Longbrook Farm CL, Cold Aston

 Saturday 18th May

    This is our first time away in Daisy.  Our Fleurette Migrateur 73LJ.  We didn't think that we'd be going away so soon but as Adrian, the chap who sold Daisy to us, had done some of the odd jobs that needed doing; we were able to take advantage of an early get away.

    Mike is getting very comfortable with driving and although I have driven Daisy to the weighbridge, I feel that I'd need a longish trip to really get to know her so I am going to driving the return home.

    A year ago, we were at Longbrook Farm in the caravan, so we know what it's like.  Although this time, we had to phone the owner to ask whether we could park up on the hard standing as it had a reserved sign on it.   Apparently these are so they are left for motorhomes and we could park anywhere we wanted.

     The hard standing is made up of dedicated tiles but these aren't completely level but gives you the confidence of getting off the pitch in the wet.  We tried to level Daisy but couldn't get the front end up high enough, surprisingly, so we have a slight slant but nothing we can't handle.

    After a cuppa, we headed out for a walk and turned right out of the site and down a side road. Very rural and so many wildflowers!  My favourite being a whole field of buttercups.  It was a wonder to behold!

    We didn't really want to retrace our steps and managed to find a stone stile which seemed to be heading in the direction of the village.  Through another buttercup field, which also had daisies, clover and cow parsley.  Over another stile, the path took us to a track that I'd been down on our last visit and so back into the village - and the pub!  Well, it would be rude not to partake.  It wonderful sat outside in the sun and the quiet.  It has been so long since we have away so we are really relishing it. (just over six months!)

     We didn't put the silver screen blackout covers on the front of Daisy as we have a curtain which separates the bedroom from the lounge.  It worked but as I had forgotten to bring any night wear, I had to make sure that I had everything that I needed as I couldn't go out to get it.  Later, I'll make a curtain to go around the cab so we don't have to rely on the outside blinds.  We slept, Mike's says better than the caravan but not so for me - at the moment.

 Sunday 19th

    We ventured out to the Batsford Arboretum today and on the way there, we saw more fields full of buttercups.  I dont know why but this year, there is a profusion of buttercup fields which look wonderful. 

    We had to pre-book tickets and a time frame for our visit but glad we did.  The arboretum was lovely!  Not too over-kept so it did look more natural in places.  It was a beautiful day too with big blue skies.  A perfect day!

    We saw plenty of Ransoms (wild garlic) which is one of my favourite plants but unfortunately they were going over and losing their flowers and smell.  We need to make a return visit at the beginning of May.  That would be a real treat!

    Walking around; we saw a Red Kite, heard numerous birds, saw wonderful trees including Great Red Cedars and the Handkerchief Tree which was in bloom and it was so peaceful and quiet.  As I said a perfect day (although the cafe was a bit noisy).  The Arboretum is set on a hill so there are steepish bits to climb but the views are worth it and there are plenty of benches around for well earned rests.

    On the way back to site, we had to get something for dinner.  Whilst at the Arboretum, a lady told us about a farm shop nearby so we ventured out there only to find they don't take motorhomes (or campervans or caravans) in the carpark.  So we turned around and found the Tesco at Stowe.  We had to look for a space 2 cars long as the motorhome is so long. Little did we know when we bought it.  Anyway, we didn't go hungry although there is very little choice there.                    

    When we got back to site and after a welcome cold one, we tried the canopy, which works and looks brilliant.  Unfortunately, we couldn't thread our porch awning through the awning runner so we will need to look at getting an adaptor.

     All in all a very successful and relaxing day.

 Monday 20th

     Before we set off, we had to find the change to pay for the electric hookup as it's on a meter.  £3.65 for the 2 days which was mainly for the fridge and hot water.  Fellow campers came to the rescue to change a £10 note.  

    I drove home as I wanted a longish journey to really learn Daisy's quirks.  It was fine and I settled into it very well.  Even when we met a lorry coming round a sharp bend in the road (how close can we get to the side?)  It was all fine and we arrived home safe and sound.

 Usually I do the cleaning before we leave a site but this time I didn't as we still had water in the tank.  so I did it when we got home - all ready for the next outing!

All in all, a very positive weekend with only a few small tweaks to make for comfort.  Here's to the next trip out!