Orange Sunday

Sunday 9 September 

Sunday is a day of rest and that is precisely what we did today. The weather was overcast all day which actually was a bit of a change from the baking sun we’ve had of late. The wind has also picked up and as a result there was very little dew on the van to give it it’s customary wipe over. Still Kev did his best and Campy sat resplendent on her pitch.

Although we decided to stay in that doesn’t mean that we sit around doing nothing, oh no, we have charging of the batteries to do. There is the AAA batteries for the radio, the computers and dongle, the camera battery, phones, electric tooth brushes etc etc. It’s a full time job juggling plug sockets as some are mains only and others can be charged through the van’s battery power system. It is however very rewarding to know that at the end of the day we are all fully locked and loaded and all charged up.

We said goodbye to our fellow Bilbo campers, Janet and Richard opposite today, so it was sad to see them go. We have seen more Bilbo’s on this site than at any other time so it is great to compare notes on van choices, gizmo’s etc. Janet and Richard live not far from Hardy’s Cottage in Dorchester where we intend to visit soon so you never know we might take up that offer of tea and using the loo.

Our neighbours to the our left, Kim and Paul ,on our side of the site, came to see us today with a plate full of scones with fresh cream, strawberry jam with a fresh strawberry on top. It was so kind and unexpected. All we can say is Sedgley rocks; thanks very much and it’s been great to hear a friendly and familiar accent.

In between all this going on we had a new arrival on our leg of the site, it was a German registered VW T3 van painted bright orange with orange hubcaps. Although the van was registered with German plates it had written on the side of the van, ‘We make your photo’s into books’ so not quite sure what’s going on there. Anyway the van was fantastic and we were amazed when out of the back of the van came 4 beautifully shiny metal storage cases with the word ‘DANGER’ written on the front of each one. The man took out each one of these cases and precisely laid them to the rear left side of the van. Then an amazing table came out that folded out to a kitchen work stand, two identical looking foldaway bikes and two bright orange sun loungers all of which were laid out to military precision. 

Amazingly, none of the afore mentioned fantastic metal boxes were opened, they just sat there in their neat row. We were expecting at least an awning or any manner of wonderful thing to appear but alas no! So, as yet what delights the boxes hold is a mystery to us all and if we ever find out what’s in them, you will be the first to know.

Now Kev thought he was well organised, but this was where he met his match and this chap clearly has the edge.  We are sure he must work for Huf Houses! It was really impressive to watch, you could see everybody else was watching him too with their mouths wide open. Walking back from the loo (as you do!) the side door to their van was open and inside you could see a full size pine desk placed just behind the front seats and on top of that was a 2 Litre German drinking glass full of lager. After lunch they went off for a ride on their bikes. How you can drink 2 litre of lager and go for a long ride on a bike is quite frankly beyond us and makes us quiver at the thought. Clearly this man is in a different league to us and we doffed our hats to him and went back to charging the batteries!!

In the afternoon we had a lovely time reading our Kindles. Petra read a book on driving abroad so she can tell if Kev is driving properly or not.