God, how boring am I? Not much to report really bus-wise unless you're interested in trips to Tesco and a drive round the block every couple of nights. I don't react well to this time of year and this year is worse than most. The long 6 weeks off seems to be centuries ago & the black dog has been humping my leg good style. Not been sleeping well & worrying about not sleeping, not enough money, feeling guilty about feeling down when I've so much to be grateful for and other things all resulted in a trip to the GP. A prescription for little blue pills (no, not those little blue pills, stop sniggering at the back) has resulted in better sleep but a weird numb mental state for the past week. Don't suppose that any of my perceived worries are any less but I can't even muster the angst to worry about them - pathetic really.
Yesterday was a glorious day. Tatton Park with Ann (my beautiful wife), 2 out of 3 sons and 2 out of 3 grandkids was enough to chase even the blackest dog away. Playarea & picnic by the lake was heaven on earth. The memory of it now makes my heart ache to do it again & again & again and I know that we will. I need it.
Today was a bbq in Crewe with friends and family. Andy, Gemma et al, the world is a better place for knowing you. I'm rich indeed in things that you cannot put a price on. Guilt come from knowing that sometimes I can confuse priceless with worthless - my problem, no-one elses
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
6 night tour - high wind stopped play
Ann (my lovely wife) conceded that she was willing to go away int' bus for a week. Wore her down again, didn't I? Cornwall was favourite but once we realised that it would cost us an arm & a couple of legs in petrol alone, a closer alternative was needed. A little research later and the Llyn Peninsula in north Wales seemed to fit the bill. Cliffs, coves and decent waves for Ann, Stu and the bodyboards. 130 miles away instead of 330. All we had to do was to substitute laver bread eating Welshies for bearded pasty munchers (that sounds a bit rude) and all would be well. Ann also expressed a desire to see the wonders of Shell (suit) Island and while I just refuse to stay there overnight ever again, we decided to find somewhere nearby & visit the Island for the day. Maybe Saxo engines sound quieter during the day & Burberry stripes simply fade into the dunes.................
Two sites were found, Ty Newyyd near Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula and Parc Isef about 8 miles south of Harlech so handy for the Island. £14 and £16 a night respectively with electric hook-up, so cheap enough. Bus was packed & all ready to go so off we went.
Found the first place easily enough. Some of the roads/lanes/tracks were a little tight but plenty of passing places. It was a little disconcerting to get a text from Tesco Mobile welcoming us to Ireland once we got past Caernarfon but the signal died entirely later so no danger of paying international roaming charges.
Set up easy enough - see above. Ann admitted to enjoying herself - see above. Stu had taken Scrat the Rat with him so was instantly the coolest kid on site and made friends easily. The woman in the café was less impressed & wouldn't let him in with rat in pocket.
Weather was brilliant, blue skies etc with sunsets worth climbing the headland to watch. Beaches were sandy & warm, kites were flown and food & drink was abundant. Stu was enjoying himself and as most of his mates were leaving on the Sat am, we arranged to stay an extra night. Tues, Wed, Thurs & Friday am passed happily enough.
The wind started to blow Friday afternoon. It got stronger as the afternoon went on. Re-checked all pegs and all were holding fine but the wind got stronger and louder. It soon became clear that Ann (my lovely wife) was no longer enjoying herself and that it was possibly my fault we were there..............Some "discussions" took place and it became clear that:
1 - ideally we leave now
2 - it's too late to leave now isn't it
3 - leave me alone
4 - no, I said just leave me alone while I sit on the floor crying.
I'll leave it to you to decide who said what..................In the end, I disconnected the awning and pulled the bus round in front to act as a windbreak. Me & Stu got to sleep ok but poor Ann (my lovely wife) found it very difficult & only managed a couple of hours.
I woke at 8am to find a sunny dry still morning & Ann sweeping out the awning with a handbrush having packed a lot of stuff. We were due to move on that morning anyway so no problems with that. The awning had survived the night, no damage, We packed up easily and went for breakfast in the site cafe. As we were moving on to Harlech, I checked the weather forecast for later that day. It was showing heavy rain & high wind so no prizes for guessing what we did. Better to cut our losses & run for home than risk another night like the night before after setting up in the rain.
Stopped off in Conway on the way home. There was a river festival going on, lots of stalls & fundraising, including jetski rides for £3 - proceeds to RNLI. Stu went on twice while we watched. Glad to say that the only customer we saw fall in was the adult knobhead who declined to remove his glasses as recommended and turned out to have an iPhone in his pocket. Not me, before you all jump to a reasonable conclusion.
Me & Stu might have a night away next week to end our 6 weeks off - will keep you posted.
Two sites were found, Ty Newyyd near Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula and Parc Isef about 8 miles south of Harlech so handy for the Island. £14 and £16 a night respectively with electric hook-up, so cheap enough. Bus was packed & all ready to go so off we went.
Found the first place easily enough. Some of the roads/lanes/tracks were a little tight but plenty of passing places. It was a little disconcerting to get a text from Tesco Mobile welcoming us to Ireland once we got past Caernarfon but the signal died entirely later so no danger of paying international roaming charges.
Weather was brilliant, blue skies etc with sunsets worth climbing the headland to watch. Beaches were sandy & warm, kites were flown and food & drink was abundant. Stu was enjoying himself and as most of his mates were leaving on the Sat am, we arranged to stay an extra night. Tues, Wed, Thurs & Friday am passed happily enough.
The wind started to blow Friday afternoon. It got stronger as the afternoon went on. Re-checked all pegs and all were holding fine but the wind got stronger and louder. It soon became clear that Ann (my lovely wife) was no longer enjoying herself and that it was possibly my fault we were there..............Some "discussions" took place and it became clear that:
1 - ideally we leave now
2 - it's too late to leave now isn't it
3 - leave me alone
4 - no, I said just leave me alone while I sit on the floor crying.
I'll leave it to you to decide who said what..................In the end, I disconnected the awning and pulled the bus round in front to act as a windbreak. Me & Stu got to sleep ok but poor Ann (my lovely wife) found it very difficult & only managed a couple of hours.
I woke at 8am to find a sunny dry still morning & Ann sweeping out the awning with a handbrush having packed a lot of stuff. We were due to move on that morning anyway so no problems with that. The awning had survived the night, no damage, We packed up easily and went for breakfast in the site cafe. As we were moving on to Harlech, I checked the weather forecast for later that day. It was showing heavy rain & high wind so no prizes for guessing what we did. Better to cut our losses & run for home than risk another night like the night before after setting up in the rain.
Stopped off in Conway on the way home. There was a river festival going on, lots of stalls & fundraising, including jetski rides for £3 - proceeds to RNLI. Stu went on twice while we watched. Glad to say that the only customer we saw fall in was the adult knobhead who declined to remove his glasses as recommended and turned out to have an iPhone in his pocket. Not me, before you all jump to a reasonable conclusion.Me & Stu might have a night away next week to end our 6 weeks off - will keep you posted.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Tatton VWNW 2011
Great day at the Tatton show as always. Took 1 wife (the lovely Ann), 2 sons & 2 grandkids and met 1 son & 1 grandkid when there. An ex-husband & new partner turned up too and Ann (my lovely wife) met an old friend who pulled up to park next to us. How diverse.................
Forgot the camera but too many buses & cars to choose from, so I couldn't have taken them all anyway. A good day was had by all. Heard some people complaining about high cost of getting in (£7.50 for adults, free for kids) but as most of these were wearing wanky designer gear & too much hair gel and the rest were grumpy old fcuks, we can safely ignore them.
Forgot the camera but too many buses & cars to choose from, so I couldn't have taken them all anyway. A good day was had by all. Heard some people complaining about high cost of getting in (£7.50 for adults, free for kids) but as most of these were wearing wanky designer gear & too much hair gel and the rest were grumpy old fcuks, we can safely ignore them.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Edale & a faint red light
Strange how I seem to have had less time to do stuff this last week than when I'm at work. Good prep for being retired, I suppose. I've been pottering around the house, keeping busy, nipping to Tesco for a few bits, etc, etc. I've stopped short of wearing beige, distrusting foreigners and demanding the return of National Service/Capital Punishment but I suppose it's only a matter of time....................
Anyway, Edale, Edale, Edale, EDALE. What a place. Shameful to say that I'd forgotten how beautiful the Edale Valley was. The number of times we've driven to Keswick etc when Edale is 30 miles away....... Don't suppose I'm really comparing like with like but so be it. The constant sunshine was a major factor (isn't it always?) & we quickly got into "being away" mode, didn't we Stu? Coopers Campsite was only £24 for 2 nights, 2 nice pubs within 400 yards, a cafe on-site, shower/toilet block a little primitive & unclean but we managed.
We ate & drank like kings, walked a fair bit (for us) and felt slightly guilty that Ann (my beautiful wife) wasn't with us. Assuaged that guilt by taking her there on the following Saturday for a day out/good pub lunch. She confirmed the bogs etc to be a little too primitive/unclean for her delicate constitution (Princess & the Pea springs to mind, should that be Princess & the Pee?) so we'll need to find another site if/when she comes with us.
We'd taken the laptop to use as a DVD player & had a couple of late nights watching League of Gentlemen - no slur intended on the good people of Edale - and by the end we'd have been happy to never leave even if we did start calling each other "Dave".
Arthur ran like a dream coping with the drive out over Mam Tor with ease. Minor panic yesterday though when the temperature light came on but only very faint. Hot air was still coming through heater so I carried on driving (engine didn't overheat or seize up in a cloud of steam so I made the right call!). Having consulted the Club 80-90 Wiki about this, it suggests that it's almost certainly an electrical short or mucky temp sender unit so will be sorting that this afternoon.
No days away this week due to funds/crap weather/jobs to do so will look for a 1 nighter next week. VWNW show at Tatton Park on Sunday so will toddle over there & camp for the day while wandering around looking at/lusting over all manner of things VW.
Wales on 16th for 6 nights anyway - I've decided that IT WILL BE DRY.
Anyway, Edale, Edale, Edale, EDALE. What a place. Shameful to say that I'd forgotten how beautiful the Edale Valley was. The number of times we've driven to Keswick etc when Edale is 30 miles away....... Don't suppose I'm really comparing like with like but so be it. The constant sunshine was a major factor (isn't it always?) & we quickly got into "being away" mode, didn't we Stu? Coopers Campsite was only £24 for 2 nights, 2 nice pubs within 400 yards, a cafe on-site, shower/toilet block a little primitive & unclean but we managed.We ate & drank like kings, walked a fair bit (for us) and felt slightly guilty that Ann (my beautiful wife) wasn't with us. Assuaged that guilt by taking her there on the following Saturday for a day out/good pub lunch. She confirmed the bogs etc to be a little too primitive/unclean for her delicate constitution (Princess & the Pea springs to mind, should that be Princess & the Pee?) so we'll need to find another site if/when she comes with us.
We'd taken the laptop to use as a DVD player & had a couple of late nights watching League of Gentlemen - no slur intended on the good people of Edale - and by the end we'd have been happy to never leave even if we did start calling each other "Dave".
Arthur ran like a dream coping with the drive out over Mam Tor with ease. Minor panic yesterday though when the temperature light came on but only very faint. Hot air was still coming through heater so I carried on driving (engine didn't overheat or seize up in a cloud of steam so I made the right call!). Having consulted the Club 80-90 Wiki about this, it suggests that it's almost certainly an electrical short or mucky temp sender unit so will be sorting that this afternoon.
No days away this week due to funds/crap weather/jobs to do so will look for a 1 nighter next week. VWNW show at Tatton Park on Sunday so will toddle over there & camp for the day while wandering around looking at/lusting over all manner of things VW.
Wales on 16th for 6 nights anyway - I've decided that IT WILL BE DRY.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Start your engines................
So work is on hold for 6 weeks while I devote (?) myself to being the main carer to the Son & Heir. The fact that my unpaid leave started the day before the First Test against India is purely intentional. The vague petrol smell around Arthur has disappeared, and although the warmer weather insists on melting the glue holding the headlining up, all is ready for out first trip of the summer. He's running well & looking good.
Just me & Stu off to a place called Coopers Farm in Edale. Was recommended by Richie, a fellow T25er who blogs here under the name "Travellin'Van". Worth a read and some great photos. Apparently, it's very near a good real ale pub, a good cafe & it turns out that it's only 27 miles from my door. Was thinking of a trek to Shell (suit) Island near Harlech but that's a couple of hundred miles round trip & if I really wanted to watch/listen/despair of chavs revving up their Saxos and Corsas at night, there's plenty of that round Manchester. Probably being really unfair to Shell Island (it was fantastic during the day) but I've only been once & that was 100% my experience at night. Combine that with Liverpool being on the telly in the bar (Europa 5th place losers cup or something) and me being unable to refrain from making ill-judged comments within the earshot of dull-witted mickeys. They wouldn't even Calm Down, Calm Down when I suggested it to them. Peasants..................no hurry to go back.
Anyway, we're off first thing in the morning for a couple of nights - as much a recce for later visits with Ann (my beautiful wife) if I'm honest but I've got a stack of books, San Miguel & wine to get through so that's that. Will pack Arthur in the morning, call on my mum in Glossop on the way out & will report back later in the week.
Speaking of my mother, a question to my legions of non-existent readers. I seem to be starting lots of sentences recently with "Is it just me or....." so here we go:
Is it just me or do you have conversations with elderly relatives that go:
Relative: Do you remember so & so?
Me: No
Relative: Oh yes, you do. You were at primary school with them/their sister/brother, they lived 3 doors up the road, they worked with your dad on the cables...................(delete as applicable)
Me: That was over 35 years ago
Relative: Anyway, they died, had a grandchild, got 12 years for kiddy fiddling.................(as above)
...............& then when I either express my total disinterest or do a pisspoor job of pretending to be interested, it's MY fault.
Answers on a postcard please
Just me & Stu off to a place called Coopers Farm in Edale. Was recommended by Richie, a fellow T25er who blogs here under the name "Travellin'Van". Worth a read and some great photos. Apparently, it's very near a good real ale pub, a good cafe & it turns out that it's only 27 miles from my door. Was thinking of a trek to Shell (suit) Island near Harlech but that's a couple of hundred miles round trip & if I really wanted to watch/listen/despair of chavs revving up their Saxos and Corsas at night, there's plenty of that round Manchester. Probably being really unfair to Shell Island (it was fantastic during the day) but I've only been once & that was 100% my experience at night. Combine that with Liverpool being on the telly in the bar (Europa 5th place losers cup or something) and me being unable to refrain from making ill-judged comments within the earshot of dull-witted mickeys. They wouldn't even Calm Down, Calm Down when I suggested it to them. Peasants..................no hurry to go back.
Anyway, we're off first thing in the morning for a couple of nights - as much a recce for later visits with Ann (my beautiful wife) if I'm honest but I've got a stack of books, San Miguel & wine to get through so that's that. Will pack Arthur in the morning, call on my mum in Glossop on the way out & will report back later in the week.
Speaking of my mother, a question to my legions of non-existent readers. I seem to be starting lots of sentences recently with "Is it just me or....." so here we go:
Is it just me or do you have conversations with elderly relatives that go:
Relative: Do you remember so & so?
Me: No
Relative: Oh yes, you do. You were at primary school with them/their sister/brother, they lived 3 doors up the road, they worked with your dad on the cables...................(delete as applicable)
Me: That was over 35 years ago
Relative: Anyway, they died, had a grandchild, got 12 years for kiddy fiddling.................(as above)
...............& then when I either express my total disinterest or do a pisspoor job of pretending to be interested, it's MY fault.
Answers on a postcard please
Monday, 11 July 2011
Cool Runnings
All been a bit quiet really. Powerflex bushes & new shocks fitted - cheers Paul - & while not silky smooth, the difference made by a functioning suspension is noticeable, if only for the lack of oohs, aahs & various other moans from the passenger seat. Can now drive over leaves & small twigs without triggering full Princess & the Pea mode.
Got our wristbands for Blackpool Breeze 16-18th September and looking forward to VWNW at Tatton Park on 7th August. Might even get on the South Manc VW Club stand so major clean needed. Oh, I am a lazy bastard.
Just remembered, the hot weather last weekend (remember that, summer, eh, what, garlic bread, can you remember, Peter Kay, oh never mind) - it melted the glue holding the lining carpet onto the roof panel so I had to re-stick/re-fit all that. Instructions say to use in a well ventilated area but wheres the fun in that? Didn't need wine that night....................
Got our wristbands for Blackpool Breeze 16-18th September and looking forward to VWNW at Tatton Park on 7th August. Might even get on the South Manc VW Club stand so major clean needed. Oh, I am a lazy bastard.
Just remembered, the hot weather last weekend (remember that, summer, eh, what, garlic bread, can you remember, Peter Kay, oh never mind) - it melted the glue holding the lining carpet onto the roof panel so I had to re-stick/re-fit all that. Instructions say to use in a well ventilated area but wheres the fun in that? Didn't need wine that night....................
Friday, 24 June 2011
Result............
I like to think that I try to live my life right. I recycle, I do my bit for the less fortunate in society by coming to work every (nearly every) day & no matter what, I never ever covet my neighbours oxen (& he's got a fcuking nice one too). As a believer in karma & fate, I was waiting for my turn.
So with the above in mind, I'm happy to announce, to my band of 3 subscribed followers and various curious Facebook "friends" who clearly have little else to occupy their time, that:
THE GEARCHANGE IS FIXED. I CAN GET 1ST GEAR. I DO NOT HAVE TO MENTALLY PLAN EVERY JOURNEY AVOIDING TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR JUNCTIONS ON UPHILL SLOPES.
Enough of the hysterical reportage - after all, this was done last Thursday & I've only just got round to typing it up. Hardly Hold The Front Page.
Story is that Arthur went off for his MOT with some new little neoprene blocks that attach to the bottom of the gearlever. Some more research on Club 80-90 suggested this could be the thing to do so Paul at Minichanics (http://www.minichanics.co.uk/ for all your classic car repairs/maintainance) was tasked to fit them. MOT went well, probably better than expected, failing only on a non-working fog-light and a gay sounding horn that has been getting on my wick since I bought Arty last November. The old Arrugah sounding horn has been replaced by a straight-forward normal sounding horn that releases me into the world of road-rage once more. You can't really beep someone in traffic if you're embarrassed by the sound you make. Maybe that's the solution to road rage, camp sounding horns..........(mental note: patent this along with replacing airbags with metal spikes to make people more careful drivers and foam rubber cars in dedicated lanes for drunk drivers only).
Anyway, Paul fitted the blocks but said they didn't make much difference. Whilst underneath, he noticed that part of the linkage at the back looked a little worn so stripped it & wrapped the shaft (oooh missus) with tape. The gearshift is now a thing of beauty, slipping like silk between gears (don't go overboard....). I can get 1st easily & everything else is better too. Paul said it might need re-taping every 6 months & to be honest I should probably get a replacement part but at the moment, I'm too giddy at NOT having to lash out £1k on having a gearbox fitted to do anything remotely practical. Besides, you can buy lots of gaffer tape for £1k.
What else? I've been a little concerned with the harshness of the ride since lowering and the state of some of the bushes on the front suspension. They all passed the MOT but look tatty & near the end of their useful life so decided to invest in a set of Powerflex bushes. Will have the rollbar done first & stash the rest of another time. Will throw on a pair of uprated shocks too.
Have booked a North Wales break in August. 6 nights split between Aberdaron on the Llynn Peninsula and a place just north of Barmouth. £84 for 6 nights including hook-up can't be beaten if the sites are as good as the reviews. We'll see.........................
So with the above in mind, I'm happy to announce, to my band of 3 subscribed followers and various curious Facebook "friends" who clearly have little else to occupy their time, that:
THE GEARCHANGE IS FIXED. I CAN GET 1ST GEAR. I DO NOT HAVE TO MENTALLY PLAN EVERY JOURNEY AVOIDING TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR JUNCTIONS ON UPHILL SLOPES.
Enough of the hysterical reportage - after all, this was done last Thursday & I've only just got round to typing it up. Hardly Hold The Front Page.
Story is that Arthur went off for his MOT with some new little neoprene blocks that attach to the bottom of the gearlever. Some more research on Club 80-90 suggested this could be the thing to do so Paul at Minichanics (http://www.minichanics.co.uk/ for all your classic car repairs/maintainance) was tasked to fit them. MOT went well, probably better than expected, failing only on a non-working fog-light and a gay sounding horn that has been getting on my wick since I bought Arty last November. The old Arrugah sounding horn has been replaced by a straight-forward normal sounding horn that releases me into the world of road-rage once more. You can't really beep someone in traffic if you're embarrassed by the sound you make. Maybe that's the solution to road rage, camp sounding horns..........(mental note: patent this along with replacing airbags with metal spikes to make people more careful drivers and foam rubber cars in dedicated lanes for drunk drivers only).
Anyway, Paul fitted the blocks but said they didn't make much difference. Whilst underneath, he noticed that part of the linkage at the back looked a little worn so stripped it & wrapped the shaft (oooh missus) with tape. The gearshift is now a thing of beauty, slipping like silk between gears (don't go overboard....). I can get 1st easily & everything else is better too. Paul said it might need re-taping every 6 months & to be honest I should probably get a replacement part but at the moment, I'm too giddy at NOT having to lash out £1k on having a gearbox fitted to do anything remotely practical. Besides, you can buy lots of gaffer tape for £1k.
What else? I've been a little concerned with the harshness of the ride since lowering and the state of some of the bushes on the front suspension. They all passed the MOT but look tatty & near the end of their useful life so decided to invest in a set of Powerflex bushes. Will have the rollbar done first & stash the rest of another time. Will throw on a pair of uprated shocks too.
Have booked a North Wales break in August. 6 nights split between Aberdaron on the Llynn Peninsula and a place just north of Barmouth. £84 for 6 nights including hook-up can't be beaten if the sites are as good as the reviews. We'll see.........................
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)