31 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Spent the morning in our room, then dropped Gertie in to Richard at 2:30pm, leaving it with him for the afternoon — luckily it's only a short walk from Friar Tuck's to Huilin's (one of the reasons we chose to stay here)!

When Warren phoned Richard a couple of hours later, he was out giving Gertie a test drive. (Must point out that the mileage for today is virtually all Richard's!) Warren was able to pick the van up soon after this. Turns out that the vibration and the chaff-cutter noise was all due to the new engine brackets, which came with the engine, being a bad fit — when Richard switched back to the old ones that had come out of the van, all was well!

So we settled in for another night at Friar Tuck's, with the sounds of a rowdy New Year's Eve party coming up through the floorboards from the pub below.

Distance driven — today, 7 miles ( 11 km ); to date, 9,937 miles ( 15,992 km )

30 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Susie took the bus back into Gloucester to get a bit more wool for her knitting. She wandered the city for a while, visiting Eastgate Market and B&M, getting some yellow wool at the one and some pink at the other. She bought some sandwiches and then came back to Friar Tuck's, where we had lunch before taking Gertie out for a test drive towards Tewkesbury. Yes, we had power, and she was performing a lot better — but she was vibrating like mad and sounding like a chaff-cutter. So she will go back to Richard tomorrow! So we settled in for another night at Friar Tuck's.

Distance driven — today, 41 miles ( 66 km ); to date, 9,930 miles ( 15,981 km )

29 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

STOP PRESS

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

We haz a Van!!

Collected the van at 4.30pm this afternoon (that's about 45 minutes after sunset, for the uninitiated!)

It's running rough, but that's expected for the first few days. It will be going back to Richard in a few days for tweaking, and then we will be on our way!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

28 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

 
Another quiet Sunday in the pub. Warren's been playing about on the computer, Suzie's been knitting. Looks like we'll have a few kids' jumpers for charity by the time we get away. By the way, the temperature has been getting down to -1 or -2C overnight, but has been getting up to 4 or 5C during the day — quite bracing!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

27 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

People out and about in Southgate Street

Went into town today to do a little shopping. Took a couple of pictures around the place. It's amazing — the rest of the UK is having a bit of a cold snap, with snow on the roads making driving hazardous. But Gloucester seems to have a charmed life — it's quite cool, especially when the skies are clear, but we've had only one day with any rain, and that was minimal, and no snow at all!

Greyfriars

The Cathedral above the rooftops

Emperor Nerva Statue

When we got back to the pub, we were hoping we'd be in a position to pick up the car today — Richard has been working on it as hard as he can — but he just didn't quite make it! So we are assuming we'll get the van on Monday some time. We're not venturing too far from Gloucester for the next couple of days, just to make sure all is working properly, and we'll be bringing it back to Richard for a final tweak before setting off for the Continent.

Swans at Gloucester Docks

The Thatched Inn (close to Friar Tucks)

 
We've made a bit of a decision, too. If we were to cross by the Channel Tunnel, we would have to travel a lot further in the UK, and then be at the northernmost part of France once we cross. We think we might leave the Chunnel for the return journey to the UK, and instead cross by ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg — this will land us at least 200km closer to Spain (but still 880km — compare that with 1066km from John 'o Groats to Land's End — don't think we'll be doing that in too much of a hurry!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

25 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Christmas Day at Friar Tucks. Every place was booked out for Christmas Dinner, and the pub itself was only open for drinks from midday till 2pm — but our wonderful hosts Mark and Sharon put on a roast dinner for us after the pub closed, up in our room. We have spoken to both of our boys and their families via Skype (Tristan, Jess and Lilly last night, and Jonno, Gemma and Ashwyn this morning, our time), so it was a great day! We're seriously considering being back home in time for next Christmas with the family!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

24 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We noticed this gentleman wandering about the Gloucester Docks the other day.

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

22 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Nearly Christmas. Looks like we won't get the van till Christmas Eve, so we've decided to remain at Friar Tuck's until after Boxing Day. There are three main reasons for this.

1. Crossing the Channel will be difficult up to and including Boxing Day, as everyone and his dog would be trying to do the same thing.
2. The nighttime temperatures round that time are predicted to get down to about -5C, and we don't want to be stuck out in the open if we have an alternative.
3. Our hosts at Friar Tucks's have been so great.

With our current mood of optimism, Warren went into Gloucester today to get a large-scale road atlas of France — we already have a comprehensive European road atlas, but its scale doesn't really allow for the amount of 'Garmin-overriding' that we like to do. We will quite probably pick up other larger-scale atlases as we go.

We called in to Hulin's, and the engine block is now in place — and it looks good! We just need the head installed and a couple of other things, so we should get the van by Wednesday!

Costa, a good spot for a snack, in Waterson's Bookstore

Must share something with you all. We received an email from Donna and Bec, our house and dog sitters back in Brisbane. They mocked up this lovely little message from Bibi...

Thanks, girls!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

19 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

It's almost Christmas and we're STILL in Gloucester. Report on the van: The last part required finally arrived yesterday — what a saga of inefficiency and ineptitude! — so the engine is being installed. But Richard has informed us that it will not be finished before the weekend, so it will be at least Monday before we get moving again.

This throws a couple of other arrangements into disarray. We had arranged for a firm in Tewkesbury to check a couple of problems with the van -- the gas heater and the grey water disposal -- before we left for the Continent, but they will be closed from December 23 through January 2, so we have decided to proceed with these problems still with us, and get them fixed across the Channel. We've done without them working till now, so a couple more weeks won't hurt us. And we just want to get moving!!!

Kelly doing bar duty

Sharon policing the rabbit
hutch in the back yard

We've got to say that our hosts here at Friar Tucks, Mark and Sharon, have been wonderful. Mark is a passionate Liverpool FC supporter, so with Warren's leanings towards Manchester United, we had to be careful a few days ago, but Liverpool had a good win a couple of days later, so all's well. And Sean, a sort of jack-of-all-trades, and Kelly, the girl who has been servicing our room, have been delightfully friendly. So the delay hasn't been as traumatic as it could have been!

We've also had an invitation from Kay to spend Christmas in Lochcarron. Thanks, Kay, but we cannot afford to overstay our visa any longer — so long as it's been totally out of our control we've had a justifiable excuse, but as soon as the van is mobile and we regain control, we really have to leave the UK!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

11 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

We're still in Gloucester, marking time, so have decided to report on the last few days in a single post.

Update on the van...

Richard with the van

Tuesday Dec 9

— went up to Hulin's to find that the engine supplied is a post 1996 engine, and the one taken out is a 1994 engine. This means that all the parts Richards had so carefully preserved to put back on the engine are useless. Bust the good news is that parts are readily available for this engine, so we were able to contact the crowd who supplied the engine and get everything required.

Richard has looked at our old engine, and has estimated that it has done at least 200,000 miles — not the 70,000 we were told by Motorlands. And as extra evidence of this, the clutch in the van has been rebuilt at least once — and clutches in this type of vehicle typically have a long life! So Motorlands have a lot to answer for! We are collecting the evidence, and will take appropriate steps when we can. By the way, it is true that the van was first registered in the UK in 1997, but according to the chassis number, it was built in 1974!

Wednesday Dec 10

— the parts are on order and should be here some time today. In the meantime, Richard is looking at our leisure battery issues. It turns out that the 'leisure battery' fitted in the van has a rating of 60 Amp hours, and the specification for leisure batteries is that they should have a rating of at least 100 Amp hours, and preferably more! The main battery for the van is nearly twice the rating of the 'leisure battery', which should never be the case. No wonder we have been having problems! Another issue to be taken up with Motorlands! Richard will try to fit a larger battery tray under the bonnet, but if there is not enough space, the new leisure battery will go under the bed (where there is sufficient space — but it means the battery needs to be a sealed unit or else there will be issues with hydrogen production).

Thursday Dec 11

— Called Richard to find that the parts still haven't arrived from Cornwall. Got him to get on the phone to push them a little harder. On top of this, Richard tells us that he ordered a full engine, but what they sent (and what they say was ordered) was a bare engine, which is why the problem with the ancillary parts! — The incompetence of some of the dealers here in the UK really has to be seen to be believed!

The old engine — very tired!

The new engine, partially built

In the meantime, we've been gong in to Gloucester to browse the shops, or simply hibernating in our room. We've been getting a bit of walking in — Suzie has been walking up to McDonald's (about a mile) to have a cup of coffee and get some Facebook time without being interrupted by Warren. And she has knitted a jumper!

Warren blogging in the room

We're going back into Gloucester tomorrow and on Saturday, as there is a 'Festive Fayre' at Gloucester Quays from Friday to Sunday. And the last film in the Hobbit Trilogy opens on Friday! And on Saturday there is a Festive Christmas Market and carols at Gloucester Cathedral, and in the Cathedral itself the Cathedral Junior Choir, Cathedral Youth Choir and Cathedral Choir will be singing carols on the hour from 11am. Warren was cunning, as when he paid for the privilege of photographing in the Cathedral when we first went in, he stuck the permit on the camera — and it's still there, so we can continue taking photos whenever we visit the Cathedral!

There have been major storms around the UK over the past few days, but Gloucester has been the place to be — the weather here has been pleasant and mild.

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

5 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester, Glos —

Quite cool, but sunny. Must point out that here in early December at noon, the sun is only about 24.5° above the horizon, so it doesn't do much in the way of heating up the world!

We took a bus half-way in to town, where we found a hairdresser for Suzie. Then we walked in to Gloucester Quays, where we did a little shopping — Suzie got two very nice knitted tops and a scarf at the Marks and Spencer Outlet (where you can do discount shopping for major brands). A light lunch at Costa, then we wandered about the Docks, as it was quite a nice day for exploring. We then went in to Cineworld at Gloucester Quays, bought tickets for St. Vincent, the new Bill Murray movie — not earth-shattering, but quite enjoyable.

Finally, back to Friar Tucks, where Warren had a curry for tea (more good pub food), and Suzie had a light snack in the room. We had the entertainment of a disco downstairs for much of the night.

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

4 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

The last hanger-on of Autumn!

Don't they know it's Winter?

4°, drab and gloomy. No van, so a day in — Warren documenting the problems with the van to present to Motorlands, and doing a bit of revision on the Windows 8.1 on his tablet. Suzie, as usual, went for a walk during the day (and over to McDonald's to Facebook uninterrupted on her phone). Knitting has become part of her day!

Ate in at the Inn tonight — Warren had a steak with pepper sauce, Suzie opted for eggs and chips — she loves her eggs! The pub food is great!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

3 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Aaaargh! We're turning into locals! Still at Friar Tucks.

We went round to the shops, posted off a couple of cards. Suzie went for a long walk around the neighbourhood, Warren did some tidying up in the van in preparation for handing it over to Richard.

Dropped the van in to Hulin's at 6pm — we're now in the lap of the gods!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

2 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

Still at Friar Tuck's - probably will be here till next Monday. Starting to chill down -- we've had a couple of frosts -- and any wind makes it feel colder.

Started the day by Skyping Jonno, Gemma and Ashwyn. Got shown around their new digs -- it looks a lot more comfortable than the old place. And they have a swimming pool in the complex! And we had a visitation from Xanthe (the cat) during the call. Ashwyn is a little cutie!

Did a little local shopping today, and Warren is enjoying the chance to do a little concentrated computing!

Distance driven — today, 1 miles ( 1 km ); to date, 9,889 miles ( 15,915 km )

1 Dec 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

The first day of winter! Another lazy day. Called out to the Winfield Hospital to collect Suzie's last prescription — we're now ready for the Continent!

Checked with Richard. He wants the van on Wednesday at about 6pm. Most likely we'll get it back on Monday!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,888 miles ( 15,914 km )

30 Nov 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Friar Tuck's), Glos —

The last sunset of autumn!

Another day in Gloucester. Suzie took advantage of it to wash and blow-dry her hair, and to do a little sewing to take up some trousers she bought recently.

Warren's just enjoying a lazy day!

Distance driven — today, 12 miles ( 20 km ); to date, 9,888 miles ( 15,914 km )

29 Nov 2014. <GB-ENG> Westonbirt, Tetbury (Arboretum), & Gloucester, Glos —

The day started foggy but clear. We decided to take a jaunt down to the Westonbirt National Arboretum. A pleasant drive, but Gertie had a little trouble climbing Frocester Hill on the way. But it was worth it — at the top is the Coaley Peak Viewpoint, with a magnificent view over the Cotswolds — the mist still lay across the lowlands, with trees poking their heads up from their morning blanket. Lots of people walking their dogs in the sunshine.

We went on to the Westonbirt National Arboretum, getting there at about 11am. The mist was still hanging around a little, and it was a beautiful day for photographs. It's a pity Pop Ham never got here — with his love of trees, he would have been in seventh heaven. The place was set up by Robert Holford in 1829, when explorers and travellers were scouring the world for new species of plant and animal life. The Arboretum comprises some 18,000 trees and shrubs, over an area of approximately 600 acres. It is now managed by the Forestry Commission. The Arboretum would be well worth joining with a year's membership for a local, as the trees have a different aspect at each time of the year. They have different maps and guides for each of the four seasons. The Autumn guide highlights those trees with spectacular autumn displays — the maples, the ashes, the oaks, and so on. We were only catching the very end of this — winter officially starts in a couple of days. Large evergreen plantings will presumably be a feature during the winter.

We walked the Silk Wood section of the Arboretum, meeting up with numerous dogs on the way. We then went into the cafeteria, Suzie for coffee, Warren for soup. We decided to go back to the van, only to find we had left the headlights on after our fog driving in the morning — flat battery.

A friendly RAC man (who happened to be a member at Westonbirt!) came to our aid within 30 minutes, and we were on our way back home, the drive being enough to fully recharge the battery.

Back for some bookwork in the room, then to the van for dinner, and then back to our room. Warren stayed down in the pub for a cider and to watch the Brits beat the Wallabies in their Rugby match. After he came upstairs, we had the sounds of a live group in the pub keeping us company for a couple of hours — Saturday night is party night!

Distance driven — today, 43 miles ( 69 km ); to date, 9,876 miles ( 15,894 km )

28 Nov 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester, Glos —

First a shop as Sainsbury's, then a quiet day in the room. Went in to the Cineworld at Gloucester Quays for the 4pm session of Paddington, a delightful kids' movie with enough in it to keep adults happy — especially those who had Paddington Bear in their childhood! The animation is brilliant, and the live actors are well suited to their parts. Nicole Kidman plays a magnificent villain (almost a reprise of her part in The Golden Compass). Peter Capaldi (the current Doctor Who) makes an appearance as a rather disreputable neighbour. The Brown family is perfectly cast, with Hugh Bonneville playing the father. One of the best aspects of the film was the laughter of the children in the audience — they were obviously loving it!

Went back to the van for dinner, then back to the room for the night. Watched Plácido Domingo's Gala Concert at the Royal Opera House (on BBC4). This concert was from 2012, where seven winners of the Operalia competition (founded by Domingo 20 years ago) joined him on stage for a delightful operatic feast!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,833 miles ( 15,825 15,900 km )