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 )

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

Not bad, not great outside. Susie decided to go into town — she gets a severe case of itchy feet, but also needs to top up her phone, and it's easier to do it actually in the O₂ shop!

But first, we got onto Tristan, Jessica and a sleepy Lilly via Skype — the 10-hour difference means 10am here is 8pm at home! Lovely to see and hear from them live for a change! Lilly is really growing up!

Then Suzie went off into town, while Warren stayed back and spent time indexing the blog.

Later on, back at the room, we called Richard, who told us that the engine is back in his hands, and he is happy with it. Looks like we might be coming towards the end of the saga!

Distance driven — today, 11 miles ( 18 km ); to date, 9,833 miles ( 15,825 km )

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

Wet outside, so we decided to spend the day catching up on paperwork and blogging.

Warren's shiner is resolving, finally, and is not quite so spectacular as as it was earlier. (His eyebrows are just as evil as ever!)

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

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

Only a month to Christmas. But Christmas has been in the shops for at least a month already!

We decided to go in to Gloucester for another poke around. Went down to the old docks and Gloucester Quays to see what it looked like now the Victorian Christmas Market has been and gone. A lot quieter!

We were intrigued at how the old warehouses have been repurposed -- it reminded us a little of Snape Maltings (where the old malt works has been converted into an entertainment centre, prestige retail, and residential) -- here in Gloucester the old warehouses have been repurposed in much the same way.

It was beginning to rain, so at about 2:30 the Ham wimps decided to make their way back to the hotel!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,812 miles ( 15,791 km )

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

Locksmiths
there
to change the locks

Today we walked over to check out a place to do our laundry. The one we walked to is a full service, which we don't want this time - but the lady pointed us towards a coin-in-the-slot launderette, which we will probably visit tomorrow. We walked on to the Post Office, and to Tesco, before turning back to the hotel. We were talking about going into town to do a bit more exploring, but all our plans changed when we got back to the Orchard.

We tossed our stuff into
the van and buzzed off

The administrators were there again, and this time they weren't going to be turned away. The police were there, and it looked like it wasn't going to be "a misunderstanding" like last time! We went up to our room, and Warren used the internet to check out alternative hotels should the worst come to the worst.

After a while, Warren went down to the van to prepare our bread rolls for lunch, and on the way back did what he could to suss out what was happening. Apparently we would need to be out of the place by tonight. Luckily our payment for the next 10 days was still pending, so we weren't stuck financially. Came back to the room, and phoned Friar Tuck's Inn, a short walk down Bristol Road. They had a room, so Warren walked down to set things up. When he came back, the administrators informed him that we had to get out immediately — so, having somewhere to go, we did!

Our van has a new home!

Friar Tuck's is completely different. It's an old inn, with the pub section open 12.00-2.30pm on weekdays, then 5pm to 11pm — and longer on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The outside doors are locked outside these hours — you can let yourself out at any time, but you need to take your phone with you, to call the innkeepers to open up to let you in (if you can't raise them by knocking). As we were moving in, Phil (one of the regulars) was at the bar, and it looks like he and Warren might enjoy verbal sparring while we're here!

Distance driven — today, nil ; to date, 9,812 miles ( 15,791 km )

23 Nov 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Orchard Hotel), Glos —

Email time

Movie time

Woke up warm and cosy. Suzie had her usual breakfast, and Warren had the croissants we bought in our shopping yesterday.

Then we went out to a nearby Lidl store — we have decided that they make (in store) the best batons (small baguettes) of any retail outlets. While we were there, Suzie mentioned that she needed to buy a cake to put her candles on. Warren went into meltdown — "Is it November 23 already?" We didn't get cake from Lidl — they really have little to offer beyond their bread rolls! We went on to Tesco and bought a Belgian Chocolate cheesecake, which works very well with candles!!

Happy Birthday Suzie

Went back to the room and had a little birthday celebration, and Susie opened her email to find birthday messages from Oz — thanks guys!

We then watched the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — quite a good race — and a kids' comedy (Furry Vengeance, with Brendan Fraser) on the TV.

Dinner in the van again, and then a nice night in. Tomorrow we may do a little exploring! Looks like we'll be here for about ten more days! Definitely enjoying unlimited internet time!

Distance driven — today, 1 miles ( 1 km ); to date, 9,812 miles ( 15,791 km )

22 Nov 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Orchard Hotel), Glos —

We have orchids in our room!

Suzie catching up on her journal

A quiet day. It was raining when we woke, but by the time we left the hotel (10am) the sun was out. We went down to Tesco to do a 4-day shop, then to Boots to pick up our 6-month supply of medications, and find out where we can go for that last prescription. Turns out it will be at a private hospital which, conveniently (??) is not open over the weekend! So we will phone them on Monday.

Warren had a bludge in the room while Suzie went for a walk — a good allocation of tasks! Suzie reports that it was quite pleasant outside. We then watched the Scotland-Tonga rugby union match, before Suzie went out for another walk.

We had dinner in the van, then watched some BBC TV — Top Gear, and Tomorrow's Worlds: The unearthly History of Science Fiction. Then bed!

We've characterised this interlude as a holiday from our holiday! We probably needed to chill out for a while!

Distance driven — today, 4 miles ( 7 km ); to date, 9,811 miles ( 15,790 km )

21 Nov 2014. <GB-ENG> Gloucester (Orchard Hotel), Glos —

We're comfortable in the hotel. A day to hibernate and to catch up on blogging.

First we went out to shop for a couple of things, then went to Boots to pick up our medications. They had had to order some in, which had only just arrived, so we said we'd pick them up tomorrow. We also asked about a clinic to go to to get that last prescription — they said they'd check up for us and let us know when we came back tomorrow.

We had lunch in the room, and started packing a couple of parcels for posting — but our box was too small, so will have to finish the job later! Had dinner in the van, then went back to the room, where we finished the day with a couple of episodes of Castle.

Distance driven — today, 2 miles ( 3 km ); to date, 9,807 miles ( 15,783 km )

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

Another day in Gloucester. The day started off sunny, so we decided to go back into town to explore a little further.

First we went into Boots to get our prescriptions filled, only to find that one of them needed to be on a special form — oh well, another reason to go back into town! — and some of the medications need to be ordered in, so we won't be picking up until at least tomorrow. So into town we went, and back to GHAC. Would you believe, they don't have the appropriate form, and so can't do that one prescription? We'll check with Boots tomorrow to find someone who can help us!

So then we wandered towards the very centre of town, where there is an O₂ shop where Warren could top up his phone, which was running low.

Then we walked down to Gloucester Quays, once a bustling harbour area, but now the warehouses have been turned into yuppy residences, and there is a huge shopping centre there. We were wondering why the centre of Gloucester had so few people wandering its streets and shopping, and here is the answer — Gloucester Quays has sucked them all away! But, once again, the Hams have landed on their feet — there is a huge Victorian Christmas Market, running for only 4 days, from November 20 (today) to 23. All the stall operators were dressed in Victorian costume, and there were musicians at various points, also in costume. The crowds were buzzing!

We wandered around, and then finally decided to have a bite to eat. We went for Gloucester sausages. The stall we went to was apparently run by one of the top suppliers in Gloucester — there were people coming for sausages who were apparently regulars at the normal shop — a good recommendation. Warren washed his down with a cup of mulled wine, while Suzie had a cup of coffee. And for dessert, we had churros, a Spanish take on donuts, where the dough is extruded into long strips before being deep fried. We had ours with sugar and cinnamon — delicious!

We then wandered further, and watched a narrow boat passing beneath a drawbridge — not a sight you get to see in Australia!

Today was mainly walking the Christmas Market and people-watching — a most enjoyable pastime in its own right!

On the way back into town, we passed a little handcrafts store, and noticed an interesting dolls house in the window. Warren was taking a couple of pictures, for ideas once we get back home, when the shopkeeper opened the door and invited us in. Apparently her father had been a dolls house designer, but since he passed away recently, she has no qualms about copyright, and she invited Warren to photograph anything on display. We continue to be amazed at the hospitality of the Brits!

We then caught the bus back to the hotel, by which time it was time to have dinner in the van before going up to our room.

Distance driven — today, 3 miles ( 5 km ); to date, 9,805 miles ( 15,780 km )