25TH OCTOBER 2018 BY DAVE WRIGHT
Solars Test Tour – Part 1
Solars Test Tour – Part 1
Wild West of Oxford
Regular Ruff Readers may be wondering why we’ve not travelled further than the English Coast in our RV, after all long stays in the wilderness is what these beasties are designed for. Well the answer is simple, and two fold. Firstly the plan is to travel around Europe, while we still can, and take our time doing it too. In order to do that we’ve spent hours testing and refining kit and systems while adding some nice little luxuries for those not so warm and sunny days. Secondly, who would want to go anywhere else than around the UK when we’ve just had the most spectacular summer ever. It’s been fabulous and we’ve seen place’s we’ve never been and met some lovely like-minded folk along the way. However, we have discovered there’s one last bit of kit that we needed in order to be able to stay ‘Off Grid’ indefinitely. Solar Power, the key to being able to watch the telly, play music and leave all the lights on without worrying about draining the batteries. So on to this little trip, first stop was an overnight at the Chequers, Weston on the Green, Oxford. A good excuse to stay over so
Mooooove Along Now
I could get the RV to the folk used to fit the Solars. We were a bit late arriving due to a whole bunch of Cows who decided they’d had enough of their field and so went for a wander on the A40 into Oxford. It was a bit of fun watching Thames Valley’s finest, blues a flashing, ushering the Sunday Lunches along one of the busiest Dual Carriageways in the country. Eventually they moooooooved them on and the seemingly entire population of Oxford was able to get home from work.
Early start the next day, dropped the RV off and took the dogs for hike around the Oxfordshire Countryside. The RV had to stay over to make sure all the seals were set before we drove it so we had a very pleasant night with friends in Sutton Courtenay while we waited. Next morning was an exciting time; freedom had landed on our roof. After a quick explanation, Solars ain’t rocket science; we were off on what would be our longest trip to date. Even though it was over cast, we could see the batteries being charged, brilliant, only water fills every four days would hold
Solar Time
us back now and we know we can cope with that so let’s go…
Solar Time
us back now and we know we can cope with that so let’s go…
What’s that noise on the roof?, well now this is a first, rain, rain, rain and even more rain, hang on let’s just check, wow, panels still charging. Ok time to forget them now and let them do their thing, we need to find a stop for the night. We fired up some streaming Apple Tunes, a bit of Miami Chill Out Sounds and headed forrrrrrr, Willersey and a lovely wee pub called The New Inn. We received a very warm welcome from the owners and were introduced to Chickens, Rabbits and the cutest little pony I’ve ever seen. Bonus was, it’s Thirsty Thursday and we’d arrived back just in time for Happy Hour, just what the doctor ordered. Well we couldn’t visit such a lovely area without exploring so it was an early start, breakfast in the RV while Purdie kept watch on the Rabbits, then it was all out on foot for a couple of hours wandering the village and hills around Willersey, beautiful.
We had a bit of route planning meeting over a coffee and decided we’d like to
Nosey Neighbours
visit Stratford on Avon so that was it, we were off to Shakespeare Country. The problem with parking a 33ft RV in towns is actually being able to get parked in the town. Not here, big up for Stratford District Council for a forward thinking and most considerate approach to touring folk, yep, that’ll be folk like us. They had set aside a whole section of the towns leisure centre car park, just for Motorhomes, and as a bonus, we only had to pay for one space. That’s really good because we take up three and can’t really park within the lines, all things that would ordinarily land us a fine. But not here, we joined ten or so others of all shapes and sizes, parked up and made off to explore the town.
Nosey Neighbours
visit Stratford on Avon so that was it, we were off to Shakespeare Country. The problem with parking a 33ft RV in towns is actually being able to get parked in the town. Not here, big up for Stratford District Council for a forward thinking and most considerate approach to touring folk, yep, that’ll be folk like us. They had set aside a whole section of the towns leisure centre car park, just for Motorhomes, and as a bonus, we only had to pay for one space. That’s really good because we take up three and can’t really park within the lines, all things that would ordinarily land us a fine. But not here, we joined ten or so others of all shapes and sizes, parked up and made off to explore the town.
Ah what a beautiful town this is, Tudor Buildings complimented by a modern, locked marina full of colourful long boats and equally colourful and oh so friendly people. That’s why we like waterside stop overs; boat people are lovely and always like a chat. Once they hear what we’re doing they really open up and accept us into their community as like-minded travellers. You can’t
Have they got something with lots of pictures?
have boats without a river and this without doubt a beautiful town section of the River Avon. Parks, Locks and Shakespears Church and final resting place, not forgetting of course the all-important Theatre. Time was getting on so it was back to the RV for some supper and watch a bit of telly. Yep let’s leave the lights on too and see how the solars cope the next day. Night Night…
Have they got something with lots of pictures?
have boats without a river and this without doubt a beautiful town section of the River Avon. Parks, Locks and Shakespears Church and final resting place, not forgetting of course the all-important Theatre. Time was getting on so it was back to the RV for some supper and watch a bit of telly. Yep let’s leave the lights on too and see how the solars cope the next day. Night Night…
It was a bright start to the day, so we set off for a walk around the old part of town and give the Sun time to get acquainted with our new roof toys. After a spot of lunch it was back and on the road again. Ah I nearly forgot, yep fully charged by lunch time, brilliant we really have it nailed now, but where to next? Actually, just up the road and a stopover in the car park of Warwick Race Course.
I visited Warwick as a child and now can’t imagine why I’ve never been back. It’s well worth the trip, the town is lovely although if want to visit the castle you’d best get here early. It was a lovely walk
Roland Shakespear
around the racecourse too which is open to the public just don’t let your poop on the course… Lyd was particularly interested din Lord Leicester’s Hospital, a wonderful old yet still working establishment. Ok so it’s now been four days away from home and we’ve been so wrapped up in the freedom of the Solars, we made a massive School Boy error. The worse thing ever, when you half soaped in the shower and you hear the unmistakable sound of an empty water pump. Yep Day Four is water fill day, and we hadn’t. Soapy wasn’t the worst of it, if we didn’t do something we’d not be able to have a cuppa in the morning, things were looking desperate. Normally we fill up at pubs or on the HGV stand at petrol stations but we just didn’t really want to move just for that. Across the car park I noticed the lights on in what looked like some kind of social club, that’ll do I thought. Armed with my bright red watering can, an emergency lesson from an earlier trip, I wandered over and knocked politely on the door. I was greeted by an elderly, slightly tipsy chap with
Beautiful Wellesey
a pool cue in his hand. I explained our plight and with the usual interest in our oversized accommodation, he invited me in. It was a old time club, women in one room playing Bingo and the men in another playing pool and watching the footie. My new friend grabbed my can and hurried behind the bar with it. “I’ll have ice and lemon in that please” I called, which raised a titter. Back he came with a full can asking me to promise not to tell the secretary as it was against health and hygiene. I promised and left very grateful for their help. So now we have 7.5 litres, less some spillage, to last till morning, I didn’t want to bother the club for another can so that would have to do. At first light, well kind of, Lyd was up and out to give the Dogs a run round the race track. Whilst I was keen to see how they got on over the sticks, I needed to sort the water shortage. As luck would have it a builder arrived to do some work on an old storage unit, he opened a flap on a stand pipe
Beachy Head Gliders
right in the corner of the car park. This was great news, he let me pull right next to it so I connected our hose and brimmed the tanks before Lyd finished the Final Furlong. “Use it any time you’re here mate” he said. People are just so friendly and helpful, more so the further north we travel.
Roland Shakespear
around the racecourse too which is open to the public just don’t let your poop on the course… Lyd was particularly interested din Lord Leicester’s Hospital, a wonderful old yet still working establishment. Ok so it’s now been four days away from home and we’ve been so wrapped up in the freedom of the Solars, we made a massive School Boy error. The worse thing ever, when you half soaped in the shower and you hear the unmistakable sound of an empty water pump. Yep Day Four is water fill day, and we hadn’t. Soapy wasn’t the worst of it, if we didn’t do something we’d not be able to have a cuppa in the morning, things were looking desperate. Normally we fill up at pubs or on the HGV stand at petrol stations but we just didn’t really want to move just for that. Across the car park I noticed the lights on in what looked like some kind of social club, that’ll do I thought. Armed with my bright red watering can, an emergency lesson from an earlier trip, I wandered over and knocked politely on the door. I was greeted by an elderly, slightly tipsy chap with
Beautiful Wellesey
a pool cue in his hand. I explained our plight and with the usual interest in our oversized accommodation, he invited me in. It was a old time club, women in one room playing Bingo and the men in another playing pool and watching the footie. My new friend grabbed my can and hurried behind the bar with it. “I’ll have ice and lemon in that please” I called, which raised a titter. Back he came with a full can asking me to promise not to tell the secretary as it was against health and hygiene. I promised and left very grateful for their help. So now we have 7.5 litres, less some spillage, to last till morning, I didn’t want to bother the club for another can so that would have to do. At first light, well kind of, Lyd was up and out to give the Dogs a run round the race track. Whilst I was keen to see how they got on over the sticks, I needed to sort the water shortage. As luck would have it a builder arrived to do some work on an old storage unit, he opened a flap on a stand pipe
Beachy Head Gliders
right in the corner of the car park. This was great news, he let me pull right next to it so I connected our hose and brimmed the tanks before Lyd finished the Final Furlong. “Use it any time you’re here mate” he said. People are just so friendly and helpful, more so the further north we travel.
Carry on for the next installment of the Solar Test Trip…
25TH OCTOBER 2018 BY DAVE WRIGHT
Solar Test – Part 2
Solar Test – Part 2
Barley Mow Newbold
Leaving Warwick we had a day to spare before we were due to meet up with an old friend near Daventry. Rugby seemed to be a nice place to head for and thanks again to ‘Brit Stops’, we found yet another lovely little Canal Side stop over, The Barley Mow, Newbold. It turned out the Land Lord and Lady are keen motor homers and have a large Euro Box in the car park themselves. We also found a classic Hymer MH parked up to so we were in good company. It turned out that our friend worked a ten minute drive from the pub so we dropped the Jacks and wound out the slide, we’d be here a couple of days. What a couple of lovely days we had too, great company, beautiful walks either way along the canal and an all wander into Rugby to see the home of the great game and if you’re familiar with Tom Browns School Days, some other less well known public school pass times. Coming from Eton it was interesting to see how a similar establishment carry’s on, no different really. The highlight was being able to catch up with our friend who we’ve
Easy Like SUnday Morning
not seen for years, this really was a good trip. Funny thing is we were staying on the Oxford Canal, we could have got here easily from the Rock of Gibraltar which you may remember from a previous blog, it may have taken a few days but hey who cares. We’ll try it one day I’m sure.
So where to next we asked ourselves, well we had mentioned Norfolk, had we? Ok let’s go… This was the longest non-stop drive we’ve had in the RV and it was effortless, I love driving this thing. After passing Sandringham, nod to HM, we ended up on the Wash, a cracking and quirky little village call Heacham, Norfolk. Heacham is one of England lost villages although how you could lose a village here is beyond me, it’s so flat. A couple of nights in the Bushel and Bat would do us nicely. It was only a short walk to the beach which gave us some great long walks in either direction. We did have a slight issue with the wild life en-route though. Because it was so quiet, hundreds of Ducks and even a few chickens were to be found
He is from Oxford
just wandering in the road and around the village green. What’s the problem with that you ask? When you’ve got ‘bird killer’ Purdie and ‘I’m going to scream and make an idiot of myself’ Sonny in tow, believe me it’s a problem. Ah well… The beach front was a sea (pardon the pun) of mobile homes in the biggest holiday park I’ve ever seen. There’s a noisy beach front Fun Fair and Fish and Chip Shops feeding the holiday makers. I would imagine the village is pleased when summer ends.
He is from Oxford
just wandering in the road and around the village green. What’s the problem with that you ask? When you’ve got ‘bird killer’ Purdie and ‘I’m going to scream and make an idiot of myself’ Sonny in tow, believe me it’s a problem. Ah well… The beach front was a sea (pardon the pun) of mobile homes in the biggest holiday park I’ve ever seen. There’s a noisy beach front Fun Fair and Fish and Chip Shops feeding the holiday makers. I would imagine the village is pleased when summer ends.
Leisurely start and we’re heading around and down the coast on a very pleasant if not challenging at times, drive to Sutton Laithe and the car park of the aptly named Sutton Laithe Hotel, nestled right on the Norfolk Broads and Laithe Marina. The Norfolk Broads is a fabulous network of water ways and lakes with villages and hamlets lost in time. Windmills break the flat horizon and the sight of classic sail barges majestically navigating the canals is so tranquil and utterly beautiful, we loved it.
We took a short drive just down the road to Lathams of Potter Heigham, a massive marina and discount
Come On Dad
store. It was packed with folk filling trolleys full of discounted stuff, amazing place in the middle of nowhere. We had a cuppa and took the Dawgs for a trot along the water way. Riverside Chalet’s lined the route, all very nicely renovated and some for rent too. An old converted Windmill stood majestically among the reeds, next to which was a post box. I bet the Posties fight over that collection, it was at least a half hour walk from the main road. Boat Posties maybe?
Come On Dad
store. It was packed with folk filling trolleys full of discounted stuff, amazing place in the middle of nowhere. We had a cuppa and took the Dawgs for a trot along the water way. Riverside Chalet’s lined the route, all very nicely renovated and some for rent too. An old converted Windmill stood majestically among the reeds, next to which was a post box. I bet the Posties fight over that collection, it was at least a half hour walk from the main road. Boat Posties maybe?
Now here’s a thing, rain, and lot’s of it again so off we set, next stop West Street Vinyard, Near Ipswich. Now this is a nice place, another working Vineyard, we could get used to these. The turn in was a bit tight but we did it and settled in for the night amongst the Vines. Next to us was a lovely Classic VW Camper, for sale too. That’ll be a great buy for someone.
Next morning it was up early to gather some provisions and an irresistible cooked breakfast overlooking the VineYard. The rain has stopped and I think today will be another good day. Canterbury seemed to
Bath Time anyone?
be a good target destination, so armed with our £2.50 Dartford Bridge fee, we set off towards The Smoke. So much time spent in Spain had us thinking toll booths, however the crossing fee is actually an online thing that gives you 24 hrs or so to pay once you’ve used it, clever… hmm note to self too.
Bath Time anyone?
be a good target destination, so armed with our £2.50 Dartford Bridge fee, we set off towards The Smoke. So much time spent in Spain had us thinking toll booths, however the crossing fee is actually an online thing that gives you 24 hrs or so to pay once you’ve used it, clever… hmm note to self too.
So we arrive in Canterbury, nice, and head for the New Dover Road Park and Ride, wow. If you could ever get excited about a car park, well let me tell you. Surrounded by dog fields (dog walks), Waste Dump suitable for our beastie, fresh water tap, ample space to spread out, CCTV and overnight security although it felt pretty safe to me and…. all for £3.50 for 24hrs, oh yes and a free bus into the city every 15mins, beat that backward thinking councils!! Needless to say there were plenty of car park buddies, all very friendly with different tales to tell and all heading in different directions which was fun.
Next morning we all took a bus ride into the city, top deck for a better view. Purdie crashed out totally uninterested while Sonny, bless him, was not
Crikey it's dark in 'ere!
too sure. He’s getting better at bus travel but it’s fair to say it’s not his favourite mode of transport.
Crikey it's dark in 'ere!
too sure. He’s getting better at bus travel but it’s fair to say it’s not his favourite mode of transport.
Canterbury City is a fabulous place to visit, Lyd loved the Hippy shops and you’re spoiled for choice with the cafes and coffee shops. The dog’s wowed the crowd and the staff outside the Cathedral gates, so much so I put a hat down to earn some cash from the photo opportunities tourists were taking. It was a lot like walking through Windsor if I’m honest. One big disappointment was the £12 fee for going in to the Cathedral. All I wanted to do was take a few photos so my answer was top forget it, however I feel aggrieved for folk that may want to genuinely do a bit of worshipping. I do get the place is old and needs some up keep, however if the Church of England has enough slosh cash to even think about bailing out a failed Pay Day Loan firm, then surely it should open its doors for free. Didn’t the man himself once get the hump with folk making money in a church? hmmm.
While we were in Canterbury, we had
Home of Rugby
some major down pours, a good time to check for leaks, luckily none found, and to contemplate how to catch rain water on longer trips so we didn’t have to stop for water every fourth day. While I’m on that subject and the whole purpose of this trip, the Solars, brilliant happy batteries, happy me, we’ve well and truly ticked that box.
Home of Rugby
some major down pours, a good time to check for leaks, luckily none found, and to contemplate how to catch rain water on longer trips so we didn’t have to stop for water every fourth day. While I’m on that subject and the whole purpose of this trip, the Solars, brilliant happy batteries, happy me, we’ve well and truly ticked that box.
7TH NOVEMBER 2018 BY DAVE WRIGHT
Solar Test – Part 3 (The last bit)
Solar Test – Part 3 (The last bit)
The Castle Inn Pevensey Bay
The trip so far has been great, but we like the sea side so we set a course for the home of some more old friends and a long overdue catch up. A few years back our friends Dana and Paul bought a Pup in Pevensey Bay, they’re not on the Brit Stop list but that didn’t matter to us. We didn’t call ahead so it was a picture to see Danas face when we pulled into the car park. Luckily it’s a big car park, on a bit of a slope so we had to park right outside on the level bit. Useful for Paul if he wanted to check the guttering from our roof, ha ha. We had a very pleasant evening with great company and great food. Pevensey is a bit of a secret, so don’t tell anyone about it. The beach is lined with private houses, posh shacks, all with beach frontage that goes on for miles. Best thing is there’s nobody else around, we loved it.
We thought from there we would just meander along the coast and see where we ended up. Lunch was spent on Beachy Head. A strange mix
The Castle Inn Garden
of beauty and tragedy, Beachy Head is of course infamous for people doing a swan dive 500ft onto the rocks below. There’s no cry for help here, it’s a proper job if you’re sadly that way inclined. On a brighter note, it’s a fab place for Paragliding and walking. There’s a fabulous pub and we could have stayed overnight for free. We’ll definitely go back and do just that. It was a great drive along the coast, Eastbourne and Brighton, resplendent in the sunshine. We ended up for next two nights in Newhaven, right on the harbour wall and next to the passage for the Newhaven Diepe ferry, which was sight I can tell you. We met some nice like-minded folk there with whom we shared some laughs and a few beers. One of them gave Lydia a gift, a must have for longer trips. It was a knickers drying contraption from the pound shop. It holds about 8 pairs (small ones), that’ll get good use once a month, I’ll leave you to work that one out. 😉
The Castle Inn Garden
of beauty and tragedy, Beachy Head is of course infamous for people doing a swan dive 500ft onto the rocks below. There’s no cry for help here, it’s a proper job if you’re sadly that way inclined. On a brighter note, it’s a fab place for Paragliding and walking. There’s a fabulous pub and we could have stayed overnight for free. We’ll definitely go back and do just that. It was a great drive along the coast, Eastbourne and Brighton, resplendent in the sunshine. We ended up for next two nights in Newhaven, right on the harbour wall and next to the passage for the Newhaven Diepe ferry, which was sight I can tell you. We met some nice like-minded folk there with whom we shared some laughs and a few beers. One of them gave Lydia a gift, a must have for longer trips. It was a knickers drying contraption from the pound shop. It holds about 8 pairs (small ones), that’ll get good use once a month, I’ll leave you to work that one out. 😉
From Newhaven, we headed off a bit further down the coat to Hayling Island. We thought we’d spend the next couple
Pevensey Bay Walkies
of days on the beach there, boy were we in for a shock. Just weeks before, Hayling (we clearly don’t want to encourage tourism) Council, had banned overnight sleeping in Campers in all areas. The local business were up in arms and it’s fair to say so too were a couple of other would be over-nighters that had turned up the same time as us. Well it’s dark by now which make squeezing in to pub car parks already bustling with clients very difficult. I had an idea, Port Solent, we’d been sailing from there in the past so knew there was space. Luckily they were wonderful, security was very friendly and allowed us to park up right next to the Marina, and for free. That’s more like it. We stayed a couple of days, there’s lots to do and see, if you like boats. Our good friends Simon and Elma came to visit with wee Woody in tow so the dog’s had a playmate for the day too. Thank you Port Solent for your Hospitality, never again will Hayling Council see our custom, idiots.
Pevensey Bay Walkies
of days on the beach there, boy were we in for a shock. Just weeks before, Hayling (we clearly don’t want to encourage tourism) Council, had banned overnight sleeping in Campers in all areas. The local business were up in arms and it’s fair to say so too were a couple of other would be over-nighters that had turned up the same time as us. Well it’s dark by now which make squeezing in to pub car parks already bustling with clients very difficult. I had an idea, Port Solent, we’d been sailing from there in the past so knew there was space. Luckily they were wonderful, security was very friendly and allowed us to park up right next to the Marina, and for free. That’s more like it. We stayed a couple of days, there’s lots to do and see, if you like boats. Our good friends Simon and Elma came to visit with wee Woody in tow so the dog’s had a playmate for the day too. Thank you Port Solent for your Hospitality, never again will Hayling Council see our custom, idiots.
Well we’d been away for the best part of a month and everything we
Pevensey Bay Kisses
wanted to prove had been proven. I had a small list of jobs, just extras, so we headed for home with a real sense of achievement and excitement at the thought of what is come in our Ruff Nomadic adventures.
Pevensey Bay Kisses
wanted to prove had been proven. I had a small list of jobs, just extras, so we headed for home with a real sense of achievement and excitement at the thought of what is come in our Ruff Nomadic adventures.
We really know now we are ready to cross the channel and be able to live off grid for as long as we like. That would be a new story that will hopefully start very soon…
