To Rockland St Peter, Norfolk, UK

Tuesday, 5th September 2023

At this time of year, garden should not require much looking after.

I do hope these flowers survive my absence. 

They have thrived so far, despite total neglect. 

At the end of last summer, I put them in the (unheated) greenhouse, then, forgot to water them, or, indeed do anything to them for the. 4 or 5 winter months. 

Come spring, they looked dead, but, they have come back to life and produced lots of flowers.

Elm Croft CL, Rockland St Peter, Norfolk, NR17 1UL (N52.539974 E0.922318) 

Quite a distance. Norfolk is always deceptive, Norwich is effectively as far as London, from Newcastle. Quite a reasonable drive, despite the heat, and, the on-going road works at Darrington.

Just to add a final complication, a couple of local roads are closed, for some reason, this causes great confusion to the Sat-Nav, and, irritation to the driver, after 274 miles!

We don't arrive until 16:00, despite an early start.

All appears satisfactory, pleasant place, all organised and tidy, only one other visitor here at the moment (caravaner).

Although it is late afternoon, it is 25c and full sunshine.

Wednesday, 6th September 2023

The day begins with some mist, and, a modest 13c, but, by noon, it is 29c.

We do a cycle ride, too. explore the immediate area.

The first thing we find is that the road closed signs are a joke. The actual road closure is about two miles passed the "Road Closed" signs, and, the closure is for a stretch of about 20 metres. The locals are simply removing the plastic barriers, driving through, then, replacing the barriers. We don't even need to do that, on our bicycles, we just manoeuvre around the barriers.

We cycle quite a circuit, given the heat, Rocklands St Peter - Little Ellingham - Hingham - Scoulton - Rocklands St Peter.

The only disappointment is, that none of the villages have a pub, we have to wait until we get back to Rocklands St Peter, but, then, The Whit Hart is closed until this evening, so, we retire to the village Community Shop for coffee, sandwiches and cake.

The afternoon is spent keeping cool!

    

Deeping St James, Keal Lodge CL (N52.670112 W0.279909) and Home

Wednesday, 5th July 2023

Another windy day.

A cycle ride to Glinton, the Blue Bell, for lunch, via yet another route!

An excellent lunch.

Thursday, 6th July 2023

An uneventful drive home.

It looks as if benign neglect. has not done the garden too much harm.

 

Deeping St James, Keal Lodge CL (N52.670112 W0.279909) Contd......

Sunday, 2nd July 2023.

Another windy day, although warm.

It is Sunday, Kathleen off to church, I sit in nearby park and read my book.

After church, we stroll to a nearby pub "The Goat Inn", in nearby Frognall, and have Sunday Lunch, excellent!

After lunch, a stroll back to the van, buying a Magnum Ice Cream en-route.

After consuming the Magnums, fell asleep!

Monday, 3rd July 2023

Wind still strong, but, today, we have what look like rain clouds too.

My foot problem is playing up again, and, I have run our of iBrufen.

Despite the weather, we decide we will go cycling, and, take in a trip to Tesco, to buy a few items we are running short on.

We know the way to Tesco, from our last visit here, but, it does occur to me, there may be a shorter route.

A brief discussion with Kathleen, and, she agrees with my gut instinct, as to the direction to Tesco, off we pedal.

We eventually come to a cross roads, which we recognise, from our previous visit, but, no sign of the Tesco store. By now, this has morphed into all my idea. We consult a couple who happen to be passing by, it turns out, they used to live in Newcastle area, small world and all that, plus, fortunately, they know where Tesco is!

They point us in the right direction (we had not been that far out, simply had missed a turning into Godsey Road).

I accept that it is entirely my fault, and, all is right the the world, we arrive at Tesco.

Shopping is acquired, but is at the absolute limit of what I can carry in my backpack, and, it is looking ominously like rain is coming.

Back to the Keal Lodge, via the route we know, to arrive just as the first drops of rain fall, 6.7 miles, but, I think that might be it for today.

Tuesday 4th July 2023

The day begins sunny, but, soon clouds over, wind has diminished slightly, still mild at 18c.

We will be going home in a couple of days, but, for some reason Kathleen insists on some clothes washing (why not wait until we get home and let the machine do it, is my logic). 

Cycling with no particular destination in mind.

Given that it is windy, I attempt to ride into the wind, initially, the theory being that we will have a tail wind on the return leg.

This is the second time we have been in this area, and, the village of Glinton (which has a very pleasant pub, The Blue Bell, for which we are too early), again proves a puzzle, even with a Sustrans Cycle Route Map!

The intention is to head for Helpston, but, either a lack of sign posting, confusing sign posting, or, my map reading  ineptitude means we end up heading south on NCN12, instead of West on NCN21. My only excuse is, it is cloudy, I cannot see where the sun is, so, cannot easily estimate our direction.

It is pleasant cycling, on a mixture of dedicated cycle track or quiet roads, so, no harm done, and, we eventually get back on track, to do approximately 16 miles. The weather is a bit dull, with a few spots of rain, but, not enough to cause complaints.

One of the downsides, we have found, of cycling in this area is that the many appear to be devoid of coffee and cake stops.

Lilly's in Market Deeping comes to the rescue, I can recommend their bacon sandwiches, definitely, plenty of bacon.  

Deeping St James, Keal Lodge CL (N52.670112 W0.279909)

 Friday, 30th June 2023

The weather has become much cooler today, only 19c and cloudy.

A quiet morning, reading and coffee.

A pleasant walk, in the early afternoon, and, we make it back to the van, just as the rain starts.

More reading, and, then, during a lull in the rain, the entertainment is watching one of our neighbours attempt to erect their inflatable awning.

They do succeed in getting it erected, but, it takes about 3 hours, and, they do get a soaking, when the rain returns.

Saturday, 1st July 2023

Tanya's birthday today (47), so, "happy birthdays" are duly wished.

The plan for today was to go cycling, but, it is very windy, not cycling weather.

In the event, the day is soon filled, but, not in the most enjoyable way. 

To explain:

Modern Caravan and Motorhome water systems (ie taps, shower, toilet flush) work with a pressurised system, to create the flow of water. The pressure is supplied by a 12v electric pump, which 'kicks in" occasionally, to maintain the pressure. Unless water is being drawn (ie via a tap etc), then the pump should be silent, and off. If the pump is periodically "kicking in" when no water is being drawn, this is bad news, it means, there is a leak in the system... somewhere.

This morning, I noticed that the pump was "kicking in" periodically for no apparent reason.

We have a leak, somewhere I thought, or, a tap has been left partially turned on.

A quick check showed all the taps were fully "off", no obvious evident of water leaking onto the floor etc.

A little later, I had cause to open the cupboard under the sink.

I found the leak, or, rather the results of the leak, the cupboard and it's contents were well soaked.

The culprit was found to be the mixer tap in the kitchen area.

The water appeared to be leaking from the base of the tap.

Accessibility is almost none existent.

Fortunately, I had some tools with me.

We emptied the contents of the cupboard, and Kathleen set about drying those items which could be saved, and disposing of those items which were ruined.

With the aid of the internet, I found out how to remove the cutlery drawer, this gave me access to the underside of the kitchen sink, and the waste water pipe, but, I still could not access the tap.

I removed the kitchen sink (with some difficulty), and, the waste water pipework.

I was now able to remove the kitchen tap.

Closer examination showed that the leak was in fact coming from the top of the tap, but, gravity was causing the water to flow down the inside of the tap body, and, emerge at the base.

I suspect the tap needs a new ceramic cartridge (thank you YouTube).

The temporary solution is to re-assemble the sink and waste water system and lay the tap, in the sink, so, the leaking water simply goes down the drain.

Replacing the cartridge will have to wait until we get home, I am sure we can work around the problem for a few days, particularly if we increase our frequency of "eating out".

I am sure, the part could have been ordered online, and, delivered here, but, I am equally sure there will be more than one type, size, etc etc, so, best to wait until I am home. 

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.