Chale

'Don't come a knockin', if the van's a rockin' they say. That is certainly the case, the wind is relentless, buffeting the van all day and all night.

Yesterday, one of us was 59, best make this year count then! Some lovely birthday cards adorned our breakfast table, and we were impressed to see our six month old grandson had learned to write already!

We took a drive down to Freshwater bay, the wind gusting really strongly, churning up an angry sea. Wrapped up in our waterproof clothing, we took a walk up onto Tennyson Down, the sea air was brisk, but at the same time exhilarating. After the walk, Cornish pasties for lunch.

The afternoon involved some pretty hair raising driving, as we found ourselves on some very narrow country roads on route to The Garlic Farm.

the aroma as we stepped out of Marge of garlic was fantastic. In the farm shop, we enjoyed looking at all the different products, and tasting the many samples. We asked a member of staff, if all the products were made on site. Originally they were, but as the product range expanded, and the farm became more popular with tourists, production had to be transferred to the mainland, as planning permission for expansion was refused because the local people didn't like the smell of the pickling process. It seems a shame that the much needed employment for the islanders was lost.

Garlic's purchased, we retired to the cafe for some much needed coffee and cake.

Then a photo opportunity with the resident peacocks, (we counted six in total). Seeing the peacocks reminding us of France, where we saw some once alongside a cycleway.

The stop for the night was The Wight Mouse Inn, at Chale.

The area at the rear for the campervan was spacious and fairly level. Once again we had a view of the coast.

After spending most of the day eating too many treats, we opted for a fairly light evening meal, ham, egg and chips and for the birthday girl, plaice fillet cooked in garlic butter with new potatoes and salad, accompanied of course by a very large glass of Australian shiraz. A perfect end to the day.

Hulverston, Isle of Wight

We arrived in good time at Lymington, for our sailing to the island. The wind singing through the rigging of the nearby sailing boats, the air filled with dozens of musical notes.

A banner on a nearby wall, advertised the islands garlic farm, a place we must remember to visit, as we have had a special request from home to bring a bulb back.

The ferry crossing was quite uneventful, considering the wind. We were a little concerned though, when the announcement over the tannoy for 'all drivers to return to their vehicles', was followed by 'and all foot passengers disembark over the side!'.

Despite the wind, we were able to take a walk around the medieval town of Yarmouth, taking advantage of our inner child to enjoy some of the attractions.

The stop for the night, The Sun Inn at Hulverstone. The village is set back off the Military Road, which runs along the south of the island. Some challenging driving to get here, as the village roads are very narrow, but well worth it for a pretty thatched pub, with views to the coast and behind over the rolling countryside.

A couple of drinks in the warmth of the friendly pub, then back to Marge, for a tasty evening meal of pesto pasta, with chorizo, peppers, courgettes, olives and tomatoes. We love this campervan life!

Poole

Ideal weather for ducks yesterday (Tues). A miserable drive to Poole in torrential rain, the reason to view a flat for sale, but we decided it wasn't for us, and have decided we would rather go for another house to add to our portfolio.

But, despite the weather Marge is spacious and watertight (unlike previous Marge).

Parking at the rear of one of our properties, we enjoyed a tasty, hot bowl of minestrone soup for lunch. Whilst we ate, Mr Fox sauntered by, it's funny how the increased sightings of these animals makes you not give them a second glance.

The afternoon was an improving picture, as the clouds parted to reveal a perfect cornflower blue sky.

The overnight stop for Marge, was one of her regular resting places, the Brittany Ferries ferry terminal, not a very glamorous setting, but it always feels very continental. And further more, the chance to use the lovely hot showers, what's not to like!

A walk up to Poole quay for a meal, with the wind increasing from the west, It was a case of hats on and t-shirts tucked into our underwear to keep the draught out. Here's hoping our sailing to the Isle of Wight will not be too rough.

Norden

Yesterday evening, it was nice for us to sit down in a cosy warm pub and enjoy a well earned drink.

We had survived our first journey this year. But what a journey, it took us over five hours to reach Swanage, with heavy traffic due to roadworks around Oxford and an accident involving lorries on the A34. Never mind, it gave us plenty of time to familiarise ourselves with Marge II's gears etc.

Yes, Marge II. As much as we loved Marge I, she was a little compact, and as one of us is over 6ft tall, so a little more room was needed. Despite not having the same character as old Marge, we know the new van will still remind us of, and cause us to smile about her namesake. So we are now on our first trip with new Marge, and look forward to taking you along with us on the trips we have planned for this year.

But first some details about Marge II. She is a V.W. Craftervan, Westfalia Sven Hedin conversion. 6 metres long, and 3 metres high, built for the continental market she is left hand drive.

Despite feeling a little nervous about setting off in her yesterday, her roof sparkling from the frozen snowflakes from the previous nights unexpected snowfall, the words of our 15 year old grandson were ringing in our ears, 'don't be phased about something new'.

So a new day has now dawned, and the weather has turned, wind and rain, but we will continue on our way to Poole. Later in the week, we are due to sail to the Isle of Wight, but the wind is due to increase by then, so here's hoping our sailing wont be cancelled.

Longwick (Home)

All cosy in Marge last night. A glass of wine and a good book, what's not to like.

A respectable 14c in Marge this morning, not bad for the third week in November.

Whilst in Swanage today, we called in at the estate agents, picked up a couple of Ercol dining chairs in a shop to boost our stock, and also a mid century clock for our own collection.

All this shopping made us hungry, so we treated ourselves to homemade fishcake, chips and a variety of pea sides and sat in the warmth of the fish and chip shop to enjoy them. Outside. the stiff breeze was tugging at the feathers of the young seagulls, as they waited in anticipation of some tasty tit-bits.

After lunch, we took a walk along the seafront and noticed the pristine sands of the summer months, were carpeted in waxy seaweed. Sadly, upon closer inspection, a tide of plastic, invaded this display of nature. A lone lady, was picking through the plastic , removing this poison that has become a worldwide problem. Sadly, it will take more than one ladies efforts to solve it, but good on her, we should all be inspired by her efforts.

It has been a productive day, but we decided to head home later this evening. There is a weather warning for the south coast tonight and tomorrow, so it would be no fun in staying away.

Studland

Lastnight at home, the outside temperature was somewhere below minus 2c. So this morning, we needed to thaw out Marge ready for her travels. Whilst she gently warmed in glow of a bright frosty sunlight, we took time to remember the birds who struggle to find enough food on these cold days.

Last night John cooked a whole chicken marinated in tikka paste, the carcass after being boiled, had been kept to put out for the birds this morning. The area we live in, is famous for Red Kites, a large bird of prey with wing spans of up to six feet. It wasn't long before one was sat on our grass enjoying a 'taste of India'. Unfortunately, before we could photograph it, it took flight, a shame as it would have made a fantastic picture for our blog.

Today we had reason to travel to Poole. One of our tenants, an elderly lady, required our attention!!

After sorting out a couple of jobs she needed doing, we walked into town and visited our letting agent. Whilst there we asked if they had any suitable buy to let properties available. I know, we have said no more, after the trials and tribulations of the last few years, but we're just thinking about another one, or maybe two!

Passing through the town on our way back to Marge, we walked through the Dolphin shopping centre. Their Christmas lights this year are stunning.

Tonight we are back to one of our regular stops on Studland. A drink in the pub, then back to Marge for paella, (a memory of our trip to the continent, not that long ago).

Tomorrow we are off to Swanage, to seek out some more furniture bargains, and potential properties. We'll let you know how we get on.

Longwick (Home)

What a beautiful start to the morning. Even though the surroundings were hard and industrial, as we were at Poole Ferry Port, the dazzling rising sun was blinding, obscuring the activity of the loading car ferry.

As we leave Poole, driving along side Holes Bay, the still water of the high tide reflects the anchored boats. On a sandbank, the ducks, geese and swans gather for an early morning meeting.

We are leaving early, as we have to attend to some family business on the way home. As we leave Dorset and the coast behind, we head across country to Salisbury. The sharpness of Salisbury Cathedral's spire greets us as we drive over a brow on the outskirts of the city. Salisbury has suffered greatly as a result of the chemical attack on the Russian couple this year, and we have noticed how quiet the roads have been when we have passed through it recently. But hopefully, with the Christmas market coming to the city centre, and the threat from events earlier this year no longer, the visitors will return.

As we leave via the ring road we pass by the college, a blast from the past for John, who studied here many years ago. Traveling on-wards passing through the Hampshire countryside, the now late morning sun warms us through the glass of the vehicle.

Our family meeting over, we head towards home, the dazzling sun of the early morning now sinking in the sky, splitting the clouds as it dips, a fiery orange light reflects off the wing mirror of the van.

Next week we have reason to travel south again. Perhaps we'll take Marge with us for another adventure, we'll see.

Poole

What a start to the morning, sunny and warm, with no chill in the air, just loving this mild weather, please let it continue! That said, the grey clouds are circulating, and we know the forecast is for rain showers later today. But we enjoyed the moment over breakfast, sitting in Marge with her side door open, enjoying the heat of the morning autumn sun, the temperature a respectable 16c. Here we were, just over a hundred miles from home, detached from reality, a campervan really does give you a feeling of freedom.

After breakfast we traveled down to Swanage, where we picked up a couple of mid century bargains to sell upon our return. One of them cost just £2.00.

At one, second hand shop we stumbled across fourteen stone phalluses or phalli (depending on which university you went to) of a reasonable size, alongside a display of some large dolphins, not sure of the connection.

Before heading back to Marge for lunch, we stopped by at the church to marvel at the display of poppies in the grounds, then it was on to the Swanage steam railway centre for a coffee.

Tonight's stop is the glamorous ferry terminal at Poole. Sadly we will not be boarding the morning ferry to France.

This evening we walked up to the quay for a meal and a drink, stopping to photograph the Sunseeker boats, the lights under their rear decks lighting the green of the sea water, one of them was named 'Angela's', not sure we could run to one just yet!

Up on the quay was a sea cadet tall ship called T.S. Royalist. During the summer you will quite often see a tall ship moored here, and they just seem to look right in the setting. Before returning to Marge this evening, we stopped for a second drink in an old pub down a side street just off the quay. The part of the pub we sat in had a high wooden vaulted ceiling, and the plaque on the outside of the building said it dated back to 1350.

Tomorrow we will journey back home, this two night trip just a little tease for Marge, who we know is itching go be taken on another big adventure!