Eventually, common sense prevailed, and Kathleen went to the Doctors. Antibiotics were duly prescribed and now she is slowly feeling better, not well enough to go off in the campervan yet, but on the mend as they say.
Television
We have never bothered with Television on our campervan trips, and other than sometimes feeling a little out of touch, because I have not seen the news for several weeks, I cannot say that I have missed it.
But, this year, we are planning a tour in the UK, in Spring, it can reasonably be assumed, the weather will at some stage (if not the whole time!), be less than satisfactory.
We bought a small LCD TV from ASDA, and an indoor digital aerial, plus I made up a coaxial cable to allow us to plug into TV bollards at those sites which provided them.
First problem, in conversation with my brother (Brian), he told me that many of the TV bollards have "F Connectors" (no I did not know what they are either), rather than "normal" coaxial connectors. Why do they always make things so difficult?
After suitable advice and guidance from Brian, a trip to Maplin's to buy the relevant bits. This turned out to be an expensive trip. I went for some bits costing about £2, but in my conversation with Brian, the subject of Satellite TV was raised, the germ of an idea had been planted. Once in Maplin's, I spied the "Camping Satellite TV Kits", they were on offer. I was hooked. Soon, I was leaving with a Satellite TV Kit, Satellite Finder meter, and an overheated credit card.
I have no idea how to set up a Satellite receiving dish, so Friday evening, I carefully read the instructions, and consulted various websites. I learned about Azimuths, Elevations and LNB skew. I even found a website which showed my house, from the air, gave me Elevation, Azimuth and LNB skew, plus a "line of sight" guide to warn me of any obstructions to the signal. But, none of the Websites or Instructions provided any guide as to how sensitive or otherwise the various settings were, did I have to have it right to a couple of degrees, or to the nearest minute?
Saturday, I set about putting the various bits together and attempting to get a TV picture in the campervan.
I can tell you, this is an exercise in futility.
I had this basic understanding, up in the sky was a satellite, beaming out a TV signal. All I had to do was point the dish at it, and hey presto.
I soon had the satellite finder meter screaming away, to tell me I was "on target", but, which satellite was I locked onto?, it turns out there are dozens of the damned things spinning about up there! One every three degrees around the world, according to one website, according to my O level Geometry, that means 120 satellites to choose from.
After about two hours, I had a TV picture, and several channels to choose from, problem was, they were all in German or French. Clearly, I was "on" the wrong Satellite. Why can't they do something simple, like at least broadcast the Satellite name, can that be so difficult? I mean, they have managed to put them up there, and they are broadcasting hundreds of TV and Radio Channels, would it be too much bother just to broadcast the Satellite name?
I know I need Astra29.5E, but, it would appear I have Astra19.2E.
At this point, I found, tucked away at the back of the instruction book for the Satellite Receiver Box, a really simple guide to aligning the dish.
I will more or less repeat it here, it is short and simple, and it worked in five minutes!
Point the Dish due south.
Forget about the Elevation, for now, just set it vertical.
Forget about the LNB skew, for now, just set it to zero.
Stand behind the dish while doing the adjustments, so you are not blocking the signal with your big fat body.
With securing clamp just loose enough to be able to move the dish, move it to the left (ie East), about 3mm at a time, wait a few seconds between moves, watch the Satellite meter (and/or listen to the high pitched noise) as the signal strength rises.
As soon as the meter and/or noise indicates the signal is begining to weaken, go back slightly to get the peak signal.
Do not move the dish left or right (ie you have the Azimuth).
Now, assuming you are no further north than England, tilt the dish back about 3mm at a time, again waiting between moves and observe the meter and sound, until the maximum signal is obtained. You now have the Elevation.
If you are unfortunate enough to be in Scotland, the elevation may be negative, in which case you need to tilt the dish forward, but otherwise do as above.
Now, if you really must, tweak the LNB Skew (ie twist it clockwise or anticlockwise), again checking the signal strength as you do so. To be honest, for me, it made next to no difference.
After only 5 minutes, I have the signal meter at it's peak, and a nice high pitched squeal being emitted to tell me I am on target.
Into the van, use the remote control to instruct the Satellite box to scan for channels, and bingo, we have English TV!
I know it is not very modest, but I have to say, I am a genius!
Mind you, all in, it did take five hours to get to this stage, so I think perhaps a second career as a Satellite TV installer is not a good idea.
I dismantle it and pack it all away, ready to repeat the exercise at some caravansite. Watch this space, there just may be a Satellite system for sale shortly.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Monday 09th April 2012 - Thursday 12th April 2012
It is Spring, time for another Campervan jaunt. This spring, we are touring in the UK, Wales (including Anglesey) and the South Coast, stopping off near Windsor, to see Gary, Susana and Gabriel, then Norfolk and home.
We are not usually so organised or regimented with our route, but past experience with sites being full in the UK, has made us cautious of our usual European approach of just turning up. To make matters worse, this year is the Olympics, and the Queens Jubiliee, so the predictions are that everywhere remotely "touristy" will be full.
Kathleen has been poorly with some mysterious flu type bug. So, our departure has been delayed by a day.
Easter Weekend, is, as usual, a damp squib in terms of the weather.
Easter Monday, I begin the final tidying of the garden before we go away, back lawn cut, edged, paths swept it all looks very tidy.
Same at the front, lawn cut, edged, drive swept and treated with weed killer.
All looking very smart.
All we need now is for the weather to improve, a bit of sunshine and temperatures in the twenties (like it was two weeks ago), would be very acceptable.
The TomTom is feeling poorly, I have checked the casing for stab marks, but no visible damage, Kathleen must have just put a spell on it. When I charged it up and turned it on, I got an error message saying "No Map Found". I checked, the map file was there, but I copied it from the backup copy anyway (aren't I good having a back up!). That did not fix it.
Restored the whole lot from the back up. Big mistake. It will not even switch on now.
Next step is a drastic option, reformat the memory, using Windows File Manager, that will wipe everything, then I will have to try reloading the software, from my backup.
Initially, I used information provided by TomTom on the internet to achieve this, with no success, next, I ignored all of the official TomTom information, instead I distilled a variety of "tips" from various forums, and surprise, surprise, I have it working again. Not sure this bit of news will be well received by "the boss".
For this year, I have a new toy, it is a Drift Video camera, I have used it to take some video of our cycling exploits, see here. I hope to get some video of our journey, time will tell, stand by for boredom.
Last minute change of plan.
Kathleen's "flu" bug is still making her ill. Too ill to be jaunting about in a campervan. So, I have cancelled everything upto May 1st, hopefully, if she recovers before then, we can rebook some or all of it.
So instead of heading off for our first site, instead she is to visist the Doctors today (which she should probably have done nine days ago!).
Watch this space, normal service will hopefully be resumed as soon as possible.
We are not usually so organised or regimented with our route, but past experience with sites being full in the UK, has made us cautious of our usual European approach of just turning up. To make matters worse, this year is the Olympics, and the Queens Jubiliee, so the predictions are that everywhere remotely "touristy" will be full.
Kathleen has been poorly with some mysterious flu type bug. So, our departure has been delayed by a day.
Easter Weekend, is, as usual, a damp squib in terms of the weather.
All looking very smart.
All we need now is for the weather to improve, a bit of sunshine and temperatures in the twenties (like it was two weeks ago), would be very acceptable.
The TomTom is feeling poorly, I have checked the casing for stab marks, but no visible damage, Kathleen must have just put a spell on it. When I charged it up and turned it on, I got an error message saying "No Map Found". I checked, the map file was there, but I copied it from the backup copy anyway (aren't I good having a back up!). That did not fix it.
Restored the whole lot from the back up. Big mistake. It will not even switch on now.
Next step is a drastic option, reformat the memory, using Windows File Manager, that will wipe everything, then I will have to try reloading the software, from my backup.
Initially, I used information provided by TomTom on the internet to achieve this, with no success, next, I ignored all of the official TomTom information, instead I distilled a variety of "tips" from various forums, and surprise, surprise, I have it working again. Not sure this bit of news will be well received by "the boss".
For this year, I have a new toy, it is a Drift Video camera, I have used it to take some video of our cycling exploits, see here. I hope to get some video of our journey, time will tell, stand by for boredom.
Last minute change of plan.
Kathleen's "flu" bug is still making her ill. Too ill to be jaunting about in a campervan. So, I have cancelled everything upto May 1st, hopefully, if she recovers before then, we can rebook some or all of it.
So instead of heading off for our first site, instead she is to visist the Doctors today (which she should probably have done nine days ago!).
Watch this space, normal service will hopefully be resumed as soon as possible.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Tuesday 4th October 2011 - Saturday 8th October 2011
Market Rasen Racecourse, Affilliated Caravan Club Site (continued).
Tuesday, the plan is to walk into Market Rasen, visit the market (what joy), and then catch the bus to Lincoln.
The market is a disappointment, even to me. There is a burger van, a stall selling plants and a stall selling various secondhand stuff, which frankly was only fit to be thrown away.
Having exhausted the possibilities of the market, in about five minutes, we now had 55 minutes to wait for the bus. But much to our surprise a bus arrives almost immediately, indeed we have to hurry across the road to catch it.
There are four possibilities, the bus is very late, it is very early, our timetable is wrong, it is a different bus. No matter, we are on our way.
Lincoln is a pleasant surprise, a sort of smaller and hilly version of York.
This is the centre piece of the shopping centre, the River Witham, and more swans than I even remember seeing in one place.
A quick coffee, and in my case a slice of carrot and walnut cake to revive us, and we set off to see the cathedral.
Given thant Lincolnshire is such a flat place, it is surprising to find that the the Castle and Cathedral in Lincoln are at the top of a hill. Indeed the road leading up to the Cathedral is imaginatively called "Steep Hill".
We stop off part way up the hill, partly for a rest and partly for a bit of culture at the Usher Gallery, the rest is the main factor.
It is a very impressive Cathedral, vast inside, and light and cheerful.
The weather is pleasant and we wander the grounds of the Cathedral and Castle until thirst drives us to a rather nice pub on Steep Hill.
Then on further down the hill, to eat an allday breakfast in a small cafe next door to the Jews Court. Excellent sausage and black pudding!, not health food, but very nice.
Now a period of shopping, quite why women wish to visit Marks & Spencer in (say) Lincoln, when we have a perfectly good Marks & Spencer in Newcastle, selling exactly the same things, is beyond me, but in the interests of peace and harmony, we stroll around the shops.
Wednesday, the plan is to do a walk featured in the May 2009 edition of Practical Motorhome.
The walk is supposed to be 7.5 miles long, it begins from Willingham Woods car park, about 1.5 miles from the racecourse where we are staying.
We reach find the carpark, and the path leading into the woods. At this point I switch on the Runkeeper software on my iPhone, to track how far we walk.
We soon find that the instructions are inadequate, even although we have the relevant OS map with us. The walk through the woods with the trees all in their autumn colours is beautiful, but we have to back track and improvise to keep heading in the intended direction.
Eventually we emerge from the woods onto the B1203, Tealby Road, and turn left as directed. We then come to "The Populars", farm and tea room. At this point we have walked 6 miles, the total walk is only supposed to be 7.5 miles and we have not even come to the second of six "points of interest" yet!
We pause at the tea room for refreshments, and to reconsider our plan.
Instead of following the instructions we use the OS Map to guide us through the next wooded area, to emerge on the A46, and then make our way back to Market Rasen. A pause at the pub, and then back to the campsite.
We have done 11.5 miles excluding the walk to the start point!
Thursday, is my birthday. I am instructed by kathleen to lie in bed, whilst she makes breakfast. Perhaps this is going to be a good day?
After a late breakfast we take the bus to Lincoln. It has become a tradition that on my birthday, Kathleen treats herself to something or other, usually new clothes. But today, try as she might she cannot find anything she likes. Eventually, we return to the pub we visited on Tuesday, "Widow Cullens Well", on Steep Hill, and have a very enjoyable lunch, with copious amounts of wine.
Friday, the weather is becomming more "seasonal", ie it is bright and sunny, but definately cool. In the morning we take the OS map and do a 5 mile walk through the Lincolnshire countryside. After lunch, we cycle for 6 miles. It is necessary to do some exercise to work off the excesses of yesterday.
In the evening, Kathleen gets very artistic with the sunset.
We have never been TV watchers during our campervan trips, partly because we do take a TV with us in the van.
But I did "invest" in a USB Digital TV Receiver, which with the aid of a £6 ariel (from Wilkinsons) we find converts the laptop into a very acceptable TV. So Friday evening will be home from home for kathleen at least, ie an evening of TV watching!
Saturday, home again.
Tuesday, the plan is to walk into Market Rasen, visit the market (what joy), and then catch the bus to Lincoln.
The market is a disappointment, even to me. There is a burger van, a stall selling plants and a stall selling various secondhand stuff, which frankly was only fit to be thrown away.
Having exhausted the possibilities of the market, in about five minutes, we now had 55 minutes to wait for the bus. But much to our surprise a bus arrives almost immediately, indeed we have to hurry across the road to catch it.
There are four possibilities, the bus is very late, it is very early, our timetable is wrong, it is a different bus. No matter, we are on our way.
This is the centre piece of the shopping centre, the River Witham, and more swans than I even remember seeing in one place.
A quick coffee, and in my case a slice of carrot and walnut cake to revive us, and we set off to see the cathedral.
We stop off part way up the hill, partly for a rest and partly for a bit of culture at the Usher Gallery, the rest is the main factor.
The weather is pleasant and we wander the grounds of the Cathedral and Castle until thirst drives us to a rather nice pub on Steep Hill.
Then on further down the hill, to eat an allday breakfast in a small cafe next door to the Jews Court. Excellent sausage and black pudding!, not health food, but very nice.
Now a period of shopping, quite why women wish to visit Marks & Spencer in (say) Lincoln, when we have a perfectly good Marks & Spencer in Newcastle, selling exactly the same things, is beyond me, but in the interests of peace and harmony, we stroll around the shops.
Wednesday, the plan is to do a walk featured in the May 2009 edition of Practical Motorhome.
The walk is supposed to be 7.5 miles long, it begins from Willingham Woods car park, about 1.5 miles from the racecourse where we are staying.
We reach find the carpark, and the path leading into the woods. At this point I switch on the Runkeeper software on my iPhone, to track how far we walk.
Eventually we emerge from the woods onto the B1203, Tealby Road, and turn left as directed. We then come to "The Populars", farm and tea room. At this point we have walked 6 miles, the total walk is only supposed to be 7.5 miles and we have not even come to the second of six "points of interest" yet!
We pause at the tea room for refreshments, and to reconsider our plan.
Instead of following the instructions we use the OS Map to guide us through the next wooded area, to emerge on the A46, and then make our way back to Market Rasen. A pause at the pub, and then back to the campsite.
We have done 11.5 miles excluding the walk to the start point!
Thursday, is my birthday. I am instructed by kathleen to lie in bed, whilst she makes breakfast. Perhaps this is going to be a good day?
After a late breakfast we take the bus to Lincoln. It has become a tradition that on my birthday, Kathleen treats herself to something or other, usually new clothes. But today, try as she might she cannot find anything she likes. Eventually, we return to the pub we visited on Tuesday, "Widow Cullens Well", on Steep Hill, and have a very enjoyable lunch, with copious amounts of wine.
Friday, the weather is becomming more "seasonal", ie it is bright and sunny, but definately cool. In the morning we take the OS map and do a 5 mile walk through the Lincolnshire countryside. After lunch, we cycle for 6 miles. It is necessary to do some exercise to work off the excesses of yesterday.
We have never been TV watchers during our campervan trips, partly because we do take a TV with us in the van.
But I did "invest" in a USB Digital TV Receiver, which with the aid of a £6 ariel (from Wilkinsons) we find converts the laptop into a very acceptable TV. So Friday evening will be home from home for kathleen at least, ie an evening of TV watching!
Saturday, home again.
Monday, 3 October 2011
Sunday, October 2nd 2011 - Monday October 3rd 2011
Market Rasen Racecourse, Affilliated Caravan Club Site.
It is my birthday this week, that plus the excellent weather we have been having, has decided us that we will have another outing in the campervan.
Lincolnshire has been selected on the basis that it should be good cycling country, since it is flat!
Sunday morning, as we are due to leave, it has been glorious sunshine for the past week, this morning it is raining!, but as we head south, it clears and by the time we arrive at Market Rasen, shortly after lunch, it is another beautiful day.
We spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Market Rasen, looking for good pub(s), and/or places to eat. This is not exactly successful.
Monday
Armed with our OS Map of the area, we set off on a cycle ride. The plan is to cycle to Horlton-cum-Beckering.
From the beginning almost, things do not go smoothly.
According to the map there is a "byeway", which will save us from cycling along the road.
Initially, due to my poor map reading skills, we cycle past it and have to retrace our steps.
We do not know it at the time, but cycling back to find it was not really a good idea. It starts well, but soon becomes this rough overgrown track.
It is impossible to cycle much of the time, because the surface alternates between deep ruts, and large irregular stones.
Kathleen plods on, with no complaints, this is ominous, she is not normally so cooperative.
Eventually we emerge from the overgrown byeway, at a small village called Linwood.
Here we see, there is a perfectly good cycle track, all nicely signposted and surfaced, which we could have taken from Market Rasen.
Still Kathleen is calm about it, no recriminations, what can the problem be?
We cycle on, following the cycle route signs, until we come to Wickernby.
By now, it is nearing times for elevenses, or at least a coffee. So far we have not even seen a shop, nevermind a pub or cafe. At Wickernby, we stop for a rest and a drink of water (this being all that is on offer). We notice a group of people outside the church, they dressed as if they have been attending some function, but are having a picnic, we will soon find out why.
We continue on our way, soon we come to Wickerby Airport, don't get carried away, it is not exactly Heathrow. It is a former WW2 RAF airfield, now used by light aircraft and helicopters, plus there are a few factory units.
Most interesting of all, there is (according to a sign) a cafe in the former control tower, we make our way there. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The place is like a scene form the film "Battle of Britain", ie a few empty chairs and a bowl of water for the dog, but no coffee or tea, I had even hoped for a bacon sandwich.
We pause and watch this helicopter take off, I have never been this close to a helicopter taking off before.
We now reason, if this was a former RAF airfield, there MUST be a pub nearby, I mean, in all of the best WW2 films, the pilots return from an "op" and go straight to the pub. We cycle on to Holton-cum-Beckering.
There is a pub, the "White Hart" we peddle to it briskly, "closed on Mondays", the sign says. Who ever heard of a pub which was closed on Mondays? Perhaps there is another pub in the village, but no, we cycle right through the place and emerge from the other side, no pub, no cafe.
We decide we will head back toward Market Rasen, before we die of dehydration, we can see from the map, we can return via a place called Lissington, it looks to be a reasonable size, perhaps....
that is right, no pub or cafe in Lissington.
On to Middle Rasen, here there is a fine church.
There is also a Bowls Club, a shop and a post office.
It even has a map and information board, showing "places of interest", nothing that interests us, no food, no refreshments.
Until now, we have been lighthearted about this, having a laugh as we pedalled along, the joke is beginning to wear thin.
Soon we are back in Market Rasen, where we quickly find the Aston Arms and order ourselves pint shandies.
Refreshed, we return to the racecourse and caravan site.
We have cycled 21 miles this morning, after lunch, we spend the afternoon soaking up the sunshine.
It is my birthday this week, that plus the excellent weather we have been having, has decided us that we will have another outing in the campervan.
Lincolnshire has been selected on the basis that it should be good cycling country, since it is flat!
We spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Market Rasen, looking for good pub(s), and/or places to eat. This is not exactly successful.
Monday
Armed with our OS Map of the area, we set off on a cycle ride. The plan is to cycle to Horlton-cum-Beckering.
According to the map there is a "byeway", which will save us from cycling along the road.
Initially, due to my poor map reading skills, we cycle past it and have to retrace our steps.
We do not know it at the time, but cycling back to find it was not really a good idea. It starts well, but soon becomes this rough overgrown track.
Kathleen plods on, with no complaints, this is ominous, she is not normally so cooperative.
Eventually we emerge from the overgrown byeway, at a small village called Linwood.
Still Kathleen is calm about it, no recriminations, what can the problem be?
We cycle on, following the cycle route signs, until we come to Wickernby.
By now, it is nearing times for elevenses, or at least a coffee. So far we have not even seen a shop, nevermind a pub or cafe. At Wickernby, we stop for a rest and a drink of water (this being all that is on offer). We notice a group of people outside the church, they dressed as if they have been attending some function, but are having a picnic, we will soon find out why.
We continue on our way, soon we come to Wickerby Airport, don't get carried away, it is not exactly Heathrow. It is a former WW2 RAF airfield, now used by light aircraft and helicopters, plus there are a few factory units.
Most interesting of all, there is (according to a sign) a cafe in the former control tower, we make our way there. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The place is like a scene form the film "Battle of Britain", ie a few empty chairs and a bowl of water for the dog, but no coffee or tea, I had even hoped for a bacon sandwich.
We now reason, if this was a former RAF airfield, there MUST be a pub nearby, I mean, in all of the best WW2 films, the pilots return from an "op" and go straight to the pub. We cycle on to Holton-cum-Beckering.
There is a pub, the "White Hart" we peddle to it briskly, "closed on Mondays", the sign says. Who ever heard of a pub which was closed on Mondays? Perhaps there is another pub in the village, but no, we cycle right through the place and emerge from the other side, no pub, no cafe.
We decide we will head back toward Market Rasen, before we die of dehydration, we can see from the map, we can return via a place called Lissington, it looks to be a reasonable size, perhaps....
that is right, no pub or cafe in Lissington.
There is also a Bowls Club, a shop and a post office.
It even has a map and information board, showing "places of interest", nothing that interests us, no food, no refreshments.
Until now, we have been lighthearted about this, having a laugh as we pedalled along, the joke is beginning to wear thin.
Soon we are back in Market Rasen, where we quickly find the Aston Arms and order ourselves pint shandies.
We have cycled 21 miles this morning, after lunch, we spend the afternoon soaking up the sunshine.
Friday, 16 September 2011
Thursday 15th September 2011
Hargill House Caravan Club Site, Richmond (continued)
As so often happens, that last day is the best weather!
At least this means a pleasant journey home, followed by a little gardening when we arrive home.
As so often happens, that last day is the best weather!
At least this means a pleasant journey home, followed by a little gardening when we arrive home.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Monday, 12th September 2011 - Wednesday 14th September 2011
Hargill House Caravan Club Site, Richmond (continued)
The plan today was to go into Richmond, only about 3.5 miles away, but the wind is so fierce, we have stayed in the van and read books!
Just to cheer me up, I spot that we have a puncture!, the rear passenger side van tyre is flat. There is no way I am going to attempt to jack the van up and change a wheel in this wind. We are not planning on going anywhere, so it can wait. We are having a run of bad luck with punctures, this is the second one this year!
Tuesday. The wind has dropped, and it is dry.
After breakfast, I change the wheel. There is a nail in the punctured tyre, so that will have to be fixed when we get home. In true cravan site style, our next door neighbour begins talking to me whilst I am working at changing the wheel. Another of life's coincidences is revealed, when I find that he used to visit Pyrotenax (where I once worked), and knew several people who I remembered from there. Most notably, Carol and Brian Burnett. Carol, is the cousin of my sister-in-law, Linda. Small world and all that.
We decide to take the bus to Richmond.
There is no visible bus-stop, but we are assured, by the site warden, that if we wait near the telephone box, the bus will stop for us (unofficially).
As we wait, it begins to rain, so Kathleen uses the telephone box as a bus shelter.
The bus arrives, a little late, but better late than never, and sure enough the driver stops and picks us up. There are already three people on the bus, plus a bus company employee, whose role, other than being part of the conversation, is unclear. It is clearly a very friendly bus route, each passemger who is picked up is addressed by their first name, and they in turn all know the driver's name. The route appears to be somewhat fluid as people are picked up and dropped off as required, rather than at set bus stops.
Richmond is pleasant place.
We amuse ourselves with a wandered around the town, visiting the occasional shop.
A walk around the castle. A stop for coffee and cream scones, plus a visit to the pub.
There is a market here, but not today, what a shame.
The weather is not brilliant, with showers, but, by luck we contrive to be indoors during each downpour.
The journey back on the bus is same informal affair we experienced on the way here. The departure from Richmond is even slightly delayed to wait for someone who is joining from another bus, which is running late.
We even meet the two old ladies who were on the bus when we joined it this morning, and are greeted like old friends!
Wednesday, the wind has dropped, the sun is out, the sky is blue.
We catch the bus to Richmond again, with the intention of taking a walk along the river, and treating ourselves to lunch.
The bus is almost full!
There is a company employee on board doing a survey on how frequently used the service is, and how happy (or otherwise), passengers are with it. I think the jungle drums must have alerted everyone to travel today, on the basis of "use it or lose it".
We find the walk along the river, it is a sort of circular walk.
It begins easily enough, along the river bank, but at the point where it turns to make the return, there are 231 steps up the steep valley side. Good exercise for the thighs and knees!
The return is along a ridge at the top of the gorge formed by the river.
I forgot to switch on my "Runkeeper" software, so I am not sure how far we walked, judging from the time taken, (ie 2 hours), I would estimate 6 miles.
Back in Richmond we seek out the "Bishop Blaise" pub, at the market square and have a very enjoyable lunch. We both choose Steak and Ale Pie. Mine is absolutely fine, but Kathleen complains that hers had a shortage of Steak. The manager gives us a dessert each to compensate.
We have a little time left before we catch the bus, Kathleen cannot resist a trip into the Alladins Cave which is the Yorkshire trading Company Shop, a sort of inexpensive Lakeland.
I resist this treat and buy a newspaper, plus checking out the offerings of various bakery shops.
When we board the bus, we find one of the elderly ladies from yesterday is onboard. We are greeted like long lost friends. We learn she had to return to Richmond to visit the dentist, since the crown on one of her teeth had come off.
What a friendly place this is!
The plan today was to go into Richmond, only about 3.5 miles away, but the wind is so fierce, we have stayed in the van and read books!
Just to cheer me up, I spot that we have a puncture!, the rear passenger side van tyre is flat. There is no way I am going to attempt to jack the van up and change a wheel in this wind. We are not planning on going anywhere, so it can wait. We are having a run of bad luck with punctures, this is the second one this year!
Tuesday. The wind has dropped, and it is dry.
After breakfast, I change the wheel. There is a nail in the punctured tyre, so that will have to be fixed when we get home. In true cravan site style, our next door neighbour begins talking to me whilst I am working at changing the wheel. Another of life's coincidences is revealed, when I find that he used to visit Pyrotenax (where I once worked), and knew several people who I remembered from there. Most notably, Carol and Brian Burnett. Carol, is the cousin of my sister-in-law, Linda. Small world and all that.
There is no visible bus-stop, but we are assured, by the site warden, that if we wait near the telephone box, the bus will stop for us (unofficially).
As we wait, it begins to rain, so Kathleen uses the telephone box as a bus shelter.
The bus arrives, a little late, but better late than never, and sure enough the driver stops and picks us up. There are already three people on the bus, plus a bus company employee, whose role, other than being part of the conversation, is unclear. It is clearly a very friendly bus route, each passemger who is picked up is addressed by their first name, and they in turn all know the driver's name. The route appears to be somewhat fluid as people are picked up and dropped off as required, rather than at set bus stops.
We amuse ourselves with a wandered around the town, visiting the occasional shop.
A walk around the castle. A stop for coffee and cream scones, plus a visit to the pub.
There is a market here, but not today, what a shame.
The journey back on the bus is same informal affair we experienced on the way here. The departure from Richmond is even slightly delayed to wait for someone who is joining from another bus, which is running late.
We even meet the two old ladies who were on the bus when we joined it this morning, and are greeted like old friends!
Wednesday, the wind has dropped, the sun is out, the sky is blue.
We catch the bus to Richmond again, with the intention of taking a walk along the river, and treating ourselves to lunch.
The bus is almost full!
There is a company employee on board doing a survey on how frequently used the service is, and how happy (or otherwise), passengers are with it. I think the jungle drums must have alerted everyone to travel today, on the basis of "use it or lose it".
It begins easily enough, along the river bank, but at the point where it turns to make the return, there are 231 steps up the steep valley side. Good exercise for the thighs and knees!
The return is along a ridge at the top of the gorge formed by the river.
I forgot to switch on my "Runkeeper" software, so I am not sure how far we walked, judging from the time taken, (ie 2 hours), I would estimate 6 miles.
Back in Richmond we seek out the "Bishop Blaise" pub, at the market square and have a very enjoyable lunch. We both choose Steak and Ale Pie. Mine is absolutely fine, but Kathleen complains that hers had a shortage of Steak. The manager gives us a dessert each to compensate.
We have a little time left before we catch the bus, Kathleen cannot resist a trip into the Alladins Cave which is the Yorkshire trading Company Shop, a sort of inexpensive Lakeland.
I resist this treat and buy a newspaper, plus checking out the offerings of various bakery shops.
When we board the bus, we find one of the elderly ladies from yesterday is onboard. We are greeted like long lost friends. We learn she had to return to Richmond to visit the dentist, since the crown on one of her teeth had come off.
What a friendly place this is!
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Sunday, September 11th, 2011
Hargill House Caravan Club Site, Richmond
Since we returned from our annual trip to Europe, I have been engaged in learning to ride a motorcycle (don't ask, another one of my mad ideas). I have not been doing that 24/7 of course, but a weekly lesson together with other domestic chores was enough to prevent us from "getting away", in the campervan.
Today, we made the short journey (only about 50 miles) to Hargill House Caravan Club Site, near Richmond in North Yorkshire.
The site is the usual high standard we expect of the Caravan Club. It is located just off the A66, about 1 mile from the village of Gilling West.
Today being Sunday, we walked into Gilling West, and enjoyed a fabulous Sunday Lunch in "The White Swan" pub. It is an easy walk there, down a long hill, but of course that means up hill on the way back. A combination of a substantial Sunday Lunch, plus copious amounts of wine, and the walk up the hill, means that the rest of the afternoon was spent in a haze, dozing in the van. How decadent.
The weather is how can I say, doubtful.
The UK is in the path of the death throes of the recent hurricane which swept north up the coast of the USA, and is now blowing itself out as it tracks west across the Atlantic, so we have a windy day, with the odd shower.
My camera and photographic skills fail to show it adequately, but the wild clouds are quite fitting for the Yorkshire landscape. Hopefully we will be bathed in sunshine tomorrow, fitting or not!
Since we returned from our annual trip to Europe, I have been engaged in learning to ride a motorcycle (don't ask, another one of my mad ideas). I have not been doing that 24/7 of course, but a weekly lesson together with other domestic chores was enough to prevent us from "getting away", in the campervan.
Today, we made the short journey (only about 50 miles) to Hargill House Caravan Club Site, near Richmond in North Yorkshire.
The site is the usual high standard we expect of the Caravan Club. It is located just off the A66, about 1 mile from the village of Gilling West.
Today being Sunday, we walked into Gilling West, and enjoyed a fabulous Sunday Lunch in "The White Swan" pub. It is an easy walk there, down a long hill, but of course that means up hill on the way back. A combination of a substantial Sunday Lunch, plus copious amounts of wine, and the walk up the hill, means that the rest of the afternoon was spent in a haze, dozing in the van. How decadent.
The UK is in the path of the death throes of the recent hurricane which swept north up the coast of the USA, and is now blowing itself out as it tracks west across the Atlantic, so we have a windy day, with the odd shower.
My camera and photographic skills fail to show it adequately, but the wild clouds are quite fitting for the Yorkshire landscape. Hopefully we will be bathed in sunshine tomorrow, fitting or not!
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