Finally....we are underway

Darwen Tower from the other side of the moor

A suitable quote from
JRR Tolkien on the back
of the van

After the tumble drier drama it was a relief to wake up yesterday morning somewhere other than home, albeit we could have walked back to the house across the moor in about an hour. It did mean we could take the spaniels for one of their favourite walks at Roddlesworth Woods before we finally found ourselves turning south onto the M6. This is not our favourite motorway given that we have never travelled on it without some sort of hold up. This time it was work to turn a section into a smart motorway. Maybe they shouldn't have built a stupid motorway in the first place. A stop at Keele services meant we could have lunch and be entertained by a caravanner attempting to reverse into a parking space. He nearly made it.

"I'm in charge"

This morning we finally felt we were actually on our way having shaken the dust of Lancashire from our feet. Last night was spent on a lovely little site on Cannock Chase, (Forest View, Caravan and Camping Club)  where we were able to walk the spaniels, although they had to stay on leads as it is the adder breeding season. We also had to contend with a peacock which strutted around the van daring the dogs to have a go if they felt hard enough. They decided not. 

Tonight we have made it to the lovely Essex village of Thaxted where the parish council is enlightened enough to provide parking spaces for motorhomes. In a generally anti-motorhome England, it is a joy that some local authorities recognise we do bring money into an area. I duly trundled off to the local shop to spend said money on essentials, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and some smoked salmon, and luxuries like eggs and onions. This is posh Essex. Not a white stiletto on view but I was delighted to see at least one chap, of a certain age, wearing red trousers. And, on the way back to the van, a Ford Capri went through the main street.

Nice bit of C15th carpentry in Thaxted