We left Tredegar in glorious sunshine and headed west along the M4 towards Pembrey. You’re on the motorway for about an hour, passing the built up area of port Talbot with its huge industrial area of the steel works belching out smoke and steam. The steel works employs about 4000 peaple so most of the houses in that area must have someone who works there.

When you come of the motorway you head for Llanelli which is the biggest town in Wales. Can someone please tell them they need a relief road to take all the traffic out of the town. We hit the traffic and it was stop start stop start all the way through the town. I always know it’s going to be a challenge when I see signs that say town centre and the sat nav is sending us that way. This was no exception, multiple lanes, small roundabouts, buses and lorry’s, one of which very kindly tucked his mirrors in other wise we would have had a big scratch all along the side of the camper. But we got through.

We arrived at site, checked in and parked up. Nikki made a quick sandwich. I was busting to get down the beach, just to breath in the sea air and hear the waves crashing on the beach. So she left all the sorting out and off we went to the beach. It’s about a mile away, a ten to fifteen minute walk, and we could hear the sea from the site.

When peaple asked us what we were doing for Xmas, we told them we were going to be near the beach and on Xmas day we would be going down the beach and having a drink on the beach. We got to the beach and took a deep breath of salty air. I spotted a washed up log ( Yule log ) and decided that was to be our seat on Xmas day.

After a quick walk up and down part of the beach we returned to the camper to get settled. The next day Xmas eve the weather had changed and it was showers but we still went out for a small drive along the coast to Burry Port. Burry Port is a tiny little town, a bit run down but has a train station and a marina. I expect in the summer it’s bustling but the same as a lot of seaside towns in the winter goes dead.

Christmas morning we got up and Nikki cooked a big breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding (only for me) beans , mushrooms, fried potatoes. Can you feel your arteries closing up. We don’t do this every day I must add. This was going to see us through the day, well most of it. The weather was fantastic, the wind had dropped, the sun was out and the sky was blue. Breakfast done, washing up done, by me I will add and as said before I don’t do that everyday.

Rucksack loaded ( survival rations) and off we go to the beach hoping that my Yule log has not been taken away by the tide.

It was still there so happy days. There were a few other people, about ten I think I counted on the beach but we knew they would be going home soon to their turkey dinner. It was midday at this point. As we poured our drinks and sat on our Yule log grinning like Cheshire cats and sipping our drinks we realised how lucky we are to able to do stuff like this which costs nothing and gives so much pleasure. When so many families, couples, singles, kids etc are doing stuff on this day they don’t really want to but feel they have to. I think we have got it right. We got some funny looks from passing peaple, but then that normally happens with us. I think it’s Nikki. So I would just like to wish you all Happy Holidays. Cheers or as we are in Wales Yaki Da

After our day, well not a whole day but four or five hours in Cardiff we had a chill out day. A man can only walk around so many shops.

Another thing on my to do list while in this part of Wales was to visit Taff’s well, a small town just north of Cardiff. Taff’s well was where my dads parents lived after moving out of the farm they worked up in the hills. I used to go there as a kid to visit them and still have memories of the house and my gran and grandad living there. I remember my gran making welsh cakes and my grandad letting me do toast on the open fire by putting the bread on a long fork and holding it near the fire, it tasted so good. They are long gone now but memories still live on. I think the last time I was there was in 1977, I have a old photo somewhere of me and my car, a 1966 VW beetle parked outside the house. It’s only about a 25 minute drive from where we are staying so off we went. No problem finding it because I had looked on google street view beforehand.

The town of Taff’s well had got a lot busier than I remember with new layouts on the road etc. But the house was still standing and looked exactly the same from the outside as it had all them years ago.

The front door which behind have so many nice memories.

Our next trip out from Tredegar was to go and visit friends in Porthcawl further along the coast. Friends we met through the VW scene. Ant and kath and there two kids who are now 13 and 9. The eldest Elliot was only three or four when he used to come to the VW shows with mum and dad and I always used to buy him Haribo sweets. Aimee was just a bump In mums tum at one of the meets and Ant was worried she was going to give birth and the baby would be English, but he managed to get back across the bridge before Aimee was born a couple of days later. We found there house easy enough and presented Elliot and Aimee with a selection box of Haribos each. Made them smile. Was really good to catch up with them after not seeing them for about ten years. How time flys.

We left them after a couple of hours as it’s a busy time for them. We drove along the coast road and had lunch in a new cafe overlooking the sea at rest bay.

Tomorrow we will have a chill out day as it’s our last day here before moving on Monday to Pembrey further along the coast where we will be over Christmas and new year, and only a five minute walk to the beach.

At the end of a rainbow they say there’s a pot of gold. This rainbow seemed to miss us. Maybe next time.

We left Cheddar in sunshine, travelled up the M5 and across the Severn bridge into Wales and it was still sunny. Booked in at Tredegar house campsite. Again one we have been to before but the last time we were here we were working. Not this time. Pitched up and it’s still sunny. All is looking good here in Wales.

While here we wanted to go into Cardiff , round the shopping arcades, castle, Cardiff bay etc. Now the big decision, how do we get there. Bus, takes an hour and costs £9 each, park and ride, your almost there when you drive to get the bus so we thought we will drive in to the city. Check out the carpark prices on line. (Remember Brighton) Well we got a surprise. St David’s shopping centre has a multi story carpark which is reasonably priced. So that was our choice. We left early yesterday morning, well about 9am, it’s only a half hour drive. All parked up in the city of Cardiff by 9.45am. Get the lift to ground floor and that was fun. The lift door opens we squeeze in, there’s about 15 peaple in there. We end up stood next to a dad holding a young lad who stares at me, so in loud voice I announce to him I am not farther Xmas. ( I do have a grey beard for those that don’t know me). Nikki goes bright red with embarrassment and everyone else in the lift roars with laughter. It’s a good start to the day.

We had no interest in the modern St David’s shopping centre, well when I say we I should have said me, although Nikki wanted to see the old arcades so that’s where we headed. The oldest arcade the royal arcade built in 1858. Some of the shops still have the original shop fronts although the things they sell have changed. Most of the arcades are a mix of Victorian and Edwardian buildings which is really nice. Some loverly places to eat as below.

The weather was due to rain in the afternoon and I wanted to walk down to Cardiff bay and mermaid quay so after a couple of arcades Nikki suggested we walk down there while it was fine. She has some good ideas sometimes. Off we go towards the bay. Poor Nikki did not realise how far it was but she stuck with it and we got there. It was a bit chilly with a cool breeze. From the start of the walk you could see the top of the Millennium centre, it got closer the colder Nikki got. Worth the walk though just to see what a great building it is.

Being winter time a lot the cafes are closed and there is a lack of peaple about which is nice. I wanted to get more photos so walked across to mermaid quay. I love the Peirhead building which was built in 1897 often called little Big Ben. Just the colour and the placing of it are great.

Inside is a museum. By this time Nikki was getting cold and had spotted a Wetherspoons so the decision was made to go for a coffee in the warm. I carried on taking some more photos while she went to get the drinks and find a seat.

Normally the whole of this area would be buzzing with peaple and the pub would have been packed but not today. After our coffee and hot chocolate we started the long walk back into the city. By this time we were getting hungry so we’re looking for somewhere to have some lunch. When I get hungry I get moody so it normally doesn’t take us long to find somewhere to eat. Nikki knows the sign after all these years. We found this really quirky looking cafe so went in. We asked the two girls behind the counter if they do food, yes was the answer menus are on the tables. They managed to say this without even taking there eyes off their phones, amazing really. We sat down, again only one other couple in there. We sat there, we waited and we waited some more. My belly is now rumbling very loudly. What shall we do says Nikki. I am leaving and stand up put my coat on and leave closely followed by Nikki. I don’t think the two girls even realised we had gone. I expect they would have when there phone battery run out.

We very quickly found another small cafe. Run by a Romanian family and what a difference, happy smiley faces greeted us and nothing was to much trouble. Bellys full so off to see the rest of the arcades, there was also a big Xmas market on. Loads of different stalls. I know we don’t do Xmas but when you spot a stall selling the most chocolatey cakes you have ever seen you have to join in for five minutes. Five hours in a city is enough for me and the dark clouds were gathering overhead so we decided it was time to go home. £7 to park which I thought was not bad really. We had a good day, had a nice lunch and walked about six miles in total and as always had a good laugh. Play it again Sam.

We arrived at Cheddar in glorious sunshine. Booked in and pitched up. Again it’s a campsite we have used before so know the area and the pubs, which we said we were staying out of this time. When we checked in the wardens remembered us and were saying about the nice pub down the road. The Bath arms is a loverly pub, a bit expensive but very nice. The last time we were in cheddar we went there with friends. Never say things you don’t mean. So another town another bar was the order of the day. Just sometimes a little voice in my head says, you know you want a pint down the pub, go on, you know you want to. I suggest it to Nikki and before I have got the words out of my mouth she has her coat on and is waiting at the door. So off to the Bath arms we went. Got to admit it was nice being back in there, sat by the window watching the world go by. Everyone rushing about doing their Xmas shopping or going home from work.

While here I planned to walk up cheddar gorge cliff walk. But the next day the weather was so bad with storm Atiyah hitting the UK I cancelled that plan. I don’t like just sitting in the camper staring out the window. After a while I start to lick them. Now and again is fine when you just want a nothing day. But more than that I start to go stir crazy.

What are we going to do today says Nikki. We wanted to go to Glastonbury but neither of us wanted to just go there, roam about in the rain and then come home. What about Clark’s shopping village she says. Oh great roaming around shops, I can’t wait. NOT At least it’s gets us out for the day. A whole day around shops I say, I would rather sit here and lick the windows.

So off we go in the car to Clark’s shopping village. We park up and pay. The shopping village is just a load of shops. A lot of them are discounted and factory shops. The first shop I see is Tog 24 and it reminds me I need a new waterproof coat so in we go. Now me and shopping are not two things you put together. I tried on, not one but three coats, different sizes, different colours and still could not make my mind up and walked out with nothing. We browsed the other shops and had lunch. Nikki got some shoes. On the way back to the car we stopped in Tog 24 again and again we come out with nothing. Back at the car Nikki says you should have got that coat it was nice and looked good on you and you need one. Shall I go back in and get it. Yes. So I go back to the shop, I pick up the one I had decided on, try it on, put it down, pick up the other one try it on put it down, this goes on for another 15 minutes and in the end I buy the most expensive one, not the one I went back for. I waited until we were driving away from the shops to tell Nikki that and there was no way I was going back. It is a nice coat though and yes I did need it.

The next day was windy but dry with the odd shower so we went for walk up into cheddar, I wanted to get some photos. The gorge is fantastic from every angle and the town itself has some great old shops. This time of year is very quiet so not a lot of peaple about.

There was plenty of water around due to all the rain we had over the last couple of days. This cafe looked very inviting with the bike outside. Makes a great photo.

We walked past all the shops into the gorge. I wanted to get some photos so I walked on a bit further while Nikki strolled back down towards the shops. Most of which were closed thankfully. There were some sunny spells and the sunlight lit up the gorge in places and cast shadows on others.

Just up the road from the campsite is a huge big farm that has a market/ boot sale on every Sunday and also includes some antique stores. It’s all indoors so weather not a problem. It’s our last day here today so we decided to go there for a look around. The usual boot sale stuff was of no interest but some of the antique stalls and collectables were really nice to look around.

Tomorrow we leave cheddar and head for Tredegar, in Newport South Wales. Another site we have been to before but last time we were working there. This time we can stare out the windows and watch others working. But no window licking, but I must say the windows do look clean.

Our time off is flying away so fast. We left Dulverton and headed for Barnstaple to get the camper and car Mot done. We have used the same garage for a while now because we have a good relationship with the owner and the team there. Peaple we can trust with our vehicles. We drove straight past the campsite at south molton we were going to stay on while down this way and there seemed to be plenty of space so that was good, although we did have a booking.

The camper was in for mot and a pair of new headlights (don’t ask how much they were) and some brakes pads. The car for just a mot but needed a new cv joint. While all that was being done we went to the dentist for our annual check up. You could say our teeth needed an MOT. After paying the dentist bill and the garage bill we headed for the campsite stopping only to refuel the camper on the way. All checked in at the campsite and pitched up and a empty wallet. A expensive day, but these things have to be done.

The next day we went to see Nikki’s mum for a cup of tea and there’s always a biscuit or two to go with it. And a odd job here and there to do, but it’s always a pleasure to do. On the Wednesday I had to wait in because a guy was coming to fit a new tracker on the camper. More expense, no wonder were not away in Europe this winter. A tracker is a electronic device which is hidden on the vehicle and sends out a pulse. If it was ever stolen, apart from me standing there in tears and Nikki wondering where all her wine has gone, the tracker company can tell the police where it is. After the fitter left I washed the camper because it was so dirty, especially the roof from being parked up under some trees.

No peace for the wicked, the next day we went back into Barnstaple to take Nikki’s mum out to lunch. A nice small pub we know of and a very nice lunch, although not as cheap as being in Spain for lunch.

South molton is a loverly small town and really old fashioned. The shops close on a Thursday afternoon and are all closed on a Sunday just like all towns used to. I really like that. But in this modern world we live in now everyone wants to be in the shops all the time. You only have to look at the big supermarkets Boxing Day etc, peaple buying enough shopping to feed an army, or thinking the worlds going to end so stocking up on food. For gods sake the shops are only closed for two days and some of then don t even close.

The campsite is one we have stayed on before, nice big pitches which are fully serviced, there’s three fishing lakes if your into fishing, a small river runs through the site and there’s a nice woodland to walk around. I always have to go up the woods for a walk and talk to the trees and see the wildlife. The picture below of a recently felled tree, it’s life over but still smelling so sweat.

The next two photos of the river which runs through the site are almost taken from the exact same spot but are nearly ten years apart and the weather was a bit different then. That was a cold winter.

2019

2010 winter

Yesterday our friends Mark and karly and there daughter Caitlin came over for a catch up. I used to work with Mark on the holiday park and we always used to have a good laugh. What better place to catch up than a pub. Funnily enough the campsite just happens to have one on site. It’s called a country club and it’s very nice. The beer and food was excellent and a good time was had by all.

Tomorrow we up jacks and hitch up the car and head out on the highway. Next destination Cheddar in Somerset.

On our last day at Wareham we went to visit friends Baz and Claire. They only live about half hour away so was nice as we were so close to go around to see them for a cuppa tea and a biscuit, and cake in this instance. Well done Claire. One of the travellers had left just before us, all the others were due to leave that morning. When we got back in the afternoon they had all gone. I checked over the camper, wheels, engine, lights etc. Yep all still there.

Don’t get me wrong on the traveller front. Proper gypsies and travellers I have all the time in the world for, after all I am a traveller myself in a sense. I have had conversations with old gypsies about there lives and family’s. It’s just some of the modern travellers just give them all a bad name.

We left Wareham the next day and headed for Dulverton. We have stayed on the campsite a few times over the years. It’s a small campsite right in Dulverton village. Yes a village, so this means small town, yes a village, so that means small roads, narrow roads, yes. But we are 43ft long. Yes. But buses and lorries go there. Ok so when you come off the motorway and A roads, the last ten miles or so are a bit tricky in places, including a hump back bridge on a bend and a couple of other tight blind bends. We arrived safe and sound and in glorious sunshine although that last ten miles down the lanes was very wet with a few flooded bits because of all the rain we have had lately. The camper and the car were filthy.

While at Dulverton I wanted to get out on my bike and to get some photos of Tarr steps. Tarr steps on exmoor is a famous clapper bridge, spanning the river Barle. Clapper bridge comes from the Latin name Claperius which means pile of stones. No one knows how old the bridge is but folk say about 3000 years old. It’s the largest example of this kind. It has 17 spans and is 180ft long, and some of the stones are two tons each in weight.

The river was quiet high because we have had a lot of rain over the last week and in the past few years the bridge has had some serious damage in bad storms. You can actually drive through the river next to the bridge with normal river levels But you have to be brave, and have a four by four at this time of year. I have actually biked over it and next to it when I used to go up on exmoor mountain biking. This bike ride to get to it from the campsite was only six miles each way but I forgot how big some of the hills were.

We had friends Rod and Karen coming to visit for the weekend so before they got there we had to go and test the pubs beer and food out, just to make sure it was still as good as it’s always been. To be honest we went and tested it twice before they got there because, well just because we could and we really like the pub. The bridge inn at Dulverton does good beer and food, if ever your passing check it out. Shortly after Rod and Karen arrived we went down there for a couple of drinks and then round to the fish and chip shop for our tea. And the next day we had a table booked for a meal. They were both pleased we had spent the time and money to go and check it out for them. A good time was had by all. I also managed to get some night time photos.

Another nice surprise when we got to the campsite was that there was an event going on in the Sunday 1st December called Dulverton by starlight. This included a load of stalls selling home made things including food and crafts, the Morris dancers were out in force, jangling there bells and bashing there sticks at each other. Local brass band were playing. All the shops in the village were open and all decorated up for Xmas. At six pm there was a big firework display, which I must say was fantastic. And a local band in the main village square who played a good mix of songs.

The village atmosphere was fantastic and really busy.

We left Dulverton the next morning, after de icing the car. Heading for Barnstaple to get the camper and the car MOT done. The roads were still very wet and iced, so care was needed. We are now on a site in south molton. Another site we know well. We have a few things to do in the area and take Nikki’s mum out for lunch etc.

We hitched up the car and left Brighton on a sunny morning heading out on the highway towards Wareham. The journey was faultless and we said how much we had enjoyed Brighton. Not the sort of place we would want to be for a long time but a week is ok. We will be back.

Arriving at the campsite just outside Wareham, the sun was still shining so all looking good, until we booked in. We were told there were travellers on site. And they were here for the same amount of time as us. Don’t get me wrong I have no problem with travellers as long as they keep themselves to themselves and don’t bother me, or more important want what I have. That ain’t going to happen. We both work hard for what we have and I am very protective about it. We pitched up at the other end of the site to them and set up. The site had security the next day on site patrolling around just in case of any disturbance, it also looks good for the peaple staying on site to see them walking around.

While here at the site we wanted to go out and about. I wanted to get some photos of Lulworth cove and Durdle door, two really nice coves that I have not visited for years. The weather was overcast so we decided to go off to Lulworth cove. Only about half hour drive away. So we roll into the carpark and they want £4 to park for two hours. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind paying for parking but a reasonable charge. £4 was the minimum charge. We had no choice really so paid. Went to look at the cove, it was windy and rough but still looked great.

I was quite happy taking photos but Nikki was starting to turn blue with the cold wind and when I suggested we walk up the hill to get some shots from above, that’s when we parted company, not for ever just until I found her again in the visitor centre. I marched up the hill to get another view of the bay.

After my march up the hill and photo taking I descended down the other side and headed for the visitor centre which is where I found her mooching around the shop. The other side of the carpark is another big hill which takes you up and over to Durdle door. I did suggest the walk to Nikki but I can’t print her answer here, children might be reading. So the decision was made to drive around to the other bay. Only a ten minute drive through the country lanes brings us to Durdle door carpark. Luckily the machines were covered up so no charge. I was going to walk down to the bay. Nikki was going to stay in the car and keep warm while looking out to sea. With not a lot of peaple about I got some photos that I had wanted to get for ages. Hope you like them. The hike down and back up was worth it. Nikki stayed warm and still saw it all when I showed her the photos. I sometimes wonder who has got it right. This photo on the way down.



These photos are from down on the beach. Even with a moody sky I still think the place looks fantastic, and the fact no one is around makes it so much worth the hike.

This one is my favourite and made it worth it.

After climbing back up the footpath, in the wind and the cold.Yes the shorts are still on. Back in the car Nikki was happy in the warm. So two happy peaple off we went back to the campsite. We are here for a couple of more days and then hitch up and head for Dulverton, on the edge of exmoor. It’s a site we have used once or twice before, there’s a nice pub at the end of the road. We plan to meet friends on the weekend and have a bite to eat and a beer or two with them. The weather here in Wareham has not been kind to us, so have not been out round the forest on my bike although we did manage a small walk but got stopped by a flood so had to turn back. Hope we get some sun at Dulverton.

While here at Brighton we planned on going into the big town itself. When I say we planned I mean I wanted a new iPad and there is an Apple store in Brighton. Nikki wanted to browse some shops and visit the north lanes.

Saturday was an overcast day so we decided to head into town then. I had googled parking in Brighton and almost fell over at the price of it. As we were going to be about four hours the parking would have been £22 at NCP and about £15 plus at other spots. You will notice I did say would have been. We chose to catch the bus which was £10 for the pair of us on a city saver ticket which meant we could hop on and hop off all day, no keep checking the time. And the buses run every 7 minutes from just down the road.

On the bus we found a seat amongst real mix of people. Some say hello, some just stare out the windows, some are miles away and glued to their phones, they are from all different walks of life and different countries. Off the bus and into the shopping centre and find the Apple shop. All very posh and buzzing. I use my iPad a lot and have a lot of photos on it etc so I panic about transferring all the info from one to the other. I made this clear to the young lad who greeted us in the shop. He looked like he had just got off his paper round. I might have been bigger than him but he had the brain and knowledge to help me. So at this moment he was my best friend. A couple of hours later we walked out of the shop with my new iPad all loaded up with my info and an empty wallet.

Next stop was to find the north lanes, after ducking and diving into a couple of other shops that is. The north lanes did not disappoint. It’s full of hippie, record, junk shops etc and some loverly little cafes. Again the range of people is great and I could just sit outside a bar and people watch all day. I suppose if I did that the longer I sat there the range of peaple would turn into the strange of peaple. Me being one of them.

Another thing we wanted to do while in Brighton is go up the British airways I 360. The I 360 is a huge tower, 162 metres high right on the seafront.

You go into a huge glass doughnut so you can walk all around inside. The doughnut goes up to 138 metres and the view is fantastic. It can take 175 guests as long as there not all overweight. Luckily for us there was only about 40 of us on there today. It cost 46 million to build. The whole trip lasts 25 minutes and cost £15 each if you just turn up on the day like we did. You can book it in advance but then if the weather is rubbish on the day of your flight you miss out. We looked at the weather and decided to go today as the sun was out. It’s about an hours walk from the campsite each way and about a 6 mile round trip.

The photos are not very good because of all the glass and reflections but believe me it was fantastic up there. We had timed it just right with the time and the sun out. Even Nikki enjoyed it which I was very surprised about as she is not normally very good with heights. She even enjoyed the 6 mile walk, well she said she did. She will sleep well tonight.

Tomorrow we hitch up the car again and move along the south coast to Wareham in Dorset to another campsite. Another place another view out the window. Another area to explore. Let’s hope we get some more sunshine.

The heating service was completed by about 11 am so we paid the bill and hooked up Timmy tow car and headed out on the highway towards Henley on Thames. Arrived at The campsite in good time and all set up on the pitch by about 1pm. The trees looked loverly in their autumn colours.

Henley on Thames is a loverly area, but a very expensive area. We looked in some of the estate agents windows as we walked to the pub. We decided that for us the pub was the best option. We could afford a beer and a glass of wine. We could not afford a house/ flat/ garden shed in Henley on Thames. Another day we walked down by the river and decided to go for a coffee. Found this loverly cafe called the chocolate cafe. If you are ever in Henley and like chocolate then I can recommend this place. You really are spoilt for choice. I had a chilli hot chocolate and Nikki had a coffee. To compliment them Nikki had an oatey cake and I had a large slab of rocky road.

We were supposed to leave Henley and go to Liphook in Hampshire to get the jacks on the camper refurbished but they rang and asked if we could re book because they were having trouble, so we will get them done in the new year now.

Our next stop after Henley was Brighton so again we hooked up Timmy tow car and headed south. The journey was all motorway M4-M25-M23 so really boring. The only excitement was when we decided to get fuel. This is always a exciting time because we need to find a fuel station we can get in and out of easily as we are 44 ft long when on the road. Add to that that you can’t reverse with the car on the back because the minute you try to the front wheels on the car turn. The first garage we saw a sign for was closed when we got to it, so a turn around the roundabout and back on the highway for a few more miles. Take two, as we pulled of the main road and aimed for the pumps it was looking a bit tight for the exit. All fuelled up and exited all ok. Nikki could breathe again

So here we are in Brighton now for a few days. It’s a big campsite and nice big pitches. We saw some other wardens we met while on our training so that was nice to catch up with them, also saw a couple who stayed at Cirencester when we were there. While we are here Nikki wants to go around the shops and walk along the seafront. I will do the walk along the seafront bit. This morning I went out on my bike There is a cycle path that runs all along under the cliffs from the Marina to peace haven. It was great to be out on my bike and right by the sea and the sun was out. Bonus.

After going to the end of the path I went back the other way to the pier and then on to the old derelict pier to get a photo. I am using my new phone as my main camera now and must say I am very impressed with it. I also have a App on the phone which tells me where I have been and how fast I have been etc for when I am out on my bike. Today’s little bimble along the seafront I covered 14 miles.

The derelict pier still looks nice in my eyes.

That’s it we have got to the chequered flag. For us this seasons work is over. It has been a good season, a few little hiccups but that’s life. Will we do it again, you bet, to be honest it’s the best job we have had and suits our life style so much. We went into Cirencester for the last time on Monday, I needed a hair cut, Nikki needed to stroll round the shops one last time. No shops just to walk to next year for her. And of course while we were in town we had to go and have a beer and a bite to eat. We met up with our wardens Tony and Jo and had a really good evening. They have been so good to us and the training has been great. Real friends.

Some of the seasonals on site have been so nice. Knocking on the camper door and presenting us with bottles of wine and chocolates. We will miss them, but next year we will have some more seasonals to get to know. One of them Malcolm has been my IT guru the last four days, more on that later.

I managed to watch some of the World Cup rugby while at work and on my days off. Shame England didn’t win it, but they did so well. Got the six nations to look forward to next. That will be a tricky one for me being half welsh and next year we will be working in wales and there is a pub at the end of the road. Who do I support when I go in there to watch it. I suppose it depends on the size of the guys in there.

For the last few years Nikki has been nagging me to get a new phone. My old phone is a iPhone 3 and it still makes calls and texts, that’s about it really but I like it. I also have an old camera which is nine years old now. There are so many times when we are out I just wish I had my camera to capture a picture but it’s to big and bulky to carry around all the time, and my phones camera is rubbish. So the decision was made to get a new phone with a decent camera. So that’s me into the modern world with a IPhone 11 pro. Thats why malcom has been my IT guru he understands these modern things. I am having trouble trying to work it all and Nikki has a sore head with me asking her a load of questions all the time about it. Add to that the internet at Cirencester was not very good so all the photos on my iPad would not go over onto my phone. Well there are 23,995!. I will get to grips with the new toy but I doubt if I will keep it as long as the old iPhone 3.

We left Cirencester yesterday and headed north to Wellingborough to Alde to get the heating serviced. This is us stopped at a service station. All hooked up we are 44ft long so you have to think about where your going etc. The journey went well and the weather was kind to us.

We got to Alde about 3pm and met the guy who was going to do the job today. I have heard really good reports about this place which is why we came here. We unhooked the car and parked up and plugged in the electric and settled down for the night. 8.30 am this morning they took Bertie Burstner into the workshop to do what they have to do. Should be finished about lunchtime so then we will hook up the car again and head for the next stop on our winter tour which is Henley on Thames.