Heading off to South Wales tomorrow, as soon as "M" has finished work.
But, as we live in a caravan full time, heading off to another site, is that actually a holiday or just some where different to pitch up?
A bit like a sailor going on a cruise when he is on leave!
Mind you, I intend to do alot of walking, reading and sipping Gin!
The site here is full to bursting, with loads of dogs, which "China" takes exception to as she classes it as her site, even the site owners dog gets a hard time from her and that's a Rottweiler!
She has plenty of attitude for such a little dog!
Today was spent at a pub, lovely you say, well not so when you spend 5 hrs pushing a lawn mower around the grounds! Totally knackered. I came back and had to have a lie down. Ache! I ache in places I didn't know could ache!
Mind you I got on the scales today, and that's me lost 4.5Lbs and now under 18 stone! So at least this gardening lark is giving me a health benefit, although I don't feel it at present.
We had a bit of a de-clutter this evening, 5kg of books, and paperwork removed from the van, its so easy to accumulate things like this. You don't even realise that you are doing it.
An early night tonight, long day tomorrow, so,
Till later.................
Friday, 19 August 2011
Thursday, 18 August 2011
I Think Thats Summer Over!
I've been keeping a keen eye on the weather recently, trying to predict what the weather will actually do is near on impossible. I've more chance of being able to juggle jelly!
But it does appear to be getting wetter and with that a few degrees cooler. Not good when we are planning to head to mid wales and camping in the hills. The actual temperature there when compared to temperatures here is approx 3 - 4 degrees cooler!
With that in mind, when I was up at the unit yesterday, I dug out some of my long sleeve cotton shirts, you know the ones that farmers wear! Tough and durable, and made of cotton, you simply cant beat them. Ill still be in shorts though! They don't come off till October earliest!
Its raining heavily at the moment, and this is set to continue on and off for the next few days, so by that time we will be looking at the beginning of September, and that's summer done and dusted.
The leaves have all ready started to drop, so wont be long before they start to turn colour.
We are also rapidly approaching August 26th. Whats so special about that day? Well, on that date we will of spent one whole year living in our caravan full time!
I had a look back through this blog yesterday, some of the things that we have done seemed only like yesterday, but others seemed years away, strange.
But, yes, a whole year! Where does the time go?
I'm glad I've kept at this blog, its a good record of how we have lived and coped, coupled with a load of other nonsense that I waffle on about.
When I first started this blog I signed up for Google Adsense, that's those little Google adverts on the side of the blog in brown. I thought, that if I can earn a few pennies each time someone clicked on an add then why not. So in our first 12 months of having a blog we have just gone over the target that Google set you before they pay out of £60.00 OK not a fortune, but its still £60 and will pay for when the cheque arrives a meal out! So thank you one and all for clicking on the adverts!
We will enjoy our meal which will be all down to you guys! Bon Apetite!
It was funny looking back at some of my earlier posts, like I said above I do appear to waffle, so with that in mind, off to do some work.
Till later.....................
But it does appear to be getting wetter and with that a few degrees cooler. Not good when we are planning to head to mid wales and camping in the hills. The actual temperature there when compared to temperatures here is approx 3 - 4 degrees cooler!
With that in mind, when I was up at the unit yesterday, I dug out some of my long sleeve cotton shirts, you know the ones that farmers wear! Tough and durable, and made of cotton, you simply cant beat them. Ill still be in shorts though! They don't come off till October earliest!
Its raining heavily at the moment, and this is set to continue on and off for the next few days, so by that time we will be looking at the beginning of September, and that's summer done and dusted.
The leaves have all ready started to drop, so wont be long before they start to turn colour.
We are also rapidly approaching August 26th. Whats so special about that day? Well, on that date we will of spent one whole year living in our caravan full time!
I had a look back through this blog yesterday, some of the things that we have done seemed only like yesterday, but others seemed years away, strange.
But, yes, a whole year! Where does the time go?
I'm glad I've kept at this blog, its a good record of how we have lived and coped, coupled with a load of other nonsense that I waffle on about.
When I first started this blog I signed up for Google Adsense, that's those little Google adverts on the side of the blog in brown. I thought, that if I can earn a few pennies each time someone clicked on an add then why not. So in our first 12 months of having a blog we have just gone over the target that Google set you before they pay out of £60.00 OK not a fortune, but its still £60 and will pay for when the cheque arrives a meal out! So thank you one and all for clicking on the adverts!
We will enjoy our meal which will be all down to you guys! Bon Apetite!
It was funny looking back at some of my earlier posts, like I said above I do appear to waffle, so with that in mind, off to do some work.
Till later.....................
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Getting Ready For Wales
We have been slowly getting ready for our trip to Wales on Saturday.
I say slowly, as there isn't a great deal to do when you all ready live in the caravan you are taking with you!
But, we seem to accumulate vast amounts of paperwork, books, and other bits and pieces which all need to be taken out and either binned, sold or stored.
We are off to Fforest Fields near Builth Wells in South Wales.
We are taking our large awning complete with the sleeping pod as that's where "M"s Mum will be sleeping with her dog "Buddy".
Not too sure how the week will pan out, fingers crossed that everything goes well! If not there are plenty of hills to loose ones self for the day!
The weather doesn't look to clever either, but if it rains, it rains, its not as if we will dissolve!
Thinking about the weather, partly due to following Robin and Jenny's blog Romany Rambler as they are having snow in New Zealand where they don't normally get it. I looked back in my diary to when we had snow last year.
Our first frost was on October 20th! That's just two months away and our first snow was on December 1st and lasted all of December!
So all you other full timers, time to really think about lagging pipes and thinking about aqua roll jackets if you haven't all ready done so.
We are not too sure which sites we will be spending the winter, we had problems with frozen water on site last year. I can see the same problems happening here as the pipes are above ground in places, so inevitable they will freeze up.
Back to our trip to Wales, there are many ways to get to where we are going, but the route I fancy doesn't touch a motorway, which I find tedious beyond belief, so have managed to pick a route that is only 10 miles longer than the motorway and it also saves the £5.70 Severn Bridge Toll.
I've allowed with towing, approx 6 hrs to get there, not including the numerous stops we will undoubtedly have to take along the way. Without the caravan it should only take around 4hrs so have built in an allowance for going at slower speeds etc.
I want to be away for 1300hrs on Saturday so should pull in some where between 1930 and 2030.
This is the furthest we have towed this caravan, must say I'm looking forward to towing with the Pajero over a distance.
The only down side that I have found with the Pajero is there are not enough cubby boxes and stowage. The Freelander has deep and wide door pockets, more side pockets next to the rear seats, then two more in the load space and finally a full length door pocket on the rear door. Oh and a lockable stowage box on the floor of the luggage space.
Plenty of room for all the gear I like to keep with me when travelling such as oil, water, tools, jump leads, tow ropes, gaffer tape, warning triangle, etc.
There is room underneath the rear seat where the bottle jack is located but I cant get oil and water stuffed in there. So will have to have a think about stowage nets, or something similar.
The other thing is that its going to take some careful loading as with our additional passenger we cant put the rear seats down as we normally do for travelling.
The seats are one piece as well, would of preferred it if they had a split seat arrangement. The Freelander was a solid seat as well, but it did have on the bottom a full metal plate to act as some protection from gear coming through from behind if we were involved in an accident.
When I carried the stationary engine in the Freelander with the seats folded up, I would ratchet strap it secure from the cargo hooks tight up to the seat back to stop any movement. In the Pajero I had to strap it to front and back cargo hooks. I use industrial ratchet straps the same you see on lorries, so they should do the trick.
Gardening:
Well, Ive got a regular weekly slot at a nursing home, and the front of the house is looking alot better now. I'm also please that the alpine shrubs that I planted out in the rockery that Id cleared as it was completely over grown look as if they are doing well, ie, they are still alive!
I started at the back of the house, its a massive job as its been left to do what it wants, its not that bad, but there are some lovely bushes/shrubs that have just overgrown each other, the lawn is in a terrible state, and alot of the trees have dead branches.
So that's my next task. I also start this Friday on a pub garden. But this is very low maintenance of just mowing and strimming, so relatively easy. Sounds daft but looking forward to using my mower! never thought I would say that!
Anyway, got some paperwork to sort today,
Till later....................
I say slowly, as there isn't a great deal to do when you all ready live in the caravan you are taking with you!
But, we seem to accumulate vast amounts of paperwork, books, and other bits and pieces which all need to be taken out and either binned, sold or stored.
We are off to Fforest Fields near Builth Wells in South Wales.
We are taking our large awning complete with the sleeping pod as that's where "M"s Mum will be sleeping with her dog "Buddy".
Not too sure how the week will pan out, fingers crossed that everything goes well! If not there are plenty of hills to loose ones self for the day!
The weather doesn't look to clever either, but if it rains, it rains, its not as if we will dissolve!
Thinking about the weather, partly due to following Robin and Jenny's blog Romany Rambler as they are having snow in New Zealand where they don't normally get it. I looked back in my diary to when we had snow last year.
Our first frost was on October 20th! That's just two months away and our first snow was on December 1st and lasted all of December!
So all you other full timers, time to really think about lagging pipes and thinking about aqua roll jackets if you haven't all ready done so.
We are not too sure which sites we will be spending the winter, we had problems with frozen water on site last year. I can see the same problems happening here as the pipes are above ground in places, so inevitable they will freeze up.
Back to our trip to Wales, there are many ways to get to where we are going, but the route I fancy doesn't touch a motorway, which I find tedious beyond belief, so have managed to pick a route that is only 10 miles longer than the motorway and it also saves the £5.70 Severn Bridge Toll.
I've allowed with towing, approx 6 hrs to get there, not including the numerous stops we will undoubtedly have to take along the way. Without the caravan it should only take around 4hrs so have built in an allowance for going at slower speeds etc.
I want to be away for 1300hrs on Saturday so should pull in some where between 1930 and 2030.
This is the furthest we have towed this caravan, must say I'm looking forward to towing with the Pajero over a distance.
The only down side that I have found with the Pajero is there are not enough cubby boxes and stowage. The Freelander has deep and wide door pockets, more side pockets next to the rear seats, then two more in the load space and finally a full length door pocket on the rear door. Oh and a lockable stowage box on the floor of the luggage space.
Plenty of room for all the gear I like to keep with me when travelling such as oil, water, tools, jump leads, tow ropes, gaffer tape, warning triangle, etc.
There is room underneath the rear seat where the bottle jack is located but I cant get oil and water stuffed in there. So will have to have a think about stowage nets, or something similar.
The other thing is that its going to take some careful loading as with our additional passenger we cant put the rear seats down as we normally do for travelling.
The seats are one piece as well, would of preferred it if they had a split seat arrangement. The Freelander was a solid seat as well, but it did have on the bottom a full metal plate to act as some protection from gear coming through from behind if we were involved in an accident.
When I carried the stationary engine in the Freelander with the seats folded up, I would ratchet strap it secure from the cargo hooks tight up to the seat back to stop any movement. In the Pajero I had to strap it to front and back cargo hooks. I use industrial ratchet straps the same you see on lorries, so they should do the trick.
Gardening:
Well, Ive got a regular weekly slot at a nursing home, and the front of the house is looking alot better now. I'm also please that the alpine shrubs that I planted out in the rockery that Id cleared as it was completely over grown look as if they are doing well, ie, they are still alive!
I started at the back of the house, its a massive job as its been left to do what it wants, its not that bad, but there are some lovely bushes/shrubs that have just overgrown each other, the lawn is in a terrible state, and alot of the trees have dead branches.
So that's my next task. I also start this Friday on a pub garden. But this is very low maintenance of just mowing and strimming, so relatively easy. Sounds daft but looking forward to using my mower! never thought I would say that!
Anyway, got some paperwork to sort today,
Till later....................
Monday, 15 August 2011
Purbeck Vintage Rally Day 2 and 3
"M" was up and off to work, she couldn't get the time off due to staff shortages and cut backs!
But, at least she only had to work the morning. The weather was a bit overcast all day, there was a steady but slow trickle of people coming by to view the engine line up.
I was talking with our neighbour and we watched as the air ambulance helicopter came by, he circled the show a couple of times and then landed in the arena. We all thought as the shows often donate towards the upkeep of the helicopters they were doing a bit of publicity.
I'm afraid to say that this wasn't the case, from what we have heard an old MG with an auto clutch mechanism was turned on by its owner from outside of the car, unfortunately it was left in gear and with revving the engine it went forward and went over the top of an old lady, who had just managed to push her husband out of the way before it took her out!
She has suffered multiple broken bones and is in a critical but not life threatening situation!
So we wish her a speedy recovery!
The rest of the show went without incident, however, just on a note which both "M" and I found rather sad and to say the least a little childish. As I had said on a previous post we had had a run in with a marshal and his ropes. On the Sunday a raffle was being held, we normally buy tickets and if it wasn't for lack of organisation on our part "M" was going to donate a prize from her company. The same marshall came down the line stopping at everyone to see if they wanted to buy tickets, well I say everyone, he ignored us and walked right by! Went up to the folk next to us, but himself and his partner looked away from us as they walked by! (Charming). Bloody good job we hadn't donated!
The final straw was that most shows give out a little memento to the exhibitors, which can be anything from an engraved glass to a metal plaque with the shows details on it. This show was giving out small metal plaques, its a nice reminder, but I'm afraid to say, ours was bent, now this can only of been on purpose as I checked with the folk up and down the line and ours was the only one that was! Guess who was given them out! It was also left on my engine, and not given to me personally, I was stood no more than 10 foot away when he walked by ignoring me once more.
So on reflection a good show, but spoilt by childish behaviour, which is sad to see. Will we attend next year? not really sure. We know others that organise the show, and went due to knowing them, but to be honest if they weren't there I wouldn't be bothering again.
So I hope someone has a word in his shell like, there is no excuse for that sort of behaviour.
These shows are to preserve and show vintage vehicles and machinery for others to see and enjoy, the marshalls are in a position of trust and with that comes respect, but to be good at this you have to have tolerance, understanding and be able to communicate. Without these qualities you shouldnt be in that position of trust.
As you can see, its now Monday and Im still harping on about it! Funny how little things upset me these days.
My sister Ali and her partner Matt along with Lucy came down on the Saturday afternoon to try out their new caravan. First time it had ever been used, no dramas with towing or setting up so reckon they had a good time.
So a big thank you to Donna for helping organise passes etc at short notice!
We got back to our site on Sunday evening, its pretty full, but folk are packing up today, so peace will shortly be here!
The Pajero towed well, and was mighty impressed with how it handled. I towed in 4wd as this is recommended especially as we had alot of weight on board. One thing I'm not sure about and I'm going to seek further advice is that we have an over-drive button, which I use. But not sure if I should use this when towing, Ive heard some say don't and others say yes.
I thought the idea of over-drive was that once a fast enough speed is reached then it kicks in and drops a further cog to get better fuel economy. When I hit 50mph ish it drops from 2500 revs to 2000 revs, it would surely only do this if it felt it wasn't under load?
Under normal acceleration the over-drive doesn't come into play at all, so with my way of thinking it isn't putting anything under strain or load by having it switched on. Or does it?
We also had the suspension set up to "hard" when towing, again recommended, but when we switched it to "soft" when we were driving over the field it was a very smooth ride. It has three suspension settings "hard" "medium" and "soft"
For an older 4x4 it certainly has alot of bells and whistles, and they all work!
Next Saturday we are off to Fforest Fields near Builth Wells, debating the best route to travel, many different ways of getting there, so really not sure which way to go. Motorways bore the life out of me, too many years driving up and down them! So thinking of heading from Ringwood, up to Swindon, the A419 through Cirencester, Gloucester, then on to Ross on Wye, up to Hereford head out on the A38 pick up the A4111 to Kington then the A44 and finally the A481 which should take us right to the door!
If anyone can suggest a route other than that I'm all ears, apart from spending too much time on a motorway that is!
Well, best get this day started, till later............
And as always, pics to follow!
But, at least she only had to work the morning. The weather was a bit overcast all day, there was a steady but slow trickle of people coming by to view the engine line up.
I was talking with our neighbour and we watched as the air ambulance helicopter came by, he circled the show a couple of times and then landed in the arena. We all thought as the shows often donate towards the upkeep of the helicopters they were doing a bit of publicity.
I'm afraid to say that this wasn't the case, from what we have heard an old MG with an auto clutch mechanism was turned on by its owner from outside of the car, unfortunately it was left in gear and with revving the engine it went forward and went over the top of an old lady, who had just managed to push her husband out of the way before it took her out!
She has suffered multiple broken bones and is in a critical but not life threatening situation!
So we wish her a speedy recovery!
The rest of the show went without incident, however, just on a note which both "M" and I found rather sad and to say the least a little childish. As I had said on a previous post we had had a run in with a marshal and his ropes. On the Sunday a raffle was being held, we normally buy tickets and if it wasn't for lack of organisation on our part "M" was going to donate a prize from her company. The same marshall came down the line stopping at everyone to see if they wanted to buy tickets, well I say everyone, he ignored us and walked right by! Went up to the folk next to us, but himself and his partner looked away from us as they walked by! (Charming). Bloody good job we hadn't donated!
The final straw was that most shows give out a little memento to the exhibitors, which can be anything from an engraved glass to a metal plaque with the shows details on it. This show was giving out small metal plaques, its a nice reminder, but I'm afraid to say, ours was bent, now this can only of been on purpose as I checked with the folk up and down the line and ours was the only one that was! Guess who was given them out! It was also left on my engine, and not given to me personally, I was stood no more than 10 foot away when he walked by ignoring me once more.
So on reflection a good show, but spoilt by childish behaviour, which is sad to see. Will we attend next year? not really sure. We know others that organise the show, and went due to knowing them, but to be honest if they weren't there I wouldn't be bothering again.
So I hope someone has a word in his shell like, there is no excuse for that sort of behaviour.
These shows are to preserve and show vintage vehicles and machinery for others to see and enjoy, the marshalls are in a position of trust and with that comes respect, but to be good at this you have to have tolerance, understanding and be able to communicate. Without these qualities you shouldnt be in that position of trust.
As you can see, its now Monday and Im still harping on about it! Funny how little things upset me these days.
My sister Ali and her partner Matt along with Lucy came down on the Saturday afternoon to try out their new caravan. First time it had ever been used, no dramas with towing or setting up so reckon they had a good time.
So a big thank you to Donna for helping organise passes etc at short notice!
We got back to our site on Sunday evening, its pretty full, but folk are packing up today, so peace will shortly be here!
The Pajero towed well, and was mighty impressed with how it handled. I towed in 4wd as this is recommended especially as we had alot of weight on board. One thing I'm not sure about and I'm going to seek further advice is that we have an over-drive button, which I use. But not sure if I should use this when towing, Ive heard some say don't and others say yes.
I thought the idea of over-drive was that once a fast enough speed is reached then it kicks in and drops a further cog to get better fuel economy. When I hit 50mph ish it drops from 2500 revs to 2000 revs, it would surely only do this if it felt it wasn't under load?
Under normal acceleration the over-drive doesn't come into play at all, so with my way of thinking it isn't putting anything under strain or load by having it switched on. Or does it?
We also had the suspension set up to "hard" when towing, again recommended, but when we switched it to "soft" when we were driving over the field it was a very smooth ride. It has three suspension settings "hard" "medium" and "soft"
For an older 4x4 it certainly has alot of bells and whistles, and they all work!
Next Saturday we are off to Fforest Fields near Builth Wells, debating the best route to travel, many different ways of getting there, so really not sure which way to go. Motorways bore the life out of me, too many years driving up and down them! So thinking of heading from Ringwood, up to Swindon, the A419 through Cirencester, Gloucester, then on to Ross on Wye, up to Hereford head out on the A38 pick up the A4111 to Kington then the A44 and finally the A481 which should take us right to the door!
If anyone can suggest a route other than that I'm all ears, apart from spending too much time on a motorway that is!
Well, best get this day started, till later............
And as always, pics to follow!
Friday, 12 August 2011
Purbeck Vintage Rally
We packed up yesterday (Thurs) and as soon as "M" had finished work we got ready to leave.
Slight technical hitch! Once I had loaded up the Pajero with the stationary engine and tool boxes, jerry cans of fuel and all the rest of our gear, the tow hitch looked as if I was about to plough a field.
What I didnt take into consideration was the weight factor once loaded! So a quick trip back up to my unit to get the big spanners out to take off the recently acquired drop plate!
Once back, we hooked up and set off. There is some debate as to which is best practice for towing. Either 2wd (2h) or 4wd (4h). I went for the 4wd option as I believe that this will spread the load over both diffs and so prolong the life of them. I didnt notice any difference in mpg so 4wd does seem to be the best and safest option.
I must say it towed like a dream, it was amazing. Acceleration in the old Freelander was just not there, but with the Pajero, I had to keep reminding myself I was tugging a large shed behind me.
Also I had on board 200+kg of stationary engine in the back!
Its an automatic, and I must say that this makes driving a lot easier and relaxing, especially when in a que of traffic.
It took us around an hour to get to the show ground, we got in ok, and found where we were supposed to go.
The ropes were up which showed us the front of the pitch, so I pulled in around the back and drove right up to it. About to unhitch, but as the ropes were in the way, I thought I would push them down around the posts so that I could get out. Either that or leave the van 15 foot back from everyone else which looks odd. Not only that but our van would stick out 10 foot into the safety road behind the line up.
The marshall came over ranting and raving about his ropes, so I kindly asked him how I was expected to get my car out? His answer was that I should of had a motor mover fitted. Cheeky Git! At this point being the mild mannered Gent that I am, told him to Foxtrot Oscar. I wouldnt of minded if he had been polite to start with, but Im afraid a red rag to a bull. Talk to me nicely and Im good as gold. Wind me up by being stroppy and disrespectful , and watch me blow! Didnt I talk about that word respect before?
"M" had to calm me down as I was ready to hook up and leave! I really dont see what the problem was, the show hadnt started, so its not a safety issue, all I wanted to do was line my van up with everyone elses. The ropes would of been put back. No other show does this or has a problem with it. I guess though its our fault for having a long van! So its now stuck out 10 foot into the safety road! So the ropes look great, just hope no one tags the back of my van!
We pitched up, but Im afraid I was on a bit of a downer for the evening, so we had a quick pint across at the beer tent then headed back to the van.
"M" is working today, so she set off early to head back to Ringwood. Me, I had a walk around the rally, then got everything ready for a stew which is now bubbling away, ready for later. Its not exactly brilliant summer weather here, rather overcast with the odd shower. So stew seems rather fitting!
Watched 3 others arrive with their caravans, not only did they drop the ropes but took the stakes out as well! Not a word from the marshal, perhaps as there were 3 blokes he decided against it?
So its wasn't just me, which I'm glad about, we all just used common sense instead of being single minded and not looking at the bigger picture!
Its been a quiet day here, but it is Friday, lets hope there are a few visitors in tomorrow.
Till later........
Slight technical hitch! Once I had loaded up the Pajero with the stationary engine and tool boxes, jerry cans of fuel and all the rest of our gear, the tow hitch looked as if I was about to plough a field.
What I didnt take into consideration was the weight factor once loaded! So a quick trip back up to my unit to get the big spanners out to take off the recently acquired drop plate!
Once back, we hooked up and set off. There is some debate as to which is best practice for towing. Either 2wd (2h) or 4wd (4h). I went for the 4wd option as I believe that this will spread the load over both diffs and so prolong the life of them. I didnt notice any difference in mpg so 4wd does seem to be the best and safest option.
I must say it towed like a dream, it was amazing. Acceleration in the old Freelander was just not there, but with the Pajero, I had to keep reminding myself I was tugging a large shed behind me.
Also I had on board 200+kg of stationary engine in the back!
Its an automatic, and I must say that this makes driving a lot easier and relaxing, especially when in a que of traffic.
It took us around an hour to get to the show ground, we got in ok, and found where we were supposed to go.
The ropes were up which showed us the front of the pitch, so I pulled in around the back and drove right up to it. About to unhitch, but as the ropes were in the way, I thought I would push them down around the posts so that I could get out. Either that or leave the van 15 foot back from everyone else which looks odd. Not only that but our van would stick out 10 foot into the safety road behind the line up.
The marshall came over ranting and raving about his ropes, so I kindly asked him how I was expected to get my car out? His answer was that I should of had a motor mover fitted. Cheeky Git! At this point being the mild mannered Gent that I am, told him to Foxtrot Oscar. I wouldnt of minded if he had been polite to start with, but Im afraid a red rag to a bull. Talk to me nicely and Im good as gold. Wind me up by being stroppy and disrespectful , and watch me blow! Didnt I talk about that word respect before?
"M" had to calm me down as I was ready to hook up and leave! I really dont see what the problem was, the show hadnt started, so its not a safety issue, all I wanted to do was line my van up with everyone elses. The ropes would of been put back. No other show does this or has a problem with it. I guess though its our fault for having a long van! So its now stuck out 10 foot into the safety road! So the ropes look great, just hope no one tags the back of my van!
We pitched up, but Im afraid I was on a bit of a downer for the evening, so we had a quick pint across at the beer tent then headed back to the van.
"M" is working today, so she set off early to head back to Ringwood. Me, I had a walk around the rally, then got everything ready for a stew which is now bubbling away, ready for later. Its not exactly brilliant summer weather here, rather overcast with the odd shower. So stew seems rather fitting!
Watched 3 others arrive with their caravans, not only did they drop the ropes but took the stakes out as well! Not a word from the marshal, perhaps as there were 3 blokes he decided against it?
So its wasn't just me, which I'm glad about, we all just used common sense instead of being single minded and not looking at the bigger picture!
Its been a quiet day here, but it is Friday, lets hope there are a few visitors in tomorrow.
Till later........
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
What Is Happening To Our World?
What goes through the minds of the people who are intent on rioting and causing mayhem!
I really struggle with the mentality of these people, in my book its all down to one simple word "RESPECT" and the obvious lack of it.
Those of you who have been following this blog for a while have probably realised that I'm a tad right wing, and would like to see firmer and more fitting punishment brought back in. Personally I like the idea of re-introducing the stocks! Barbaric? No - fitting!
As you can see we have had a number of years now where by the lefties have had it their own way, with their "don't shout at the children" regime - yes the same 16 yr old wielding a base ball bat and running off with an X box stuffed up his hoodie! Yep your system sure works!
Perhaps our Government will re-think the staffing levels of our Police - but don't hold your breath!
It also makes me slightly annoyed the amount of people who are saying send in the troops! OK, I agree with this view, but, some of these same people do not or have not supported them whilst they are serving abroad in far more dangerous circumstances. Now they are needed they want to use them but only when it suits them!
The Police are doing an amazing job from what Ive seen and heard. Talk about restrainment with one hand tied behind your back in case they hurt one of these rioters! What a farce.
Go in hard, no messing around, which is why the Army could be used, but, this is a double edged sword. How is this viewed by the rest of the world? The only other countries at present where soldiers are being used to stop incidents are Syria, Libya and a few other wayward countries!
So how do we sort it out, well I'm afraid its all a bit too late, the last 20+ years have been to liberal and the rot has set in. It will take at least another 20 years to sort if we adopt a more positive and tougher stance now, and that just wont happen!
Our nearest big town is Bournemouth, I haven't heard of any trouble there yet, but 20 miles down the road Southampton has had a few minor disturbances.
All is quite here on our camp site, with a couple of families enjoying the sun shine that we have had over the last few days. Not sure how long the sun is supposed to shine for as I think rain is forecast for the weekend.
We are off to the Purbeck Rally for the weekend, we took down the awning last night just in case it rained today.
This will be the first time we have towed with the Pajero, looking forward to seeing how it handles it all, as we are also going to load our stationary engine into the back. This will save us two trips.
My sister Ali with Matt and Lucy are coming down to the show with their new caravan! This will be the first time they have used it!
Another family converted to a caravan!
Over the last 3 or 4 days I've received 3 emails from different people all wanting more information on full timing in a caravan. I wonder if its the shocking pictures on the TV that have spurred them on with their plans?
It would do it for me!
So if there is anyone else out there thinking about going full time - stop thinking about it and do it!
What could possibly go wrong!
Till later.........
I really struggle with the mentality of these people, in my book its all down to one simple word "RESPECT" and the obvious lack of it.
Those of you who have been following this blog for a while have probably realised that I'm a tad right wing, and would like to see firmer and more fitting punishment brought back in. Personally I like the idea of re-introducing the stocks! Barbaric? No - fitting!
As you can see we have had a number of years now where by the lefties have had it their own way, with their "don't shout at the children" regime - yes the same 16 yr old wielding a base ball bat and running off with an X box stuffed up his hoodie! Yep your system sure works!
Perhaps our Government will re-think the staffing levels of our Police - but don't hold your breath!
It also makes me slightly annoyed the amount of people who are saying send in the troops! OK, I agree with this view, but, some of these same people do not or have not supported them whilst they are serving abroad in far more dangerous circumstances. Now they are needed they want to use them but only when it suits them!
The Police are doing an amazing job from what Ive seen and heard. Talk about restrainment with one hand tied behind your back in case they hurt one of these rioters! What a farce.
Go in hard, no messing around, which is why the Army could be used, but, this is a double edged sword. How is this viewed by the rest of the world? The only other countries at present where soldiers are being used to stop incidents are Syria, Libya and a few other wayward countries!
So how do we sort it out, well I'm afraid its all a bit too late, the last 20+ years have been to liberal and the rot has set in. It will take at least another 20 years to sort if we adopt a more positive and tougher stance now, and that just wont happen!
Our nearest big town is Bournemouth, I haven't heard of any trouble there yet, but 20 miles down the road Southampton has had a few minor disturbances.
All is quite here on our camp site, with a couple of families enjoying the sun shine that we have had over the last few days. Not sure how long the sun is supposed to shine for as I think rain is forecast for the weekend.
We are off to the Purbeck Rally for the weekend, we took down the awning last night just in case it rained today.
This will be the first time we have towed with the Pajero, looking forward to seeing how it handles it all, as we are also going to load our stationary engine into the back. This will save us two trips.
My sister Ali with Matt and Lucy are coming down to the show with their new caravan! This will be the first time they have used it!
Another family converted to a caravan!
Over the last 3 or 4 days I've received 3 emails from different people all wanting more information on full timing in a caravan. I wonder if its the shocking pictures on the TV that have spurred them on with their plans?
It would do it for me!
So if there is anyone else out there thinking about going full time - stop thinking about it and do it!
What could possibly go wrong!
Till later.........
Monday, 8 August 2011
Power Cut!
This morning I was happily tapping away at the keys, when the low battery warning popped up on the laptop.
Probably just tripped at the circuit board as the site is full and it only takes a couple of kettles to go on at the same time to crash the lot!
So went and saw the owners who said it was a definite power cut as the electricity board were working on a fault.
This was probably due to the thunder storm we had yesterday evening. It was pretty good to watch, the power didn't go off then, but it obviously had struck and damaged something.
All though I'm not too sure that standing in a field, holding an umbrella whilst cooking pork chops and sauteed potatoes on the cadac whilst lightening is going on and its tipping down with rain is a sensible thing to do, so kids don't try that!
It didn't go back on till late this afternoon, so it was a fairly relaxing day for me!
It was even off up at my unit so I couldn't go up there and do some work either. Well, I did try!
Tomorrow I'm off to my gardening job in Bournemouth, lets hope the weather stays fine.
Till later............
Probably just tripped at the circuit board as the site is full and it only takes a couple of kettles to go on at the same time to crash the lot!
So went and saw the owners who said it was a definite power cut as the electricity board were working on a fault.
This was probably due to the thunder storm we had yesterday evening. It was pretty good to watch, the power didn't go off then, but it obviously had struck and damaged something.
All though I'm not too sure that standing in a field, holding an umbrella whilst cooking pork chops and sauteed potatoes on the cadac whilst lightening is going on and its tipping down with rain is a sensible thing to do, so kids don't try that!
It didn't go back on till late this afternoon, so it was a fairly relaxing day for me!
It was even off up at my unit so I couldn't go up there and do some work either. Well, I did try!
Tomorrow I'm off to my gardening job in Bournemouth, lets hope the weather stays fine.
Till later............
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