Norwich

Incleboro remains my favourite campsite, especially if you get one of the secluded pitches. The weather was variable, but most of the rain was at night.

Several of the new items were great successes. The old cast iron BBQ has been recycled as a firepit,  small but delightfully effective.

The XMI small amplifier is brilliant.

For the sleeping bag, we chose a Coleman which was a much better fit and remarkably comfortable.

We visited Norwich, the finest feature of which is the Book Hive, Cromer and Sherringham. Sherringham's best pub is the Windham Arms,  which served the best pint I have tasted in several years, Woodforde's Norfolk Nog.

Bikes

We have started a Brompton Fund, but in the meantime, I have spent the day trying to resurrect an old Dahon we had in the attic. After spending around £45 (2 inner tubes £9; 2 tyres a bargain £20; a chain tool £8; oil and paraffin £3; and cleaning substances £4), viewing lots of YouTube guidance; and perhaps 5 hours' work in the garden, it sort of nearly works. It certainly looks much better than when it emerged from the attic.

Regrettably, it seems to be designed for people shorter than me and I will not be able to pedal it for any distance in comfort.

And here's another thing, our neighbour, across whose entrance the Puck must be pushed took delivery yesterday of the materials for what I assume will be a patio. The have been working hard today (much harder than me) and there is hope that our exit will be clear for Norfolk on Wednesday.

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.