now up to date

I have finished posting the previous entries.

We have today booked Norfolk for May and France for July.

Regarding the previous wish list:

bikes, toaster, chairs (suitable for eating with the table outside), a small toolkit, a first aid kit, a larger sleeping bag, BBQ tongs, a set of bulbs for the car and the van, mirror, install a new socket for the all-night radio (on my pillow speaker), speakers for the ipods, perhaps a small TV.

•  The bikes are probably out for now - 2 Bromptons (even on eBay) amount to a large wad;
• toaster - which are not much use, for once, so probably a cheap and compact supermarket own-brand;
• toolkit - here's a start;
• first aid kit - done;
• sleeping bag - it is remarkable how much larger the Puck's bed is than the VW camper's -  still looking;
• tongs, probably these;
• bulbs - definitely needed for France;
• socket - no progress yet;
• speakers - these look good;
• TV - probably not, while we're waiting for the UK to resolve its digital future. Either take the laptop or consider a DVD player.

15th April 2011

Back today from three days in Brighton . The weather was ocassionally grey but it only rained a bit.
For some reason (plain blind luck last time, I expect), it took even longer to put up the awning, but the next outing should be a breeze (subject to the efficacy of pound-shop masking tape) as I have labelled the components comprehensively.

The new Cadac Safari Chef gas barbeque was a marked success, providing a late night stir fry after a visit to the Little Theatre for Time and the Conways on the first night. Then griddle chicken (pictured) after a day of wandering and preliminary house-hunting. Finally a grand breakfast before setting off this morning. It is light and compact, works beautifully in all its modes, and cleans easily.

The shopping list for the next trip includes: bikes, toaster, chairs (suitable for eating with the table outside), a small toolkit, a first aid kit, a larger sleeping bag, BBQ tongs, a set of bulbs for the car and the van, mirror, install a new socket for the all-night radio (on my pillow speaker), speakers for the ipods, perhaps a small TV.
We have pencilled in Norfolk for May and France for June and September.

30th March 2011

The first outing went very well and the camp site, South Lytchett Manor, was excellent.
The awning was rather a struggle but we'll get better at it. And we should have taken a torch. The old charcoal barbeque worked quite well but I have ordered a new gas model for the next outing.


We parked beside the splendid and ancient VW and Puck combination at Clacket Lane on the way back. [snaps to follow]
The van is currently stored in front of the house where it is a snug fit.

[9 Apr 2011] The Pro-Tec cover arrived on 7th and looks very well made.

24th March 2011

The list of tasks is progressing well. Now a list of stuff.
cutlery tin opener corkscrew bottle-opener plates and bowls washing up bowl (safeway?) w-u liquid and scrubber radio heater bbq charcoal burner and gas hookup lead pot noodle beer wine marinated chicken veg tea towel saucepan milk chopping board and chef's knife large tea cups tea bags coffee and technology of choice beer glasses wine glasses griller microwave matches pillows sleeping bag blanket torch toilet paper kitchen paper wash bags and towels a small amount of clothing maxwell's silver hammer laptop and ipad cameras

14th March 2011

Bought a 2003 model from Poole at the weekend, and will pick it up on 26th. Between now and then, I need to:

• buy a number plate for the Puck - ordered on eBay 14/03, £4.94, arrived 16/03.
• buy one of those wing mirror extensions that allows one to see past a caravan - £3.99 on eBay, not much use.
• insure it - caravanwise £163 - Caravan Club £216 - safeguard £225- Simple (via gocompare) £160 - done
• get a towbar fitted (2x7-pin with al-ko): indespension £307, booked in for 23rd - Tow Bar Centre £315 - Towbar Express no reply. Done.
• clear the fitting of the tow bar with the car insurer - done
• find somewhere to keep it - Norsted Manor Farm, Orpington, no reply and they all look rather expensive. Plan B, keep it at home: thus, remove a small wall - done.
• book a camp site near Poole for the first night - probably South Lytchett Manor, done.
• organise the stuff we need to take (BBQ etc.), see above.
• learn to tow
• sort out the cash - done
• order a wheel clamp - ESL Stoplock from amazon, received 23rd.
• consider a cover - Pro-Tec, ordered £200, 4 weeks.

Feb 2011

We sold Gerald the Camper this year after 15 fun years and, after toying with the idea of a teardrop, intend to buy a Puck.

• UK dealers
• Poole second hand
• Eriba forum
• little guy
• teardrop summary

intro

I started this blog recently on a website but I'm toying with the idea of moving it to Blogger.

I will add the existing entries with headings of the original date, then carry on from there.