Off to Camper UK to have a couple of jobs done on the van, namely a replacement seat cover (the original had a small tear in it when we bought the van), a new cover for the end of the kitchen unit, an updated owner's manual, and replacement bulbs for the awning light. All minor jobs, but Camper UK had booked the van into their massive workshops for 2 days just in case, so we booked ourselves on to a small certified site, Seven Acres Campsite, about 4 miles outside the city.
Arriving on Wednesday afternoon after an easy run up the A1, we found ourselves to be the only campers on this charming little site. After chatting to the lovely lady running the place, we settled down for a relaxing evening.
On Thursday we were up early and off to Camper UK. Leaving the van in their capable hands, we popped into Go Outdoors to buy a new fleece, then spent the whole day wandering around Lincoln, fortifying ourselves with a rather nice snack at Madam Waffle, which we highly recommend. After climbing up and down the hill twice, and trundling around 11 miles, exhausted we sought some more sustenance at the Lincolnshire Poacher pub, picked up a bit of shopping, then collected the van at Camper UK, which had, by then, had all the work completed.
Friday was a lovely day and, as the van was no longer required by Camper UK, we were at a loose end. We thought about riding along the excellent cycle path that runs alongside the River Witham to Woodhall Spa, but two things prevented us: I had forgotten to pack the cycle helmets and the road outside the campsite was narrow and very fast. We would have had to cycle along this road for a mile and a half before reaching the cycle track and we weren't happy about that, especially considering the very poor surface of the road. Likewise, a long walk along this same road presented similar problems. This single access and egress from the campsite is a major downside to what would otherwise be a perfect spot. It would be fine if we had brought the Toad. Deciding that we would try to reach the local pub off-piste, we set off through the adjacent nature reserve and along the banks of the river. Frustratingly, it was blocked in both directions and we didn't really fancy a splodge around a muddy field, so instead we found a small microbrewery (Ferry Ales Brewery) , bought a shedload of beer (which they kindly delivered to the campsite) and spent an afternoon chatting to the donkeys, goats, chickens and sheep on the site and consuming a few beers. Later, God treated us to a fantastic firework display with an amazing sunset.
Saturday it was up and home, stopping briefly at Boundary Mills outlet, where we spent the princely sum of £5 on a radiator duster.
