Change of Plan

Well the weather has had it's usual effect and caused us to change our plans.

Today we should have been on board a cross Channel ferry but having seen a forecast that included Force 10 (Storm force) winds likely in the English Channel and strong winds continuing for many days we decided to cancel our sailing trip along the Brittany coast with our friend on his boat and remain at home.

Currently we have rain at a 45degree angle and winds trying their best to blow down the ash tree in our garden.

Right decision!

We just have to hope the weather improves before we head off in 10 days to Belgium and Holland otherwise our plans may change again and we might have to head south for some sunshine.

Queens Jubilee Weekend

Having been home for a couple of weeks I took off cross Channel crewing for a friend on his 33ft yacht. We had a good crossing to St Peter Port in Guernsey and had a couple of days there before crossing to Brittany where we cruised along the coast for a while. I had to return home for various reasons for a few days before heading back cross Channel with Sue for a week on board before returning for a dentists appointment to repair a damaged filling. We are due back on 14th June.

Middle of the following week we are heading cross Channel again (via Dover) in the motorhome to spend some time exploring Belgium and Holland before coming home late July before everywhere gets too busy.

Updates will follow when possible.

Tuesday 1st May

We are now home again for a while after having some appalling weather over the last week or so. We decided to take a meandering route home from Chester and went via Market Drayton (right by the Shropshire Union Canal), Clent Hills (near Halesowen), Warwick (in the middle of the racecourse there) and Huntingdon where we stopped on some National Trust land run as a camp site.

Last weekend we went to Peterborough for what was billed as the best Motorhome Show in the Country......it didn't allow for the weather. Saturday saw us trudging round the show in wellington boots, the only sensible option. Many stall holders were saying that they would not be opening on Sunday at that time. Sunday morning saw us wake to a feeling of deja vue. We were surrounded by water and it was like being on a boat again only we were not rocking. With quite a flow of water visibly going under the van we thought it prudent to leave as soon as we could, having seen a couple of motorhomes being pulled out by tractor.

We thought we were afloat again when we woke to this

We managed to get out without too much problem and stopped about 20 miles down the road for some breakfast. A very wet drive to Woodstock where we stopped the night ensued with flooded roads in several spots. Later in the day once settled in at Woodstock the sun came out but too late to be enjoyed.

From Woodstock we continued home (via Southampton) and got home Monday afternoon having covered just over 1600 miles since leaving and had 45 nights on board.

Wednesday 25th April

Kendal did not make much of an impression. 'The Gateway to  the Lakes' it is called and I can see why people drive straight through on their way to the lakes. We walked into Kendal and back while at the site, part of the walk being alongside the River Kent that passes the site and Kendal, crossing the old Lancaster Canal (no longer used) on the way.

I know there is a drought but......., no longer in use the old Lancaster Canal with bridge but no water.

After leaving Kendal we headed for a night in Clitheroe, mainly to break our journey then continued on the next day to Delamere Forest just outside Chester. Carly and Matt visited while we were here and we had an enjoyable day which fortunately stayed relatively dry. On the day after they visited we went in to Chester for the day which coincided with St Georges Day being celebrated by several schools from the city.

St Georges Day pageant outside Chester Town Hall.

Apparently the most photographed clock in the world, I couldn't resist.

After leaving this site we headed to Market Drayton in Shropshire and stayed at a delightful site alongside the  Shropshire Union Canal a few miles out of town. We walked into town in the afternoon that we arrived and had a walk round which did not take too long. What surprised us was he high number of shops that had closed down, even in what used to be a bustling market town.

Traffic jam Shropshire style on main A528 south of Mkt Drayton.

We are now on a site at the Clent Hills just outside Halesowen (W. Mids) In better weather it would be a stunning location but with the sunshine and showers it is not quite so desirable. Plenty of flooded roads on the way here today.

Tuesday 17th April

We left Edinburgh on Friday (the 13th) and headed for Whitley Bay for no other reason than curiosity. On the way we visited Jedburgh which is very close to the Border and is a lovely town. While there we visited Mary, Queen of Scots house which was fascinating. We were also told about a local butchers that made award winning Chicken and haggis pies so had to try them, lovely. As the weather was very changeable we did not visit the Castle of Abbey there but may well return at some time. A very welcoming town.

Mary, Queen of Scots house at Jedburgh

Whitley Bay camp site was on low cliffs overlooking the sea and St Mary's island and lighthouse. With a cold wind coming off the sea it was not warm so we only stayed the one night and had a brief drive round the town the next morning, nothing very special.

We did walk along the causeway to St Marys Island, here is the proof.

Our next stop was at Haltwhistle, not far from Carlisle where I wanted to walk some of Hadrians Wall. Our camp site was ideally placed for this but not much else could be said in it's favour. Very expensive, isolated, basic facilities and a warden who always seemed to be watching what you were doing. Hadrians Wall walking was more tiring than I thought. Not so much the distances involved but the up and down nature of the route. I probably walked (and scrambled) about 15 miles (including an incorrect set of instructions causing me to walk the wrong way) and I ended up hitching a lift back to the site. Sue had wisely decided not to walk that day so stayed in the van in the warm. I walked and got hailed on several times along with a bitter wind. Very enjoyable though.

One of the Mile Castle's en route to Housesteads Fort on Hadrians Wall

It must rain a lot here, even the lambs wear macs

We are now on a site just outside Kendal in the Lake District again having completed a full circle. We have visited the local castle today, Sizergh Castle (fascinating) on whose land the site is located.If the weather suits tomorrow we are hoping to walk into Kendal and explore that a little.

Tulips at Sizergh Castle

Thursday 12th April

We have been in Edinburgh for a few days now and been out an about when the weather allowed.

Before this we had been at a site at Fintry (Balgair Castle) for three  nights and had appalling weather and no internet access, the worst combination. It was also the week leading up to Easter so full of children as well, we didn't like it especially as the roads to and from Fintry are like driving over a ploughed field, they were dreadful. It really was a last choice though as we had difficulty finding a site with space for us on it. Perhaps that should have told us something.

En Route from Fintry to Edinburgh we stopped off in the rain to visit The Falkirk Wheel which is the only one of it's kind in the World. It allows boats to be lifted from one canal 35mtrs up to another Canal in one go and in about just four minutes. We experienced this as we took a boat trip on the lift and were  surprised how quick it lifted the boat while lowering another in the balancing trough, fascinating.

The Falkirk Wheel in the rain

Now at Edinburgh, we feel civilised again. A lovely site in easy reach of the city and of the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith which we visited today. We had intended visiting on Tuesday but could not face the horizontal rain that was coming down. It didn't stop until 3 o clock by which time it was too late to do anything. Wednesday we had a visit from an old work colleague of mine (Hi Irene, good to see you and catch up) and all of a sudden it was our last day in Edinburgh so we blitzed the city starting with the Royal Yacht which was a real pleasure to visit even having a coffee and scone on the top deck of her. From there we went into the city and got off the bus at Princes Street (or as near as we could as it is currently closed for the installation of tram lines). We headed off to Holyrood Palace to see if the Scottish Parliament building looks any better in the flesh. Take my word for it, it doesn't.

Look out, the Captain's on the bridge

Sues bar on Britannia, note he contents of Champagne, Gin and Dubonnet, not only The Queens favourites

After a visit to the Castle we caught the bus back to the site and just got our awning packed away dry before a few drops of rain fell so we were more than happy with that.

Edinburgh Castle

Off to Whitley Bay tomorrow for a night or two depending on how we like it.

Tuesday 3rd April

We woke to snow today, not around us but clearly visible on the nearby peaks and hills. Temperatures are back to about normal or less (about 4degrees today) but the views are spectacular to look at.

View from van window looking across Loch Lomond

Looking up the Loch to Ben Lomond, (3195ft)

Monday 2nd April

Saturday 31st March

We had a lovely day today, visiting the Culzean Castle that we are pitched in the grounds of. An easy walk took us to the entrance where we used our National Trust membership to gain entry although it is NT Scotland. An audio tour told us all about the castle and how Eisenhower was given the use of an apartment there for as long as he lived after his efforts during the war. All the main windows look out over the Firth of Clyde to Arran and Kintyre. Also on a clear day Northern Ireland can be seen apparently. A beautiful sunset finished the day off nicely.

Sue at Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle sunset

One strange thing here is the TV reception. After spending a long time trying to get a picture when we first arrived I gave up. On he following day speaking to someone in a neighbouring van they told me the signal that worked at the site came from Northern Ireland and they were still analogue. No wonder I could get no signal.

Monday 2nd April

We have moved on to Loch Lomond today despite the forecasts of snow for the area. Our pitch is about 10yds from the edge of the water so we really are on the 'Bonny, Bonny banks o' Loch Lomond. On the way here we called in at Robbie Burns birthplace at Alloway near Ayr. A very interesting museum tour before visiting his birthplace then a walk to the 'Brig A Doon' where Tam O'Shanter was chased by the witch. 

Outside Robbie Burns front door

Brig a Doon

We crossed the Clyde at Erskine then came on to Luss on the western shore of the Loch. As we entered the site a great big bird of prey flew of in front of us which I think was a Buzzard........... it may have been an eagle.

On the Bonny, Bonny banks etc etc, you know the words

Thursday 29th March

We have had a thoroughly enjoyable stay here at Kippford, near Dalbeattie. It is a lovely area and the weather has been superb.

Kippford in the sunshine 

We have had two days with a long walk on each day, yesterday to Colvend the next village but one and today to Castle Point, a site of an iron age fort right on the Solway Firth shore.

Lunch outside the Anchor Hotel, Kippford in the sunshine yesterday was one of the best meals we have had for a long time, yes even better than my Paella.

Kippford on the Solway shore

Lifeboat Hose at Kippford

We have now packed all our gear away while dry before any overnight dew and will be leaving tomorrow for our next stop at Culzean Castle on the West Coast.

Tuesday 27th March

We are now in Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway, just South of Dalbeattie and what a lovely spot it is. 

View from the van at Castlerigg Farm Keswick

Walking in Keswick with Derwentwater behind Sue

We reluctantly left Keswick earlier today although we may head back there later on in the trip. We'd had a good walk yesterday into Keswick then back up hill again as the site is over 400ft above the town. Walking through the woods alongside a tinkling stream was lovely with the birdsong all around. I then walked across the hills to the Castlerigg Stone Circle which was further than I thought but a lovely walk all the same.

We have managed to get on a site about 15minute walk up a slight hill from the waterfront in Kippford where there is a pub and a shop that does not open for a few days yet. Fortunately there is a small shop on the site that sells, amongst other essentials several types of scone. I can recommend their treacle scones so far.

Glorious weather continues and we are hoping to explore the area tomorrow. We are here for three nights before moving on to the coast further to the North West of where we are now.

Saturday 24th March

We  are currently at Southport on a site about 200 yds away from the pier. Not the quietest situation but very handy for everything.

Today we caught the train to Crosby to see the Anthony Gormley figures in the sea. A quite pleasant walk to the seafront from the station then over the dunes and there they were, 100 figures spread along the the coast, all protruding out of the water. Certainly something that will remain in the memory for some time to come.

Me and my mate at Crosby beach.

Our temperature today peaked at 20degrees so we shouldn't complain too much for the March weather we are getting.

Tomorrow wee depart here for a site just outside Keswick We could not get on our first choice there but are now booked on a farm about 25 minutes walk through woods to the town but with (apparently) superb views over Derwentwater.

I'd hate to meet the mouse ! One of many sculptures in the Burrs Country Park at Bury. Nice bait.

Tuesday 20th March

We are currently at Bury, Lancashire on a Camping and Caravan Club site in a Country Park here. We came here so we could spend Carly' s birthday with her and it's actually not a bad place.

Carly and Sue on Carly's birthday.

Birth place of Robert Peel (one time British Prime Minister) and Victoria Wood it is also the start of the East Lancashire Railway, a steam railway run by enthusiasts and running right alongside the campsite.

Steam loco passing the campsite on the East Lancashire Railway

Burrs Country Park (where the site is situated) was created out of the site of an old cotton mill and you reach the site by driving along 300 yds of the most unlevel cobbles you might ever experience. I ended up letting go of the steering wheel and just guiding the van occasionally, at least it restricts traffic speeds.

From here we have booked a few nights at Southport before heading on to Keswick where we hope to stay on a farm a short walk out of town.

Weather is currently OK although we did come through some sleet on the way to Manchester from Pershore, our first stop on this trip.

Sunday 4th March

We are now at home for a couple of weeks before heading off again. From the pile of mail behind our front door when we got home I thought it would be longer that we were home but much of it went to the recycle bin and we are working through the rest gradually.

We are going to visit our daughter Carly in Manchester for her birthday on 19th March then continuing North to the Lakes or Southern Scotland. Much depends on the weather (as always) but we will update here from time to time hopefully.

Wednesday 29th February

After a lovely 24hrs in Haro  (Rioja Region) we are now at Bilbao waiting for our ferry to arrive. t is due in at 17.30 then after a quick empty we board and are due to depart at 20.30.

Looking at the weather forecast we should have a calm crossing again, fingers crossed. We should be home late on Thursday night.

More Time with Haro in the background

Greenwich Meridian arch over motorway..........why ?

Not bad weather for February !

Monday 27th February

We are now at Vilanova Park campsite at Vilanova i la Geltru, just south of Barcelona which we visited on Friday.

This site is a little different to those we have been on so far as it in the hills, up above the town so not right on the coast. It is set amongst pine and other trees on an old Catalan farm and many of the original buildings are now used to provide a restaurant, shop and other facilities. Very friendly staff who all seem to speak excellent English help to make the stay here even more enjoyable.

Our visit to Barcelona on Friday left us looking forward to our next opportunity to visit as it is such a lovely city. Everywhere you look there seems to be something different to see, especially many of the buildings designed by Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia being his best known and is still under construction although Gaudi himself died in 1926 having been hit by a tram. We went to the city by bus which picked us up right at the campsite entrance and we got off at the Plazza Catalunya, right in the city centre, all for just over four euros each.

Ornate frontages to Gaudi buildings

Entrance to Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, people entering give it's scale

We have been counting down the days to our leaving Spain and it is quite sad to be leaving on Wednesday. Before then though we shall be visiting Zaragoza for a brief overnight stop then on to Haro which is the leading town in the Rioja region so with any luck we shall be getting in some wine tasting while there, assuming places are open for that in February, fingers crossed.

Update due to lack of Internet access

We are now at Zaragoza, heading back to Bilboa to catch the ferry on Wednesday. Tomorrow we should be in Haro  before heading to Bilbao the day after. Ourlovely weather continues, temperature mid afternoon today was 21.1C. Off for a game of boules now, hope I can beat Sue.

One for Carly

We saw this and thought of you!

Thursday 16th February

What a revelation Benicassim is. We are on a site called Bonterra Park and we were greeted by some friends we had made at La Manga as we walked round the site on first arrival selecting our pitch. We have since met up with some others that we had met there and are joining them tonight for a meal.

Our pitch is to one side of the site and gets sunshine in the morning and again in late afternoon and evening, just when we are around and able to enjoy it.

More Time on pitch at Bonterra Park, Benicassim

Benicassim is a typical Spanish town and not messed around with. Plenty of the essential shops plus a couple of larger supermarkets. Even a cycle shop where we were able to eventually get a cycle helmet for Sue. Not at all an average shop this one. You entered through an archway into the main workshop. Sales were carried out from a separate room at the rear. This morning we had a cycle and walk along part of the 'Via Verde' (Green Way) which runs directly along behind the site on the bed of a disused railway, for quite a way along the coast. Stunning views in places and the Almond Blossom is now beginning to come out, we were hoping we would see some while here.

Via Verde on disused railway line near campsite, Almond trees in blossom

All together we are much happier here and even the weather is warming up somewhat to help us recover from  the disappointment that was Moncofa.

Benicassim from Via Verde

Sue watching the world go by on Benicassim promenade, not a lot that day !

Monday 13th February

It's now Monday evening and we are back from a day in Valencia which was a bit of a disappointment. We were expecting an abundance of typical Spanish architectural style buildings but found the usual modern concrete eyesores. There was the odd gem but they seemed to be hidden away or not made the most of.

Remains of old City walls at Valencia

Sue outside main door to Valencia Cathedral

Unusual roundabout centre at Valencia made of 22000 ceramic pieces

It is still cold here, especially at night when we have been having sub zero temperatures, -3.9 this morning but still with blue skies and sunshine during the day.

We have decided to move on tomorrow to another site about twenty miles North of here at Benicassim.  We have been told that it s quite different to here at Moncofa so we are looking forward to it.

From there  we plan to visit Playa Tropicana at Alcosssebre before heading to Vilanova Park at Vilanova i la Gethru which is to the South of Barcelona.

We are not sure what internet access we shall have so Blog entries may be few and far apart but we shall see. 

Misbehaving belongings sign in shop

Thursday 9th February

Well, we arrived here at Moncofa on Tuesday after a not too good trip. Strong headwinds (a bit like sailing) held my attention driving here as they gusted and blew More Time about but the sun was shining and we made reasonable time for the 220 mile trip. Once again our TomTom brought us right to the entrance.

Moncofa is not such a good site as La Manga was and is a bit like camping in a car park. We are thinking of cutting our stay here short and heading on to some other sites for a few days each just to see what they are like.

We had a good game of boules this afternoon with four others, men against the ladies. Ladies came out on top but only just, the third game went to 11 -12 before they scored the two they needed to win.

Monday 6th February

We are heading on to our next site first thing tomorrow (well, about 10 o clock) and we shall be quite sad to leave La Manga.

We have made quite a few new acquaintances since arriving here and this afternoon while playing boules quite a few people came up to us to say farewell. We were invited back to the motorhome of Ed, our American buddy and his wife for a drink after the game and a couple of hours later we left them to have their meal after exchanging email addresses etc. It would be good to meet up with them again in the future, hopefully we shall.

All our gear is packed away, the awning is down and packed along with chairs, table etc, even the bikes are strapped on the rack at the back.

Approximately 200 miles away is Moncofa, our next stop, just to the South of Valencia.

This rally will be a hard act to follow, we have enjoyed ourselves here so much.