The Cottage Loaf, Thurstaston, Wirral

Today is December 27th. Although the Christmas holiday runs into the weekend this year many people like ourselves were back on the road. Mindful of the possibility of heavy slow moving traffic ahead we left Thame by mid morning. Not far into our journey traffic slowed as we approached the exit for Bicester village outlet shopping area. From then on the traffic moved, albeit steadily. Mindful of possible traffic delays on the M6 we decided to cut across country at Birmingham.

Our destination The Cottage Loaf public house at Thurstaston on the Wirral. Near to the Wirral country park this characterful pub is popular, especially with camper vans and motorhomes as overnight stay is allowed in the large flat car park for ten pounds a night, or free if eating in the pub. John's daughter lives around twenty minutes away so we arranged to meet her and her husband for a meal and a catch up. A Saturday on Christmas weekend, we expected the pub to be busy, but it was not. So our family time was relaxed and unhurried as well as enjoyable. Four other vans kept Margery company. As followers of our blog may remember, we always like to take a little holiday over the new year. This year we have booked an Airbnb on Anglesey, North Wales. We are around two hours drive away so no need to rush off early on the morning.

Arrowe Brook Farm, Greasby, Wirral

The drive down from Kendal in the lake district to the Wirral was long and tiring. Despite the heavy traffic we kept moving. We'd tried to telephone the little campsite at Greasby in Arrowe Park Lane, but no one ever answered the phone, so we just turned up.

Twenty five pounds paid to the man who only takes cash, don't worry so do the Scottish, so we're prepared. A shower and yet more washing of socks and pants and we set off to visit John's daughter. We haven't seen her or her family since Christmas, so we're looking forward to spending the evening with them, catching up over a delicious Indian takeaway. As always, the time passed quickly and by ten we were back at the campsite.

This morning yet more showering and topping up of our five litre water bottle. We're not used to paying this amount to stay somewhere so felt we needed to get our money's worth. This campsite was only our sixth stay on one in the ten weeks we've been away. We didn't rush to leave, next stop for us is Wales. 

West Kirby

Last night as darkness fell the bats came out to feed, flicking and flapping their wings as they darted back and forth across the lake.

We could smell the blue-green algae around the edge of the water and wondered why there were no warning signs that it was present in the water.

This morning the white domestic geese sat near to the road, rising in unison as the sun filtered through the branches of the trees. Everywhere is looking tired, the water levels are down and the soil dry and cracked. A storm is forecast for tomorrow, but not everywhere. 

Today we had a surprise visit planned. Our drive across the Peak District was for a reason, to cross to the west coast so we could visit John's daughter who'd had a fall recently. Surprise, it's just the rellies come to visit! After spending a pleasant afternoon catching up, we took the short drive to the West Kirby on the coast of the Wirral.

It has once again been a very hot day, so we walked out around the marine lake in the hope of catching a breeze, but there was none. Tired from travelling and trying to diagnose Marge's electrical problem, we treated ourselves to a Chinese take-away. Yes, Marge, another one. 

Tomorrow we will take the long drive down to Buckinghamshire. Marge is booked in a garage in Aylesbury on Friday to have new brake pads fitted, and hopefully an oil change. Meanwhile this evening, the temperature around 20c we sit and take in the view across the water towards north Wales. There will be a sunset, and we know it will be spectacular!