A quick update

 Feb 18th

Storm Eunice, I think we got away lightly. Gusts of about 40mph, a mere breeze compared to what those down south had to suffer. We did batten down the hatches, especially making sure the top box lids had bungee cords to keep them in place. No doubt there will be plenty of trees down, just hope no boats will be under any of them when they fall! Watched the barometer hand dropping to Stormy this morning. Not seen that in ages.

We have made a decision. The Eden project is on for mid-March, so now arrangements have to be made for MB to have its MOT. Gosh, I do hope it passes!!!! The van's bedding also has had to be collected. We left it down at our sons in Milton Keynes over the Christmas period 'cos we were due to kip in their caravan. As it turned out we had the use of their spare bedroom instead because Iwona's mum never made it to the UK from Poland. Something to do with not getting the passport back in time. Anyway if we had set off without the sleeping bags, a most unpleasant few nights would have been had.

We also made a short visit to Ian's sister down at St Lawrence near Maldon Essex. On route and on the M1 the worst possible words flashed up on the overhead gantry, 30-minute delay due to overturned lorry! Click HERE. Well we joined the back of the queue and crept slowly forward. Then it was all stop....for 2 blooming hours!!! Having just passed the services I was very glad neither of us needed a comfort break. Could have got very interesting! Anyway we eventually get to where the accident happened and it was almost as if nothing had occurred. The lorry had been cleared, road damage repaired and lanes swept clean. Brilliant job done by the recovery team although waiting for traffic to move wasn't pleasant at all. Thank goodness for sudoku on the phone to keep us occupied!

Arriving late we still had time for a walk along the Blackwater Estuary and along the rows of houseboats. Of course when the tide goes out they are left high and dry, but one had shifted and was now leaning alarmingly. According to Sheila it's been like that for ages. 

We only had the one night with them so it was a very quick visit. On the way home guess what? Yep another hold up on the Northbound M1 at the Milton Keynes junction. Thankfully the delay was only about 30 minutes. Passing the incident, it seemed strange that 4 cop cars were in attendance, one of which was the dog van. Two cars were involved (looked to be a shunt from behind) and just seemed a bit OTT for a small accident. Anyway we were very glad to finally get back to FS and get the diesel heater on. Yep, it has been returned fully working, although on startup we do still get some white smoke. 

I can't see much happening from now on so until we leave on MB in March, farewell for now.

And seen on the Blackwater Estuary