Stratford-upon-Avon

This morning Marge stood out from the other vans, not because of her good looks but more for her well-travelled appearance. The others all looked clean and shiny as did their owners. Marge and us, in need of a little pampering. A long day ahead we tried to leave early, stopping first at the nearby Sainsburys store to purchase sparkling red wine for Christmas. Then onto the M6 which was busy, but not as busy as the northbound side. Caravan, motorhome, campervan, caravan and more caravans. It wouldn't be the school half term holidays, would it? Our destination Higher Tranmere to visit John's daughter, but first we had to negotiate the Mersey Tunnel. Angela doesn't like driving in it. Slow and steady is the best way. Is that water dripping down above us. Stop trying to be funny Marge, it's stressful enough without your jokes. A pleasant couple of hours spent catching up and then we were off again. We'd already driven for two and a half hours and were tired, but our decision to stay in Scotland for as long as possible meant we had a few long days of travelling ahead of us. Marge is a heavy drinker if driven too fast so we try not to push her over 55 mph to conserve fuel. More M6 driving, the light fast fading fast we pressed on. Just over three hours later we arrived at Stratford-upon-Avon, it was 6.45pm and dark. Angela has never driven Marge in the dark before so the last half an hour of the journey was a little fraught.

But not as fraught as finding the barrier already down on the parking area where vans could overnight. It was not supposed to close until 9pm. Tired, frustrated, stressed and that was just Marge, we were in despair. Too tired to drive any further John was forced to think on his feet.

The exit to the parking area had alligator teeth fitted, which means a vehicle can only move in one direction and that was out. Let's do this Marge. Angela lined Marge up best she could and John depressed the alligator teeth with his foot. This could end badly. Hold your nerve everyone. We were in. Thank god. What is it with you two, always drama. We don't go looking for it Marge, it just finds us.

After the meal John's daughter Dawn laid on for us there was not much room left for food, so Angela had a snack, and John cooked an omelette using mushrooms collected from around the parking area at Caerlaverock.

Tomorrow a shorter drive, and another stop to visit relatives. But before we leave a much-needed walk to set us up for the journey. Keep calm and travel on Marge. Keep calm with you two in control!