Back on the road again
We’ve done it! I’m writing this from the car park of a Britstop pub (sorry folks no co-ordinates because if you want to come here you’ll have to buy the Britstop book, if you already have the book we’re at 742), so we’re back on the road again.
Jay finished work for the last time yesterday. While he would have loved to depart the office, rip off his shirt, jump into Zagan and drive off into the sunset, my lack of driving confidence meant he had to make do with departing a day later. That turned out for the best though as it meant we had a slap up farewell feast cooked by our best friends Jon and Sue last night. The personalised bottle of champagne we were given as a wedding gift was quaffed (we’d been saving it for a special occasion and they don’t get much more special than this) along with wine as we were spoiled with a three course meal, on a school night too.
This morning we both woke with thick heads, partly because we’re both fighting colds. It felt like Saturday, but then I guess it is for us now. Every day will be a Saturday for the rest of our lives. With no alarm to wake us we impressed ourselves by being up for 8am, breakfast and a brew before the great pack-a-thon commenced. We’d been putting stuff in Zagan over the past week, so today was mainly clothes, food and the last few bits and bobs, but it was still two trips in the smart car.
Finally we’d packed into Zagan everything we could think of, we still have an empty cupboard, but our clothes are scrunched up in bags so that will get filled as they are unpacked. We made the most of long, hot, unrestricted water showers (this is the cleanest we’ll be for months) then it was time to go. It was really strange locking up the Cooler, I felt really sad almost as if we were moving house and wouldn’t be back there. It’s probably because I love it so much in there, hopefully each time we go it’ll get easier. Being brave and not crying I drove us up to Zagan, took him out of his storage space and popped the smart car in. The smart’s front tyres like to flatten if you leave them too long, so we jacked it up and rested it on bricks and wood to take the weight off. The solar charger was plugged into the battery and we were done. We waved goodbye to the smart, filled up with water and that was it – we were off.
A couple of hours of driving in the sunshine with Charlie assuming his usual position (it’s like he has never been away) and we’re here.
It still doesn’t feel real, like we’re just on another weekend away. To take our minds off it we’re heading into the pub for some tea, I’ve had a sneaky peek at the menu and it looks like we’re in for a tasty treat.
Ju x
is that my boy charlie next to an owl cushion???
That’s brilliant. I haven’t followed you in real time before and I’m looking forward to it. Safe travels.
Clive
Table looks great and a big smile too – leaving the rat race seems to be working its magic already :) Good luck!
Fantastic. I’m so pleased for and at the same time so jealous. You are doing what everyone dreams of (again!) whether they admit it or not!!!
Wishing you all the best on your adventures. Hubby, I and the woofers arrived back home earlier this evening via the Santander Ferry to Plymouth :-( Five weeks has flown bye and I shall miss the freedom of deciding what to do or where to go today. Can’t say our trip was without its challenges but the few are overshadowed by the fantastic days we had. Now getting my head together as I have to make an appearance at work tomorrow, that’s gonna be a shock to the system! Will be following your blog to read about how you are getting along. ATB Megan
Finally get to see the table in actiom..love it
My guess is, the ferry is booked for Friday, today. South, south & more south! Happy days & best of luck.
Wayne & Angie
And so the fantastic journey begins…. Have wonderful time and stay safe, oh, and leave every country as you find it!! Take care we will all be watching…..
Take care – have a wonderful journey.
Best we can do is the NEC motorhomeshow next Wednesday :-)
Dream on
Ian & Janette
Hi Guys, good luck on your adventures…did you remember to put Zagan on the weigh bridge? Let me know if you are planning to head to Switzerland would be good to press the flesh and break some bread ….safe travels
Bill Weir Luzern
Hi Bill, yes, weighed in and under weight but only by about 40Kg, (full water tank, empty loo, half tank of diesel, two people, dog, lots of food and water in bottles) so we need to shed some stuff. Andrew was right, too many darned spanners! And I need to lose weight! Switzerland may make it onto this year’s agenda in Dec, will shout up if it does mate. Cheers, Jay
Have a great time. Never followed ourtour live so really looking forward to seeing how it all works out and where you end up on your travels…..
Good luck on your tour. Looking forward to following your progress and hoping to be doing the same thing in a year or so!
Good to see you back n the road. You are looking great Ju – relaxing at home in Zagan! All the best for the travels. Our first tour plan is to spend a few weeks in the WWI area in April so I’ll be reading up all your France and Belgium info – hopefully manage to reach an equally relaxed state!
Best,
Robina