That’s it for the season now, the caravan’s been emptied, taps open, cupboards left open and ready for hibernation. We’ve ordered a cover for it as we won’t be able to clear off snow now that Mike’s had a new hip. Looking forward to the new season.
Duke Hotel Hilmarton Wiltshire
Friday 4th November
It's a CL at the side of the pub with good access through the car park. It's on a slight slope but the actual pitches are on hard standing. Fresh water was easy to get to at the corner of the field. Disposal of waste is very difficult though. Chemical & grey waste go down a manhole about 2 foot above ground level and trying to lift the grey water onto that is nigh on impossible if full. We had Carol & John staying on site as well so Friday night was Corn Beef Hash, wine & plenty of chatting. In the evening, Mike steered the conversation around to their new caravan. We'd already talked about it but we started talking about leaks. About 5 minutes later, we could all hear a dripping sound form the bathroom area. Carol leapt up and went hunting for the leak. 'You beggar' she says and comes back with Mike's phone! He'd put a sound dripping water on it and used it for an alarm.
Saturday 5th November, we went to Chippenham as there didn't seem to be much in Calne. The shops and market were mainly along one street intersected by a bridge. There isn't much in the way of directions for parking i.e. long or short stay. There are though plenty of charity shops so whilst we were rummaging through their racks, John & Mike were trying to find a pub with decent ale to while away the time. The pubs apparently weren't great but we eventually found them in the Bear Hotel drinking Hobgoblin - just the drink for Bonfire night!
Hilmarton looks like a lovely village. Haven't really explored so would like to return, perhaps do some walking once Mike's hip is better after the op. The pub's lovely - a typical local with good service and food. Mike's rump steak was cooked to perfection. Nothing is too much for them.
Sunday, Amy & Josh joined us for Sunday lunch in the pub. (Dave was away with work) It was great to see them both, Josh is so lovely!. He was asleep when they arrived and very snugly into my neck. Wonderful! Again a lovely dinner - roast dinners and puds. Mmmmmmmm. Mike and I took Josh for a walk afterwards, we didn't find much but it was good to be out walking with Josh. He loved the caravan with the 'tent' on the side. When they left, we read and slept then had a quiet night in, playing games, talking and eating cheese and biscuits. We will come again.