tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70147988988732531572024-02-08T06:17:16.440+00:00Bailey About!An adventure in the everyday world, from buying a new Bailey Approach 740 motorhome, to living in it! Highs and lows about life on the move. Days out, holidays and the odd weekend away from home. The mundane and boring bits of life with a motorhome, as well as the fun bits. Campsites enjoyed and campsites from hell. Hopefully, all wrapped up with a bit of useful info for anyone who cares to read it. A replacement for my old blue book................with pictures.Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-6580313387807847682014-09-15T12:57:00.000+01:002014-09-15T12:57:44.773+01:00Bye, Bye, Billie!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well the deed has been done and Billie will be going to a new and loving home! Currently he is with a dealer and we are sure he will soon be happily parked with a new family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We were really sorry to see him go and surprised ourselves how quickly it all happened, once we had made the decision to move on. While we were in France this year we had a long hard think about how we were using our motorhome and decided that we were really using Billie more as a caravan. With Smartie on tow, we found we had to think and plan ahead much. We did love Billie and were very pleased with the service we got from the dealers, which made our lives so much simpler. Billie had all the extras on him that we would ever need and more! The bed was as comfy as ours at home, there was mountains of storage and the shower was fabulous. By the time our holiday in France was over, we were already making plans about what van we would go for next. Billie will be a fabulous buy for someone, with all the extras and only 5000 miles on the clock, a great buy. Things we would change?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Nothing really, the only thing we probably would not have bothered with was the aircon, which we hardly used. Everything else was perfect and we loved the layout. Loads of lounging space, great kitchen with full oven and microwave, huge fridge, central heating, gaslow, awning, bike rack and sink big enough to wash a pan in! Billie towed Smartie easily on the trailer, we have just decided to downsize our whole lives and eventually our house. Buying a house without the need for a 25 foot drive will we hope, be easier! Things turn full circle, we started with a camper van and that's what we are going for next. I guess it's more about back to basics for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our first thoughts were we wanted to buy something easy to drive around and park, that we could also use as a second vehicle. I have also been very wimpish about driving a big coachbuilt, but would probably be able to manage a panel van ! Having had 3 coach built motorhomes we have decided on a panel van conversion, with some luxury. We narrowed our choices down to Murvi, Vantage, IH and the Autosleepers Kingham. I expect there are loads more vans we could have looked at but we also decided that for us Part Exchange was the option we would go for. Our new van would be probably 6.3m, so not so long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The Malvern Show provided a good opportunity to test the water and much to our surprise we got a good part exchange deal and put a deposit down on our new IH van. The Shepton Mallett Show, saw Billie back on the market and no doubt it won't be long before he is rehomed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As this blog did begin as "Bailey About" and we did think he would be with us for at least 10 years, this will be our last blog about Billie. We have however started another blog called "4 Wheel Camping" so the saga of us and our vans will continue. Did we regret buying Billie? Not at all, it was a great experience we hope someone else will get as much enjoyment from him as we have done. Life moves on a new set of 4 wheels awaits...........<a href="http://www.4wheelcamping.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.4wheelcamping.blogspot.co.uk</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We will be posting very soon!! Another adventure in store planning and finding our new van.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-46333146495958555242014-08-13T13:05:00.000+01:002014-08-13T17:27:58.604+01:00Back Tracking in France.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This year we decided to return to Parc Verger as we really enjoyed the break last year. We decided on the Portsmouth Caen crossing both ways for a change. We were quite disappointed with the crossing as we booked a late ferry 22.45 which got into Caen at around 6.30 in the morning. Sadly, the posh restaurant was closed which meant we had to make do with the self-service, not very exciting. Also, the short crossing meant we got only a very few hours sleep.The cabin and bathroom was clean, although we would have preferred not to have had the bunk beds, which was all they had available when we booked in March! On reflection, I think (although it's loads more expensive) the Portsmouth to St Malo crossing is better all round, because you can get a really nice meal in the restaurant, have longer to relax and still get a proper nights sleep. The home journey was fine though busy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This year, was the first year we took our new convertible Smart Car, which was great fun, if not slightly traumatic to load onto the trailer. Moving the trailer around can be quite hard work, perhaps it's just us getting older! Still it all looked good and towed well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Billie would certainly look the part on the dock and flew along in comfort even up hill!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We plotted in the route to Parc Verger in the Limousin and estimated around an 8 hour drive. More or less spot on, including the slight detour ( me not the sat nav!) Another slight disadvantage of towing, you do need to stay on big roads, well we do. Billie performed well, trucking down the motorways, we went via the toll roads and the final bill was around 50 euros which we thought was worth it. We did miss going through all the little villages on route though and stopping at little places. With a length of 10m plus you do need to think about where you are going and which roads you are going on. Den copes really well with the driving but we always have to think about reversing and the width of the roads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Soon we were happily set up at Parc Verger with a glass of red and a spot in the sunshine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Billie's job was done, he now got a rest while Smartie took over. We also took our bikes and used them loads this year, getting used to trekking up the cycle track to the nearby town of Chalus( the place where Richard the Lionheart was shot ) and still overrun with Brits on every corner. We enjoyed a few happy afternoons in the village square sipping expresso, watching the French park their cars and earwigging Brit conversations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A day trip we made which was really enjoyable was to the village of Brantome about 45 mins from Parc Verger. It was a lovely warm day and we spent a few happy hours drifting about the old town and watching the antics on the river, horses and canoes. A meal in a local hostelry rounded the day off well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Brantome was a lovely place but very touristy and expensive. It made me smile to be stopped in the street by an English couple asking me in bad French where the market was!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We also went to St Yriex la Perche another charming village with another municipal campsite on the edge of the town. Less busy than Brantome and the day we went there was a great local market full of local farmers products. One of the best markets we have visited in a long time. A look around the medieval village is worth an hour of your time! Easy parking on the outskirts of the town for Smartie, I'm not too sure Billie would have enjoyed it, Den would not have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our next little adventure was walking miles around the reservoir of 77 hectares at Plan D'Eau Mialet. This is a totally untouristy but beautiful place, mainly populated by fishermen and locals. There is a small carpark at the entrance and a surprisingly clean compostable toilet. The walk around the lake through the trees is not for the faint hearted, mostly level on a gravel path it's around 8K......but seems longer! Take plenty of cream as there were a few insecty things that gave a nasty bite to bare legs, especially after the rain. We had the whole range of French weather in a few hours, hot sun, and showers, we actually used the packer macks. The walk was great we were glad we wore our walking boots as it was a long......way! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A peaceful and beautiful spot by the reservoir. We were glad we ate our picnic before we started walking though. The local workmen were all there, eating their meals from a whole collection of cool boxes at a picnic table, not what you would see at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Funny food always tastes better outside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It always amazes us when we find these little out of the way places in France and we always wonder how the French manage to keep them looking so pristine. There were spaces for fishermen with isolated little camping spots which were well used by the locals and lots of small information boards about local wildlife and birds and when to see them. This is a place we will go back to another time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yet another day out and another fabulous small lake complete with full on campsite which was almost empty. Certainly worth another visit, another time, Lake St Fortunat is on the pilgrimage route in the village of Flavignac a really peaceful spot. There were a few French people by the lake but other than that it was deserted. It looks like the lake cannot be used for swimming but it is still beautifully maintained and great to have a picnic nearby. The campsite was quite big, large pitches clean toilet block ( we looked in) and empty!! Pitch up and wait for someone to come and collect the money we worked out it was around 10 euros! Another one on our agenda for a revisit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our holiday flew by and before long we were on the way back to the ferry. This year we stopped for two nights at Ouistram and had an excellent short stay at the campsite near the ferry port. A huge pitch and a bike ride along the canal rounded off our holiday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Very lucky with the weather this year. Nowhere near as hot as last year, so we were able to do so much more and we rode the bikes a lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Perhaps the time for a re-think about how we use Billie. We really miss being able to up sticks and explore small sites which is not always easy with a 10m plus outfit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Downsizing may be on the cards! We love Billie but maybe a smaller van could be the answer.... keep tuning in.</span><br />
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<br />Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-81726195599276981092014-05-29T10:28:00.002+01:002014-05-29T10:28:57.542+01:00Avocado Adventure Part 2<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now we have been home for nearly two months it seems so strange to think we were sitting in the sun not long ago. Apart from one weekend we have had nothing but wind and rain!! Never mind, heating back on and it's our summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Having written about the first part of our holiday adventure I thought Part 2 had better follow while memories are still relatively fresh. As this is strictly speaking a blog about our adventures in our Bailey motorhome, a trip behind Fiona and Harry in their special Bakkie through game reserves and dirt tracks in the north of South Africa are vaguely relevant - to me anyway! Trekking north to the sun, a strange concept for us, but lots of fun and loads of animals in their beautiful natural surroundings made the trip perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fiona and Harry thought long and hard about where to take us on our first trip. Africa is such a vast country with so many beautiful places to see, we were glad they made the decision not us! I should have taken more pictures and certainly will on our next trip, but you get to a point when a picture can't really tell the whole story. Africa is such a spectacular and beautiful country and around every corner was yet another fantastic view. The mountains, villages and sea all to take your breathe away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We left the farm near Hazyview and set off towards Nelspruit ( one of the fastest growing towns in Africa and gateway to The Kruger.) Harry took us on the route via the banana plantation just outside Hazyview, we were very pleased we were in a 4X4.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Following a good breakfast at The Wimpy in Nelspruit, up into the mountains we climbed. We were searching for a dirt road that Harry had wanted to try out for some time, he called it a "short cut!" It was foggy up there....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This was one of those roads that had we been on our own I would have absolutely refused to follow!! Fiona was made of sterner stuff. And so off we rumbled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Following a quick bit of 4x4 tuition, we made sure we were on the right road.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD8Q3GQ3z08VhuZEEV-03_aizLNHvRpLvW_YYk6HgNcPHXL-VGVYXD8Qayp8D2ipr9YhLypnzMZSCMLunAqfbgDbmwKxbcgn81MJT0d5rIy-CGtL7F7-SaVbrKQ4cqQI_tWM-EqWRRsU/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD8Q3GQ3z08VhuZEEV-03_aizLNHvRpLvW_YYk6HgNcPHXL-VGVYXD8Qayp8D2ipr9YhLypnzMZSCMLunAqfbgDbmwKxbcgn81MJT0d5rIy-CGtL7F7-SaVbrKQ4cqQI_tWM-EqWRRsU/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Den managed really well considering the only bit of 4X4 driving he had done was a course he did around 30 years ago in a field. Hardly preparation for what was to come but we survived and really enjoyed the journey, shame it was too bouncy to take many pictures. The scenery made up for the rough road and the excitement and sense of adventure, made up for the potholes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Finally we made it down the track!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Across a few mountains, through a game reserve and</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">then we were at the highest point</span> of <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">the trip. Fiona's little bushbaby hanging in the front of the car bounced along over the stones and through the ruts. Then we were descending from 5000+ metres above sea level, down to the town of Piet Retief where we stayed for the night at a very nice lodge and camp site.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRmLnp7JvSHhl9TMs57ApPLUFhwhD57_R9CMl5veQozXxlH20CKKXPeE4-liqHN3X228sjR8SyBx36WYmm3k3pQHVw3q6VSxcI1AVFrBNWK0Mn2ZaBaDhZYv_O_ocdkDzQjB9Bq4Y-R8/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRmLnp7JvSHhl9TMs57ApPLUFhwhD57_R9CMl5veQozXxlH20CKKXPeE4-liqHN3X228sjR8SyBx36WYmm3k3pQHVw3q6VSxcI1AVFrBNWK0Mn2ZaBaDhZYv_O_ocdkDzQjB9Bq4Y-R8/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The Sundowner Lodge our first stop of the night. A typical African Lodge and camp site. Complete with roaming animals and birds!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the camping fraternity. Camping African style. We had a lovely meal in the restaurant and a sound sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The next morning we were off on the second leg of the adventure to St Lucia on the coast, destination Cape Vidal in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park a World Heritage Site. Completely different to The Kruger and far less commercialised. <a href="http://www.nature-reserve.co.za/cape-vidal.html" target="_blank">http://www.nature-reserve.co.za/cape-vidal.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Harry and Fiona loved this area and it was beautiful. Cape Vidal has a population of </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">crocodile,hippo and millions of birds.St Lucia is a lovely town and one I certainly would like to go back to.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></span><br />
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Water Buffalo at Cape Vidal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4Iltt2EoGthO0X6bBIKTw0xooCDMWi62dGZ06fljhXArCDOw0n6s41qujmiqOd0Qo_HNYIDjxtRLNWFr8tTo55bxKFDz0PdT3TIyjQ0kW90Y2KBqHT_e27h2SwM05MKNK3FPiRFU_4Q/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4Iltt2EoGthO0X6bBIKTw0xooCDMWi62dGZ06fljhXArCDOw0n6s41qujmiqOd0Qo_HNYIDjxtRLNWFr8tTo55bxKFDz0PdT3TIyjQ0kW90Y2KBqHT_e27h2SwM05MKNK3FPiRFU_4Q/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our stay at Cape Vidal was beautiful.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> We stayed in a lodge by the beach which was empty and spectacular. The setting was perfect with wildlife everywhere including this cute wild cat who wistfully eyed our BBQ.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The beautiful and warm Indian Ocean</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our journey through the reseve gave an abundance of animal viewing including hippos, rhino and many more animals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From Cape Vidal we spent a few hours at Kosi Bay in the top north-east corner of KwaZulu-Natal, just south of the Mozambique border.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosi_Bay" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosi_Bay</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Kosi Bay is made up of a system of wetlands, channels and lakes with hippo, crocs. Access to the beach was down a "Harry Track" a dirt road only suitable for 4X4's. We were so lucky to get a permit to visit as only a few are given out daily. We set off with trepidation, but it was such a lovely and exciting drive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Den and Harry on the beach at Kosi Bay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This area is so special, the local community still does subsistance fishing on the lakes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our final journey was to Mukuze <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mkuze_Game_Reserve" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mkuze_Game_Reserve</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A really interesting game reserve which really showed the animals in their own setting. Very uncommercialised with few people there, we really felt we were in the bush. Here we saw magnificent herds of giraffes, hippo and more rhino. We were so lucky! Harry and Fiona were keen to see the long tusked elephants, I wasn't!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fiona started to panic at this point that the hippos were heading in our direction. After her encounter with one in the bush in another place, she was a little apprehensive. Fortunately, it snorted and went on it's merry way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our acommodation, yet another lovely lodge with restaurant and pool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fiona outside one of the safari tents on site. Complete with kitchen proper beds and ensuite !</span><br />
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Animals in the wild, how they should be.<br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had the most fabulous time in South Africa with Fiona and Harry who made us so welcome. We enjoyed every minute of our time with them and learnt so much about their country and it's culture and customs. Everyone we met was so friendly and helpful, yes South Africa has it's problems but so does every country! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Loved Africa and we will be back.......................... very soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Choose a special moment, can't really we loved every minute but the people we were with made the memories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thanks Fiona and Harry. Love you lots XXX</span> Den & Lesley<br />
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<br />Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-31639643620363882052014-04-17T12:29:00.000+01:002014-04-26T17:34:41.132+01:00Avocado Adventure Part 1<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is strictly outside the remit of this blog but fun anyway and our adventures with Fiona, Harry and their 4x4 Bakkie in South Africa certainly worth writing about. Harry's Bakkie is kitted up for 3 weeks unsupported camping with solar panels for power, a huge water supply and fridge freezer for provisions. Complete with a roof tent,awning and even an outside shower. Toilet provisions mean digging a hole, but out in the African bush it's hardly an issue, although Fiona's late night encounter with a hippo is really scary and certainly beats any tales a motor homer may tell about rabbits, moles and spiders, when on toilet breaks! Fiona and Harry are made of sterner stuff and take in their stride all the bush can throw at them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Harry's Bakkie</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A place for everything!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We started our adventure in Johannesburg at Fiona's and Harry's beautiful house. After a lovely evening with them, we set off the next morning to their farm at Hazyview near Neilspruit in the north of the country, not far from the Kruger National Park. The journey was around 5 hours and included some beautiful scenic drives and some fabulous scenery which defys any photo. Africa is such a huge country almost too big for us little "islanders" to take in. It seemed so odd to us, chasing North to the sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We arrived at the lovely farm which used to grow avocados and many were still on the trees. Harry had described the farm as primitive, we thought it was very up together with stunning views across the valley and fascinating wildlife. We were quite pleased not to meet the crocodiles, although we did manage to find a porcupine quill for our Grandson. We had BBQ's and an amazing walk down to the river on the farm, Harry leapt about on the rocks but thankfully decided it was a bit to dangerous for us "townies" to cross the river. We retreated to the lodge to take in the views. The farm is a beautifully serene place to be in and we loved every moment of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The sleeping cabins</span>. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> The lodge overlooking the valley, fantastic views.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Harry and Fiona have planted loads of palm trees on the farm which grow rapidly in the heat. No mean feat as the farm is covered in massive rocks which have to be moved. Digging out the pool and putting up buildings here is a real labour of love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Even putting down simple paths is a major endurance engineering project</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The farm has a river running through the land at the bottom complete with waterfall. We trekked to the river edge taking the dogs with us. Harry said they would frighten the snakes away, reassuring!!! It worked, we didn't meet any.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was really pleased not to meet a croc! This is a favourite spot for Harry and Fiona.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thankfully Harry said it was too difficult to cross for us ! The river is part of the farm property, wildlife included.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This spot by the river is a truly magical place to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> The climb back to Base Camp was well worth the effor</span>t.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our next little outing was to The Kruger National Park, just on the doorstep of the farm. Touristy and busy but we were so lucky that day as we saw 4 of the Big 5 before lunch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The impala are adorable and in beautiful condition. Their camoflage is perfect and they are so playful. However many we saw we still loved seeing them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Zebra in the wild are so funny and they appear to get on with most other animals, I guess unless they are seen as food!</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We saw loads at Kruger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Strangely I was really scared of the elephants. This was a lone bull one, later we saw breeding groups but I found them forbidding! I guess it's sheer size and strength. Later in our hoilday we went in search of the long tusk elephant which we didn't find, I was kind of relieved we didn't come across any.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We were priviliged to see so many beautiful giraffes in the wild, I love the picture of the giraffe strolling down the road at The Kruger at the side of Harry's Bakkie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Having seen so many beautiful animals in the wild I think I would find it really hard to see them in captivity, they were truly one with their surroundings and meant to be there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">THANK YOU FIONA AND HARRY FOR SHOWING US YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORLD. xxx</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Part 2 of our adventure to follow.</span></div>
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Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0South Africa-30.559482 22.937505999999985-44.746997 2.2832089999999852 -16.371966999999998 43.591802999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-50084432038424154172013-10-08T16:42:00.001+01:002013-10-08T16:42:39.055+01:00Summery Somerset<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When I started this blog it was going to be about life in a Bailey! As things have turned out it's become more of a kind of ramble about our rambles. Rest assured any relevant Bailey bits will be mentioned!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We were left with a week in August which included the Bank Holiday Monday. We were hoping to go somewhere mildly more exciting than Brean, but as I had left it so late to book, we had to grab what we could get! So Unity it would be. We thought Smartie had better have an outing, so suitably loaded up off we went for our epic adventure and a mere 45 minutes later, we were safely settled in the Yellow field by the duck pond on a super pitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The sun beamed down, so out with the sun loungers and an early glass of wine and a bit of evening sunshine! We decided we had better do holiday things as we were staying for a whole week, so I had downloaded loads of holiday touristy things to do which we thought we would try out. The first thing would be to explore the fort at Brean Down.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Half way up the steps!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We made it to the top 209 steps!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The morning was beautif</span>ul, <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">clear and sunny. Brean Down is nearly 100 metres high, sticking out into the Bristol Channel which has the second highest tidal range in the world. It's the bit before Steep Holme and Flat Holm and gives fabulous views out to the Somerset Levels. Mendips, Bristol Channel and on a clear day Wales. Cobwebs will be cetainly blown away here, a good stout pair of shoes or walking boots essential, although we saw loads of Grannies and children in flip flops and a few Yummy Mummies in the odd pair of heels! The walk is fabulous, steep in bits but not that strenuous, we were glad we were not pushing a push chair! A National Trust stronghold , so if you are a member free parking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even Den made it to the top with a bit of huffing and puffing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We wandered on to the the fort. Built in Victorian times, how you may wonder it's in the middle of nowhere? Smelly in places, but a very interesting hour spent rambling around the site and taking the bracing sea air and sunshine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We ambled back via the lower pathway , spectacular views all the way and a steep path back down to the car park. Certainly worth the effort and I would imagine different views at different times of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our next foray was to explore the area around Uphill. We had heard that there was a campsite near the beach at the marina. It was a beautiful spot but not really for our kind of camping! We did have another fabulous walk here among the sand dunes and along Weston Beach. certainly a return trip called for. Also a great little cafe by the marina which looked good to eat in although we didn't try it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is such an interesting area of Weston and not one we had been to before. This part of Somerset is beautiful and we only managed one of the many walks I had downloaded for this area, so a return called for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As the week went on we were really getting into the tourist spirit! Next on the agenda was Axbridge. What a lovely little place that was. Again full use made of our National Trust Membership at King John's Hunting Lodge on Axebridge, we still had to pay to get in though, the building is only rented to the NT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We walked around the reservoir braved the wild animals ( sheep) climbed a mountains ( well, grassy banks) and tramped down a few very long lanes. Finally, we arrived back in Axbridge for a well deserved cuppa in Ye Olde Tea Shoppe. Another very satisfying day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the remainder of the week we managed a trek on the beach at Burnham to see the weird 9 legged lighthouse. Moules by the beach in the Cove at Weston, a trip to the Helicopter Museum and loads of beachy walks. A great week in Somerset , glorious weather and strangely a holiday to remember.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The quaint Victorian 9 legged lighthouse</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The marine lake at Weston. We had Moules in the restaurant overlooking the Marina, outside in the sun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There be donkeys on the beach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Alien goings on, on the beach at Brean. Or perhaps too much cider? Seriously we couldn't work out how they did this, it was like the crop circles. Spooky!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Finally, a modellers paradise on the beach. The day of the aeroplanes. Models of every description flying. Apparently, it's a kind of unofficial modellers convention held every year. We spotted the planes on the camp site and then went down on the beach to watch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now, I wonder what Autumn will be like in them there parts of Zomerzet?? Time to find out soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-9703466700481223312013-08-21T18:09:00.000+01:002013-08-21T18:09:09.891+01:00Out and About At Parc Verger, France.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just back from a great three weeks in France. We did the Portsmouth to St Malo crossing which was perfect. As usual , a fabulous meal in the restaurant and a smooth crossing. I am always amazed by the boat crews and how they fit you on the ferry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Billie our motorhome, behaved perfectly, as we were towing Smartie we are always a little apprehensive with all the ramps and bumps. We were right at the front and they actually put the bow doors down so we could creep forward and reverse back in a space. An interesting exercise with a car on tow, glad Den was driving !!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The trip to Parc Verger in the Haut Vienne ( just North of the Dordogne, in central France) was fine though rather long. If we go again we'll stop on route. A toll free relatively straight forward journey, we travelled on a Sunday so hardly any traffic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The camp site was great, even though we were woken up most morning by Monsieur Chanticler, crowing merrily at his merry band of hens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Pitches at Parc Verger were huge, we had a gravel RV pitch with our own drainage, water and loo emptying drain. The toilet block was small but perfectly formed and very clean. The owners live on site and run a tight ship so it feels very safe.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pitches at Parc Verger</span></td></tr>
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Loads of room for the biggest RV's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-5wUZz-RAJf5Qh1yNX5AB4fIYFqohyphenhyphenGpcaG9dX8J1CEjlcePLSViNZUqmP2YZ1yoywIq6PrA1v56RAWyd5BtJxtOFJE-3sBcRw7P13sDKRFBAV15glQVmyNcuDD9EU4d2mdsGmLNwAQ/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-5wUZz-RAJf5Qh1yNX5AB4fIYFqohyphenhyphenGpcaG9dX8J1CEjlcePLSViNZUqmP2YZ1yoywIq6PrA1v56RAWyd5BtJxtOFJE-3sBcRw7P13sDKRFBAV15glQVmyNcuDD9EU4d2mdsGmLNwAQ/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Plenty of room for Billie, Smartie and the trailer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was so hot we actually got in the pool which on one day was 24degrees!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghATICC5xxwhwWNqGfpO2ZUtvkXZQiGi4FBIfJMDqdP4p2aC1yacrS_uxssuSREPK_yx9xHMRLdloTOKU_FQj9GlRx8LHSTmXQqEb3mdNvz42peMzkKCuTdktWT-ncWjGe2IvUs9aNN8/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghATICC5xxwhwWNqGfpO2ZUtvkXZQiGi4FBIfJMDqdP4p2aC1yacrS_uxssuSREPK_yx9xHMRLdloTOKU_FQj9GlRx8LHSTmXQqEb3mdNvz42peMzkKCuTdktWT-ncWjGe2IvUs9aNN8/s320/IMG_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Billie was more than happy with all the space we had!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We spent the time sitting in the sun, although we did manage a few bike rides along the cyle track which ran near the campsite and was perfect. In both directions two lovely little villages and a peaceful ride through the trees.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We actually rode the whole 12k in bits, although it was so hot , that was an effort. Nice restaurant on the way, so we will have to go back next year and try it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We really enjoyed this part of the country, there were so many beautiful man made lakes within driving distance. St Esteph was another one where we managed "lapin" for lunch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">St Matthieu, 15 min drive from Parc Verger.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Lno8IkYmPNryfk_A3duvwyLN6W6HgM1Wzfco8u7z3h63a9S2dJu19ZuBo2H2vPQFMVAlvedPR34mLCLTs196jd3OaTceJRUP3C1FSQBZztRA-IrItW7jFnLJgT0G0_FhRbMrfCasr3E/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Lno8IkYmPNryfk_A3duvwyLN6W6HgM1Wzfco8u7z3h63a9S2dJu19ZuBo2H2vPQFMVAlvedPR34mLCLTs196jd3OaTceJRUP3C1FSQBZztRA-IrItW7jFnLJgT0G0_FhRbMrfCasr3E/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mielet, another walking and picnic spot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you find yourself in the area, visit Oradour St Glade, the French village distroyed by the Germans during the war. We had been many years ago and went again this time. Always a haunting experience and time for reflection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So much to see here, if you want chateaux, they are there by the bucket full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Will we visit the Haute Vienne again ? Yes, with an overnighter on the way down we,ll be back next year. We need to go back for another meal at Dino's in the village and to try out the restaurant on the cycle track. Au revoir!! </span></div>
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Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-17202901419939153122013-07-16T14:31:00.000+01:002013-07-16T14:31:04.343+01:00Choosing A Campsite<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Choosing a campsite is very personal. Some people choose the destination and then the campsite , others choose the campsite and then the destination!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We tend to hover between the two but our main criteria are:-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Flat with hardstanding if possible</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Decent toilets and showers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Easy access in and out</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Things to do nearby</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Electric hookup</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is not a definative list and 3 out of 5 is OK!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Other criteria on our "wish List" sometimes include:-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Adults only</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Near a small town with shops</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Nice walking or bike riding country</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Not too crowded</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Near water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Eating establishments near by</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Spacious pitches</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Two weekends ago we were looking on a Friday afternoon for somewhere to go for the weekend. We wanted somewhere within an hours drive and not south on the M5. Doing a quick trawl around, I found The Apple Tree near Gloucester.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYHbngt5ung59Xnm9wLxkr2Sdenso7SFLI8PIoZmUBTdmoYYergDgmQVxSDJptjrnGEEZuq4f_XerZQmQL3FuDbhUGSKIB1SZHEF4Iih8jd1zq7OkQ1tAByuMtlIkOXs6GWQWH6FJrUA/s1600/Campsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYHbngt5ung59Xnm9wLxkr2Sdenso7SFLI8PIoZmUBTdmoYYergDgmQVxSDJptjrnGEEZuq4f_XerZQmQL3FuDbhUGSKIB1SZHEF4Iih8jd1zq7OkQ1tAByuMtlIkOXs6GWQWH6FJrUA/s320/Campsite.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"Have you vacancies for this weekend, like this afternoon?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> "Yes"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">" Have you a hard standing, we have a 25 foot motorhome?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">" Not sure will get someone to look, no hardstanding but the grass is very firm underfoot, it will be fine!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"Is it flat?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"Flattish, we have loads of motorhomes here"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We booked. To be fair, it was a very well kept site with a beautiful and immaculate toilet block and lovely well mowed grass. It wasn't flat, far from it. There were gravel pitches but they were all in use. Communication with the customer needs to be improved! Why campsites can't be honest in their answers is a mystery. Was it too difficult to say we only have a grass pitch available on a slight slope you will need chocks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Not a site we would use again because of the very loud road noise from the nearby motorway, but could be handy for anyone travelling up the A38 and needing an overnight stop. Lots of campers there and regular stayers, it just wasn't a site for us. "One man's meat is another man's ............"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The toilet block was new, very clean and modern with great washing up sinks and very hot water. local eateries within walkingish, distance. Bus stop outside the site, lots of room for kids to play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We did wander up the main road a way and spotted this very interesting travellers camp on the roundabout!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We were in luck, the sun god shined on us, so </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">we had a nice weekend, we were just pleased we were well stocked up with vittals! We even managed to put out the awning and have a BBQ, so not a total failure, infact quite a restful weekend!</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-71256512809117365572013-06-20T07:59:00.000+01:002013-06-20T08:00:30.164+01:00Costa Del Brean<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A bit of sun works wonders! We have been so lucky this weekend and had our second weekend away and a bit of beach time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After the "shake down" trip last weekend with a promising weather forecast we decided to go for our second weekend on the coast. With bikes packed and being more organised this Friday I had even got some food on board! We arrived at Unity in beautiful sunshine and were quickly settled in the Yellow Field backing onto the golf course. We had taken the bikes so did a quick trip around the camping fields which were remarkably full. The telly tuned in with no problems and a pleasant evening quickly passed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Saturday morning dawned with a beautiful cloud free sky. A bit windy but sunny, we decided to give the bikes a good try out on the beach and see if we could ride from Berrow to Brean Down. Fine for the young and hearty a marathon for us! The beach was really like the Costas without the crowds, warm, sunny, a bit windy but beautiful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We even spotted another Bailey on the beach! Brave person!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was a lonnnng, ride but we made it, cycling into the headwind on the way down the beach was "challenging" riding back was fun. We had a quick coffee in the cafe at Brean Down but enjoyed the sunshine and even got the sun! I got a new picture for my facebook page!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yes it is England in June! The tide is out but the sand is golden and clean, not sure if I would want to try the water out though! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We rode back to camp after a nice lunch in a local watering hole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A very successful weekend!!</span></div>
Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-84205389522820377262013-06-06T09:21:00.000+01:002013-06-06T09:21:10.357+01:00First of the Season<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After a very long , cold miserable and soggy winter, we have finally caught up with summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Billie has had a wash, buff and service and we are ready for the sun!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The winter passed fairly uneventfully for us, a silver screen on the front and an oil filled radiator inside, kept Billie warm and cosy. We put a solar panel on the roof and that works well when the sun shines and saves us plugging in the electric in the summer. A first service and habitation check got Billie in the "summer mood".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We did the usual "start of the season" tank sterilisation saga, a bit of light hoovering and dusting and we were ready for the off. The major body clean was completed and a good polish with the dry wash, worked really well and was a lot quicker to do than Mer! We will wait to see how effective it is! The new bikes were loaded and as they are so much lighter and easier to put up, hopefully we will make more use of them. Not to mention the exercise. Weight reduction takes on a new meaning here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We did a short first weekend away last week and hope to do another trip this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Strange, but after the winter we did need to think about how to do certain things again. Tuning in the telly was fun, but we think we have it sorted. We had a brief play with the Wi-fi Booster and may have another go this weekend. We have a ferry booked for France this summer but need to do a few little jobs on Smartie's trailer first and take him out for a run! We are still thinking around innovative new ideas to do with chairs and trailers, watch this space for further developments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We are still considering an A-Frame for Smartie's stablemate Heidi the Hyundai and we did investigate a few more types last weekend. For the moment, the jury's out on the best system. Electronic, brake buddy, heavy or light, everyone you speak to is convinced their system is the best, so we will rely on the trailer and Smartie on tow for now! New European regulations come out in 2014, so that may make up our minds for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All in all, the last weekend away reminded us how pleased we are with Billie! A great nights sleep too and a perfectly dry and un soggy comfy and cosy bed to sleep in. Too much food, too much drink, a bit of biking ( round the campsite once ) a bit of walking and a bit of sun. Perfect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-20068633869393493782013-02-13T10:07:00.000+00:002013-02-13T10:07:33.369+00:00"The Soggy Mattress Saga"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"In the Bleak Mid Winter " or a damp February!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> I guess it's about time I did an update on Billie and the crew! Now joined by my nifty little Hyundai i10 just named Heidi, because we need another girl in our family. Heidi, joined the family back in November, when I decided I really didn't want to keep driving a Volvo estate to the shops. New and shiny she was a treat to drive and kept Smartie company on the long winter evenings, until a drunken driver shattered her equilibrium and ours by smashing her in the back end!! Still, following a bit of R&R, she is now fully recovered. The plan is possibly to fit her with an A Frame and turn her into a Toad, perhaps a handsome prince may then whisk her off to foreign climes. We'll see, although Smartie and the trailer may feel a bit put out, so we will have to give them a few outings too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Back to the main story, "The Saga of the Soggy Mattress".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When we first took delivery of our van, I thought the mattress was a bit, well dampish. I put this down to the fact that it had probably been stored in a warehouse somewhere and with a bit of an airing it would be fine! Victorian housewifes knew a bit about airing things, we just open the windows and wash the bed clothes regularly! However, being a bit old fashioned I have a nose for a bit of damp. In France last year and during the summer everything was fine. Then in October we went away for a weekend and had the heating on low overnight. On our return we prepared Billie for his winter hibernation and noticed the mattress felt wet in places.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Following lengthy explorations and propping the mattress up to let the air circulate, it still felt very damp! We put the damp down to the fact we were sleeping over the boiler in an enclosed space with the windows shut, saunas are fine in their place but not in our van! We looked at ducting and air vents and finally got a pair of mini humidifiers. We keep an oil filled radiator on low during the winter but the rest of the van and all the other seating , cushions and fabrics were bone dry. While we did all this, I guess we were not totally convinced that the dampness should have happened in the first place. Finally, we kept turning the mattress and propped it up in the middle of the van, the next plan was to take it into the house. Den contacted Bailey's to see if they had noticed a problem, customer services replied in less than a helpful manner!! In the end, Chipping Sodbury Caravans and Tony to the rescue!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yes, there was a problem said Tony, bring the mattress in and we will get it sorted! Our mattress went back to be refilled and recovered and arrived back this weekend, clean bright and DRY!! Ready for the new camping year. The problem had been the fire retardent filling which had been used by the manufacturer in the mattress had been retaining water. This had meant it had acted a bit like silica gel and absorbed all the moisture from the van and us.......nice, and retained it like a sponge! We suspect a big problem for someone, especially when the vans wake up from their winter hibernations. It only seems to be some mattresses and cushions in caravans and motorhomes that were affected, glad we spotted it when we did. Checked this morning it's still dry! Better get the bed clothes back on and get off for a weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-41198769404317641882012-10-18T07:47:00.002+01:002012-10-18T08:15:42.556+01:00Billie "Struts" His Stuff!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You kind of know in your heart when things are not going to go well! This weekend was just one of those times. We sort of planned not to go away because Den was in crisis at work and thought we may get the "phone calls", he was right. We decided to go anyway and try the Caravan Club Site, Cirencester Park and explore Cirencester a bit more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So , we left in a bit of a rush, without the usual preparations and I forgot to pick up the left over curry we were going to have for tea. Fortunately, as it was a CC site, the sign by the toilet block said "Fish & Chips, from 5.30!" Nothing for it then, fish and chips. Our luck was in briefly, as we got the last two fishes from the van, they were obviously also having a bad day! The rest of the queue had to make do with anything that wasn't fish.......at least the chips were still on the menu. Disaster number 1, averted, for us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The site was excellent, quiet and really well laid out with loads of hard standings. It was busier than we were expecting but we still had a good choice of pitches. A third of the site which were the grass pitches, were closed for re-seeding and the second toilet block was being up dated. Time for the bunnies to have a ball, but beware the bunny holes, health and safety elves at work. The existing loo block was excellent and up to the usual CC standards ( when and if,you can get a pitch on one of their sites of course.) Even the telly picked up a signal, although the phone was an issue, but more of that later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Billie at Cirencester Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The walk into town takes about 20 minutes, via the scenic route through the Bath Hurst Estate Park. We put on our walking boots but there were lots of paths so shoes would have been fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Beware, the gates shut at 5.30pm. I wonder how many people they lock in every year?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next time we will walk up to the monument!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Check out the park <a href="http://www.cirencesterpark.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.cirencesterpark.co.uk/</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Saturday morning dawned as a bright dryish day. The van was really cosy as we had used the silver screens overnight. To be on the safe side, we had run the heating on low to take the chill off. The overall heating system in Billie is great and it can be used on gas or electric, 1 is fine for overnight. We decided to walk through the park into town. As we lifted the bed to get out our rucksacks, the strut holding the bed up stuck and before we realised what had happened, it damaged the laminate panel under the bed as we tried to close it. Den removed the mattress to check what had happened and climbed under the bed. Just as all this was going on the phones started ringing, it was a work problem. Getting to a phone with a sprung mattress propped up in the middle of the van was entertaining. It was then we realised that the phone signal here was very iffy, three mobiles and a signal that kept dropping out on all of them. Eventually, we had to go and use the actual "phone box", fortunately being a CC site they still had one that worked. Miracles of modern technology!!! NOT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Finally, after a very stressful hour or so, all was calm. The work problems were solved until Monday and the bed was useable. Den removed the strut and would repair the damage when we got home. We did have a lovely walk through the park into town, lunch at a very nice pub and a stroll around the shops. We just made it back to the van before the rain came down. The X Factor on the telly and a bottle of wine, another exciting evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The drive home through the Cotswold was lovely with the Autumn colours just starting, an hour and we would be home. Not likely, M4 closed for an accident and an hours drive became two. Just another one of those weekends! The good news was Den repaired the strut damage and a new one is on it's way! Advantages of having a local dealer, a quick call to Chipping Sodbury Caravans and Billie will be back to normal, very soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Next weekend the Motor Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham. Time to look at more extras. Tickets have been bought, the work phone can stay at home. Billie can have a weekend off, we'll take the car this time.</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-13489644577186854392012-10-02T13:42:00.002+01:002012-10-02T13:42:24.239+01:00Billie Goes On A Roman Weekend<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Of course we left it to the last moment to book! Needless to say, "there was no room at the inn. " I tried about 6 sites on a Friday morning looking for a hardstanding and had almost given up when I stumbled on Mayfield Park. With great trepidation I phoned and while waiting for rejection, was most surprised to hear they had spaces and on a hardstanding! Even more cheering was the price, £32 for the weekend!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">By 3ish on Friday afternoon we were off. Not far we thought. Well it should have taken around an hour, it took a bit longer, but we did get a "Cotswold Grand Tour", Tom Tom never found the site, but with a trusty map and a bit of manoevering we did. The site was a bit sloping but with the chocks, we were soon installed on a flattish gravel pitch, behind some tall trees, that's put paid to the telly viewing then, back to Kindle! On the positive side the campsite was not crowded, we had water on our pitch and it was dry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Billie enjoying a spot of morning sunshine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The back field at Mayfield Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The next day dawned with a clear blue sky and the sun trying to come out. Armed with a map we set off for Cirencester via the scenic route, down the country lanes. Around an hour later we made it. Slight detour through the woods, over a few styles ( some managed better than others) and braving the local livestock in the fields, we had a great walk though some beautiful countryside. We were really pleased we were prepared with walking boots or we may not have been quite so happy, some of the fields were very muddy.We were really lucky as the sun came out and it was quite warm.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3GrXFGd5xP6HKJEQW2ZYy71ZaNCMB9vQ8G809iv7phmJKAOztXcUsXp4UhIBa41iyCmjBjISz5owALiIVFmD9dBQD1CQzQqgxk_YxUOS34fqNCo21-CekqtwvT6nlISjV0hRHJ9HTQ4/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3GrXFGd5xP6HKJEQW2ZYy71ZaNCMB9vQ8G809iv7phmJKAOztXcUsXp4UhIBa41iyCmjBjISz5owALiIVFmD9dBQD1CQzQqgxk_YxUOS34fqNCo21-CekqtwvT6nlISjV0hRHJ9HTQ4/s320/IMG_3573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8R15_J_z-_Ugopm8pEaptfnRKbkWt5o0tl6XD5i1MBW528ReD0IuH3NcpfkKFFVbrpBZ_E3LBahiQNqo3fDqUwydhglafU6-YQw9wmeoBmyjb1m8Yq_ptwmXFKEozcWWIZQ6SlGgdik/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8R15_J_z-_Ugopm8pEaptfnRKbkWt5o0tl6XD5i1MBW528ReD0IuH3NcpfkKFFVbrpBZ_E3LBahiQNqo3fDqUwydhglafU6-YQw9wmeoBmyjb1m8Yq_ptwmXFKEozcWWIZQ6SlGgdik/s320/IMG_3579.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Beware the wild animals!!! Well there were a lot of sheep in this field!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We finally found our way over this stile and out of the woods. Fortunately did not encounter any livestock here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Took a while to work out the instructions for the "walk", but we made it in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the way to Cirencester.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The end in sight, only one more field to tramp across, fortunately the cows we were expecting to find in the field were having breakfast elsewhere. Phew!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We whiled away a few hours exploring Cirencester, having lunch, coffee and going around the museum, well worth a visit.Those Romans were really quite clever! Cirencester actually had some great little shops, I was amazed how many tea and cake shops there were!. We bought some very nice chicken parcels from the local butcher and caught the 51 bus back to the site. In the absence of telly, it was dinner, reading ,wine and bed, all that walking had worn us out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Certainly worth a visit, although I would be tempted to try the Caravan Club, Cirencester Park site next time. Mayfield would be a good place to go if you fancied walking as there were loads more walks we could have tried. Perhaps another weekend soon, but not in the summer the noise from the road would not make for a peaceful evening outdoors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-17457238763470174662012-09-10T13:15:00.001+01:002012-09-10T13:15:32.548+01:00A Visit to "The Sheppy Show!"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This weekend we decided a trip to the motorhome show at Shepton Mallet was called for. Armed with our reduced admission ticket from the Caravan Club mag ( 2 for a tenner) we set out. We decided Billie would stay at home, as we have had wet and horrible experiences at the show in the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In order to rest our "little grey cells" we took a shopping list.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Find out about Wifi for Billie. We wondered if Sophie and Adam </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">( Motorhome Wifi) would be at the show?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Find out about "solar panels", Vanbitz?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Look at cab carpets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A new updated, colour co-ordinated easy clean tablecloth ( we can't only look at expensive things can we?)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A new travel kettle ( possibly)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A storage bag for the silver screens.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anything else "exciting."</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The day was beautiful as we set off for Shepton, a good day for a motor show. As we arrived, the first thing that struck us was how quiet it all seemed. The car parking field was not as full as we have seen it. Even the camping area was not as full as usual. We quickly got into show mode, Den setting off at full speed, me lagging behind and looking at things! The sun beamed down. We looked at all the jolly campers and were glad we weren't joining them. We love going away in our motorhome, but for peace and tranquility, not display! Still, horses for courses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As we worked our way down the first row of stalls we spotted Adam and Sophie and "Motorhome Wifi" <a href="http://www.motorhomewifi.com/" target="_blank">http://www.motorhomewifi.com/</a> perfect! We spent a few minutes talking about our needs. We want to be able to pick up Wifi in the van usually when we are on campsites. We usually take our ipads and don't bother with the laptop as it's so big to store. We decided on the "I Boost" system with a larger booster, so we could pick up signals that were further away. Paid our money and ordered the system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sophie also explained about the "Fon " system so we could pick up more signals, for £36 it seemed a brilliant idea. <a href="http://www.btfon.com/" target="_blank">http://www.btfon.com/</a> We'll update the blog with the outcomes after playing with the new setup, which hopefully will arrive later this week. First item on the list sorted!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Solar panels next. We found the "Vanbitz" stall and spent a worthwhile ten minutes going over the possibilities of "solar panels". We were given all the info we needed. The outcome is that we need to decide exactly when and how we want extra power. Solar panels will not provide unending energy for free but will supplement our existing system. All we need to do now is work out whether we want to spend the cash. The next step for us ,is to have a second battery fitted and we will probably get Chipping Sodbury Caravans to do that first. Still Vanbitz as usual were most helpful. Further developments will be reported on in due course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Following on a liquid lunch in the local bar, well a glass of wine and half of lager, we bought the tablecloth and the bag for the silver screens. The travel kettle we decided we would buy in John Lewis. The show was still relatively quiet, our feet were killing us, so we set off for home. All in all a pleasant interlude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Was the trip to Sheppy worthwhile? Well it passed a sunny afternoon and we got the wifi sorted. In terms of vans, lots of the bigger dealers were not around and we fancied there were fewer stalls than usual. We are still pleased with our Billie and can't see ourselves changing him for a few years. All we need to do now is get out and about in him a bit more. Job for next week, book a ferry crossing for July 2013! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now where shall we go next week??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0The Wickets, Bristol, South Gloucestershire BS7, UK51.503867567379658 -2.579169273376464851.502632067379658 -2.5816367733764647 51.505103067379657 -2.576701773376465tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-80008693631752809822012-09-03T15:41:00.003+01:002012-09-03T15:41:37.772+01:00Out and About in Somerset<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Just back from a great weekend in Somerset. We stayed at the Wells Holiday Park just outside the City of Wells near Wookey Hole.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Great little campsite, very well kept with super clean loos and hot showers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.wellsholidaypark.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.wellsholidaypark.co.uk/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The journey there was slightly fraught ! Fine 'till we got through Cheddar and then the A371, was the road from hell. Billie was quite happy until the road became increasingly more bendy and narrow. It is an "A" road and we did follow the directions on the campsite website but it was tight in places. Just don't be tempted to follow the sat nav! A big "star" badge for Den, I was just glad he did the driving. The final insult, was we took the wrong turning into the site and nearly grounded Billie on the speed hump. I jumped out and held up the traffic while Den reversed back out onto the main road........ we had arrived, a large drink called for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The campsite was in a great spot, easy to fill up the water and good access ( using the right gate). We were on a tarmac hard standing. The site was not too full but as the evening went on there were lots of new arrivals. An "adults only" site so fairly quiet. I had taken enough food for the weekend so we had a leisurely meal, a few drinks and a comfy night sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The weather god was in a good mood! We took a 20 minute stroll into Wells and had a lovely morning looking around the market, which was really one of the best ones we have seen. Fabulous farmer's products, cheese, sausages and of course Somerset Cider. Wells was busy, but a great place to walk around. The cathedral is really worth a look, we didn't go round the Bishop's Palace this time, as only the grounds were open. Wells is somewhere we will be returning to again, soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After a leisurely drink in a local pub we strolled back to the campsite, had lunch and then walked up to Wookey Hole. Another, lovely ( if somewhat hilly) stroll about 1.5miles from the campsite, at £32 for two adult tickets, we did not bother going into the complex but enjoyed the sunshine and the stroll back. At £49 for a family ticket , we were amazed that anyone went in!! No nice pubs near Wookey Hole, so back to finish the white wine and watch the X Factor, we live life to the full!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In all a very (nearly) relaxing weekend break ( except for getting there,) we drove home on Sunday through Glastonbury and then the motorway, further to drive but less stressful! A place we will add to our list of favourites and visit again very soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Next weekend off to the Motorhome Show at Shepton Mallett, without Billie!</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-9606740294431092052012-08-10T12:47:00.001+01:002012-08-10T12:47:47.271+01:00Viva La France!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just returned from a great "nearly 3 weeks" in France. Our aim was to relax, enjoy the the wine and do as little as possible. We also wanted to see how Billie Bailey performed on an extended stay and whether the money we spent on "extras" was worthwhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Buffed, packed and ready to roll, us and the van! We set off this year from Portsmouth to St Malo. Usually we travel on a Friday night from Dover, but this year we bit the bullet, spent the money and decided on Portsmouth, pricey but worth it! Memo for next time, spend the money on a better cabin, it was a bit basic!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the dock at Portsmouth ready to roll!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Travelling on a Saturday was great! Very little traffic and no M25 to crawl on first. Very soon, we were safely sitting in the restaurant and our holiday had begun. The drive to our campsite the next morning was very quiet, coming out of St Malo was simple and the drive down to the Vendee only took around 3.5 hours of empty Sunday morning roads. Billie towed like a dream and breezed over the Nante bridge. Really good idea to travel on the Sunday as there are no lorries on the road. Added bonus, the roads from St Malo to the campsite in the Vendee were toll free.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.campinglefiefangibaud.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.campinglefiefangibaud.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We arrived at the campsite to find a huge pitch in a lovely quiet field. Easy access to the campsite and good directions. There was water on the pitch, although a very long lead was required for the electric. We were told that the week before had been very wet, but we brought the sun! The following two and half weeks were almost wall to wall sunshine, we have the tans to prove it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We put up the camp kitchen and the windbreakers. I was really pleased that in the end we did take the comfy Lafuma chairs ( so was Den!) We returned from our holiday with new comfy Lafuma chairs, having braved a trip to the French dump with the old ones which spilt in sympathy with each other. Our credit card company was happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This part of the Vendee, was relatively unexplored by us. Home to salt flats, oysters and lovely ( but busy) beaches. An ideal part of the country if you like all seafood, personally not too keen on oysters. Being creatures of habit, we tend to explore very locally, the nearest village St Gervais contains essentials and Beauvoir Sur Mer has everything else, including a very nice bar for coffee and a papershop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Supermarkets were all nearby but you do need transport. This is also biker country, but we were still glad we had brought Smartie, without her we would have shortened our visit as the shops were just a little too far. As it was, we decided to stay for the whole 18 nights and our trip south was put on hold, next year perhaps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We explored the Isle of Normoutier, very busy, St Jean D'Mont, even busier! Lots to see and do and loads of beaches, except the sand and sun was so hot we only ventured to the beach twice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Passage du Grois.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The causeway to the Isle de Normoutier, you can drive across at low tide. Once the tide goes out the French are out in force picking the spoils of the seafood from the beach. We ate in the restaurant, 3 courses for 18 euros.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A very pleasant couple of hours eating here on the terrace overlooking the sea, followed by a couple more hours sleeping in the sun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">How did Billie perform?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Very well, no problems and everything worked. We used the facilities, as the showers were very hot and we cooked outside for most of the holiday. The bed is really comfortable and the living space makes so much difference to overall comfort. The air-con works and did lower the temperature by a few degrees. I think a slightly bigger unit would have been more effective, but it was fine for what we wanted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Minor niggle, the TV wouldn't pick up a signal due to our pitch behind some tall trees, so we used our Kindles as usual. Missed the Olympic opening ceremony but watched it when we got back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">On the way home we went via Caen, simple easy crossing, we stayed at the Municipal in Ouistram for a night on the way home. Definitely would use this crossing again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our idea of a perfect holiday. Easy driving. Good clean campsite with BIG pitches and pleasant company. Things to do and places to go if you wanted to do them!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">TIP: Never park next to a coach in the customs checkout....but that's another story!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Check out my campsite reviews in the French Campsite section.</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-68885568627304749132012-07-07T12:57:00.003+01:002012-07-07T12:57:37.167+01:00Billie Becomes an Uplands Boy.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thinking about a brand new radio, for a brand new van is a bit extreme I admit. We pondered on this for some time before taking the plunge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The music system that came with the van was the standard bottom end van system that came with a Peugeot cab. It looked quite neat and played OK, the controls were wired into the steering wheel, presumably so "white van man" could control things as he happily sang along to the latest hits! Peugeot, in their wisdom, had decided that "white van man" was incapable of turning his music on and off and that 20 minutes at a time was enough singing for anyone! To prevent the battery flattening and consequentially late deliveries and ( I suspect to reduce the lunch break,) when the engine was off, after 20 minutes the radio turned off too. Fine, for "white van man", highly inconvenient for owners of motorhomes. After spending the weekend jumping up and down turning the music back on, enough was enough and we decided to update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When we were decluttering we had culled the CD collection. We then loaded all our music onto an Archos media player. We now had a whole cupboard which was bare and all our music safely on one little gadget. Infact , enough music to drive around Europe and back without changing a CD. We wanted a system that would easily let us plug the Archos in and as a bonus ( for future basing and all that!) also to use the iphone, handsfree. We wanted a radio that did not turn off after 20 minutes and we wanted the whole lot at a reasonable price, fitted this week. Not much to ask!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Using trusty old Google, we narrowed the search to Uplands Radio based in Taunton.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.uplandscarradios.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.uplandscarradios.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Uplands had helped Jamie at Chipping Sodbury fix his van radio, so they knew about motorhomes. Following a few phone calls and chats to very helpful Nick at Uplands, we set a date for the fitting. Yes, they could do it this week. No travelling for Billie, Uplands provide a fitting at home service. The deed was done, the deposit was paid and the radio ordered. Friday afternoon, the rain and the Uplands man, also called Bill, arrived on time to fit the radio.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Great service and no travelling, Bill from Uplands arrived in his fully equipped van to do the job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For the technically minded, we went for a Clarion CX501E radio with steering controls and new fascia. This would be rewired to stay switched on. We would be able to connect the Archos directly with a phono lead and use the iphone with bluetooth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The initial system as</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">fitted by Peugeot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The super new system, pretty when lit up and ranges different colours through the rainbow display. Now works with the steering wheel controls. Also connects with my iphone, for hands free!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">New system with the Archos connected ( that's the little square thingy in front.) The Archos will sit on the dash tray when driving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Connection for the iphone to charge on the go, through the USB lead, neatly hidden in the dash tray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All music systems are really "horses for courses" and a matter of personal preference! We are now very happy with our new system. Uplands did a brilliant job. Bill the fitter really gave a brilliant service, giving loads of his own time to ensure that the job was done really well and that the bluetooth connection worked! The best part of his Friday afternoon off, was taken up getting our system to work well. Many thanks!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Nick at the Uplands office also did a stirling job, with phone calls to all and sundry, to find the information Bill needed to get the bluetooth connected. Hope Uplands realise their employees do go the extra mile when needed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now Billie is all set up for his first venture to foreign parts next week and music to sing along to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyone want to buy a nearly new Peugeot van radio??</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-61385750202731238952012-07-01T21:41:00.002+01:002012-07-01T21:41:46.569+01:00Brean, Weston-Super-Mare and Country Music.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A strange combination you may think and you would be right. An action packed weekend with sunshine, showers,loads of walking, piers, chips and cowboys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We decided that with a ferry to France booked very shortly, we really needed to try out Billie and the trailer. We waited until Friday afternoon to book a pitch at our old favourite, Unity at Brean. We waited for the weather to cheer up and finally on Friday afternoon decided to go for gold! Following the school run, we knew we could not get away until around 5.30pm. So as soon as Den got home, we loaded the van and pulled out the trusty trailer. Smartie had been buffed and preened and was ready for the weekend away. Billie didn't know what was coming, but was soon ready with his towbar in place! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">With Smartie safely on board we were off. Towing proved much as usual and soon we were on the M5 heading South. Billie towed smoothly with little puffing, panting and the odd sway. As long as Den watched the corners, we cruised along arriving at the campsite around 6.30pm. Safely on the pitch with Smartie unloaded and the trailer safely stowed behind us, over Fish & Chips from Alan's Take Out, we planned the weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The following morning we were off for a little exploration further afield. We had driven through Burnham- On -Sea, but sadly never stopped, so now we set off to Burnham and breakfast. A nice surprise greeted us, a pretty prom and nice beach with loads of parking. We parked in Morrisons and did a bit of shopping which paid for the parking! Good tip for any visitors, motorhome parking in Morrisons car park, there is a dedicated motorhome bit, though no overnight parking! It looked like some motorhomers couldn't read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Smartie on the prom at Burnham-on Sea. All alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Across the sea- front at Burnham</span>. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The beach was deserted and the sun came out, we wished we had brought a picnic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Following breakfast at a local cafe, brilliant value at well under a tenner, we headed back towards Brean. The sun was still out and we drove all the way out to Brean Down, parking in the National Trust car park ( that was £3.00 off our membership for this year), feeling smug, we headed to the beach. The scenery here is beautiful, we climbed the steps to the top of the downs to survey the scene and then the rain came down, hard and very wet!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The beach at Brean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes , we did climb to the top and the view was worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This was just after the rain storm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fired off by our new expertise in mountain climbing and hill walking, we decided to go to Weston for a bit more "seaside" The drive was lovely, around 8 miles by the scenic route, we were glad we were in Smartie and not Billie. We arrived in Weston and did what all Brits do, went for a refreshing walk along the prom. We checked out the new pier inside and out, visited the marine lake and ate chips in the rain! We drew the line at paddling in the sea, going on the donkeys and making sandcastles, but loads of other vistors did just that, despite the weather. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Inside the new pier. Beautifully done and very busy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The donkeys looked so much better fed than I remembered!</span><br />
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"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We will have a paddle come what may."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> "What's a bit of driving rain and freezing wind? "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"We've all got our umbrellas and macs."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Weston Pier and the great British Summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We had a great day out and went back to the campsite for a night out. Now, most of our great nights in are usually sleeping in front of the telly, however I was determined we would take advantage of the "entertainment." At around 9pm following all that sea air, we headed for "The Tavern" and Country & Western Night. The Country & Western theme should have alerted us to what was going on, after all there was evidence around the site of cowboy & cowgirl, things happening. The queue at the bus stop left us feeling very under dressed, but we were not expecting what we found, when we got the "The Tavern". The room was packed with ( shall I say politely) people of "senior years" having a YeeHa time! The boot bill alone would have paid for a few weeks in the South of France. There were hats, tassels, waist- coats, legs, bulges and rhinestones everywhere. All shapes and sizes were squeezed into or out of, every kind of wild west outfit, complete with guns, feathers and swagger. Line dancing was the order of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The question I wanted to ask was, how did they know which dance to do? The whole thing had a macabre facination about it, but everyone was having a great time and the music was good. There was a strange quasi religious moment in the middle where everyone sort of stood in a cirle around the flags, while Elvis was played singing Dixieland. What that was about we had no idea, but it seemed to be taken very seriously, all the men took their hats off! Mmmm......very odd. Some kind of patriotic salute to something maybe? The problem is this is the UK not the USA, although I don't suppose anyone cared that much. Still, a good excuse for a sniff and the chance to fire their pop guns and have some fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> We had a few drinks, tapped our feet and then went home to bed. September is the next Country and Western event, we may go back ???</span><br />
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<br />Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-23385547577610079562012-07-01T17:16:00.000+01:002012-07-01T20:25:31.792+01:00Billie has a Bath & Extras Again!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have been very quiet recently and because the weekend weather has been so dismal, after Moreton -in- Marsh, we have had two weekends at home. For those who may be slightly interested, Billie also had his first bath. Like every good parent we made sure it was a warm day, not too much wind and no chance of a shower. The bit about the shower and wind was crucial, as I love my husband too much, to have him washed off the roof, or like Incy Wincy, washed down the plughole! A squashed spider would mean, no holidays and trips out for Billie and "nursing duties" for me instead. We checked, well I checked, with Chipping Sodbury Caravans first, to ensure it was safe for the spider on the roof! After all, falling off was one thing, falling through a self made hole in the roof could make dealing with the insurance company, well......difficult!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I hold the ladder and give instructions. Den, dances about on the roof with the mop and bucket. I feel better if I hold the ladder and pass the hose around and feel less guilty because, at least I appear to be "helping". Finally, after a lot of reeling and unreeling of hoses, Billie was back to his clean and shiny self and then it rained! Generally speaking not too bad to clean and the reduction in silicon sealing means, not so many black marks. We will save the polishing for another day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Time to reappraise our "extras". We had a number of "bits & bobs" fitted onto Billie to make him happy and well turned out and us comfortable! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Air-con: Essential for hotter climes Spain, South of France and the UK if the sun shines. We gave up one of the inside roof lights for this. Makes very little difference we feel to the inside, we used the sklight over the kitchen area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This unit works really well it blows warm as well as cold air. We have tried it out and it appears fine, will report back when we have had extended holiday use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ladder : Essential to get spider and husband onto the roof. This is a Fiamma one which we had fitted to the rear of the van. It fits neatly next to the bike rack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gaslow system: We had two bottles fitted a 6kg & an 8kg, as these fitted neatly into the locker. The plastic stand was taken out. The filler was fitted neatly into the side of the body near the locker. All done by Van Bitz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The gauges make life so much simpler, as we can now see when we need to fill up. A plus point is that if we ever change the van we can take the expensive kit out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Satellite TV: A real luxury and one we could have managed without! Easy to tune in and a very neat job on the roof. Nestling happily next to the aircon unit. Another trip hazard for the spider. Van Bitz again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Towing Trailer for the Smart. I will take a picture of Billie and Smartie together when I get a moment. In the meantime, Billie and the trailer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Smart trailer tows happily behind Billie and loads and unloads without too much stress. Toad or tow may be a topic for another day. We braved the road this weekend and Billie had his first tow. Smartie enjoyed it ;)</span><br />
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<br /></div>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-83609675127855680912012-06-09T14:31:00.001+01:002012-06-09T14:31:59.883+01:00A Midweek Break in the Cotswolds.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Being a totally well organised kind of person.....NOT. I left it until the last minute to book a few days away. I phoned a few places, but being the school holidays everywhere was full. So, "No room at the inn!" Billi may have to spend a holiday on the drive. Finally, on the off chance, I tried the Caravan Club Site at Moreton-In Marsh. Yes, spaces available on hardstanding, so I booked three nights. I have tried in the past to get onto this site but usually draw a blank with no spaces available. Great we thought, right near a small town, lovely surroundings we had been led to believe, an ideal short break. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We packed the food and wine and off we went! It's very strange once we set our van off in holiday mood, all our neighbours collectively decide to go out, or come in, en masse. Slightly problematic that, as we live in a cul de sac and shuttling two cars and a van in and out is a logistics exercise that works well ... usually. The journey was uneventful and Billi trundled up the motorway and through the Gloucestershire countryside without any problems. The campsite proved easy to find and was brilliantly placed for the town. We filled the water tank and found a pitch. Surprisingly, the site had quite a few spaces, the facilities were usual high Caravan Club standards. We had read that some of the pitches were a bit narrow, ours was huge. The only slight moan was the road noise, although it was only minor. If you do use this site, get there early.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/caravanclubapps/applications/uk-caravan-sites-and-parks/SiteDetails.aspx?csid=21942"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/caravanclubapps/applications/uk-caravan-sites-and-parks/SiteDetails.aspx?csid=21942</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Nice large easy Reception Area, made for caravans. Bunting and flags out, just for Billi's visit, on reflection maybe the Queen had something to do with it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Up the park. Nice large pitches for nice large vans. I'm afraid at this point my camera's battery went to sleep. Sadly the picture of the bunnies on the park was rubbish so I left it out! I nearly took the picture of the Elf & Safety sign, which said something about beware of bunny holes when walking in the park, visions of tumbling down one like Alice in Wonderland, spring to mind. The Elves were certainly at work here, there were signs everywhere! Tidy Crazy Golf on this site, no palm trees though. Good children's play area and very clean toilets with temperature adjustments, we did try the showers out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our first afternoon was beautiful and we sat outside twice in the sunshine. We had booked three nights, but sadly gave up at two ( due to adverse weather conditions ) and drove home in the second worst rain storm we have had. If we were going to sit with our feet up infront of the telly, we would be better off doing it at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Would we go there again? Well possibly, the site was OK and easy to walk into town, but not much else to do, unless you have a car or transport with you. Handy bus stop for Oxford outside the site. We would have gone to a nearby (4 miles) National Trust house but no buses went that way and then it started to rain!! Lots of restaurants and pubs, so we could have gone on a pub crawl. We did enjoy the couple of days and went to an interesting RAF Museum outside the site,we had a late breakfast for two days trying out the local eateries. It said in the site info TV reception was a problem, ours was fine although we did have to do a re- tune to pick up BBC. Overall an enjoyable couple of nights away, a bit more sunshine would have brightened our view of the place I think! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Billi is turning into a real "worst weather" babe, hope he gets the chance to put on his summer clothes soon, we want to use the awning! The van does stay beautifully warm and dry, without the mustiness you sometimes feel though. Hopefully, we may be able to try out our air- con soon and give it a proper test.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Planning our next trip. We have unburied the trailer, so perhaps Billi may have a little friend to take on holiday with him soon.</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-28747877045104875852012-05-30T12:31:00.002+01:002012-05-30T12:31:38.823+01:00Trashy But Fun!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is always so easy to pre-judge things and get it completely wrong. In our time we have been to so many campsites and the worst ones have been the organised "Hi De Hi" type. The second worst experience we have had was last year in a nearly lovely campsite in Crickhowell, when the couple from hell, ruined our last weekend in our old van.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Again "pre-judgement!" These were no "larger louts" "large family groups with loads of kids" or "teenagers on the razzle". No, the perpetrators, were perfectly normal middle aged couples, in perfectly normal caravans, with large voices,making phone calls in loud voices, constant swearing and drinking till midnight without stop, right under our window! To cap it all, we are quite partial to a bit of country music, but not 24/7! Their idea of a great night socialising would have been fine in their own back garden. We bit our lips, but maybe we should have been more American and complained loudly...that's life. We thought, a nice quiet campsite would be "nice and quiet!" How wrong can you be?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So here we were on a very large brash campsite in Brean Somerset ( see the link) If we had just read the write up, it would have been the last place we would go. However, we were going to Davan Caravans to buy Billi a new silver screen and this was the nearest campsite we could find, so it was for convenience rather than comfort. Living in Bristol most of our lives, sadly we had never ventured to this part of the coast. What a great surprise it proved to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Booking was painless,we arrived with trepidation. A very easy reception to manoeuvre, loads of room and well organised.We queued briefly with the happy campers and got our welcome pack and of course our passes for "the entertainment". Den nobly drove Billi in through the barrier, while I jumped out and tried our gate pass, it worked and we were in! We navigated to the Yellow Field and were efficiently allocated a massive pitch with all services. The toilet block was very clean and heated. Although a massive site, it felt friendly and was very quiet. We tried all the facilities including the supermarket, Chinese Takeaway, Cafe and Bar. We walked all around the site looking at the statics with their gardens and the lake with it's ducks. Berrow beach is lovely and strolling on the sand looking for the sea, made us feel we were on holiday.We had a nose around Brean Leisure Park and Splash Pool and explored the genuinely trashest market in the world. In all, it was so lovely, we have now been back three times, the "loyality bonus" makes it a relatively cheap weekend and it's less than an hours drive. Last weekend, with the sun blistering we could have been on the Med.........well dream on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We will definately be back soon. We have to see how Billi tows, so he will have to make friends with our Smart car very soon, that will be another story. Next week Den has a week off, we will avoid the Bank Holiday crush but who knows we may sneak in a few quiet days somewhere. We still haven't walked to Brean Down yet, or been on the new pier at Weston -Super- Mud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the beach at Berrow. A really easy stroll from the campsite. Tide out of course.Is it ever in? Well yes, twice a day. Check the board in the car park by the beach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rest and relaxation. Tide in for once. Enjoying the view and more.What's more the drinks are quite cheap and you don't feel you've been ripped off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No, not the Med, a few very tasteful plastic palm trees in The Jungle, Mini Golf.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There is a very nice proper golf course opposite the site for those who are seriously active and a Pitch & Put, for those who aren't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Large very flat pitches with all the services. Billi's drains work very well. A quick tune up by Chipping Sodbury Caravans and his waterworks are back to normal. Phew!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cosying up with the new silver screens on. Worth the money and they take up so little room because they fold flat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Back on the beach, we went on a huge hike and then back along the road by the golf course. Easy walking really, as the sand is well compacted, just a little scramble over the dunes at the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The moral of this tale is, there's nothing wrong with a bit of "Hi De Hi" or "The Piglet Club" Bingo and The Cabaret..there's even a bus to the entertainment for those who can't stagger home. No we didn't try it, there's always next time.</span><br />
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<br />Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-56914458127192846192012-05-29T14:18:00.001+01:002012-05-29T14:18:25.097+01:00Wet, Wet Wet and Windy.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you could pick the best weekend in the year to try out a brand new motorhome, this weekend at the end of April was not the one. However, I guess it meant we really put Billi through his paces and test the waterproofness ( is that a word?) of the body.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We set out on a Friday afternoon to Glastonbury, to the Old Oaks Campsite <a href="http://www.theoldoaks.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.theoldoaks.co.uk/</span></a> We had booked there for two nights to try everything out before moving off to Cornish Farm and Vanbitz to have the alarm fitted. The journey to Glastonbury was fairly uneventful on the motorway. Den is now getting used to Billi and his little ways and they both performed well! As we got off the motorway, the rain and wind got seriously worse, infact the rain was torrential and we were so pleased we had booked a hard standing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Arriving at Glastonbury, a dry spell broke though and we safely settled onto our hardstanding and connected everything up, which all worked! How pleased we were that we had heating! As night came on, we tried out the oven, microwave, shower, hob and fridge, everything performed well. Then came the great moment when we tried out the TV. I was expecting much fiddling, tutting and a picture which seemed like a snow storm. What a surprise! Perfect picture, no messing, just turned it on and it worked. A peaceful evening enjoyed, wine , food, telly and heating, we could have been at home!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The next morning, having had the best night's sleep ever, in our van we got up to shower and found no water. The first little mishap, or Bailey messup. After a bit of fiddling about and checking water, it turned out we did have water, it was just that Billi's magic panel ( control box) thought we didn't! Fortunately, there is a good facilities block at the Old Oaks, so we would still smell sweet. As far we could see everything else worked fine, 9/10 to Bailey's. We rang and booked a service visit to get it fixed and felt really smug to know the dealers were only just down the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Following a second peaceful but freezing night, we knew we had made the right choice of van, as Billie was warm, comfortable and very easy to live with. Heating on a low tick, fed and wined, we were very content as we watched or fuzz free TV. A trek across the fields for a shower was a bit of a pain, but we knew it would be fixed. The following morning off to Cornish Farm <a href="http://www.cornishfarm.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.cornishfarm.com/</span></a> at Taunton to Vanbitz. Through wind, rain hail with tree branches crashing around us ( slight exaggeration,here ) we forged on to Taunton, through rain, rain and more rain!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The next morning all was calm. Billi put up with a wiring job, while we went off to Taunton for what turned out to be a dry and mildly nice, day. By the time we returned at 4.00pm, Billi had, had the operation and was in recovery. Flashing brightly when his fob was pressed to show he had a swanky new and very expensive alarm fitted, he could now also wink on command. Just to keep his tummy happy, he was also the glowing owner of a Gaslow LPG system, complete with two bottles and a filler. Hopefully we had all the extras we would need. One last drama , on the way home a stone hit Billi in the windscreen and caused a minor crack fixable.... just, the next day would mean a trip to Autoglass. Enough stress for one weekend I think, but well done Bailey's ,quality of motorhome, more than passable!</span><br />Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-70265301389722552202012-05-22T07:39:00.000+01:002012-05-22T07:39:21.685+01:00"To Dump or Not Too Dump?"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Always a difficult question this for many a seasoned motorhomer. We have over the years built up enough stuff in our motorhome to fill a medium bedroom or a large garage. Mostly we try and keep everything we need, minus food and clothes in the van ready to go. At least that way you remember most items. We usually take far too many clothes and always bring back at least two-thirds unworn. We are trying to improve here, although I'm not sure we will ever really get it "just right!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">With the arrival of Billi, we had already had a major cull removing items that had never or rarely been used. Putting things back presented another challenge. There were loads of lockers in Billie and a big under bed space. Plenty of room for all our items and more. Not wanting to bore I don't intend to give you a list of everthing we take but just the extras.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A gas and coal BBQ, table, comfy outside chairs,sitting at the table chairs X4, basic tool kit, walking boots, Ipads, Kindles, mobile phones, spare calor gas bottle, portable outdoor cooker and wok, assorted bats, balls and an 8 boules set, windbreakers, biking bags, these are a few of our essentials. The items causing the biggest concern were the comfy chairs, table and windbreakers. Our windbreakers were the wooden pole type, well used over the years but with six hefty wooden poles and pretty tough fabric, they were heavy! Our chairs were the Lafuma recliners, in which many a happy hour had been spent lounging ( well sleeping actually, in the sun ) complete with waterproof bags, they were pretty lumpy and again heavy. The table was a big fold up oval table which took up loads of space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We decided to dump the windbreaker, sitting at the table chairs, lafuma recliners ( now we could use these happily at home in the garden!) bats, balls etc. boules (to be replaced with a smaller set the next time we go to France) and the large table. Having dumped most of the weight we replaced some of these items with two lightweight Lafuma chairs that could be left outside and an aluminium roll up table. The chairs we picked were reclining, but we decided that sleeping outside could be probably done on a beachmat! A lightweight windbreaker set in a bag, completed our new purchases.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Everthing fitted perfectly into the van with cupboards still free. Our final purchase would be "silver screens" for the windscreen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We were now ready for our first trip a real "Baptism of Fire!" Billi would be put through his paces on a wet and wild weekend away. We would soon be finding out if the 10 year warrenty for body leaks really worked and if the bed was comfy!!</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-76587693895690633942012-05-18T09:46:00.001+01:002012-07-07T11:58:10.297+01:00Billie Bailey Is Born!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With great trepidation and a lot of excitement, we set off in our Pilote to get Billi. We had a lot of good times in our Pilote, so although we were sorry to see her go, it was time to move on. We hope she will find a new home very soon as she was well looked after and is a great little van. So goodbye Pilote and welcome Billi Bailey!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Billie Bailey was all ready for us, suited, booted, badged up, taxed with all the extras and ready to go! Finally, as Goldilocks thought "Just Right!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> We had already transferred the money, so he was officially ours. Terry at Chipping Sodbury Caravans spent ages with us, making sure we understood how everything worked and being very patient. As usual Den understood all things technical and I understood most of it, making all the right noises anyway! Not wanting to sound or act like " the little wifey" we do have an equal partnership. I decide where we are going and if we can afford it, Den drives, fixes any bits that fall off and does everything "van", while I read the instuction books and give directions. With a bit of bickering we usually get there in the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Quickly, before the Three Bears returned or the Bank Manager changed his mind, we were off. We filled up with diesel (first trauma in a strange garage) and set off to the motorway to bond with the new baby. We only live a few miles from the dealership but the motorway though longer, is less taxing for a new drive. Den performed stoically as usual and we got Billie on the drive without too much drama, he fitted perfectly! After giving the obligatory "audience" to any neighbours that wanted to look around we set about fitting all our belongings back in the right places I could already feel the "checkbook urge" coming on. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">More decisions to be made and undoubtably more money to be spent! After all Billie had to be dressed inside as well as out, a new baby needs loads of bits and pieces, all absolutely neccessary of course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first trip away beckoned, but first what to dump and what to keep, decisions, decisions...........then, The Christening.</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-75691781064666471162012-05-17T17:55:00.000+01:002012-05-17T17:55:05.916+01:00Bailey Optional Extras.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Buying extras can jack the price of a new motor home faster than the wheels can turn. Before deciding on which extras to buy we did have a long hard think about what we really needed. We had spent a huge amount of money on a safari room for our Pilot which had been aired twice, so we did not want to make the same mistake again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is the list of "optionals " we eventually settled on.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A bike rack for two bikes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A tow bar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Air con</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A rear ladder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bedding. Duvet, pillows, throw and x 2 sheets. Colour co-ordinated to the van</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">An awning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Satellite TV</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All these were fitted by Chipping Sodbury Caravans and very reasonably priced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fortunately Bailey don't go in for giving customers choices, I guess it does keep the price down! The engine and interior fittings were, as they were. No choices here for Goldilocks then! Beige was the colour of the day. Our general rule of thumb was, that anything needing body work would be done by the dealers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Like life there is always an exception to the rule. After some research, we decided to go for a "Strikeback" alarm and a "Gaslow" system, both to be fitted by Vanbitz in Taunton. The insurance company insisted on a Cat 1 ,Thatcham alarm system with 30 days to do the deed.Our first trip was planned. Pick up the van and off to Taunton for a very wet weekend and our first trip in Billi! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The only other major expense would be silver screens, more info on that to follow!</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7014798898873253157.post-53889709897557705132012-05-16T13:53:00.000+01:002012-07-07T11:58:55.377+01:00A Decision Made! Waiting for Billie.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over the first few weeks in April we had made a final decision on the layout of our new van. We decided to take a trip to Marquis at Tewkesbury to have a look at the Autosleepers Malvern. A week later we had booked a test drive and with great excitement arrived at Tewkesbury.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We spent sometime looking around at various vans, "just to be sure!" The layout of two bench seats in the front and a fixed rear bed suited us perfectly. However, we were a little concerned at the lack of storage and the fact that the fridge was so small. On the positive side, it was on a Mercedes chassis which quite appealed. The driving moment arrived! Den confidently manoevered the van off the forecourt onto the road, whilst I as usual, supervised and listened for noises. It was easy on the road and a quick blast up the motorway and around the town went well. I always admire my husband in these situations, driving a (larger than we are used to) vehicle, in a strange place with a watcher, not an easy situation! I was just glad it wasn't me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Back at the shop we talked prices and were offered a good trade in price on our Pilot, it passed scrutiny and a damp check. Now decision time! We decided to sleep on it and have a few days "thinking time". To be truthful a few niggles were beginning to gnaw away and "storage space" was the biggy. A lovely van but also a lovely price. Did it really give us everything we wanted?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Back home the following day I was browsing the Caravan Club mag. The page fell open on the Bailey Approach large advert. As I read through it, I realised it could be another contender! I did a bit more web browsing and when Den came home from work ( luck me I'm the retired one!!) we rang Chipping Sodbury Caravans. I was convinced that a smaller place would not have one in stock, but after a brief conversation with them we were off in our Pilot to suss it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We live in Bristol and had decided that "Location, Location Location" was very important for our dealer, especially when things go wrong! Chipping Sodbury is on the outskirts of Bristol.A good decision, all the Bailey motorhomes were there. We loved the Approach SE 740, the only problem was, could we get it to fit on the drive. "No problem!" said Jamie the manager, I'll bring mine over and we can see if it will fit? He did and it did!! One van sold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">An excellent trade in was offered and accepted, we put £1000 deposit down and signed the paperwork all in the comfort of our own home. A brilliant van with everything we wanted and hugely cheaper than the Autosleeper, infact we could get all the extras we wanted and still have some loose change. Excellent service from Chipping Sodbury Caravans so far.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Next job deciding on the extras.</span>Denis and Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593410311471495995noreply@blogger.com0