Today I had to make the devastating decision to put my house rabbit Millie to sleep. Mollie, her companion died about 4 years ago and Millie and I have lived together in my house for the last 4 years. She was nearly 11 years old and has welcomed me home every day, sent me off to work, listened to my rants and happiness for all of that time. She had lost so much weight, was incontinent and had lost the sight in both her eyes and just wasn’t herself. I know it was the kindest thing to do, but it was still an awful thing to decide to do. I was with her when she went to sleep (alongside my lovely Mum) and I asked her to give Molly a kiss from me and enjoy binkiying together once again. The vet and nurse at Willow Vets in Olney were amazing and made it very peaceful and blameless for us. RIP Millie – I will miss you everyday
From heartbreak to carrying on with a very heavy heart with my plans, Mum and I set off to Tesco to buy me some basic foods and drink to take with me and to secure my house up. There will be someone popping in every day and my neighbours are keeping an eye – so all set.
The van is packed, I’ve stopped crying for a little while at least, so it’s time to set off and tow on my own. Dad will be meeting me at my first campsite, as sensibly I’ve found somewhere not too far way in case of any first night issues. I will also be joined by my little sister for a sleep-over.
Dad took me through the process of making the caravan ready to go and I wrote a list to refer back to (remember, I love a list!) when I’d have to do it all myself in a few days. I’m off!
After quite a few deep, calming breaths, I drove off and … it was fine! If anything, it was easier on my own as I didn’t have to apologise if I made any small mistakes. Took me back to the day I passed my driving test and was able to drive alone for the first time! Couple of hiccups on the way – A road I wanted to take was closed and for a few moments I thought I might need to reverse…..luckily I didn’t as there was somewhere to turn, but it did mean I had to pull out on to a busy high street. I waited until both lanes of traffic cleared (took a while) and did it – all fine!
The other, which is funny now I look back on it, was as soon as I got on a long single carriage way road, I got stuck behind a tractor towing bales of hay, travelling at 20 mph. I shrugged it off and was actually quite happy to go so slow, but the driver behind me (yes reader, it was a white BMW) was not so happy. He was beeping his horn, I can only assume at me, the caravan in front of them going so slow, clearly oblivious to the MASSIVE tractor and wagon in front of me.
I took my Dads good advice of pulling back as there are often idiots who cannot stand being stuck behind a caravan for a few minutes and over take in dangerous places, to leave a space for him to pull in if he did indeed try to do this. He did. And as soon as he over took me, he had to pull straight back in as he couldn’t get past the tractor. So, what did I do (sorry Mum) I beeped him for about 5 minutes as it was clearly him now holding me up! He made a very weird hand gesture out of the window – I can only assume he was apologising to me for his mistake.
Anyway – I made it to my first campsite! Hilltop Cottage Campsite, Brackley.
I was the only person on the site! It was only a small one, Camping and Caravanning recommended and was surrounded by fields and grass. Check in was quick and easy and they explained the amazing amount of security they had on site, which made me feel very safe (or a bit scared I’d never get out!).
There was a small toilet block with one shower – all to myself on this occasion. Dad has beaten me there and we drove through the security gate to choose my pitch. I had the pick of them all (around 10 pitches – all with electric hook-ups)
Dad took me step-by-step through the arrival process of setting up the van on site (yes, I wrote another list) and I think I get it all. Remains to be seen….. My little sister arrived in time to watch me put my porch awning up for the first time.
It was actually really simple and quick to put up – the pump was provided as this is an air awning, rather than a traditional metal pole one. Took about 15 mins (first time) to attach to the caravan, blow up the frame and peg it all down. Simples! Dad left us to it after that and we settled down to enjoy Spaghetti Bolognese and a mixed fruit cider outside the awning. Had a lovely time chatting and then made our way inside to make up the bed for us.
The caravan has a double bed but can also be used as two singles – perfect. The sun set on my first day as a professional (can I say that yet?) caravanner. Yay me!
One (wo)man and her (cara)van 