Trip 142 - Upminster

Saturday 19th April (Day 1)

So off to Essex to park on Lin and Ian’s front. So left home about 1300 and parked up by 1530 (shopping on way). A catch up with them before going to motorhome for tea. Then a walk to Upminster Rugby club for a belated 40th Birthday bash for Gemma Lamb. A walk back and in bed just after midnight. (The idea of the trip is to see the ‘Swiss Mob’ but I am not holding my breath on that.)

Sunday 20th April (day 2)

A slow start and then breakfast. We then sat around for a while reading until we decided to go for a walk around Cranham Nature Reserve. Just before midday Rich and Su arrived and we joined them in Lin and Ian’s. Soon after Lee and Claire arrived with baby Aurora - about seven weeks old. Soon after the remaining four arrived; Pat, Pete, Anne and Trevor. We had therefore twelve (and baby) for a roast lamb dinner which was lovely. This was followed by five different deserts (maybe six). Then a lot of chatting until around 2000 when all quickly left.

Monday 21st April (day 3)

After breakfast we caught the bus to Harrow Lodge Park to meet Ashley. We then had a nice walk around the park and into Hornchurch for a pint in The Fatling and Firkin. Around 1315 we got in an Uber with Ash. He dropped us off in Ardleigh Green and then he went onto Fairholme. We walked up to see Heather, then those at No6 and finally Jean. By 1740 we walked down to catch a bus back into Hornchurch and then another onto Cranham. We decided that Spices for a meal was a good idea, returning by 2200.

Tuesday 22nd April (Day 4)

We overslept a bit but fortunately had a simple breakfast so caught up in time. Hayley rang and suggested we went to Stubbers Activity Centre. So by 1020 we were on one of the two busses to take us there. We arrived about 1050 and Hayley about 1120. The day panned out really well with the girls enjoying the outdoor play area, wall climbing, pedalos and caving. Chloé stated it was the best day she has had and Olive’s smile showed the same. By 1620 we were all in Hayley’s car and she dropped us off back at the motorhome. Ian had earlier suggested we went out for a meal at the Thatched House, so by 1830 off we toddled. A very nice meal, with 30% off courtesy of a app. A slow walk back as Lin had almost exhausted any energy. Back by 2125.

Wednesday 23rd April (Day 5)

Lots of rain throughout the night which was very heavy. The rain should have stop by 0900 and by 0930 it did. A bit later Hayley rang for us to meet in Romford for tenpin bowling. We caught the 248 from Cranham to Romford Market and met the grandchildren and Hayley outside Smyths Toys. £100 lighter we had purchased some birthday presents for the girls. Then H went off shopping and we went to Funscape to do tenpin bowling. We had two games. Chris won; I pulled a leg (bum) muscle; both Olive and Chloé enjoyed it although they got tired towards the end. A happy meal (shared) in McD’s and then we met H and they all went off home. We caught the bus back and said our goodbyes and left straight for home. We left about 1645 and got home around 1820 which was an excellent run as it was rush hour.