Chertsey - 15 Sep 11

There's nothing like chucking yourself in at the deep end! We have driven a motorhome for a couple of weeks in New Zealand and thought we knew what to expect. However - the two hour briefing/training session on handover was a bit of a shock. We thought "it's simply a van with a bed and a cooker in the back". Apparently it is not. There are "systems", "panels" & "controls" and lots of coloured lights, hidden boxes, valves and switches. The first 10 minutes of the brief made sense but then we got onto "offsetting the puttock input will reset the pinkle-wimple and will prevent the fumblecrumpet from operating correctly" (well, that's what it sounded like anyway).  We never had these problems with canvas (although zipping in a groundsheet upside down does come close, eh Debs?).

Anyway, we drove the bus home, threw in a few bits that we thought we may need and then headed off to Chertsey camp site for the weekend.  Driving the beast is relatively easy once you get used to the width and not being able to see out of the back. The driving position is high and the cabin spacious, with a big comfortable armchair to sit in. The rattles and bangs from the back were  a bit disconcerting, but either time and experience will aid our stowing skills or we will just get used to it. The pre-flight checks are akin to those of a major airline. However, my cabin crew/co-pilot/navigator does need a bit more training. 

After the usual hold up on the M25 we arrived at Chertsey Camping Club site and sauntered up to reception as if driving and manoevering a 7 metre long, 3.5 tonne huge white box was an everyday occurence to such seasoned travellers. We warden directed us to our pitch and instructed us to reverse onto our stand. Eek! The moment of dread. Campers will know that the arrival of newbies on a site is an opportunity for free entertainment. Would I reverse over the warden's foot, put the bus down a ditch, crash into a tree, knock over the power post or have to shunt it backwards and forwards many times to just get it straight on the pitch? No. With skill and dexterity it reversed in swiftly and straight, notwithstanding Debs' impersonation of a demented bat, waving and turning her arms in her attempts to marshal me in.  With a smug look, I lept from the pilot's seat, opened the side bin, plugged in the EHU (electric hook up), pressed lots of buttons in a knowing way and then sat down confused, wondering what to do next. We were lost. Usually arrival at a site means frantic pitching and unloading, rolling out mats, unpacking sleeping bags, finding the cooker and kettle and numerous trips to and from the car. We were in, settled and the kettle on within minutes. Hmmm - bit too easy this motorhoming malarky.

On Friday it was up early and a walk to the station and the trip across town to visit the outlaws in Chislehurst. Friday night = fish and chips and a walk across the river to the Kingfisher Pub, sitting outside overlooking the river with a fantastic couple of pints of Doom Bar and the biggest and best fish and chips we have had for ages. We are definitely going back there.

Saturday meant an early start to watch England play Georgia on the TV in the van(!!!), then we drove the 8 miles or so to Twickenham, parked in the Stoop car park and had lunch prior to watching our brave Harlequins boys thrash Gloucester 42-6.

Sunday - an early walk to get the papers, a leisurely breakfast, a bit of a pootle around the local area and a return home in time for tea and medals! Things we decided that we may need: A decent TV that doesn't require a separate digital box, a GPS and a much better undertstanding on how the heating works!