Tuesday 24th June 2025

Before leaving the Blue Bell we had what they describe as a small breakfast. It was enormous! We had great difficulty starting the van when we were leaving.

We had a hold up free trip back to our house in Devon. We had done "No Mow May" but No Mow May and most of June looks a bit daunting. Many thanks to Steve and Margaret over the road for keeping an eye on our house and post while we were away.

Now it's  just a question of unpacking the van and going through the post.

The lawn can wait a bit longer.

Today we travelled 187 miles (301 Kilometres).

Our total journey lasted 54 days, we visited France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Spain. We travelled 3362 miles (5413 kilometres) plus however far we travelled on the ferry crossings from Dover to Calais and Santander to Portsmouth. 

Thanks to anyone who took an interest in our travels. That's all for now. Roger.

Monday 23rd June 2025

There was a lot of rain in the night and when we got up we found that the front skylight in the van had leaked quite a lot of rainwater. Ann mopped it up. We made a long journey south west and then west stopping along the way at a service area.

For a cup of tea.

We stopped for the day at the Blue Bell Cider House at Hockley Heath near Birmingham.

It's quite rural here. This is the view from the side door of our van.

The Blue Bell is beside a canal.

We decided it was a bit chilly to eat out here.

So we had some food inside.

The man with a beard on the left here is the boss at the Blue Bell. He is a Britstops Host and so well disposed towards campervanners. We are planning to try to get to our house in Devon tomorrow.

Today we travelled 183 miles (295 kilometres). We are at: N52.3658 W1.8131

The Blue Bell      Street View

 

Sunday 22nd June 2025

This morning we rode/walked the short distance to Jake and Julia'a house and spent a few hours chatting and so forth.

It seems that quite a few things around here are owned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. We are parked next to their public toilets!

This is their information trailer. Closed this evening.

This is their pub.

We went there for a meal this evening.

We had a very nice meal and everyone got very full up. Julia got a text from her new airb&b guest to the effect that she'd let her dog off the lead and it had chased one of Julia's chickens out of the garden and she knew not where!! Julia had to leave the meal a bit early to try to recover the chicken!

We've really enjoyed staying here. Thanks to Jake and Julia and to Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

Today we didn't go anywhere in our van.

 Saturday 21st June 2025

This morning, after leaving Broom, we stopped at the Sainsbury's supermarket at Biggleswade.

Someone drove their vehicle into the rear right bumper of our van and drove off without stopping - disgraceful! You can see the damage here.

We made the, much more pleasant than yesterday journey, north east and stopped for the day at Hickling. Here's the view from the front of our van.

There are plenty of waterfowl around.

Our parking place is a few hundred metres from Ann's son Jake's house. We met up with Jake, his son Joshua and his partner Julia and went to the pub next to our parking place for a couple of drinks. Later on we went to Jake's house.

Ann got to Jake's house on her scooter.

Here's Jake in his garden with a can of beer.

Ann looks a bit tired!

Here's Joshua.

We had a very nice picnic tea. Many thanks for your hospitality Jake and Joshi.

Later we went indoors as it was threatening to rain.

Joshua can do the cube in no time!

Jake has a dog.

And at least two cats.

Jake is a very laid back character.

Ann and Jake had a good catch-up with each other.

As darkness approached we made our way back to our van.

Today we travelled 117 miles (188 kilometres). We are at: N52.7470 E1.5677

Hickling    Street View

 

Friday 20th June 2025

We were parked next to this converted bus at Port Solent. They soon set off and we left shortly afterwards.

From Port Solent we had a nasty long journey north east. The worst bit being the notorious M25 which was seriously snarled up. We eventually arrived at our destination area. We visited the Jordan's Mill where our favourite breakfast serial is manufactured.

 Ann used to visit here when she lived nearby many years ago.

This is the old mill building.

Here's the new eatery area. We bought some of our favourite cereal at their shop.

We stopped for the day at the nearby Cock Inn at Broom. They have a camping field out the back of the pub.

It's been very hot today but it's much cooler this evening.

We went for a meal in the pub which was very nice. The Cock Inn is a member of the Britstops scheme which allows member motorhomes and campervans to stay for up to 24 hours for free.

Today we travelled 127 miles (204 kilometres). We are at: N52.0731 W0.2932

Broom   Street View

 

Thursday 19th June 2025

It's a long journey from Santander to Portsmouth. We have a TV in our cabin and have been watching BBC TV.

Ann whiles away the hours playing games on her smartphone.

Others spend the time playing bingo.

There are a few artifacts on this ship.

Eventually Portsmouth's famous Spinnaker Tower appears in the distance. After we'd got off the ship we parked for the night at Port Solent 8 miles from the Ferry Terminal. We are at: N50.8396 W1.0955

Port Solent     Street View