and Peas ! Rest of the team were missed today.Hope your plan remains intact. Bill

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bill. look forward to a "boys" outing, when we get back.

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