After another comfortable night in our 4-poster bed we headed out to Santander to catch the overnight ferry to Plymouth. It has been many years since I regularly did this route, but the first time for Christine so a new experience driving up from that part of the world.
Before carrying on, we would just like to say a big thank you to Christine’s niece for telling us about Laguardia and recommending a visit; we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Apparently Marian came here whilst cycling through Spain and we struggle to believe anybody would cycle up and down all these mountains for pleasure; a big “well done” to Marian for this achievement.
Restaurant
The breakfasts at our hotel were very interesting. Upon arrival into the restaurant we were served with a very attractive platter of food which included an assortment of continental meats, cheese, croissants and a variety of fresh fruits. This was accompanied by toast and tomato “Frito”, Spanish style. But if this was not enough, freshly cooked eggs were offered, cooked how we fancied them.; a feast indeed!!!
After “waddling” out of the restaurant we cleared our room, checked out and walked out of the town to collect our car, and headed out.
Laguardia, Vista aerea
With time on our hands we avoided all toll roads; a good decision. The first part of our journey to Santander followed the “Wine Route”, winding our way around the various vineyards passing numerous “bodegas” and driving through small villages along the way all geared-up for growing and maintaining grape vines.
Fabulous scenery
Leaving the wine growing region we headed into the foothills of the Pyrenees, very different topography, winding “old fashioned” roads with numerous “hairpin bends”, following a stream of traffic including many HGV’s and nowhere to pass anyone; fortunately WAZE took these slow roads into her calculations so no pressure on time.
Once we arrived onto the east-west main road that by-passes Bilbao, the heavy traffic was more like a race track, but progress was rather stifled by speed cameras, they were every kilometre or so causing stop/go driving. Still we arrived at the seafront where the Santander ferry port is but first we had to fill up, especially important after hearing the horror stories of fuel prices in the U.K., mind you, in reality they are heading that way in Spain. Today was the first time “ever” we broke the 100€ milestone; the pump read 112€ something but thanks to the Government’s tax re-bate we settled on 98€ something: the “cents” mean little these days!!!!
Stunning
Checking in was a breeze followed by a cursory inspection of the car and we were queued and waiting. The interesting thing was we had to hand over our passports well as the TIEs, we had been “told” our TIEs were all that was needed to leave or enter Spain: more fake news!!! Apparently the TIEs are only to prevent the U.K. residents passports being stamped.
Boarding took place in the usual orderly manner but being first in the waiting lane made no difference, our lane was the last to drive-on and because of this we were right at the end at the top of the ramp so presumably we will be last off😩😩.
The ship, Brittany Ferries “Pont Aven” looks modern and the cabin appears comfortable and in Christine’s eyes, very good as there is a kettle with tea bags supplied, wow!!! The other good news is all the restaurants are now working at pre-covid levels.
Leaving port we sheltered from the wind at the stern and enjoyed the sun before heading in to book a table. The forecast was for a smooth crossing so all was good as we wandered around the ship to get our bearings.
Bubble man
After an excellent French meal in the restaurant we headed to the entertainment area and watched a remarkable act; a man blowing bubbles. He blew big ones, small ones, bubblers within bubbles, bubbles with smoke and he even put a couple of audience participants into bubbles, it was a fascinating act and we enjoyed watching it.
Arriving in Plymouth
Friday 6th May
By the morning the anticipated position was just north-west of the Brittany coast, but at 0830hrs we were well into the English Channel, helped no doubt by the exceptionally calm waters of the Bay of Biscay, anyway at this point the ship slowed down so as not to arrive too early!!!
Diss-embarking was fairly simple but slow due to Border control checking every passport carefully and though we we were stopped by customs, again😢, they didn’t search us.😀. Once out of the dockyard we headed to North Somerset but en-route we stopped off at Geoff and Rowena’s in Exeter for a “cuppa”, though once we arrived, our “cuppa” turned out to be a light lunch, and very nice it was too.
Hope Farm
Next it was “hot-foot” up the M5 to Lympsham arriving at a respectable time around 1600hrs and was immediately taken on the tour of their new home .
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Wednesday, our day to explore began after a remarkably comfortable night in this weird room with the four poster bed, but it was very quiet, not too many guests me-thinks, so after a leisurely morning we ventured out into an overcast sky and wandered around the town.
lovely narrow streets
Unfortunately with the overcast sky and low-level clouds, our vantage point wasn’t as expected and the Pyrenees were shrouded in cloud. Still not perturbed we strolled through every street, nook and cranny and checked out each entrance gate into the walled town.
sculpture of bags and shoes in churchyard for the travellers
The thing that surprised us was the number of Bodegas here. Around every corner was a Bodega and they all had their caves underneath, no wonder there are no vehicles allowed into the town: in fact we came across the commercial parking spaces for delivery vehicles and we saw delivery drivers with their barrows making deliveries! I wonder how they manage with a load of building materials. Still, whilst on our explorations we enjoyed coffee and cakes in one place (no Soberano👹👹), and a couple of local wines in another before venturing into a bodega for a first-class Menu del Dia.
It is located on a hill with commanding views and is surrounded by a wall built by a King Sancho el Fuerte de Navarra . Five access gates called Mercadal, Carnicerías, Páganos, San Juan and Santa Engracia are still preserved and Its streets and corners retain a great medieval flavour. The Laguardia economy and the area around is based on the wine industry, with its own production and numerous wineries. Its extensive heritage has allowed it to belong to the association The most beautiful villages in Spain, and is the only town in the Basque Country to be in that association.
fabulous views from this point
This town is worth a visit but we were disappointed that it was so quiet, probably due to lack of parking facilities but hey, we thoroughly enjoyed our day here and tomorrow we head to Santander to catch the afternoon ferry, arriving in Plymouth in the morning.
Our long awaited trip to the U.K. was planned to start at 0800hrs this bright Tuesday morning, 3rd May but strangely we were out of the house and on the road by 0745; must have been excited.
Miles and miles of grape vines.
Firstly we had to drop Rosie at the motorhome dealer in Murcia, she had been booked in to have a generator and other useful bits of kit to make her fully “self-sufficient”, fitted. So off we went in convoy and heading along the A7 suddenly Christine pulled in front and stopped me. “What’s wrong I asked” we have forgotten our COVID certificates: “Don’t worry” I replied, “we have them on our ‘phones; so off we headed and halfway to Murcia I suddenly wondered if Christine had the passports as she normally looks after them so I stopped and asked the question; “xxx”, “xxx”, “xxx” was the expletive answer!! Followed by “NO”👹👹👹👹. I “quietly” drove on towards the destination while Christine turned back to Campoverde to collect said items!!!
Our appointment was 0900hrs but I arrived at 0845, the 15-minutes we had gained earlier in the morning, unfortunately to no avail!!!!! But fortunately Christine broke the sound barrier and we eventually headed on our way, passports and hard copies of our Covid certificates, “just in case” in hand. Once out of Murcia we stopped for breakfast, then “bish, bosh, bash” we blasted our way to, then round Madrid before stopping for a Menu del Dia, goodness knows, where but it was very acceptable.
More vineyards
Mile after mile of tedious motorway is boring, but once clear of Madrid and away from duel carriageways we drove through some rather pretty, mountainous countryside, firstly with fields of oilseed rape then mile after mile of vineyards. It would appear it is a rather large “Rioja”producing region, this is also born out by the number of Bodegas we saw. Every village had 3 or 4 and most had magnificent buildings; obviously we all drink too much wine and the proprietors make so much they don’t know what to spend it on!!!
Laguardia, Vista aerea
Our destination for two nights is the Hospederia de los Parajes in Laguardia, apparently this is a very old building in the heart of the old medieval town and the only access to it is by foot. We have to do a 5-minute walk from where one parks the car🥵🥵, still I have no doubt it will be worth it.
Inside Laguadia
Arriving outside the walls of the old medieval town we understood why we had to walk. The gateways were pretty narrow so managed to find a car parking spot and off we trundled. Our guide was “WAZE”, so followed the route but WAZE is only geared up for cars, not pedestrians and soon realised there had to be a shorter route, so asked a local. We immediately arrived at our lodgings, a beautiful building, right in the centre of the town.
our bedroom for the two nights
Our room, complete with 4-poster bed was unusual; we had cherubs each side of the bed, angled beamed ceiling, and unusual decorations with a partition for the dressing room and shower room; fortunately the toilet was separate!!!!!
Down in the underground cellars
Whilst completing the usual formalities we were given two tickets for a complementary wine taster in their caves which were situated 2-floors below ground level. Upon arrival down in the bowls of the building we were quite amazed. We were in caves, literally below our accommodation, there were passageways going deep into the caves, very unusual and the temperature of was a constant cold, just right for storage of wines. It was here we appreciated how important wine producing is to this area and how most of the medieval town is built on top of ancient caves hence no vehicles, as it was told to us, too much weight could demolish the town as it fell into the caves below.
After our “taster” we headed out and blow me, we found another entrance into the town right in front of the hotel and you could see our parked car!!!! Not 5-minutes away, more like 2-minutes away😀😀
A quick drink accompanied with some Tapas followed by an early night was all we could handle tonight, but tomorrow we will have a good poke about
Our day has arrived! We had started the packing last night so this morning we only had the last few things, including the fridge etc. Once complete we started to pack the car but It was very cold and snow was forecasted for around midday, so needed to get a move on. Unfortunately the snow started earlier than forecasted so the last few things went in rather quicker bthan they should!!!h
Just as we were leaving the snow started
We had planned to do a “de-tour” to Wythall (nr. Birmingham) to view another motorhome, one we had seen on the internet so headed out, with heavy snow falling now. Driving to Ashbourne was interesting, no salt, Virgin snow, and a fair amount of traffic made driving very un-pleasant and rather slow. Once in Ashbourne we stopped again at M & S for a coffee whilst watching the snow still falling through the window. At this point I ‘phoned the dealer and cancelled our appointment; a good job as it was also snowing there!!! When we were here the other day we noted M&S were selling off their surplus Xmas stocks, including Mince Pies at 18-pence for a box of 6 so today we bought 8-boxes thinking they would go down a treat at Dave and Jane.
Roads very slippery
Heading out of Ashbourne and arriving at the bottom of a “not-too-steep-a-hill”, there was a queue of traffic with a couple of HGV’s stuck up ahead and another turning round. As he was coming down the hill we stopped the driver to find out the problem. Apparently a car had skidded and the two lorries stopped, the car then carried on but the two HGV’s couldn’t get traction so we’re stuck!!! Anyway most of the cars turned around but the AWD car in front of us, and the AWD car behind, just headed straight up and away!!!!! Once on the A50 the snow turned to sleet and once heading south on the M1 it was raining.
We arrived at Janes mid afternoon, de-camped the car and set up the two settees as beds; no water bed for us!!!!! As per Boris’ plan B, Dave was working from home but soon finished so we had a very jovial evening, firstly playing “Snakes-n-Ladders” with Mia, and after bedtime the four of us played “Marjon” followed by bed for us.
Friday 7th January
After a reasonably comfortable night on the sofas and breakfast we headed out to Romford, Christine has her new iPhone 13 but it’s not completely set up so needs to go to an O2 shop to get the e SIM working. I wanted to visit a Curry PC world store, time to update my iPad, but before all that I wanted to find a coffee shop; we only had decaf instant coffee at Jane’s. Oh yes, another visit to Tesco as we’re cooking tonight and tomorrow.
Unfortunately The stores in Romford are rather spread out, not within walking distance of each other so headed to O2 to sort the ‘phone. Sat Nav took us to the shop with no problem, but it was their back door and unloading bay!!!! We eventually found the relevant car park attached to the shopping precinct and walked into the shop. It was immediately apparent the assistant was going to struggle, she knew about the e SIM but that was it! I realised this was going to take some time so left and found a “Costa” shop around the corner.
Minding my own business and enjoying a coffee I saw Christine heading my way and when at the table said the O2 shop couldn’t help as the contract she had wasn’t straight forward, she needed to go to the original shop where the contract was taken out. Returning to the car we stopped by several other places to “top-up” with a few things before heading to Curry PC World but once in the car with time running out we changed our minds; Tesco here we come.
Mia enjoying Jenga
Returning to the house after Tesco we decided “that’s it”, we’re not going out again ‘till we leave on Sunday. When Mia returned we played “ Jenga and Ludo”, we’ve not played this for “donkey’s years”. After dinner and Mia had gone to bed the four of us played “Mahjong”, again!!!
Saturday 8th January
A day of lounging for us and the other three went out for a bike ride in the cold and damp!!! But during most of the afternoon we were entertained by Mia and Mason, (Mia’s friend), with their dancing and singing “performances”.
Mia and Mason
After a “full-on” roast lamb dinner, and clearing up was complete, we played Mahjong for the last time. It is a sad thing, they only play when with us and we’re the same. We both need to introduce others to the game!!! The two little ones spent the evening engrossed with their games and we didn’t get a peep out of them. Though they are only six, their instinct is to keep the noise down so the adults let them stay up!!! When they eventually went to bed, they were immediately asleep.
Mia and Mason
Sunday 9th January
Today we head south, but first we have to complete the bureaucratic forms the Spanish government wants to allow us back into the country and Dave has a printer!!
By late morning most of the paperwork was and printed off but the all important QR code wasn’t available ‘till the Monday, so after saying our good byes we headed towards Portsmouth. Our plan was to enjoy a double bacon baguette at our normal place, “Oakham Bites” but upon arrival, the place was heaving; everyman and his dog was there, parking was a nightmare and the queue to get served stretched a long way so after a visit to the conveniences, we gave up and headed on our way, but very disappointed. We knew it was a dog walkers paradise amongst the woods and common but wrongly assumed most people would have gone home for lunch; how wrong we were 🥵🥵🥵
Arriving back at Bill and Jenny’s we unloaded as much of the car as needed, including our well used and trusty duvet and decided in place of our bacon baguettes we would go for a curry. The local Indian restaurant “Mela” in Horndean opened at 1700hrs and having been there before, knew it was good so didn’t have to wait too long.
After a pleasant meal it was good to get back into a “real bed” again; though the sofas were reasonably comfortable, they’d were no substitute for the real thing!!!
Monday 10th January
Our last day before the escape but we had a couple of particular jobs to do. I needed to visit the Phillips site in Tangmere for a new face mask, and Christine has to go to her mobile phone contract provider to sort out her new ‘phone, their offices are in Fareham. But first, as we were now in the “window”, we could complete the Spanish Entry forms and get the QR codes.
Ok, bureaucracy satisfied and printed off we were on our way. We arrived at the Phillips premises only to find them empty and all shut down; Christine had said she though the last time we went, several years ago, it would be the last time as they were moving; oops I should have listened; wasted journey and no new mask!!! We now turned around and headed to Fareham but not wishing to waste our time rang to see if they were working. What a good job we did as her ”regular” contact was working from home but the lady who answered the said she could help over the ‘phone, so I pulled into the first place I could to park whilst Christine sorted things over the phone; so far so good. The lady advised us the changes could take up to 24-hrs to be implemented.
Farmers Inn
Midday and both tasks though not completed, has been undertaken so where to now, ah yes how about lunch. We decided to go to the Farmers Inn, just up the road from where we were staying but after arriving and parking the car read the notice on the door; closed, “reserved for a funeral party”, oh dear not our day, so decided to go to the “Bat and Ball” in Hambledon; fingers crossed they’re open!!!
Bat and Ball
As we walked in we were warmly greeted by “mine host” and presumably his wife but were spoilt for choice, unexpectedly the place was quite empty but it was late by now. Rather than go into the restaurant we stayed in the bar area, it was warmer!!! After an excellent lunch with several pints of rather enjoyable “London Pride” we headed back home. London Pride is a sponsor of the “British and Irish Lions” and their pint glasses have this on them so after a chat with the Landlord, I came away with one to add to my collection.
Bat and Ball
Tomorrow is an early start so got everything as ready as we could to save time in the morning.
Tuesday 11th January
The day of escape has arrived; up at 0600hrs, a quick breakfast then headed down to the ferry terminal in the “fog”; why not, we’ve endured every other sort of weather the U.K. can throw at us!!!
One of the two carriers that were in port
We arrived at the entrance to the terminal along with what seemed half of England, cars, motorhomes and trucks everywhere all escaping!!! We produced all our paperwork with baited breath, you never know as the rules keep changing from day to day, but we’re relieved when it was returned with two cabin keys; we’re heading home, yeah. This time we were waved past the customs house and as luck would have it we were one of the first cars to be loaded, this was great but the down side we’ll be one of the last to be unloaded.
Galicia
Today we are on one of Brittney Ferries newest ships, the “Galicia” and very comfortable it was. The cabin had a TV, and the public areas were spacious and though the ship was full, it was only when one went to the restaurant did one realise there were so many people aboard. The rest of our day was about playing crib and watching a couple of films. When we booked we were horrified at the cost of this ferry but assumed due to covid and the reduced number of ferries running etc., it is what it is but to our surprise it included a 3-course evening meal and a continental breakfast in the morning; not all bad then!!!!!
Wednesday 12th January
After a very comfortable night, and bearing in mind the “Bay of Biscay” in the winter can be a diabolical place to be, it was like a mill pond, we were very lucky. Yesterday we left Portsmouth in thick fog, this morning we woke up to blue skies, marvellous. After a leisurely breakfast and a browse around the duty-free shop we cleared up our cabin and waited for the call to return to the car deck.
Sunshine yeah!
Another requirement which we hadn’t know about was that once in our cars and waiting, the crew came around and took all our temperatures, anyway another hurdle cleared, only immigration and customs left now.
When we left in November and caught the ferry, the French border control official reminded us produce our Spanish Residencies upon returning, to ensure we don’t get our passports stamped.
We were convinced we would be one of the last cars to leave the ferry but through good fortune, our lane of cars had to go early to unlock all the rest; what luck!! Through border control and no stamps in our passports, and then sailed by customs and we were out of the Port of Santander and headed south.
SatNav told us the journey would take 8-hours and allowing for a couple of stops would get home about 0030hrs, so “pedal-to-the-metal” and off we went.
On long drives we each do a 2-hour stint and with a couple of short breaks the journey flew by and arrived back in Campoverde as planned, half past midnight. It has been 7-weeks since we left and it felt good to be back.
Not quite the new year celebrations we are accustomed to but that’s covid isolation for you, still what has to be done, has to be done!!!
I did my usual test, negative of course, Christine also did one hoping she would be negative but no, too early, it was positive so a not too disappointed Christine who is now feeling more like her old self, did a load of washing.
Nothing else apart from the usual, crib etc.
Sunday 2nd January
Again my test was negative and I was now beginning to think I might escape, though I don’t know why!!! Otherwise another similar day though glad to say Christine is improving by the day though sleeping is another story. The legacy of her covid appears to be terrible catarrh and a nagging cough causing “sleepdeprivation”, so last night she piled up cushions behind her pillows and slept upright, and I am pleased to say this worked for the majority of the night.
Of course during the course of the day we got snippets of information regarding Stonfield Castle from Leisha and David, it all sounded good and naturally we were “hissed off”, Still I’m glad they enjoyed themselves, just jealous as hell!!!
Ever since we sold our motorhome back in 2014, we have returned to the subject of owning one again on numerous occasions, only this time it had to be a smaller and mor powerful one. The other consideration we had to take into account is that as we’re both over 70, we are restricted to a maximum GVW of 3500kgs. With so much time on our hands, we scoured the country to try and find a suitable secondhand one for sale. Our requirement apart from weight was it had to be a “left-hooker” and be “automatic”; rather like looking for hen’s teeth but we persevered. Eventually Christine found one at a dealer in Newport, (Shropshire) and sent off an email. Because of Covid, “staycation” seems to be the “buzz-word” and motorhomes are selling like “hot-cakes” but worst of all, it has jacked up all the prices!!!
Monday 3rd January
Hooray, Christine joined me with her first negative lateral flow test, a great relief, though I’m am still rather concerned I may catch it, but what will be will be!! Marian has had two negatives, 24-hrs apart and has escaped today leaving Martin and Russell to isolate. Of course the rules state there has to be 24-hrs between the two tests but I virtually had to sit on Christine as she was so excited to be through it, she wanted to escape!!!
This morning we had a ‘phone call from the motorhomes dealer, giving us additional information and asking if we were interested. I explained our situation but assured him once clear we would be along.
The rest of the day followed the same pattern other than we met up with Martin mid morning for a coffee and a brandy, yes I still had a bottle of Soberano left!!!! Other than that, it was Crib, TV, some housework etc though Christine did take time to walk around the grounds and get fresh air though we had had quite a bit. Every morning we flung open all the windows and doors to blow anything away that could be infectious.
Tuesday 4th January
A great ceremony took place this morning, we both did our tests hoping for two negative results and I’m pleased to say we they were, great rejoicing took place including a cooked breakfast!!!j
Yesterday Russell volunteered to clean our car, for a donation of course!!!, anyway after some tough negotiations he agreed to do both inside and out but oh dear what a day. There was a heavy overnight frost and this morning it was bitterly cold so we did suggest he left it, but no. “Fair do’s” to him, he was outside, hose, bucket, hoover etc., and he got on with it and what a thorough job he did of it. The last time it was this clean was probably the day it left the showroom; thank you very much Russell. Today was also the first negative test he had after contracting covid.
Due to our negative results I was also able to commit to going to the motorhomes dealership, so phoned and made an appointment for Wednesday 5th.
By now the covid “tally” at Rockfield House was:- Marian and Christine two negative tests, Russell one Negative test, Martin still with a faint positive line and goodness knows why; haven’t caught it!!!!!
We both went to bed very happy though we did have to set an alarm for tomorrow!!!
Wednesday 5th January
Our first day away from the house for what seemed an eternity and Marian joined us for our trip to Newport. This morning Russell had had his second negative lateral flow test so had also escaped and gone to work whilst Martin had his first negative test, but still had to isolate,; oh yes, I was also negative!!!
Our plan was to get to the motorhome dealer and view the left-hooker with the automatic gearbox and hopefully, if satisfactory, do a deal. On the way home we were going to stop at “Pasta du Piazza”, an Italian restaurant we like in Stone (Staffordshire) as a thank you to Marian for offering us one of her holiday cottages to isolate in.
We hit the road around 0930hrs but the going was slow as there had been a little snow and a heavy frost, so slippery roads until we left the Peak District. The rest of the journey to Newport was generally slow as we seemed to be going “cross country”, no major roads to use, and there was quite a lot of traffic all throwing up “muck” from the surface, onto our nice clean shiny car that Russell had put so much time and effort into cleaning it.
We arrived and immediately went to look at the vehicle we had been interested in but alas, it didn’t match our expectations. Whilst there we looked at several others but two of them had possibilities, both different but with pluses, so it was time for a coffee at the adjacent garden centre to “mull-over” the pros and cons.
One was a small traditional motorhome with a fixed bed etc., the other was more like a camper van, much more like a car to drive but therefore far less inside space, though it did have that all important piece of equipment, a compact shower and loo. Our conclusion was the traditional one: though it was 15-years old it had only done 8500 miles since new, and looking underneath it was apparent; an unmarked chassis, in fact it was most probably kept in a warm/dry barn or similar. The inside also in excellent condition and though it was old, it carried a premium price tag and no matter what we said, the dealer wouldn’t budge on price. We already knew “staycation” was the new preferred holidaying arrangements and because of this, there is a shortage of nice motorhomes for sale.
After having another good poke about and chat with the salesman, we were very keen mainly due to its excellent condition, we’d even accepted it’s right a hand drive with a manual gearbox! We left muttering about the price telling him we would be in touch.
We now headed back to Stone for our Italian meal. We knew they closed at 1500hrs and we were later than planned, but with a fair wind and a heavy right foot we would make it. 1430hrs and we arrived at the Restaurants’s back door, so Christine jumped out whilst Marian and I parked the car by the canal car park only to see a “for-lawn” Christine walking over, the restaurant was closed today, oops!!!! We drove around Stone looking for somewhere but no, nothing open or available so a re-think was necessary.
The Manner’s Restaurant
We came up with our plan B; we’d head back towards Flagg but stop en-route for a cuppa and a bun. The chosen place to stop was the café in Marks and Spencer, Ashbourne, and whilst there came up with plan “B+1” we would head to the “Manners”, a pub with a very good restaurant and it opened at 1700hrs; just right. We all enjoyed a very good meal before heading back to Rockfield house.
Back at the house Martin and Russell joined us for a coffee and a couple of “covid busting” drinks; I am convinced Soberano has been the key to my success in avoiding covid!!!
Tomorrow we escape our very nice prison; Marian and Martins holiday cottage has been our salvation and a better place to isolate I cannot think of; thank you both again.
Leaving Chapel Brampton feeling guilty and still miffed how Christine had caught it, though unknowingly, it “could” be me but I haven’t any symptoms; anyway we’ll get the results tomorrow and then we will know for sure.
We headed to the Peak District; we were originally staying in one of Marian and Martin’s holiday cottages for a couple of nights on our way to Scotland but now, if one or both of us is positive, Marian has said we can stay and isolate. Being the optimist I felt it was more flu than covid with Christine but who am I??? Until we know the result we will have to by-pass Marian and Martin’s house as they are also isolating following their positive results.
The rest of the day was spent in a very comfortable cottage watching a films, after all it was raining!!!
28th December
We woke early and full of anticipation and in my view, expectation of two negative results. Wrong; we looked at Christine’s result; “positive” 👹. My turn next; “Negative” 🤔, how does that work as we have been everywhere together, except play-school to collect Elton which was outside and was only a couple of minutes, so I took another lateral flow rest, “negative” again🤔 Anyway that’s it. Now we have to cancel the hotel in Moffat on the way to Stonfield Castle where we are booked in for their Hogmanay break. We will also need to move the ferry booking forward by several days. What a shame, the trip to Scotland was the swan-song of our trip to U.K. and really looking forward for it; have to re-book for next year if we get our money back!!!!!
Stonefield Castle
Trying to get through to anybody during this holiday period was virtually impossible, so sent out e mails to start the process. Being negative I did “pop”out as we needed shopping, living in the middle of nowhere during the Christmas holidays, we wouldn’t get any deliveries!!!
Martin, though positive doesn’t have too many symptoms so elected to cook a curry tonight for the the four of us: when ready, ours was delivered, “carefully”!, by Russell.
Christine was pretty poorly all day so took things very easy, again watching TV and dozing on the settee, but enjoyed her curry; that’s a good sign.
29th December
Nothing to rush up for this morning and as Christine didn’t have the best of nights, I wasn’t rushing either. But once up I did a further lateral flow rest, again negative. On the face of it having a negative test sounds good but the downside will be, if I catch it tomorrow or the next day our ferry booking will be wrong again!!!!
our view not bad is it!
Christine managed to find a new ferry date on the 11th but as yet not confirmed, watch this space. I was struggling to contact Expedia for our Moffat night refund and though we had emailed Stonefield, we hadn’t received a reply.
The rest of the day was much the same as yesterday, boring and raining, followed by bed with TV in between.
30th December
Another bad night for poor Christine, breathing was the issue but here we are, “morning”, another day of isolation behind us. We have decided we need a purpose so I am chasing Expedia and Christine is chasing the ferry people. I will also ring Stonehill Castle; but first my lateral flow test; oh dear “negative” now I am getting a little concerned as it’s been 3-4 days since Christine was positive and there won’t be sufficient days for me to isolate without changing the ferry for a second time.
Marian and Martin’s home
Trying to get hold of anybody at Expedia was like finding the proverbial “needle in a haystack”, I couldn’t find a ‘phone number or an email address anywhere so rang the Moffat hotel and after a couple of calls they found me a ‘phone number. It turned out this number was for financial arrangements between Expedia and the hotels, but after some “persuading”, the chap on the other end “reluctantly” agreed to put me through to customer services. It turned out to be a call to the USA, but hey, I was on the right track so far! After quoting my booking reference I was told we hadn’t paid for free cancellation and therefore would be charged. I suggested they re-think as I was following Government guidelines therefore had no choice, alternatively I could have ignored the guidelines and gone, what did he think? We got our re-fund!!!!
The call to Stonehill wasn’t so good, we were told they would have to refer it to their head office who are closed ‘till after the holiday😖😖😖.
To wile away some extra time, we played a few hands of crib, watching too much TV isn’t our scene.
wherever you look we are isolating!
During the evening Christine had a “ping” and upon checking her ‘phone, received confirmation of our booking with a cabin on the Santander ferry on the 11th; wonderful😅😅😅.
31st December
New Year’s Eve and stuck in isolation, but worse, no “bubbly” only a bottle of red to see the new year in. We’ve been together for circa 17-years, and this is the first one we’ve not been able to celebrate in style🥵🥵, hopefully next year we can make up for it and do a proper job🥳🥳🥳. We’ve heard from Dave and Leisha from the castle who tell us it is a beautiful place, just what we wanted to hear!!! Anyway Christine is preparing a sumptuous dinner with the little bit of food we have left, I have no doubt it will be excellent
Dave and Leisure enjoying Stonefield
More crib, a little TV followed by dinner and a James Bond film before watching the “bongs” on BBC followed by the firework display on the Thames from Greenwich.
