Sweet Release

It has seemed an inordinate amount of time in coming, BUT a date for a further relaxing of ‘lockdown’ in England has been set.

The date was given us just over a week ago (at the time of writing this blog) and will be the 4 July 2020. It was news that so many of us have been waiting for in hope and with eager anticipation. It signifies much and particularly that Public Health, the Scientist’s and the Government are now more confident that the time is right to restore more freedoms. But to me, it is not just a time of personal celebration, but also one of reflection.

For many these past few months have been horrible. Too many have suffered the misery of loss, others have lives that have been permanently and temporarily changed. And let us not forget that this virus continues to be present in our society, continuing to bring sorrow and sadness too so many. In writing this, please don’t think that I have forgotten those who have been (and continue to be), affected so badly by this wretched virus.

All this being said however, it must also be acknowledged that society has to ‘open up’ at some point and that horrible phrase ‘new normal’ becomes a reality - we can’t live in isolation forever.

The news that lockdown was to be relaxed came therefore as a welcome surprise. It would mean different things to us all. For some it would mean that they could reopen their businesses, others could get a haircut, have a drink at a pub or go for a meal in a restaurant, some will return to worship, get married or go to see a film. The list is endless, but all must be done with the necessary safeguards and restrictions put in place. So many things, which not long ago, we took for granted, would be available again. For Margaret and myself, it means that we can finally put into action our retirement plans and use our motorhome - Sheldon.

To a small degree, this had been anticipated. The UK Government (for England), had put forward a plan, which they hoped to implement. However, this was subject to the ‘R’ number being under control and other measurements being met. The date they had been working to was the 4 July 2020. We felt that when the date was confirmed there would be quite a surge of people making arrangements. The decision was taken by us therefore, that it would be wise to start planning and preparing for our first post-retirement trip, sometime before the 4 July. We also felt that campsites at the more ‘popular’ tourist destinations would be very busy as people booked their ‘staycations’. About a month before this date (in early June), we, therefore, set about planning our break and booking campsites.

Prior to doing this though we discussed possible areas and places to visit. It was decided that we would tour the East Coast of England progressing up into the Eastern side of Scotland. For us, time was not a problem, so we initially booked sites for a month. The reading we had done, suggested that it would be wiser and safer to use our own facilities. On this basis, wherever possible, we booked sites that had no amenity blocks - loos and showers. In planning our trip we also felt that the more ‘remote places' would be preferable (and again) probably safer as it would reduce the risk of infection and enable us to continue maintaining ‘social distancing’. Taking all this into consideration, we chose our sites and made the provisional bookings.

It's not Sheldon, nor is it in the UK. But it is a road trip into the wilderness.

The trip was planned, but we now needed to prepare Sheldon. Sheldon hadn’t been used since March when he was placed in his new storage facility. A major clean, both inside and outside, was therefore required. This freshened him up and removed many of the unsightly ‘black streaks’ that form on caravans and motorhomes. Inside he smelt much fresher, was cleaner and tidier. Sheldon had a full service and MOT in January, so the engine side of him was OK. Around that time the motorhome dealership we had purchased him from, had also given him a ‘habitation check' and service. This includes damp checking him, servicing the gas, electric supplies and equipment to ensure all is safe to use. The onboard freshwater and wastewater tanks (along with the pipework), then needing cleaning for our safety and to prevent unpleasant drain odours - yuk!

Next came the mechanical checks which I feel competent to do. So the oil and other levels were checked. I took the tyre pressures and inflated them where required, ensured there were no signs of cracking. Then came the ‘air suspension’ which keeps him level and more comfortable on the road. This also needed some more air in it. Finally, Sheldon has a large garage/storage area, which becomes very untidy and cluttered. This needing sorting out, some things being removed and other items secured and made easier to access. This is an important job, but one I dislike. However, at the start of the trip, it was important and the garage now looks much tidier.

We were now at the stage we could look at what needed to be taken. Firstly, clothing. It is summer, but we know that Scotland can get chilly at night even during summer. So, we settled on a variety of summer/autumn clothing, which we hoped will cover most eventualities. Then came the food we’d need. We already had a supply of tinned and dry goods on board, which were still in date. These were ‘topped up’. Numerous trips were made to the supermarket and Sheldon to do this. It meant that when we did set off, we just needed to take the fresh food and perishables with us.

All was was done, we are just about ready and we await our departure date with eager anticipation. Like many others, we are excited and looking forward to getting away - albeit with the necessary restrictions in place. We know it will feel ‘strange’ at first and we have some concerns about going. But, we are ready and have prepared as best we believe we can to ensure our own safety and that of others.

When the day finally does come. I want to take you the readers of the blog along with us. We will keep you informed of our progress, our experiences (good and bad), our learning, tell you about the places we visit and the things we see. We anticipate an interesting time as we continue to return to that ‘new normal’.

So, do you have any plans for the next few months? Will you be getting away, locally or further afield? What are your hopes, expectations or worries? What precautions have you taken?

Whatever you do or wherever you are, I hope you’ll soon feel some benefit from a reduction in the virus and that we’ll all continue to ‘Stay Safe’.

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