Category: Motorhome

Meeting friends in Vass

Had a lovely surprise today as we were on our way to go sailing, Lesley spotted Pat and Jo walking back to the Cosmos Hotel. We met them some years ago and have enjoyed their company on several occasions over the years but we hadn’t expected to see them this early in the season.

After a a short sail we went to the Cosmos to say hello to Vasiliki and Daphne, met up with Pat, Jo and Eamon and also met Mr windsurfing – Peter Hart, who was holding a week clinic at the Neilson centre.

To Bergues

First leg of the journey done arrived 7pm French time.

Eurotunnel was as simple as ever, arrived early and had choice of earlier times at no extra cost so we took the 15:50.

Smallish campsite surrounded by HGVs from a travelling circus. A little worried that the site was full. However no problem. Warden only speaks French so a good chance to practice. A little unsure of her instructions to turn the motorhome around and park on the road.
Stats:
Mileage: 270
Travel time: 5 hours
Weather: grey, some light showers 10’C

Carsington Water

Windsurfing day

Dry but cool and windy morning as we packed things away so that we could drive to the reservoir. Parked up at the Water Sports Centre and Mel set his kit up for windsurfing. Brightened up a bit with some sunshine in the afternoon as Mel went out on the water. He enjoyed the windsurfing and it stayed nice all afternoon and was actually warm in the sunshine. Packed away about 4.30.pm satisfied with the afternoon’s sailing.

Carsington Water

Running and biking

There had been some rain over night but not too heavy so we weren’t kept awake. Had another lie in and then we both did a run going out the back of the campsite this time but still ending up at the reservoir. Les ran clockwise across the dam wall to the Sailing Club and back to the campsite (about 4 miles) and Mel did the whole circuit again in an anticlockwise direction. The weather was dry and some sunshine this morning.

After lunch we both went on the bikes across the reservoir dam wall, past the Visitor Centre and Water Sports Centre following the lakeside until we branched away to Carsington village. We then took the road to the village of Wirksworth – some uphill and then a very steep downhill descent to the village itself. Quite a busy place with a selection of shops, banks, post office etc. and some through traffic. We continued on after a quick break and turned off the main road towards Kirk Ireton. This was a very undulating route and our legs were burning with lactic acid build up by the time we got back to Blackwall.

We settled down for the evening feeling quite tired and had our evening meal and watched TV.

Carsington Water

Running and biking

We had a lie in this morning – we always seem to have a good night’s sleep in our cosy bedroom in the motor home! The weather was reasonable – dry at least so we set off to Carsington Water – Les on the bike and Mel running. We did the circuit of the reservoir (about 9 miles) anticlockwise and then back to the campsite for lunch and showers.

In the afternoon we walked back to Carsington reservoir along the dam wall and went to enquire about windsurfing at the Water Sport Centre. Then we went to the Visitor Centre and had coffee and scones in the café. Nice afternoon – bit of sunshine as we sat outside watching some young people trying their hand at windsurfing and sailing.

We walked back to the campsite and had our dinner and watched TV.

Cheadle 4

Went to Cheadle 4 race in the motor home and parked up early at the school. Les ran the race route as a training run and Mel did the race starting at 10.30.am. After Mel had completed the race (in 27:08) we set off for Blackwall Plantation Caravan Club site just past Ashbourne and near to Carsington Water. We arrived just after 12 pm and chose our pitch. We set up and after some adjustment with the satellite receiver and the motor home the TV signal was strong enough for a good picture. We settled down to watch the Gentlemen’s Singles final at Wimbledon – Murray versus Fedderer; unfortunately Murray lost but it was still a very good match. Mel watched the highlights of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone whilst Les prepared Sunday dinner – roast chicken and rhubarb crumble) which had mostly been cooked at home)