A Rustic Getaway

Cool but not very grown up.

We have blue lights and not the kind I am used to on vehicles. These are far more stylish. With some assistance from Lucas and despite a cut to my finger that meant I had to spend a lot of time wiping blood off my wiring and off the paintwork, together we managed to get some under vehicle lighting attached and functioning under the van. Now, if I do find myself having to examine the exhaust pipe in the dead of night I shall be able to without using up torch batteries.
Jo gave it a disparaging look. I'm sure she will see the practical advantages when I send her under the van to fix things.
I think it's fair to say I've done all of the major jobs on the van. I'm just adding those finishing touches that make all the difference. I'd never stoop to illuminated spice rack level, but I may be adding one or two additions which aren't strictly vital.
Less than 2 weeks to go and my list of things to do, ranging from absolutely vital to barely worthwhile is rapidly diminishing. It's a good feeling. So unlike the bus trip where it felt like mad panic for the last month or two. I'm busy but finding some time to make use of Jezebel. Strictly in the name of testing of course.
We used our membership of the Caravan and Camping Club this week. It's a membership with the same level of 'coolness' as the Women's Institute or a Morris Dancing troop. I won't be buying the t-shirt, but the discounts are good and it gets you in to a lot of sites that are strictly members only.

"Oi'm aaafter a tenner if yowz a member"

The site we found near Rodden said it was members only. A chap on a tractor with a curly mop of hair and more accent than language charged me a tenner. Considerably cheaper than Sea Barn Farm with it's manicured lawns and wonderful sea views. We could see why it was cheaper. There was a toilet block and as much knee high grass as you could eat. Peak camping season, Spring half-term week, and we were the only campers.

With a sharp knife, we finally levered off the giant limpet.

 It seems that Rodden hasn't quite caught up with modern technology. Whilst Sea Barn Farm offers WiFi, Rodden has no mobile phone signal. You need to wander a mile up the road to the technology hotspot called Langton Herring. They have a phone box and everything.
Food and drink just taste so much nicer when you are camping. Filling the van with barbeque smoke just doesn't matter. We only do it for the kids....

And so, how are the other teams faring ? On the whole it seems fairly well. The Mobile Brothel had a major water pump problem but have fixed their major water pump problem with a Vauxhall Vectra water pump and some assistance from the Mowlem Mob to beat the pump in to the right shape and size. Good inter team bonding there. Team Like a Sweed are the proud owners of a Peugeot. Anna has even broken the news to her mother on Facebook that she was off to see Europe in 2 weeks time. The Mowlam Mob have been 'parking in a tent' according to Lucas. You can see where he is coming from. Team L.O.T.U.S are white ! She is also road legal with an MOT apparently. LaDiVa has been for her service and graphics are due soon.
The unfortunate blot though on the progress of the teams is poor old Milly. Having survived a run to Switzerland and coped with the Alps, she has now been diagnosed with a serious cylinder head problem. Big cracks between the valves which had been causing her to overheat badly. A new head has been ordered and is on it's way though, so Cinderella will hopefully still make it to the ball on Friday 14th.