Last day in england

Monday 17th Feb

Got up lateish and mum and I had showers in the house. Dad helped Malcolm with a delivery of fertiliser he had had delivered. Malcolm then headed off to work so said goodbye to him. Mum and dad had quite a few bits to do on the computer so didn't end up going out until 1pm ish. Malcolm finished work and came home to find us still there! Called David Briggs to wish him happy birthday then said goodbye again. Went to lidls for a last minute shop to stock up on a few bits. 

First stop was in the new forest where it was rather rainy but very pretty. Mum cooked up some sausages sandwiches and cup a soup. It's so nice being able to stop anywhere for a cuppa! Went for a short walk as it was raining a bit to see the biggest oak in new forest - the  knightswood. Lots of lovely wild horses grazing too. Drove on further to lyndhurst where we dropped mum off to look for a bank to change some money to euros. Dad and I found a car park and I went off looking for mum but couldn't find her. Back in the van and had to drive round in circles a couple of times before we caught mum and she jumped in - to no avail, will have to get euros over there. 

Drove on to burley manor hotel, very swanky old manor with a field of deer across from it. Mike and Liz (from harpenden) were staying here for a couple of nights so caught up with them to go over a few places in France we should visit. They treated us to another yummy cream tea and showed us their room which was lovely but bloody miles away down about five huge long corridors.

They had a quick look around Priscilla and then we headed off for Portsmouth. Very scary drive in the dark and wet. Loads of traffic too for 6.30 at night (darkness meant it felt like 10 at night though). I was in the back and ended up falling asleep but by the time we got there mum and dad were almost a nervous wreck from such a stressful drive!

Dad made beans on toast for dinner in Priscilla while we were in the queue to board the ship. Mum had a wine or two to calm her nerves after the drive! Ship ended up leaving a bit late but we got settled in some chairs which were fairly comfy - they reclined at least. We all took a pillow each from Priscilla and the two lightweight sleeping bags. Filled two flasks with tea and green tea as well to enjoy. Snuggled into our sleeping bags and off to sleep.