Tuesday 8th May
We arrived at the Walton on Thames site to collect our Caravan. One hour later after checking everything we left for a long drive of about 8 miles to East Horsley where we arrived at about 13.30. The sun was shining and there were a few cloudy patches but we were given a great site overlooking the Lake. We spent about an hour getting the van level. The problem was that there was a depression in the ground which was not easily visible and this meant the van leant drunkenly to one side. Anyway we fixed this and continued setting up the water, loo and gas and then discovered that the 12 volt system which drives most things was not working - Damn!
After fiddling and reading all the books for about an hour we realized that there was something wrong which we could not fix. This is not an unknown issue and the caravan site had the business card of a company that they thought might be of help.
We gave them a call and they will come tomorrow morning.The rest of the evening we spent sorting out our things and making ourselves comfortable. This has taken longer than normal as we had almost emptied the van of all items. We then made a quick trip to raid the fridge at our house in Weybridge. Dinner was Lamb Navarine and rice, very nice.
And so off to bed.
Wednesday 9th May
It rained overnight and the weather for the rest of the week looks a bit damp. Anyway the engineer arrived and half an hour later after having found a loose connection in the fuse box, now we are running full speed and all systems are go..
We put up our gazebo as the weather at the moment is not too warm and to put up the full awning might be too time consuming when we won’t use it . Following lunch we walked in to East Horsley and did some shopping and came across the American owned butcher who naturally sells US Grade meat. We used to buy from this butcher several years ago. Anyway we purchased two good US Sirloin steaks. So tonight it’s steak and salad for dinner..
I will miss the Chelsea v Manchester United game on Sky TV tonight unless it’s on the radio? We shall see.
We like this place and so have extended our stay for another 8 nights, its £10.00 a night for everything and very good value. Will take some photos tomorrow and put on the website.
Thursday 10th May
Well the weather is not getting any better!!. It’s still raining and looks to continue for at least the next week. Great.
We went to the Gym this morning and the Cheslea- Man U match was being shown again, that got the heart pumping.
Had to go back home to meet with a Chimney specialist to discuss what is possible with regard to our lounge chimney and fireplace. As part of our house renovation we have thought of moving our fireplace about two feet to the right and this could mean moving or changing part of the chimney. So we met a knowledgeable technician who said it may be possible, perhaps not the full distance, but certainly at least part of the way. It is our intention to remove the coal fireplace and replace with a modern gas fire which can heat the room quickly.
Went back to caravan for dinner and the heavens opened some more, I can’t think there will be any water shortage in our area this year, we shall see. On the way back to the caravan we stopped off in Argos and bought a LCD/DVD TV for the caravan and so was able to catch up with the news and watched a very interesting re-enactment type documentary about Saddam Hussain’s daughters who were married to important members of Saddam government. It was well done but finished late.
And so off to bed.
Friday 11th May
Well blow me we woke up and it was still raining, thinking of trading in the caravan for a boat!! Anyway we had decided to take a cross country trip to another Caravan Site near Redhill. It was well organised but not so attractive as East Horsley. After that we headed back to Cobham for lunch. On the way we passed the Chelsea Football Training Ground, Oh what a hallowed place!!! There was even some fans outside waiting to get player signatures
We had a quick lunch and did some shopping and then went back to East Horsley.
When will this rain stop? Today is our daughter Joanne’s birthday and we are helping her tomorrow with a BBQ at her home for about 25 people. Should be a challenge cooking if this rain continues.
It will be an early start tomorrow as we need to go shopping for the BBQ food with Joanne.
