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Sunday, 26th July 2020
New Forest Centenary CAMC Site (N50 47'11" W1 42'24")
The rain has stopped, a bit of sunshine peeping through the clouds, and, a mild 20C.
Using the information from the CAMC Website (in common with the other sites we have been to, all of the information usually found at CAMC reception, has been removed due to Covid-19 hysteria), we decide to do the cycle route to the coast, most of which is on Sustrans NCN Route 2.
The information sheet says it is 15 miles, we do 17.8 miles, due to confusing instructions, but, it is easy enough.
We cycle to a place called Mudeford Quays and Avon Beach, near Christchurch, probably very nice, but, today, on a sunny Sunday in July, they are very crowded.
The next problem is, I cannot download my
Garmin data, because Garmin's computer systems are all our action, allegedly because of hackers. Not my day, or their of course! Fortunately, Kathleen recorded the ride on Runkeeper.
Monday, 27th July 2020
Continuous rain overnight, and, still raining this morning, forecast says rain until 14:00 today, what fun.
Forecast was wrong.
It rained until 16:00, at which point, sun shone, for five minutes, then, high wind sprung up, and clouds closed in again!
We have done nothing to help Boris's fight against obesity today, unless, eating kit-kats, drinking coffee and reading books counts as exercise?
Thursday, 23rd July 2020.
A cloudy day, but, still mile at 19C, rain is promised for afternoon, and, it does rain by 15:30.
Today, we give the cycling a rest, and go walking.
A circular walk, up one side of Cheddar Gorge, and, down the other side. Following a designated footpath, except, when Kathleen decided she knew better, without even looking at the map ;) ). Not actually very far (just over five miles), but, quite strenuous.
We, or at least I, did have thoughts of cycling along the Gorge, but, having
watched several "real cyclists" (ie lycra and expensive bicycles), slogging up the gorge, As we sat munching our picnic lunch, I think we are wise to give it a miss.
Not that walking it is an easy task, on the return leg, we climb up to the top of the cliff, and walk along the top well away from the edge!). We are rewarded with some spectacular views, over Somerset, and, the reservoir where we walked on Tuesday, from up here, it looks like a large pond!
Fortunately, we have finished our walk and and are back at the Van, when the rain comes.
Looking at the weather forecast, it does not look too good for this area, from Saturday coming, to Wednesday, lots of rain, so, perhaps, just as well we move on, Saturday!
Friday, 24th July 2020.
Rain over night, and, still raining at 08:00.
The original plan was cycling, followed by major hair care session (Kathleen, not me), but, even when it stops raining, it has all the signs of a heavy rainfall and possibly thunder (ie humid, warm, lots of heavy cloud).
So, instead, we have the pleasure of masked shopping at Sainsbury's, inline with the latest Covid-19 idiocy, followed by a short walk to explore a river side walk near the campsite. We may follow this up, later today, if the rain holds off.
Lunch and hair care completed, we take the walk along the river, beside the site. Very pleasant, but, after a mile, the path deteriorated into nettles, not easy walking in shorts!
Saturday, 25th July 2020
Another night of rain, but, dry by morning, very cloudy however.
We do not have far to go today, only about 80 miles.
Just as well, poured with rain for the whole way, plus, this area appears to compete with Lincoln area for narrow single carriageway roads.
We arrive at New Forest Centenary CAMC Site (N50 47'11" W1 42'24") at about 13:30, in pouring rain, it is still pouring with rain at 16:30 and, looks as if it is going to continue for the rest of the day.
Tuesday, 21st July 2020
Beautiful morning, 21C promised for today.
Sticking to the plan, we go walking today. Just over five miles, to, and around, the Resevoir, near Axbridge.
The remainder of the day is spent lazing in the sun.
Followed by a barbecue, in the evening.
Wednesday, 22nd July 2020
Another bright and sunny morning,
Today is a "cycling day".
We have done the only "official" route, from here, so, I am trusted to ad-lib and make something up, without the benefit of a map.
Working from a photograph (on. my phone), from the Road Atlas, off we go.
There is a signed cycle track, initially, but, that runs out after about half a mile, but, we
(I) manage to make a 16 and a bit mile circle, via Wedmore, Cross, and Axbridge, back to Cheddar.
We even manage to avoid cycling along the busy A38, by taking a detour through the village of Cross. There is a pub there, our little faces light up, but, it is closed due to Covid-19.
The pub in Axbridge is also closed, so, we have to settle for a Magnum Ice Cream, from the Co-op.
Rather hilly, is, I think, a fair summary.
Sunday, 19th July 2020
An early start (07:30), on a cool but dry and sunny morning.
317 miles, uneventful miles, with only one small set of road works with 50mph limit, and no contra-flows, I think that is a record for my lifetime driving experiences in the UK!
Cheddar Caravan Club Site (N51.2719, W2.77568) is small, but pleasant, and, in walking distance of the village of Cheddar.
It is approximately 15:00 when we arrive, so, just sitting in the sun today.
A very rare admission from Kathleen. I am always blamed for any mess, in the house, or in the motorhome, crumbs, grit, gravel, bits of grass, etc etc, all down to me. Yesterday, Kathleen has been hoovering the whole van, using her Dyson cordless, which I very generously bought for her. Today, there was debris in the cab, bits of grass etc. It turned out, it came from Kathleen's trainers, and, more importantly, she admitted it! First time in 33 years ;)
Monday, 20th July 2020
Dry and sunny start to the day.
We decide to do the Cycle ride which is described on the CAMC Website, ie, Cheddar to Yatton.
The route is called "The Strawberry Line", and, the information sheet says it follows the route of a former railway line.
This implies a fairly flat ride.
Well, the former railway line bits are reasonably flat (and well surfaced), but, there are gaps in the former railway line, and, these are rather hilly!
Just over 9 miles each way, according to the information sheet, although we clock up just over 23 miles, including diversions for coffee and cake etc.
But, it all accomplished without complaint, and, today, thank goodness, no punctures.
Picnic lunch in Yatton, followed by well earned coffee and cake.
Wednesday, 15th July 2020
Weather does not look too good, forecast is for showers, it is is cloudy, with a stiff breeze from the west.
Never-the-less, we decide to do our planned ride to Holy Island (Lindisfarne).
The route is via part of Sustrans National Cycle Route 1, and, it is approximately ten miles each way. Part of the route is good, tarmac track, or, quiet road, but, other sections would be more suited to a Quad-Bike, than a bicycle.
On the positive side, the route is reasonably easy to follow, with only one misleading sign post, which briefly sends us to a dead end, but, fortunately only a couple of hundred metres or so lost.
Almost immediately after setting off, we come to a very difficult section, uphill, and, dreadful surface, potholed tarmac, followed by an even worse section, rutted grass, along a cliff top.
I fully expect Kathleen to insist on turning back, but, much to my surprise, she soldiers on, truly, without a word of complaint!
Things do get better, with a good section of tarmac surface, in the middle, before it deteriorates back to uneven grass or poor quality gravel surface.
Shortly after setting off, we encounter a fellow cyclist, on a folding, electric bike, with very small wheels. He tells us, he too is heading for Holy Island, and, he is sailing on a small yacht, which is moored in Berwick Docks. He is significantly younger than us, and, given that he is riding an electric bicycle, we are very surprised to find that we keep pace with him, until, that, is, Kathleen gets a puncture.
We have just passed through one of the rougher sections, where cattle are grazing, and, depositing the results along the track, when Kathleen's front tyre goes flat. Fortunately, we do have a spare inner tube, and pump with us (be prepared and all that), plus, some water to wash the cow dung off my hands, after I have removed and refitted the tyre.
But, we do make it to the causeway, where there is an Ice cream Van, selling ice cream.
We partake of an ice cream, whilst chatting to a fellow Motorhomer, who has driven here from Berwick Seaview Site (no sense of adventure some people).
The causeway is still, mostly, under water, we are told that today, it will be clear to cross by 13:00.
There are one or two brave (or fool-hardy, depending on your point of view) people in
cars driving through the water, still lying on the causeway.
But, we have no particular wish to actually cycle to the island, being content with having achieved the journey here, plus, of course, we still have to make the return journey.
So, after a further pause, to take photographs, and, a little discussion as to if we should attempt to make the return journey via the road (vetoed by Kathleen, because she does not trust me to read the map correctly), we set off to make our way back.
It has been threatening to rain for some time, and, sure enough, we have a short sharp shower of rain, it does not last long, just long enough to give us a good soaking!
Once the rain has stopped, a pause for our picnic lunch, at Windmill Hill.
All in all, 20.55 miles, not bad.
Thursday, 16th July 2020
The weather forecast promised a bright and sunny day, today, but, morning looks only average, sunny with cloud, and, still, a stiff breeze from the West.
After yesterdays cycling, today, we spend walking. Along to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and, a walk around the part of the Ramparts we missed on Tuesday, a very pleasant 5.9 miles.
Friday, 17th July 2020
What has happened to the weather? Forecast is for the best day of the week, but, reality is cloudy, cool, with a few spots of rain!
A day for reading our books, and, lunch at the Riverside Cafe, plain food, but, nicely cooked, very friendly and helpful staff.
Saturday, 18th July 2020
Weather even worse this morning, rain and more rain.
Today, we have to got home for one night, before moving on to Cheddar, because someone (ie Me), messed up the bookings, and left a one night gap.
Tuesday, 14th July 2020
A warm day (18C), sunny with cloud.
Seaview CAMC Site, certainly lives up to it's name, this is the view, out our window.
After yesterday's up and down hill 17.5 mile cycle ride, I feel ithat suggesting another day of cycling may not be well received. Instead, a walking day is the plan.
Yesterday, we noticed what appeared to be a "short cut" to Berwick town, so, today, the plan is to investigate. It is, what appears to be a former railway line, although it is not apparent where it went from and to.
Part way along the track, is an information board, telling us that the Walk is called, "The Lowry Walk", apparently, the artist L S Lowry, liked to visit Berwick-upon-Tweed for his holidays.
It certainly is a very pleasant walk, with some fine views. Unfortunately, we cannot complete the final part, along the pier to the lighthouse, since maintenance work is underway, and the pier is closed to the Public.
Instead, we extend our walk along the Elizabethan Ramparts, where we pause, for a picnic lunch.
Then, across the Golf Course, and, along the beach, to return, via the part of the Lowry Walk, which is open.
Stopping off for Coffee at the Riverside Cafe, in Tweedmouth.
The service and coffee are excellent.
They also do lunches, which look very good too, so, we may be back, later in the week.
However, their Toasted Teacakes are more like biscuits than teacakes, perhaps, it is the influence of nearby Scotland?
Berwick, Seaview CAMC Site
Some excitement, yesterday evening, elderly lady in Motorhome next to us, appeared to have some difficulty standing and walking. Eventually, an Ambulance was called, and, off she went to hospital.
Goodness knows which hospital, when my brother, Brian was taken ill at this site he was taken to Cramlington Hospital, which must be a good 40 miles away. Don't know how the elderly husband of the poor lady is going to get too and from there to visit/collect her, hopefully she will be recovered today.
A good nights sleep, and, we wake to a pleasant morning, warm, sunny with some cloud.
I suggest a cycle ride, from the book of circular rides, which Dana bought me for Father's Day. Kathleen is keen, I am somewhat surprised that she does not ask how far it is, so, I don't bother to mention that it is just over 30 miles.
It is rather hilly, eight miles in, the dreaded question comes, "just how far is this ride?". The answer is not well received.
We even cross into Scotland, and, return to England for our lunch break, on a seat by the Union Bridge, over the River Tees.
At this point, there is a foot path signposted along the banks of the Tweed, back to Berwick-upon-Tweed, only 5 miles. But, Kathleen is not for chickening out, and opts to continue.
A few miles further on, I make a navigational error (miss a right fork, in the road), which turns out to be most fortunate. It begins to rain, slightly, so, we take a decision to cut it short and head back. This turns our to be a very wise decision, since fifteen minutes after returning to the van, there is a half-hour downpour.
So, our 31 mile ride is shortened to "only" 17 and a bit, very hilly, miles.
Sunday, 12th July 2020, Berwick Seaview CAMC Site
After three months, Campsites in England were allowed to re-open on 4th July.
Today, we are off, on what will hopefully be a three week trip around England (Scotland and Wales still have restrictions in place).
Sixty eight miles, North, an easy journey, traffic light, on what is usually a very busy route, and we arrive at Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Berwick, Seaview CAMC site was the first place we went in our first Motorhome, as total novices, in 2006, fourteen years ago.
Covid-19 "rules" are that departure is strictly by 12 o'clock, and arrivals/check-in from 13:00.
There is not very much parking space in the arrivals area, and, true to form, there are people leaving late, and, people arriving early (including us, 12:45).
The site warden is in good spirits, and begins check-in early, to clear space.
Once parked, we venture out for a stroll, well, a 4 mile exploratory walk, along the promenade, and, then, to investigate where the cycle route begins for tomorrow.
We have a map, and, book with cycle routes (Dana's Father's Day present), Kathleen is keen to do a route called the "Berwick Loop", unaware, I assume that it is 31 miles.
I decide not to enlighten her, so, that is tomorrows plan, weather permitting.
Daughter, Claire, has promised to look after the garden. A little concerned that her main interest seemed to be the possibility of lying in the sun, in the garden, during her Summer Holidays (Claire is a School Teacher). I do hope she will find the time to actually cut the grass.
As usual, I leave it in good order, grass cut, bird feeders filled, and, a photograph to prove the point. ;)
Sunday, 22nd March 2020
Finally, we make it home.
Don't think we want another trip like that in a hurry!
Almost 1400 miles in. four days, via Somport Tunnel, mostly toll free.
Thursday, 19th March 2020
A cool but sunny start to the day, 13C, but, climbing to 23C by late afternoon.
We are up, reasonably, early, we get first turn on the service point, which was Kathleen's ambition.
On the road shortly after 08:00am.
Oloron Sainte-Marie, D938-D947-N10-A63-A10/N10-D910, brings us to Lac de Saint-Cyr (Poitiers) (46.721838, 0.456127) , in 314 miles, almost all free, with just a 3.80Euro toll for a small section of the A63.
Very light traffic, except for the huge volume of HGVs on the N10, but, they are all sticking to the right hand lane, so, no problem overtaking them.
A small amount of excitement at Poitiers, we leave the N10 to join the D910, heading for our chosen Aire (Lac de Saint-Cyr (Poitiers), and are stopped in a Police Road Block. They are checking peoples paper work, in particular there "Attestation", fortunately, despite Kathleen saying it was a waste of time, I had painstakingly written out two copies (one each). A young, and very polite Gendarme spoke to Kathleen, all in French, asking for our papers. I think, she quite enjoyed the experience! Happy, he waved us on our way.
Our lunch stop was taken at Angouleme, in the car park of a Commercial Centre. I took the opportunity to visit the Auchan supermarket, in the centre and bought various "treats" (chocolate and Magnums), plus wine, pate, baguette, apple tart. This formed our evening meal, sitting in the sun, with a glass or wine.
A photograph for family and friends, so you can see, we have come to no harm, Kathleen working hard.
Friday, 20th March 2020
Weather not really of consequence, since we expect to be travelling for most of the day again today, but, sunny in the morning, turning to rain as we reach Chartres, raining steadily by Neufchatel-en-Bray.
277 miles we are very familiar with, having done it numerous times, D910 - A10/N10 - A154/D154 - D61055 - A28, all toll free.
We arrive at Neufchatel-en-Bray, Aire St Claire (49.737185 1.429569). All in order, as usual, but, toilet, shower etc not in use, presumably because of CoronaVirus.
Saturday, 21st March 2020
Brrr.. can tell we are well North, only 6C this morning, as I get ready to leave Neufchatel-en-Bray, Aire St Claire (49.737185 1.429569).
We are on our way by 08:30, only about 100 miles to Tunnel.
We have reservation at 18:30. The plan is, if we can only get our reserved slot, stop off at somewhere in Kent (Canterbury P&R, or, there are a couple of CAMC sites which are possibles). If we are fortunate enough to get an earlier slot, we might even make it home today, but, with 350 miles to go, after we exit tunnel, that is doubtful.
Excellent time to the Tunnel Terminal. Roads are almost empty, although, we begin to encounter "Motorhome traffic" as we approach Calais.
We see several Police check points, but, we just get a wave, not stopped.
Even with a coffee stop, we are at Tunnel Terminal by 11:15. We are offered earlier crossing (12:20) at no extra charge. Despite all of the rumours and stories of massive queues, there is only one "file" of Motorhomes and Caravans, plus, one solitary car, at boarding time. All shops and cafe in Terminal are closed, and, we are told we must stay in vehicle, during crossing.
Given the UK/France time difference, we are unloaded and on the M20 by 11:55 UK time.
Queues at M25 Dartford Crossing (what is new), but, other than that, we make excellent progress, we are heading north on M11, we even stop at M11 Services for coffee and to polish off the apple tart I bought in France.
Thinking we will be home today, when overhead motorway signs announce M11 Northbound Closed ahead. We have managed to drive 1,000 miles, through Spain and France, with no hold ups, welcome to the UK.
Kathleen navigates us across country, to A1(M), just south of Huntingdon, A1(M) northbound is closed too! We eventually manage to join the A1(M) further North. Getting a bit tired now, and, navigating plus closed roads, have tempers a bit frayed.
We give up on making it home today, and divert to Ferry Meadows CAMC Site (N52.56053, W0.30593), Peterborough.
Sunday, 15th March 2020
Cloudy and cool start to the day.
Kathleen away to church, CoronaVirus will not keep her away!
Another mass exodus today, but, it was a large group, travelling together, so, maybe it was planned anyway. There has been no official word that travel is restricted.
We decided to go for a stroll, along the promenade, only to be stopped by a Guadia Civil, on a motorcycle, and told to return to the camp site, that we were not allowed to stroll around.
On return to the site, we checked with Reception, apparently, we are only allowed "out" to go to shop(s), cash machine etc. If you have a dog, apparently one person is allowed out to walk it. Kathleen is all for borrowing someone's dog.
This is going to be difficult for Kathleen, who likes to be about and about, she is going to be like a caged lion, I think I am probably in more danger from her, than from CoronaVirus! I have hidden all sharp implements.
Perhaps, we will have to organise an "Escape Committee" and dig a tunnel?
Monday, 16th March 2020
Just to add to the CoronaVirus lockdown, it is raining!, it is 15C, which, I suppose is a small bonus.
We walk to the shop, to buy wine, milk etc.
They are restricting how many people are allowed in at once (security guard, or, "bouncer" on the door). So, there is a queue of people, in the rain, waiting to get in. Once in, most stuff appears to available, only thing we wanted to buy, but, could not was dried pasta. Plenty of evidence of people hoarding toilet rolls, which, is, I am told, happening in UK too. Why?
Tuesday, 17th March 2020
Raining all night, and, all day, and 15C.
According to the news and the local rumour machine, France has closed borders.
Speaking to a fellow Brit, this morning, who was packing up to leave. He has checked-out of site, and was already to go, heading for a booked ferry at Dieppe. Got a text to say, his ferry has been cancelled. Plus, it would now appear that Spanish/French Border closed. Hopefully, they will allow him to re-checkin on site and stay. At least we have essentials here.
Late afternoon, and, we were issued with more official advice/rules by site staff.
It is now no longer to leave the site in a group, or, even, a couple, only one person may go to the shops, walk dog etc.
We are being "encouraged" not to use the "facilities", it may be coincidence, but, I had noticed that the hot water for showers, dish washing etc was not longer actually hot, but, more sort of like warm.
It is now no longer permitted to entertain other people (or be entertained) on your pitch, one couple, one pitch!
This is all becoming too much.
I trawl the internet, in an attempt to get accurate information on our options. The Chausson Owners Group on Facebook, proves useful, they have set up a separate message group to share information. Predictably, there is lots of dross, but, there is some useful information from people who have actually done the things they are talking about, rather than just knowing a friend, who knows someone who said....
From this, I deduce, we can can gain entry to France, for the purpose of transit to Calais (or wherever) for ferry/tunnel. In typical French Bureaucratic style, we need to have a "form", or "Attestation" duly completed. These forms are available to download, but, we have no printer, so, I am required to hand write two copies (one for me, one for Kathleen).
Fully prepared, we decide to "bite the bullet", we arrange to check out of the site, tomorrow morning, and head for Calais.
We pack everything away, ready for an early start.
Wednesday, 18th March 2020
No weather report this morning, it is still dark when we get up and pack final items, ready to leave at 7:00am, when reception opens. One bonus, it is not raining.
We head for the Somport Tunnel, and Oloron-Sainte Marie (N43 11'2" W0 36'30"), taking the most direct route, (approximately 300 miles), although, in fairness, it probably was not the quickest, given some of the steep climbs and twisting roads.
We leave before having our breakfast, a very rare thing for me, breakfast is sacred! The plan is to stop for breakfast after about two hours. So, as we approach Morella, we spot a lay-by, with Motorhome Service area. As we turn in, we notice, Guardia Civil car parked. We are told to move on, no stopping, not even for a rest.
So, breakfast does not happen until about 10:30, by which time we are in really rural section.
The roads are amazingly empty of traffic, virtually no cars, predominantly HGV's. We see only one other Motorhome.
A small scare, as we approach the Somport Tunnel, after a lunch stop, a Guardia Civil car comes up behind us, blue lights and sirens on. For a moment, I think he may be after us, since there are no other vehicles around, but, when I move over slightly, to give him the opportunity to pass, he goes streaking off down the road. Only to return about five minutes later, minus siren, but, blue lights still going. Perhaps his carry out order was ready?
Kathleen has worked herself up into a state of high anxiety, dreaming up all of the worst case scenarios, but, when we arrive at the Somport Tunnel, there are a group of Police chatting and smoking, they totally ignore us. As we emerge, in France, there is absolutely no sign of officialdom, we simply emerge, and drive on.
We arrive at Oloron-Sainte Marie Aire (N43 11'2" W0 36'30")at about 15:30. There are (official) spaces for five vans, and, there are two Brits "in residence" when we arrive. Soon, another two Brits arrive, a Belgian, and four Dutch. So, no fewer than ten vans squeezed in.
Even more arrive as the evening wears on.
Tomorrow morning is going to be interesting, when we all come to leave!
Not the widest entrance/exit to negotiate!
