The Dream Continues

As a member of the family, the Talisman needed a name, and this was proving a tricky problem.   But inspiration eventually struck – the Talisman is now OTRA – On The Road Again.

We had made the trip south to meet up with family and pick up the headlights needed for the MOT.   They had arrived from Poland some weeks earlier.  Sticking to motorways and major trunk roads, we made it to Grafham Water the first night.   This really is a lovely little site close to major routes yet rural and tranquil.   For us the main features are the resident owl and the ducks and other wildlife.  A truly beautiful spot.

Next day we headed for Baldock and Ashridge Farm Caravan Club Site set beside the quaint village of Ashwell.  Here we basked for three days in the warm June sunshine, visited family, and explored the village and sampled its various eating and drinking establishments.

Now was time for a leap in the dark.   Never before had we used a CL, and our visit to Grange Lock at Leighton Buzzard was intriguing.

The site is a mixed small commercial and CL.  It uses the same facilities as Grange Lock Marina, and these are of a high standard.   However, we had booked well in advance, but were told that due to an administrative mix-up the CL was full, but we were booked onto the commercial part of the site.

On the one hand this was excellent.   We were at the top end of a large sloping field with service points for electrical hookup and individual running water.   On the other hand, my wife and I are both disabled, and the trek to the toilet block was a bit too much, well over 200 yards away.   The CL is just beside the block.   To add insult to injury, the CL was never full during our stay.  As we left I mentioned this, but it was made clear this matter was not one for discussion.  

The trip home was without event, straight up the M1 and M6.   We have realised that motorways and Trunk Roads may not offer  the best scenery, but with the limited stamina now available, they offer the best option when long journeys are attempted.

Once home it was down to business and the dreaded MOT.

I fitted the headlights, new wiper blades, and checked everything I could think of.   Then it was off to the testing station.   Failure, but only for a small hole in the inner nearside sill which was soon repaired and the following day a PASS.

As a reward to OTRA I renewed the spark plugs, HT leads, distributor cap, rotor arm, and she now runs so sweetly.

We are now ready for more adventures right up to the start of the school holidays when we retreat into hibernation until September.   The dream continues!