Chapel Lane CAMC Site, Wythall, Birmingham (continued.)

Chapel Lane CAMC Site, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6JX. (N52.373 E -1.8942)

Thursday, 22nd April 2021.

A rather cold night, -1C, but, we were toasty in the van of course. A bright, sunny and calm morning, 8C by 10:00, and 15C by lunch time.

Approximately 14 miles of cycling. From the site to National Cycle Network Route 55 (NCN 55). This is a very pleasant route, a small quiet road, through beautiful scenery, but, it is rather "undulating", or, as Kathleen described it "too hilly". But, not a word of complaint escapes her lips.

We go, North, as far as Kings Norton, then, turn East to Kings Heath, where we pause for our picnic lunch, before joining the Stratford-on-Avon Canal, to follow the towpath, in the general direction of Wythall.

A reasonably quiet (traffic wise) outing.

There is a rather unusual bridge, it is Bridge 8, called Shirley Drawbridge. We are fortunate to reach it, just as it opens to allow two narrow boats to pass through.

Friday, 23rd April 2021

 Cold overnight, -1C, but, bright sunny morning and 9C by 09:00, with a promise of 17C for later, perhaps spring has arrived at last.

A (food) shopping trip, Site Information says nearest Supermarket (Sainsbury) is about three miles away, but, en-route, we find a Tesco Express.

I even manage to find a rather imposing gate, for one of the many Cyclechat Photo Challenges.

A five mile walk in the afternoon, given that we are only 8 miles south of Birmingham, remarkably rural.

Saturday, 24th April 2021.

Another bright start to the day, cold overnight (-1C), but, 11c but 09:00 and 17C promised for later.

We decide on a cycle ride, based on our walking tour of yesterday. The destination is Earlswood Lakes., about five miles away. An easy enough ride, along quiet country lanes, once we have negotiated the busy roundabout at Withall (we chicken out and dismount, then walk across, at a pedestrian crossing point). 

On arrival, a trifle disappointing, no indication of their website, but, there are major works in progress and much of the area is cordoned off. It is clear that many people are ignoring the closed path signs, so, we join them and manhandle the bikes over the barrier, before walking around the lake, stopping for our picnic lunch as we go.

Another couple of photographs for the Cyclechat challenges.

One on a bridge, and, one infront of some water. 

Don't worry, unless you follow Cyclechat, you would never understand, even if you do follow Cyclechat, you may not understand. 

The depths people (cyclists) will sink to, to relieve the boredom which is Covid Lockdown.

Whilst sitting on a bench, eating our picnic, we encounter an elderly (yes, even older than us) gentleman, walking his dog. He assures us we will be able to negotiate the barriers to. exist the "closed" section.

We watch as he manages to make his way through a gap in the first fence, then under the second fence.

Kathleen, without a word of complaint (honest) makes her way through the obstacles like a teenager.

Just to round off the adventure, we brave the roundabout at Wythall, without dismounting.

 

At Last!, Covid Lockdown eases, Chapel Lane CAMC Site

 The Plan

Thanks to Covid-19 restrictions, we could not make our usual trip south to the Iberian Peninsula, this winter/spring, instead, we have enjoyed(?) a very cold (but dry) spring, in the UK. Covid-19 lockdown restrictions mean no overnight stays, and, "staying local" (whatever that means.

Restrictions were eased, 12th April 2021. We had appointments for second dose of Astra-Zeneca Covid Vaccination, of 25th April 2021, which meant we had to be "home" for that date, so, we could not take immediate advantage of "the great re-opening". 

Thanks to influential contacts, we manage to obtain an earlier appointment for our "jab", so, we are able to fit in another stop-over, and, depart on 21st April 2021.

For our European mainland trips, we do not make anything approaching a plan, since, in our opinion, this takes away the fun, but, the UK, even in "normal" times is different, just "turning up" is seldom an option, this year, with supposedly most of the population planning a "staycation", it definitely does appear wise to have a plan, and, some reserved stop-overs.

Accordingly,  we have booked three CAMC sites, and, will round off our trip by visiting "the Windsor Reay", who we have not been able to visit for several months, and, they have a new house, since last time we saw them.

The plan is: Home -> Chapel Lane -> Moorhampton (Hereford`) - Tewksbury Abbey - Windsor -> Home, approximately 700 miles.

I did attempt to make a last minute amendment, an additional "stop off" on the way home, at CAMC Norfolk Broads site, no chance, fully booked!

Preparations.

Van washed, tyres checked, "internals" (ie water, fridge,  freezer, shower, toilet, heating) all checked for functionality (van has not been used for 6 months). 

Garden tidied, ready for Claire, and (?)Phillippa's tender care.

Diesel filled. All ready to go, as far as I am concerned. 

Kathleen has done her bit, organising some provisions, clothes, bedding, etc etc.

Chapel Lane CAMC Site, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6JX. (N52.373 E -1.8942)

Wednesday, 21st April 2021.

214 uneventful miles, although, roads are busier than I had expected, given that some Covid restrictions are still in place.

Rumour has it that everyone with a Motorhome or caravan is "going away", well, that is not in evidence today, we see very few caravans or motorhomes, perhaps, they are all "there"?

Certainly, Chapel Lane is busy, but, far from full.

Time for a walk to explore the immediate surroundings. The nearby A435 is very busy, definitely not cycling territory!, but, there do appear to be quiet alternative routes.

Weather is not too disappointing, dry, sunny and 14C.

 

Old School House CL, Terrington St John... continued 2

 Wednesday, 22nd September 2020

Perhaps, our run of good luck with the weather has come to and end?

Heavy overnight rain, and more forecast for later today, although, it is not actually raining this morning. All because of some hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, if I understood the weather forecast correctly.

I think, it may be wise not to suggest a cycle ride, today, after yesterday's mammoth effort.

We manage a couple of walks, luckily, between the downpours, so, we do not actually get a soaking, but, it is a close run thing!

One of our walks takes us to the village convenience store, for "essentials" ie chocolate and wine. The chap behind the counter is incredibly friendly and chatty, we seem to be his only customers!

Thursday, 23rd September 2020

More heavy rain overnight.

Blue sky, and a brisk wind and, only, 16C, not bad for the end of September, but, positively cool, compared to what we have been enjoying.

Lunch at the Woolpack, Terrington St John, very enjoyable. Enough people there to give a bit of "atmosphere", but, not enough to compromise "social distancing".

Got rained on walking back!

Friday, 24th September 2020

We are paying for the good weather we have had, earlier in our trip. Gale-force winds and rain overnight. Only 8C this morning and still blowing a gale, with occasional rain.

A day of reading, and, a bit of online shopping.

Saturday, 25th September 2020

Cold (8C), dull, and windy!

An uneventful drive home.

Uneventful that is until we get to within 4 miles of home, at which point, we find the Testos Roundabout road works have reduced the A19 to one lane, massive tail-back and last 4 miles completed at walking pace.

We are supposed to have "smart" motorways, why could they not put a warning sign at Thirsk, and we could have stayed on the A1(M)! 

Old School House CL, Terrington St John... continued 1

 Monday, 21st September 2020

A beautiful morning, full sunshine and 21C by lunch time, with no wind.

A gentle cycle ride, to build up our appetite for lunch, later.

Just over ten miles, Terrington St John - Walpole Highways - Marshland St John - Terrington St John. A very pleasant way to spend the morning.

I notice on our cycle ride, there is an incredible concentration of "quality housing" in the area, with more being built. Obviously an affluent area, although, I don't quite follow where it (the wealth) is coming from?

A little rest, then, lunch at The Woolpack.

They do a very pleasant "Pensioners Special" on Mondays, only £7.50 for two course, very reasonable.

An after lunch drink in the beer garden, followed by a walk back to The Old School House.

Tuesday, 22nd September 2020

Another beautiful day, full sunshine 22C, slight breeze.

As part of my quest to collect photographs of places we have cycled to, beginning A, B, C... etc (I am currently up to "C"), I have a plan to cycle to Downham Market.

Checking the route on Google Maps, it is approximately 24 miles, assuming we do not fall foul of the Norfolk tendency to have no directional signposts, and, no place name boards.

In the event, it is a 34 mile round trip, not sure Kathleen is happy about that! I did treat her to a Costa Coffee at the 20 mile point.

Somehow, I get the feeling that Kathleen has not entered into the spirit of the ABC Challenge.

But, credit where credit is due, still going strong at the half-way point, 17 miles, not bad for a 1947 vintage cyclist !

Old School House CL, Terrington St John

 Saturday, 19th September 2020

A pleasant day, 21C and sunny, but, a brisk wind, not that it is terribly important, since we are travelling today..

A leisurely departure, since we have only 42 miles to travel to:

Old School House N52.72121 E0.28103 Church Road, Terrington St. John, Wisbech, Norfolk, PE14 7SA

This CL is more "equipped", in addition to the basics (ie water, waste disposal), there is EHU and Toilet/Shower.

Kathleen is immediately impressed, clean, neat and tidy, Maxine (Max), the owner, is extremely friendly and informative.

Among the snippets of information, from Max, is the nearest pub, The Woolpack, about 1 mile  away, in the village of Terrington St John, along a fairly quiet road, with a footpath, and, even some street lighting! They do meals, we are booked in for Monday. It looks as if Kathleen plans on minimal cooking, this week!

The only complaint, so far, is the CL is not well signposted, at least, not if you are approaching from the A47, which I would imagine, most people would.

It took three passes, even with the aid of the Sat-Nav, to actually spot the "CL" sign, a few yards down a smaller lane.

You need to watch for this small turn off from Church Lane, then, within about 15 metres, watch for the CL sign.

It is an easy turn in, when you know where it is!

But, these are minor issues, the site is excellent, and, Kathleen is happy with the place, so, that is all that matters,

There is an off-licence/convenience store, fish and chip shop, pub, and bus-stop, in the village, approximately 1 mile away.

Our arrival brings the CL to capacity, there are three caravans and a motorhome here when we arrive, so, we make up the "Five".

Sunday, 20th September 2020

A little rain over night, I think, judging from the puddle of water in my outdoor crocks, this morning. 

Full sunshine and 20C today, but, rather windy.

All three caravans leave today, I wonder if it was something we said? So, that leaves just two motorhomes.

Based on Maxine's information of yesterday, we decide to cycle to Walpole St Peter. 

Just over 12 miles of easy cycling, except when cycling into the wind!

 

Terrington St John - Walton St Peter - Walton St Andrew - Walton Marsh - Terrington St John. Sunny and warm 20C, but, windy. 

The recommendation to visit Walpole St Peter, was to look around the church, which, Maxine tells us is rather beautiful. 

It does look to be rather pretty, and, is certainly a very imposing church for such a small place, but, there was a service in progress, so, no looking around. 

A walk through the Church Yard would have been a possibility of course, but, Kathleen's current thinking is, "we are near enough to the graveyard, without visiting them for pleasure", so, we skipped that.

In the course of the day, another three arrivals, two caravans, one motorhome, so, the place is full again, with five vans.

Lark Valley, Flempton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk... continued 2

 Wednesday, 16th September 2020

Weather forecast is for another scorcher, a little cooler than yesterday, only 27C, but, the reality is cloudy with a few spots of rain, by lunch time, we have the sun and 24C.

The plan was walking, and a trip to Tesco for essential supplies (wine), tomorrow, but, we decide to take advantage of the cool morning and cycle to Tesco, Bury St Edmonds this morning.

Now that we know the way, it is only 9.5 miles, of fairly flat cycling, there and back.

Not as cool as we had hoped, it is very humid, and, on the return leg, the sun is out, and, temperature climbing steadily.

Plus of course, we have purchased a few "extras", and, I have two fully loaded panniers and a haversack to carry on the way back.

We pass the Woolpack en-route, no Dingles in evidence.

An afternoon stroll into a village, or, hamlet, in the opposite direction to Flempton. There is no name board, so, not sure what it is called. Even the parish church, with it's well kept grounds, is devoid of a name board.

Thursday, 17th September 2020

Temperatures have cooled, only 20C, today, and, a little windy.

A lazy day, reading books, and, doing absolutely nothing.

Friday, 18th September 2020

Sunny, but, very windy, not cycling weather!

A short walk is our only exertion, otherwise, another lazy day.

Our elderly neighbours (age 90 and 92), left today, towing their caravan. No fancy gadgets, like caravan movers, all done manually. Well done them!

 

Lark Valley, Flempton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk... continued 1

 Monday, 14th September 2020

Another bright sunny morning, with a forecast temperature of 27C. Excellent September weather we are having.

On Saturday, when we arrived, a fellow motorhomer told me about a walk, nearby. 

The destination is a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village, at West Stow Country Park.

This is a bit too cultural for us, we normally just walk in countryside, or, cycle ride.

The walk there (about 2.5 miles) is through pleasant countryside and woodland, mostly, alongside the River Lark, (hence, Lark Valley), so, little chance of wandering off track, anyone can fallow a river!

In the event, it turns out to be quite interesting, thanks to Covid-19, the museum is closed, but,

the reconstructed village is available to walk around, and, various displays of archeological finds, from nearby.

The reconstructed buildings, are of course, intelligent guesstimates of how they would have actually been, based on archeological digs and finds, in the immediate area.

As a is usually the case with such things, I am amazed at the distances over which they traded goods, and travelled, in an era when the fastest form of transport on land was a galloping horse, and, on water a sailing boat.

There are artefacts suggesting the location was populated during the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, plus, of course, the Romans were there, followed, after their eventual demise, by the Anglo-Saxons.

Inevitably, throughout, there was a ruling elite, just like now, little changes, same trough, different pigs

There is the usual cafe and visitor centre, complete with expensive shop. 

Thanks to Covid-19 again, no hot food or

indoor seating at the cafe, we are limited to muffins, sandwiches and coffee, and outdoor seating, but, of course, with such pleasant weather, this is no hardship.

In addition to the distances travelled and traded over, the number of buildings and artifacts is impressive, from an age when, every wood working task would have started with felling a tree, rather than a trip to B&Q, and, Youtube "how to videos" had not yet been thought of,

Tuesday, 15th September 2020

Today is forecast to be a scorcher, at 27C.

Whilst getting the bicycles ready for our morning cycle ride, I have a chat with our caravanner next door neighbours.

They are heading out for a walk, to West Stow Country Park and the Anglo-Saxon Village reconstruction, where we went yesterday.

They tell me they are aged 90 (her) and 92 (him) !

They are still spritely, and, heading out for their daily walk, they tell me they only do a maximum of 4 miles per day now, since they are "getting on a bit"!

As well as being quite fit, for their age, they are mentally alert, asking me about how we connect to the internet, and, how to get live TV and Netflix, via the internet, in the van. As I explain, I am doubtful as to how much they will understand, but, I should have known better, he is clued up on "mobile data", "smart phones", "MiFi", "Roku sticks", "Fire Sticks" etc.

We cycle an easy 12 mile circuit,  Flempton - Risby - Cavenham - Iklingham - Flempton. Mostly along quiet country roads.

The route allows me to collect another letter, in my "ABC" of Villages, Town and Cities, as we pass through (C)avenham, and, it obligingly has a name board!

One letter per outing, it is going to take me an age, without even thinking about the more difficult letters, like "X" or "Z"! I need a good run of place names.

It is sunny, calm, very hot at 27C.