Thought it was about time I updated the blog before the next five months pass us by!
Since arriving back in the UK last August the last five months have absolutely flown by, and despite our best intentions, our wandering feet clearly didn’t get the memo to just stop for a while. With the motorhome safely tucked up in storage enjoying a well-earned rest, the car came out of retirement—and just like that, every blank space in the diary disappeared.
Life happened. Big birthdays. A baby shower. Wedding plans. A Bake-off. Afternoon teas. And the very exciting announcement of a new arrival due in 2026. Add in plenty of long-overdue catch-ups with family and friends, and suddenly summer felt like something that happened in a previous lifetime.
Somehow, we still managed to squeeze in a cruise to Norway (which was, unsurprisingly, absolutely stunning) and a holiday with our grandchildren—essentially travelling with tiny, wonderful humans who are permanently skint and expect snacks on demand. Constantly. Immediately.
There’s also been a lot of house-sitting, which meant caring for animals of all shapes and sizes: dogs, cats, chickens, sheep (both ewes and rams), plus the occasional power cut and snowfall just to keep things interesting.
We wrapped up the year in back in Maidstone, looking after Bailey and Buddy and celebrating Christmas with family—a pretty perfect place to pause before whatever adventure comes next.
Motorhome or no motorhome, it turns out we don’t really do “peace and quiet.”
Court Farm camping, followed by dinner at The Slingers and Moot Brew Co—excellent decisions all round.
Woodleas, where we met Brian and Jo and quickly discovered we have a lot in common.
Port Lympne Zoo, feeding Soliho the rhino—definitely a bucket-list moment.
Wye, house-sitting with Daisy, right by the train crossing. 128 trains a day. Freight and passenger. You don’t stop noticing… ever.
Rolvenden Lane, with Rudi the dog and daily walks past Maytham Hall and Wesley House.
Haven, Great Yarmouth, with the grandchildren—chaos, laughter, and sandy shoes everywhere.
Churchill, Somerset, stopping off to see Sally.
Cardiff Bay and Penarth, visiting Chay and Beth.
Boughton Monchelsea, back with Ted—and soon joined by Molly and Harry. Village life also meant catching up with the old school crew and realising how little some things ever change.
Mattishall, delivering the full countryside experience: snow, power cuts, chickens, sheep, Ruby the dog, and Toby the cat.
Cranbrook, meeting Toffee and Treacle, visiting Larkins Brewery, and wandering around the new builds—yes, we’re still searching for a house!
We celebrated with family and friends
Buddy and Bailey keep us on our toes that’s for sure over Christmas
And finally, the moon rising over Blue Bell Hill—a quiet, perfect moment to end the year.