Trip 31 – NC500 – Scotland – Pt4

Monday 9th May (Day 22)
A really bright sunny day in prospect but a cloudy start. We caught a bus into the city again and started by walking towards Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. We paid and entered the palace and spent a couple of hours going around it. There is a temporary – until September – extra exhibition of Royal clothing (mainly the queen’s) from 1930 to now. Even for me it had interesting aspects. A walk around the gardens before a slow walk back up the hill towards the castle. On way we went into a couple of museums which were free and detailed life in the Canongate area of Edinburgh. The next bit of culture was a 400 year building with rooms set back in that time. Free entry for us National Trust Scotland members! Again it was interesting, such security aspects as steps of differing heights so if someone crept up the stairs they were likely to stumble or make a noise. A stroll back to the shopping area for a late lunch in a pub before going to a Georgian House (free – National Trust again). This was a complete house set out as it was in 1760 when the first owner moved in. It gave a good insight into how life was back then. Eventually, totally cultured out and foot weary, we were on a bus back to Musselburgh which took an hour due to the rush hour traffic. The view with the sun out was even better than yesterday although a stiff breeze made it cooler than it looked.
PHOTO: Edinburgh in general

Tuesday 10th May (Day 23)
A short move today. After breakfast, and a quick goodbye to our Scottish Motorhome Wild Camping Facebook Group neighbour, we left for about an hours drive to the  Holy Island or Lindisfarne. Having parked up just outside the village we walked into the it along with a lot of other people.  We first visited the Priory. To enter it was over £5 each and you could see in from the surrounding church area all that you really need to, so we kept the money in our pocket! This was followed by a walk to the castle. A National Trust site (free entry for us again)! It is a small homely castle but, again if paying, it maybe not worth it, especially as they are renovating some of it. We then bought some fresh crab sandwiches and made a cup of tea in the MH to go with them. We then had to scoot along quickly to our next stop,  Seahouses, a journey of about 40 minutes. We wanted to go on a boat trip which started at 2.00pm.  By 1.40pm we were there but seeking somewhere to park. Double yellow lines and, as we are in England Who Hate Motorhomes, height barriers on car parks. After sone backstreet six-point turns we found a carpark for coaches and so parked up. By the time we got to the harbour we only had a few minutes to spare. We bought tickets for a two and a half hour visit to the Farne Islands – inner and outer. Also we were going to land on the Inner Farne Island for an hour. These islands are where Grace Darling lived and worked. We saw the old house / lighthouse she lived in and the lighthouse she worked in with her father from where she saved the seamen of the stricken ship. (More of that ‘daring do’ tomorrow.) The other point of the trip was to see the wild life – seals and birds. We saw them  by the thousand. Puffins, Guillemots, Arctic Terns,  Eider, Sandwich Terns, Common Tern, Kittiwake, Cormorant, Razorbills and Shags! We even saw them building nests, sitting on eggs on nests and sitting on eggs in a burrow (puffins do that).  The noise from the birds and the smell of the guano was quite noticeable. Also on the island is a small church dedicated to St Cuthbert, a religious man who lived on Lindisfarne and also on this island (alone for 9 years) until he died in 687AD. That would have been really a hard tough existence. Back on the boat and off to our overnight stop which we had not actually selected. Shortly after leaving we saw a Camping and Caravanning Club Site and decided to stop here so we could return to Bamburgh where the Grace Darling museum is. It has just been refurbished. We set up and sat outside the van (a first since we left on this trip) to enjoy the end of the day’s sunshine, before a stroll to the local hostelry and then a meal in the MH.
PHOTO: Grace Darings ‘house’; Seals and Birds

Wednesday 11th May (Day 24)
A great nights rest. Our first journey of the day was back northwards a short way to Bamburgh and the Grace Darling Museum. Grace Darling was born in Bamburgh and lived with her family on the Farne Islands where they worked the lighthouse. Inn 1838 a ship called the Forfarshire foundered in a storm and was wrecked Harcar island. The ship broke in half and 64 passengers and crew died. Four others escaped in a life raft and were rescued  later and nine scrambled on the island. Grace and her dad who saw the events unfold from Longstone Lighthouse left the safety of it in the teeth of a storm and rowed across to rescue nine people trapped on the island and in extreme danger. It took two trips to rescue them. Grace Darling was awarded the RNLI Gold medal and became a national heroine. Her celebrity status was short lived, however, as four years later she died of consumption – although the exact cause of death is not quite certain. The museum was interesting, despite a hoard of school children being there. We then drove off and out next stop was lunch in Richmond. A town with a castle and museum (but we are feeling ‘cultured out’ so we didn’t visit them). We had a light lunch and then continued on to visit some good friends at Rotherham (just outside as our friends remind us). Dinner was a nice visit to a local hostelry before a (few) night caps.
Thursday 12th May (Day 25)
Well after a good nights sleep we got our second ‘big boys breakfast’ since we left home, this time cooked by our hosts. Smashing. The weather was looking to be great so we decided on a trip to Derbyshire and Castleton – home of Blue John cave etc. We opted for a stroll around the village and a mooch in the shops and then a lunch time drink. We then drove a short distance to Eyam. This is a village that in 1665 developed the plague as a tailor bought a roll of fabric from London which arrived damp and, in drying it out by a fire, he activated the plague virus. The village voluntarily cut itself off from the surrounds, and of the 350 residents 250 died over the following months of the plague. Food was delivered at an agreed location for them and paid for by the locals by cash left in holes in a rock filled with vinegar to kill off any of the virus. A very sad interesting place. We then drove back to Rotherham and sat outside a pub in the sunshine while our friends and their son / wife looked at a house they had bought. Then off again to another pub (we have been led astray by these friends) for a meal – six of us with drinks less than £40!

Friday 13th May (Day 26)
So up prompt, breakfast eaten, followed by goodbyes. Then off home. A pretty good journey apart from the last part (Junction 25 to 26 of M25 virtually closed to clockwise traffic). A quick detour through Waltham Cross and home with a 15 minute delay. So 2200 miles completed at an average of 29 mpg which with the mountains in Scotland I was pleased with. Empty the MH of moths and food etc followed by the cleaning routine, and then………. Bang! One of the air suspension bags exploded! It was deafening. So one more night in MH was needed. We had dinner at home and then set of – for Warrington a 400 mile round trip. We stopped at a pub in Leicestershire – The Thatched Inn at Markfeld which was lively for a small village pub.

Saturday 14th May (Day 27)
Before 8.00am we had eaten breakfast and were off for the last leg to Warrington and by 10.30am the repair had been made and we were on our return journey. Home by 2.45pm so a good run. Phew!

Trip 31 – NC500 – Scotland – Pt3

Monday 2nd May (Day 15)
We had torrential rain during the night and it continued when we got up so we decided on a slow start – and a ‘Big Boys Breakfast’. By just after 10.00am we left for the trip to Applecross over the much talked about Bealach Na Ba road. Before we got to this point we had to slow a couple of times to allow a deer to cross in front of us. Soon we were at the start of the Bealach Na Ba; this is about ten miles of single track road with a few hairpin bends over the mountains and the inevitable passing places. A great drive with views to die for and, with the rain last night, waterfalls galore and racing streams / rivers. Some individuals have been seeking views to ban motorhomes making this crossing (sad persons); it was an easy drive with much to be enjoyed, if slightly over-hyped. Having got to Applecross we decided to use the local campsite and not ‘wild’ camp.  This enabled us to (a) charge up all our many gadgets fully and (b) get some washing done. We parked up and I got out to connect up to the electrical \ supply only to find four deer were less than 75 feet away just grazing. Having settled in we went for a walk along the shore, until it started to rain, albeit lightly. We returned to Applecross and sought refuge in the Applecross Inn where we intend to eat tonight. After a pint of beer and a chat the sun came out and we left and walked in the opposite direction to our first aborted walk, about a mile and a half to a shop. It was open, which in a little village on a Bank Holiday was a surprise. We wanted some beef for a slow cooked meal. Unfortunately all the meat was frozen and they had no beef so we left empty handed. We then walked back to the MH along the ‘Archeological Trail’; a pleasant walk which took us through a wood of pine trees with barks so black; the like of which I have never seen before. We eventually got back about 5.00pm and just made it before the heavens opened. As planned (and many people recommended) we walked to the local pub to eat. It was buzzing. An exceptionally good meal was had at a reasonable price and we were not disappointed. A walk backup the hill and the catch up of a box set recommenced before we turned in for the night.
PHOTO: Bealch Na Ba X 2; Deer at site

Tuesday 3rd May (Day 16)
A windy wet night. The morning broke with the threat of sun / rain. After breakfast we sorted the MH out with filling / emptying and then made our way off. We started going around the north coast line before travelling back, partway, along yesterday’s route. After a stop for coffee we continued on towards the Isle of Skye. A quiet stop for lunch was enjoyed before going over the bridge and stopping for some provisions and gas. The weather could not make its mind up. We stopped near the Cuillins Mountains close to Sligachan. Having parked up we took a gentle stroll along some footpaths towards the Cuillins. Back in the van and our next stop was Portree, the capital of Skye. The ‘old white houses along the harbour’ as mentioned in our guide (which was old in itself) were pink, blue, magnolia but very few white. A short stop and we drove off to the ‘Old Man of Storr’ where we left the MH and walked about 1.5 miles up, mostly, a 1:2 gradient to the rock formation under the Storr itself; our legs really knew we had walked it. Having got there the weather decided to have some fun and the wind and rain started; so a damp return journey. Having got back the main, small, car park we found it was almost empty so we decided this was to be our stop for the night.
PHOTO: Portree; Old Man of Storr

Wednesday 4th May (Day 17)
Rock and Roll! Well that is what we did all night. We stayed in the car park of the Old Man of Storr. It was fairly tucked out of the way but the storm that raged found all nooks and crannies, and along with torrential rain it meant a somewhat disturbed sleep. Morning dawned and we were awoken at about 7.30am by three people in a car, closing the doors, that decided to park right next to us. They were going for a walk – the rain and wind had not abated, madness! After breakfast we decided it was a driving / indoor day as the weather looked as it would not change. (To make matters worse Chris Evans on Radio 2 was telling us how ‘down south’ the sun was out and would be so at least to the weekend and be hotter than Ibiza!) We drove up the coast and stopped twice, once at Mealt Falls where there is a deep gorge and a waterfall (well two). The second was at Kilt Rock where the river cascaded over the cliff into the sea. We then drove past Flora MacDonalds cottage – now a hotel and our next stop was at the Skye Heritage Museum. A group of cottages made out as they would have been a long time ago; a smithy, a byre, a crofter’s cottage etc. While interesting, we had to run from one to the next as the wind and rain had intensified.  We continued to Uig where we had a cup of tea (the best since we have been away) in ‘Ella’s Cafe’. A strange place with 1930 to 1950 music playing and a second hand shop within it. Next was an ‘inside’ visit as we drove to Dunvegan Castle. The history of this castle goes back to the Vikings and around 1200AD. An interesting stroll around the various rooms before we ventured out to the gardens. Even at this time of the season it was pretty, but with the promise of much more. By now we decided to find a sheltered spot for the night. This led us to the Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle. We stopped at the car park and had a very wet walk to the Fairy Pools. The waterfalls were spectacular and the force of the water impressive. Some of the stepping stones were being lost under the rising water and, indeed, on the return journey it was worse. We got back the wettest we have been, soaked shoes, socks, trousers and over trousers. We got sorted and drove about half a mile to a small area we had spotted that was sheltered by the trees for the night which e shared with some sheep.
PHOTO: Water fall; Dunvegan Castle Castle; Commando Memorial

Thursday 5th May (Day 18)
A great sheltered spot = really good nights sleep. After breakfast we made our way to Broadford to get diesel before catching a ferry to Mallaig. Unfortunately the ferries were cancelled for the rest of the day due to the (very) strong winds. After filling with diesel we drove over the Skye bridge and along a very scenic route, stopping at Castle Eileen Donach for a walk. (The Isle of Skye is a great place, even with the naff weather). It is unfortunate that it has the collection of the National Collection Of Potholes And Poorly Repaired Roads.) A further drive and a stop for lunch and then a main stop at the base of Ben Nevis, where we took the cable car to the top. The views were spectacular but, due to the wind, it was hard to even stand up. A walk along to a viewpoint then back for a coffee to warm us up. A second fifteen minute cable car journey saw us back at the bottom. We then drove about 20 miles to Glenfinnan (the ‘Harry Potter’ viaduct is here). The Glenfinnan monument, not sure what to, is covered in scaffolding so we gave it a miss. We did walk up the hill to get a view of the viaduct before following another circular 3 mile route to give us different views of the viaduct, returning (via a hotel and a beer) to cook the evening meal. A game of Scrabble followed which, while they both were won by me, we’re very close with only a couple of points between us each game.
PHOTO: Ben Nevis; Potter viaduct

Friday 6th May (Day 19)
The day started with a major clean inside and a sort out in general. Despite this we were still on the road by 10.15am in glorious sunshine. We had a loose plan of where to go and our first main stop was Cruachan (The Hollow Mountain). Before that we had a couple of stops for walks to waterfalls, or abortive visits to a ‘Superstore’. (The sign said superstore; the road went nowhere. Literally!) By lunchtime we were at Cruachan, at the head of Loch Awe. This is a hydro-electric plant that is unique in the world. It stores water a kilometre up and, during high demand, the water comes down a 15 foot diameter pipes to drive the turbines. During low demand (and cheap rate) the water is pumped back up. (Yes I know some Welsh will say ‘hang on we have one of those systems’. However, the Welsh one has separate pumps to return the water to the top. So more infrastructure, cost, maintenance etc. The Scottish one uses the same turbines to return the water up that generate the power, unique in the world.) The water coming down hits the turbines at 30 tonnes per square inch. I should stop now as the figures while impressive, and I find interesting, will bore others. To get to the turbines, a bus took us a kilometre into the mountain, which is solid black granite. It took 6 years to build. The guide was informative and humorous and the tour ended all too soon. By now our plan had changed and we were going more direct to Falkirk. Another stop or two to stretch our legs before stopping at the village of Fintry and a pub where we had home cooked food and home brewed beer; delicious. The locals also made us feel most welcome. A pleasant quiet evening followed before retiring to rest.

Saturday 7th May (Day 20)
A quiet night saw us wake to a bright day. After breakfast and a partial fill of water we left for Falkirk. The first part of the journey were along the worse roads we have encountered for a long time – just poorly repaired. After just over an hour we parked at the Kelpies. (Kelpies are mythical water creatures that come out and take the formed either a man or horse and wait for an adult to come along. They then grasp then jump back into the water and the person is never seen again.) Anyway a walk around them and then we left before a publicity thing for the SDP with Nicola Sturgeon started. Another short drive to our stopover location for the night – the Falkirk Wheel. (£10 for the night with toilets and showers and 10% of the boat ride.) The boat ride was first. The wheel lifts boats 35m up from one level to the next and is unique ion the world. The boat ride was less than unique travelling at slower than walking pace; had to be done though. Back for lunch before we took the bikes off for a ride along the canal into Falkirk. Yes after carrying the bikes almost 1700 miles we now have the weather and reasonably flat surfaces to use them. However, without wishing to upset Falkirkians the centre was not very ‘wow’ or even ‘look at that’; but perhaps we missed the best bits. A ride back for a cup of tea was the order of the day. We then went for a walk along along the canal which turned out to be. A pleasant circular walk. We next just had a rest in the MH followed  by dinner. A bit of tv before we cycled the 4+ miles along the canal to the Kelpies to see them lit up. We were told it would be about 9.00pm so we timed it to be there around 9.10pm. Shame the things didn’t turn on until 10.20pm! A bit of a wait. It was worth it though as they take on a different aspect lit in the dark. We cycled back stopping at a canal side pub for a ‘livener’. Quite an experience with many 60+ people and a ‘dj’ singing 60”s hits. Back to the MH by around 11.30 having walked eight or so miles and cycled 15.
PHOTO: Falkirk Wheel; Kelpies

Sunday 8th May (Day 21)
We got up prompt; walked down to the Wheel as we had access to showers – really nice with well heated rooms A good start. We filled up with fresh water and went to I give our key in)for the loo, showers and access gates (only to find the office was closed until 10.00am so our prompt away was a bit frustrated. By soon after that we were off as today we intended to visit Edinburgh. A drive of just over an hour before parking overlooking the sea at Musselburgh. Then a short two minute walk and a bus into the city. Great overnight spot and easy in to city. After getting some info and a map we walked around towards the Royal Mile and made our way slowly towards the castle.Entry paid and we spent about three hours in the castle which was really interesting. Back out and a visit to the cathedral made even nicer with some people playing flutes which was quite haunting in the vast space of the cathedral. Time was getting on so a stroll around the shopping area, away from the big stores, then a pleasant pint sitting outside a pub people watching and talking to a local couple. It was staring to cool down so the journey back was our next option and by 6.00pm we were back in Musselburgh. Our first stop was a pint before cooking a nice steak dinner. Then sit and watch the view of the sea and bay before a bit more to then bed.
PHOTO: Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace

Trip 31 – NC500 – Scotland – Pt2

Monday 25th April (Day 8)
Another day of ‘interestIng’ weather; snow, sleet, sunshine we had it all. You could see what was coming next as it climbed over the hill and raced across the Firth. After breakfast we walked along the beach to Chanory Point to watch the dolphins. As the tide rushes into the fish come in with it (it tackles less effort to go with the flow).The Dolphins know this and so wait for the fish to swim to them.This results in the Dolphins having a good nosh up less than 20mFrom the beach. Quite a spectacle. Back to the MH to set the evening beef bourginon on. We then went for a walk up the; Fairy Glen’ a short walk up a stream with a couple of waterfalls at the top. After lunch we were going to walk along the beach to Fortrose. The best plans of man! A knock on the door was a neighbour informing us that we had a flat tyre. It just shows how fortune smiles up on people. It was only three weeks ago we Worked out how we could take a spare tyre with us.Without that the recovery people would not have attended. Within 20 minutes the AA were with us sorting us out – brilliant. This then meant we had to drive into Inverness to sort the flat tyre out. We thought we might need a new tyre (it was only three months old). However, the problem was with the valve a cheaper option (we thought). It then transpired that it was a problem with the rim itself. To resolve this we needed a new rim – and we couldn’t get one until tomorrow. We drove back to the site via Cromarty to see the oil rigs which, while huge, didn’t look it out on the bay. When we got back to the site we needed a drink so we went to the golf club next door. This is the 15th oldest club in the country. More than that Colonel Bogey (the tune) was inspired here and written by Kenneth Alsop (a pseudonym). He was a and master of the Army based across the firth. An interesting, eventful day.
PHOTO: Dolphins

Tuesday 26th April (Day 9)
A wild night but the morning was quieter. After emptying and filling we left the site to return to Inverness to pick up the new rim for the spare tyre. By just after 11.00am we were off again north towards Wick. The weather we experienced was amazing – sunshine, sleet, rain and snow within less than an hour – with this to be repeated. We stopped partway for a shop and a cooked lunch before arriving at Wick harbour and settling in for the night. We went for a walk around the town. Which is not much to shout about- before returning to the MH. The harbour iOS quite a busy area with many cars arriving and leaving from the chippie opposite. So much we had to try it,which proved to be a good decision. Then we say in the warmth and dry chatting and watching some tv.
PHOTO: Harbour, and Lowrys steps

Wednesday 27th April (Day 10)
A bright start to the day. After breakfast we went for a stroll to the Wick Heritage Museum that many people have recommended to us. It had only just opened and the three ladies volunteering and running the museum were about 200 years of age in total, I would guess. One lady showed us around pointing out notable things in the museum and then left us to it. We spent a good two hours just strolling around looking at the exhibits which are, loosely, grouped into three areas (town life; rural life; and fishing). A stroll back for lunch was next and, as we settled in, the hail hailed like hail rarely hails! We then drove up to the local distillery for a tour ……. in sunshine. The Pulteney distillery has a long history and this year won the ‘best malt of the world’. Our decision was then to move on and so we did. Our first stop was at the Stacks of Duncansby. This was at the end of single track road from John O’Groats. Having parked up we walked over the cliffs to see the ‘stacks’. These are tall pillars of rock just off the coast line. They are inhabited by gulls, puffins and, well perhaps guillemots, stuas or something. We were lucky to see a puffin as it is a bit early In the year for them. We briefly stopped at John O’Groats before moving off to Dunnett Head, the most northerly point of the British Isles mainland. It was then a short drive to the Castle Hotel to use their car park for the night.
PHOTOS:Puffin; stacks of Duncansby; Dunned head; John O’Groats

Thursday 28th April (Day 11)
A good start to the day with blue skies. After breakfast we made a slow departure and headed west along the A838. We stopped in Thurso – the most northern town in the UK. A short shopping trip and walk around the town before makIng our way onwards towards Durness. We stopped along the route, and had some great sea views while eating lunch, before moving on again. The scenery is stunning with sandy bays, Dartmoor type landscapes, mountains – some snow covered, and every turns bringing something new. The road, bearing it was an ‘A’ road, was amazing. Fifty odd miles of mainly single track roads with passing places. Add into that sheep, some that refused to move, and it was an experience. We eventually stopped at a camp site right on the beach which, despite the deteriorating weather, was great. Sango Sands Oasis about a mile from Smoo Cave. Well set out site with excellent facilities. It enabled us to get all the washing done and dried to set us up for some more wild camping. We have come to the opinion that the locals who are living in such remote locations are of a mindset very different from us. It also made us think how our view of life in a busy area is so different from 100 years ago or now. We moan about a four hour wait at A&E. Here it would take most of that to reach an A&E. 100 years ago how even more removed such expectations would have been.  A good curry and DVD was the order before retiring. I will state that the residents must be a hardy bunch living so remote. If you had a stroke or heart attack you would certainly be dead before a neighbour arrived yet alone an ambulance – too remote for me.
PHOTO: A838

Friday 29th April (Day 12)
The day promised to be really nice (and was). Bright sunshine. After getting sorted, filling water etc we left for the one mile trip to Smoo Cave. This was to be an minor error. As we pulled out from the camp site and drove down the road a motorhome (a Cathargo) was coming towards us. He clearly liked our side of the road being 12 to 18 inches out from the kerb and he had mirror out like Gary Linekers ears so a clash of mirrors was inevitable and he kept going – leaving us with a damaged mirror – hooray for Duck Tape. We stopped at Smoo Cave coach park and walked down to the cave. The entrance is about 15m high and impressive. Once inside there was a small bridge to take you into second cave with an 80 foot waterfall. Then Colin arrived (more about him later). He is the boatman / guide. For £4 each we donned a hard hat; walked to the second cave with the waterfall, clambered down some wooden steps into a large rubber boat and crossed the water to a third cave. The floor of this cave was almost completely covered in water (a small river) but Colin had made planks supported by other pieces of wood so we could keep our feet dry. He then told us quite a bit about the cave, it’s history and rocks in general. Now to Colin; he is the sort of bloke that if you were in a pub and he had a drink or three could bore the pants off the average person as his knowledge of caves, rock, geology and the like is clearly impressive. On the cave visit the information he gave was not over the top but just about right. He is also slowly digging out shale, rock etc which he believes leads to another bigger cave good luck to him as he has spent years on this. Off we toddled then to the ‘John Lennon Memorial Garden’ (I kid you not). Quite an underwhelming experience. By now it was nearly lunch time but we drove some 10 or so miles to get a nice spot with a view to have lunch – it was overlooking a sea inlet. We left the A838 – remember a single track ‘A’ road – to join the A801 which was the same. At the end of this road was Blairmore where we parked and then walked 5 miles across beautiful countryside to Sandwood Bay. Walking or a boat are the only way of getting here. It is a wide sweeping bay with pinkish sand and Atlantic rollers crashing onto the beach with punk hued sand and rocks surrounded by cliffs and the rolling hills; again stunning. However, we now had the 5 mile (90+ minute) walk back! Eventually, foot sore and weary we arrived back and then drove in the brilliant sunshine to Kylesku where we stopped just before the bridge and wild camped for the night. The location we stopped at had a memorial to the men who fought in WW2 using X-craft and human torpedoes. They trained in the waters around here. X-crafts were four man mini subs that crept into enemy ports and attached mines to ship hulls. Human torpedoes were two man torpedo shaped machines ridden by men in wet suits and could get into shallower places than the X-crafts.

Saturday 30th April (Day 13)
After a great sleep we made tracks towards Ullapool via the scenic route. Another day of, mainly single track roads with spectacular views. A bit of shopping in little stores on the way before the major town of Ullapool, and it was market day. It was, however, a tiny market. A purchase from the butchers and a nice sausage in a French baguette before moving off. The weather is most changeable one minute bright sunshine then really heavy rain. Each time we left the MH it was dry though! We stopped at Corrieshalloch Gorge (a Scottish NT site) and had a walk to a deep 200 foot gorge with a waterfall. A nice bit of exercise. English H&S would have a fir though with a 200 foot drop from a path where you are protected by a log with a notice informing you of bad things that might happen to you if you fall. Then off to find a stop for the night which we did, perched on a cliff top just before Poolewe (pronounced pooloo). Not sure that is a good move as strong winds are forecast; we shall see.
PHOTO: Gorge

Sunday 1st May (Day 14)
We rocked and rolled in the wind which just seemed to increase evermore. The roof vents started to rattle and sleep was all but impossible. Just before 6.00am we got dressed and drove about 8 miles to a more sheltered spot and settled down again. A late rise was not a surprise. After breakfast we drove to Inverewe (Inveroo) Gardens; this is 50+acres of gardens laid out by nationality and, while a good visit, would have been better in a month or two. There were herons nesting which was nice to see. This is a Scottish National Trust site and so we joined – at about 60% of the English National Trust price – a bargain, especially with fun access to English NT sites and 14 others one worldwide. After this we drove a bit out of the way to fill up with fresh water, empty the toilet and the grey waste. The final ‘sort’ was to fill with diesel. Only lpg to sort but not an imperative. We left Garloch and found a path to a waterfall which involved a 3 mile walk. A pleasing stroll – where I got near to the falls and got a bit wet as I crossed the river and slipped off the rocks. Off again with a brief stop at then ‘Victoria Falls’ – so named as Queen Victoria visited them. The weather has been glorious. We eventually stopped for the night at a pub in Torridon where a pint or two was consumed before we retired to the MH to eat and watch a DVD.
PHOTO: Waterfall and Herons

Trip 31 – NC500 – Scotland – Pt1

Monday 18th April (Day 1)
Having loaded all but fridge items yesterday it was an easy going start to our trip. As we were in no rush we, well, didn’t. After a substantial late breakfast and the usual vacuum and clean so Billy the Burglar’ won’t think us slovenly we were off by about 11.30pm. There then followed just under 200 miles to our first stop of which 190 were either dual carriageway or motorway. When the motorways are running journeys are so easy. And so it was for us. A short stop at some services for a leg stretch and coffee and then by 4.45pm we were parked in a pub car park near Warrington – the Hollybush PH. This is an old thatched pub recommended to us for a night stop. We parked up in the large car park and after a while went for a walk along the lanes, along a canal side until we looped back to the pub – a four to five mile stroll. A meal in the pub was the plan for the evening and we had been warned that the meals were large. For this reason we did not have starters and just a main course each. Our meal advisors were right and neither of us could finish the meal. Back to the van for a rest to digest the food before we turned in for the night. A chilly evening but the forecast ‘promises’ worse to come.

Tuesday 19th April (Day 2)
The day started bright with blue skies and the promise of good weather. We left by 8.30am for a 20 minute journey to AS Air Suspension who were to fit, well, air suspension, to the rear of the MH. We left the MH and they drove us into Warrington where we caught the train to Chester. Having arrived we walked the short distance into the centre and started our exploration by walking around the walls of the town. It is a lovely old town with wood faced buildings; an ornate clock (dedicated to 60 years of Queen Victoria); The oldest racecourse in the UK (The first race was held on February 9th 1539 and was for the locals to replace the violent games of football that were played there! Henry Gee was the Mayor of Chester who started this, hence horses being called ‘gee-gees’); We also visited the Cathedral which has the oldest court in the country still set up (a Consistory Court)which was established in 1541. It dealt with most things from heresay to neighbour disputes. We had lunch in a 600 year old building but it was Spanish Tapas which was divine. A short stroll around the shops and after three plus hours we returned to the station for a train back to Warrington which we nearly missed. By 4.30pm we were back at the motorhome having the workings of the suspension explained to us. This meant that our journey north was on the M6 in the rush hour. The first part was quite slow but gradually as we left ‘civilisation’ things got much better. Eventually the panorama hanged to rolling hills (some quite high) with patchwork fields as far as the eye could see made that way by dry stone walls and sheep and lambs all around. The sun was still shining. After just under two hours we pulled off the motorway to a ‘wild’ spot, Wet Sladale Reservoir which is south of Shap, but as we arrived we found quite a few cars there and noisy children (Scouts) on an orienteering evening – a bit of a bus mans holiday experience for us having been involved in scouting for over 25 years (now retired). We went for a shortwalk to make the most of the sunshine before returning to the van for a curry. A most agreeable, exceptional day. Around 10.30pm we went out to look at the stars but the moon was so bright they were difficult to see.
PHOTO: Chester  and Wetsladdle Rsvr

Wednesday 20th April (Day 3)
The idea was a prompt start to the day. We woke up at 8.40am! Not the plan. After an hour we were off and what an easy journey it was, hardly any traffic – just like being in France. By 1.30pm we were parked up in Scone Park and Ride (pronounced ‘Scoon’). It was almost empty of vehicles and we found it was well over an hour before a bus might arrive. We therefore walked down the road and caught a bus into Perth. Here we whiled away the afternoon. Out thoughts of the city, with apologies to the locals, was it was very nice but nothing to produce a ‘wow’ factor for us. It is the home of the Black Watch and we visited the Scottish National Trust Gardens overlooking the city and walked a route for art exhibits. We returned to the motorhome a bit earlier than we thought we would to drive to our sleepy spot for the night, only to find it was down a private road and we were unsure of whether to proceed. We decided to bottle it and drove off to Blairgowrie to do some food shopping for the next few days. We then reviewed where to stay and opted for a Britstop (number 819 for those on the know). We parked up and it was still so warm, at gone 7.00pm, that we went for a stroll before returning for a cooked meal and rest. We were in the middle of nowhere so a quiet night was anticipated. We didn’t allow for a farmer tilling or ploughing his field next to us under enough headlights to assist ET’s friends find the planet. Fortunately it lasted only about an hour.

Thursday 21st April (Day 4)
We were woken. In the night by an alarm on the electric panel showing a very low charge in the battery. Nothing we could do but turn the panel off and get back to sleep. Another bright sunny start to the day (and it stayed that way). We had breakfast and, as we were at a Britstop, looked in on the farm shop, hoping for some fresh meat. We were unlucky but we did find a book suitable for the friend;s 14 month daughter who we are to visit next. First off a really lovely drive across the mountain to Braemar where we stopped for an hour or so. Had a stroll around and a tea and scone – not cheap but really nice. Then a short drive, via a garage to get some distilled water for the batteries, to Balmoral Castle. We approached the entrance gates and identified ourselves and they were opened and we drove up to the castle and Estate Office with all the tourists wondering who we could be. We parked up and had a mile walk to a place called West Box. This is a place where, when the royal family are in residence, that Royalty Protection Police use as a post to secure the estate. Chris’ dad was on the Queen’s travelling staff for 30 years and spent eight to ten weeks over August, September and October at Balmoral. Indeed he missed all of Chris’ birthdays, except her 21st as she insisted he flew home. Anyway Chris’ dad died and we had permission to scatter his ashes around West Box as the family thought that fitting. A lovely warm day with daffodils in bloom and at 2.00pm the ashes were scattered. 2.00pm being the time that Chris’ brother and our three sons were informed we would scatter them. (We Told them the time in advance in case we had no phone signal. We didn’t). After we went for a stroll through the grounds for an hour before returning and having a tea in the cafe. As it was the Queens 90th Birthday we were also given a free cup cake with the Royal emblem and 90th birthday wishes. By 4.00pm we had arrived at our friends farm where we were to stay for the night (at Bridge of Gairn farm). The approach was a short, steep drive which we slid down with all four wheels locked. (Hopefully with a good run we will get backup.) We then parked up and made our welcomes before strolling around the farm, while Kirsty taught some children horse riding. After that it was a nice dinner followed by a sit and catch up on events over the intervening (many) years since we last met. Subjects both happy and sad. A glass of wine to end the day and off.
PHOTO: Balmoral, West Box and Farm

Friday 22nd April (Day 5)
A good nights sleep, ignoring the horse that spent 30 minutes trying to kick itself out of the stall. Another bright day but much cooler. After a good breakfast we decided to walk into Ballater. A small village whose patronage of HRH has made it well known. The High Street still has most shops shut due to the major flooding in December 2015. We had a stroll about and went into the main church, whose name I cannot remember! This had four stained glass windows along one side. Two were clearly quite old. The other two were much newer, one 1950’s the other 2006. This later window depicted Ballater viewed across the river and had a van on the bridge. It was paid for by the local butcher (when he died) the van was his. While not overly religious he had eyed this plain window space to be a memorial to him. He died in his early 60’s, he was unmarried and a ‘local loon’. We made enquiries about this; a loon is a young male and a ‘local loon’ is a one who was born in the area, brought up in it and lived their life in it. He was a great supporter of local charities and an all round nice guy. With no dependents he bequeathed most of his money to local charities but his butcher shop that he had owned for 40 odd years to the staff. Quite a nice man! Anyway after a coffee we opted for a circular walk back to the farm. Unfortunately the footbridge was still not in use due to the December flood. The sign informing us the bridge was not repaired from the floods, three miles back, had fallen over and we had not seen it so we had a long walk back through Ballater. After a light lunch we said our goodbyes and by 3.45pm were on our way back to Balmoral, a short 6 mile drive, to the car park there as we have decided to watch the ‘Balmoral run’ on Saturday, which Kirstine is running in her late husbands memory. Our dinner was venison burgers bought at the Ballater bucher’s shop which were delicious, before we had a quiet evening before a, hopefully, good nights sleep.
PHOTO: Ballater – Balmoral Car Park

Saturday 23rd April (Day 6)
St. George’s Day – Just saying as no-one in Scotland will. We spent a quiet night with one other MH – a rental with two French people in (dad and daughter). Anyway the day started with blue skies and no wind, then soon it was grey, windy and wet; soon to be followed by blue skies again. The weather cannot make its mind up. Anyway after a simple breakfast we walked into the Balmoral grounds as the weekend was ‘RunBalmoral’. This is an event of races for schoolchildren, disabled and adults with distances starting at 1.5k and going up to 15 miles. A steady stream of cars were arriving from 9.00am as were coaches and buses. As we approached the main arena it decided to snow and this was set for most of the rest of the morning. It was quite heavy although it didn’t settle much as the ground was wet. After a while we decided to return to the MH to have a coffee, much more preferable in the warm snug Billina, than standing out in the open. The plan was to return after lunch when we would watch Kirstine in the 10k afternoon race. This we did and she finished in a very respectable 50 minutes. We shortly after said our goodbyes and made our way to stay with Alistair and Carolyn (Graham) at Coull. We arrived in time for dinner, while doing so we saw some deer come up and jump over the garden fence run across the road and into the forest. We then sat and drank and chatted until 12.45am. Instead of walking over the road to the MH we ended up sleeping in their house.
PHOTO: Alastair View

Sunday 24th April (Day 7)
We were up around 9.00am and the fields were white with snow. We had a lazy breakfast before making our goodbyes and leaving towards Inverness,by which time the snow had, mostly, disappeared. We drove over the Tomintoul road (Tomintoul being the highest town in the area). Some steep (20%) hills later we made Inverness and we then continued on to Rosmarkie which overlooks the Moray Firth. Our stop was a Camping & Caravan Club Site. We had a really friendly welcome, parked up about 20m from the waters edge and settled in. After a bit of washing and cleaning we then went for a walk along the shore for about four miles. Then it was time for a dinner of prawns before a quiet evening in the mh.
PHOTO:  Rosemarkie Beach View, Cromarty Firth

Trip 30 – Rugby, NEC and Devizes

Wednesday 24th February
We left for the motorhome just after 9.30am with two quick jobs to do on way. I had to go to the Nuffield hospital for a couple of tests and then Matt had to go to the Spire hospital to have the stitches out of his shoulder. We then took Matt home and this meant that we did not get to the motorhome until midday. A quick exchange of gear from the car to the MH and then a fill up with water before we left. We found the ‘dump valve’ on the hot system would not reset, probably due to the cold so we left with only a partial fill of water. We then had a really easy, pleasant, journey in bright sunshine to Rugby where we were staying at a Britstop, The Barley Mow, Newbold On Avon. Eric and Resa got there half an hour ahead of us and met the pub owner, a motorhomer himself. He was off in his MH so we missed him. He stated he was just happy to see us and did not expect us to eat or even drink in the pub. After setting up and a cup of tea we went for a stroll along the canal which we were overlooking. A two hour jaunt, getting back as it was getting dark, had we returned much later and it would have been very dark and difficult along the canal. We had decided to eat tonight in the pub and so just before 7.00pm in we went. A very basic average meal good beer. Then we chatted until we had a fairly early night.

Thursday 25th February
We were up by 7.30am and had a shower and then were off by 8.00am to the NEC at Birmingham as the Caravan and Motorhome Show was there. It was again an easy drive and we were parked up by 8.45am. We then sat in the car park and had our breakfast. Soon after this we walked to the bus stop to catch one to the exhibition centre. As we waited for the bus Sue and Alan drove into the car park. We waited for them and then were whisked of to the centre. Here we met by chance five more of our group – who will be staying with us in Devizes this weekend. Anyway after short wait the Show opened and in we went. Rather than stay in a group or groups we separated to make our own way around at our own pace. Six hours and nearly four miles later with countless motorhomes viewed, many ‘not to be missed’ gadgets seen, accessories and other items which someone thought were indispensable to ‘us folk’ was enough. (Whoever thought Chesterfield furniture or conservatory blinds would be a draw?) Six of us reconvened and caught the bus back. By 4.30pm three motorhomes were to be found on the M42 with four lanes of slowish traffic on way to Studley and a campsite. Upon arriving it was full, despite our booking three places! It mattered not as we parked on the front of the ladies house – a large area and we still had electric hook up. We all prepared and cooked our dinners and then met in our MH where we chatted before enough was enough and sleep was calling.

Friday 26th February
A grey but not so cold start to the day which gives hope for a good weekend. I got up and made tea and went back to bed while it cooled. In these few minutes I somehow twisted the ligament of the ‘bad’ knee to the point I could barely walk. Not a good omen perhaps. Anyway after breakfast I uncoupled us from the electrics and we said, temporarily, goodbye to the others. Chris had to drive the two plus hour route to Devizes C&CC site. Again traffic issues and we arrived and were second in line to enter the site with four others behind us all of which were the ‘weekend crew’ we were to be with. We all arrived together from differing locations – amazing. There then followed The usual setting up; saying hello; catching up etc. I sat in the MH resting the leg while Chris and five others went for a walk along the canal. By 4.00pm a second group were going for a walk along the canal but with the intention of going to the Barge Pub. I joined them and when we arrived the others were settled in as well. After a couple of pints some of us returned home – us to a slow cooked Beef Bourguignon which was smashing. Six of us then gathered to watch the France / Wales rugby and chat (Wales won 19-10). By eleven it was time for bed and the end to an enjoyable day.
Saturday 27th February
A really good snug nights sleep. Plans for today are lunch in a Weatherspoons (we know how to live); so breakfast was just toast. The weather was looking good; bright with blue skies. Some of the crew elected to catch the bus to Devizes but eight did the walk Along the Kennet and Avon canal. This is a pleasant walk past moored narrow boats of various states of repair, a boat marina, several locks and bridges before the quite steep climb up to Devizes. As is usual the locks in canals are there to enable boats to climb or descend any gradients. Caen (pronounced ‘Cane’) Hill locks – a flight of 29 locks are in three groups. These raise the boat 237 feet over two miles. The first group of seven locks are quite spread out, over about 1Km. The third group of 6 locks takes the boats into Devizes. In between are 16 locks that are are back to back. To enable this to work large ponds are set to one side after each pair of locks containing many thousands of litres of water- called pounds. The engineer, one John Rennie, came up with this solution along with a pump station to return extra water to the top. It takes 5 to 6 hours to negotiate this long climb (in a boat). For us a bit of puffing but a much quicker climb. In Devizes a nice small town, we strolled around, bumping into the others as we went. One or two essential items were purchased, like bread. Then some of those present decided to ‘invade’ the charity shops. Some good buys were had; a jacket (men’s) for £5; a ladies coat £3.50; knitting patterns 79p; a photo album £1.50 being just a few items. All left for the Wetherspoons for lunch happy with their purchases. As can be expected thirteen people could not get seated at such a busy establishment. It was always likely to be an issue. Six stayed and the others sought lunch elsewhere. £12 for two pints and two meals was an absolute bargain – not haute cuisine it must me stated but good wholesome fare. The majority then elected to take the bus back to the site – an hours wait. Four of us wanted to walk and so we did getting back well before the bus even left. On the way we saw an old Abbey Lancaster caravan on the back of a Transit base, quite an unusual combo. Having got back we then sat and watched the England v Ireland rugby match which finished with an agreeable result (for us) – 21 – 10. A late snack and then some knocking on the MH informed us that there was a posse off to the Three Magpies about 100m away. We all piled in and,eventually, managed to secure two table which could accommodate the thirteen of us. Much chatter and laughter followed before, slowly, one or two at at time people returned for bed or Match of the Day in my case. A busy fun day with a good bit of excercie thrown in.

Sunday 28th February
Another nice start to the day. After breakfast we went for a walk along the canal (away from Devizes this time). A gently three miles each way stroll in bright sunshine. We tried to get a coffee mid-way in a pub but it was not yet open. Arriving back we had a cup of tea before the thirteen of us, plus one guest went to the Magpie pub for a Sunday roast. By 3.30pm we were back having a siesta. At about 6.30pm we went over to Su and Alan’s MH and then we decided that we all (well eleven of us) should have an evening together. So we all tripped over to our van as we had the most space and just got us all in. Everyone brought a it of food and so we had a right Royal banquet,lots of chat and raucous laughter; an evening that finished about 11.00pm

Monday 29th February
A frosty start to the day. Outside the motorhome was a pile of bottles from the previous nights soiree – a trip of shame to the bin was to follow. We had a big boys breakfast and then slowly packed things away and cleaned the motorhome. This was interrupted on several occasions for much hugging and handshaking as others from the group left. By just before midday we were ready and off back home. A really good run (M4 / M25 / M11 / A120) back to base. We then transferred the gear to the car and left for home arriving at 4.30pm.

Trip 29 – Conkers (nr Burton-on-Trent)

Friday 5th February

We collected the motorhome at its base and after a check of tyres and fill of water we were off to the Midlands. We had a great run and by 2.30pm we arrived, and received a great welcome at Conkers C&CC site near Burton-on-Trent. After a snack we went for a cycle around the area. We covered about eight miles, this was enough seeing as it was our first cycle ride this year. We stopped at the Halfway House PH in Donisthorpe. A great pub that, at 5.00pm, was buzzing. Here we had a great pint before cycling back in the near darkness to the motorhome for dinner and a relaxing evening.

 

Saturday 6th February

A very quiet night, despite the weather forecast of strong winds and rain – just never arrived. The morning was a different matter. Quite strong winds and rain – not heavy rain but driven by the wind. A lazy day was the order of the day. However at just before midday we booted and suited in waterproofs for a walk. This area is crisis-crossed with paths and trails ideal for bikes and boots. The main one is the Ashby Would Heritage Trail, an old railway line (thank you Dr Beeching). Part of it incorporates the old Donisthorpe Colliery – long gone and now a wooded area (thank you Mr Scargill / Mrs T / and also cheap coal imports). We walked this time to the Halfway House pub (halfway to where?) for a beer and then made our way back to watch the Six Nations.  Last night we opened a box of wine which was horrible (the first time ever). Indeed it was so bad we would not drink it so it has been relegated to cooking with. This meant we were after some wine along with a pint of milk. We knew there was a small supermarket in Moira and tok a small detour to visit it. Jokingly I said it would close at 1.00pm (it was 1.20pm). It didn’t as close as it wasn’t even open due to refurbishment. Fortunately, a post office / provisions shop was open up the road and the vital suppplies were sourced. A short walk back to the site in  weather conditions that were getting worse each step. We did get back before the full force of the storm and rained arrived. During the rest of the afternoon we sat and watched the first two six nations rugby matches and while we did the wind and rain slowly continued to increase until we were being battered to within an inch of our lives! By evening we were really rocking and the rain on the roof was like a snare drum. As the late evening approached the wind started to ease and by the time we went to bed things were fairly normal, we were thankful for small mercies! Below is  a plaque from the Halfway House – clearly some liked it even more than us.

Sunday 7th February

A bright day dawned with good prospects. Due to this we decided to stay another night and after breakfast went on a circular cycle ride. Out from the site and through Moira along to Ashby-de-La-Zouch, about 5 miles. Here we made our way to the castle. A pretty derelict affair it was and has been since the English Civil War (1642-ish). Entry was £5.30 each so we opted not to. We have have missed a gem but a cost and weather factors assisted our decision making. From here we cycled to Measham (about 5 miles again). It is a village that precedes the Doomesday Book. As we cycled in it was noticeable that all around were purple bows everywhere; on lampposts; signs; gates; shops; and fences and ‘For Kayleigh’ written nearby. At the town’s church, a tree bereft of any foliage was bedecked in mauve / purple items and a carpet of flowers at its base. Upon entering into the church (built about 1370), we saw a table for Kayleigh. It would appear that she was a fifteen year old who died suddenly but we do not know the how or why only that she died in November (2015) and was buried mid January. After a short time in the church we left and found the Ashby Would Heritage Trail and made our way towards the motorhome, which was to be another five miles. We stopped part way at our adopted ‘local’ the Halfway House which was, as usual, very busy, indeed heaving. For £9 we had two pints of beer and four large rolls – two ham and two cheese and tomato – and the ham was not shop bought, water injected, thin wispy rubbish but really delicious locally sourced HAM Just as it should be. I would recommend this pub to all visiting the area. A short cycle found us back ‘home’ after a total of 15 miles. The weather has been gentle on us and was sunny and quite warm the whole time. Another storm (Imogen) is approaching apparently. We had a nice cooked dinner of hunters chicken and roast veg and the weather started to deteriorate into the evening . We sat in and watched tv and the wind increased again by the time we went to bed the van was back rocking again.

 

Monday 8th February

A foul day. We intended to go to the Stratton Arms, a very motorhome friendly  good value pub in Buckinghamshire. However, last night we found out that while we could stay, there was no food. In any event with the weather getting worse we decided to cut and run home. So after a good fried breakfast and a good clean of the inside of the motorhome in preparation of the next trip, we left. We had a good run home despite the buffeting wind, albeit we had to avoid the most direct route (via the A14) as it was solid for over ten miles from the M6 towards Cambridge. The alternative route added about 20 miles to the journey but who cares, we would rather be moving than queueing. It was a windy ride but not an issue we just had to drive a bit slower. The mileage ended up around 300 miles at 32mpg which is good. At the storage site we swapped clothes etc over into the car and went home to a cold house arriving by 3.30pm. (The house was cold as we were not due back until tomorrow and the heating was on ‘holiday mode’ a money saving feature.) The area of Conkers is one we would like to visit again in better weather as it was clearly good for cycling and walking – plus the Halfway House!

 

A sad postscript:

Upon returning home we looked into the death of Kayleigh  (Haywood). She was a local girl who was raped and murdered. So bad were the injuries that dental records were used to identify her. Two men have been charged  in relation to this. Our thoughts are with the family and friends.

Trip 28 – Wakes Colne

Friday 29th January

Off for the weekend with Chris and Carolyn to a local site just north east of Colchester. First though a visit to the Nuffield for a small procedure. So we parked up (in car) and were in the hospital for midday for a 3.00pm surgery. A quite boring time ensued and then at about 2.45pm a horde of people descended upon us, including the Matron – who looked like a simmering volcano. The doctor explained he had himself recently had an operation and wasn’t yet signed off so couldn’t operate! A new appointment would be needed. So I quickly got dressed – out of gown, sexy socks and hospital undies – and off we went to the motorhome. We were both very hungry as I had not eaten at all today and Chris ate six hours ago; so first off, a sandwich in the motorhome before moving off to the site. The bonus for us was that we were several hours in advance of when we expected to be leaving in the motorhome and would miss the rush hour. A 35 minute drive found us parked up in Chappel, near Wakes Colne and the East Anglian Railway Museum. A quiet out of the way site that was very neat and tidy. The others were already there and we spent the late afternoon and evening just chatting and catching up while the tail end of Storm Gail blew and rocked the motorhome. Chris and Carolyn had cooked for us and we had a nice meal with (too much) wine and around 11.30pm went back to ours for bed.

Saturday 30th January

A very wet and windy night but by morning things had settled down. A grey start with the promise of a better day ahead. After breakfast we got our walking boots on and off the four of us went. The site has three circular walks – 2 3/4, 5 1/2 and 9 miles long. We opted for the five and a half mile walk and decided to go anti-clockwise – so the instructions would not be relevant. The benefit of this would be that almost at the end of the walk we would be near a pub for lunch. A pleasant countryside walk with a short shower and a one bit that was very, very, muddy. Just before the end we detoured to the local pub, The Swan, which was in the shadow of the train viaduct (more about that later). A nice lunch and beer before returning to the site and going back out on the short two and three quarter mile walk. Again a pleasant stroll in sunshine through wooded countryside. A great view near of this walk of Chappel village, the chapel (church) and the viaduct. This viaduct is the second biggest viaduct in England built from 1846 – 48. It is 1066 feet long with 32 arches and seven million bricks were used. The viaduct is still carrying trains. When the building was started a container was buried with a sovereign, half sovereign , shilling and a four pence piece (!). However, by the morning some navvy had stolen it – not one was ever convicted. Anyway back to the motorhome, tired and weary, where boots were cleaned and a much needed cup of tea was had and we put our feet up. At about 5.45pm Chris K, dressed in a dinner suit, was off to Stoke Nayland, picked up by some colleagues, for a yearly award ceremony. Shortly after Carolyn came over and we had dinner and then sat and chatted until 10.30 (good timing) when she went back to her MH and we sat and watched Match of the Day.

Sunday 31st January

Probably because of the walk yesterday but we both had our best nights sleep for weeks (we usually do sleep better in Billina than at home anyway). However, the weather forecast for today was not good and so it proved, as during the night and over breakfast it rained – not hard but still not nice. We sorted the van in readiness to move off but first we went for a stroll to the local rail museum about a half mile walk away. The museum looks fairly small from outside but with half price entry (£6 for two) in we went. We then spent a magical couple of hours. Old coaches, trains, waiting room, signal boxes. Displays with ‘hands on’ exhibits. Carriages I remember travelling in, toys I had, memories jerked and prompted all the way around. Old engines, including ‘Thomas’. The only down side was a constant ‘mizzle’ – if  only the weather was nicer. Definitely a place to return in the sunshine. Back to the MH and a final pack before the short 30 minute dive back to base and then home. A great weekend-despite the threat from the weather.

Trip 27 – Burnham on Crouch

Saturday 7th November (Day 1)

We only had a few miles to drive to our destination so were in no real rush.  We got to the home of Billina and did a few small jobs (we are having battery issues so a top up of battery water was one such job). We drove to the water point to fill up with water as we were goingto be ‘wild’camping only to find it had been totally removed. We were helped by the caravan service place next door who allowed us to fill up. Then by about midday we were off. It was a 17 miles journey ,so quick and uneventful. Arrangements had been made for us to stay in the car park of the Burnham on Crouch Conservative Club! A narrowish entrance (but certainly big enough) and then park up at the top end. A walk along the High Street followed but the high winds and rain cut this short and we retired back to Billina.We then offered our help to George and Alan who declined but invited us to join them for fish n chips before getting ready for the main event. By 8.00pm we were back for Alan’s 50th Bash. There then followed a typical party – chat, drink, dance, drink, eat, drink. Back to the motorhome about 2.30am and sleep……….

Sunday 8th November (Day 2)

We were awake and remarkably chipper around 9.00am. We then showered, dressed and moved the motorhome to another place in the car park as we had blocked one of the exits where we first parked and I like both exits to be useable. Anyway by 10.35am were at the war memorial for the Rememberance Service there. We contacted the friends to see if they were going to come and found that they were but that the hostess had not gone too bed! Anyway the war memorial was a very busy place and a short service with the ‘Last Post’ etc took place. We then strolled back with the friends to their house for sausage sarnies. Slowly during the late morning and early afternoon other party go-ers emerged from their bedrooms had something to eat and then bade farewell. By late afternoon the four of us strolled to the Con Club for a libation and met some more of those we met last night. The place was buzzing and a pleasant time was spent before returning to have a lovely pork Sunday dinner. By now it was clear that our dear Georgina was a bit tired (still not been to bed) so we said our goodbyes and returned to the motorhome for a relaxing evening and then sleep.

Monday 9th November (Day 3)

Another good nights sleep (it is a nice quiet location). A mini-big boys breakfast (if that isn’t an oxymoron). Then by around  11.00am we left to return to the storage site.  So another short trip of 30 or so minutes and we were parked up and on our way by car home. The owners have confirmed, after a bit of pushing, that the water has not been removed just for the winter but permanently. As a result we have decided that we will investigate another storage site as the ability to get freash water to fill our tanks or even to wash the motorhome is something we want.

Trip 26 – Croatia Bound – Days 45 to 53 – The End

Wednesday 14th October (Day 45)
Some heavy rain through the night and we pulled back the blinds in trepidation. Blue skies and the mountains on the far side of the lake in sunshine, all gold and green. Breakfast and some mundane jobs first. By about 11.00am we were ready for the off. By now the sun had just reached ‘our’ shore. On our bikes to go to a waterfall which was a 30 minute walk away so on the bikes it should be much quicker. Well we cycled for about 10 minutes then walked, pushing the bikes, up a very steep road for another ten to fifteen minutes then stopped at a taverna for a coffee and sought directions. “Yes nearly there” (I think they said as my Italian is only beaten for uselessness by my Mandarin). Push the bikes five minutes more then abandon them and walk on and up along a path. No signs for the waterfall so are we right? A further ten minutes and then a sign to a waterfall! Now we had to be mountain goats and walk down a narrow rocky, slippery path with the obligatory long drop on one side. We could, however, hear water. Eventually a small bridge over the river and another few minutes to the waterfall. Worth the effort we felt. Of course then we had the return journey but at least the bike bit was all downhill. Back to the site for a spot of lunch. (Ten miles cycled so far.) We then decided to go along the ‘old road’. So off on the bikes again. On the far side of the lake was the road from Porlezza to all towns on the way to Lugano (Switzerland). They have built a tunnel to avoid some of the twisty-turney bits so the old road is traffic free. A nice ride along to a town called Cima, where we parked our bikes and went for a walk around the old lanes of the town. There was a house, preserved since 1945, where six ‘freedom fighters’ against the Nazis were caught and subsequently, and quickly, executed. Unfortunately, we did not find the memorial to them. We then strolled up to a sanctuary, Nostra Signora della Caravina. This church had paintings hanging in it that were over 500 years old. They needed restoration and there was an appeal to do it but they were all unguarded and all had easy access to them. The oldest was the ‘Madonna of the Conception’ which actually looked like almost nothing at all it was so badly worn you could just make out a few figures, but not the Madonna. By now we could see dark clouds gathering over the mountains so it was a quick ride back to rescue the washing that was drying. We just made it and got the clothes in and awning away before the heavens opened. So in total seventeen miles cycled and about five walked, all up hill and down dale. Dinner in the motorhome again.

Thursday 15th October (Day 46)
What a difference a day makes (could be a good song title). It rained during the night like we should be building an Arc rather than trying to sleep by a lake in a motorhome. By about 5.00am it had stopped so had the wind that was rocking us. The result was we overslept and did not get up until 9.30am. We got sorted quickly and by 10.15 we were off to Switzerland. Twenty minutes later and we were parked up at the Swiss customs. To drive in Switzerland, if a car or under 3.5t you need a vignette for a year (36 Swiss Francs or about £24.50). If over 3.5t you need a heavy vehicle Permit (probably not the correct name). It is 3.25 Swiss Francs a day (2.20). You can buy it for a stated number of days, months or for the full year. The other option is a ten day ‘isolated’ pass. Here you pay for ten days but they are not consecutive but each day you use the vehicle in Switzerland you must fill in one of the ‘day’ boxes. (a 200 franc fine if caught not doing so). The ten days must be within a year of purchase. So for £22.87 and we have ten days use which, as we have family in Switzerland, is the better way for us to do it. (The form, if interested, is form 15.91!) So here we were wishing to pay the Swiss exchequer money. Standing in an office all alone. “Hello”, “Yoohoo” or “Help” did not extract a person to assist. So I walked back to the customs man in the middle of the road to seek help. Well eventually it came but a simple process took over 15 minutes. Still never mind all done and dusted so off we went. An apparent flaw in Snooper is that it knows that Swiss Motorways require a vignette and so are a ‘toll’ road but it cannot differentiate vehicle types. So it doesn’t know that a 3.7t vehicle needs documentation for ANY Swiss road and therefore that a motorway is not a toll road for such a vehicle that should be avoided. This meant that the ‘avoid tolls’ selection, as we did not want to pay to go through an expensive tunnel took us through al the towns and villages which was very slow, until we twigged and re-routed ourselves using tolls. Things went swimmingly and we went through the Gottard Tunnel (ten miles long and free). Next over the Furkapass (I kid you not). Up we drove into and above the snowline with hairpin bends, tunnels and road works. In some places the snow was 20cm or more (8 inches). I was starting to get a bit concerned with the state of the road when we arrived at a barrier, after about ten miles, stating the pass was closed. Hmmm ‘Not Happy’ would be my outlook at this juncture. We had seen notices that Simplon and St Bernard passes were closed but not the Furka one. We were faced with the long trek back and an extra 80 plus miles. Then a saviour in the form of a road worker, “Take the train” (in Italian of course). Sure enough there was a train that took vehicles to the other side of the Furkapass. We paid 55 francs (£37.50) and sat at the head of the queue as, due to our height and width, we had to get on first. We reversed on to the open platform wagon and then the train moved out and everyone else drove on the other end and drove up through the carriages to the back of us. Fifteen minutes later we were disgorged onto clear snow free roads, although it was snowing. What a change as it was only yesterday that we were cycling in t-shirts and as the crow flies we were only 80 miles away from yesterdays stop! We stopped in a car park and had some lunch and then off to the camperstop in Leuk. This, it turned out, was five places right by a busy main road that required payment of 15 Francs (£10.20). We decided to go to an ACSI site 20 miles on for the extra money (£5 for the night – with wifi, showers, toilets and take away chips). So we eventually stopped at Camp Botza in, well Botza, just outside Sion. Reception was closed but go to the restaurant said the sign. The boss did and was almost involved in the tea dance that filled the room. She soon got things sorted and escaped the foxtrot and we then set up and a much needed cup of tea. Still raining but no snow and quite warm. Eventually we were sorted with the reception and had a meal and then started the World Scrabble Championship (2 – 0 to me).

Friday 16th October (Day 47)
A lot of rain during the night but a bright start to the day if a late start again (9.00am). It was get ready for the off and then an easy drive to Nyon in Switzerland where it was to be cuddle grand-daughter time for nan. We had a trouble fee drive and stopped just past Nyon for lunch – finding a spot we could stay over night if required to find one. As it turned out we could park . sleep outside our son and daughter-in-laws address without issue it would seem. A tea and catch up then a walk into town to met Ash and have a beer and get some shopping. Back to the flat and Ash cooked two curries from scratch with all the trimmings. A great chat to catch up some more before we returned to the motorhome to sleep.
Saturday 17th October (Day 48)
There was no real rush to get up to the appt early so around 9.0am we left Billina to go up for a shower. Then it was a simple day of chat, cuddles, and a trip to the park above Rolle and then a walk along the lakeside at Rolle before returning to watch the two rugby quarter finals and having a great meal of lamb shanks. After the second quarter final we went to bed.

Chef!

Sunday 18th October (Day 49)
A really nice sunny day with the temperature getting into the upper teens. After breakfast we sat around waiting for all to be up / dressed / fed and so on. By about 11.30am we were off to Divonne (in France) about ten miles away to a supermarket to get some food for tea. Then to the market in Divonne which is quite large and diverse. Here we ate at a stall. Almost three pound (1.4kg) of steak about 1.5 inches thick (4cm) with chips bread and wine. Standing under a canopy with 50 others all chatting as it was a social / meeting place for many. We then strolled to the car and drove a short distance to a park with a large lake which we strolled around. Back to the flat (Rugby two quarter finals – unlucky Scotland) and then a cheese fondue before a quick Facetime with our son at home to confirm we are on the way home (so clean up). A chat until bedtime and then off to the motorhome.

Monday 19th October (Day 50)
The last few hours of cuddles time. Ash was off to work so when we got up there was just us, Hayley and Chloe. As stated Chris had quite a bit of cuddle / talk time with Chloe and then we all walked into Nyon to meet Ash and have a ‘goodbye’ coffee and pastry. Then it was a walk back and, instead of leaving straight away Chris had another 30 minutes ‘cuddle time’ before we left at about 1.30pm. We drove up via Saint Cirque which is a lovely drive over the mountains although too early for snow. (We have done this before and the temperature was -12 degrees.) It still is a great drive into France, shorter in distance than the motorway via Geneva and probably about the same time. We stopped at the first main place in France and filled up with diesel and did a mini-shop, although the supermarket had no ‘real’ bread. Of again and a quick stop at another town to get bread and for a snack, as by now it was almost 3.00pm. We then selected a possible stop at a village called Seurre, south of Dole. By about 5.30pm we arrived and parked up by a marina with a bit of a view of the river. A nice quiet spot with, as I type, four other motorhomes. We had a stroll into the town which is nothing to get excited about and then returned to cook an early dinner and ‘veg out’. About 12 hours from Calais (no tolls).

Tuesday 20th October (Day 51)
A pleasant but longish drive today, We started off travelling through mountains, well actually hills or more correctly a large forest. This involved lots of trees in autumnal colours and windy roads and hairpin bends. By this point we had travelled 50 miles (80km) before turning or coming to a roundabout and only about a dozen vehicles passed us in the opposite direction. This was followed by a rather uninteresting part of France. We stopped by the river Seine for lunch before finding ourselves travelling across wide open fields for miles and miles with fields going on for as far the eye could see either side. Farming land but enjoyable roads. Next , and last, the fields remained but were full of vines as we entered the Champagne area (we actually do not really like the stuff). The fields all had white vans in them as they were doing something after the harvest in preparation for next year, dozens of vans and workers. We passed all the ‘names’ like Vive Cliquot, Moet & Chandon. Eventually, we arrived at an aire (free which is always good) by a canal part of the river Marne at a place called Mareuil-Sur-Ay. This town alone had over 20 champagne producers. We parked under trees with a few other vans facing the canal. A walk was needed so we walked along the canal, through the town (but didn’t find any shops), out of the town and into the next one, across the canal and back along it until we could again cross the canal to the motorhome – about 4 -5 miles. Then it was a rest with a cup of tea before planning the last leg before a ferry crossing on Thursday.

Wednesday 21st October (Day 52)
We awoke expecting to have breakfast (croissants and pain au raison) while looking over the canal. We were wrong on both counts. The patisserie is closed on a Wednesday and the mist hid the canal. So after a change to our breakfast plans we made off towards Calais. This mist turned out to be fog and I got increasingly annoyed at the numpties driving on side lights only and the morons with no lights at all – this with visibility in places at 50m. (After 30 years of dealing with stupid drivers I should not still be surprised but I still am.) The journey can be split like yesterday into four. Fog, followed by sunshine, followed by rain followed by a sea mist (with rain) which I am not sure can happen. Our planned stop was an aire at Embry. We arrived and it was a pleasant site and in good weather very nice I am sure. It was, however, still raining and Calais 90 minutes further on so we consulted and moved on… to the aire at Gravelines. We arrived and set up and decided on a bit of exercise so walked to Lidl to get some bread for tomorrow. We have a ferry booked just after midday and, while it is sad that this journey is over we are both looking forward to (a) seeing our youngest; (b) getting home; and (c) planning the next jaunt – be it long or short. Whilst sunny weather is nice we are not worried about cold, just the wet, so winter at home is something to be cherished with the sunnier times in the, not so distant, future. A hearty pie in the oven with mash and veg followed as we were aware of a recent post where a pie became ‘out of date’ (whatever that means)/ We decided a warming pie would be good and then it can be replaced for future ’emergencies’. An early start tomorrow to get some shopping done and the motorway is to be avoided due to roadwork’s. This evening the Dunquerque to Calais tail back was over two miles and stationary.

Thursday 22nd October (Day 53)
A simple day to day; get up, drive 15 miles to Calais; shop; then ferry home. Simple? Well it started ok, we got up. We then decided to avoid the motorway as there was likely to be big issues with the roadworks. We followed the ‘Calais’ signs and stayed coast side of the motorway until a weight restriction stopped us. We then drove towards the motorway which was running well so attempted to get on but the access road was closed. This meant going on the motorway in the wrong direction to the next junction which we and four French car drivers did. At the next junction there was a large queue of lories getting off and none getting on so we went one more junction and we found why the motorway was clear. Something had happened and the traffic was at a standstill Calais bound. What to do? Oh did I mention at this point the SatNav decided to throw a wobbly and not work? Resort to old fashioned methods – a map! Chris negotiated us through little villages and narrow lanes until we got to the motorway from St Omer to Calais which we joined. We were feeling very pleased with ourselves, especially as we had lost only about fifteen minutes. Even better Auchan the supermarket was advertised (junction 43). We signalled to come off at the junction – and joined a queue of lorries. After not moving we abandoned Auchan and ended up at City Europe but there were lorries everywhere. The motorways were all one lane and as far as you could see it was lorries. We eventually got our shopping and as we were loading the motorhome we received a text from P&O ferries. It informed us that traffic was ‘black’ around the port and they even sent us a map of traffic conditions and advised us to make haste to the port. Having consulted the map it was map reading again and we drove through Calais centre to avoid the congestion which worked well. We got to the port in good time and cleared French passport control and then met British passport control. Well each vehicle was taking over a minute, one point was open and there were two queues merging into one. 25 minutes to get to the passport control and then they changed operator and we had to wait while the ‘new’ one logged in. While this happened they opened a second one. Brewery and a organising a good drink comes to mind. Still a good crossing and we were the second vehicle from the ramp so we will be off quick. Actually er no! They got the lorry off that was in front of us and then unloaded the car decks above us so we were virtually last off. The we were amazed at the hundreds of lorries queuing all along the A20 / M20, many hundreds of them. A good drive home and pleased to be here. Matt had done a great job of keeping the house clean and tidy but does need lessons in how to clean the bathroom!!!

Trip 26 – Croatia Bound – Days 38 to 44

Wednesday 7th October (Day 38)
During the night it continued to rain and, when it didn’t, the rain off the trees ‘tip – tapped’ away. The morning was grey and overcast but not cold. A quick breakfast and the usual routine of ’emptying and filling’ and then off for the four mile drive to the Postojna Caves. Having had trouble yesterday finding somewhere to stay we found that (for less than last nights stop) we could stay at a dedicated area just by the cave entrance with electricity. To add insult to injury we drove past it last night! Hey ho!. We parked up and bought our tickets for the 11.00am entry. At the allotted time we went in and boarded a train which drove for 10 minutes through chambers into the cave system which is the second largest in Europe. A spectacular sight. We then had a walk of about 40 minutes along pathways viewing the caves. It is difficult to convey the size of the cave system but some of the caves were huge. One was called ‘the mountain ‘it was so big. A small football stadium would easily fit in it. A stalactite grows about 1 cm in 100 years and some were huge. (For the uninitiated a stalagmite goes up and stalactite down – or the mites run up; the tites come down’ for an easy way to remember it.) A train ride back followed. The cave system is over 21km in length and we only saw a small portion of it. It is to be recommended to anyone near, or not so near. Next was a 9km drive to castle Pedjama. This is a castle that is built into the rock face and has very little exterior and it, almost, impregnable. Water seeps through the rock giving ample drinking water and a cave system behind it gives access only to those ‘in the know’. It is surprising how countries have similar folklore / history. A man named Erasmus (don’t remember surname) was a nobleman who was disgraced and he left for this location (hundreds of years ago). He robbed a couple of money wagons belonging to the ‘king’ and distributed some to the poor (Robin Hood?). As such the king was miffed and wanted him dead so sent an army to ‘do the deed’. The arrived at Castle Pedjama and held it under siege for a year and a day getting nowhere. Little did they know that the locals were sending food etc into the castle via the secret caves. Indeed Erasmus sent to the besieging army at the gate a roasted pig and even fresh cherries to dishearten them. Eventually he was beaten by the need to use the toilet! The wall to the toilet was the weakest part of the castle and so, when he went to use the facilities, a castle worker gave the ‘nod’ to the army outside who bombarded the castle loo and killed Erasmus. Anyway, the visit to this castle was an hour or so well spent. We then made our way to our next camp site, shunning the motorway and as a result for the most part, enjoying nice views and seeing village and country life. My advice would be to avoid Ljubljana roads most times and especially between 4.00 and 6.00pm. Camp Bled was our destination on Lake Bled near, well Bled. We were obviously at quite an altitude as we approached Lake Bled. The mountains around the lake had clouds below their peaks making them look like they had white collars and the clouds almost seemed to touch the lake itself. Most of the journey today was in rain and our arrival did not change things. A warm welcome at the camp site and ‘park where you like’ but to find a spot that was (a) near to electrics; (b) firm to drive on; and (c) not under a tree proved a challenge that we eventually met . (We didn’t want to be under a tree if we could help it as when it stops raining the drip-drip from the trees can go on for hours.) We decided that a small treat was due so we went to the restaurant for a meal. A meat feast was our choice; two wiener schnitzels; two chicken breasts; two pork chops; two spicy sausages; Four ‘kofte’ type sausages; chips; vegetable rice and sauces all washed down with a litre of local wine for less than £20 a head, with tip. Upon leaving the restaurant the rain, which had stopped earlier, had returned so a wet stroll home rather than a walk along the lake was our choice. A bit of R&R then followed before bed called us.

‘Cave’ Train

Thursday 8th October (Day 39)
During the night the rain continued, quite heavily. The morning came and the rain did not go. So we stayed and slobbed in bed determined not to rise until it stopped. We were eventually up just about 9.30am with a weak sun shining! Seizing the moment we did two wash loads which were soon out drying. A brunch (with the last of our British bacon and homemade sausages) and then off on a bike ride around the lake. We were informed it was 15km but it was more like 8 or 10km. We stopped in Bled at the far end of the lake but it was not overly inspiring. A cycle back and then a walk along the lake to find somewhere for a coffee with wifi as we were both in need of a fix (and needed to send some birthday greetings etc.). After satisfying our wifi appetite we took a gentle stroll back to plan our next move and see where the weather might be better – things looked a bit bleak on that front. In any event a plan was loosely arrived at. As the nights have drawn in and it is dark around 7.00pm the rest of the evening was chilling in the motorhome.

Friday 9th October (Day 40)
We awoke to a sunny day. After breakfast we cycled a mile or so to the ‘sampan’ type boats that take you to the island with ‘The Church of the Mother of God On the Lake’. About £10 per person for the ten minute ride out (we could have hired a row boat for cheaper but went for ‘the experience’. We shared the boat with a dozen or so, as we thought, Japanese. They have been a ‘feature’ of the whole trip. It turns out that the vast majority are in fact from South Korea as Eastern Europe is a good value destination for them. Anyway we reached the island and, as the whole trip has featured it was more steps to climb. We then visited the church (costs extra) and rang the church bell as it is supposed to grant your heart’s desire. Then a walk up the bell tower followed by a gentle stroll around the island before a paddle back. A quick ride back and then finish packing as we had decided to move on. Lake Bled is a stunning place and there are other nearby places to visit but that will be for another time. The usual routine of emptying and filling before the off. The satnav lady must know us as the route she took us was brilliant. Narrow twisty roads up mountains and down again. For some reason the trees in these mountains were on a advanced cycle from others as they were more ‘autumn’ in colour. Some green but golds, yellows, oranges it was a real treat (going on about this proves one thing – I am getting old). This, coupled with the mountains, made the journey a pleasure even with the 30 odd hairpin bends and the odd coach or lorry. It was so nice we stopped and sat and had our lunch in this environment – with a lake thrown in for good measure. Just before we left Slovenia we filled up as we know Italy is much dearer. The lovely drive continued until we reached our chosen destination, San Danielle Del Friuli. Fortunately, we had a book telling us the stopover was in the town as there was no sign until we actually drove into the parking area. We parked up and walked into the town which characteristically was closed for an extended lunch. A coffee and a visit to a couple of old buildings, including one old battered church that was a real treat to see inside with 500 years old frescos. A couple of fresh veg items and then back to cook and plan our next journey – to Venice.

Saturday 10th October (Day 41)
We were off reasonably prompt and we had travelled 8 miles from the camperstop when we remembered we had left the outside mat. A quick about turn to collect said item. So a belated start. The journey was pleasant without any stunning views like previous days. A stop for food at a supermarket, the biggest we have seen for many a day, plus lunch, delayed our arrival at Venice until 2.30pm (ish). The ferry link was not running due to the time of year and the cost of the camp site was 18 euros instead of ten in the book. However, the facilities were much better than the book described and we think it has had a makeover. With no boat it meant a 500m walk to catch a bus / tram which ran about every 15-25 minutes. We were then deposited at the start of Venice and decided to walk to St Mark’s Square via all the small backways. Some of the gondolas had accordion music and ‘singers’ to add to the experience something we did not remember from our last visit nine years ago. The usual photos occurred and a coffee was eventually had before a walk slowly back. The last part was by the ferry. For 20 euros you get a ticket that works on the boats and buses for 24 hours from the time you first use it, quite a bargain we thought. After the ferry a bus back to the site. By which time it was starting to rain so the last 500m resulted in us getting a bit damp. Planning for the next few days then took place (Venice tomorrow as we had a 24 hour ticket and will use it). Then food before a dvd (as strip Rummicub was vetoed, this despite the fact that in the Rummicub World Championship Chris is winning 5-0).

Sunday 11th October (Day 42)
A gray start to the day but with the promise of better. The walk to the bus stop and three buses passed us all full. Then a tram came along and stopped so by just after 10.00am we were back in Venice. Yesterday we walked most of the 400 bridges – well it felt like it. Today we are trying to visit the 161 islands. So it was ferry boat after ferry boat, with some walking. We even managed to buy a couple of Christmas presents. Our first main stop was Murano, where the glass comes from. It is a quaint island or six to be exact but I had forgotten how ugly the vast majority of Murano glassware was. It is quite gaudy and certainly not to our taste. Still with so much of it around someone obviously does indeed like it. Back on a ferry to our start point and then a stroll to find a shop we saw yesterday. Items purchased and off for a spot of lunch. We found a lovely little back street restaurant and ate ‘al fresco’ as the sun was shining and a nice clear blue sky. Then off for another ferry this time to the Lido or the ‘bit of Venice that has a beach and is a seaside resort’. People were swimming and the water was clear and warm (a bit) but it was not for us. Another ferry to another part of Venice and another stroll. We then went into a church the Santa Maria della Salute and caught the last five minutes of organ / choir boy singing which echoed around the building and was lovely. A rest was needed so we sat on the steps by the canal and just people / boat watched for a while. Time was cracking on and our 24 hour boat / bus pass was soon to expire so like two Cinderella’s we ran to the boat stop and caught the water boat which was very full. The boat we had got on stopped at every stop on the Grand Canal so by the time we arrived back where the buses were we had just eight minutes left. Fortunately the tram we needed to get was at the terminus so we could get on and activate the ticket for the journey with not much time to spare. My memories of Venice from nine years ago have obviously been tainted in as much as remembering the good. Most of the buildings on the Grand Canal are fabulous, although some need a bit of tlc. Some have scaffolding up and are getting that tlc. Some of the main walking areas are, well ok but in need of quite a bit of tlc and, despite the fact that the word graffiti is Latin, why do they not clean up the graffiti? Finally, one of the ‘sights’ is the Rialto bridge, especially from the canal. This bridge is under some refurbishment but in the middle of it on one side is an advert, only about 40 foot by 30 foot for ‘Diesel’. Why would anyone allow such a thing. It would be like Big Ben in London having an advert for Nike. Having said that I would certainly visit again.

Monday 12th October (Day 43)
We woke to a nice sunny day and had a slowish start. We were leaving today so an empty / fill routine and by 10.00am we were on the road. Our target was a camperstop at Iseo on, well Lake Iseo. We stopped on route at a supermarket and again for some lunch. Lake Iseo beckoned and we were nearly there, 5 miles to go. The we entered a two mile tunnel and as we came out we missed an immediate right so entered another tunnel (only a mile long). Out of that and by now the satnav declared over ten miles to go so we turned off and returned through the ‘small’ mile long tunnel and then off to Iseo through another tunnel. Next the satnav lady took us down a road that was wide enough, but not metalled, until a left hand turn with a post on the corner. Reverse then a tight three point turn and back. Eventually we go to the stop over and were quite underwhelmed. A basic car park next to two roads and, well just not the ticket. So we plumbed in the nearest next one in the satnav – four miles. Off we went through two of the tunnels and soon were “You have reached your destination” which was in the middle of a main road in the middle of nowhere. We pulled over and tried again not using the pre-programmed information. Only five miles – behind us the way we had just come from. Off again, and yes through the longer tunnel and yes we did need the sharp right but missed it! On through the next tunnel and well, to cut a long story short we drove on through some more tunnels and returned along the lake side which was really nice. (By now we had travelled through fifteen tunnels, the same two three times and another twice.) Hooray we found the camperstop, Gerolo, and it was worth the effort. A little old lady in her seventies showed us around and there were showers and toilets both very clean. Lots of hot water and a sheltered quiet situation, except for the usual church bells. We went for a walk down to the little town and found that there were cheap ferries to take you around the lake and to the big island in the middle of the lake and a cycle route along the lakeside. It is a really nice place with things to do and see so it is a shame we are not staying but we have decided to be in Switzerland by Friday and have our timetable set out. Still always another time.

Camperstop Gerolo

Tuesday 13th October (Day 44)
Pouring rain through most of the night but dry, if overcast, by morning. We paid up and left, what is a pleasant small site with good showers and several things to do in the area. A place to return to another time. Of we went (back through a couple of the tunnels which are old friends now, and onto our next location. Someone (me!) didn’t select ‘avoid tolls’ and so we found ourselves on the motorway. Re-programme and off at the next junction and a charge of 30p so no real damage done. We then meandered along through some towns and a couple of small cities (I think). Then, guess what? We missed a turn and went through a tunnel, well three and then had to come back again. Down some hairpin bends to the town of Varenna on Lake Como. Here we went on a dinky little car ferry to Menaggio and then six miles to Camp Darna just outside Porlezza on Lake Lugano. It is in its last week of being open but is still quite busy, although the book we used (ACSI) to select this site is wrong – no restaurant or take away so our steak and chips tonight looks like a non-starter. Despite the fact that ‘we cannot park on the lakeside’ it was offered and we took it and, despite the low clouds it is a nice place with a good view. It should be stated that it would be much better in 25 degrees and sunny, glorious in fact. However we are quite high up and it is mid-October.

‘Dinky’ Ferry