Michael the hitchhiker...

Well I've left Caithness with a heavy heart and a St Christopher... I had just a perfect week and saw and learnt so much of an area of Scotland I knew nothing about.  I met some lovely people local and not local.  But now my journey continues.

I have reached Sutherland and made a pit stop in Tongue after dropping off my hitchhiker...! I know, jeez Nicci what you doing?! But he reminded me of my son and I felt sorry for him... His name was Michael and he was from Holland.  He was travelling like myself only 30 years earlier than me! Anyway I do believe I have a good judge of character and I feel he was more fearful than me when he stepped into the beast!  The roads are single lane most of the way with random passing places and hills so steep we had to lean forward! Milo rested his head on Michaels shoulder for most of the journey, no doubt peeved Michael was blocking his view!

I have no internet except until my coffee is finished at this The Tongue Hotel, therefore early blog.  Tonight we will wild camp and tomorrow we will continue to reach the west coast of our journey :)

Tick tock...

Whoa up late! 8.15, must have been tired.  Had a lazy morning then went off exploring on the moors and found lovely pool in the river. Milo had a fun swim then we headed back to the car through the long grass and bracken.  When we got back in the car I said to my friend oh look at the little money spider on my hand, it was on Milo's head... Ugh oh that's a tick he said! Then I found another one, at this point I am rather histerical and feeling itchy all over just wanting to rip all my clothes off! Straight to pet shop and spent a rather small fortune on frontline medicine.  I still feel itchy now and can't stop inspecting Milo :(

Came back through Wick, took some harbour photos and some of the old ice stores.  Then went to Campster and saw the old burial mounds.  Now to me they looked like a delivery of gravel for a new drive, but apparently they are stacked quite appropriately! Back in the car, heated seat on of course, and had a yummy steak pie from the butcher 'Bews' who used to supply The Queen Mother, delicious!

Now in my last bath with a glass of champagne and to then sit down and plan my route for my departure tomorrow.  Milo and Me won't know what's hit us when we get back in the van...

Dirlot

Wick

Ice Store Wick Harbour

Birds of a feather...

Not such a lazy day today.  Sort of went back on myself and took a run out to Dunrobin  Castle, which is back near Brora where I stayed last week.  Quite a stunning building with fabulous gardens and a beach for Milo :) I got to meet Andy who does the Falconary display and even though all who know me know how terrified of birds I am, I sat through the whole display and loved every second of it, I learnt so much. I had a walk through the gardens and then had coffee and smoked salmon on toast with Andy and his wife.

On the way to Dunrobbin Castle we stopped at a lovely little harbour in Latheren Wheel and had a walk around for a photo opportunity.  And on the way back from the Castle we stopped for fish and chips in Golspie.

Probably not going to get to Orkney the price is working out at £110 return and after spending £105 on a new battery funds are low.  So now just planning a route around the west coast :)

Salmon run...

Lazy day today.  Got up late, well 7.30, which is late in my world. Had coffee, bacon and eggs.  Sat around for most of the day procrastinating, knowing that I had to sort out my battery situation. Eventually late afternoon I took a trip up to the local agricultural garage, whom I had phoned earlier, to purchase the battery.  The mechanic said it looked as if had been stolen as no damage to door.  He then tried to fit new battery and after a few electric shocks had it installed and running!

Went for a little run back to Loch More and took a photo of the salmon run, very impressive.

Went for a meal this evening to the Ulbster Arms in Halkirk with friends, very pleasant. Came back to lovely mug of hot chocolate.

Spoke to my mum this morning and she questioned me as to why I had hot knickers and what had I been up to?!! Explained to her that they were literally airing on the aga...!

Hottest Knickers in Caithness...

Short blog tonight, getting late and not had my bath yet, running it as I write.
A spot of sight seeing today around Caithness, popped into the tourist information office for details on my next destination of the Orkney Islands.
Met a lovely local gamekeeper and his family and had a tour of the estate.
Had cold meats and vegetables for evening meal, got some washing done and 'dried'...and now ready for bed.  Told you it was a short blog tonight...!

Second disaster...

So I'm lying in a hot bubbly bath with a long, cold vodka and tonic whilst the minted leg of lamb slowly roasts in the aga... And to be honest I deserve this after today...

This morning started well.  I woke with the sun peeping through a slit in the shutters and came down stairs to a hot milky coffee.  Milo and Me set off with map in hand to find Dunnet Bay.  When we arrived the sun was still shining so off came the wellies and socks and I let my toes see summer for the first time since my journey began :) We stayed on the beach for a good two hours playing ball and admiring the coast line.  Then we decided we were too close to John O' Groats to not visit.  So off we headed. We got the tourist photo at the sign post and sent a postcard to my mum.  Met some friendly tourists and had a little walk around.  Soon it was time to head back and that is when my next disaster occurred....!

I was really low on fuel so decided to stop at one of the extortionately overpriced petrol stations.  Not only are they overpriced they are very short on space! Unfortunately my back end got stuck on some kind of metal guard and in a panic I drove forward, thus removing a large chunk of my side rubber edging and part of my gas vent cover! Seriously I am not going to have much van left at this rate. I was so embarrassed I drove away on empty.  We did return later in an unmarked car to check for property damage and cctv...! None of the above.  I haven't read a paper for ages but can imagine some local headlines 'cyclist found in ditch with leisure battery embedded in his head' 'Caithness fuel station shut down due to idiotic English female motorhome driver'

My friend took me for a drive around the stunning area of Caithness which is only spoilt by the bloomin' stupid wind turbines...!

Lady of the Manor...!

Disaster...

Sadly I left Brora today, we had a lovely spot for our van and a tremendous time on the beach.  This morning we sat on the sands for about an hour throwing the ball and watching the seals, we had the beach all to ourselves, even signed the sand :)

We had a quiet evening last night,  made a pan of Scouse, enough to feed the whole site! Read some of my book, tidied out a cupboard which I had just been chucking everything into then had an early night.

 Milo woke me at 6.15 this morning so we are exhausted now.  We left the site at about midday and I stopped at the local pub to check my emails.  Then we headed towards Watten to visit my friend.  The road was extremely winding and very, very steep in places, quite scary but beautiful scenery.  We arrived at about 2pm and that is when disaster struck...! When I stepped out of the van I noticed that the outside cupboard that holds my leisure battery was open and I'll be dammed the leisure battery was not in the cupboard, just a couple of wires hanging! I just wanted to cry! I was tempted to drive all the way back searching all the ditches but was unsure as to whether it had fallen out or been nicked...?! So here I am no battery and will now have to find somewhere to buy a 'cheap' one and get it fitted.  On a good note I have had a luxurious bath eaten good food and am drinking champagne...

Brora

Get the bikini on...

I think I've found my favourite campsite, Brora, right on the beach :) am going to stay here forever!

We ended up sharing our lovely little lay-by in Invergarry with two other late night arrivals, they were a bit noisy but we didn't complain! We left the lay by in Invergarry and just started driving North, didn't even realise I had passed Inverness until we had passed it! Before we knew it we were beside Loch Ness, it's massive. My driving is getting a bit better, even managed to overtake a big truck! Stopped off in Evanton and had a bowl of soup in the van and gave Milo a quick walk.

Then we arrived in Brora, the campsite is lovely and we got a great spot right next to the golf course. When we walk to the beach we have to look right as we cross the course! The beach is stunning, could be in the Caribbean if it were warmer, though the sun has been shining :) we practically have two miles of coast all to ourselves, Milo is loving it.  I even saw a seal swimming near Milo this morning, tried to video it but didn't press the right button! If this sun stays shining I might throw on my bikini!

Had a pleasant evening, cooked mince and mash and watched a dvd (when I eventually figured out how to work it!) When I was washing the dishes I saw  a rather good looking farmer on his tractor out the back window, was tempted to say hello but he drove off into the sunset...

Went back on the beach this morning and also did some hand washing, must remember not to try hand washing jeans again, hard work! Now sitting in a pub (drinking coffee) just to get wifi!

My son said I should put more photos up, so am going to try and create an album :)

Brora Beach

Loch Ness

Stressful bus journey...

Am possibly having my first low point so far, which is not bad as been travelling for over two weeks.  We are sitting in Macdonalds car park in Fort William using their free wifi.  The campsite we planned to visit is full so not sure where we will be tonight (possibly still Macdonalds!).

Last night was a bit dull. When we left the cafe we took a short cut back to the site along the beach, was much nicer than walking on the road. Back at the van we had no internet, no TV, no friendly neighbours and a helicopter overhead for nearly two hours!  Milo is terrified of helicopters and hid under the driver seat most of the night.  I did manage to use the laundry facilities and even tumble dried stuff. I then read some maps and went to bed.

This morning we had a lovely walk on the beach and then caught a bus into Oban.  Milo was so well behaved for his first bus journey :) We had a walk around Oban and a quick coffee before catching the bus back.  On the bus back Milo couldn't fit on the floor by my seat too well so he sat on the seat next to me.  He was very quiet and very still but a man came up to me and said I should be bl**dy ashamed of myself!  Then the man behind him said he was an arrogant b***d and to ignore him! Then the lady behind him said of the second man he had got it the wrong way round! He then basically told her to shut up! Don't think I'll be travelling on buses again, too stressful.

Before we left Oban, David from The Oban Times newspaper came to visit us to write a piece in his paper.  He told me they have over 40,000 readers so possibly one could be my Mr Right! Well I think I'll move on 'cause Mr Right ain't in Macdonalds car park...

Milo the otter!

My magical castle...

This malarkey writing the next day about yesterday is frustrating me so am just going to write as and when I can.  I have only got 38 minutes of Internet connection as the site I have just arrived on has no wifi! So I trudged to reception to enquire and the lady said just walk one mile to next village and the little cafe is open until 8.30 with free wifi.  Was more like 3 miles and not a single pavement on the way.  Saw a lot of smashed wing mirrors in the ditch and could only assume they hit some poor pedestrian like me! I am staying at Oban right on the beach at North Ledaig Park. The drive from Killin was pretty spectacular.  The views over to the islands are stunning and Milo has been in the sea already. It is a very open site and I do feel la bit like a goldfish in my van! I am going to attempt to get a bus into Oban tomorrow with Milo, that will be a first for both of us!

Yesterday before we left Killin we went for a walk in the woods by the camp.  We stumbled across what I can only describe as a derelict castle, it was quite magical, but alas no Prince Charming...

We spent most of the day in the van as it rained constantly, I did get some 'housework' done though.
Have to stop writing now as cafe closing and getting bitten to death by midgies!

Need to buy a hose...

We left Dunkeld early yesterday and headed for our next destination Killin.  I was quite impressed with the 'beast' as it only took us just over an hour.  It was a lovely quiet drive and we only had one car stuck behind us.  It did get a bit hairy scary at one point when a big coach came towards us on a very narrow stretch of road.  We had the Loch and a steep cliff on our side, the coach stopped to let us pass and I honestly didn't think we'd get through.  I had to open the window and pull in the wing mirror and edge through whilst breathing in! The trail of cars behind the coach were practically applauding!

We arrived at our site and checked in.  We stopped at the water point to fill up and there was no hose just a tap.  I just stood there like a numpty wondering how to get the water into the tank.  Apparently I'm supposed to carry a hose to do this but there has always been one on the tap previously.  I ended up borrowing one from a friendly motorhome neighbour :) talking of friendly motorhome people I have discovered that when on the road all the other motorhome people wave to you! Trouble is my eyesight is pretty rubbish and I keep waving at random white van drivers!

We set up camp and walked into the village to buy supplies, stopping off for a coffee in a little cafe. I stupidly bought bags of shopping forgetting I'm not at Tesco in my car and had to walk all the way back to the van with Milo and heavy bags.  Arms like lead when we got back.

Later we went for a walk down past the cemetery, that was a little boring! So we headed on down a track. We headed further down this long long track not knowing where it would end up  until we got to a clearing and found Loch Tay... Stunning view.

As it was Sunday yesterday I cooked a lovely meal. Got two pork steaks and took them outside and battered them in a bag with my big claw hammer on the van step! Then slow cooked them with yummy gravy and mash, had two helpings so good :) and Milo got the scraps :)

Wild camping...

So I left The Devils Lodge in East Neuk yesterday and headed to Dunkeld.  Yet again I forgot to flick on my car battery, everyday I forget something, oh and I forgot to top up water supply.  Sat nav went on strike again, but luckily I am familiar with the area.  And, yet again I had a small army of cars trailing behind me as I trudged up the Perthshire hills!

I arrived in Dunkeld about midday and headed to a recommended car park by the river.  I was intending to park for the night but the swell of the river and the forecast of torrential rain persuaded me to move on. I found a lovely secluded car park behind the cathedral and set up camp.  Milo and Me then headed into the town and came across a salmon tasting event at Dunkeld Smoked Salmon, delicious.  Then we headed to The Taybank pub (dog friendly as on walking in Milo jumped straight up to the bar and placed his head and two front paws on the bar and was served a dog biscuit) I had a bottle of beer and free use of the Internet.  Lots of people stopped to admire Milo and we had a lovely evening chatting to various people.  Milo eventually fell asleep at my feet so we headed back to camp.

The car park was empty except for us which was ok during the light.  Then it got dark so I put Milo on 'bad guy watch'.   I woke up at about 3am with the torrential rain which was made worse by the fact we were parked under a big tree.  It was like someone dropping stones on the roof.  Eventually I couldn't stand it any longer so fired up the engine and moved away from the tree.  Got back into bed and lay for ages wondering if I'd switched off my headlights... Got back out of bed to check and I hadn't!

This morning we had a long walk through the woods by the catherdral before heading off to our next destination...

Making friends :)
Did get some more photos but stupid internet won't let me upload :(

Today will be tomorrow...

I have decided it is probably wiser to write my blog the day after 'the' day... But this blog is today! And I will write about today tomorrow! And I've already written about yesterday so I don't really have anything to write... Confused? I am! Basically I will write tomorrow about what I have done today. Just hope I can remember it all :)

I am still enjoying myself.  It is hard work moving around all the time and fitting in with certain restrictions. I also can't believe how quick the time is going.  And I can't believe how many different baths and showers I've had! I've been fortunate enough to have met three perfect gentlemen so far, who have all treated me like a lady (my sister Pip is probably laughing out loud just now).  I've been wined and dined and had some truly good conversation. Milo has also made some lovely new friends.   But my journey continues...

Devils Lodge yesterday

Old friends...

Wow that was some rain last night! So loud in the van but I loved it.  Milo and Me slept till nearly 9am, which is a massive lie in.  We pottered about in the van this morning and then went to meet my friend Sonya, from my flying days.  She lives in Elie right near the beach so we had a lovely walk with our dogs.  Even though I hadn't seen her for way over 20 years it felt like just yesterday. She made lunch of meat pies and lemon drizzle cake, she's a little treasure :)

I was at the back of my van this morning and couldn't understand why my bike rack was bent, then I remembered reversing into an oak tree when parking up in Ayr! Hey ho.  Am quite pleased with myself at managing to get the van onto the stabilising chocs, no mean feat when you on your own!

Just had home made spaghetti bolognaise and now watching classic film The Long Good Friday.  The wind is really picking up now, getting stormy. Hope my van holds up! Milo is all tucked up and very sleepy, he is rather pleased with himself at the moment as he has just received  a rather large bag of Burns Pet Food courtesy of Mr John Burns :) only the best for my Milo x

Milo and Me at Elie Beach

Short and sweet...

Am so very tired now.  Just eaten, just caught, fresh today crab, had wine and watched dvd American Sniper.  All in all a good evening.  Milo is crashed out after swimming a marathon with Rebus, his new friend. So I am now climbing the ladder to my much awaited bed... X

Milo upfront at Shellbay

Van separation...

Last night I slept in a house for the first time since leaving and it felt strange, I think I've got van separation issues! I had a lovely long hot bath and fell into bed at about midnight. I'd found a bottle of cocoa butter cream in the bathroom and thought it would be nice to smother my face in it... So did Milo!  This morning I've taken advantage of the washing machine and Internet connection.  Oh and the Tassimo coffee machine :)

So after catching up on three loads of washing I took Milo into the town centre.  Not a good move, he doesn't much like traffic and did his dead dog impression part way down the high street.  After gently persuading him to move we arrived at the park.  I didn't know there was a pond full of ducks.  There weren't many ducks left once Milo had taken a running jump and belly flopped in! He then did his shake off the water move just next to a family sitting on the grass enjoying the peace and quiet.  Fast exit to the furthest point away after profusely apologising.

We then met my best friend Sue for a coffee and wandered around the shops whilst she was in the hairdressers.  Not much fun for me as not allowed in most shops with Milo,  I did contemplate wearing dark shades and pretending he was a very badly behaved guide dog! I was allowed in one shop, Mountain Warehouse, where I purchased a micro towel half price :)

Was quite depressed meeting Sue out the hairdressers looking all glam and me looking like I've lived in a motorhome all week...

Milo and Me after the duck pond

Bath time...

Yeay! Have arrived at my best friend Sue's house for a well earned rest! Am now in Perth for a couple of days (my old home town) and feel quite at home.  Milo has settled in well and has found a comfy spot on Sue's couch, after eating the contents of her bin! Sue gave me a tour of her massive house and I gave her a small tour of my van.

This morning STV news filmed us at Craigie Gardens Campsite and we drove down to the beach to chat to the locals.  Although most people were not local and were there on holiday. We left Ayr with a temperamental sat nav which only kicked in after about 10 miles, luckily going in the right direction. I must get used to this slow driving, after driving like a formula one racing driver for the last 30 odd years I'm now lucky to hit 50 without the curtain rails buzzing and vibrating!  The only vehicle I passed today was a JCB and even that was tough uphill towards Perth. Milo was the perfect passenger and either watched out the window or slept on the back seat, I do wish he could drive the van!

Had a lovely FaceTime with my son and sister, which rather confused Milo. And now off to have a big bubbly bath :))))

Milo whilst I drive

Locked out of van...

I really need to have my wits about me with Milo.  Today he learnt how to lock the door when I left the van for a moment, I had to reach in through the open (luckily as keys in van) driver window! Yet again up very early this morning and had another walk in the woods.  Got lost though and ended up in a different campsite! Bit of a long walk back.

One night at Kippford Holiday Park was not enough so hopefully I will return one day.  The Dumfries area was an excellent choice to visit and meeting Peter and Paul was worth the visit, true gentlemen.

So now I am in Ayr for one night.  I am being filmed by STV news tomorrow morning...! The drive here was fine until my sat nav kept telling me I had reached my destination at a cemetery.  I took Milo for a walk down by the river and of course he jumped straight in, add the rain and now I have one very wet dog in my van urgh! I tried to cook chicken nuggets in the oven tonight but it kept blowing out and I got so frustrated that I ended up pulling the handle off the oven door! Then the fuse to heat the water kept disconnecting so I had to stick it with blue tack, which didn't work for long so I had to boil a kettle to wash my smalls!

This mornings view

Ziggy and Duke

How to pee quietly...

This morning started oh so badly!  Milo left the van to do his 'business' and returned looking like half a chocolate lab! He'd found some sort of cow pat and my God he stank.  Tried to catch him to hose him down but he was having none of it.  So I had to get dressed and walk down to the beach at 7am and chuck him in the sea.  He thought this was fabulous, just hope he doesn't think it can happen every morning. He still smells a bit.

So I left my friends house after a lovely two days of a little luxury, and travelled a total of three miles to my next destination!  So I'm now settled in Kippford for one night and have received a lovely welcome.  Milo has made two new friends Ziggy and Duke, and has zonked out on the couch after a long walk in the woods.  I'm thinking this really is Scotland's Riviera Coast, the scenery is just stunning and the beaches are wonderful.

My friend provided takeaway pizza and pear cider, just lovely.  And we spent the evening chatting about our beloved dogs :) Now I'm settled in my van but it seems the neighbours are having a bit of an outdoor party, and I'm sure they can hear me pee...!

Smelly Milo

Kippford sunset

And the adventure continues...

I am still in Portling in favourable company! I've had a bath, washed my hair, washed my clothes and even had them tumble dried! I've got electric hook up and internet connection all is good. I will be sad to leave I've been so spoilt.  But my journey continues.  I am travelling towards Ayr tomorrow and have booked a site through The Caravan Club.

I watched my interview on ITV last night with Matthew Taylor it was broadcast on the Ian Payne show and wasn't as bad as I expected! I hope I didn't make a show of myself. Some lovely people involved in the show.

Milo has spent most of the day in the van again as he is still terrified of Millie, although he did brave up and approach her in the garden this morning.  I took Milo to the beach and he absolutely loved it, we stayed for about two hours.  This evening I was presented with a lovely home cooked meal and a glass of Pimms by my new friend Peter. And he even helped me put the blocks under my van wheels so I can sleep horizontally tonight!

This adventure is providing me with oh so good days and oh so what have I done days...

Need a holiday...

What a crazy 24 hours.  No internet connection last night, hence no blog. So yesterday I left the Lake District and headed for Scotland. I arrived at Gretna after getting a little bit lost in the lakes as my sat nav packed up on me. The lanes were so narrow and windy I think I brought a few tree branches with me! I arrived at Anvil Hall about three hours later than anticipated and parked up in a very lonely car park with no power.  I cooked a slightly unfresh pasta meal and watched the charge on my mobile quickly dwindle.  I slept in my clothes just in case!

Heath, the owner of Anvil Hall arrived at 9am and kindly let me charge up my mobile and iPad and gave me a tour of Anvil Hall, it is quite stunning and if I didn't have my heart set on a wedding in Italy I would choose Anvil Hall. Matthew from ITV Cumbria arrived at about 10am and we filmed the interview to be broadcast on the Ian Payne news show. It was a strange experience. But Matthew was lovely and put me at ease.

I then left Gretna and headed along the coast towards Portling ( stopping off at Sweetheart Abbey) to meet Peter and his dog Millie, my new friends.  Millie is about 6 inches high and Milo is terrified of her and will not leave the van! Hopefully I can persuade him to come to the beach tomorrow. I am staying here for a couple of days and will sit down tomorrow and plan next weeks route, I hope! I am exhausted and feel I need a holiday...
(Tried to upload blog Friday and it's now Saturday urgh!!)

Left the Wirral...

Milo and Me actually left the Wirral today! Having had two nights at Wirral Country Park Caravan site which is about two miles from where we lived. We are now in The Lake District, therefore no Mum, Son or Sister popping in with items I'd forgotten to buy or just sitting with me having a cuppa. No this is real now.  We really are on our own. In the woods.  Miles from civilisation... Ok there are hundreds of other campers! But I don't know them, yet!

Before I left the Wirral I stopped at Aspinal Caravan shop to buy some car type fuses.  The very friendly shop assistant asked me what size I wanted, I duly held my fingers a half inch apart and said about that big... Er no he said, 10 amp 15 amp etc! Then he shows me the fuses available and I declared that I had found a box just like them in the van but thought they were curtain hooks! He was not surprised I had not left the Wirral yet.

Anyway I had a quick coffee with mum, sister and son.  They all hugged and kissed and cried with Milo and then said tarah to me! And off we went.  And here we are...

Chasing rabbits...

Well I woke up this morning and hadn't rolled off a cliff so all good.  I did get locked in the toilet for about 5 minutes as I couldn't unlock the door, I was just doing it wrong! And I'm sure Milo will eventually realise that I haven't left the van when I go in there and will not always cry at the door.

I put Milo on his new screw in the ground leash this morning while I made a pot of coffee.  Then watched him spot a rabbit and literally rip the screw out the ground and belt across the camp site dragging the 20 foot leash and screw around all the vans.  I ran out in my pyjamas trying to catch him and saw a man sitting in his deck chair just shaking his head.  Poor Milo has a nasty gash on his tummy from screw :(

I gave an interview for a national magazine this afternoon, to be published in about six weeks.  Joe interviewed me on site in the van.  Am sure I ended up saying too much, kept hearing myself say 'oh but don't print that...'

I'm heading to the Lake District tomorrow, sat nav says 2.5 hours so I'm giving myself about four hours! Mainly because the site I'm going to has informed me their approach road is being closed off at 6pm.

Milo's favourite spot people watching :)

Day one...

Short and sweet tonight as I am totally exhausted! Moved out of my house and into my motorhome today! And this is my view today...

The last supper...

Well last night was fine, slept well and so did Milo.  I do believe I can actually do this! I had a few hiccups! Forgot to fill toilet with water! Couldn't find drain tap for sink water, couldn't ignite fridge from gas, have a wobbly table top, didnt realise sockets don't work on van battery, and keep tripping over the dog! But I have sorted it all and am sure I will stop tripping over the dog.

Ben from The Sunday Post wrote another lovely article on Milo and Me although I'm certainly not lonely!

I have just about cleared the house and have just had my last bath :( and my next door neighbour came round with a goodbye gift for me and Milo, so sweet.

So tomorrow I have to be out the house at 11.30 and will then head off to my local campsite for one night before I hit the road up the West Coast :) I will more than likely be travelling rather slowly, the 'beast' doesn't do speed.  I also don't know how regular I will be able to write my blog if I don't always get internet connection, hopefully it will be ok most of the time.

I went for a lovely meal with Pip, my mum, my son and his girlfriend this afternoon (probably the last decent meal I will have in a long time).  I got a lovely photo of us all and now I am feeling a little bit sad...

Practice night...

I'm in my van!! Ok I'm in a lay-by about 1 mile from home, but I'm in my van! Milo is curled up on sofa one and I'm curled up on sofa two.  My mum and Pip have just left having popped over with a Chinese takeaway, and they took away the dirty plates too.  So here I am having my first practice session and so far so good.  Although the sun is still shining and it's far too early to go to bed.  And Milo did spend the first hour thinking I'd parked up to take him for a walk. And he did get a bit upset when I went into the bathroom and shut the door, he couldn't quite figure out where I'd gone!

Pip made a fantastic job of my fur padded steps up to my 'bedroom' and my mum very kindly bubble wrapped all my keepsakes for storage. I managed to put nearly all my bits and pieces in the van and still have space available.

I've just realised I'm parked rather close to a bus stop... Hopefully limited service at weekends! Milo is being the perfect guard dog and barking ferociously at everyone who happens to walk past, which pleases me. Well no bath tonight :( but will get to bed early, just hope I sleep well...

Very productive day...

As usual woke up early, but then the duvet I had hanging over my window as a curtain had fallen down during the night.  When I opened my eyes, for a split second I thought I'd been burgled, then I remembered I'd sold all my wardrobes and dressing table and the mayhem on the floor was just my stuff!

At 8 am I was re covering the last seat pad, which Milo thought would be nice to just have a little snooze on. At 10 am I took my little KA for a clean ready to be sold at Wirral Small Cars (who are just a fabulous company). Then at 11 am I went to Browsers Emporium in Hooton in the search of a wooden ladder (which are not sold in shops due to health and safety, I do wonder how people used to survive life!) anyway they didn't have a ladder and on the way out I spotted some scrap wood resembling a ladder, it was in fact the side of a wardrobe.  After about 30 minutes of sawing, drilling and nailing the wonderful member of staff 'Bruce' had built me a perfect ladder, which will fit quite neatly up to my 'bedroom'. Pip then spent the afternoon padding the steps for my delicate feet and is going to add fur on tomorrow :)

This afternoon I popped over to my regular coffee shop and all the staff boarded my motor home for a  little peep round, I got a big thumbs up! Although when I drove away I'd forgotten to blue tack down my little herb garden (gift from my son as he knows I like gardening!) luckily no damage.

So all in all a pretty productive day, all seems to be coming together at last. Tomorrow I just need to sort my fridge out as it won't run on the gas and will apparently eat the electric ?!

Three days left...

Me and wine don't mix... The reason for no blog last night! And I only had a few glasses.  I slept badly too and woke up with a splitting headache, not looking great when the photographer turned up this morning to take some photos for the write up in The Sunday Post this weekend. But I think he got some good shots of Milo, I think he got one of Milo trying to climb out of the drivers window too!

I am absolutely exasperated at the moment and running round like a blue arsed fly.  I can't believe I've only got three days left and still so much to sort.  My head is a shed.  My sisters boyfriend showed me how to operate things on the motorhome tonight, cooker, fridge, water, heating, gas, TV, sat nav, electrics, fuses and the rest! I think it's all going to be trial and error for a while.  I'm still trying to figure out the gears!

I really need to be productive tomorrow and plan my day, I also need to ask for help and stop thinking I can do everything myself.  I did manage to put some bits and pieces in the van and am pleasantly surprised with what I can fit in the kitchen, although my clothes are another story...

This is a before shot and tomorrow I will post what I have actually done :)