Well, we got that sorted out. Our breakdown service, allied with RAC, came up trumps and the garage they took us to looked after us very well. A quietish night in their compound before, as promised, as soon as the part turned up they got onto it and got us on our way. Our only real downside was breakfast at Asda - it was a McDonalds....
So we're now having a couple of days with mum before setting off properly on Thursday.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Monday, 30 December 2013
Monday 30 December 2013
Well this is a good start! I’m writing this in a garage compound in Morley, near Leeds…………!
Let me tell you a story.
Following on from the “starter” blog-post, we got Bertie serviced, which actually took over 2 weeks because they couldn't find replacement winter tyres. So without checking they just fitted ordinary tyres, a complete no-no. I managed to source winter tyres from Germany, at a significantly lower price and with free delivery in 2/3 days. But at least the service centre had the good grace to fit them for me without charge, and also fitted one of the old tyres (plenty of life left, but not enough for the planned trip) to the spare wheel so that all are now the same size.
Then I broke a tooth! What I thought was a minor filling turned into a crown (£600!) but which couldn't be done before we left. However my nice lady dentist managed to squeeze a repair job in on the day we were due to leave (today).
At the same time I've been sorting out a friend, who was unexpectedly admitted to hospital for 3 months ago with various medical problems, plus look after his brand new almost unused motorhome. Eventually got him into a nursing home for what looks like a longish period of recovery and arranged for someone to keep an eye on his van. Pity because he was to have joined up with us at some time during our trip.
Then, whilst perusing the various forums I follow, I noticed a group forming to visit Morocco. If you read our first blog you will remember that we did consider going across when we were in southern Spain but decided against it when we found our insurance didn't cover us. Mentioned this to Bren who, although not wildly enthusiastic, sort of agreed provided we got all the necessary done. I had to sort out new personal travel insurance anyway so made sure we were covered and contacted Comfort, the van insurers, who issued us with a Green Card to cover our planned trip, by return of post and with just an administration fee. My friend provided us with maps and a new campsite book, so I contacted the organiser and joined the group.
After that, Christmas got in the way but immediately after collected Bertie from storage, prepared him and loaded up over the weekend. So following the visit to the dentist we sorted out and locked up the house for the duration (got some good, if envious, neighbours) and we’re on our way. Stopped for the loo at Wetherby, jumped back in and.. oh oh, battery warning light. It went out when I restarted the engine but as soon as I pulled away it came back on. I decided to try driving a short distance but it wasn't having any so pulled off the motorway and called Comfort, who also do our breakdown cover.
All I can say is what excellent service. After making sure we were safe the agent took our details and promised us a response within 45mins. Half an hour later Richard, a very nice RAC man, called to say he’d be with us in a few minutes. On arrival he quickly confirmed that the alternator had failed then rang a garage who agreed they would do their best to sort us out. The van being driveable, Richard led us round the Leeds motorway system and on arrival a fitter looked at it straight away.
Unfortunately, and not unexpectedly, they didn't have a replacement to hand but ordered one for delivery by 8.00 am tomorrow when they would give us priority. Meanwhile Richard discussed our immediate needs but, being fully self-contained, we confirmed we would be happy to “wild-camp” so that was quickly agreed to by the service manager, who got us parked up in a secure area, pointed us at Asda and a nearby fish restaurant, gave us the gate code and wished us good night!
So here we are, settled in for the night. It’s a bit noisy as we are quite close to the M62 but hey ho! we’re glad it happened now, when we are in no rush (Mum can wait for one night) and in the UK, rather than in the Sahara Desert!!!!!!!
Let me tell you a story.
Following on from the “starter” blog-post, we got Bertie serviced, which actually took over 2 weeks because they couldn't find replacement winter tyres. So without checking they just fitted ordinary tyres, a complete no-no. I managed to source winter tyres from Germany, at a significantly lower price and with free delivery in 2/3 days. But at least the service centre had the good grace to fit them for me without charge, and also fitted one of the old tyres (plenty of life left, but not enough for the planned trip) to the spare wheel so that all are now the same size.
Then I broke a tooth! What I thought was a minor filling turned into a crown (£600!) but which couldn't be done before we left. However my nice lady dentist managed to squeeze a repair job in on the day we were due to leave (today).
At the same time I've been sorting out a friend, who was unexpectedly admitted to hospital for 3 months ago with various medical problems, plus look after his brand new almost unused motorhome. Eventually got him into a nursing home for what looks like a longish period of recovery and arranged for someone to keep an eye on his van. Pity because he was to have joined up with us at some time during our trip.
Then, whilst perusing the various forums I follow, I noticed a group forming to visit Morocco. If you read our first blog you will remember that we did consider going across when we were in southern Spain but decided against it when we found our insurance didn't cover us. Mentioned this to Bren who, although not wildly enthusiastic, sort of agreed provided we got all the necessary done. I had to sort out new personal travel insurance anyway so made sure we were covered and contacted Comfort, the van insurers, who issued us with a Green Card to cover our planned trip, by return of post and with just an administration fee. My friend provided us with maps and a new campsite book, so I contacted the organiser and joined the group.
After that, Christmas got in the way but immediately after collected Bertie from storage, prepared him and loaded up over the weekend. So following the visit to the dentist we sorted out and locked up the house for the duration (got some good, if envious, neighbours) and we’re on our way. Stopped for the loo at Wetherby, jumped back in and.. oh oh, battery warning light. It went out when I restarted the engine but as soon as I pulled away it came back on. I decided to try driving a short distance but it wasn't having any so pulled off the motorway and called Comfort, who also do our breakdown cover.
All I can say is what excellent service. After making sure we were safe the agent took our details and promised us a response within 45mins. Half an hour later Richard, a very nice RAC man, called to say he’d be with us in a few minutes. On arrival he quickly confirmed that the alternator had failed then rang a garage who agreed they would do their best to sort us out. The van being driveable, Richard led us round the Leeds motorway system and on arrival a fitter looked at it straight away.
Unfortunately, and not unexpectedly, they didn't have a replacement to hand but ordered one for delivery by 8.00 am tomorrow when they would give us priority. Meanwhile Richard discussed our immediate needs but, being fully self-contained, we confirmed we would be happy to “wild-camp” so that was quickly agreed to by the service manager, who got us parked up in a secure area, pointed us at Asda and a nearby fish restaurant, gave us the gate code and wished us good night!
So here we are, settled in for the night. It’s a bit noisy as we are quite close to the M62 but hey ho! we’re glad it happened now, when we are in no rush (Mum can wait for one night) and in the UK, rather than in the Sahara Desert!!!!!!!
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Preliminary Postings
5th December 2013
Well here we go again. It is early December and we've just had the first snow of the winter so thoughts are turning to chasing the sun.Bertie is currently with Tyne Valley having a service and MoT plus a couple of new tyres. Bren is just finishing off the Christmas cards before commencing the domestic preparations - i.e. making lists! Terry is getting the paperwork together.
The plan is to travel down to Mums in Navenby for New Year then go on from there. The Chunnel is booked for 2nd January (and 4th April return!) As always, no definite plan but we will probably head directly for southern Spain, taking our time or not, depending on the weather. Then as it gets warmer work our way back. We also plan to do a little more of the "touristy" things this time.
Looking forward!
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