Another lie in too, but this one was longer. This time we showered as well! 2 showers necessitates two fillings of Brunnehilda’s on board water tanks. This site makes that very easy as each pitch has its own tap.
By the time we finally got out (at about 2), the mornings heavy rain had rolled through. We did debate taking Tilly to Golden Cap for a walk but this would have been a wood and cliff walk rather than beach. We thought she would like a beach walk as this was her (and our!) last opportunity for a bit.
We parked up at Charmouth beach. Just a mile or so outside of Lyme. This was the chosen beach for Tilly’s walk. After the nonsense of paying for the car park with a bloody App (we didn’t have enough cash and they didn’t take cc) we headed off eastward along a half sand / half pebble beach being crashed into by a very noisy and angry sea.
The beach wasn’t busy but every couple on there, seemed to be a fossil hunter - including a group of about 20 6th formers who were clearly in a Geography field trip! Although one up from train spotting, fossil collecting wasn’t a pastime that ever seriously grabbed me as a useful way of spending your spare time. I would counter that by saying that they seemed to be enjoying themselves - but they didn’t!
We had a bracing 45 mins walk - although I think the sea was a bit too loud for Tilly and she mostly kept to our side with little of her normal barking at the sea birds and running in and out of the waves! Maybe she was puzzled / troubled by the fossil hunters too??
Off then back to Lyme Regis for another walk along the front and a coffee / danish. We walked back up to the town and grabbed a drink before walking back to the car for 5 pm.
When we got back to Brunnehilda we did an hours packing up to speed up our getaway tomorrow- we’re taking Brunnehilda upto Shaftesbury to be serviced (and fix her brakes) at Blackmore Vale Leisure.
We had planned to go to the Crown at Uplodders to eat (the one we went to the first night) but when we arrived we discovered it was shut on a Wednesday so we headed off to the Marquis of Lorne in the neighbouring village of
Nettlecombe.
What a place. Such an old atmospheric pub, lovely staff, lovely fellow customers and a fabulous meal! They also had some scary and impressive Halloween decorations hanging around outside as well!!
Back to Brunnehilda - for just one episode of Slow Horses (in bed this time). Early night as the alarm is set for 6 to get up and out by 8!
Thursday 6th: After an invigorating cup of coffee we got Brunnehilda ready and hooked up 5 mins ahead of the planned 8.15 scheduled leave time.
The 1 1/4 hour journey was a little stressed as the roads picked by Google were not as wide as Brunnehilda would have liked! Mostly a series of B roads which were fine until you went through villages with cars parked up on one or both sides! We also had a short wait while the road was cleared after a 3 car smash. We thought we were going to be in for a long wait - there is no way we could turn round like all the cars in the queue - but as it happened we were through in under 5 minutes.
We dropped off her off with the guys at Blackmore Vale Leisure at just gone 9.30 and headed for Shaftesbury (10 mins up the road) for breakfast.
The Salt Cellar has been well used by Kim and I over the years. We sat at the top of the famous (Hovis advert) Gold Hill to have a very acceptable breakfast. I had the large one, Di had the small! Which in itself adequately explains the differences in weight and size!
A quick walk and a visit to the bakery and we were on our way. Meanwhile Pete at BVL had quickly taken off one of Beunnehilda’s wheels and determined both brake drums and shoes were needed. By driving the van 150 miles with the brakes on I had managed to cook them! Who would have thought eh?! The parts would need to be ordered so we wouldn’t be raking Brunnehilda home with us this afternoon!
We decided against Salisbury and I suggested Stonehenge on the way home. Then I remembered how unimpressive the whole visitor experience was so I suggested the much more accessible and evocative, Avebury stone circle.
We arrived at the biggest stone circle in the world (so they claim) at about 1pm. They have no idea why they are where they are but 4500 years ago a lot of our relatives went to a lot of bother to erect the stones and dig the huge circular ditch. The slightly gloomy and misty weather made them seem even more fascinating, mystical and menacing!
We all 3 had a nice walk around the circle before heading to the pub for a drink. A non productive 15 minute wait and we aborted to the NT cafe for a coffee and cake. Not only did we get served straight away but 20% of the bill as well!
Pete rang with the bad news as we were driving home - £2k! That’s how much the brakes, service, tyres and other bits are going to cost. Oh, Brunnehilda! As I was already swivering about her future, this news was a real curved ball! I asked for a price they would give me to take her off my hands. As expected, it was a long way short of what I think she’s worth, but …
So, at time of writing I am 80% sure this is the end of my travels with Brunnehilda! Huge mixed thoughts at this stage but one thing I do know … whatever happens, she has been a wonderful influence in my life. She has facilitated so much happiness and fun as well as special and unforgettable memories. So many of my strongest memories of Kim are based around my Teutonic warrioress. Thank you Brunnehilda. ♥️
Travels with Brunnehilda blog:
1st post: 13th June 2019
Last post: 6th November 2025
Number of posts: 229
Number of views: 41,065
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