Julia Woolgar: The Long Drive Walpole to Albany

Dec 20
I went to start Plod with no joy, the battery was flat I had been having trouble with it for a while hoping it would last out no such luck, out comes my generator to give it a charge, great I started up. I arrived at Walpole and what a gorgeous little town it is with a large attractive picnic spot right in the center of town with an information center opens at 10pm.

Walpole town center

Walpole information center

I went to top up with Diesel and Plod let me down again out comes the generator for another charge. Thinking my alternator might not be charging up I went around to a good little garage a very helpful man tested the charging good job that was charging as an alternator would cost me a lot more than a new battery. I was going to buy a new battery unfortunately the man had sold out.. On to my destination to Albany I was loathed to stop Plod just in case he did not start again. That meant I missed a few good tourist spots. I brought a new battery in Albany oh well I can't complain as now Plod is quite happy again.

Off to visit Donald Main a Morgan and MG owner in Albany I was invited to stay for Christmas which is very generous of Donald and Sue his wife. I parked up Plod and was given the rooms at the back of the garage.

My Room behind the garage

Dec 21

On went my overalls and under Donald's Morgan to give the kingpins a grease up and renew the brake fluid and generally playing around at cars. I was then allowed to have a drive in his Morgan we went to some friends of Donald’s that had a 1936 Daimler in immaculate condition he then took us out for a drive around town which brought back memories from my younger days.

Donald’s immaculate Morgan.

Dec 22

Under Charlotte's car today Donald’s 20 year old daughter. Two new tyre’s and sparking plugs were very much needed oil change and a general service. While we went in to town for the parts Donald took me to see some sites in Albany it was a pity as the day was very overcast not a good day for photos.

Albany view of the docks

Albany

Dec 23

Changed Plods engine oil that was about all. Just having a relaxing time. Out comes the Morgan (called Henry) and off for a drive to the sea side. James and Katarina his girl friend and William, arrived for Christmas Robert the other son could not make Christmas.

Little Beach

Dec 24

This morning was rather busy as all Christmas eves in the kitchen’s are. Donald and I went in to town shopping first visited the market place then on to Woolies. Although crowds of people were shopping it was a great atmosphere. Back home to help Sue with a few chores mostly washing up and of course the usual chit chat. Charlotte had made some lovely decorations. The boys cut down an unwanted tree in the garden for our Christmas tree. Most of the chores had been done so Donald and I went round to see Glen and Kaye in his garage I just had to take a photo of his Daimler. Cups of tea all round with home made Christmas cake.

Glen the Daimler owner

Glen's Daimler

Julia

The Children were preparing our Christmas Eve dinner and I might add they did a fantastic job cooked to a T.

Christmas Eve dinner

Dec 25

Donald William and my self went to an early Church Service. The church was full to bursting and that was the second service of the day and there was another one after that as well.

Waiting to go in to Church on Christmas Day

Christmas Day Breakfast

After Church we wet back and had a Champagne breakfast with ham cheese and tomato croissant fruit salad, an excellent eider which I shall take up when I am back home in Devon. After that we all sat around in the lounge and open our Christmas presents. I had presents as well a very generous family indeed.

Opening Christmas Presents

We had the usual English Christmas Dinner beautifully cooked by one and all every one mucked in a real family.

Dec 26

Boxing day was a busy day with the boys digging holes to put in two gate posts out comes the mine tractor which was enjoyed by all especially James.

We had another big dinner, then Sue had a few friends around for afternoon tea. The children went out for a spin then came back for a game of table tennis all this activity made me quite exhausting but very enjoyable. I was getting Plod ready for my departure tomorrow. Dinner was served a long talkative evening and then to bed.