The
prolonged winter delayed the start to our 2013 season – spending Easter in the
motorcaravan in the snow was not a tempting proposition. However, we learned that there is an IH
Owners’ Group, who meet occasionally in different parts of the country and that
there was a planned gathering at Rutland Caravan and Camping Site (affiliated
to the Caravan Club) from 12th April, which is conveniently only an hour or so up the road.
The site is
very flat and spacious with excellent facilities, but expensive at peak times. It is situated about six miles from Rutland
Water, so we took our bikes and stopped off on the way for a leisurely ride
around part of the reservoir.
The
majority of “the gang” were pitched in the rally field and it was a sight to
behold as a convoy of IH motorcaravans arrived on site. The organisers, Judy and Ray, were very
welcoming and provided some useful information about the area. A fancy gazebo had been erected in the middle
of the field, where people could get together if they wished. Unfortunately the weather was rather mixed,
so this facility was under-utilised. But
there were lots of comings and goings between the vans, and for those of us new
to motorcaravanning, it was a great opportunity to pick the brains of the more
knowledgeable and experienced owners, some of whom seemed to be inveterate
fettlers and improvers of their ‘vans!
Due to the indifferent weather, our cameras stayed in their bags, but the picture above is courtesy of the Caravan Club.
We were
very envious of most of the group as they planned cycle rides, walks and meals
for the rest of their stay, while we had to leave to go back to work. When did we say we were going to retire???
