Windsor - Amerden Caravan Park, Taplow contd....

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. 

A short walk, to explore our surroundings, ready for any future visit.

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.

Afterwards, a little food shopping at Tesco, a fill up with diesel, and, then, the drive to Keal Lodge CL, at Deeping St James.

All starts well, the M25 is tolerable, but, this does not last, a significant accident on the M1 northbound (two articulated wagons have collided, then, gone off the motorway, through the safety barrier (on the hard shoulder side, fortunately, not the central reservation).

A few miles of tailback slows us down somewhat.

It occurs to me, could this be the reason my amazon Prime Order for Tanya's birthday, is running late?, is it in one of those two trucks?

We arrive at Keal Lodge around 15:30, we have been here before, just a few weeks. ago, so, we are quite familiar with the set up.

  

Windsor - Amerden Caravan Park, Taplow contd....

Monday, 26th June 2023

After yesterday's "excitement" of cycling in the dusk, through a heavily wooded, and therefore quite dark area, Kathleen is not up for cycling to Gary's today.

I decide to renew my acquaintance with Uber, and get a taxi. 

I still have the App on my phone, it was last used in 2018!

Payment card details have expired, so, that needs to be updated, then, I find that, for some reason, it will not allow me to arrange a pick-up from the Campsite.

Reason that, perhaps, it is because the Campsite is located on bridle path, signposted "authorised vehicles only", we walk to the end of the lane, to try our luck there.

We do spot a bus stop, but, there is no timetable/destination board displayed, we are surrounded by houses costing £2million plus, so, I doubt they have much need for a bus.

Uber comes good, and, allows me to set a pickup at the junction of two roads, gives me the registration number of the cab, and, an eta to pickup. With tracking which amazon would be proud of, a cab turn up in about 5 minutes.

The smooth and efficient way in which outfits like Amazon and Uber operate often makes me ponder, how would it be if we got rid of the Civil Service/Government and substituted Uber/Amazon?, would everything run smoothly, would my friend Doug have got his driving licence renewal in days, not months, with regular tracking information to tell him when to expect it?, rather than the shambles which is DVLA.

However, successive Government's efforts at outsourcing have only brought us disasters like PFI, and Capita.

I am not a habitual taxi user, so, not familiar with what to expect cost wise, in the event it is £16 for approximately 6 miles, is that reasonable?

Gary is working in his home office.

We get stuck into the fence painting again.

One side finished, then a break for lunch, made by Susana, on her return from the Gym.

After lunch we begin working our way along the longest side. This consists of about 11 panels, Gabriel tells me it is 20 metres, and, I would say he is about right.

Two panels completed, this is slightly more time consuming than the first side, since there are bracing struts to paint too. 

The good news is the fence posts are concrete, so, do not require painting.

The tub of paint is running low, and, we don't quite manage to complete another panel, before we run out of paint, so, the job is stopped for want of materials.

We are under orders, from Gary, not Gabriel, that we must leave some fence for Gabriel to paint, since it is one of his chores.

There are 8 or 9 panels remaining to be painted, it looks like that may be Gabriel's some holiday task.

Off to a Greek Restaurant for our evening meal, then, a lift from Gary to the oddly named "Monkey Island Lane", from where we walk the 1.5 miles or so, over the pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Thames, and back to Amerden Caravan Site.

Tuesday, 27th June 2023

Today, is much cooler, only 20C, it would have been a better day for working, painting the fence, but, too late, we have used all of the paint, and worked in the 28c heat!

We were invited to attend Salma's school sports day, and, subsequent picnic, but, instead we are having a day off, relaxing at the campsite.

The only excitement today is a couple of new arrivals, there are five of us here now.

One of the arrivals is quite a large van, and, they have just unloaded a motor scooter, and ridden off on it. Happy memories of our scooter. made me ponder, "should we get another one?".

We have a visit from Gary and Salma, in the evening. I offer Salma my last Malt Loaf Snack, think, she will not like them. Big mistake, Salma likes them and scoffs the lot!

 

Windsor - Amerden Caravan Park, Taplow

 Saturday, 24th June 2023

Today we head for  Windsor. Leisurely start, on the road by about 10:00.

Easy going, although, instead of taking us straight down A1 to M25, which I would usually expect, Sat-Nav detours us onto A421 and takes us to M1, then M25.

Hindsight makes me guess that the Sat-nav took into account the state of the M25, and avoided putting us on to it for as long as possible.

The M25 is seldom a pleasure to drive on, no idea why, perhaps Royal Ascot, or, Glastonbury, but the traffic was horrendous traffic on M25, not much above walking pace for mile after mile.

A quick stop at Gary's, to drop off a "spare" bicycle, which I am donating to Gary or Gabriel, unto them to draw lots for it.

First surprise, Gary is not there, he has jetted off to Norway, to do a quick ship inspection job, due back tomorrow.

Then on to Amerden Caravan Site, Taplow.

Seems pleasant enough, not crowded, friendly enough greeting from the Owner/Warden, approach not difficult, but quite a long single track stretch, which thankfully, seems quiet.

In the evening, a short explore on the bicycles, to try and find our route to Gary's, by bicycle, initially not very successful, we end up in someone's garden, near Bray Lock, on the River Thames. 

The owner is initially rather aggressive, but, when he realised we we two harmless pensioners, who had genuinely taken a wrong turn, he was actually quite helpful in pointing us in the right direction.

We find the pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Thames, into the oddly named Monkey Island Lane, and then to Maidenhead Road, once you know where you are going, it is only about 1.5 miles to Maidenhead Road.

I suppose, the moral of the story is, thank goodness it is not America, we may have been shot!.

Sunday, 25th June 2023

Kathleen is going to attend Church at 11:00, in Windsor (St Edward's), with Susana, and Salma. Initially, we believe Gabriel is at Basketball, but, in the event, he turns up at Church, and, sits with his Granny (ie Kathleen), which pleases her very much.

We cycle to Windsor, on the bicycles, 6.22 miles to the church, and, then, on to Gary's.

A quick snack, after which I rope Gabriel into painting the garden fence.

There is a bit of a back story. It is supposed to be Gabriel's chore, but, IMHO, it is a bit intimidating for a 13 year old, it is a pretty big fence! A bit of encouragement is needed.

My technique is simply get the paint and a brush and make. start. It takes about five minutes before Gabriel appears, paint brush in hand and starts helping.

We do a couple of hours, me employing my usual technique of suggesting "why not just do a little more" to get keep Gabriel going, and, get quite a few metres done.

As we paint, we also manage to have a pleasant chat, about various things, but, not least about his recent Presentation at school on the subject of "Competitiveness", which, under the circumstances, turns out to be quite appropriate!

After Gabriel's motivation falters and dies, Kathleen takes over as my fellow painter.

Competitve as ever, Kathleen has to ensure we get at least as much done as the Gabriel/Ken partnership.

We reach the beginning of Salma's play area, at which point, a truce is called and we stop.

I didn't measure it, but, I would estimate 12 linear metres painted, which is about two thirds of one side.

After a brief rest and relaxation, we head off for an evening meal at GoGo's restaurant, in a rather smart Marina, near Windsor Race Course, I doubt many of the clientele here have spent the afternoon painting the garden fence.

After meal, at GoGo's Restaurant, iwe cycle back to the van.

Leaving Gabriel to admire the Lamborghini parked near our bicycles, we were definitely the only customers who arrived on bicycles!

This was not as pleasurable as the ride there. Spitting on to rain, although it never actually rained, and, getting dark.

We do have good lights, but a bit intimidating all the same.

Don't think we will be doing that again.

Disaster!, and, Recovery

 Saturday, 21st May 2022

I typically leave packing and other preparations. For once, thank goodness I didn't!

Went into the van, to organise my cycling maps etc. Noticed a strange, but, not unpleasant smell. Then, notice what appeared to broken pieces of plastic, behind the passenger seat. 

No obvious source for the broken plastic, I decided to follow the usual course under such circumstances, and, blame Kathleen.

For no reason I can explain, the thought "could it be a battery problem?". The leisure battery is suitably inaccessible, being located under the passenger seat. So, I removed the louvred cosmetic plastic covers from the bottom of the seat. First hint that "we have a problem", dampness (which turned out to be battery acid on the inside of the plastic covers. The leisure battery has burst, there are numerous bit of battery case inside the seat base.

Replacing the battery entails removing the very heavy passenger seat, and, avoiding triggering the passenger airbag. I decide to try the Motorhome Dealer (Tyne Valley Motorhomes). Fortunately, they tell me they can take the van in, and, replace the leisure battery.

Wednesday, 25th May 2022

Off we go to Tyne Valley Motorhomes, Byermoor, to drop off the van, ready for them to begin work first thing tomorrow.

This could have been an enjoyable little jaunt, with a pleasant bus ride back to Gateshead Interchange, then, Metro home, but, the weather is terrible, blowing a gale and not very warm.

Friday, 27th May 2022

We received word, all fixed, yesterday, so, this morning we make the return journey, Metro, to Gateshead Interchange, then, bus to Byermoor.

Van is all ready, so, apart from the big hole in my bank account, all is well.

Wednesday, 1st June 2022

A mixed bag of weather, sun, cloud, rain, alternating, at least it is not cold!

270 miles, it all goes smoothly, until, just before the M1/M25 junction (6A), when it all slows to a fast walking pace, then, the dreaded M25.

Major accident on opposite carriageway, we are slowed to a crawl, as everyone looks at what is happening. 

Looks major.

Pity this involved, hopefully no-one seriously hurt, or worse, and, then, eight miles of queuing traffic.

We arrive an hour later than anticipated.

The good news is... the sun is shining! and, it is WARM (23C).

Windsor, and, Rutland Camping and Caravan Site N52.723962 W0.631954

Tuesday, 28th December 2021

A dismal day, heavy cloud, when it is not actually raining, there is steady drizzle.

Approximately 290 miles, mostly light traffic, but, usual heavy traffic from Luton, and, of course, on the dreaded M25.

We are met by grandson, Gabriel, who helps get us parked and plugged in, then, we are joined by Salma.

Wednesday. 29th December 2021 - Saturday, 1st January 2022

Family Time, great to see Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma.

Sunday, 2nd January 2022.

All good things come to an end.

Fond farewells to Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma.

After all the rain we have had, it is a bright and sunny morning for our just under 120 mile journey to Rutland Camping and Caravan Site (N52.723962 W0.631954).

The weather is sunny and mild, when we arrive, but, soon, the rain returns, and the brisk wind, so, overnight, we have the pleasant music of rain battering on the roof.

Unsurprisingly, I suppose, considering the weather and time of year, there does not appear to be many people here, although the Cafe appears to be functioning with a reduced, but, still substantial menu. 

There are two pubs and a hotel, in Greetham village, The Plough Inn; The Wheatsheaf; Greetham Valley Hotel and Golf Club. So, the plan tomorrow, weather permitting, is a cycle ride, or a walk, and lunch at a pub or at the cafe. 

 

  

Monday, 3rd January 2022

After last night's heavy rain, we wake to blue sky and sunshine.

After a leisurely breakfast, we take a walk to explore Greetham.

The village is bigger than we thought, but, little in the way of Commerce, just one village shop (the post office). 

A rather attractive Church, Church of St Mary The Virgin, and, not much else. The Church would once have been a Catholic Church, but, naturally was "stolen by the wicked Henry VIII" (Kathleen's version), or, "released from the scourge of plenary indulgences and being controlled by the Vatican, etc" (my version).

Our, or, my plan, was to have lunch at one of the village pubs, but, in these covid times, they were both fully booked, so, it will have to be the site cafe.

Although there appears to be only about six people staying here, the cafe is running a menu with quite a few choices, and, only one item (Lasagne), not available. We plump for Steak and Ale pie, very edible.

Tuesday, 4th January 2022

After yesterdays clear skies, a heavy overnight frost, and, a very cold day, only 1C at 9:00.

179 uneventful miles home, no road works, no hold ups, an almost unique experience!

We are home by 12:30.

Leave Windsor, arrive Devizes.

 Sunday, 3rd October 2021

Another cool morning only 10C.

Kathleen takes herself off to church while I pack up, then, watch a cartoon version of the Adamms Family with Gabriel and Salma.

Farewells to Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma.

Not a lot of traffic on the 80 mile drive, roughly half on M4, remainder on "A" Roads, to Devizes, probably all searching for petrol/diesel.

Lots of parked cars on the final approach, not too much of a problem to us, but, pleased I am am not towing a large twin-axle caravan!

Devizes Camping and Caravan Club Site N51.356511 W2.072076, our second visit here, first was 2012. 

The site is 100 metres from Kennet and Avon Canal. Wardens had even taken my joking Booking - "Additional Requirements: Some sunshine please" to heart and allocated us a sunny pitch (assuming sun shines of course).

Perhaps, the Caravan Club is going to have to up it's game, contactless checking in, no need to even go into reception, fees automatically taken on day of arrival. Plus, free WifI which actually works!

Monday, 4th October 2021

Torrential rain for most of the night, and, only 10C this morning, but, clear blue sky, and sun is shining.

Hair maintenance this morning (Kathleen, not me), which means, no way is a cycle helmet going to be worn, today.

So, a five mile walk along the (Kennet and Avon) Canal, a slight detour to Seend Cleve, to check out the Brewery Inn.

A drink at The Barge Inn, Seend, and a picnic lunch, sitting on a lock gate, by the canal.

We manage to do all of this, without getting wet, but, the rain starts again, in late afternoon.

 

Windsor

 Monday, 27th September 2021

Heavy, no, torrential rain this morning. It eventually stopped by about midday, but, then a near gale force wind started.

The original plan was to go cycling, with Gary, but weather killed that idea.

Once the rain stopped, I amused myself with a spot of gardening (weeding), followed by a walk into Windsor, meet grandson,Gabriel, after school, and walk back.

Tuesday, 28th September 2021

Dry, then rain, then dry, and so on, until about 20:00, when it just rained and rained!

Booked next site (Devizes).

Did a little more gardening for Gary.

Inflated tyres on Gabriel and Salma's bicycles.

Attended Garbiel's School Music Concert (he was singing). 

Lots of effort put in them all, so good to see.

Very enjoyable.

Wednesday, 29th September 2021.

A dry and sunny morning... amazing. This lasts until about 16:00 when the rain comes again.

A short cycle ride with Gary, along the River Thames, from Windsor, toward Maidenhead, then, across the Thames and back to Eton.

Meet up with Susana and Kathleen, in Windsor, for a very pleasant lunch, followed by watching Gabriel play football, at School. It was an "inter-house" tournament, they came 3rd out of 4, so, not brilliant, but, better than being 4th, and, Gabriel acquitted himself well.

Thursday, 30th September 2021.

Back to rain today, forecast to rain, more-or-less, all day. Temperature down too, only 12C. My plan was not to succumb to long sleeve shirts until October, but, I have had to concede and switch on the last day of September!

The plan this morning was to attend St Georges Chapel, within Windsor Castle, where Gabriel is singing in the Choir. Unfortunately, things did not go to plan. Salma had to be dropped off at school first, and, traffic was horrendous. Result, we missed the "security slot" to be admitted to the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Spent the afternoon repairing a flat tyre on Gabriel's bicycle, plus a few other minor adjustments.

Friday, 1st October 2021.

Woke up to rain, but, by 10:00 it had cleared, to leave sunny with cloud, and a mild 18C.

Walked into Windsor, via a new (to me) route, along some very quaint streets.

Then, strolled along the River (Thames), whilst Gary and Susana went shopping.

It really is very pleasant by the river, lots of swans and geese.

We walked to a little beyond Eton, then, met up with Gary and Susana, for lunch, in a very pleasant independent cafe, run by a Portuguese from Madiera, all very informal, and excellent food.

Saturday, 2nd October 2021.

10C, but not raining (initially) by 10:00, it is raining, and, it continues all day.

Gabriel test rides his bicycle, which I have fixed (puncture). We fine tune set height and he says he is very happy with it, and, finding it easier to ride. He rides about for about an hour, until the rain comes.

Gary has to go to Luton Airport (for work), Salma is going to a friends birthday party, with Susana, so, we are "babysitting" Gabriel, or, is Gabriel looking after us?

Part of Gabriel's morning is spent on Guitar practice, so, we get musical entertainment.

The plan was for the whole family to eat out tonight, but, Covid restrictions means advance booking is in place, and, we were unable to get a table for 6. So, Pizza and Chips, in the house, and, entertainment from Gabriel with his guitar.

Gale Cruisers CAMC CL (N52.540554 E1.485291) continued...

 Saturday, 25th. September 2021

A dry and amazingly mild start to the day, for late September, 18C at 08:00, totally still, no wind, and, forecast for 23C.

No cycling today,  by order of Management.

A walk along the river, and, back by a circuitous route to the town (Loddon), for a pint in The Swan. There was a wedding reception going on, but we had finished our drinks, before the inevitable loud music started.

Book reading, after the walk, followed by packing away bicycles etc.

Tomorrow, we head for Windsor, that is assuming the M25 is not blocked by Extinction Rebellion, and, there is at least one garage with diesel, before we run out.

Interesting question, what happens if, like us, you are a couple of hundred miles from home, and, you cannot get fuel, and, in all probability, cannot find a place to stay? Do you just drive until the diesel runs out, then "camp out" wherever you happen to be? 

Sunday, 26th September 2021

 A typical autumn morning, misty and cool, but, soon cleared and temperature increased, by the time we reached Windsor, it was "sitting in the garden" weather.  

150 Miles to Gary's (Windsor), diesel situation a bit of a concern, but, we found a garage on A11 with a small queue and plenty of stock. Tank now full, so, enough to get home, and, perhaps, a little more.

A catch up with Gary and Susana, but, mainly, "playing" with Salma and Gabriel.

Salma has progressed rapidly from last time we saw her (only about six months ago), which is so good to see. Gabriel continues to be a delight, updating us on his activities and school work,

Windsor to Morn Hill CAMC Site (N51.06208 ; W1.25846)

Monday, 17th May 2021

Up early to see Gabriel and Salma off to school, for the last time this visit.

These photographs were taken by Susana, but, we discover that Salma has taken to helping herself to Susana's iPhone, and, taking

photographs!

Like so!

Only 50 miles today, but, most of it in a rain and hailstorm of Tropical proportions.

Morn Hill CAMC Site, Winchester, Hampshire (N51.06208 ; W1.25846)

An unusual CAMC site, in that, there are no hard standing pitches, and, tents are accepted. The lack of hard standing pitches is a bit of a concern, given the amount of rain we have had, and, are still having. 

 

To Windsor

 Wednesday, 12th May 2021

The usual garden photograph, before we leave, to set the standard. Plus, a few more to illustrate the changes taking place with new fence, mostly being undertaken by neighbour Steve, although, I have lent the sweat of my brow to the effort.

Approximately 280 uneventful miles. A bit of sunshine, a bit or rain, typical of the weather we have been having recently.

We find Gary & Susana's new house, without a problem (it is our first visit). 

Parking the van is a bit of an ordeal, but, possible.

Absolutely wonderful to see the family (Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma, after so many months of Covid restrictions.

Everyone looking well and happy, the children have grown so much.

The new house is excellent.

Thursday, 13th May 2021

Not blessed with good weather, cool, and, showers, some very heavy, throughout the day.

Two (walking) laps of Bray lake with Gary and Susana, followed by lunch sitting outside a cafe by the lake (it stayed fine for the duration of lunch). 

Playing in the garden with Salma, after she returned from school, followed by collecting Gabriel from school after one of his activity filled days, with an 18:00 finish.

Friday, 14th May 2021

More overnight rain, and, a cloudy day forecast.

Saturday, 15th May 2021

Another indifferent day, weatherise. 

A full day, In the morning we attend Gabriel's Saturday morning football session, they draw 1-1, which is an improvement on being beaten. Gabriel does not manage to score, much to his disappointment, but, he puts in a valiant effort.

We are dutiful Grandparents and freeze on the touch line, whilst shouting encouragement.

Horse riding in the afternoon (Gabriel and Salma, not us grandparents!). 

Myself and Gabriel begin making an Airfix model of a Red Arrows training jet. Airfix models appear much more complex than I remember as a ten year old!

Table tennis in the evening with Gabriel, he tells me I am "quite good", I think, he is being kind.

Sunday, 16th May 2021

A heavy work day today, but, enjoyable because lots was achieved, and, I was in good company.

In the morning, work with Gary and Gabriel to fill skip with rubbish and rubble at the "old" house. Gabriel worked extremely hard, encouraged, no doubt, by my stories of how children his age (11), used to be sent up chimneys, down coal mines etc. His efforts were redoubled when he thought he may be getting paid minimum wage for his labours.

In the afternoon, a little relaxation, playing table tennis with Gabriel, followed by weeding, grass cutting, and strimming, with Gary, Gabriel and Kathleen.

In the meantime, Kathleen had Salma at the park, and, even, a little try at skate-boarding!

 

To Windsor - Family Event - Queens Acre (N51.4903, W0.6819)

Thursday, 16th May 2019

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!



 

Windsor, then Home

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.

The journey home, in video.

Dunkirk to Dover, Rainham in Kent and Windsor

Sunday, 9th October 2016


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.