Penn Hill CL, Bath (N51 23'35" W2 24'8").

Tuesday, 15th February 2022

 It is raining, again.

My first task for the morning is to clean the mud from our shoes, after yesterday evening's "short cut" through the mini forest. 

But, not before Kathleen has stood in the doorway and clapped her shoes together, scattering bits of mud over the immediate area outside the door, just where you step, before entering van. 

Count to ten, say nothing, life will be much easier.

I find a large coconut mat, attached to a wooden

pallet, behind our water and electric service point, so, I drag that into position as a first stage "feet wiping station".

Today, in daylight, but, still raining, we take the "sensible route" to the Park and Ride, only 0.7 miles, so, no big deal. Bus every ten minutes into Bath City Centre, and, the final stop is only five minutes walk from the Abbey.

We meet up with Susana, who has travelled here by train, then, off to the Abbey, for the Concert at 13:00.

A thoroughly enjoyable time, listening to the Concert, followed by a brief time to see and talk with Gabriel, before he is whisked off with his fellow choir members to their Youth Hostel accommodation.

Wednesday, 16th February 2022

More rain, overnight, but, not raining by daylight (only because it is blowing a gale). 

Last night, TV would not work on "3" router, or, using one of our Phones (Tesco/O2) as a "hot spot", speed too low for video. So, no soaps for Kathleen. Tempers are becoming frayed.

Decided we better organise our next stop over (after calling at Windsor). It is a good job we decided to do it, what a nightmare. 

First choice, Chertsey, CCC, is being refurbished, and not open until October 2022.

Second Choice, Oxford, CCC, is full! (in February).

Third Choice, Cambridge, Cherry Hinton, CAMC, is full!

Fourth Choice, The Willows, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, Independent, not answering their phone and no online booking system.

Finally, we plump for Polstead CCC site, in Suffolk.

This is no fun, roll-on the return to Mainland Europe and just turning up at a site!

Manage to get the TV working, via the Internet, using Tesco/O2 signal on my iPhone. Smiley face has returned.

Thursday, 17th February 2022

Approximately 90 miles to Windsor.

Great to see Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma.

Gabriel is home from his School Choir Tour, a little tired, obviously, lots of fun, and, not very much sleeping was had after "lights out".

Salma is at school, half term for her dressy begin until next week.

Plenty of fun time, with Gabriel, and, Salma, plus Gary and Susana, of course.

Friday, 18th February 2022.

The plan this morning is to drive to Polstead CCC Site, Suffolk, but,  Storm Eunice suggests otherwise. There is a Meterological Office Red Alert, do not travel unless absolutely necessary. The wind is already very strong, and, forecast to get worse.

Commonsense dictates that we do not travel, and sit it out here.

Gabriel is scheduled to attend a friend's birthday party and sleep over, so, we don't see much more oh him.

Salma's school is closed, because of the weather, so, we play schools, and spend our time, counting and practicing writing.

By evening, the weather has improved to just a strong wind, although, TV reports are full of extreme weather, snow, wind, rain, wild seas. There are no trains running, many trees down, no ferries running, from Dover.

Saturday, 19th February 2022

The weather has calmed down considerably today, hardly any wind, and, a hint of sunshine. 

Approximately 110 miles to Polstead CCC Site,Polstead, Suffolk. (N52 1'31" E0 53'40").

A pretty boring drive, round M25, then A12 (what a busy and boring road!).

We arrive at Polstead, just after midday. It will probably be a very pretty place, in the sunshine, but, it is raining heavily. Being positive, it is calm.

We are greeted by a very jolly warden who assure us she has selected a pitch for us, which will allow us to get all day sunshine. She is obviously an optimist, as she stands there in her waterproof, rain water running down her face. 

By 16:15, rain has stopped, and cloud is clearing, can we hope for a little sunshine? 

To Bath, to hear/see Gabriel singing in Choir, then... not decided yet

Sunday, 13th February 2022, Poolsbook CAMC Site

 The day begins cloudy and overcast, then, goes downhill from there. By the time we leave home, it is raining steadily, by Thirsk, it is pouring down, and we head south on the A1M in a cloud of spray. 

We have decided to break our journey at Poolsbrook CAMC Site, Staveley, Derbyshire, (N53.257986 W1.352283), so, 135 miles ticked off and another (approximately) 170 to go.

We have been to Poolsbrook CAMC Site before, about 6 years ago. The site is the usual high standard CAMC Site. It is located on the site of a former Colliery, but, all rather attractively reclaimed and landscaped now, with plenty of walking and cycling paths. Unfortunately, the "reclamation" has not been so kind to nearby Staveley, which is a sort of Derbyshire version of Jarrow.

We are only hear for one night, this time, but, Idont think we will be doing any walking or cycling, the rain continues.

Monday, 14th February 2022, Penn Hill CL

It is not raining when we wake up, it even stays dry as we have breakfast, but, right at the time. I have to do the "outside things" ie, disconnect EHU, roll-up cable etc, the rain begins.

Approximately 170 miles to Penn Hill CL, Bath (N51 23'35" W2 24'8"). The rain has stopped, but, it clearly has been raining a lot here. 

Not the easiest CL to find!

There is lots of mud, which is one of Kathleen's pet hates. So, initial impressions are not favourable, perhaps things would have been different if it had been a warm sunny day?

This is a CAMC CL, it has EHU, waste disposal etc, but, no Toilets or Showers, so, it is "use your own facilities.

The owner, Merv, appears to be well over 80, he is very polite and helpful.

Bath has introduced a "Clean Air Zone", our van, being Euro6 classified, incurs no charge, but, never-the-less we follow the route to avoid the Clean Air Zone. Let us just say, that is an adventure in it's own right, some very steep hills, and, some very narrow roads. 

Once we are "set up", we set off to find the Abbey, ready for tomorrow's Choir Concert, in which Gabriel is singing. 

There is a choice of buses, but, unsurprising we decide to walk. It is 2.2 miles, all down hill, but, of course, that means 2.2 miles back, all up hill.

Mission accomplished, Abbey found, all ready for tomorrow.

On the. return trip, someone (not me) makes an executive decision no to retrace our steps. Result, we end up at Newbridge P&R, and, have a very muddy and steep walk through a mini forest, in the dark. Not an exercise we intend to repeat.

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.

Devizes Camping and Caravan Club Site (N51.356511 W2.072076) and Home

Thursday, 7th October 2021

Dry and mild start to the day, 15C, with a promise of 19C, if the forecast is correct. 

Cannot convince Kathleen to risk drowning, by cycling along the Kennet and Avon Canal (NCN4), to Bradford-on-Avon, so, I go myself, whilst Kathleen reads her book. 

Just over 16 miles, and, I did not quite make it to Bradford-on-Avon Town.

On reflection, not sure Kathleen would have enjoyed it, some sections were very uneven, some rather muddy, and, a few rather narrow,

with a canal to potentially fall into, in fact, all of her pet hates about Cycle Tracks.

The upside was, it is traffic free, and, I saw lots of interesting things.

There are several of these swing bridges, along the canal, they have to be opened for boats to pass. They swivel and are pushed open by one person. 

I notice, that the passing canal boats are usually being steered by the man (husband), while the woman (wife) hops off and operates

the locks and the bridges.

Hadn't seen one of these bridges open, until today, when I happened to arrive at a bridge, just as a bait was about to go through.

Plenty of wild life too.

In the afternoon, we walk to Caen Hill Locks.

This is a series of 29 locks, 16 in the steepest section, which raise the canal by 237 feet over a distance of two miles.

Friday, 8th October 2021.

Similar to yesterday. Dry, cloudy, mild at 15C, with a promise of 18C. 

In the event, the promise of 18C was never realised, cloudy all day, with occasional drizzle.

No "fun" activities today, packing, ready for an early start tomorrow.

Saturday, 9th October 2021

We are up early (06:15) for an early start.

It is still dark, and, a typical autumn morning, cool (10C), damp, and foggy.

Remaining outside stuff packed away, in the dark, thankfully, I had previously purchased re-chargeable head torches (one each), much to Kathleen's amusement, but, they came in useful this morning.

We are at the Motorhome service point for 6:50, and, at the exit barrier for spot on 07:00, which is the time from which it will open.

Very foggy drive, on mostly small "A" roads, with a stop for breakfast at about 10:00, then, more small "A" roads, until we join the M69 at Coventry, then, onto M1 at Leicester.

Other than the morning fog, and one small hold up for road works, an easy drive of about 300 miles. 

Interestingly, this was not the Sat-Nav's preferred route, it came up with a longer route (340 miles) taking in more motorway (M4, M5). No doubt, it would have been quicker, if travelling by car, and, making full use of motorway speeds. So, for the Motorhome, Kathleen's route was more direct, and, certainly more varied.   

Devizes Camping and Caravan Club Site (N51.356511 W2.072076) Continued...

Tuesday, 5th October 2021

Overnight rain. Dry and sunny this morning, although windy, 12C, with a promise of 14C.

Bicycles are out, in anticipation.

As the day were on, wind strength increases, no cycling today.

A totally lazy day of browsing the Internet, and, eating chocolate.

Wednesday, 6th October 2021

Dry and sunny, 16C. A nice day for my birthday.

We cycle to Melksham ASDA, for Bread, butter and Wine.  Just over 9 miles.

There is a cycle route, along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal (NCN Route 4), but, Kathleen was concerned she may fall in the canal, so, we risked the A365. 

I did seek to re-assure her that I would ensure her Debit Card did not get wet (see below), but, to no avail.

Difficult choice, drown or be run over?

As a birthday treat, Kathleen brings her Debit Card out of storage, and, takes me for lunch at the Brewery Inn.

A pleasant walk (1.7 miles) along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal, to the Brewery Inn. 

A very pleasant lunch, and a couple of pints, then a walk back in the sunshine.

All with my lovely wife.

Brilliant way to spend my birthday.

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.