Wednesday, 5th July 2023
Another windy day.
Thursday, 6th July 2023
Sunday, 2nd July 2023.
Another windy day, although warm.
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!
Friday, 30th June 2023
The weather has become much cooler today, only 19c and cloudy.
A quiet morning, reading and coffee.
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.
Wednesday, 28th June 2023
Another cooler 20C day.Quite cloudy, but, according to the forecast, no rain until tonight, but, that proves to be incorrect as we get a shower lasting about 10 minutes, around lunch time.
The plan is to pack up and go to Gary's today, and park on their drive, rather than stay at the Campsite.
This is because we are going to take advantage of our last opportunity to see/hear Gabriel, singing in the St Georges School Choir, at St Georges Chapel, Windsor.
I say last opportunity, because he leaves St Georges School in July.
It is an early morning venue, and, we have to be at Gary's by 07:30!
St Georges Chapel is part of Windsor Castle, and, for security reasons, late arrivals are not allowed.
Accordingly, we didn't wish to take the risk of leaving the site at (say) 07:00, then being stuck in traffic or whatever, the Site Owner did offer that we could leave the van at the site beyond the normal check out time, but, that would mean cycling to Windsor at 07:00 in the morning, so, on balance, it seems wise to park on Gary's drive for the night.
Thursday, 29th June 2023.
Today, we are to attend the School assembly, and, performance by St Georges School Choir, in St Georges Chapel, with the environs of Windsor Castle.
We are upon crack of dawn, well, 06:30, because Gabriel has to be dropped off at school by 08:00, then, Salma must be taken to school, then, we must be back at St Georges, in time for admittance to the Chapel.
It is a bit of an ordeal, a flight of goodness knows how many steps leads up to the Castle walls (obviously built before EU Disabled Accessibility legislation).
The choir performance is extremely enjoyable.
Friday, 19th May 2023
A showery day for our return home, the weather improves as we go North.
The road works at Darrington are still a problem, enormous tail-back, well over 3 miles at just a little over a walking pace. Unfortunately, there is no viable diversion, so, no choice but to "put up with it".
Home by 15:30.
Wednesday 17th May 2023
Slightly cloudy day, but, dry and 16c.
I am still suffering with foot/heel pain. It is no worse, but, equally, no better.
I don't think the cycling had any adverse effects, but, Kathleen is reluctant to go cycling two days in a row. A rest day is in order.
Thursday 18th 2023
Warm and humid, feels like it might end in thunder. 17c and calm.
I have worked out a route to include two Churches, dedicated to Saints I have not collected yet, in my ABC of the Saints Names, Cyclechat Challenge.
We cycle first to Bainton, to collect St Mary,
That is "L" and "M" ticked off, "N" next.
Neither of these churches had clear name boards, rather disappointing when we had cycled there especially to photograph the bike, and name of the Church.
After Tallington, we take the small roads, via Langtoft.
We have no success finding a pub serving food, so, we stop off at Market Deeping, The Stage, for lunch.
18.72 miles, and, only mild grumbling from the back for Deeping St James - Bainton - Tallington - Barholm - Langtoft - Market Deeping - Deeping St James.
Sunday 14th May 2023.
Foggy first thing, but, by lunch time, 20c and sunny, and, it continued like that, until. evening.
Sunday, means church for Kathleen, I busy myself finding slightly shorter route, via the Church Yard of the C of E church.
I am thinking it is a bit of a waste, since this will be the last Sunday we will be here, but, it turns out, Thursday is a "Holy Day' (Ascension Day, apparently), so, a return visit to Church will be required for Kathleen.
A very pleasant walk, across the fields to the adjacent village of Frognall, it is very warm and sunny, so, a couple of Magnums (ice creams, not guns) are the order of the day.
Steaks for our evening meal, and, it is still warm enough to eat outside, not often that happens in the UK.
Monday 15th May 2023
Sunny, and dry, but, windy and cool at 14c.
I have a recurrence of my foot pain. This has happened before, a few weeks ago. The knowledgeable on on all things medical (Dana) diagnosed Plantar Fasciitis. So, today would appear to be a day of rest, certainly no walking. Cycling may be a possibility, if the wind dies down a little.
Tuesday, 16th May 2023
Sunny and dry, with 17c.
We cycle there instead, 4.27 miles, there and back.
Even being careful what I buy, we have a back pack each filled with stuff, too. pedal back.
I suspect another journey will be required for more wine, but, not today.
The cakes survive the journey back, so we
No particular destination in mind, we find the pub called "The Goat" which the site owner told us about, but, the time is wrong for lunch.
We cycle on and quite unexpectedly end up in Market Deeping, The Bull is still not serving food, for some reason, so, we go to the highly recommended Lilly's Tea Room, for a light lunch (very enjoyable, bacon sandwiches bursting with bacon). The original plan is to finish off with a piece of their very tempting cakes, but, the bacon sandwich is so large, it defeats Kathleen, and, by the time I have eaten one and a half bacon. sandwiches, I cannot eat a cake too.
A few more miles, after lunch, end up with approximately 14.5.
Thursday 11th May 2023
Sunny and 12c, with a promise of 16c. The forecast suggests a similar day to yesterday, but, a degree or two cooler.
Today it is necessary to do some chores.
A shopping trip for essentials, including bread, milk, wine, to the nearest supermarket, which turns out to be a small and expensive Coop, It is just under 3 miles, there and back, and, as I said, expensive, I think I will cycle to the Tesco if we need anything else!
Kathleen dons her "washer woman" gear and washes some clothes.
We decide to stay here longer, and, after checking with the lady who runs the place, all is arranged, we can stay up to Friday 19th May, if we wish.
Ominously, having decided to stay longer, we have a thunder storm, and, heavy rain!
Friday, 12th May 2023
Dull, windy, and 11c, by lunch time, it has started to rain. I do hope we have not screwed up the weather by deciding to stay!
This site has no toilet block/shower block, so, we have to use the van shower etc. This is not really a problem, particularly if you are "plugged in" to fresh water and waste water systems, (which we are here), so, no lugging fresh water and disposing of waste water.
However, Kathleen's "hair washing events" usually pose a problem in these circumstances, since a volume of water just short of a small reservoir appears to be required, plus, the hot water boiler only has a capacity of approximately 10 litres, so, none stop hot water can pose a problem.
I bought a little gadget off Amazon (where else) which allows you to stop/start the flow of water at the shower head, without touching the on/off control, and potentially, unintentionally, altering the temperature setting.
I am pleased to report, it worked superbly, grumbling level reduced by 75%, a win!
Saturday 13th May 2023
Dull and cool, 10c.
The forecast says 17c and sunshine by shortly after lunch time, well, that does not materialise.
We have actually cycled to Glinton a couple of days ago, but, the walk takes follows footpaths, rather than roads.
The instructions we were given are reasonably easy to follow, and, 3.91 miles later, we arrive at "The Blue Bell", just shortly after 12:00 noon.
We try to make a circular walk of it, by returned via a slightly different route, not much of a circle, but it is further at 4.25 miles.
8.16 miles for the day.
Tuesday 9th May 2023
Light cloud, 14c. The forecast says a high of 18c, and, rain from lunch time on.
No real destination in mind, the idea is to. explore the immediate area, and, have our lunch out.
Kathleen even volunteered to pay for lunch.
Finding somewhere serving food turns out to be more difficult than we thought, the nearest pub, The Waterton Arms, doesn't do food, although, the very pleasant bar maid, directs us to Market Deeping, where she assures us we will find a choice of eateries.
The first pub we come to, in Market Deeping, The Bull, does food, but, not on Mondays and Tuesdays, at this rate I will be drunk before we find our lunch!
The barman in The Bull, directs us to The Stage Hotel, just across the road, where we have a very enjoyable lunch in very pleasant surroundings.
The weather forecast has turned out to be totally wrong, and we walk back to Keal Lodge in full sunshine.
It does eventually end, a thunderstorm at 17:00, but, by that time, we are back at Keal Lodge, with over 12 miles walked!
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Sunny, 14c, rising to 17c.
Back to the cycling.
Sunday 7th May 2023
Dry but cloudy start. Not cold at 14c, rising to 20c later in the day (if the forecast is right!).
I do a little shopping, for something we forgot, in what must be the smallest 'supermarket" I have ever visited. Run by a (very pleasant) Asian family, the aisles are so narrow you have to walk sideways, and, the products are stacked on racks almost up to the ceiling, but, they do appear to stock everything!
Whilst Kathleen is occupied in church, I walk to what Google tells me is another supermarket,
By lunch time, we have full "summer style" sun, and 20c. We spend the afternoon lazying in the sun, drinking wine and reading.
We are also visited by the lady site owner, who is doing her rounds ensuring everyone is happy with the place.
She is very pleasant, but, boy can she talk. If only I could remember all of the "useful" information she told me. I am sure she must be the mother of the young lady who was here yesterday, to book us in.
Monday 8th May 2023
Rain early in the morning, before it was time to get up, then 13c, rising to 16c supposedly, and cloudy. To be expected I suppose, since today is a Bank Holiday (for the Coronation of Charles III.
While browsing the internet, I noticed there was a church called St Kyneburga, at a place called Castor, approximately 10 miles away. A quick check of my local Sustrans Map showed that it was quite possible to cycle there on cycle routes (mostly NCN21).
To be honest, it is not a very pleasant day, a stiff breeze, from the South West, so, almost a head-wind most of the way there, plus, solid cloud cover, with showers forecast.
Shortly after Eaton, there is a novel situation where we must cross the main East Coast railway line (Edinburgh - London). There is a bell to ring, after a short
Then, to Marholm, where we pause for a rest, and, I break the news there are "only" about 4 miles to go, to Castor.
We do get slightly wet in a couple of showers.
Church of St Kyneburgha located, photograph taken. It is rather disappointing, having come all this way, that there is no Church Name
Lunch in the nearby Royal Oak, Castor, to placate Kathleen, to be fair, she has been a little gem, hardly a word of complaint, even when it rained.
Then, back the way we had come. just over 20 miles in total.
Friday, 5th May 2023
I make a special effort to take some garden shots. We have our first Clematis flower of the spring, late I think, presumably because of the cold and dull weather we have had of late.
Accordingly, I have booked Keal Lodge Caravan Site N52.670112 W0.279909, chosen because it had vacancies.
I am not sure that having vacancies on such a busy weekend is actually recommendation, but we will see.
Approximately 195 miles.
Unsurprisingly, the journey is typical of the beginning of a UK Bank Holiday weekend.
A massive traffic hold up at Darrlington, A1 Southbound, thanks to road works, road is reduced to
Just to add to the fun, torrential rain, for much of the journey.
What joy.
Unusually for us, we take care to follow the owned supplied instructions to approach the site. Not sure if it was strictly necessary on the basis of road width, but, no doubt was in the interests of not annoying the locals.
But, the good news is, we arrive to blue skies, 18C, and, Keal Lodge appears to be a very
We are soon all settled in, a glass of wine, whilst sitting in the sunshine, the journey is forgotten.
Saturday, 6th May 2023
A pleasant morning, 14C, and, sunny with cloud.
Yesterday, when we arrived, we were greeted by the young lady who looks after the place (the daughter of the owner, I think).
One item of information was details of a pleasant walk, along the River Welland, to Deeping St James.
Google has already allowed me to determine
The order of the day today is to explore and check out where the important things are, ie pub, shop, Catholic Church (not necessarily in that order).
Aided initially by Google Maps, we find the Catholic Church, and, find the Riverside walk, during our 3.4 mile ramble.
Unfortunately, we do not find anywhere open, and serving food/drinks.
The current Catholic Church is a modern affair, Our Lady of Lincoln and St Guthlac
Some seriously attractive properties, along the River Welland, and, some wild life.
The weather is kind, it has warmed to a pleasant 16C, a slight shower, but, very brief.
