Cambridgeshire

 

April 14 - 20 2021

 Get Back

 Post from John

 “Get back to where you once belonged” So sang the Beatles, and for our first trip of the year, that is precisely what we did. We headed off in the Silver Machine for Cambridge and St. Neots to catch up with old friends, whom we hadn’t been able to see for a while.

Our first destination was the Camping & Caravanning Club site at Great Shelford, on the edge of Cambridge. On the way we stopped at the NT Wimpole Hall estate, to rendezvous with our friends and motorhoming buddies Barbara and Clive. After a pleasant afternoon strolling around the extensive grounds and chatting, we headed for the site.

The next day was a real nostalgia trip, as we caught the bus from just outside the site to take us into Cambridge. Having grabbed a coffee, we avoided the centre of the city, heading across Christs’ Pieces to Midsummer Common and the banks of the Cam. Seeing all the college boathouses was a reminder of the time I spent learning to row with the U3A 10 years or so ago. We walked along the riverbank, stopping to eat our sandwiches on the edge of Jesus Green, another of the open spaces by the colleges. A walk along Trinity Street took us to the Backs, opposite Kings and other colleges.

The Mathematical Bridge at Queens College

The Backs

Cambridge means punts...

...and bikes

 We decided not to catch the return bus, but walked the 3 ½ miles back to the site to round off a good day.

The next day was sunny and warm, which was just as well, as we spent it in various gardens, being kindly fed and watered by friends John and Sylvia, then Gordon and Diane, followed by former neighbours Gary and Linda.

On Saturday we moved to the C&CC site at St. Neots, which is in located on the banks of the river Ouse. On the way we called in to see John and Jane, old friends and our travelling companions on our New Zealand trip. Another sunny afternoon drinking tea and having a good natter.

Sunday morning we drove the van to Graffham Water, parking on the south side (no height barriers) and catching up with more friends, Hazel and Rick. It was a glorious warm day, ideal for a wander alongside the lake, watching the boats from the sailing club drifting in the light airs 

The Silver Machine at Graffham Water

A lovely morning by the lake

Then back to see John and Jane, who had generously offered to cook a meal before we headed back to the site.

Monday was a low-key day, venturing out in the van to a nearby village churchyard, as part of Ruth’s research into family history. Then a walk alongside the Ouse in the evening sunshine rounded off an excellent few days.

Riverside walk in St. Neots

First impressions of the van? Very favourable – we found adapting to the smaller living space easy, and driving was much more enjoyable.