Let's start with the basic principle of life - It's not my fault. Men are never wrong....simples.
I said we are not starting caravanning too early in the year that it snows when we are out. Last year we started in January because, as she said, it's too mild to be at home. So off we trotted to Castleton and what happened? Gales, snow, tempest..ice....but I smiled...as you do.
This year, what did she say? Isn't it mild, let's start the year off in Castleton next week.
So, here we are and it's been minus 5 today!! My poor fingers have been blue pottering about outside. The pipes for the bathroom outlets have frozen and water has been standing in the bathroom sink all day unable to drain.
Poured hot water down the shower drain to try and unfreeze it and what happened? That hit the ice and failed to shift it so the shower try has had water in all day!
Why don't you stick something up the drain outlet to break the ice up? She asked. Here, Try this coat hanger.
Bite your tongue Phil, I thought.
Bl**** thing only snapped leaving about 6 inches of the hanger stuck up the outlet pipe. Fetched some pliers from the car to try and hold on to a bit that was sticking out and managed to pull it out.
Searched around the woods for a stick long enough and strong enough to shove it up the pipe to try and break the ice. I had to show willing even though I figured that the ice blockage was beyond a bend in the pipe and I knew that my plan wouldn't work....but she was watching so I had to put the effort in. Women hey...full of daft ideas.
By now, you have probably realised that patience was wearing thin. Fingers were getting bluer.
Gave up. Took the pump off to keep it indoors overnight. Water hog emptied and searched around the car for hand wipes for when we use the caravan loo. Welcome to the 21st Century.
On the plus side the beer is perfectly chilled. So there is some consolation.
We can't go forward into CC pitches now - it's a new rule. Had we done so, we could have seen the frozen Fell tops as we have breakfast and the back of the van would have been facing west. As it is, the back is facing east where the Siberian blasts are coming from, so the drain pipes get it full force. Happy days.
If I survive the night I will be back for a further report. I am just popping to the site loo.....I may be gone some time
Captain Oates
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Having a good day then. Having plenty to do to keep you warm.
Pity you could not tell them in charge I am turning my van round to help it out a bit. They should understand in weather that is doing its damage and not be so dogmatic about things.
Bob checked out wind chill outside at 7pm it was - 7 deg, lovely and we are not in the coldest part of the night yet.
I can recommend a nice mug of hot chocolate with either brandy or whisky in it for warming the cockles of your heart.
After last March and shirt sleeves in lovely warm weather is it going to be one of those one year good one bad just to keep us guessing then?
Hope you keep well in yourselves.
Normally divorces come via puttting up the awning I wonder if it is having things go wrong in cold weather and I am the mug having to go outside in it. As the new reason.
Why don't you wrap up and go for a walk to the far end of Castleton, then have a drink in every pub on the way back. It won't clear your drain but at least you won't give a monkeys?
looking forward to tomorras report phil ive had a little chuckle at your antics im gunna have to try and get on site when you are on .i bet the site in castletons in stitches .
we were there for new year 4 years ago it was thick ice you couldnt stand up so i hope youve plenty of tred on your boots lol
------------- Sandringham 22nd mar - 30th mar
thorpe park 27th apr - 1st july
thorpe park 1st sept 2015- 1st nov 2015
clumber park 29th dec -4th jan
Quote: Originally posted by jaqugra on 11/3/2013Why don't you wrap up and go for a walk to the far end of Castleton, then have a drink in every pub on the way back. It won't clear your drain but at least you won't give a monkeys?
Try pouring some warm salted water down the drain Phil as salt will penetrate the frozen ice. It may take a few applications but it's worth a try at least.
The shower outlet in our house has frozen, outlet on gable end in full force of wind. Luckily we have another shower which is working. So you don't have to go away to enjoy the problems the weather is bringing up
------------- 74,going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder
Quote: Originally posted by realbusdriver on 12/3/2013
am really sorry to hear your troubles but if it's any consolation ,it could be worse.........it could be me
I've missed your stories Phil, can't you start year-round touring.
BTW when did the CC change it's pitching rule, is it just Castleton or general. Was advised to pitch nose in on a CC site last year to make the most of hte views.
The no front in first rule comes in this year. Some chap up the top end of this site has broken the rule, but I understand that he has asked his wife to take the blame - very modern man you see!
The warden told me off for parking my van sideways on but I explained that it's not actually sideways on it's just following the sun so that the drain pipes at the back will be facing the sun at all times today today to help the ice in them melt! It worked, halleujah, Bathroom sink and shower tray now drained.
At least the toilet did not freeze up, but then nowhere to wash my hands urgghh.
It's about 4 degrees now, not that warm but the right side of 0 degrees. Now shall I keep the pump in tonight when it is supposed to drop to -2?
Anyway, to the day. Went to Bradford Dale, one of our favourite spots. Had a nice long walk around the Dale and up to Robin Hood's leap and round and back. Not to worry there are loos in Youlgrave. Hang on dear. For any fellow walkers they look as if they have been done up. Nice new shiny doors - but locked. That's all you need after a long walk. We suspect that having done them up they don't want them spoiled by folk using them. They last longer that way. Part of the cuts I suppose. On we walked, cross legged, to the car and drove on to find some comfort elsewhere. Urgghh
Things are settling down now. No damage to the drain pipes from the ice. Footie on the tele tonight -haven't told the other half just yet. I'm just going to open a bottle of the local brew .....all's right with the world.
Not bad this caravanning lark after all.
Next month we are off to Hawes. Some of you may remember that last year at that site the caravan sailed down the River Ure using the awning as a sail in the gales and floods. So, taking an anchor with us this time
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Does that mean Phil we can expect another chapter to this saga of yours.
Hope it is a better one where the c.van is concerned but equally I want the funnies to cheer me up as I have to wait till May 1st to get moving for my 10 weeks grrrr.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: It`s your fault!
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