La Vie à Quatre Roues! Jour 18

The Vyne, Hampshire

(Couldn’t decide between this photo and my Portsmouth sunrise, I may swap them round...)

Docking in Portsmouth at 6.45am, we were greeted by a gorgeous sunrise and were soon on our way, travelling north towards Basingstoke where we stopped at The Vyne. We were too early to visit the house, (and the shop!) so instead had a cuppa and then a stroll through the grounds beside the lake.

Only having French maps with us, we relied on the SatNav to get us to our next stop. Big mistake! It took us all round the houses and down lanes only inches wider than the van! A huge sigh of relief was heaved by both driver and navigator when we eventually arrived at Basildon Park, where paid a quick visit. We didn’t stay long as I’d visited the property twice last year, and we were both feeling weary after our early start and our ordeal by SatNav.

A straightforward journey took us to our final campsite of the trip at Wallingford. After setting up camp for the last time, we crossed the Thames and had a wander around the town, both picking up a few more Brocante bargains, before stopping by the river for a drink, where we watched the exploits of the town’s gardeners. Who knew watering a hanging basket was such hazardous work! (2nd extra)

(Backblip posted 18th September)