Across a Rainy Dorset

Across a Rainy Dorset

What a rough night! Somehow our location was not as sheltered as we had hoped and the strong westerly wind buffeted and rocked Bertie all night. Probably even more so than the previous night at Maiden Castle! We decided to make a move up to the high ground on the top of Portland to have a view for breakfast! It is only a short drive but quite a steep one to New Ground. This area overlooks Fortuneswell (the main town

Portland Castle

Portland Castle

The original plan today was to pop in to Portland and visit Portland Castle before going on to Kilmington and Millers Farm Shop. We had a relaxed start this morning taking advantage of the good internet to catch up on emails and work stuff.  Last night in the New Forest the internet was very poor – the mifi did not connect at all and I only had  a very basic signal on my phone. Although there was a little rain

Steaming to Swanage

Steaming to Swanage

We slowed down a bit today as we are within reach of one of our prime objectives – the Swanage Railway. We filled up the water tank again this morning as there was a handy tap within reach of Bertie without turning a wheel. Our route today just takes us to a park and ride by Corfe Castle so we had time for a short detour in to the edge of Bournemouth to see if we could find the house

Basildon Park and the New Forest

Basildon Park and the New Forest

We were up and about in good time this mporning as we wanted to top up the water tanks and empty the loo before the car park got busy. We were on our way to Didcot around 9am! I had been rather looking forward to spending much of the day at Didcot Railway Centre which has all sorts of stuff about the Great Western and in particular Brunel’s broad guage track and rolling stock. However the visit was not to

Rainy drive to Claydon House

Rainy drive to Claydon House

We woke early this morning – probably because we settled down very early last night! The day looks a little brighter as we roll away from Snetterton but that did not last and we drove most of the next 140 miles in drizzle and rain. Stopped at Tesco in Milton Keynes and refuelled and did a bit of shopping. Once back on the road it was not long before the Sat Nav had us off the nice smooth main roads

Off to Cornwall – the second try!

Off to Cornwall – the second try!

Just a short drive today as we are off to the see the horses at the World Horse Welfare place at Snetterton near Attleborough as they are holding a big fundraising show and event. They had kindly agreed that we could stop overnight in the car park so this is the first day of the new trip. Bertie is all sorted out by Appleton Engineering and his leaks are fixed, his wobbly mirror is secure and he has a new

Home again

Home again

Before we left Thaxted we thought we wandered back into the little town to see what the Baker/Buthchers shop had to offer. We were quite surprised to find a market in full swing with an excellent cheese van where we spent much too much and a very good fruit and veg stall. It really brought the town to life. Sadly we had not brought the camera so no photos! After leaving Thaxted we started for home but took the opportunity

Across Dorset to Wareham

Across Dorset to Wareham

We spent most of the day at Caravan and Motorhome Solutions at Chard. They were very busy and were fitting us in when they had a chance. Eventually Sandy came and took a look at our leaky manifolds. The hot water manifold had already been sealed up with silicone but the cold water one on the right was spraying water from a crack at the end. Sandy depressured the system and left it to dry and then came back and

Across Exmoor to Chard

Across Exmoor to Chard

Just as we were getting Bertie ready to head off from Appledore we were really pleased to catch sight of MS Oldenburg on her way to Lundy. The ship is Lundy’s connection to the mainland and is the only way to reach the island. The ships sails a couple of times a week and takes 2 hours to make the trip from Bideford to Lundy. It was a short drive from Appledore to Barnstable where we filled up with LPG.

A day at leisure in Appledore

A day at leisure in Appledore

Appledore is a real treat. The car park is perfect – right beside the river and in the middle of the village with walks along the South West Coast Path to be had in both directions. Who would have thought you could have such a nice holiday in a car park. Bertie is not moving at all today as we can park here for two days (£3 for daytime and £5 for overnight). On Tuesday we will need to move