We're on a road trip! .........

Hello there .........

OK, so this feels a little weird.  It's been such a long time since I blogged, and it's even longer since I actually did any crafting so, I haven't really had anything to share.

There is a reason for that however, life has changed a little over the last few months, let me fill you in.  That's of course if there's still any of you out there reading this.

You may, or may not, remember that hubby was made redundant last year, and although he did look for a new job, nothing seemed to quite hit the spot. 

So, to cut a long story short,  after a lot of late night discussions,  and many 'shall we do this' or 'maybe we shouldn't do this yet' conversations, we sat down, did some research and all the sums, and finally decided to turn this into an opportunity to do something we've been planning to do ever since we bought the motorhome ........ we're taking a year or so out to do some travelling in it!!!!  

Not sure where we'll end up, no real plan or route as such, we're just going to see where the road takes us!!

Let's face it, we're not getting any younger, and if we're going to do it then now is the time, whilst we're both relatively healthy.   Both kids are settled, have their own places and don't really need us that much so why not! (I do miss the grandkids though ...... thank goodness for video calls!) 

So, we spent a couple of months making lists,  organising stuff and packing the van ....... I mean what do you really need for 12 months on the road!!!  Time will tell if we got it right, although we're not doing too badly so far.

We packed up everything else in the house, and it's all gone into storage ...... boy! there was a lot of boxes.  

I won't deny that it was all a little scary the day the removal men came, and I did have a wobble or two, and wonder whether we were doing the right thing.

But, on March 16th 2024 we locked the front door for the last time, handed over the keys, said our teary goodbyes, and started out on Remi's longest trip yet.

Thankfully it was a lovely morning.  Blue skies and sunshine, which was perfect as we were on the early morning ferry.

It was a little sad to be waving goodbye to our little island but, we will be back, at some point I'm sure.

It was our first time on the new boat too which was exciting ...... it's lovely, and its so BIG!!

We had a great crossing. 

We're currently in our 6th week of  'van life' and we're loving it!

So far we've been to Newark in Nottinghamshire.  Our first port of call for Remi's annual service.

We had a walk into the town and down by the river

                                                                                   

And look what we found ....... what a selection!  That was the wine sorted for the next few weeks anyway.

We headed off to the Cotswolds next for a few days just to get back into the swing of van life again.  Then it was off to the Cheltenham and Gloucester area for what ended up as a very wet Easter weekend.

Next was Wells and Glastonbury in Somerset.   Wells cathedral was pretty spectacular .....

Hmmmmm ....... not sure they would let him play that!

We stayed at few nights at Longleat, right next to the safari park.  Then it was off to Salisbury for a couple of days to meet up with some friends, which was lovely, before heading down to Dorset.  

We're currently on the Dorset/Hampshire border at a really nice campsite called Back of Beyond.  It's our first time here but I can tell you, it won't be our last.  

It's so peaceful (Adults only), the site and all it's facilities are fab.  And, the weather is finally coming good ......... oh no, maybe I shouldn't have said that!!!

The weather hasn't been too kind to us since we came away ....... we've been through two storms, seen day after day of wind and rain,  and it's been so cold!  We even had hail at one point!  Lucky I brought my thermals with me.

The weather didn't stop us getting the BBQ out though ......

When there's fillet steaks on the menu its the only way to cook them

Perfect, eaten inside the van, with a nice bottle of red.  I can get used to this van life!

Sorry there's not more pictures of the places we've been so far.  Hopefully that will all change as time moves on.

We're starting to head North again at the weekend.  Cirencester, and back to the Cotswolds.  Broadway this time, one of our favourite places.  A quick stop off to see family again and then it's up to the Yorkshire Dales, and we're heading for Scotland sometime around the middle of May.

And that's as far as we've planned up to now.  We do have to be in Norfolk for the beginning of July but that's a while off yet so we can take our time and enjoy the journey!

I am hoping to blog a little more frequently again now that I've made a start, and you never know I may just start to craft a little once things settle down.  I have brought a craft stash with me albeit a basic one but, you never know, the old mojo may appear somewhere along the way.

Hubby also wants to keep a record of our trip, places we've been, our favourite spots, places of interest etc.,  so if you're interested in coming along with us watch this space and I'll let you know when its up and running.

Thanks for popping by ....... enjoy the rest of your day.

Cheerio until next time (hopefully it won't be as long a gap!)