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Friday, 8th March 2019
The day begins with sunshine, but, it does not last beyond 10:00, when the clouds roll in. But, being positive, it is mild (10C) and, not actually raining (yet).
We walk the (approximately) 3 miles along the canal, into Kidderminster. The route is perfectly cyclable (IMHO), Kathleen is not so sure, too many puddles, she says.
The Catholic Church (St Ambrose) is found, and, Mass times determined (11:00 Sunday).
A coffee, and cake stop.
We "normally" frequent Costa Coffee, but, for the last couple of times, we have used Starbucks. Slightly more expensive, not to mention their tax dodging reputation, but, I have formed an addiction to their "luxury fruit toast, but butter and jam", so, principle and moral considerations are abandoned, Starbucks it is today.
We also take the opportunity to check out the The Lock Inn, food, just a short stroll from the Campsite.
We strike up a conversation with a couple from Australia, the woman, originates from this area, and, is "home", because her father has died. Drinks are good, food looks good, and, they have a Folk Night on Mondays, so, if we are still here on Monday, we may be back!
On our return to the Van, Kathleen goes to Reception, to arrange to extend our stay. Bearing in mind, it is March (ie pretty much "out of season"), and, the Site is far from full, we envisage no difficulty. Much to our surprise, we are told the site is almost filly booked for the weekend, and, we may not be able to stay. We have to wait until 9:00 tomorrow, to see if we can be "fitted in". I do not understand all of this obsession with pre-booking, it ruins the spontaneity of MotorHoming.
Saturday, 9th March 2019
Showers and 10C. But, it is little consequence, the site is fully booked for tonight, so, we cannot stay. Rather a shame, I was rather looking forward to eating at the Lock Inn and, possibly visiting the Folk Club on Monday evening.
A quick online check and we find a space at Cirencester Park CAMC Site (N51.71418, W1.98403).
A very windy 65 or so miles, to Cirencester.
Weather is slightly warmer here, and, no rain,
Church "checking" has to be repeated, since we are not going to be at Kidderminster, St Peters RC Church is about a mile and a half from the site. The walking route is very pleasant, through the Private Estate of some landed gentry or other, two small problems, the route is closed to the public at 17:00 each evening, and, no cycling allowed.
Wednesday, 6th March 2019
Torrential overnight rain, cloudy, but dry this morning, and a mild 11C.
Kathleen will not "brave" the walk along the canal, into Skipton, "too muddy". The walk along the road is perfectly fine. The reviews for the site, say a 40 minute walk, they must walk exceedingly slowly, at Kathleen's pace, it is 20 minutes, for normal people, I would say 30 minutes maximum.
Skipton, is a pleasant and bustling place, Market day on a Wednesday.
In addition to the market, we manage a very pleasant canal side walk.
We have a very enjoyable lunch, no meat, because Kathleen is observing Ash Wednesday, a day of abstinence, the price entrance to heaven it would appear. Only problem is, it means no wine tonight!
Starting from Skipton, we walk along the canal, until the tow path becomes too muddy, then, along the road, to arrive back at the van, just as the heavens open with torrential rain.
We had planned to move on to Tamworth, tomorrow. Thought we better check site has spaces, just in case. Amazingly, it is full. Apparently, it is Crufts Dog Show at Birmingham NEC, and not only the site we had selected, but, all nearby sites are fully booked. Damned nuisance. Accordingly, we decide on Kidderminster.
Thursday, 7th March 2019
Rain all night, and, still raining this morning. We have already decided to move on to Wolverley Camping and Caravan Club site (52.40833, -2.243976), near Kidderminster.
We pack up, and locate Jeanette (owner) to pay. This is the first time we have actually seen her, since we arrived, which I think is very trusting of her.
Approximately 150 miles, mostly motorway, and, pouring with rain all of the way.
All looks good, although, nothing really looks good, in pouring rain!
The usually friendly welcome from CCC Warden, and we are given directions to the pub and the canal, I am sure both will be of value, if it ever stops raining!
The rain does not really stop, but, briefly, it eases to be just a
light rain failing, allowing us a brief stroll to check out the location.
of the pub (The Lock Inn), and the adjacent Staffordshire and Worcester Canal.
