Braving January

In the 35 years we have been caravanning and latterly motorhoming we have never been away in January. We have often been away in November and December which can be just as cold. I was pretty determined that we should give it a try although should I say that the decision was not universally popular!!!  At least at this time of year there won’t be many full sites so you can leave booking until the last minute.  On the news we were being bombarded with stories of the worse storms on the eastern seaboard of the USA for years. Not that I was particularly worried about what was going on in New York’s Central Park but as day follows night we invariably get the same weather system a few days later. Margaret dislikes high winds, perhaps stemming from the fact that we were once on sea shore side of the Kessingland site we had to move onto the main site whilst in the middle of cooking dinner because a serious gale was developing!!! 

We didn’t want to travel far so decided on Ashridge Farm, near Baldock, which is just over forty miles from where we live. We had been before but that was twelve years ago so probably due a return visit. Also a good excuse to try out my Christmas present a Nextbase dash cam. We are both a bit deaf and a motorhome cab is not is not the quietist place to be so there is a tendency to, what should I say, raise our voices! Margaret had no idea that it recorded those voices, there might be a need for some editing!!! 

Ashridge Farm is quite a compact site and small by Club standards with only about forty pitches, of which twenty-five are hardstandings and the only ones being used during our stay. It does have a large storage compound which probably makes it a worthwhile economically for the Club. The couple opposite us had arrived about the same time as us and got their caravan out of the compound. Apparently they were only here for a night to facilitate collection of their grandchildren from school, although I don’t think they needed an excuse. 

The next day we wandered into the village of Ashwell which is about a ten minute walk away.  It’s an interesting village with architectural styles from several centuries.  The "well" in Ashwell refers to what is one of the sources of the River Cam. On a warmer day the area around the well would be a pleasant place to linger but perhaps not today. There seem to be several places where you can eat in Ashwell. On our previous visit we use the Three Tuns Inn but this time decided on the Rose and Crown a bit further into the village.  The do proper pub grub and our steak and ale pies were not only delicious but unlikely to leave anyone thinking that had not had enough to eat. 

Our stay was only for three nights so on Thursday we were heading home. Unlike the previous two days which had been quite dull we had a beautiful clear sky but I also noticed the ice on the car opposite as I peered out of the window.  We always empty the waste water tank before we leave a site. Unfortunately Caravan Club sites are not very user friendly in this respect as they have heavy drain covers. However I have got myself a tool to help me get the covers off. Basically it’s a big hook but seems to work well on the covers with a single ring.   

Where next and when?

More of this story and photos here and site report here