First ever outing!!

We have just returned from our first trip, having collected our van yesterday. We started all incredibly excited. Having waited for months , 'our day' had finally arrived!

The hand over had been agreed for 2:00pm so we arrived early bought a few extras in the shop and we're ready to go. Little did I know what was coming!

The hand over went well. one minor issue that was incredibly quickly resolved. Then came the moment to hitch our pride and joy (now christened Gertrude!!) to our beautiful tow car Henry the Honda.

When purchasing the Honda I'd asked the dealer to fit a detachable tow bar for me. Sensible I thought. We weren't 100% on how to attach it so thought we'd seek advice. No problem said the incredibly helpful staff at a large dealership (in the Highbridge area of Somerset) he then struggled. what followed was not in the plan. After a number of people scratching their heads we tried the tow ball upside down.. It went on a treat! So it would appear that someone somewhere has a rather amusing sense of humour!! I will confess to oddly not share this sense of humour

After looking at the situation I was in I asked for some spanners. A particular member of staff helped me for over an hour to correct the situation. I am indebted to this individual. Who went way way beyond the call of duty to assist me. Their was a moment of sheer joy when Gerty connected to Henry for the first time! 

So off we trotted about 90 minutes behind schedule. I have a daughter who would have been heart broken to have just gone home! Sometimes you kind of feel something's are incredibly important to do, almost like falling off a bike, you simply must get back on!!

we got to our site  just as darkness had fallen.  About an hour later we were all set up. As we sat down in our new van we all had huge grins on our faces! Finally the Reeds were truly caravaners!!

We stayed on a little site just outside Newport. A helpful owner and another incredibly helpful caravaner pointed a few things out to us, for exame how the heating worked!!!

This morning I awoke to a beautiful view across a valley, warm and cosy with a smile on my face. I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity I've been given.

thankfully the return journey was smooth , a little windy at times but fun none the less. I read an article recently that said "why rush? The journey should be seen as a fun part of the experience", I thought "really?!", but I now understand this..

we've learned a lot this weekend... Try everything first certainly being one of them! But I'd also say that  we genuinely believe that the caravan community is full of incredibly helpful and kind people.

We now have numerous trips planned for Henry and Gerty and can't wait for the next trip, two nights in Brixham. 

If you spot us do say hello, we'll be easy to identify... We'll all be looking at each other smiling but looking confused none the less!!!