allworkedout

April 17th.

Set off on a 19 day tour of France, caught the 0835hrs P&O ferry "Spirit of France" on the Dover- Calais route. Made a beeline for "Langans Brasserie" for breakfast. Then learned it is now "The Brasserie", obviously the association with Langans has ended. Never mind it was a breakfast we had been looking forward too.

What a disappointment, it had always been a good meal, freshly cooked, coffee topped up as required, and good service. Now, the food had obviously been on a hotplate, rubberised fried eggs, bacon, black pudding, and hash browns totally dried out. Perhaps thats why Langans has gone.
Did the usual shop on board, booze and baccy, and arrived Calais on time. Left the port at 1100hrs local time heading for Chalon-en-Champagne, Expecting about 5hrs journey as we were avoiding toll roads. Good old Tom Tom used M/ways where free and avoided where not. It was a good run, through some nice countryside and villages, arriving at the site 1545hrs.

Set up Eevie in pleasant warm sunshine. Couple of beers then dinner, all sitting outside, this was a good start.

April 18th.

Still warm and sunny, this was looking good. Took a walk into the "Centre Ville", further than anticipated, took about 35 minutes. Disappointed when we got there, no pleasant little cafes, and not a lot in the way of shops. A small mall with the usual "Etam" and like home phone shops. Walking to the river we passed the "War Memorial",

the names on here are right up to the present day.
As the weather was so nice we decided to walk back to the site along the river, this gave quite a nice view of the Cathedral,

without all the traffic and clutter on the City side. We left the river to soon and meandered through a large estate of Apartment blocks so not very nice. Back to Eevie for a cuppa,

then a walk to "Carrfoure" about 10 minutes away. It was massive, stocked up on our favourite french food, cheese, pate, wine etc, then humped it back to Eevie.
Took a shower, not, no hot water in either the male or female block. Strange, last night mine was fine but Hazels was tepid, now all cold. Made do in Eevie then planned the next leg. I was trying to keep the legs around 150 miles, so decided on "Auxonne" as it looked nice, and the site close to the town.

"Camping Municipal Chalon-en-Champagne" is a nicely laid out site, with most pitches hedged. A variety of grass and hardstanding. A lot of the visitors are overnighters, en route North or South. The downside was the shower/toilet block,

it was a little tired, and as stated water hit and miss. Staff friendly and helpful.

April 10th 2013.

Took off for a 3 night visit to "Bridge Villa Campsite", set off 1054hrs with reports of an accident in the roadworks on the M25 jctn 5 to 6. Tom Tom has HD traffic and gave the delay as 25 minutes with no quicker alternative. We joined the jam at 1210hrs, but it was moving albeit slowly so not to bad. Arrived on site 1415.
Decided on putting up our new drive away awning, bit of swearing and it was up in an hour and half.

Not bad for the first time. Heavy rain after dark, and the awning link to Eevie started to form a large puddle, makeshift prop solved the problem.

April 11th.

After breakfast, walked across the bridge into Wallingford, about 5 minutes.

A small market town with a variety of small shops and a Waitrose. Coffee in a small cafe, then set off to the museum, got there and found it closed. The weather was nice so we decided to walk along the river to Benson, about a mile and half away. It was a nice walk, a little muddy in places but not too bad. Benson is a base for hire cruisers (Le Boat) with a small campsite, camped there many years ago but little changed. It also has a large cafe, "The Waterfront" so decided on bacon baguettes for lunch.

Very popular and busy as you can see, the baguette was very nice, served with fresh salad, Hazels face is "that bloody camera again" and nothing to do with the food.
Set off to retrace our steps along the river. Many signs of very high river levels recently, if not flooding. A couple of narrowboats were moored, looked neglected and derelict, but weren't, as we saw life aboard. We often wonder why they let them get in such a state. Back at Wallingford called in the "Boathouse" for a well deserved couple of pints of Doombar,

Hazel had Becks as a change from wine. Back over the bridge to Eevie. Evening a mix of sun and light rain, which dried up overnight.

April 12th.

A bright dry morning, walked into Wallingford,

to get some bits from Waitrose, and also an extendable mop we had seen in a kitchenware shop yesterday, thought it would be ok for cleaning Eevie. Spent a quiet afternoon, Hazel doing some of her craft stuff, and I tried the mop, just the job, for washing Eevie. Took down the awning as it was dry and may rain overnight, leaving in the morning and didn't want too pack it wet.

April 13th.

Still dry for a change, decamped and set off 1025hrs. Wanted to avoid the roadworks so went down the M23 then across country. Called in Jempsons at Peasmarsh, had a sandwich and cold drink, (coffee machine broken) then on home arriving 1540hrs.

Bridge Villa is a nice site, with a very clean warm shower block, only 4 showers per sex but very good, and plenty WCs.
From Wallingford you can get buses to Reading or Oxford. 160 pitches all grass.

February 27th 2013.

Off to Lincoln Farm Campsite, in Standlake,Oxfordshire. Left 100hrs, took a natural break at Beaconsfield Services on the M40. Hazel wanted a frappie coffee at MooDog, the girls were new and didn't know how to make them, instead Hazel had a Dime Bar Shake and I had an Aero Shake, plus side was because of the inconvenience they only charged for one. Then back on the road arriving 1500hrs on site. Set up Eevie,

then into the village and the "Bell Inn" for a pint or two. Very nice pub with an Aussie landlord and a nice menu, decided we would return for a meal before going home. Then a quiet evening in Eevie.

February 28th.

A frosty cold night, though as usual snug in Eevie. Gas bottle ran out so replaced it on site. Then set off on the "Windrush Trail", a 2 mile walk passed lakes and woods to the "Rose Revived" at Newbridge.

Half a mile short of the pub the trail became impassable without wellies, due to mud, so retraced our steps back to the site. Had a brew then caught the bus to Witney,

a pleasant little Market Town with interesting little shops. Didn't buy anything but enjoyed looking round. Bus back to site about 1600hrs, then a couple of pints in the pub before back to site. Both wanted a shower, sometimes it's a chore but on this site they were so good it was a pleasure.

Then dished up the stew that we had in the slow cooker, we were unanimous, it was bloody awful. A couple hours telly then bed.

March 1st.

Today our 6th Wedding Anniversary, so tonight it will be the "Bell Inn" for dinner.

First a trip into Oxford on the bus, Wow, what a ride, bit like the dodgems but passing through some lovely villages. About 45 minutes and we were in the centre of the city. Coffee and panini in Caffe Nero, then a stroll around. Though I have always supported Oxford in the Boat Race, I prefer Cambridge as a place to visit. Like Cambridge one needs to be aware of bicycles,

They hurtle round the pedestrianised areas like stampeding cattle.
Spent a pleasant time and caught the bus 1500hrs in order to be back in time for Hazel to prepare herself for dining out, you know what the girls are like.
To the pub 1930hrs and what turned out to be a wonderful evening, the food and wine were outstanding, as was the atmosphere, a truly friendly pub.

March 2nd.

Off home, leaving site 1000hrs, avoided M40 and followed the Thames until joining the M25, then on home arriving 1400hrs.

Lincoln Farm, a very nice site with top quality amenities, there is a Leisure Centre on site with Gym, swimming pool, and children's pool. Campers can use them for a small fee. There is a kiddies play park, table tennis and putting green. A very nice site for a short break.

February 14th 2013.

Valentines day and off to Chertsey for a 3 night break. Left 1000hrs, stopped en route for provisions fuel etc, arrived on site 1300hrs. Heavy rain when we left and on route, but cleared up, with bright sunshine on arrival. Set up Eevie.

I was sorting Hazels bike, setting handlebars so she could have her basket fitted, but bolts too short. Cycled into town for a bike shop, successfully getting replacement bolts. Back at Eevie I continued setting up the bikes and Hazel repaired one the side cushions, where stitching had come adrift.

February 15th.

My annual pilgrimage to Romney Lock and Dads memorial bench, a week early for the anniversary of his passing 2 years ago, but work commitments necessitated it.
Bus to Staines then train to Windsor Riverside, called in the florist for a plant to place on the bench, then walked to the lock and the bench.

He loved this spot and I have many happy memories of my childhood days spent here, used to spend hours on the lock watching the boats go through. The lock back then had balance beam gates, and the lock keeper was happy to let us kids help push them open. Would never be allowed today because of health and safety but I did it and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The lock today, with electric powered gates.
We then walked into Windsor, popped into "Lakeland", wise move as we picked up a real bargain. A "Remoska" for £29.99 (usual price £109.99) and solely due to damaged packaging.
Back to Chertsey and a pint in "The Bridge Hotel". Noticed the river level was still very high with a strong flow.

This the footpath under Chertsey Bridge.
Back to Eevie, shower then a lovely beef stew, which had been in the slow cooker al day, scrumptious.

February 16th.

Another bright sunny day. Caught the bus to Shepperton Station and the train to Kingston-on-Thames, journey time just under the hour. Had a good mooch round, coffee in Caffe Nero with a Panini. Hazel bought a lightweight red jacket in Republic at 20% off, she'd seen it in the Southampton branch but never bought it, succumbed to temptation this time.
Also found a 700w oil filled radiator in a hardware shop, £25.99 and ideal for Eevie when on EHU, which is more often than not. Nice day and a quite nice riverside town. Train back to Shepperton 3ish.

Hazel admiring one of her purchases.
Bus to Chertsey, pint in "The Bridge' " then back to Eevie for the evening.

February 17th.

Another fine day, and off home. Left site 1010hrs took the motorways and home 1230hrs.

Chertsey is 1 of if not the favourite site for us, almost like our home site if you like. Facilities are good, site is nicely laid out alongside the river. So much to do around too, if the weathers good lovely walks and bike rides around and along the river.

February 7th 2013.

Off to Chichester C&CC site, which is actually in Southbourne. Left at 0950hrs, and took the coast road away from the Motorway rat race. Arrived 1400hrs, very helpful warden greeted us and showed us round. Set up Eevie,

then took a stroll round the village. To the rail station to find train times for Portsmouth. Looked round a very good farm shop with lots of good looking produce, then across the road to the "Travellers Joy" for a couple of pints. It's a very nice pub with a good selection of ales. Back to Eevie for the evening.

February 8th.

Woke to fine sunny but cold day.

After breakfast caught the train to Portsmouth Harbour, about 20 minutes. Did our usual stroll around "Gunwharf Quays" the outlet at the harbour, Hazel got a top, coffee in Caffe Nero then walked up to the town centre. i was looking for an HDMI cable so we could watch movies and TV from my iPad on TV. Currys had one, but after waiting ages at the cash desk the guy said would I wait as he wanted to serve another chap first, I was in the shop before him, threw the lead over the counter and said don't bother. Not the 1st time I've had this problem in Curry's, perhaps it's their modus operandi.
Train back to Southbourne, accompanied by loads of school kids, (bad timing). Couple of pints in the "Travellers Joy" before returning to Eevie. Then to the showers before dinner.

Quiet evening in after all the footslogging round Pompey.

February 9th.

Not so nice today, rain and sleet. Caught the train to Southampton for a look see. Neither of us had been there before so an unknown. Found it all a bit run down and tatty, bit like Folkestone but bigger. Went in Debenhams for coffee and WiFi. Glad I did, there was a message from an old friend Heather from the seventies, she was at school with my 1st wife. Seems her and partner live only 6 miles from the Campsite, arranged a meet at the pub for later.
We were cold and fed up fairly early afternoon so caught the train back.
Met heather and partner at the "Travellers Joy" and had excellent food washed down with good wine. It was a great evening and wonderful to catch up on the last 40+ years. Only downside was the Live Band in the other bar, not noisy or obtrusive but, the singer was dreadful. Said our goodbyes and back to Eevie about midnight.

February 10th.

Heavy rain today, but heading home so not a problem. Left site 0930hrs taking coast road again, arriving home 1250hrs.

The site is very pleasant, quite small and set in an old orchard, facilities were good, warm, plenty hot water, and clean. It is very convenient for trains to Portsmouth, Southampton and I think Brighton or London. It's a 10 minute walk from the site.

January 17th 2013.

Set off for a 3 night trip to "Wyatts Covert" Caravan Club site, in Denham, Buckinghamshire. Its 25 miles from Luton so the plan was for Fiona to pop down and see us and we would exchange Christmas presents. Left home 1200hrs nice sunny day, though very cold. Easy journey and arrived on site 1400hrs.
Motorhome service point was ok but all other water points were frozen. Walked down the hill to Denham for a look round, not much there. On return to Eevie we snugged down in the cosy warmth inside and watched a bit of telly. Forecast for tomorrow looks ominous with a threat of snow.

January 18th.

Woke to a light fall of snow

By 1000hrs the snow became very heavy. Spoke to Fi on the phone and cancelled the meet due to the conditions. The bus from the site didn't show so we walked to Denham Station and caught a train to "Harrow", wrong, the train was calling at Sudbury, not Harrow. Got off at Ruislip and caught a bus to Uxbridge. Hazel wasn't impressed with the place but I did manage to get some some nice stout boots in Debenhams, which I wore strait away, as my feet were cold.
Bus back to Denham, main roads not too bad but the minor ones were very poor. The forecast for tomorrow was for another belt of snow during the afternoon and overnight. We decided to cut short our stay and leave in the morning before the predicted snow.
Eevie was still snug and warm inside,

Hazel did some knitting and I drank some rum, the snow had stopped but as it got dark everything outside began to freeze.

We stayed warm inside, just minor problems with the gas due to the low temperature, but never lost it completely.

January 19th.

No more snow overnight so set about decamping ready for home, the Relief Warden also leaving today, a day early, as they had to get back to Derbyshire.
Made a flask of coffee and sandwiches, left site 1145hrs, the road outside was very icy and untreated.

But having safely negotiated it the rest of the journey was ok, M25, M26, and M20 all clear, arrived home 1420hrs.

Well our reason for the trip had not worked out, the weather had seen to that, and also prevented doing much else. The site was fine, Wardens helpful, facilities good and clean. Wont comment on whether we would go again, as we never really got to find anything out, so I will leave it as a maybe.

January 4th 2013.

1st trip this year, 2 nights at Abbey Wood, convenient for rail links to Greenwich and London. Left 1046hrs called in Sainsbury's for provisions and fuel. Uneventful journey, arriving on site 1251hrs.

Set up and took a stroll to check out the locale and train times in preparation for a Trip to Greenwich tomorrow.

January 5th.

Off to Greenwich. Visited the National Maritime Museum, of much interest to an old sea dog like me. Looked at the restored "Cutty Sark", they've made a grand job after the awful fire. Will take time to go aboard next time. Walked up the hill to the Observatory but didn't go in. Back down the hill and into the old "Royal Naval Hospital".
A couple of large paintings, one at the end of the room,

and one on the ceiling,

maybe not Sistine Chapel standard but impressive nevertheless. All in all an enjoyable day.

January 6th.

Home today, left site 1015hrs arriving home midday.

Would use this site again as it is ideal for London, with frequent trains to London Bridge. The site has a very rural feel even though in a very built up area. Quiet apart from occasional sirens from the emergency services, and some aircraft noise due to "London City Airport" nearby, none of which was obtrusive or disturbed us. Facilities and Wardens uo to the usual Caravan Club standard.

November 15th.

Decided on a 2 night trip to Lee Valley, it has good transport links for London and more Christmas shopping. Left at 1145hrs after finding a dead mouse under Hazels seat, she wasn't impressed. Arrived at the site 1355hrs. Nice site and wardens.

There is an Odeon Cinema at the entrance so treated ourselves and went to see "Skyfall", great film we both enjoyed it. Back to Eevie where we spent a very quiet night.

November 16th.

Woke to a fine morning. While sitting with coffee looking out the rear window I noticed to my horror that there were no bikes on the back. Don't know when they were taken as it was dark when we returned from the cinema and the light fingered Arseholes who took them had carefully replaced the bike cover over the rack. Reported to site and Police with little hope of recovery or catching them, of course this proved to be the case.
Set off for our days shopping, first to Stratford as we hadn't been before. Had a nice Burrito in a mexican fast food place. From there we headed to Oxford Street, Regents Street, etc. Then we went to Harrods as Hazel hadn't been before. I found it incredible in these days of austerity to see the queues at counters where Pate de Fois Gras was around £300 a jar, obviously not everybody's suffering. It was a long day which although using travel cards entailed a lot of walking, hence we returned to Eevie well worn out.

November 17th.

Woke to bright sunshine and a heavy frost. Set off for home at 1054 hrs arriving 1306hrs.

Lee Valley is a nice site but as seen lacking in security, there is a Golf Course next to it open to the public and only a 2 rail fence separating it.
As an aside the insurance wouldn't pay up as they were secured to the vehicle and in a public place have to be secured to a permanent structure, I should have lied and said I'd secured them to the fence. Plus is a Campsite with gates you pay to stay on a public place? I don't think so but you may disagree, the insurers did.

November 29th.

Off to Brighton for a couple of nights. Left home at 1000hrs on a nice sunny day. Drove the A259 coast road to enjoy the scenery. Uneventful journey and arrived on site 1250hrs.
Took a walk to the "Marina" about 20 minutes from the site. Not much over there if you don't want to eat or drink, but did get some provisions in Asda.
Got back to "Eevie" where Hazel got a message from her cousin Jill telling her that her Aunt Kate had died. She was old and lived in the South of France, so they weren't that close.

November 30th.

Woke to another bright sunny day, very cold though.

Took a walk along the seafront into Brighton centre, did some Christmas shopping and had excellent fish and chips at "Harry Ramsdens" washed down with a nice glass of red wine.
Walked back through "Kempstown" as I had read reviews saying how nice it is, well apart from a couple of antique shops we weren't impressed. Called in Lidls then back to Eevie.

December 1st.

Set off for home at 0930hrs taking the coast road again. Stopped off in Rye for coffee and a look round, we bumped into Jaquie and John in the High Street so more coffee and gossip. Rye is a lovely place which we never tire of visiting. Continued our journey arriving home 1430hrs.

Brighton Caravan Club site is up to there usual standard, but Brighton itself I think is a bit overrated.

October 22nd.

Left Grin Low 0925hrs, pouring rain and hill fog. Fuel stop at Wetley Rocks then onto M6. Didn't take the toll section, but traffic wasn't too bad, then M5 until local roads to Moreton in the Marsh, arrived 1300hrs. A nice site and only a short walk into town.

After a cuppa and sandwich walked into town. A typical Cotswold market town, quite a few shops many of them gift shops. Sussed out the bus times for tomorrow. Had a couple of pints in the pub before heading back to the site for a shower.
The shower blocks were clean and warm, water hot but lacking pressure. After shower Hazel prepared dinner, as you can see she often cooks with wine.

Although close to the road it was still quiet and we weren't disturbed by traffic noise.

October 23rd.

Woke to a dry but dull day. It was market day so took a stroll around the stalls before catching the bus to Bourton on the Water. There was a a great cheese stall, we hoped to get back in time to buy some. After a 40 minute bus ride we arrived and set about sightseeing.

It's a very picturesque village but consequently full of tourists.

If you visit don't miss the model village, a replica of its own town. This one the church.

I find it quite fascinating, like being a giant I guess. This one a large Manor House, which we hadn't seen for real.

Not sure this one, but think it may be what is now the CSMA Motor Museum.

One more for luck, never saw this for real either, but hopefully you can see how realistic they are.

After leaving the Model Village we browsed a few of the shops and treated ourselves to a cream tea. I say treat but although the scone, jam, and cream were very good the tea was the proverbial gnats piss. Hazel didn't mind as she only drinks coffee, 1 up to her. From there we visited the Motor Museum, even if not interested in cars it's worth a visit, there is lots of automotive memorabilia. Then bus back to Moreton hopefully to catch the cheese stall. If interested the bus passes through Stow on the Wold, we saved that for next time. Success we bought a huge lump of Cheddar for £10, it lasted us til Christmas.

October 24th.

That's it then now heading home to assist with Michael's funeral arrangements. Left site 1000hrs. A roads til Oxford decided against M40 so followed the Thames until joining M25, arrived home 1500hrs.

That completed our 1st tour, all had gone reasonably well, and we had enjoyed it very much. Can't wait for the next one.