Now been back nearly a month; as I expected, the siren call of an election proved irresistible. I’ve tried to tie myself to the mast, and restricted activity a bit – the aging process, and various ailments that go with it, are starting to take their toll. I keep in mind that both Rosie and I burned out a few years ago, about the time of Brexit, and after we lost out great friends Vic and Margaret. So now, I’m angry enough for a little light leaflet distribution and delivery (I say that, but it came in at quite a few kilos) and a hasty revision of my video editing skills with iMovie, plus filming on iPhone has kept me busy. It’s not the most professional of work, but I’m secretly proud of my amateur efforts. Though my instinct is to throw myself into campaigning again, physically I don’t think I’m up to it, despite the relative fitness I gained while away. The opinion polls indicate a Labour win in this constituency; it will probably be quite tight.

Mucking about with the computer reminded me I wasn’t quite happy with the appearance of this website. Le Lieu Cheri, the cider farm I stayed at on first arrival, way back in April, had a rather nice website, built like this one in WordPress. I tried to install the same theme, but it didn’t really work for me. Then found another which lasted one day. Creative dissatisfaction set in again, so a determined hunt came up with this ‘Theme’, called Apostrophe 2, which seems to have a nice balance of text and image.

About Willma. She now sports a rather fetching ‘Bluey’ cartoon: mostly to curry favour with the grandkids. Oh all right, Im a big fan too: the little pups, Bluey and Bingo, playing at being ‘The Grannies’ is just glorious, while their dad Bandit is just what a modern dad should be. And I’ve also added a small image of Wile E Coyote near the driver’s door. My spirit animal. These are like van tattoos!

Mostly Willma equipped herself with great distinction; but as with all camping there’s an element of compromise, which means striving for perfection. I’ve invested in a wool mattress topper – the occasional condensation problem, particularly with the cold rainy weather, meant that the memory foam topper felt clammy; while the occasional drying out helped, it wasn’t always possible. The wool should be far more absorbent of body moisture (sorry!). The Pans-and-plates cupboard was becoming annoying, having to wrestle to get a plate out. I’d installed a sink plate drainer to act as a rack; having taken that out, I’ve now got a rattle from all the contents. The big folding pasta saucepan has gone, and been replaced by a small stacking cook set. This should work on the suitcase stove too, as an outdoor alternative to cooking on the hob. And on order is a cheap set of internal screens for the cab.

Where to go next? This week the weather has been glorious, but I’ve left myself on call for urgent campaigning; then Matthew is taking her to Silverstone for the Grand Prix weekend. I’m starting to develop a bucket list. Archeology sites at Sutton Hoo and Flag Fen. Dark skies in Kielder, Hadrian’s Wall, the Upper Tyne, and Armstrong’s house at Cragside in the Northeast. I do have my membership of the National Trust, the RSPB, the Camping and Caravanning Club; none of which have been overused this year.

Then there’s the September trip, three weeks between Tunnel crossing out and back, which seems rather short now. Where to go? When asked I’ve been ambivalent, and said it will depend on the weather. I have been toying with the idea of a few sites in Roman Germany (forgotten they got that far): Aachen, Charlemagne’s capital, and his cathedral; Trier, at one time capital of ¼ of the Roman Empire, and birthplace of Karl Marx; Köln, remains and another cathedral; Koblenz, at the start of the Rhine Gorge. Plus few others: more research needed!

I’d dearly love to go back to Provence and the Rhône Valley again; especially during the vendage. Which would mean that campsites will be busy with grape pickers; but still. My wine acquisition policy in May wasn’t well considered, better for a party than for winter tipples, where popping a cork has pleasure that drawing down from a wine box doesn’t quite have. Anyway, watch this space, and cheers!