Disaster!, and, Recovery

 Saturday, 21st May 2022

I typically leave packing and other preparations. For once, thank goodness I didn't!

Went into the van, to organise my cycling maps etc. Noticed a strange, but, not unpleasant smell. Then, notice what appeared to broken pieces of plastic, behind the passenger seat. 

No obvious source for the broken plastic, I decided to follow the usual course under such circumstances, and, blame Kathleen.

For no reason I can explain, the thought "could it be a battery problem?". The leisure battery is suitably inaccessible, being located under the passenger seat. So, I removed the louvred cosmetic plastic covers from the bottom of the seat. First hint that "we have a problem", dampness (which turned out to be battery acid on the inside of the plastic covers. The leisure battery has burst, there are numerous bit of battery case inside the seat base.

Replacing the battery entails removing the very heavy passenger seat, and, avoiding triggering the passenger airbag. I decide to try the Motorhome Dealer (Tyne Valley Motorhomes). Fortunately, they tell me they can take the van in, and, replace the leisure battery.

Wednesday, 25th May 2022

Off we go to Tyne Valley Motorhomes, Byermoor, to drop off the van, ready for them to begin work first thing tomorrow.

This could have been an enjoyable little jaunt, with a pleasant bus ride back to Gateshead Interchange, then, Metro home, but, the weather is terrible, blowing a gale and not very warm.

Friday, 27th May 2022

We received word, all fixed, yesterday, so, this morning we make the return journey, Metro, to Gateshead Interchange, then, bus to Byermoor.

Van is all ready, so, apart from the big hole in my bank account, all is well.

Wednesday, 1st June 2022

A mixed bag of weather, sun, cloud, rain, alternating, at least it is not cold!

270 miles, it all goes smoothly, until, just before the M1/M25 junction (6A), when it all slows to a fast walking pace, then, the dreaded M25.

Major accident on opposite carriageway, we are slowed to a crawl, as everyone looks at what is happening. 

Looks major.

Pity this involved, hopefully no-one seriously hurt, or worse, and, then, eight miles of queuing traffic.

We arrive an hour later than anticipated.

The good news is... the sun is shining! and, it is WARM (23C).