Deeping St James, Keal Lodge CL (N52.670112 W0.279909) and Home

Wednesday, 5th July 2023

Another windy day.

A cycle ride to Glinton, the Blue Bell, for lunch, via yet another route!

An excellent lunch.

Thursday, 6th July 2023

An uneventful drive home.

It looks as if benign neglect. has not done the garden too much harm.

 

Deeping St James, Keal Lodge CL (N52.670112 W0.279909) Contd......

Sunday, 2nd July 2023.

Another windy day, although warm.

It is Sunday, Kathleen off to church, I sit in nearby park and read my book.

After church, we stroll to a nearby pub "The Goat Inn", in nearby Frognall, and have Sunday Lunch, excellent!

After lunch, a stroll back to the van, buying a Magnum Ice Cream en-route.

After consuming the Magnums, fell asleep!

Monday, 3rd July 2023

Wind still strong, but, today, we have what look like rain clouds too.

My foot problem is playing up again, and, I have run our of iBrufen.

Despite the weather, we decide we will go cycling, and, take in a trip to Tesco, to buy a few items we are running short on.

We know the way to Tesco, from our last visit here, but, it does occur to me, there may be a shorter route.

A brief discussion with Kathleen, and, she agrees with my gut instinct, as to the direction to Tesco, off we pedal.

We eventually come to a cross roads, which we recognise, from our previous visit, but, no sign of the Tesco store. By now, this has morphed into all my idea. We consult a couple who happen to be passing by, it turns out, they used to live in Newcastle area, small world and all that, plus, fortunately, they know where Tesco is!

They point us in the right direction (we had not been that far out, simply had missed a turning into Godsey Road).

I accept that it is entirely my fault, and, all is right the the world, we arrive at Tesco.

Shopping is acquired, but is at the absolute limit of what I can carry in my backpack, and, it is looking ominously like rain is coming.

Back to the Keal Lodge, via the route we know, to arrive just as the first drops of rain fall, 6.7 miles, but, I think that might be it for today.

Tuesday 4th July 2023

The day begins sunny, but, soon clouds over, wind has diminished slightly, still mild at 18c.

We will be going home in a couple of days, but, for some reason Kathleen insists on some clothes washing (why not wait until we get home and let the machine do it, is my logic). 

Cycling with no particular destination in mind.

Given that it is windy, I attempt to ride into the wind, initially, the theory being that we will have a tail wind on the return leg.

This is the second time we have been in this area, and, the village of Glinton (which has a very pleasant pub, The Blue Bell, for which we are too early), again proves a puzzle, even with a Sustrans Cycle Route Map!

The intention is to head for Helpston, but, either a lack of sign posting, confusing sign posting, or, my map reading  ineptitude means we end up heading south on NCN12, instead of West on NCN21. My only excuse is, it is cloudy, I cannot see where the sun is, so, cannot easily estimate our direction.

It is pleasant cycling, on a mixture of dedicated cycle track or quiet roads, so, no harm done, and, we eventually get back on track, to do approximately 16 miles. The weather is a bit dull, with a few spots of rain, but, not enough to cause complaints.

One of the downsides, we have found, of cycling in this area is that the many appear to be devoid of coffee and cake stops.

Lilly's in Market Deeping comes to the rescue, I can recommend their bacon sandwiches, definitely, plenty of bacon.  

Deeping St James, Keal Lodge CL (N52.670112 W0.279909)

 Friday, 30th June 2023

The weather has become much cooler today, only 19c and cloudy.

A quiet morning, reading and coffee.

A pleasant walk, in the early afternoon, and, we make it back to the van, just as the rain starts.

More reading, and, then, during a lull in the rain, the entertainment is watching one of our neighbours attempt to erect their inflatable awning.

They do succeed in getting it erected, but, it takes about 3 hours, and, they do get a soaking, when the rain returns.

Saturday, 1st July 2023

Tanya's birthday today (47), so, "happy birthdays" are duly wished.

The plan for today was to go cycling, but, it is very windy, not cycling weather.

In the event, the day is soon filled, but, not in the most enjoyable way. 

To explain:

Modern Caravan and Motorhome water systems (ie taps, shower, toilet flush) work with a pressurised system, to create the flow of water. The pressure is supplied by a 12v electric pump, which 'kicks in" occasionally, to maintain the pressure. Unless water is being drawn (ie via a tap etc), then the pump should be silent, and off. If the pump is periodically "kicking in" when no water is being drawn, this is bad news, it means, there is a leak in the system... somewhere.

This morning, I noticed that the pump was "kicking in" periodically for no apparent reason.

We have a leak, somewhere I thought, or, a tap has been left partially turned on.

A quick check showed all the taps were fully "off", no obvious evident of water leaking onto the floor etc.

A little later, I had cause to open the cupboard under the sink.

I found the leak, or, rather the results of the leak, the cupboard and it's contents were well soaked.

The culprit was found to be the mixer tap in the kitchen area.

The water appeared to be leaking from the base of the tap.

Accessibility is almost none existent.

Fortunately, I had some tools with me.

We emptied the contents of the cupboard, and Kathleen set about drying those items which could be saved, and disposing of those items which were ruined.

With the aid of the internet, I found out how to remove the cutlery drawer, this gave me access to the underside of the kitchen sink, and the waste water pipe, but, I still could not access the tap.

I removed the kitchen sink (with some difficulty), and, the waste water pipework.

I was now able to remove the kitchen tap.

Closer examination showed that the leak was in fact coming from the top of the tap, but, gravity was causing the water to flow down the inside of the tap body, and, emerge at the base.

I suspect the tap needs a new ceramic cartridge (thank you YouTube).

The temporary solution is to re-assemble the sink and waste water system and lay the tap, in the sink, so, the leaking water simply goes down the drain.

Replacing the cartridge will have to wait until we get home, I am sure we can work around the problem for a few days, particularly if we increase our frequency of "eating out".

I am sure, the part could have been ordered online, and, delivered here, but, I am equally sure there will be more than one type, size, etc etc, so, best to wait until I am home.