I Won A Photographic Competition!

The National Trust were holding a photographic competition with the subject being of British wildlife.


The prize being two tickets for Wildlife Xpo being held at Alexandra Palace London this weekend.


I took this particular picture whilst we were away in August in the Breacons, he was sat on top of a wooden fence in a layby.


Here he is

I like the way he appears to be looking at me! I'm not sure what type of lizard it is, but he was probably around 4 to 6 inches long.

The sad thing is, we cant make it up to the show, its rather along way to go, but, it was nice to considered worthy!

I've always enjoyed photography, and over the years taken many pictures, "M" has often said I should enter some competitions, perhaps I shall!

Till later...............

Last Show Of The Year

Last Friday saw us trundle the 3 miles to our last vintage rally of the year, it was a small affair with just 20 plus stationary engines and around a dozen or so tractors.


It was good to see everyone again for the last time this year, and God willing will see them all again  at Abbey Hill Steam Rally in Yeovil just after Easter next year!

Here is the engine line up looking right then left from the front of our caravan.

I did have a bit of a disaster with the porch awning, we bought it back in March at the NEC camping and caravanning show from Towsure. On putting it up it ripped in three places! So not really impressed, and as we don't use it that often, would probably only equate to 2 good seasons of use! So will be contacting Towsure to see if we can do anything. I wont be holding my breath though!

I managed to do a temporary repair with the help of industrial strength black tape. 

Friday night we went with a motley crew over to Witchampton Club for a curry and a pint. I have to say that we have been over for a curry before and it was exceptional, but this time is wasn't up to much at all. Hope they are not a victim of their own success!

We did however win on the meat draw and went home with a rather fine joint of beef from Kingston Lacy Red Devon Herd which had been hung for four weeks and roasted on the cadac tasted amazing!

Saturday the engines were up and running, my engine stopped for no real reason a couple of times, but started again on the crank of the handle.

Saturday night we ventured to the pub which was right next door to us, the Cross Keys at Mannington. I had steak pie and chips and "M" had scampi. The pie was good and the scampi, well it was scampi! If your looking for a gourmet feast, then this is not the place for you, but if you want basic well cooked grub at a reasonable price, then drop by.

They also had a rough old scrumpy cider called "Crazy Goat" at 6.8% not for the faint hearted, I had 3 pints and new about it. 

Sunday we were debating to stay another night or pack up and head for a pre-booked camp site. If we stayed it meant that I had to move on my own. I don't mind doing it, but I do prefer to move with some help.

So we packed up and moved after running our engine all day. The only problem I had was for some unknown reason the water pump stopped pumping, we took it apart, couldn't see anything wrong, so bolted it back together and it started to work! Strange!

Once on site we still had light left so we decided to put up the big awning as we are here for a few days. It went up fairly easily and I've fitted three storm straps to it. It comes with two but have added an extra one to the centre pole at the apex. Just in case!

Monday, was spent doing the chores as I was at the caravan for the day, so out came the portable washing machine and away I went!

For a small machine it works really well, and it actually washes better than the launderette we use! The spin is very good and takes no time at all to dry shirts etc. This was one of our best buys!

Tuesday was spent, gardening at a nursing home in Bournemouth where by a couple who's Mum is a resident liked what I was doing outside of her room and asked if I could come and do some work at their house! Which I did on Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday I went to another new clients at their rather large house in Bournemouth, and started to clear their flower beds. This is now a regular job and will be back there again next Wednesday morning. At lunch I did a quote for another nursing home, which I'm hoping I'll get, if so that's more regular work.

So all in all, not a bad weeks work, day of being around the caravan today, (more washing) and as I was travelling back home yesterday I stopped off in B and Q to see what insulating material I could buy. I've got more pipe lagging, and I bought a reflective foam backed roll, its intended use is for behind radiators, but figured that it would work just as good inside the caravan. So I'm going to install this underneath the seats at the front, and behind the back of the bed in the storage compartment.

I did look at buying a massive sheet of polystyrene it must of measured 5ft by 12ft, but the good people of B and Q would not cut it down for transportation for me!? Why I don't know and couldn't get a straight answer. They said they could cut down wood so that it would fit in a car, but not polystyrene! It was suggested that I bought a saw, went out side, cut the polystyrene down to size then returned the saw for a refund! Ok, makes sense, but why not cut it down for me! If anyone from B and Q can answer that for me it would be most helpful!

As I didn't feel inclined to cut it down outside or buy a saw they lost a sale!

This was taken over the weekend, we are camped very close to this, China loves it, but she could do with longer legs to see over the heather!

"China" dog after a long walk, keeping guard at the front window just got too much for her!

Now that what I call a cider press!

Currently sat awaiting the apples which should start to be pressed this Saturday, we may have to  go and watch!

Well, that's about it for now, time to get the day started.

Till later.................

Carry On Blogging!

Sounds like it should be a film! Just need Sid James, Hatty Jakes, and Kenneth Williams to make an appearance, but alas they are all gone.


However, after the amount of messages that I have received, either on the blog, via email or via Twitter I shall carry on writing about our life in a caravan.


But, I will not be letting on as to our where abouts, this will be kept a under wraps as I'm sure you have gathered there are folk out there that have nothing better to do with their time than to cause us  unnecessary hassle. Which we can both do with out.


When we exhibit at any of the shows in future we will give out locations, and if we feel a write up is required about a camp site once we have left then of course I will give a full and honest account of our experience.


I hope by doing this that it is not viewed as running away or that we have something to hide, we are open as a book, my email address is shown on each page and if you want to contact us direct you only have to ask. But for reference our email is bakers_cottage@btinternet.com


I am also willing to talk to anyone, email me and I will give you my mobile number.


But we  feel it is necessary to protect ourselves and camp site owners from uneducated folk.


A big thank you to all who responded to our last post, it was a surprise and most humbling that you all seem to like my ramblings, regardless that for most of the time they have very little to do with living in a caravan!


Its been a busy couple of days, and my heart has not been into writing, but tomorrow, as I am at the caravan for most of the day I will endeavor to catch up with all that has happened over the last few days and our rough plans for the weeks ahead.


Thankyou 


Till later.................

The 28 Day Rule For Living In A Caravan Full Time

Peoples attitudes to things they neither understand, nor have dealings with on a regular basis always manage to amaze me, with their lack of judgement and jumping to conclusions making problems where there are none.


I am referring to the 28 day rule, which means that you can stay with the site owners consent on a campsite for 28 consecutive days, at which point you must vacate for at least 48 hrs.


Some sites have a 21 day rule, so obviously this would come into force at the designated time.


Now, one of the reasons why this blog is in place is to show people, that you can legally and I'm now going to say this again "LEGALLY" for the designated period as mentioned above stay on site with the owners consent.


It doesn't matter that you are on holiday, doing the grand tour of the UK, retired or like us, working and not sponging off the Government either by asking to be housed or by claiming benefits! 


We have clearly demonstrated over the last 12 months that it is possible to do, and to be honest with the minimal amount of fuss or hassle.


This blog is designed to tell it how it really is, to show how we do things, which may not be technically right, but it works for us, and if it doesn't we tell all.


I've also tried throughout this blog to show that we act responsibly, care for the environment that we live in and leave such a small carbon foot print that it is negligible. And at all times remain within the rules, regulations and laws that are laid down clearly for all to see.


So imagine my horror when I heard through the grape vine that we have been spoken about as breaking the rules and regulations!


This I found extremely upsetting and my initial reaction is to stop publicly blogging.


We are doing nothing wrong! Or are we? Maybe in some peoples eyes we are? We have nothing to hide, and I'm sure you will agree that we are open, possibly to open. Anyone who has ever emailed us for advice has always got a straight answer.


I am mystified over all of this, and it leaves me feeling somewhat sad to say the least.


I am now unsure as to whether to carry on publicly blogging or not, your views on this would be most welcome!

Miracle - Awning Down And Packed In The Dry!

When "M" got in from work last night we managed to get the awning down, all folded up neatly and packed away without getting wet, muddy or blown away!


Considering we have had heavy downpours on and off all day and the wind has been gusting well, it was nothing short of a miracle that we managed to do it!


As we don't have any storage close by anymore, everything that we don't need has been packed away in the trailer. It really is quite surprising how much extra gear we seem to have, such as extra chairs and tables etc. Plus all the other bits and pieces that make life more comfortable.


The other good thing about the trailer is that the awning does not need to be compressed it can be folded and laid in flat squares approx 4ft x 4ft and the poles are left at their full lengths, saves time and trouble trying to figure out where they all go!


We are only taking the small porch awning with us for the weekend.


I intend to pull off site for 1200 hrs today, and be at our next site by 1215 hrs! It is just down the road!


"M" being at work all day, it's down to me to hitch up and move out on my own, but assisted by the ever faithful "China" dog.


She really isn't liking the cooler weather, and is currently curled up still under her blanket! She is not a morning dog at all.


Not too sure what sort of Broadband signal we will have down at our next location as we are down in a bit of a dip and in a wooded area, so it may be Monday before I can catch up.


Hope you all have a great weekend, and get out camping!


Till later...........

Not Another Move! Handing Back Our Unit

Today we handed back our unit, it was 500 square feet of space with an office built into it. Loads of space that we managed to fill!


It took a bit of doing, but we managed to get everything sold and today we handed it back over.


The reason for it, well, it was costing us too much, it was very handy just being up the road, but not cost effective, especially when we can rent somewhere alot smaller but also alot cheaper!


So today, was our last day there. Just two collections of items were left this morning, and they both turned up when they said they would.


I sold all my books, there were over 100 boxes, and it filled the base of a long wheeled transit van to 4 boxes high! When he drove away he ground out the back step on the ramp entry into the unit! I helped him load, but I wouldn't fancy unloading it all the other end, I should know as I did it when we arrived at the unit!


In some ways its sad to leave it all and sell everything off, but in other ways its a positive move, a clean slate, we have been carting some of this around for a while now, all the time we have been full timing and even back to when we had our house in Shaston!


So now, we just have two cars, two trailers, and a caravan, ok, the two trailers need a bit of working on, but its far simpler now! 


We also have secure storage a few miles away, where we can store things that we just don't want to get rid of!


I'm still looking for a proper job! I say proper, what I mean by that is one that is regular, pays a regular wage and at the end of the day I can walk away from and relax and not have to think about it. Wonder if this actually exists!


I'm awaiting to hear back from one company which I'm hoping will be a green light for a complete and total change in direction. So far so good, so we will have to wait and see.


In the mean time I'm still busy with the gardening, with a recommendation from an existing customer to do more for some one else they know. So that's good news. It would be nice if this was full time, but being realistic it would only ever be a bit of extra money, even though its good money! I also hope to be able to carry it on if I do get a proper job!


"M" is off on a training course today, they are getting a new computer system in at her work, which sounds as if it will create a bit of confusion to start with, like all new things it takes time to get used to it, but I'm sure it will all work out in the end!


Our large blue trailer now has its roof back on and is back in action for the winter, during the summer we never used it as we had the unit close to hand, but now that we don't, its being put to good use. Its 8ft long and around 4ft wide. A drop down tailgate and lockable doors. I bought it 3 years ago for £80 and its worth every penny.


The only thing I've done to it is place two large pallets into the back to keep everything up off the deck and that lets the air circulate as well. Its waterproof up to a point, but I wouldn't want to put anything into it that would get damp easily, but brilliant for storing the awning for a few days and the chairs/tables etc.


When we go to the show we are lucky that the farm where we are allows us to leave the trailer secured up under some tree's out of the way. Very handy!


On a different note our Twitter account @caravanliving has just reached 400 followers! Not sure how or why but thanks to you who follow!


Why use Twitter, well for me it's instant. I've a memory of a goldfish, and as things happen to me through out the day I jot them down on Twitter. If I didn't I would no doubt forget them. So they get tweeted! Most of these observations or "tweets" as they like to call them are not worthy of going into the blog. So feel free to find us with the user name of @caravanliving 


Well that's about it from me for today, tomorrow I'm packing up and moving down the road, whilst "M" is at work. One day she will forget where she should be and drive back to the site to find me not there! Its the sort of thing I would do, but as "M" still wont tow the caravan, its unlikely to happen!


Till later................

Autumn Is Here!

A wet and windy night last night. We are pitched near some tree's, not underneath but with this strong wind near enough for the seeds and small branches to be blown onto our roof of the caravan.


It sounded as if someone was playing pinball on the roof last night! Thankfully the awning is in one piece, I think that the extra ratchet strap to the centre pole at the apex did a good job.


The awning comes down tonight, so lets hope the wind drops for that little exercise, or "M" will be doing Mary Poppins impressions across the field with a mass of awning material!


We are off tomorrow to our last vintage rally of the season, and its just down the road at the Cross Keys Inn at Mannington. Not too sure how many engines will turn up, but we are going come rain or shine! I would of put a link to the pub but couldn't fine one!


The season of exhibiting has come and gone really quickly, and we have had alot of fun, made new friends and had an amazing time. All from the comfort from our caravan


I often get emails from folk who are thinking about or planning going full time in a caravan, which is great. I love being able to feel as if I can help in some small way to help others to a better way of life.


We have certainly seen a benefit and I only wish others would have a more open mind towards living in a caravan full time.


I often read through various forums, and am still surprised by the amount of negative comments that are given from those who are seeking advice. I saw one piece of advice recently that suggested that living on a site would be too costly! Not too sure how they came to that conclusion. The worst thing is that this was from a caravan related forum from a presumed caravanner!


Maybe they are fortunate enough to have their house paid off, and retired, but with the ever increasing household bills etc Im sure that £300 site fees its still less than their house running costs.


Im all for debate, but to comment in areas without first understanding or infact thinking about the costs is to me rather daft and negative to those who are seeking a different and better way of life for them.


When we had our house which we rented, our running costs were well over £1200 per month and escalating rapidly.


Im sure that some folk do not understand the cost of living these days. I personally feel sorry for the people just starting out in life and trying to get a foot on the ladder. Near on impossible in this climate!


Our situation is that we are mid 40's both from previous relationships where by we walked away with nothing or very little. So we are starting again. There is no way that we would still want to be paying a mortgage off when we are past 60 and finding a large deposit, well thats a joke in itself! Why have the mill stone of a house?


So if you are reading this and thinking about the possibilities, then stop thinking about it and start planning it! Be positive!


Any help that we can give you to make it happen we will, you can contact me direct via email at bakers_cottage@btinternet.com or leave a comment on the blog. Either way Ill get back to you as soon as I do.


You wont be alone, there are a few of us full timers out here that are willing to solve problems if you come up against anything and the advice will always be POSITIVE!


So please feel free to get in touch!


Till later................