David and Jo's Adventures: A stormy start in Priscilla!

Wed 5th Feb 2014

Today is the day we set off in “Priscilla” - yes she has a name (thanks to Margaret for helping us choose a name for our new Motorhome). I am sure that down the track you will see a picture of David on top in my Bikini! Like he did when we were Gold Prospecting in Kalgoorlie! Would you believe that the day we choose to set off it is gale force winds & rain and a King Tide down at The Bay so we had to go have a look before we set off. There was a huge tree down across the road and path that we had walked down 2 evenings ago! Diverted to see the high tide coming over the Bay/Harbour onto the road (at one point David B had to quickly move the car!). It was amazing and we got soaked through watching. This only happens once a year! Got back and dried off then made up the bed in Priscilla - it looks cosy - bought all WHITE bed linen! In hindsight think we may have made the wrong colour choice!!!!!!!! Sorted out the bike we bought from David B (I just need one now) and said our goodbyes to David & Sheila (bit sadL). Set off for the New Forest via Christchurch. The weather was still bad and 10 mins after leaving, on the top of a ridge, we were held up in stationery traffic while emergency services righted a lorry that had blown over in the gale force crosswinds! I got out and walked a fair way to the front to find out from the Police it would only be another 10mins to wait. I then informed everyone on the way back to Priscilla. Good old helpful Aussie I am. Arrived in Christchurch and picked up our new 300w Pure Sine Wave invertor (so we can use our leisure battery as 240v when no mains available i.e. wild camping). Called at Val & Malcolm’s to pick up stuff we had left behind (manual! Think we made need that tonight!) Did a huge fridge and freezer shop at a great shop called LIDL’S (loads in Europe too) Then headed for “Sandy Balls! Holiday Park” Fordingbridge, Godshill in the New Forest. http://www.sandyballs.co.uk/discover Passed lots of places that were flooded! Arrived approx. 5pm to be told there was no power until about 7pm! Parked up in our bay - gorgeous site with all the facilities (£10 per night). Right - now to start learning how everything works!!!!! After flooding the inside of Priscilla (cause we left the tap on in the kitchen, not positioned over the sink, while filling the water tank!!!) we managed to get the heating/hot water/fridge & freezer working (we are sure it will all get easier and become second nature). I cooked our first meal with no dramas and really enjoyed doing it while David read all the manuals. Had a great evening and a few drinks to celebrate our first night. Priscilla was rocking and it wasn’t because it was windy J !!!!!!!!!!!!