The NEC and Chapel Lane, Birmingham - 22/23 Feb 14

It's been a bit of a busy week on the motorhoming front. Firstly I installed a new leisure battery on Thursday and then, on Friday, we had to move to a new storage location on the farm, as they are building a new barn to accommodate the expanding gluten-free flour business. With typical farm health and safety, I dodged diggers, dumpers, HGVs and a road roller to get onto our newly laid parking spot, but it was a bit lonely....

Tommy no mates

On Saturday it was an early start and a drive to the NEC Birmingham for a day at the National Camping and Motorhome Show. We spent a good few hours wandering around the  new motorhomes but must admit that the general build quality was not up to much and we still feel that our bus ticks most, if not all, of our requirements. I also resisted going to the camping and caravanning club stall to roast them over their rip-off prices and, by about 1500hrs we had had enough of the crowds and headed back to the bus to drive to the caravan club site to watch England beat the Oirish and have a few beers. We did buy a posh new dinner service at the show though!

The site itself is very pleasant but a bit like parking in a car park. I suppose it is a good option for exploring Birmingham, but there isn't really much to commend it (still better than the camping and caravanning ripoff club though).

On Sunday we had a bit of a sort out and an easy drive back home via Costco in Coventry. Shopping is so easy when you have a large fridge and freezer on board (plus unlimited space to carry bulk toilet and kitchen rolls).