Penn Street

Today has been all about Marge! She's been fitted with new front brake pads, had a new oil filter and fresh oil, and the nice young mechanic even adjusted her hand brake. And, dare we say, John appears to have sorted out her immobiliser problem. Right Marge, we've done right by you, treat us kindly now please. 

It was early afternoon by the time we got around to calling on some more people we needed to catch up with whilst in the area. We were tired from two late nights and two early starts coupled with our worries about Marge, but didn't let this spoil our day.

Tomorrow we will once again be focused on Marge. We are off to Chippenham to discuss her having a paint job. Any particular colour Marge?

Tonight, though we are staying at Penn Wood in the heart of the Chilterns. The pretty village of Penn Street is nearby. The area is classed as one of outstanding natural beauty. That natural beauty is sadly being invaded by the construction of HS2, the largest rail infrastructure project in Europe. All around the landscape is scarred. Trees have been felled and homes demolished. The effect is devastating. Horrendous. The spiralling cost obscene. 

Before we leave tomorrow we will make time to take a walk through some of the beautiful woodland behind us. The area is protected thankfully from the excavatours that tear up the land nearby. You never know, we may even come across a chicken of the woods fungi. Now that really would make John's day!

Askett

The sunset last night, fifty shades of pink, just went on and on whipping the clouds into it.  Spectacular. Thank you, West Kirby, for this brilliant light show and for welcoming the vans to stay a night for free. In return we made sure we spent money in the town. Easy isn't it local councils, we stay, and the local businesses gain! We spoke with a lady in one of the other four vans and with a local man, both keen to hear about Marge and her travels. She never stops drawing a crowd. Meeting and talking to so many different people are one of the joys of our travels. The night air warm, many local people walked out along the promenade until quite late. We ended up retiring to bed a lot later than intended, sitting with Marge's side door open enjoying the warmth of the evening whilst we looked across the river Dee to a thousand Christmas lights twinkling over on the coast of north Wales. 

Early next morning we were awoken by the refuse collectors and workmen working on the sea defence. Walkers and joggers passed by their pounding feet sounding out. We caught snippets of conversations. 'You'll be alright'. 'In September'. 'And I said to her'. 'Huff, puff, puff'. What does that mean? It's the sound of exercise Marge. 

Our drive south to Buckinghamshire was long but without too much traffic. We stopped for lunch at a service area on the M5 where many of the people looked like Glastonbury suspects.

We were glad when we finally arrived at Askett where we would once again spend a night in Marge on John's sister's driveway, but not until after we'd enjoyed a lovely home-cooked meal whilst catching up. Good food, and good company. You can't beat it. 

Askett

Are you well Marge? On seconds thoughts don't answer that we'll presume you are. We've been home six days now, time for another trip. Originally we had planned to head to Scotland, but we are waiting to help Angela's son with his house move which could now take place within a couple of weeks so we need to be closer to home.

First stop the dentist in High Wycombe for Angela to have yet another broken tooth repaired. The weather took a turn for the worse upon our arrival at High Wycombe, resulting in some rain water seeping into Marge. She's not good with heavy downpours.

Our first overnight stop of this trip was Askett where we parked Marge up on John's sister's drive. Lovely here isn't it, Marge? What a beautiful garden. No midges to worry about here as there would have been in Scotland.

Before leaving home, John had fitted a side screen purchased from Ridgeline Van Equipment in readiness for an invasion of midges or mosquitoes. It means we can still enjoy the view when Marge's side door is open without being bitten by these annoying insects.

Tonight, we are staying on the Oxford campsite. Later this week we will move onto Stratford upon Avon where we will camp at the International Campervan Show at the racecourse. As an added bonus the International Overland Show is also on. It's going to be fun Marge.