Mr Fluffy's Flashback

I remember, as a kid, helping my father pack our maroon Ford Cortina Estate with enough camping gear to support the family for the long trip to Yugoslavia. My parents were teachers who had long Summer holidays – they made the most of them. It was those adventurous trips, with we three kids in the back of an overloaded car, which planted the seed of camping and travel in me. Seeing an old Cortina in the Haynes Motoring Museum yesterday reminded me that those camping holidays were the seeds that are responsible for us setting out on this, the first of our many (I hope) retirement adventures.

This is clearly not a Cortina but I like the car

Day One

Our planned sausage sizzle has been cancelled due to an impromptu lunchtime 'pigging-out' at American diner Route 303 on the A303 - gigantic burgers to be exact..covered in Monterey Jack and fries...aaaah how the other half live. Desert brought back memories of special treats I had as a child when grandmother (aka Nog) took me on outings at the local Orange cafe....a chocolate malted milk and a banana split being my favourite. But I digress.

The red white and blue signage proved too much of a draw car on this the first day of our Arctic road trip. We weren't disappointed when we entered to the strains of 'Rock Around the Clock' and the vision of a well-pomaded quiff on the noggin of one of the guests. A quick glance at the metal plates protruding form his ankle suggested his rocking days were far behind him but he definitely added to the ambiance of the place.

Day One's destination is Longleat campsite. Mr Fluffy stayed here recently and his memories of early morning lion and monkey calls have drawn him back. So here we are, parked up next to 4 cocker spaniels - 2 black and 2 brown - and a very friendly robin who has already partaken of a Marian's brownie crumbs. He's currently bouncing around my toes and, good grief, has picked up a rather juicy worm....not from between my toes I hasten to add. It's 7pm and we're sitting outside IN A T SHIRT!! Unheard of...

Mr Fluffy loving his masculine day out

Along the way, tourist-attraction-space number one has been filled by the Haynes Motor Museum with its brand new facade and its very informative, if a little persistent, volunteer guide. Mr Fluffy spent a lovely afternoon reminiscing about his driving lessons in the Ford Anglian 105E and the accident in the Ford Escort which left him with a broken leg. I'd recommend a visit if you're in any way 'motory' inclined.

One Day To Go

Thursday 15th May is the last full preparation day before we head off on Friday. Check list is almost complete. Had a hair cut today which I like to think looks gamine but more likely looks like a skinhead as I am hoping this cut will last me for the few months we will be away. Mr Fluffy has taken some pics of Dickie which we will share over the next few days once we're on the road. Booked our channel crossing for next Wednesday...hoorah!

Mr Fluffy Gets Technical

Just turned Dickie’s ignition on to take a mileage reading and reset the trip to zero and a warning light came on. A quick look through the manual reveals that this is the 'bulb failure' warning. Checked all the lights and they seemed OK. Testing the brake lights was more of a problem on my own but I eventually discovered that my glasses case would wedge nicely above the pedal and hold the brakes on. A whiz around the back of the vehicle (before the improvised wedge slipped out) revealed the problem. The off-side brake bulb had blown. I removed the lens and old bulb and discovered that the fitting was quite corroded. A quick clean of all the lamp contacts with fine glass paper worked a treat and may prevent problems ahead.  

Getting close to departure

Now getting excited!
Just going through the technical stuff - cleaned the seals on Dickie's Dunny, and greased the electric step and doors.
House sitters (Nickie & Jack) also getting excited about their free holiday in sunny (today) Boscastle.
Will take some photos of Dickie later.
over and out
Mr Fluffy

Getting Ready For the Off

Donate Museum of Witchcraft to Museum of British Folklore - check
Assist in transition of new managers to take over museum - check
Leave job at major pharmaceutical company - check
Latest book sent to printer - check
All Occult Art Company stock to Museum - check
Organise Day of the Departed Event for Friends of Museum of Witchcraft - check
Buy campervan cookbook - check
Make list of passport numbers, contacts, bank etc - check

Sort out:
Travel Insurance - check
Health Insurance - check
Home Insurance - check
'Dickie' Insurance - check
Sky - check
MOT - check

Aaaah! Wouldn't it be nice to just shut the door and be off but alas, it is not to be. Luckily both Graham and I have the 'organiser gene' so with lists aplenty and a great feeling of satisfaction as we highlight our completed tasks we edge ever nearer to our exit day.