ENGLAND
Our flight from Zurich was relatively brief by comparison to previous flights and after a lengthy interrogation for Gary and much hasty writing at Immigration, a special "watch this man" stamp was dutifully stamped in his passport by an over-officious, young, immigrant officer and Gary was "allowed to go". The stamp allows him to stay only for 6 months in UK and the "fear" came about because, on our last trip we, apparently, spent too long in Schengen countries supporting ourselves???. Go figure that one!!!!!! Yep they wanted to know exactly how we were able to travel for soooooo long financially!!!!! God forbid, and I don't wish to upset any one, but the UK would be the last place we would wish to overstay! Anyway, rant over, move on.
We had a long wait at Heathrow to catch our bus to Molly in Shropshire so we busied ourselves buying sim cards and coffee and texting people that we had arrived safely. Hearing a voice, vaguely familiar, I looked up and there was Brenton!!!! Oh my gosh what a surprise - it took a while for my brain to click in. He had flown in from Mauritius and on his way to the Underground he stopped by at the bus station we were waiting at. It wasn't long enough as he had to carry on to a meeting but it was a bonus as we thought he wasn't returning to London until a later date.
Buoyed up by seeing him we survived the 6 hour bus trip and taxi ride and arrived at Molly at about 10pm, made up the bed and slept the sleep of the dead. It wasn't until the next day we found out that the owners had no idea we had even arrived!!!!!!
Getting Molly into some semblance of order at a campsite the next day we then headed South to look at new motor-homes. We were still ambivalent as to what we should do as Molly was always a good workhorse but she was looking tired this time round so we decided we should continue looking. Passing through Ludlow Gary spotted a motorhome dealership so we decided to look. TWO hours later we had bought our ideal motorhome, brand spanking new, and the make and model we had always come back to during our research in NZ. The Swift Bolero - the Black edition. It was heavily discounted and we got a really good trade in for Molly so how could we refuse???? The change over was seamless and the company we bought it from were excellent. We have done our first "shake down cruise" in it from Ludlow to Rhyl and the silence was deafening!!!! Very smooth, very comfortable and absolutely gorgeous. Working out all the bells and whistles will now be our biggest challenge!!!! Chris Chapman if you are reading this - we have central heating!!!!!! We will also be bringing this van back to NZ to tour in. We are very happy.
So mainly we have been marking time whilst all this has been happening although we did take a trip down to Salisbury where not only did we enjoy looking around but had the pleasure of a visit from Ian and Janine - Gary's brother-in-law and girlfriend.
Staying in a campsite at the base of Old Sarum - where a fortress, Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury originally stood - it was perfect, sunny weather to walk through the wildflower meadows that the British are trying to regenerate very skilfully to the top of Old Sarum where the fort once proudly stood on its summit. Sadly there are only ruins left now of both the fort and cathedral, where locals picnic in abundance, but it is still mind blowing as to how they masterfully created something once so beautiful so long ago.
The current Salisbury Cathedral and surrounding old town are stunning. It was here that an usher came and asked us where we were from. On saying Nelson New Zealand she said she had an old friend who lived there who I believe I know quite well - but that is another story in this incredibly small world in which we live.
As I said the cathedral was stunning (see facebook pictures) and we were fortunate enough to be there whilst a choir practice was in progress. That was also stunning - the acoustics being as they are. There were a lot of Beatrix Potter type rabbit sculptures here, there and everywhere which we both found a bit odd!!! Guess there must be some connection between rabbits and Salisbury that we are ignorant of.
It was quite a walk to and from the campsite to Salisbury but it was probably the most exercise either of us had had for a while having ditched our rusty bikes when we picked up Molly. We actually donated them to the storage owners grandchildren and I am sure Grandad Alan will have them looking like new in no time for them.
Now it was time to start heading North to pick up the new van and begin our journey through Scotland catching up with Daphne Nock on the way through. This is always such a pleasure but only brief this time. A quick, extremely nice lunch at a very old, historic pub - the Waggon and Horses - near Calne and we were back to Ludlow to pick up the new Camper staying at Home Farm - 2nd time round as such an incredible campsite. Unfortunately there was a delay in funds coming from NZ because of the queen (God bless her) but eventually we picked the camper up, spent a day organising everything and finally drove away.
Thankyou Dawn for enjoying our journey with us (buying the camper journey that is) and providing us with a fabulous place (Home Farm) to wait out the purchase. For all the washing and hot, hot showers and everything else you provide to your camping followers over and above the norm.
Thankyou Scott and Roger and the team from Morans for making our camper purchase so easy and so affordable.
We will recommend you all on our travels.
So as I said earlier we are in Rhyl quite possibly by default as we intend to "do" Wales last but.....this place has free wifi where I can blog to my hearts content as Gary plans our next move.
Tomorrow we leave for Ilkley to meet up with Foo and Neil for my birthday.
Bye for now xxxx
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