Trip 23 – Newark, York and Derbyshire

Wednesday 20th May (Day 1 )

We left for the where Billina is kept and transferred everything from the car to the motorhome; filled up with water and were off by about midday. We had a good drive to the Denby pottery shop in Derby, despite the heavy showers. By 3.00pm we were shopping in the store and got a good result, in that things we were after were reduced even more. A short drive followed, well an hours drive to our stop at (sorry for some motorhomers who do not like swearing) Brownhills of Newark. We were well received; the security welcomed us by name ; we were directed to the overnight stop and had free electric hook up. All sorted and settled by 5.00pm. A curry evening meal followed then we sat and watched the tv. We were only about 100m from the A1 but it was not really noisy enough to cause a nuisance.

Thursday 21st May (Day 2)

A restless night was had and by 8.00pm we were up breakfasted; washed and dressed. Off to the Service Reception to book the MH in. We then perused the showroom MH’s before walking into Newark. We had been here before, from the Newark Show, but almost everything was closed last time. We hoped this would be a better experience. It was, sort of! There was a small market and the shops were all open. There was a small indoor shopping arcade and some ‘nooks and crannies’ with shops in. Quite a few were not the ‘normal’ high street’ chains which was nice but time did seem to creep along. A rest of the legs and a nice coffee (in big soft comfy seats) boosted our energy and off we went again. A walk of a part of the civil war route uncovered…….. well not a lot. A visit to the castle (only one side remaining), then off to the sensory garden (closed). Brownhills then rang to confirm things were going well and about 3.00pm Billina should be ready. We were by now fairly peckish so a pork, stuffing and apple sauce roll was had, which was h-u-g-e. We then decided to walk down to the river and the lock to sit in the sunshine for a while watching the world go by …. well one narrow boat. By 1.30pm we agreed to stroll back to the MH ‘surgery’ where we looked at some of the second hand motorhomes and the accessory shop. By about 3.30pm the work was complete, papers signed and off we went. (No money changed hands as Rapido paid.) Our next stop was just under two hours drive to just outside of York. As we approached York we were given a treat as flying in circuits overhead was the Vulcan V-Bomber. A truly great site as it lumbered slowly around us. We eventually arrived at our next stop (pub car park). It was listed as taking four MH’s but if it did it would take quite a large proportion of the car park. We drove in and then had to reverse out onto the road to reverse back into the car park in order to tuck ourselves away down the bottom end. Again we were warmly received. We went in for a pint and a bar meal which was really good value. It is a busy local village pub with twenty plus at the bar when we went in and a further twenty eating, not bad for a Thursday early evening. Not a bad day all-in-all; no issues with the MH; a pleasant day (weather also); the flight of the Vulcan; and a good bar meal.

Friday 22nd May (Day 3)

The usual start, cup of tea; chat; shower; breakfast. Then by just after 9.00am we left the pub and drove just a few miles to a ‘Park and Drive’ at a designer outlet village. (York has several of these Park and Rides all of which accept motorhomes and are free – just pay for the bus ride.) £2.80 return each and we were deposited in the centre of York. First stop was the Tourist Office. We then walked to the Jorvik Centre. Here we looked at the history of York and The Vikings which go back to around 40AD. It also involved a ride in a ‘time capsule’ which slowly went around a mock up of Viking York, including the smells (even a viking using a toilet). The houses had long narrow plots with the backyard having a rubbish hole, water well and toilet. This mix made the water, at best, suspect. As a result Vikings mainly drank beer as this was safer (even the children). After this we walked towards ‘The Shambles’ an old street with buildings from a long gone era. Before this we wanted a bit of refreshment and saw a building called St Crux which was an old church. In it we found a cafe where two mugs of tea and two sausage rolls costing £3. Then it was the “Shambles’. Most of the shops in York are unique, although the main high street shops are present, the number of independents is huge. A walk then to York Minster was next. As we arrived it was time for a guided tour to start which we joined. The following tour was both informative and interesting. It is the largest cathedral north of the Alps and the building started in 1100 and was ‘finished’ in 1470, although many changes and repairs have occurred since. Originally it was must lower as the arches were rounded but when it was discovered that a pointed (Gothic) arch could support more they entered into a redevelopment of the cathedral. First the South and North wings, then the West and finally the East all meeting at the central tower. (York Minster also has had its own police force since 1829 – when the ‘Peelers’ started in London). A walk over the river to the National Railway Museum was next (free entry). This had a wide range of carriages, locomotives and railway paraphernalia where we spent about an hour or so. Our next activity was a walk along the old castle walls, a good way to get around, missing the crowded streets and we were treated again to the Vulcan bomber flying overhead. By now feet were sore and legs weary so it was time to catch the bus back. By 4.15pm we were off to tonights stop over a ‘certified site’ (Camping & Caravanning Club). We arrived and were warmly welcomed by the owner. One other unit was on site and we, being second, were the second unit ever to use the site as it was newly opened. A field with a pleasant view, electrics and water on each ‘pitch’ all for £12 per night.

The Shambles

Pullman Carriage

Saturday 23rd May (Day 4)

A lazy start to the day as breakfast was only just before 10.00am. We then got the bikes off the back of the MH and prepared for a ride. We had planned a 18 – 20 mile cycle ride with Easingwold being the halfway point. The weather was sunny although a slight chill was felt when cycling, at least initially. The country roads were quite quiet. We soon, however, arrived a a toll bridge. 40p for cars; £1 for other vehicles but bikes free. We had to queue but it only took a few minutes and then we were off over a wooden rickety bridge – wonder where the money was going? Eventually we arrived a Easingwold and had a mooch about. An Art Fayre, the shops and the church. The first vicar of the church was in 1293, although the church we were in was not the original as it was 15th century (Norman). It was colourfully painted and also had a coffin in it for the use of ‘the poor’. A re-usable coffin – how green. I suppose they put the body in, said a few prayers, walked out to the hole in the ground and then tipped the poor person in returning the coffin for its next customer. A quick pint and then a cycle back by a different route. On arriving back we lazed in the sunshine for a couple of hours, resulting in a bit of sunburn on my knee! We then freshened upas we were being picked up by Chris’ brother and his new ‘girl’ friend who were whisking us away to a local pub for a meal. We arrived at the Blue Bell in Arkendale and had a drink while trying to choose from a menu that sounded all good. Being picky I am not a fan of menus with words like ‘Jus’ and ’emulsion’ )as in ‘cider jus’ and ‘white wine emulsion’). However that seems to be the norm now so it is my problem. What followed was a great tasting meal that all enjoyed. The time flew by with chatter and laughs. At the end of the meal we were driven back and we all had some cheese and pickle with us saying goodbye just before midnight.

It’s Not the cough that carries you off; it’s the Coffin that carries you of in!

Sunday 24th May (Day 5)

Some heavy rain during the night but we got up (late) to a dry cloudy day. We packed away and by just after 10.00am we were off to out next stop in Shardlow. A good run saw us joining the Camping and Caravanning Club meet of the West Midlands section at the Marina Campsite. £7.50 a night while others on the same site were paying £16 plus, a bargain. After settling down we has a snack and then went for a walk along the Trent and Mersea Canal. We managed to find a circular route bringing us back after about two hours. We decided as we were here for three days to put the sun awning and sides up so we could, if the weather obliged, cook and eat out. Today the weather was not, as it was chilly, so we cooked and ate in the MH. It was early so a walk to a pub was decided upon and we arrived at a pub that had a theatre group,associated with the canals, performing.We were almost two hours into their production so left. A walk along the canal to a pub called The Malt and Shovel. This pub had a live act playing trumpet and synthesiser (not together) who was really good and there was free food also. When his session finished we walked back and turned the tv on and were treated to a programme of famous singers, honouring and singing songs of Stevie Wonder – Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Lady Gaga to name but a few. Normally we would have probably missed that but it was just magic; you forget how many great songs the man wrote / sung.

Monday 25th May (Day 6)

Another dull start. A slow start for us and after breakfast we went for a short walk followed by a sit and a cup of coffee. Eventually we decided to go for a cycle ride. We cycled along cycle paths to Castle Donington which is only a short distance. We looked around the town which was quite unremarkable. We then continued cycling away from our ‘base’ and arrived at Donington race track and museum. We had a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the cafe. As I am not a petrol head nor an aficionado of Formula 1 (it is just an engineering procession not race for me) we baulked at paying almost £20 to look at the grand prix cars. Deciding to make our way home we returned to our bikes only to find my rear tyre was flat. An inspection found nothing in the tyre and the problem was with the base of the valve. We still cycled back, via the Co-op, but it meant four stops to re-inflate the tyre and me leaning forward over the handlebars to reduce as much weight off the rear of the bike. On our return we had a tea and I replaced the inner tube. It was still overcast and not overly warm so we had a walk along the canal to the pub opposite last nights pub. Well we decided that we should spread our spending among the local businesses. We sat and watched the final of the match to decide who would go into the Premiership next season, Norwich beat Middlesborough. Although we were a long way from Middlesborough there were a few sad faces around. Back at the MH we BBQ’d and the sun then made an appearance.

Tuesday 26th  May (Day 7)

A bit of a windy night and, unrelated, a late get up. The sun was shining but also kept being covered by clouds. Sunshine = nice and warm; cloudy = not so. After cooking breakfast outside and eating, it we decided to walk along the canal. A pleasant three plus mile walk along the canal, and the same back. Upon return we sat in the sunshine for a while contemplating our next move. By just before 2.00pm we agreed on a trip into Derby. The cost was enough to buy the bus, I thought. Having arrived we first found ourselves in a covered market which led into a major shopping centre. A stroll around and we soon found ourselves outside.We decided to have a look at the cathedral ambled towards it, only to find that weekdays it is shit for major building works. Her ho; we continued around the streets looking at the old buldings and many public houses. We then found ourselves at the museum, which was free. So in we went. A eclectic mix of items, flint arrows and axes, pottery, stuffed animals, dinosaur bones, mummies, even a Lowry painting. It whiled away a hour or so. We continued our walk around the city and decided to return back to the MH. We got on the bus only for it to breakdown, before we left fortunately so we sat a short while until the next bus arrived and transferred over. We were back by just after 5.00pm. As we are moving off tomorrow we loaded the bikes on the back and packed everything away to make things quicker tomorrow. We walked to a local pub for a meal and two steaks meals with a bottle of wine for £20 was a good deal. We then went up stairs to enjoy a pint with some real old fashioned Trad Jazz – absolutely brilliant. Eventually we returned to retire for the night.

Wednesday  7th May  (Day 8)

Last night we decided to make home our destination for today and so the God Of Motorhomes made this the best day of the last seven. After an slow start we packed and emptied grey and black waste. We said our goodbyes and then off we went. 130 miles home and a totally clear run the whole way. Home by 1.30pm and van emptied and cleaned by 4.00pm.

Trip 22 – Somerset and Cornwall plus

Tuesday 5th May (Day 8)

Well there surely cannot be any more wet in the skies after last night; can there? We had breakfast and then moved off to Tintagel, arriving about 11.15am. Hooray, Tintagel likes motorhomes; every car park had spaces and you could stay overnight As such the local economy gained around £50 and that was just from us; when will local councils learn this lesson? We had a coffee then set of for the castle. £14 pound to get in and it looked nothing special so we carried on walking to the church on the hill, St Materiana. This in the teeth of a gale force wind. It was a pleasant church to while away a few minutes, especially as it enabled us to dodge the rain. We then walked over the cliff tops a way and back into the village. Our next destination involved us walking through the village about two miles to ‘Rocky Valley’. This was a deep cleft in the rocks that led to the sea and a river ran down it tumbling over rocks and small waterfalls. Partway down was a ruined mill and a rock with two labyrinth’s carved into it that were over 14,000 years old – Bronze Age. Another spell of hiding a a rock face to avoid the rain before we made our way back up the valley. St Nectan’s Glen and waterfall was next. It looked about half a mile but was well over a mile being mountain goats slipping and sliding up a muddy path. When we got there a cup of tea was in order (no alcohol sold). This again coincided with a great deluge of rain. Then we had to pay to get to the waterfall! This involved donning wellington boots and walking down a slippery path to a large pool area that you walked in with a sixty foot waterfall. All around were small towers built of stones resting on one another and ‘wishing ribbons’, slates inscribed with peoples names who have died or articles related to them – a cigarette lighter, a key ring etc. With the rushing of the waterfall it had a strange atmosphere. We then had the prospect of the walk back – nearly four miles of up hill and down dale. Fortunately we found a footpath that cut about a mile off of this. Back to the high street and fighting the near gale force wind we made a few purchases before retiring foot weary for a rest.

  
 Wednesday 6th May (Day 9)

A rockin’ and a rollin’ night it was with winds gusting over 40mph. That said a good nights rest was had. After breakfast we moved off on way to Mainstone,Plymouth to see some of Chris’ relatives. We drove along ‘The Atlantic Highway’ (I kid you not). If you on a pogo stick bouncing on a trampoline on the roof of our van you might, very occasionally, see a bit of water. Anyway a good drive over the Tamar Bridge (£3.70) to get out of Cornwall and then park up beside Chris’s aunt’s house. The rest of the day was spent there catching up. lunch then dinner, David and Debbie Chris’s cousin and wife popped round to see us. At 10.30pm we went and slept in the MH.

Thursday 7th May (Day 10)

We awoke to madness. A yellow thing was in the sky. Natives were walking around discarding garments and squinting upwards at the weird ‘devil in the sky’. We ourselves opened a window as we felt an uncomfortable warmth. After emptying the loo and grey waste and refilling the water we left with a quick Asda stop bound for Bideford. We had a lovely drive skirting the Dartmoor with the bright yellow gorse all around and then twisty country roads with all manor of colours and quirky little villages. Indeed we passed such ‘interesting’ places as ‘Paperweight World’, ‘Barometer World’ and ‘Gnome Land’. Despite the excitement this all generated we bravely continued until ‘Riverbank Long Stay Car Park’, Bideford arrived before us. (£3 all day parking and £5 all night- pay for spaces occupied.) By some judicious forward and backing we managed to just get in between one set of white lines and were only a foot into the drive area – a result. It was time for a quick snack and a tea before unloading the bikes to tackle the ‘Tarka Trail- a disused railway line. We cycled almost 11 miles to an organic cafe. 11 miles that was 90+% uphill, past the Puffin Billy stop and onward and upward. After a tea we set off on the return journey (11 miles almost all down hill – hooray). A stop or two to put on waterproofs then take off and by 4.30pm we were back. Being gluttons for punishment a walk in town was agreed upon. As we walked around so the shops closed – I must say that the town did not inspire me (sorry Bidefordians). We returned to the MH, after a quick pint of Doombar, and sat with legs shaking from the days efforts. After a brief rest we decided to eat; don’t you know things are going wrong when you shake some Italian herbs in the stir fry and the top comes off! It was then time to chill and watch the ‘comings and goings’ at the polling station at the end of the car park and later the results programme.

 

The Tarka Trail

Friday 8th May (Day 11)

A good nights rest. The weather was not promising and so a longer journey was agreed. Our destination was the Gower in Wales. The start of the journey was going well until we stopped in traffic. 30 minutes later we got to some road work traffic lights. Two things to comment; firstly the traffic in the other direction was a queue of less than ten vehicles whereas our way was over three miles; and secondly to add insult to injury as we approached the road works finished and the lights were removed. After that the trip was trouble free. £6.50 to enter Wales over the road bridge and then no problems to our destination, Bank Farm Leisure, Horton ACSI site on the Gower. A good location with, if things were brighter, a lovely view. Having settled we went for a walk of about four to five miles over the headland with a bracing wind. A pint in the club followed by steak and chips in the MH rounded off a day of quite appalling weather although things are meant to be better tomorrow.

Saturday 9th May (Day 12)

Some quite heavy rain during the night but …..Hooray sunshine and blue skies welcomed us in the morning. After breakfast and a long shower in the shower block on the site we spoke to the owner about staying over our allotted time. It was fine. We then kitted up and went for a coastal walk towards Oxwich. We soon realised that we had underestimated the warmth and were taking of tops etc and carrying them. The walk was literally along the coast with sweeping hills of bracken and rock one side and sparkling blue seas breaking on the rocks the other side. We met nobody for over an hour and a half and then it was as if a coach party had disembarked. Soon after we entered a wooded area and the up hill climb was significant and we had to stop partway on a convenient log. This part of the walk was full of bluebells and wild garlic (white spikey flowers). Eventually we arrived at some slippery steps going down – over two hundred. (The thought of the return was already weighing heavily on my mind.) At last some civilisation in the guise of a hotel on Oxwich Bay. A cup of tea and some water and a chat to some people we saw earlier on our walk who arrived from a different direction. After a chat we decided on an alternative return route (avoiding the dreaded steps). A walk up a steep hill to Oxwich Castle and then on towards a village called Slade which in turn led us to a footpath back home. This involved along steep descent until we rejoined the coat path. A much shorter route. Over four hours in total. A quick tea in the MH followed by the ’empty grey; empty black’ fill with water’ routine and then we were off over the Gower to the Hendy. A journey of about an hour. We arrived and were met by our friends Peggy and Huw who had arrived back from London some two hours earlier. We reversed into their parking area (just) and then much chatting, dinner and drinking followed until 11.00pm when we all turned in as we had a busy day tomorrow.
Sunday 10th May (Day 13)

After a fairly good nights rest we got up and showered etc in the house. We then had to move the MH out of the drive to get the car out and then reverse back in, a tight operation. The four of us went to the local chapel for the service, the only English speaking one in the area. A total of fifteen people present including the vicar with an average age of around 60+ (and that is counting two three week old children). Next was a visit to two of their friends off tomorrow to Canada to visit their daughter and (soon to be) grandchild. We had booked a meal at a pub /restaurant in the Mumbles for 5.00pm and before that, behind the pub, was some gardens we strolled around and for 45 minutes sat and listened to the Swansea Concert Band who were pretty good. We had a nice meal and then returned to watch the recording of the Rugby, Llanelli v Cardiff. Some catching up with children on Skype and a bit of wine was next until it was time to give in and seek some rest.

Monday 11th May (Day 14)

After breakfast we went for a three mile circular walk along the coast at Pwll (pronounced Pooth – well that’s the nearest I can get to it). Back to the house and a tea followed by a walk in to Pontadulais town (the Bont) and a bit of shopping for the trip homeward tomorrow. Our friends then treated us to a nice roast dinner followed by cheese and port. Chatting the night away until almost midnight.

Tuesday 12th May (Day 15)

After breakfast we said our goodbyes and just before 10.00am we were off on a slow trip home. Our first stop was only an hour away, Castle Coch. This is just off the M4. The base is an old castle but in the mid-18th century a local man (adjudged at the time to be the richest in the world) decided to build his own ‘castle’ on the base. “Money, nor time is an object, as when a project is finished I grow tired and move on”. The result is a fascinating building and worth an hour or so. Next was another hours journey to Chepstow (a castle). This time a real castle in all its ruined glory. The car park stated no vehicles over 2.5t and, being 3.7t we were not sure what to do. The answer (from Monmouthshire Parking). “Don’t worry park up and pay for the bays you use. Two bays; two hours; Two pounds – a bargain. Next a bit more culture a 6 mile trip up the beautiful Wye Valley to Tintern Abbey. First built in the 11th century by Cistercian monks it was an impressive, if ruined, structure. Three pound to park all day and three pound off any item bought in the shop or pub; another bargain. Next a short three mile drive to The Sloop Inn at Llandogo. A sloping car park close to the river. We then went for a walk along the river towards Tintern Abbey and were blocked so we returned and tried to walk up the hill but again the footpath just disappeared. Back to the river and a walk along the in the other direction. All in all about two hours before returning to the MH. No TV Signal so we sat listening to the radio before having a meal in the pub.

How True?

 

Wednesday 13th May (Day 16)
After a good night we awoke to a sunny day (must be the day we go home). We opted for the longer journey through the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean and A40 rather than M4. It was a good drive home and we arrived at 2.00pm

Trip 22 – Somerset and All Points West – 1

Tuesday 28th April (Day 1)

We had to remain at home in case a furniture man came but by 10.30am we got the call that they could not attend. By just after 11.00am we had left. Our first stop was at the local public weighbridge to check our weight. This is something that we do occasionally to check we have not had ‘weight creep’; where a few items added and a few more added can, overtime,  make your vehicle too heavy. I am always at a loss with regards to people who disregard this important part of motorhoming and caravanning. We weighed 3680Kg with a load maximum of 3700Kg and neither axle was overweight either so we were ok. It was then off around the M25 then the M4 and M5. The only problem on the journey was along the M4 where the eastbound was closed and part of the westbound also. We saw a poor person trapped, it would appear, under an overturned cement lorry. Hopefully it was worse than it looked. It delayed us about 30 minutes but, having regard to the person injured, small beer for us. Around 3.30pm we were parked up in the pub car park near Clevedon, Somerset. The pub was closed so we parked up had a cup of tea and then went for a walk. A great walk in the sunshine over the local hills and through some woods full of bluebells and the well known other flower, ‘the white spikey one’. (STOP PRESS: On 5th May we found the white spikey flowers were wild garlic.) It was really pretty. Back at the MH we had a cooked meal and then strolled over to the pub where there is a great selection of real ales. Back to the MH for a nightcap then zzzzzzzzzz.

Wednesday 29th April (Day 2)

Somerset + Highbridge Caravans = Rain. Awoke to absolute stair rods of wet. A quick breakfast then the 30 minute drive to the MH repair shop. As usual a lovely welcome (like we were old friends). We then jumped in the hire car and went to Glastonbury for some culture. Unfortunately Clarks Village (an outlet shopping place) was between us and culture so shopping it was! Just before midday we drove to Cheddar. (Haven’t been to cheddar in 25 plus years then this is our sixth visit in five weeks!) We parked up and walked to Gough’s Cave where we had booked a caving experience. We were soon kitted up in overalls, boots, helmet and light, harness and carabiner and ready for the off. There were five of us, including the guide. What followed was a real experience that we (a) were a bit in dread of and (b) thoroughly enjoyed. We squeezed through tiny gaps, slid across ice smooth rocks, climbed and descended ladders all by headlamp light. At one point we all sat still and quiet with the lights off and just listened to the sounds of the cave – truly magical. 90 minutes later, muddy, wet but elated we emerged and I have no idea what the public must have thought of us. Back to change then a much needed cup of tea before returning to Highbridge to collect our MH. A short 40 minute drive followed to our next stop followed – The Green Dragon in Combe St Nicholas. The pub was shut so we parked up in a corner and strolled across the road to a small shop for bacon for breakfast tomorrow. In the 150m walk I ‘lost’ the van keys twice! The second time a local found them; lucky or what? By just before 7.00pm we went over for a much needed meal and some Buttercombe bitter which all went down a treat. While there we were joined by another couple who were travelling from Cornwall to a Steam Fair (somewhere) and we had a good chat until tiredness decided we should return ‘home’ which we duly did for a few minutes tv then bed.

Thursday 30th April (Day 3))

We woke up to sunshine. After breakfast we cycled into Chard. As we started to peruse the shops there was a powercut! We decided to go for a stroll. We went into the main church. Two of the stained glass windows were unsual in that they were devoted to females; one of them had Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, the Queen of Sheeba and the third person I cannot remember! A coffee and some shopping, when power was restored, then a cycle back to have a rest and await the motohome alarm man who is coming to sort our alarm out. It is a hill area for cycling here and we got backed quite puffed. Having got back to the pub the landlord informed us of an old railway line cycle route to Illminster….. just a bit late. We sat around in the MH waiting for the alarm man who arrived at about 4.15pm. A really nice and knowledgable chap who I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. In 20 minutes the problem was identified, rectified and quick guide / lesson in identifying and remedying problems given to me along with an alarm part to sort most future problem if they occur. By about 4.45pm we were off. First stop was for diesel as we had less than 30 miles in the tank. It was then all stations go. We had identified a potential ‘wild’ spot by Venford Reservoir a journey of about an hour. Having turned off the A38 we reached a sign saying ‘Not suitable for vehicles over 7′ 6″; being 8’ 0″ wide we did the sensible thing and ignored it (well it was only advisory). Over a very narrow bridge on a double bend and the odd stop to squeeze past other vehicles brought us to a car park by the reservoir. A lovely spot surrounded by Dartmoor in bright sunshine. Having parked we went for a walk for half hour or so over the moor and by the water. Then it was time to prepare some food – well is was gone 7.00pm and food would not be until at least 8.00pm.

  

Friday 1st May (Day 4)

Some rain and light winds during the night but, as we are wild camping it was extremely dark and quiet. A cooked breakfast and then off to meet with some old friends. We continued on the road we were on last night as we thought that going via Two Bridges would be best. We were correct – sort of. We had a lovely drive over the moor which would have been better with sunshine until………….. we went down into a valley and had to cross a bridge. The road was quite narrow and the bridge even more so. The turn on it was difficult to the point that some to-ing and fro-ing was needed and the navigator had to get out and see me forward. We had less than 2 inches to spare on the turn – not a lot. Eventually we were over and off again. Due a warning of some problems we diverted on another route. Through Tavistock which is a place to visit another time I think. Eventually we arrived at Trago Mills and for those who do not know about this place it is a cross between John Lewis and B&Q – a lot of items at keen prices. Also, as was expected, it was bedecked in the Mauve of Ukip. A bit of shopping and then the last leg to just outside Tregony where we were going to stay for a few days. The approach road was MH width and the entrance (grass and uphill) which proved v-e-r-y difficult. Wheel spinning on the grass and, helpfully, a light on the dashboard informing me of the lack of grip – quite a redundant ‘information’ light. Still we managed it with a bit of the grass bank in tow and setup with a cuppa before Linda (one of the friends) arrived and we had a quick chat – well 90 minutes or so. About 6.30pm we strolled over to their house (a converted barn) and drove the short distance into Tregony for a meal at the local pub. A nice meal and a chat followed by a drive back and then we sat in their living room with a glass of wine catching up more. About 10pm one of their daughters (Abbie) arrived from Bristol and talk then continued until just gone midnight.

Saturday 2nd May (Day 5)

It is the first day of the Bank Holiday Weekend so that can only mean one thing……..rain – lots of it with strong wind also. After breakfast we had a chat about what to do today. While doing so the rain eased up to ‘mizzle’ (mild drizzle). We borrowed Martin and Linda’s small car and drove to Meva (Mevagissey). The satnav took us a roundabout route and every turn seemed to be into Tregorny Hill. We eventually ignored it and did something novel – followed the road signs. We parked up and spent a couple of hours on a cliff walk, in the museum and the lanes of shops. Here we had our first Cornish pasty  – very disappointing it seemed to be all potatoe and no meat. We they drove to Fowey (pronounced ‘Foy’). We parked in the top car park outside of the town. A steep walk down to the harbour side followed. More shops and a pint in a pub was the order of the day. The walk back up to the car was another work out for us. By now it was 4.00pm so we drove back.

Sunday 3rd May (Day 6)

Rain……. Heavy….. Not nice. And so this is the start of the ‘Bank Holiday’ Sunday. We sat around and talked and read, waiting for Martin and Linda’s Daughter and son-in-law and two children to arrive. Eventually with the rain stopping we received the call that they had arrived and a walk in St Mawes was the order of the day with, perhaps, some sandcastles. Off we all went and arrived at St Mawes, which is quite ‘up-market’. We parked up and then Martin remembered he had not put the meat in the oven to cook so off he went.We all went to the park and Ruby (4) went on the swings, slides, ‘adventure walk’ etc. Jasmine (2 weeks) did not. The rain returned and we took shelter in a wooden playhouse. When it eased off we walked to the sailing club for a coffee and to warm up as it was a blustery day and the beach, with the wind onshore, was too cold. We then made our way back home and talked until a great Sunday meal was presented – pork with crackling to die for. More drinks and chatting continued with one of the daughter mixing great cocktails. Bed came around 1.00am – I think!

Monday 4th May (Day7)

Up and sorted; slowly. Got a phone call from the next friends we were going to be meeting that they would pick us up at 10.0am. We hadn’t left and had a hours trip still. Eventually we drove to a pub just outside Falmouth, the Boslowick Inn. We parked and levelled and as if by magic Sharon and Tony arrived. First we showed them around our mobile ‘gin palace’ and then we went to see their new abode. It is a lovely house with some work needed but a garden that just went on and on – well down and down. We then had cake and tea and left for a walk to Trebah Gardens, where they work one day a week as volunteers, so we got in for free. This is a steep valley garden owned in the 1900 by the Healy family (they of the Austin Healy car). They sold out to a Major ‘ someone’ who bequeathed the gardens to a Trust on the understanding that he could live in the main house until he died – he is dead. The gardens were quite special – the tallest palm tree in the country the tallest this tree and that tree. There was a paper handkerchief tree, azeleas, rhododendron bushes it was a great garden which in four weeks or so would be even better. Back to their house for a Cornish cream tea before returning to the Boslowick Inn for a couple of drinks. We then said our goodbyes with the bank holiday weather continuing – heavy rain had returned. Back in the MH we watched the last of the world snooker championship in which the underdog Stuart Bingham beat Shaun Murphy 18 – 15. It was an entertaining last few frames.