With you all the way there, DK. I don't like getting wet or cold, and Benji our last dog didn't like getting wet or cold either. He'd walk round puddles if he could. He didn't mind a bath though, as long as the water was warm!
Not got anything booked until early May, whilst the notion of getting away before then has a lot of appeal, the current weather is SERIOUSLY deterring me doing so! I've friends all over the country, and they are mostly telling the same story of horrible weather, waterlogged ground etc., even damage and disruption down in the West Country.
I'm in the Burbs of NW London, which typically misses out on most extreme weather, but it's been pretty horrid here too in it's own way! Sunday eve. I drove near 60 miles mostly along M25 back from a visit to family in Essex and it was a truly foul miserable journey in the rain, spray and standing water! I'm not a nervous driver in any way, but it was just a very unpleasant journey that I was very glad was over when I reached home.
My local park is so waterlogged, and has been for weeks, stepping off the pathways is very unwise without wellies, I even have to pick selected spots for the dog to go do 'the essentials', I'm not in the least inclined to let her off for a run, as that would be a serious clean up bath needed instead of just a towelling dry. Council maintenance workers vehicles have sunk deeply in the mud and now turned parts into rutted paddy fields, as well as needing to be rescued! This morning's dog walk was not only very wet and icy cold, but an un-forecast strong wind meant I had to furl my brolly before it got wrecked! Our local roads are so damaged and broken up from the bad weather, it's challenging to find a way through without risk of wrecking the car!
I see little joy in towing the caravan in the strong winds and heavy rains, let alone along the broken up roads, also contemplating anything other than a hardstanding pitch would by crazy. If the journey was negotiated successfully, I see little joy in being near forced to stay in the caravan, I like to get out and about and walk the dog for a few miles. Dog's a robust Border Collie not phased by ANY weather, but I have my limits! ..... and as to trying to clean up a filthy long coated dog before letting her back in the caravan!
Not going anywhere until this weather looks more promising. Remember a couple of years back, where brave souls (braver than me!) ventured out in similar weather and told of little other than miserable times sheltering in caravans and MHs/campers!
I took the dog with me in the car to attend a function with him staying in the car while I am inside the venue.
I got out to let him stretch his legs at break times, and he was very reluctant to get out of the car to cock his leg as it was chucking down with rain most of the day.
I slowed right down coming home as there was lots of standing water along the way and I was not able to spot the large pot holes.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
I know what you mean about the M25 Monty! If you went round the northern section you passed within 7 miles of where I live in East Herts. I stay off the M25 as much as possible. I've been into Essex this morning but only 15 miles in, to the Heritage Railway I volunteer on. The weather on that journey was dull, wet, and generally miserable so I don't think I'll be venturing out again today. I'm supposed to be going out with my walking group tomorrow morning, as is usual on a Wednesday, so I'm just hoping it won't be too muddy.
As for going away with the caravan, NO THANK YOU! I have no wish to be stuck in a tin box in a field somewhere when I can be comfy-cosy at home with the TV and all my worldly possessions around me. I go away for pleasure, not torture. I'm in the countryside here, I don't have to go very far to find open fields, a riverside pub, several lakes, and a nature reserve, they are all a very short walk away. Only thing missing is a beach, and I wouldn't find that much fun on a day like today.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Anyone away at the minute ?
via mobile 03/2/2026 at 10:01am
