Alnwick RSPB

And in answer to my last comment, no, the bed isn't alright! It's rock hard just where my hips go. Temporarily fixed by sleeping on a folded blanket.

Monday 5th May

First trip in Cherry, packed up on the drive and set off for the first stop at RSPB Saltholme to meet the group. Sunny day spotting birds, and after lunch headed up to Alnwick.

Pitched up at Alnwick Rugby Club which was 5 mins walk from and M&S Food - result. So I ate well all week. I did pop in to the club bar one evening and doubled the female contingent. It was out of season so no sporty chaps around sadly.

Tuesday 6th

A trip to Low Newton Ponds, a small hidden reserve with roaming ponies. Later it was off to Long Nanny and a walk through the caravan park along the coast to a warden post. They were there to protect the terns - the arctic terns were just arriving this year. They were a way off though, but it was a good walk.

Wednesday 7th

Off to Seahouses harbour the next morning to catch the boat to Inner Farne. On the way back the bonus was a showing of bottlenose dolphins right by the boats.

We were able to land on this island and see the lovely chapel, and hundreds of terns and puffins. 

  

There is a dolphin at the prow of the boat.

------------------>>

I popped in to Alnwick town on the way back, but it was all closed up pretty much - at 4pm! Too late for the museum so it will have to wait for another time.

 

Thursday 8th

A long walk today, from Craster to Boulmer - lots of stonechats and whitethroats, and great company. Another glorious day.

Van report

The van was great, I don't seem to need the outside chair and table now I have a front lounge, and I still have some storage cupboards empty. It drives well and a doddle to park - it is HIGH though, which I keep forgetting. One gas burner won't stay lit, so Vantage are going to fix that. I didn't notice a big improvement with mpg, but maybe my driving is still a bit lumpy, and I did have a full water tank. The heater is incredible, 30 mins was enough.

Che-erry, Cherry Baby!

Yes I know it should be Sherry, but hey ho.

Picked her up at Vantage today and had a 2 hour handover! Loads more on this van than I realised, including a solar panel which I'd missed the first time I viewed. Cab aircon was a boon on the way home, and it has electric cab windows so no more getting out and running round when people are on my left.  So much easier to drive! I don't feel like a truck driver in this one.

Time will tell if I miss the wind-out awning, but pop-up gazebos are all the rage so that's an option. 

Fits on the drive too:

Practise night on the drive tonight, let's hope the bed is ok....