A wet day at Chatsworth

After the last two days of fine but cold weather we woke to rain this morning. The rain persisted until after 3 p.m. but we had a brighter late afternoon and were able to take a walk in Chatsworth Park.

Button had the right idea during the rain!

Lots of deer were gathered together in one herd; we estimated 100 or so individuals. On our way back to the caravan site we saw a Sparrowhawk take a small bird. The light was very poor but I took a few photos anyway.

Some of the deer in the large herd

Sparrowhawk having its dinner (sorry for poor quality)

For lunch today we walked into Baslow (in the rain) and went to Il Lupo, a very pleasant Italian restaurant.

Chatsworth House from the bridge over the River Derwent

The bridge designed by James Paine and completed in 1761

First proper trip

We left home yesterday for our first proper trip away in Morag, our Motorhome. (Lyn chose the name!) We have come to the Caravan Club site at Chatsworth Park.

Morag with Chatsworth House visible through the trees

We tried to pack everything that we thought we would need but, inevitably, forgot a few things. Nothing disastrous but we forgot washing-up liquid, teaspoons and our container of drinking water. Luckily, my sisters, Linda and Susan (and Linda's husband Richard) visited today and were able to bring a spoon and washing up liquid.
The site is very well set up and looked after but busy because of half-term. The plot we chose is near the dog walking area so Button is well-catered for.

The dog walk

Chatsworth House is nearby, we can just see it through the trees from Morag. We walked over to the house for lunch at the Stables cafe.

The imposing gateway to the Stables

We seem to have got everything working OK with the exception of the TV. Never mind, we can use the WiFi connection and the laptop to watch Pointless!
Yesterday was Lyn's birthday and we had a very nice meal at Rowley's Restaurant in Baslow to celebrate but tonight we are eating in with a convenience meal (Moussaka).

Chatsworth House

Lyn and Button in Chatsworth Park

Large herd of deer across the River Derwent

Oh! Deer!

Oops!

Yesterday, Lyn took the camper over to Lindsay's to show off. Lindsay was quite impressed but said it needed a bike rack fitting. I don't know why. Perhaps she is still under the impression that she would be able to borrow it! As she returned after dark, Lyn decided to leave the camper parked on the road so that she didn't cause any more damage.

Lyn can explain the photo!

First Trip

For our first trip in our motorhome we went for the afternoon to Ilam Hall in the Peak District National Park. This was just to try out a few things and get some idea of what we might need to take etc. Lyn let me drive this time! The car park was surprisingly full given the frosty weather so we parked on the grass. Hope the National Trust didn't mind too much!

Yes, that's Lyn mugging from the window!

We walked down to the church but it was all locked up so we couldn't see inside. Then we walked along by the River Hamps to give Button some exercise. Back at the van we made a cup of tea and warmed some mince pies to eat. We had forgotten to take a teaspoon (not a big problem) or baby wipes. We also think that Button's den is too big to take with us. We will have to find an alternative means of securing her for travel.

Ilam church with Thorpe Cloud in the background. It was a beautiful sunny but frosty day.

The journey back was not so good as fog had begun to close in by 3:30. We got back safe and sound though.

Got it!

We collected our motorhome from Cara in Stoke this morning. The folk at Cara were very helpful and thorough in their explanations and had prepared the vehicle very well, replacing things like the leisure battery, fire extinguisher etc. and ensuring that everything worked as designed. Lyn drove it home and, for a first attempt, parked it very well at the side of the house.

A pleased Lyn!

Now we need to take it for a try out. We will begin with a short drive out so that we know how to set everything up. Then we are planning on a trip to a Caravan Club site, probably at Chatsworth, for a few days to properly familiarise ourselves with everything. Perhaps Lyn will let me drive it too!

Our motorhome at its new home

Ok, Button is included!

After a number of comments criticising me for not including Button in the name of our Blog (including comments from SWMBO!) I have changed the Blog name from GALOW to GLABOW, George, Lyn and Button on Wheels.
On a separate note, we have now arranged insurance for our new vehicle. I was amazed at the range of prices quoted for a year's insurance. The most expensive was nearly £600 and the least was £175! Needless to say, we have chosen the £175 quote, from the Caravan Club. One has to be a member to get this rate (£46) but we were going to join anyway.
Now looking forward to January 2nd when we collect her!

Agreed to buy

Today we went for a test drive in a second-hand motorhome, a Peugeot Ravenna AutoSleeper. We are happy that it will suit us well and Lyn found it easy to drive. It appears to be in excellent condition and very well fitted out, even having a TV and DVD player already installed. We have arranged to collect and pay for this new toy at the beginning of January 2015. Looking forward to it!

Here's a photo. We have checked out the dimensions and it will fit on our drive ... just! All things being well, we will be taking out first trip in it in late January. Now we have to arrange insurance and finances!