02/07/23

We used DFDS ferries as they were the cheapest with 72hr either side flexi ticket. Only negative (other than it’s slower than the tunnel and would be somewhat unpleasant in rough seas) is that Corrie had to stay in the car in the hold. She was uber delighted when we returned. Whilst this is the first time she’s been left alone since Oscar passed, we think this was mostly to do with the fact that he would bully boy her out of the way.

For once the M25 behaved and it didn’t rain! We stayed with the Aged Ps in Chichester and Mum cooked. Lots of French cheese so I over ate!

03-04/07/23

We parked the Greek car up and swapped to our aging UK car. Thank goodness we kept that as we can not get fully comp on the Suzuki in the UK (Brexit). A couple of hours saw us in Andover where Jez has been stored.

Back to Woodlands Farm in Chichester where we filled with water. Switched on a tap and water started pumping out the length of the side wall. Shite! A local, and now much loved, motorhome service centre fitted me in that afternoon. The filter on the water pump had frozen during the winter and broken off. Whilst that was being repaired, the owner heard the fridge was trying to click on … we needed a new fridge burner. He would fit us in soon, despite a 3 month waiting list for work and he was going on holiday! So a big shout out for Reliance Motorhomes.

Our solar seemed also not to be charging our lithium batteries. And the new 3000 w inverter not working. So a drive back to Abacus in Andover. The inverter was ME! I’d flicked the switches the wrong way! Blame it on tiredness from the drive and not sleeping well.

The amazing Phil at wildcamping.co.uk suggested that we put Jez on charge for about 12 hours and if that didn’t sort it, to bring the van to him to check over.

05/07/23

Fortunately we ate that night at the Aged Ps again. More cheese and another food baby! And the next night we ate at Michelle and Craigs … another 3 courses and cheese!!!

We finished unpacking and sorting and moved to a nearby CS with hook up. With the car, it was a blinking £24!

We had a lundin (lunch / dinner) as a staff lunch to thank the Aged Ps for all their help. Mum collects prescriptions and emails post. Dad sorts and regularly drives the car. It’s never a Board Meeting as they would have too many rights and they’re not allowed to resign.

06/07/23

Congratulation to Sinead and Shane on the safe but very early arrival of Kylie May. She was due on 1st August but arrived 6 weeks early. Hence the speed crocheting! Blanket still not finished when we went up to see J’s newest grandchild. Lunch out, so I didn’t cook again!!!