A light hearted and (I hope) amusing record of some of our Campervan Trips.
It is mainly intended to inform friends and family where we are, plus, to keep our children updated on what is happening to their inheritance.
I do try to include details of Camp Sites and Aires, we visit. Checkout the "labels" listed in the right margin,
Please comment if you feel inclined, at least then I know I am not talking to myself (again).
Family events (first grand-daughter's wedding), mean we are leaving on our annual European Trip, later than usual. The weather in the UK has been appalling, thanks to Storm Denis. It would appear from the news that half the country is under water, although, here on Tyneside, we seem to have escaped the worst of it, a lot of strong winds and rain.
But, Monday 17th Feb 2020 is mild and dry, so, Lawns are cut and garden tidied, ready for someone (Claire?) to look after things in our absence, it should be a month or two, before the grass begins growing in earnest. Tuesday 18th Feb, another dry day, so, packing continues, bicycles etc secured in rear Garage. Kathleen is socialising with her "school friends" (all in their 70's now, so, no longer wearing their school uniforms!).
Wednesday 19th February through Saturday. 22nd Feb are taken up with "last minute essential tasks", prior to wedding, and departure:
hair "do" etc., not for me, I hasten to add ;) .
lunch with sisters, for a last minute gossip, and complain about how easy men have life.
wedding and following days hangover
The original intention was to go via Windsor, and visit Gary,Susana, Gabriel and Salma. But, because of the dreadful weather our first stop-over option, Liquid Leisure (N51.474581 W0.559103) is waterlogged and not accepting Motorhomes, and, our second choice Queens Acre CS (N51.4903 W0.6819), is not contactable. So, with regret, we will have to give Windsor a miss, and call on our way home, at the end of this trip.
We have bright sunshine, but, frost and only 1C, as we do. final preparations, and set off. 195 uneventful miles, to arrive at Ferry Meadows CAMC Site (N52.56053, W0.30593). Still bright sunshine, and 7C, when we arrive, so, a pleasant walk around the Nene Valley Park, to stretch the legs after driving.
Another short UK trip. To Windsor, to see Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma. Gabriel is making his first Holy Communion on Saturday, 18th May 2019, so, we will be attending that, as well as doing the usual Grandparent moves of marvelling at how tall they are now, how they have advanced etc etc. 290 miles. We anticipate traffic delays as we approach London, but, it is completely the opposite, tail backs and hold ups around Tees-side, before we have even gone 60 miles, then, plain sailing, helped partly by our alternative route via the M40, which avoids the dreaded M25.
We arrive at Queens Acre (N51.4903, W0.6819), more improvements to the site, there is now a separate CAMC CL area. Pitches are on hardstanding, with well paced EHU points. A small facilities area, with kitchen (fridge, freezer, microwave, washing up sink), plus, toilet, shower, and even a bath!. The site is located just off the busy A308, but, we are not able to hear any discernible traffic noise. Friday, 17th May 2019 After days of excellent weather, while we were at home, today is overcast, cool, with occasional rain showers. Undeterred we go cycling with Gary, 16 miles, in a circuit from Queens Acre, to Maidenhead, along the River Thames Path to Windsor and back to Queens Acre. Saturday, 18th May 2019 A slightly better day weatherise, a little warmer and brighter. We attend Gabriel's first Holy Communion, at St Edwards Catholic Church, Windsor. As expected, Gabriel is his usual calm and competent self. We round off the day with a very pleasant lunch in Windsor Sunday, 19th May 2019 Dry and warm. Gabriel is having an early birthday party (Paintball Party). There are what seem like dozens of friends attending, who, when dressed in their protective "combat gear" all look the same, it is not even possible to tell the boys from the girls! They have the whole day of firing paint ball "bullets" at each other in a mini forest. They periodically emerge, hot and sweaty, but, smiling, to be fed and watered!
Monday 10th October 2016 After yesterday's rain, we have a bright and sunny day. We are close enough to Gary & Susana's house to cycle there, but, in the interests of saving time, we unload the scooter from trailer, and use that to ride to Wyatt Road. A very pleasant morning spent with Susana and Salma, followed by retail therapy for Kathleen, while Salma attends a hospital appointment. We have the very pleasant task of collecting Gabriel from school, after his football club. The whole point of stopping off at Windsor, was to see the family, Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma, but, as so often happens with jobs such as Gary's, things do not go according to plan, and, it looks as if we will not see him, but, then, late in the afternoon, a nice surprise, Gary arrives home, so, we get to spend the evening with all of the "Windsor Reays". By the time we leave, to return to the Van, it is a cold and dark ride back. We have the correct protective clothing with us however, and Kathleen earns another "stripe" on her "bike-chick" credentials!. Tuesday 11th October 2016 Brr.... a really cold and frosty start, to the day, but, bright and sunny as the morning progresses. An hour or so, with Gary all to myself, whilst we return his hire car, followed by very pleasant walk and lunch at Virginia Water, with the ladies (Kathleen, Susana and Salma) joining us. Looking after Gabriel and Salma, whilst Gary and Susana go to Gabriel's School, to hear his teacher praise him (what else!). A family meal, in the evening, to round off the day. A little excitement as we get a taxi back to the Van. I ask to be taken to "Queens Acre" (the name of the Campsite), only to be taken to a rather smart housing development. Be warned, there are two places called "Queens Acre", in Windsor. No problem, the driver acknowledges the mistake, and we arrive eventually, at the correct place. Actually, I am rather flattered that the Taxi Driver thought we looked affluent enough to live at the Queens Acre housing development, but, then again, perhaps, he thought we were "staff"?
Wednesday 12th October 2016
It would appear, the bright sunny weather has come to an end, cloudy with showers this morning. Gary drives along to bid us farewell and safe journey. We arrive home late afternoon, after an uneventful journey. The garden is pleasantly tidy, thanks to Phillippa and Claire's efforts, it is so nice, NOT, to return to an out of control garden! The journey, overall.
Our Ferry is 6:00am, with check-in 5:00am, and about 20 minutes drive to the Port, from the
Gravelines Aire, so, needless to say, it is dark and cold, given the time of morning, to make matters more unpleasant, it is raining, not continually, but, a series of heavy showers. Amazingly, at such an early hour, the ferry is very crowded, lots of buses, each of course with 50-60 passengers.
A wet arrival in Dover, at 7:15 UK time. Reasonably light traffic, but,pouring rain, most of the way to Rainham in Kent.
But, the sun shines, as we arrive at Chez Brian and Linda, for breakfast.
Gravelines to Rainham, in video. After breakfast, a catch up chat, and a brief tour of Brian's new toy (Smart Car to tow behind campervan), we travel around the M25 to Queens Acre, Windsor, for a nice welcome from Celeste, the owner. Once settled in, we cycle the 1.5 miles to Gary and Susana's for our Gabriel and Salma fix.
A beautiful sunny day, but, time to go home. An uneventful drive home, Windsor to Boldon Colliery, on busy motorways, but, with traffic moving at a steady pace. The next few days will be spent: - Unpacking the van - gaining control of the garden
Unusually for a Bank Holiday weekend, it is a warm sunny day! We cycle along to Deddington, about two miles, Kathleen goes to church, whilst I sit drinking coffee, in Costa, and reading about "Celebrity" indiscretions, courtesy of the Sunday tabloids. Lunch at Gary's and a day of playing dominoes, football, paper aeroplanes etc with Gabriel, plus of course paying attention to Salma.
Monday, 2nd May 2016 It is a Bank Holiday in the UK, so, naturally, it is grey and overcaste! First we cycle into Windsor, so Kathleen can have a little retail therapy.
Next, we join Gary and family at the Windsor Racecourse family day. First time I have been "to the races", quite a spectacle, if only it had been ten degrees warmer! Nevertheless, it is incredibly well attended, with long queue for may of the children's activities, all of which are free! Mind you, the beer is £4.70 per pint, but, overall all, a good day out.
I may be wrong, but, I believe Kathleen and I are the only people to have arrived on bicycles! Sadly, the English weather intervenes, and the rain comes down. We return to Gary's for a "goodbye" meal, we must return home tomorrow.
Friday, 29th April 2016 Cold, with frequent heavy showers of hailstones, hardly spring weather! After yesterdays cycling, it is Kathleen's "treat" to have a day in Uxbridge, shopping. There is a bus direct from the campsite into Uxbridge town centre. In the evening, we arrange to meet up with Gary, Susana, Gabriel, Salma and Susana's mother at the Bear on the Barge Pub, to eat. Kathleen and I arrange to walk to the pub, a quick check on Google Maps, tells me it is 1.7 miles, 32 minutes to walk. This is a challenge to Kathleen, we have to do it in a shorter time, so, 31 minutes it is, and, we arrive first.
It transpires, it is the first anniversary of having the pub for the current owners, and, there is a celebration night arranged, reservations only to eat! Fortunately, the staff are extremely helpful, and find us a table. Saturday, 30th April 2016 After yesterdays hail showers, mild and sunny! Time to leave Wyatts Covert and move nearer to Windsor, Queens Acre, a Camping and Caravan Club Certified Site. The site is being refurbished, a little unfinished at the moment, but, the Owners are friendly and helpful, the site is just over two miles from Gary's, so, ideal.
An afternoon of bonding with Salma and Gabriel. The inevitable games with Gabriel, football, dominoes, spinning tops, flying saucers, rounded off with a walk at Virginia Water.
Sunday, 14th February 2016 We have a new grand-daughter, Salma, born 1st February 2016.
Salma lives in Windsor, with parents, Gary and Susana, and older brother Gabriel.
For some reason, there is a lack of campsites in the immediate area around Windsor. At this time of year (February) in the UK, we would not consider anywhere without EHU, no point in freezing!
I do find two small, CL type sites, (Newtonside Orchard Campsite, Old Windsor) including one which Gary had also noticed, very close to where they live (Queens Acre Caravan Site, a C&CC Certified Site).
Unfortunately, both were full, even the "full size" C&CC site at Chertsey is showing on the website as being fully booked. Fortunately, we do manage to get in there. The perils of half-term!
The journey South is uneventful, and reasonably pleasant, except for the interminable roadworks and speed restrictions on the M1. Monday 15th February 2016 A bitterly cold day, with heavy frost in the morning. It is quite possible to take the bus to Windsor, from Chertsey, but, Gary and Gabriel come in the car to give us a lift, which is very thoughtful and kind of them.
The day is spent admiring, nursing and generally fussing over the new arrival, Salma, and, why not indeed, she is a little beauty.
Tuesday 16th February 2016
A visit to the Royal Horticultural Societies Gardens at Wisley, with Gary and Gabriel. Plenty of things to keep Gabriel amused, especially throwing stones onto the ice of the many ornamental ponds. For the "grown-ups" a very pleasant lunch. We do actually have a shrub similar to this one in our garden at home, I do hope it does not grow as large as this one! At this time of year, when it is cold outside, and, most plants are not at their best, the moth and butterfly house is a warm attraction. Kathleen given the choice between walking in a cold garden and overcoming her dislike of moths to walk in
the tropical warmth of the moth and butterfly house, chose the latter!
Wednesday 17th February 2016 We make the journey to Windsor by bus, and meet up with Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma. Salma is off to have her passport photograph taken, at only 17 days old. She is clearly destined to be a globe trotter, like the well travelled Gabriel
We head off to visit Windsor Castle, with Gabriel. No photographs are allowed inside, although how they enforce this rule in this age of mobile phones with cameras, is anyone's guess. Gabriel is impressed with the numerous exhibits of swords, guns, various other weapons and suits of armour, but, not so interested in the rooms and rooms of portraits and antique furniture. After a pleasant meal back at Gary and Susana's, we head back to Chertsey on the bus. As is often the case, we find that travelling in a strange area, in the dark, has it's pit falls. At Staines, we are too late to spot the bus-stop we should get off at to catch the connecting bus to Chertsey. Not too much of a hardship, we travel on to Staines bus-station so, no harm done.
Thursday 18th February 2016 Dry and cold today, another bus ride to Windsor, to spend our final day of this visit with Gabriel and Salma (Gary, Susana and Susana's mother will be there too of course!). Friday 19th February 2016
A pleasant drive home, subject only to the inevitable roadworks on the M1.
