Tuesday, 15th February 2022
It is raining, again.
My first task for the morning is to clean the mud from our shoes, after yesterday evening's "short cut" through the mini forest.
But, not before Kathleen has stood in the doorway and clapped her shoes together, scattering bits of mud over the immediate area outside the door, just where you step, before entering van.
Count to ten, say nothing, life will be much easier.
I find a large coconut mat, attached to a wooden
pallet, behind our water and electric service point, so, I drag that into position as a first stage "feet wiping station".
Today, in daylight, but, still raining, we take the "sensible route" to the Park and Ride, only 0.7 miles, so, no big deal. Bus every ten minutes into Bath City Centre, and, the final stop is only five minutes walk from the Abbey.
We meet up with Susana, who has travelled here by train, then, off to the Abbey, for the Concert at 13:00.
A thoroughly enjoyable time, listening to the Concert, followed by a brief time to see and talk with Gabriel, before he is whisked off with his fellow choir members to their Youth Hostel accommodation.
Wednesday, 16th February 2022
More rain, overnight, but, not raining by daylight (only because it is blowing a gale).
Last night, TV would not work on "3" router, or, using one of our Phones (Tesco/O2) as a "hot spot", speed too low for video. So, no soaps for Kathleen. Tempers are becoming frayed.
Decided we better organise our next stop over (after calling at Windsor). It is a good job we decided to do it, what a nightmare.
First choice, Chertsey, CCC, is being refurbished, and not open until October 2022.
Second Choice, Oxford, CCC, is full! (in February).
Third Choice, Cambridge, Cherry Hinton, CAMC, is full!
Fourth Choice, The Willows, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, Independent, not answering their phone and no online booking system.
Finally, we plump for Polstead CCC site, in Suffolk.
This is no fun, roll-on the return to Mainland Europe and just turning up at a site!
Manage to get the TV working, via the Internet, using Tesco/O2 signal on my iPhone. Smiley face has returned.
Thursday, 17th February 2022
Approximately 90 miles to Windsor.
Great to see Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma.
Gabriel is home from his School Choir Tour, a little tired, obviously, lots of fun, and, not very much sleeping was had after "lights out".
Salma is at school, half term for her dressy begin until next week.
Plenty of fun time, with Gabriel, and, Salma, plus Gary and Susana, of course.
Friday, 18th February 2022.
The plan this morning is to drive to Polstead CCC Site, Suffolk, but, Storm Eunice suggests otherwise. There is a Meterological Office Red Alert, do not travel unless absolutely necessary. The wind is already very strong, and, forecast to get worse.
Commonsense dictates that we do not travel, and sit it out here.
Gabriel is scheduled to attend a friend's birthday party and sleep over, so, we don't see much more oh him.
Salma's school is closed, because of the weather, so, we play schools, and spend our time, counting and practicing writing.
By evening, the weather has improved to just a strong wind, although, TV reports are full of extreme weather, snow, wind, rain, wild seas. There are no trains running, many trees down, no ferries running, from Dover.
Saturday, 19th February 2022
The weather has calmed down considerably today, hardly any wind, and, a hint of sunshine.
Approximately 110 miles to Polstead CCC Site,Polstead, Suffolk. (N52 1'31" E0 53'40").
A pretty boring drive, round M25, then A12 (what a busy and boring road!).
We arrive at Polstead, just after midday. It will probably be a very pretty place, in the sunshine, but, it is raining heavily. Being positive, it is calm.
We are greeted by a very jolly warden who assure us she has selected a pitch for us, which will allow us to get all day sunshine. She is obviously an optimist, as she stands there in her waterproof, rain water running down her face.
By 16:15, rain has stopped, and cloud is clearing, can we hope for a little sunshine?
