What are you all up to
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A dull damp day here and much cooler, had a lovely lunch with friends yesterday and going again on Sunday for 1 night stopover as OH has some diy chores to do.
Brue as to France and corvid regulations we still have curfew from 7pm to 6am then on the 19th 9pm to 6am and 9th June 11pm to 6am than will go later in June, and on 19th of this month terraces at bars, cafes and restaurants can serve food outside only and only 6 per table then more opening of inside from June, the regulations are a bit odd as our friends run a b&b and have their first guests this season on Saturday night and until the 19th no food can be served outside or inside and must be in their bedrooms so that will be fun having to take each course upstairs and leave the tray outside their rooms not sure how they will get on for wine perhaps a small carafe for each room so they have made sure not to have many guests until 19th due to this regulation this also includes breakfast one way of keeping fit. The number of cases is going down now as more vaccinations are being done, most things will be open after June 30th except nightclubs (oh dear we will not be able to dance the night away ha ha). Our friends said that an elderly couple they know did not want the vaccination but their daughter arranged it with their doctor so they have had their 1st jab, a lot of the older generation here due not trust vaccinations, even another friend's son in the UK will not have it and has not been out for a year as he refuses to wear a mask he is a conspiracy theorist she has a lot of arguments with him but at least she and husband have had their jab and the 2nd is next week, our 2nd is on 18th of this month.
Just extended our break for next year as May 2022 is open for bookings.
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Thanks RedKite, looks as though things are improving over the channel! We have a reluctant jab receiver in our family so I know how your friends must be feeling. Maybe the thought of travel further afield will give them the urge towards a jab?
Anyway it's good that you can forward book, fingers crossed for improved travel.
Icy blasts of rain here inbetween nice sunshine. I am trying to get plants into the garden, they will have to take their chances. Had some help this morning, which was great as the weeds are taking off, dock leaves seen to be taking over in one area.
We are heading north soon, too much to do before we go, waiting for car repair as well.
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Busy time for you Brue. Must be nice to see what Hubby looks like after his Snookerfest!
We're heading off but going further west into Wales next week.
Lots of blustery showers, some with rather large bits of Hail falling, between infrequent bits of sunshine this morning but the sun is making more of an effort this afternoon.
Thought we'd top up with a few missing supplies from our local caravan supply dealer and was surprised to find the shelves quite empty. The woman who ran the shop area was great, always a mine of information but apparently she has now left and things have headed downhill. Not sure if it's a general supply problem or just poor admin. Mrs WN braved a local Aldi and was quite happy to find it quiet.
Tammy, did the dentist ever get around to charging you for their outlay on PPE? You mentioned it last year but I seem to have forgotten, not an unusual occurrence.
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We were going to walk south along the coast from Berwick upon Tweed today. However, although nice and sunny the strong northerly wind was bitter. We didn’t get far before deciding that walking back against it was going to be very unpleasant, so turned round and went into Berwick instead. Walked out along the harbour wall and then around the towns defensive ramparts. Still clocked up 6 miles and it was a lot more sheltered than the coastal path would have been.😀 It is hard to believe we are almost a week into May.
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WN, there has been no mention of charges for PPE since the initial letter. I don't think it went down well with the patients. I've had 2 check ups and 2 hygienist appointments since last September, no charges. I know have a new denplan dentist and new hygienist, both very happy to please, will see how long that lasts.
Sun and showers here, hail a few times and still bitter cold.
Sorting out clothes to go in the van for our trip starting Sunday. We are heading west first then north around the coast (nc500) we don't really think of it as that but I know its the popular name.
Would normally be putting in summer ish clothes but I think it will have to be warmer stuff this year, probably end up with all 4 seasons stuff.
Waiting for OH to return home, he finished emptying the kitchen at our sons this morning. All cabinets and some white good gone to the skip. This afternoon he's up there doing some of the hedges. There are 4 of them and he tells me they have grown very tall. That's him just back and putting the trailer away. Time to put dinner on.
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It's been a funny old day as dear old Greavsie might have said. This morning I took Ralph up on the nine maidens walk again while Mrs M was engaged in a zoom Zumba session. (I thought she'd developed an unfortunate stutter but, no, apparently zoom Zumba is an actual thing!
)Then we went for two walks in Lathkill Dale - a real dale of two halfs. First we walked from Monyash down to the rather bleak craggy section of the dale. The river disappears underground in this section, particularly after dry weather, making the little bridge almost redundant.
This afternoon we walked the other section from Over Haddon along a really lovely stretch of the river - a steep climb down at the start so you can guess what happens at the other end!
We got chatting to a local couple who had bought and just completed converting a house in the village with the most stunning views.
In between the two walks we had just sat down for our picnic lunch when the sky went very black so we beat a hasty retreat to the car just in time because for an hour so there was an absolute downpour including some very large hailstones.
Tomorrow is one of the highlights of the week - a walk from Monsal Head and lunch at The Packhorse in Little Longstone (think I might have mentioned the place once or twice!
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Moulesy, we normally park at Monyash and walk down to One Ash Grange Farm then across, uphill then downhill to Youlgreave and walk back along Lathkill Dale. Beautiful walk and one of our favourites. There are normally quite a lot of Orchids out along the stretch between Over Haddon and the bridge but I'm not sure the weather has been the best for them yet.
The Packhorse eh?
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We love Berwick Steve we go over there 3-4 times a year usually stay at the club site in Spittal lovely site with excellent views with a brilliant little pub within walking distance The Red Lion. Been down to that lighthouse many times usually if I’m out a cycle. Hopefully won’t be long until we get over that way again soon. Lindisfarne is a lovely place to visit when in the area very peaceful and has a nice walk down to the castle
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Margaret and I have just done our civic duty and been to vote. We were surprised how long the queue was but they we only letting people in one and a time. All well organised. Good to see the interest given that it was just the local elections and Police and Crime Commissioners. Typically British of course we all queued sensibly and talked to each other about queuing!!!!
David
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No elections here except for the Police Commissioner.
OH has gone to watch the EA restocking a stretch of local river. I've also sent him off with more bags for the charity shop.
I'm just having a break from gardening, we've both done some this morning. We get one bit sorted and then it makes the next bit look worse!
Another surveyor is visiting our elderly neighbour's house tomorrow, he has requested due to Covid that all the doors and windows are open. As it's a very old place OH has been commissioned to try the windows first (we think most will stick!) The sale process has become very long winded....
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In for the afternoon now.
Bit surprised to open the curtains this morning and find snow on the cars. Didn't last long as sun was out but the poor plants and nature must be wondering what's going on.
Shopping day today. Early visit to Tesco with MiL, then Click and Collect for the heavy and non food stuff. Then we finally got around to ordering a new Hi-Fi system. Ordered through a shop but we'll be able to try it out for a month with a no quibble return if we don't want to go ahead with purchase. They'll pick it up if needed. Arrives tomorrow but we'll have to reconfigure living room.
Had a bit of a worry when checking that our maturing ISA had reached its new home only to find it missing and also showing the balance as £0.00 in the old account. Had to wait 4 days for it to finally get there. Even though we gave them a weeks notice they didn't action it until a week after maturity. Not best pleased but a worry off my mind. You always wonder, yet a Bank Transfer takes seconds to disappear from my own account.
I'm off to the caravan now to spruce it up and pack a few things whilst the weather is good.
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We had a dry and warm (er) day today - the sort of day which would do the start of March justice!
As planned, we drove up to Little Longstone and walked to Monsal Head where the views of the old railway viaduct and down the valley are superb. There was obviously some maintenance work going on and one brave guy appeared to be abseiling down the side of the viaduct.
Then on to Ashford in the Water and a stop for coffee by the river along by the old packhorse bridge.
And taking of packhorses ......
we couldn't go to Little Longstone without stopping off for lunch at The Packhorse - doesn't look much from the outside but it's a real gem .... here's one happy walker and his dog plus pint of Jaipur (1 of 2!)
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Bit surprised to open the curtains this morning and find snow on the cars. Didn't last long as sun was out but the poor plants and nature must be wondering what's going on.
Coming back from Perth today a snow plough came down the A9
a few minutes later I saw the sign saying the snow gates were closed at Cockbridge. Funny sort of May so far, more like March. Our trip North starting Sunday doesn't look very promising.
OH been busy again today, first Mens shed then up to Dunkeld to the wood yard to collect the wood for our new fencing, so far 2 trips and another still to collect when they have it ready. Next door neighbour is doing the work along with his friend. It's an adjoining fence so going halves.
I've had a day of housework, really exciting stuff, but it was nice to have the house to myself.
Voting all done and didn't need to go anywhere, we did postal votes.
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I understood that it had something to do with the name of the viaduct or tunnel, can't remember which one, being called Headstone.
Presumably Google will know but I'll dig my old walking books out as I'm sure I've seen it in there somewhere. Besides it will give me some entertainment.
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Funny sort of May so far, more like March. Our trip North starting Sunday doesn't look very promising.
Seems strange that we should have been arriving in Oban today on our planned trip but we changed plans due to Ms.S prevaricating over coming out of lockdown and we also realised that we would have to return home for vaccines. True as it happens plus another hospital appointment in May so just as well.
Hope you remember the Thermals and don't forget the Skis.
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Another good walk there, M.👍
Yesterday was mixed weather wise with rain, hail, sleet and the occasional period of warm sunshine. It was history day for us as we visited 2 Neolithic burial chambers, including the one at Tinkinswood which has the largest capstone in Wales, a Victorian House and Garden, Dyffryn, which has some spectacular trees, and an iron age hillfort, Castle Ditches, at Cam Col-huw.
Today was sunny all day but still with a chill wind. We moved on over to the Gower, to Stembridge Cl, another site that is full, for the next part of our trip.
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After a week of discussion OH and I have made the difficult decision to sell our caravan. It is very sad but we need to be sensible and realistic. OH will be 84 next month (I of course was a child bride 😁) and is finding it a bit too much with his arthritic hip and knees. We have an appt with the dealer we bought it from on Monday. We were agreeably surprised at the guide price he quoted on the phone but I am sure they will find a reason to reduce it as they usually do. We will spend the next few days clearing it out and giving it a good clean.
Very strange weather this week. Very heavy hail storms and then bright sunshine and always bitterly cold. Our garden swing seat blew over in the wind on Monday night.Unfortunately it broke the frame for the canopy which as annoying as it is only 2 years old. OH has spent quite a long time in the garage/workshop and we hope he has mended it. Time will tell.
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Millie, it must have been a wrench but it sounds like a sensible decision.
You'll just have to do a "Moulesy" and hire some cottages with the money you get plus the savings on servicing and insurance, maybe even downsize the car.
Hope you'll still pop in on here from time to time to keep us all in check.
Best wishes.
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Millie, sorry to hear you've had to make the decision and say goodbye to your van, WN has summed it up well. I'm pleased you will be able to sell the van for a reasonable price, someone else will enjoy it no doubt! I hope we'll still hear from you. I'm sure you'll have some nice holidays with the family in the future. Best wishes to you both. X
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Thanks WN. Yes it is a terrible wrench but we feel it is a sensible decision. Downsizing the car is a step too far for OH. He likes a big car 😁. But yes we will save money in other ways and will follow in moulsey's footseps and holiday in cottages in future. I might try and stay on here as a non member and also some CT members have my contact details if they would like to keep in contact. I do hope they do.
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Mills, remember this-right now it’s a sellers market, you should get a good price due to the dealer’s ability to move it on quickly. I sold mine thru a-‘we buy Caravans’ dealer, an intermediary. He dealt online my Banking is online. I met at my then storage site we negotiated a price. I saw the money transferred into my account, my bank confirmed it. Job done ✔️. It’s obviously time for some pampering for you both👍🏻. Once the hassle is more than the pleasure it is time to move on. It will give you both a new lease of life, it’s just the next chapter. Have a great day😊
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Hi Millie, Well every cloud..................my silver lining is that if we are able to match you we have a few years left!
As you say there are alternatives, but that wont have made it any easier to reach your decision so we wish you all the best with your ongoing adventures.
We have done a few long haul holidays, but these are an addition to and not a replacement for our van trips.
Have looked at a trip, using Eurocamp, to Croatia withs stops in Germany, Italy and Austria and whist not cheap the flexibility is quite something and is closer to 'camping' than cottages etc.
Good luck with your future travels!
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Once the hassle is more than the pleasure it is time to move on, I think that just about sums it up Rocky. Thank you for your kind comments.
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