Well, I’ve now got George back from the workshop, so we’re one step nearer. Hopefully every mechanical component that could go wrong has already gone wrong and been replaced or fixed: water pump, something with the heating, meaning no heating or hot water – an issue when returning in nearly November; and finally the whole electric system for the leisure battery which wouldn’t charge. How was that possible, so many new things failing?
Anyway, the lovely Lewis has now fixed it all, and explained patiently and in great detail ( but avoiding sounding patronising, which was nice) how it all works, including this mysterious bit of kit called a Clayton – the bit that failed totally to charge the battery. It is now spanking new and hopefully this time will last for years. And as I drove away from the workshop, with Lewis’ words of encouragement ringing in my ears, I felt a tiny spark of excitement tingling in my stomach…….. the ratio is gradually starting to change.
So the Big Pack commences! I’ve been working on the list for weeks, and it’s two sides of A4. I’m usually pretty good at planning and logistics; but if I’m giving myself a self-assessment, it would be 99% for planning, fails in the execution (as I’m usually in a rush at the end and forget some vital thing). So all the countless documents are already in a neat file, ready to go in the van. And not to forget less crucial things like lots of peppermint humbugs to suck as I go along. And accessible treats to feed to Toby. Everything needs to be sorted into separate bags, which I’d better label so I don’t get confused: one for the boat for me, another for Toby, another with clean kit for Portugal – and so it goes on. Dry goods all neatly packed in one of the campervan cupboards, just remains to load the fridge stuff. Will that survive the 33 hours with no charge on the ferry? I will discover in Santander.
And talking of documents: the EU approved health certificate for Toby! Twenty pages, in duplicate, with dozens of red stamps that needed initialling and dating – and two hundred quid for the pleasure! “Was it as difficult as this pre-Brexit?” I asked the vet making the health check and signing all these red stamps. He rolled his eyes.
Getting Toby prepared for this trip is quite a challenge. He has never been in kennels, nor in a crate since he was a puppy. So I’m trying to get him used to it by spending a few hours each day in a large crate some kind person has lent me. Poor Toby, he hates it. To start with he refused to go in at all, now he will go in but stands there trembling and looking miserable. Some wonderful friends – and my darling daughter, in the photo - climbed in the crate with him to try and convince him what a nice place it was to be……
STOP PRESS: I don’t know why it’s so exciting, but it is – I’ve just stuck the UK sticker on the back of the van. It looks very smart. And it definitely puts us into a different category: we’re going places! It’s boosted the excitement ratio way up.
So – next instalment will be from Santander. Or possibly from MV Pont-Aven – if I’m not spending the entire trip calming down Toby on the dog poop deck
Good luck with your trip, I hope the crossing isn’t too much for Toby. Looking forward to reading your blogs along the way, thank you for the mention too, 👍. Any problems or questions just message me happy to help along the way if I can.
Wishing you and Toby all the best For your trip.
Safe travels Lewis
Thanks Jan! Good to hear from you.