Storm Francis - 25th August ‘20

 What a night. Storm Francis woke us up at 2 and it wasn’t until gone 5.30 that we were tired enough to get back off to sleep.

It turned out most folks had took down their awnings but because, being a “Foreign” van we had the awning on the “wrong” side, Brunnehilda protected her from the strong westerly winds.

I am pleased to say that although Isabella made some funny noises and shapes, she stayed put. The storm strap was rattling which needed fixing in the morning and the strap also came off at one stage but apart from that it was just the slight anxiety to contend with that any stage Isabella might be heading out to sea - with or without us and Brunnehilda!

The rain stopped in the morning but the wind isn’t due to reduce from its 60mph maximum until 7 am on Wednesday. I think our Whitby experience in February was over 80 mph but of course Isabella was not attached that time!

During the morning, Kim got the van sorted and I prepared the inside of the awning - carpet / furniture etc.

Laura, George and boys arrived at about 3pm. The Twinnies are very excited, thankfully Storm Francis was not a concern for them. After unpacking they went off to Ilfracombe for a few hours. It would have been lovely to have joined them but we didn’t feel right leaving the site given the situation.

I had a chance to show George “the Brunnehilda ropes” and we hit the road at 8.45pm. Arriving back in Long Buckby at 1am. It was a much easier and faster journey without our German friend on the back.

Laura reported back on Wednesday morning that the wind had now dropped and they survived the night. George even reported having the best nights sleep he’s had for ages!? Apparently, they’re going kite flying this morning!

After we go down in a week to take down Isabella, then that’s the last of us in Brunnehilda for a while - nothing booked up at the time of writing. She and Isabella have once again survived the worst that the horrible British weather can throw at them. I think it’s only snow we haven’t encountered yet but I’m sure we will soon?