Seems ages ...

[barry5933]

Seems ages since I had time to sit in front of this forum and catch up with what people have been doing.

At the end of March, I "retired" .. actually I told the firm that I had had enough and was going travelling. No job, no income, the wife had done the same, but what the heck.

So we spent the summer (such as it was) Romahoming around the Countryside.

Two and a half weeks in Cornwall,



three weeks in The Lakes/Northumberland/Yorkshire,





two weeks in Wiltshire/Somerset/Cotswolds,





plus a few long weekends in various places. This was fitted around a four week stint overhauling and cleaning the boat (first proper spring clean in 25 years),



odd days actually using the boat,



various cycle rides etc.





All good things come to an end and I am now working again, same employer, but more hours than before and the HyLo is sitting forlornly waiting in the garden begging "please take me for another ride"

Present job comes to an end in a couple of weeks, so there may be the chance to go away for a break or two before I am forced to sell myself again to keep the 'van in diesel.

How many other Romahomers keep going during the winter? We managed a couple of long weekends last November/December and thoroughly enjoyed the morning frosts etc. Oil filled heater in the van is the height of decadent camping, but we would not be without it.

Roll on next summer.

[Graham]

Hi Barry

Thanks for posting your pictures of your travels, looks like you had a great time. I'm surprised your employer took you back when you went AWOL. ;D You must be a valuable employee.

We don't do a lot of winter camping but are hoping for a weekend away this month, its just a matter of picking a dry, mild one - some hopes.

Graham

[moya]

Having just read your post Barry I am green with envy. We often talk about being able to do that and just come home now and again, make sure the house is ok get ready and go off travelling again.

We normally have this conversation when we are coming back from our two week holiday!

We always go away for weekends in the winter as we get withdrawal symptons otherwise. We have a weekend away once a month come rain or shine. Even in the snow

[barry5933]

Nov 1, 2008 9:12:19 GMT Graham said:

I'm surprised your employer took you back when you went AWOL. ;D You must be a valuable employee.


Graham

No, not a case of "valuable employee", more a case of "mutual desperation". They were desperate for someone to do a particular job, and I was desperate for the money and re-appeared at the right time.

Yes Moya, it was something we dreamed about every time we returned to the grind after a holiday. We always intended to "retire" early , but not quite this early. We were precipitated into it by each of us being driven to insanity by the particular circumstances in our respective workplaces. We simply could take no more of it. So we both just walked out.

In my case, the management had been expecting it and there were no recriminations or hard feelings (I think they were a little envious). That is how I can go back for small doses with definite end dates for each session. The risk is of course that the work dries up. We will have to cross that hurdle as and when it happens.

Until then, hope springs eternal

[blondieandi]

Camping is a 12 month season ( unless using a tent!!!) Make the most of it while you can!!