01/2003 - Basecamp Fulking
17th November 2003
Hello lovelies
Just to let you know that Project Nomad has started in earnest. This time last week we completed on the house sale and moved out. We now have the van parked up on a friend's land in a lovely spot under the South Downs, just west of Brighton. (Jolly near dear Ken, who we're hoping to see in the next week or so.)
Last week was a whirl of sorting out, finishing up house business and getting set up for two or three weeks here before we move off south over the channel. There still seems a lot to do with paperwork and bits and bobs, bobs and bits. But, we've done it! Well first phase anyway.
It feels exciting and scarey at the same time. I think it probably hasn't really sunk in properly because the last three or four weeks have been such a whirl and we're just recovering from that. I really need to keep a journal so that I can record both the events and the feelings. Note to self: priority to find time to do same!
Hope all you lovely people are well and moving forward with great energy and courage. Would love to hear news as I am conscious that others are embarking on new and exciting projects/phases.
Still at Basecamp Fulking
2nd December 2003
You were warned! This is the first of what we hope will be regular bulletins from your very own Grey Nomads, currently stopping over at Fulking, near Brighton, before crossing 'La Manche' (the channel) on 8th December. Due to the fact that our future communication will mostly rely on the mobile/laptop connection, these occasional 'round robins' will have to largely replace our usual individual emails. However, we'd be glad to hear back from you with your news, even if we're not able to respond at times.
Well we're into the start of week 4 of our transition from bricks to wheels and so far no qualms (just as well!), despite relentless rain pounding on the roof for the last week or so. Dave also managed to go down with the current lurgy, although Jeni keeps telling him that the sore throat should stay as it makes him sound very sexy!
Thanks to our current Site Manager (the lovely Sarah, on whose land we are presently squatting), we have access to eggs still warm and fresh from the hens' bottoms, apples newly fallen from the trees, and brussels sprouts and leeks dug from the veg patch. Not to mention free access to the bathroom and washing machine, which has made the transition somewhat easier (ok, call us softies if you like - we'll be rolling in the morning dew before too long).
Our daily life style is not without responsibilities, however. We have become champion ball-throwers for Sox the dog; know how to read a bedtime story in chicken-ese when it's our turn to put the hens to bed; and naturally Dave has managed to install yet another power point (many of you will be aware of his alter ego Dave 'Double-Sockets' Lupton). So far Sarah has managed to resist his offers to completely re-wire the house and outbuildings, although has kept him gainfully employed on other projects!
Worry of the Week for Jeni has been our MUP - Maximum User Payload for the uninitiated - or, more simply do we weight too much? Yes, undoubtedly, diets are called for we know that, but this weightage worry is to do with whether the van is over-loaded with all the accoutrements of daily living. Jeni's persuaded Dave that there's no harm in a trip to the public weighbridge (for the van!), especially given his confidence that we're well within the limit for the vehicle. Jeni, however, is taking no chances and, in the event of an 'I told you so!', is leaving a window in the diary for an emergency dash to M&S to downscale from Big Knickers to Thongs. That should make a difference!
We've now booked our ocean passage and, as mentioned, will be quitting these shores on 8th December, until 2nd April 2004. So far our attempts at communicating with camping sites in France, in French, by email, haven't met with the derision we expected. Although how to ask if they have a chemical disposal point (in our parlance 'cludgie' !) is testing Jeni's somewhat rusty command of the language.
We've decided to play it fairly safe for the first month or so, and will be stopping mainly on proper campsites (although Dave seemed fairly keen to try out some improper ones ... ). Once we reach the south coast of France, hopefully around 21st December, we plan on being more adventurous and getting off the beaten track a bit more. This may take us a-wandering in France a bit more, down into Spain or across into Italy - depending on where the sun is!
We've tried to see as many of you as we can before we leave - there have been many suppers with friends at their homes or at the lovely Shepherd and Dog pub. We also had a trip to hear the London Gay Men's Chorus in Brighton with siblings last weekend. But those of you we've missed, don't think you're getting off that lightly as we'll probably be turning up on your doorstep looking for an electrical hook-up (in return for tarmacking your drive) when we return in April.
Hopefully the next missive will be from across the water in a week's time.
Much love
Jeni and Dave
xxxxx