Thanks for your comments and emails, it's lovely to keep in touch with everyone.
Today we went to Oaktree Motorhomes for Bessie's makeover. It took all day, but well worth it. The friendly team were very patient and helpful, nothing was too much trouble and we even got our name put on, so we are now officially The Grape Escape. Oaktree have exceed our expectations .
It's dark now but will take a photo in the morning before we head off to Ian and Heather in Paignton Devon.
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Tuesday, 22 November 2016
Tuesday 22 November 2016
We said farewell to Pat and Les and started off on our solo adventures.
Drove to Hogs Head in Awsworth, around the corner from oaktree Motorhomes for the night in the pub carpark so we will be at the dealership first thing for couple of repairs to Bessie before we head off to our friends Ian and Heather in Paignton, Devon.
Plenty of room and nice and quiet. Huge menu, big meals at reasonable prices, I had turkey salad with enough meat and salad for two meals, Tony had gammon steak which was delicious £6.95 each we shared a treacle pudding £3.50. Pint beer £3.15 each.
Got talking to a lovely couple from Coventry who are caravaners, who motorhomed around America and going to Australia in January to motorhome for 6 weeks. We were talking so much a queue built up and we're asked very politely to move to the lounge bar and were given a free drink.
Great start to the Grape Escape.
Drove to Hogs Head in Awsworth, around the corner from oaktree Motorhomes for the night in the pub carpark so we will be at the dealership first thing for couple of repairs to Bessie before we head off to our friends Ian and Heather in Paignton, Devon.
Plenty of room and nice and quiet. Huge menu, big meals at reasonable prices, I had turkey salad with enough meat and salad for two meals, Tony had gammon steak which was delicious £6.95 each we shared a treacle pudding £3.50. Pint beer £3.15 each.
Got talking to a lovely couple from Coventry who are caravaners, who motorhomed around America and going to Australia in January to motorhome for 6 weeks. We were talking so much a queue built up and we're asked very politely to move to the lounge bar and were given a free drink.
Great start to the Grape Escape.
Sunday 20 November 2016
Ian and Sally friends of Pat and Les came over to check out Bessie nice to catch up with them and they brought 6 fresh laid eggs for us and Pat and Les from their chickens. Yummy.
Went to the local indoor bowls club to watch Paul Pats(son in law) play, good game, came 2nd.
Had very generous roast lunch with choice of about 10 puddings, sadly dinner was huge couldn't fit any more in.
Watched tennis final from O2 stadium Murray vs Djocovic, Murray had the win and stayed No 1.
Went to the local indoor bowls club to watch Paul Pats(son in law) play, good game, came 2nd.
Had very generous roast lunch with choice of about 10 puddings, sadly dinner was huge couldn't fit any more in.
Watched tennis final from O2 stadium Murray vs Djocovic, Murray had the win and stayed No 1.
This is belated photo of our first dinner just Bessie at Grange Park with Pat and LesSaturday 19 November 2016
Stunning day, crisp but sunny with clear blue skies. Cooked first breakfast of bacon and eggs, packed up to leave 10.30, Tony drove off chocks successfully so another first accomplished.
Drove back different route to Lincoln visit quaint little village of Burton with 700 year old Yew hedges, gorgeous countryside.
Back at 69 Mr and Mrs Fixit strike again, sorting out TV, dash cam and immobolizer. thanks zone much, couldn't have done it without you.
Watched fantastic point for point tennis semi with Murray and Raonic, Murray eventually winning. Followed by rugby NZ 21 - Ireland 9 good to see ABS back on winning form.
Another successful day in Bessie thanks Pat.
Drove back different route to Lincoln visit quaint little village of Burton with 700 year old Yew hedges, gorgeous countryside.
Back at 69 Mr and Mrs Fixit strike again, sorting out TV, dash cam and immobolizer. thanks zone much, couldn't have done it without you.
Watched fantastic point for point tennis semi with Murray and Raonic, Murray eventually winning. Followed by rugby NZ 21 - Ireland 9 good to see ABS back on winning form.
Another successful day in Bessie thanks Pat.
Friday, 18 November 2016
Friday 18 November 2016 Grange Park, Messingham
Spent yesterday sorting out heating after a cold night, having been swamped with so much new info we got brain fag and couldn't work the heating, which had worked so well the night before. So had a very cold night with a one bar electric heater borrowed from Pat and Les.
Rang Oaktree Motorhomes and a very helpful Jason and Dave got us sorted, now fully up to speed on the whole heating system and hot water wheew.
It has been quite a stressful time with so much to learn and take on board, and can understand the words on Pat and Les motorhome Ruby sticker saying 'Adventure before dementia '!
Had our first fill of diesel £1.11 per litre best prices at supermarkets.
Our first trip overnight at a good campsite here on a golf course with great facilities. Had our first dinner party in Bessie tonight, Pat brought the chicken kebab entre and we cooked the main, which was meatballs in sauce cooked in oven bag with stir fry veg and noodles. The bag started to crumble so required surgical assistance for recovery to be able to be served. Pat again came up with the extraction method, she sure knows stuff.
Meal enjoyed with a lovely drop of Spanish red wine from Aldi for under £4 per bottle.
Have kept up with new from NZ and the latest 7.8 earthquake, hope everyone is OK and no damage.
Rang Oaktree Motorhomes and a very helpful Jason and Dave got us sorted, now fully up to speed on the whole heating system and hot water wheew.
It has been quite a stressful time with so much to learn and take on board, and can understand the words on Pat and Les motorhome Ruby sticker saying 'Adventure before dementia '!
Had our first fill of diesel £1.11 per litre best prices at supermarkets.
Our first trip overnight at a good campsite here on a golf course with great facilities. Had our first dinner party in Bessie tonight, Pat brought the chicken kebab entre and we cooked the main, which was meatballs in sauce cooked in oven bag with stir fry veg and noodles. The bag started to crumble so required surgical assistance for recovery to be able to be served. Pat again came up with the extraction method, she sure knows stuff.
Meal enjoyed with a lovely drop of Spanish red wine from Aldi for under £4 per bottle.
Have kept up with new from NZ and the latest 7.8 earthquake, hope everyone is OK and no damage.
Wednesday 16 October 2016
Big day fitting out Bessie, everything we brought over plus everything we had to buy has gone in with room to spare, wheeeww! After our worries of 'payload' our Bessie has provided us with plenty so very pleased and relieved. Thanks to big sister Pat for all the little extras, tips and space saving ideas for getting Bessie ship shape and homely
Biggest issue was trying to get breakdown cover as she is 7.04m long and being over 7m no one would give us cover except RAC and we had to join the camping and caravan club but that not a bad thing. So alls well that ends well and we have full cover for UK and Europe, thanks to the RAC.
So with all the extras we wanted and great handover from Jason at Oaktree Motorhomes with many notes taken, we are almost ready to go.
Biggest issue was trying to get breakdown cover as she is 7.04m long and being over 7m no one would give us cover except RAC and we had to join the camping and caravan club but that not a bad thing. So alls well that ends well and we have full cover for UK and Europe, thanks to the RAC.
So with all the extras we wanted and great handover from Jason at Oaktree Motorhomes with many notes taken, we are almost ready to go.
Saturday, 12 November 2016
12 November 2016 - 1 month retired
Tony has celebrated his first month of retirement and is wondering where the time has. We have done so much since packing up the house and flying over here to UK and almost ready to pick up our Bessie on Tuesday.
Have been staying in pat and Les's Autotrail Dakota which has been a good learning curve for our adventures head.
Made the most of a stunning winter day and took the bus into Lincoln for some signtseeing of historic tourist spots, many buildings dating back centuries.
As you will see in the photos Tony has decided to grow a beard for the first time in his life, so far this is a work in progress .
For me it's been lovely to spend some special time with my sister. Pat and Les have both been extremely helpful in getting two novice motorhomes geared up for the pick up day. so between them and Elizabeth and Paul in Tauranga we should have a good idea of what lies ahead. Thanks to everyone for travel tips and ideas which we hope to put into practice along the line.
Have been staying in pat and Les's Autotrail Dakota which has been a good learning curve for our adventures head.
Made the most of a stunning winter day and took the bus into Lincoln for some signtseeing of historic tourist spots, many buildings dating back centuries.
As you will see in the photos Tony has decided to grow a beard for the first time in his life, so far this is a work in progress .
For me it's been lovely to spend some special time with my sister. Pat and Les have both been extremely helpful in getting two novice motorhomes geared up for the pick up day. so between them and Elizabeth and Paul in Tauranga we should have a good idea of what lies ahead. Thanks to everyone for travel tips and ideas which we hope to put into practice along the line.
Friday, 4 November 2016
Finding and buying necessasities
This week we have been looking for all the things needed for inside,outside and most important trying to get someone to Insure us. Huge job and very time consuming.
However most accomplished, major one being the Insurance cover wheew.
So just a few more essentials then ready for collection on 15th.
Next week we can have a bit more of a relaxing time in prep for our big fit out and first venture in convoy with Pat and Les.
However most accomplished, major one being the Insurance cover wheew.
So just a few more essentials then ready for collection on 15th.
Next week we can have a bit more of a relaxing time in prep for our big fit out and first venture in convoy with Pat and Les.
Monday, 31 October 2016
Sunday 30 October Lincoln
We saw an eye catching motorhome for sale in Nottingham, rang to mke an appointment for test drive at 1pm. We said farewell to Jenna and Alex and they drove back to London. Pat and Les drove us to Nottingham in their motorhome to give it a run.
Took one look at all the extras and decided there and then this was the One! After a thorough look and standing guard from other interested couples lingering with intent, we had our test drive, and with advice from Les our brother in law we signed the dotted line to become the proud owners of our first motorhome.
A 2008 Bessacarr E560 with everything we wanted and more fitted and ready to go.
After service and MOT pick up on Tuesday 15th November. All on track and very pleased with our our purchase.
Drove back and off out to local for celebration drink 👍
Took one look at all the extras and decided there and then this was the One! After a thorough look and standing guard from other interested couples lingering with intent, we had our test drive, and with advice from Les our brother in law we signed the dotted line to become the proud owners of our first motorhome.
A 2008 Bessacarr E560 with everything we wanted and more fitted and ready to go.
After service and MOT pick up on Tuesday 15th November. All on track and very pleased with our our purchase.
Drove back and off out to local for celebration drink 👍
Friday 28 October- Drive to Lincoln
A normal drive time from London is 3-4 hours, today with very heavy traffic a long, slow 7hrs 30min. Poor Jenna but we arrived safely which is the main thing.
A good catch up with Pat, Les and Ena and a good sleep in our home for the next couple weeks, Pat and Les's motorhome Autotrail dakota. Very comfy and warm.
We have been very lucky with the weather, warm dry and sunny. If it stays like this we will be well pleased. Spent the day on our hunt for our motorhome but nothing around nearby. A fun evening playing Rummy Cub and takeaway kebabs for dinner, Jenna and Alex stayed at the local Ibis both nights.
A good catch up with Pat, Les and Ena and a good sleep in our home for the next couple weeks, Pat and Les's motorhome Autotrail dakota. Very comfy and warm.
We have been very lucky with the weather, warm dry and sunny. If it stays like this we will be well pleased. Spent the day on our hunt for our motorhome but nothing around nearby. A fun evening playing Rummy Cub and takeaway kebabs for dinner, Jenna and Alex stayed at the local Ibis both nights.
Friday, 28 October 2016
Yealands Leaving gift
Today is a relax with Jenna and Alex then to Clapham to enjoy one of Tony's leaving gifts from work. A voucher for a new restaurant Knife.
Oh what a night, small, intimate, friendly but not intrusive steak house . Enjoyed mouth watering steak at its best with a delicious Yealands L5 Single Block Sauv.
Oh what a night, small, intimate, friendly but not intrusive steak house . Enjoyed mouth watering steak at its best with a delicious Yealands L5 Single Block Sauv.
Thursday, 27 October 2016
London
Had a lovely lunch and catch up with Fiona, then we strolled back though Green Park, past Buckingham Palace, The Queen was in, the Mayor was just leaving with his enterage and we watched the guards change. Popped into the Royal Mews shop for a little look, then train back to Streatham Common.
When Jenna and Alex got in from work, we walked to the Bull Pub, where Alex's parents met us for dinner. The waiter opened a bottled of Prosecco and another toast to Tony's birthday and Retirement, this is a birthday with many happy returns.
This is no ordinary pub, it is a gastro pub with an amazing menue and we all had delicious meals , thanks to Steven and Noemy. It was a great evening and a pleasant walk back home.
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
26 October 2016 - London
Tony's birthday/retirement surprise.
We discovered that my UK sim had been discontinued by Vodafone for not being used since our last visit here April 2015, which was annoying after having all those business cards printed. Not to worry, Tony's number is still in use so that's ok.
We bought a mobile wifi device and spent the morning setting that up, that's one thing we can't 'escape' technology haha.
After lunch we took the 4 minutes walk to the station and like all good wombles, took the overground , underderground and wombled free around London town. For those that remember the wombles of Wimbledon.
At Victoria we took a bus so we could see the sights and heard Knightsbridge, Harrods! Well we just had to jump off and have a nosey around there didn't we. Didn't realise it had such an Egyptian influence, with columns and carvings with engravings right out of the pyramids. Probably due to its owner.
We walked, bused, underground then bused again, around the huge Hyde Park and down the very long Oxford Steet, relaxed watching the crowds of shoppers and workers busily rushing around at the end of their day, Tony enjoying retirement mode.
It gives you an appreciation of how populated greater London is with 14 + million people.
Arrived early at our meeting place with Jenna and Alex so headed for a lovely old pub, as you do, we had a 550ml Nut Brown Ale £5.50 then Alex arrived so we went across St. Giles Square to Zizzi's restaurant. The square was surround up high rise new office and apartments which stood out from the old pub across the Tottenham Court Road.
Jenna arrived after work and we had an enjoyable Italian meal which was very reasonable average £12 mains, we headed to the Theatre and the surprise show was Motown the Musical.
Their friends Kelly and Dan were there and it was a very good show and we had great night out. Thanks to Jenna and Alex.
We discovered that my UK sim had been discontinued by Vodafone for not being used since our last visit here April 2015, which was annoying after having all those business cards printed. Not to worry, Tony's number is still in use so that's ok.
We bought a mobile wifi device and spent the morning setting that up, that's one thing we can't 'escape' technology haha.
After lunch we took the 4 minutes walk to the station and like all good wombles, took the overground , underderground and wombled free around London town. For those that remember the wombles of Wimbledon.
At Victoria we took a bus so we could see the sights and heard Knightsbridge, Harrods! Well we just had to jump off and have a nosey around there didn't we. Didn't realise it had such an Egyptian influence, with columns and carvings with engravings right out of the pyramids. Probably due to its owner.
We walked, bused, underground then bused again, around the huge Hyde Park and down the very long Oxford Steet, relaxed watching the crowds of shoppers and workers busily rushing around at the end of their day, Tony enjoying retirement mode.
It gives you an appreciation of how populated greater London is with 14 + million people.
Arrived early at our meeting place with Jenna and Alex so headed for a lovely old pub, as you do, we had a 550ml Nut Brown Ale £5.50 then Alex arrived so we went across St. Giles Square to Zizzi's restaurant. The square was surround up high rise new office and apartments which stood out from the old pub across the Tottenham Court Road.
Jenna arrived after work and we had an enjoyable Italian meal which was very reasonable average £12 mains, we headed to the Theatre and the surprise show was Motown the Musical.
Their friends Kelly and Dan were there and it was a very good show and we had great night out. Thanks to Jenna and Alex.
Sunday, 23 October 2016
23 October 2016
23 October 2016 – London
While walking around the Rookery in Streatham Common we came across a community garden that were having an apple crushing to make juice then into cider. Bit of unexpected fun no samples offered this time round.
While walking around the Rookery in Streatham Common we came across a community garden that were having an apple crushing to make juice then into cider. Bit of unexpected fun no samples offered this time round.
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