Siddington

Around ten o' clock last night, perhaps a little too late we dropped Marge's new mosquito/midge netting side door screen.

The little blighters were coming for us, and being northern they were not so forgiving as southern softie mosi's.

What a beautiful place to wake up to this morning. The river Trent shimmered in the light breeze that blew over it. Boats cut through the water and our French neighbours sat outside for breakfast setting a perfect scene.  Unfortunately, this beauty spot was plagued by rubbish. A man did appear to empty the bins, but left anything around it and over the grass behind. Why? Angela couldn't stand to see the mess and did a litter pick around Marge. Every little helps. 

As we were a little off course, we decided to head west towards the Peak District an area Angela had visited as a child but John had never been to.

Our drive took us through the small town of Matlock Bath where we decided to stop for lunch, and it seemed that an awful lot of people had the same idea. But they were all well catered for. The town had six fish and chip shops, numerous ice cream and coffee shops. We walked alongside the river Derwent to escape the crowds and find some shade.

Returning into town we could see the cable cars silently ascending and descending from the Heights of Abraham, a show park with caverns. John fancied going up on it. Angela not so. Price, twenty-four pounds per adult. Suddenly John wasn't so keen. 

Buxton was to be our overnight stop. The traffic into the town was heavy and the overnight stop didn't make Angela feel comfortable. So sadly Buxton, with its beautiful architecture will have to be added to our list of places to return to one day. The drive out of the town was challenging for Marge. We weren't too happy either, we'd got used to rolling along nice flat gentle roads with slight inclines. Liars! Behave Marge, You'll be O.K. Perhaps not. Why is there a light illuminated on the dashboard. New brake pads please! One we'd summited the Peak District National Park the views were spectacular. Today was exactly the right day to take this drive. We could see for miles.

A landscape of green stretching and far-reaching views. Then a hill of 10%! Sorry Marge. What about poor old Angela? 

Tonight, we are parked with another van alongside Redes mere near the village of Siddington. Ducks and geese squabble with each other in the light of the evening sun.

It is pretty and we have one other van here with us. Meanwhile it's another night with the mosquitoes, but we don't mind they come with the territory. Today is the summer solstice, and we are hoping to see a fantastic sunset later. As for a quiet night. That will depend on the wildfowl.

Farndon, near Newark-on-Trent.

Late yesterday evening as we sat in Marge, we suddenly noticed the willow trees turning a subtle shade of pink. The sun was going down and the sky had turned a pink orange. Wow!

Today we were to drive to Peterborough for Marge to be assessed. The journey was unpleasant with lorry after lorry passing us on the fast roads. After a thorough diagnostic check, the very nice young man could find no reason for Marge's fault. It certainly wasn't a case of just replacing her ignition switch, which our local garage had suggested. Cost of the part over six hundred pounds before labour. So thirty pounds spent this morning was money well spent, even if we still had the headache of what could be the problem.

We were close to Stamford where we stayed two weeks ago, so returned there for our lunch. Then, as we were near to Rutland Water thought we'd park up there for the night.

The view from the little parking area was beautiful. The water still and reflective.

 Ewes with lambs ambled over to the gate inquisitive at our presence. Soon dismissing us in favour of nibbling at the dry grass around the gate post. On the gate three signs with the same message. Beware thieves operating in this area. Marge is too precious to us to be left in danger. So, Angela took a  walk whilst John stayed with her. Not feeling comfortable about staying all night John found a nice riverside park up about an hour up the road beside the river Trent.

By early evening Marge was settled alongside the river and soon attracted the mosquitoes. But the view was stunning and the weather glorious. Sadly there was mess everywhere from the weekend visitors. Why? But the spot will suit us for tonight. Us and a couple of full time van people and a French couple. That's the joy of the park4night app you never know where it will take you. We never intended to come this far north. But hey, here we are. We're on a road trip aren't we Marge?

Peacock butterfly caterpillars

Thetford

If Friday evening had been one of our best sunsets, then last night was one of our worst thunderstorms. We could hear the rumbling of the thunder as it moved in off the north sea, the wind increased and the temperature dropped and then the storm was upon us, right over Marge. Horrendous for nearly an hour!

The calm after the storm this morning. The sun shone and the boaters were out early.

After a phone call from the family was over, we set off for Thetford, less than a two-hour drive away. Back into Norfolk Marge. Our destination Nunnery Lakes Nature Reserve on the edge of the town where the rare creeping marsh wort plant can be found. Not long after our arrival another larger van pulled in. We talked at length with the owners about trips, vans, insurance etc.

Then concerned rain was threatening walked along the river Thet where we stopped to photograph the water lilies and a female muntjac (deer) as it sniffed around the base of a tree. Later we could hear the barking sound from one coming from the nearby woodland.

Then we climbed the ninety steps up to the top of the medieval mound which dates back to the eleventh century. It is the tallest medieval mound in England.

Many people may not know that Thetford and its surrounding villages were the film location for the Dad's Army series. And around the town there are references to this. Nearby Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft were the locations used if the sea was needed as a back drop.

Tomorrow we will take Marge to Peterborough where hopefully a man will cure her ills. She's still immobilising, especially when we stop for fuel. Hopefully by tomorrow evening all will be well with her.

Bawdsey (Day two)

The sunset last night was one of our best ever. Certainly, the best one we'd seen this year. Eight vans here last night plus some youngsters camping on the beach. One tent a little too close to the tide mark. From across the water the sound of music carried on the breeze. We all stayed up late, the evening so warm. Around two o' clock this morning Angela woke up. She could hear the waves lapping on the beach and voices coming from the far end of the beach. Oh dear. You didn't pitch your tent on the beach, did you? Oh well, when you're our age it'll be a funny story to tell people.

This morning the air felt fresher, although still warm. The view from Marge an everchanging picture, a mix of work and pleasure boats out on the river shifting slightly as once again the tide slowly started to creep back in.

Our plan today was to take the passenger ferry across to Felixstowe Ferry, but the light rain began to fall so we decided to spend a quiet day with Marge, walking out to the shingle beach in between showers where we collected shells to take home for our shell vase.

What a difference a day makes. Bring back the sunshine and warmth. And, we have no shops here. Please send chocolate!