We Worry For Young Family

This story happened on: 28/02/2012

I must relate a minor something that happened last summer that has had a significant effect on us.

At the end of July last year, while collecting Myrtle from the storage facility where she is kept we met for the first time the family that own the caravan stored next to her.

We’ve never ever been to the storage site and the caravan not be there so to actually meet the family who own it was a rare event indeed.

As fellow travellers of the road we got talking, as you do.

They explained that they use their caravan once a year for a fortnights annual holiday and for the rest of the year the van never moves. Without boring you with too much detail of the conversation they did explain that this hadn’t always been the case and also that the van might get used more in a few years when their children were a bit older.

They seemed delighted when a quick check of the travel lights was completed and were able to tow the caravan, creaking and groaning as they do, off home to load it up ready for an early start the next morning and a 300 mile plus journey to Cornwall.

I’m sorry that if at this point in our  story you’re expecting some dramatic turn of events, a road accident may be or wheel flying off, it didn’t  happen.

A few weeks later, when next collecting Myrtle, the caravan had been returned and was parked up again where it had always been and will no doubt remain until next years jollies.

These seemed nice well rounded people and although we only met mum and dad briefly and saw two of their children in the back of their car we were left with the opinion, what a lovely young family.

Unfortunately for us though,  now every time we see a caravan at the side of the road or on the hard shoulder with a blow out or even worse, over turned or smashed up on the motorway with luggage strewn across the carriage ways (and we’ve seen a few) we think of this family.

If by chance we bump into them next year, for the sake of our consciences if for no other reason, we’re  going to politely suggest they get their van serviced.

chrismacgowan commented on 02/03/2012 19:37

Commented on 02/03/2012 19:37

Loved your story! I think you are quite brave to suggest they get it serviced if you meet them again - even 'though you are right of course - as people seem to have very short fuses these days. My motorhome is also called Myrtle - after the relative of a very good friend of mine; namely Myrtle Nutbeam. Oddly my cars no longer have names as they seem strictly functional like a TV or dishwasher. But Myrtle has real character, demonstrates eccentricities and, like my children, cannot be entirely relied upon to do what I tell her. Sounds familiar??!!

Myrtle The Motorhome commented on 05/03/2012 11:24

Commented on 05/03/2012 11:24

 

Hi Chris we called our first motorhome Myrtle but were going to call the second one Fanny Fandango because of the registration. However when we decided to do a web page to let friends and family know where we were we thought we better stick with Myrtle as on the web the other name might have attracted the wrong sort of attention!

Inali commented on 08/03/2012 20:05

Commented on 08/03/2012 20:05

Yes- I wouldn't feel happy going on lots of trips each year without having the caravan serviced regularly.

Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

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