The first of many 60 mile journeys passed with little/no drama. We very swiftly were reminded of the following things:
– camper does not like hills (not even a little bit)
– camper hates 2nd gear
– camper loves 4th gear
– corners make me scared

We mixed up the journey with some stunning Welsh scenery going through Brecon and then had a brief turn on the M4 going over the awesome Severn Bridge. This was followed by some truly magical British summer weather mixed with the stunning Wiltshire hills covered in bright yellow rape-seed. We scooted round Bath (will have to save for another adventure) and heading for Newton Hills Caravan site. We somehow didn’t make it in a straight line but managed to take the busiest single lane country and hilly path of all time. While a scenic route and passing quaint villages was delightful the meeting of cars every 200 yards on blind corners was a bit more if a baptism of fire. Driving a 40 year old car takes up the use of the grey matter at the best of times so we emerged with joyous rapture onto an A road…and with Dave ready for the day to end.

We arrived at the campsite and after an encounter with a Spanish receptionist who made it clear working at a caravan site was not for filling her life’s ambition, we drove to our pitch. We were quickly engulfed by a plethora of vehicles – I don’t think I could call them caravans they looked like something Robert Di Nero would have written into his contract. They came complete with American style BBQs, satellite dishes and probably a hot tub somewhere inside. I sort of felt great to be in the marvellous little machine which got attention despite size and didn’t need wheels bigger than my head to get noticed. We proudly got out or teeny camping chairs and got ourselves organised – all the time aware of the beady eyes peering out of the numerous windows surrounding us.

We knew we would be up early and needed a quick bit of food and early night as we were feeling the strain of 1000% concentration while driving so we took advantage of the on site ‘restaurant’….and yes I use inverted comers on purpose. Now, Dave has always found it hilarious that, until recently, I didn’t know what a Toby Carvery was and that I am not sure if I have ever been to a Harvester before. That said even he looked a little depressed at the sight of the menu and we had to opt for the safest choices rather than the healthy salad we had been hoping for – according to Dave rant #1 ‘it is not acceptable in this day an age to not have a salad on the menu’.

That said facilities were amazing (they even had a bath in the shower block) and we had another great nights sleep ready to move onto the next phase.