We’ve abandoned Chubby, our trusted tent once more and moved into a gypsy wagon, hand-built in traditional style and parked up next to a donkey in an apple orchard.
Our gypsy wagon
We’ve been staying in the orchard near the historic black and white village of Pembridge, with Andy (wagon-maker) and Archie (donkey). Pembridge is a classic “chocolate box” English village, with ancient dwellings, a local “shoppe” and three pubs!
Pembridge high street
Pembridge
Pembridge brown and white
Pembridge old house
It seemed appropriate in such a timeless place that Andy would have, amongst the many treasures in his barns, a restored Model T Ford which he kindly let my brother, Kevin and nephew, Charles take for a spin when they dropped by for a visit.
Starting up the Model T
Charles and Andy in the Model T
Our wagon was one of a number in various states of restoration, and it was quite an experience to realise that this was how so many travellers before us had lived, as they roamed the highways and byways.
inside one of the wagons
Wooden chests in the wagon
We spent sunny days helping Andy clear his yard – some jobs were harder than others!
Wagon’s roll!
We also got to play with a few of his less elegant and romantic vehicles.
Howdy, digger!
Geoff had never heard of a JCB before we arrived at the orchard – in Australia they are just called a digger or backhoe. By the time we left, he had brought a long-broken one back to life, just in time to show off his skills and for me to give it (and Andy) a whirl around the orchard!
Geoff and the JCB
Hauling old tree roots with the newly repaired digger
Up, up and away
We also got a chance to whirl a little higher, when Andy arranged for us to take a flight over the rolling hills of the Herefordshire countryside.
Us and our Piper Archer joyride
Geoff & Andy in the back of the plane
We both started learning to fly many years ago. The funds dried up long before the fun did and it was a real treat to be hands on the controls again.
Sara flying – the grin says it all!
Out on a wing
Eyes front over the Wye Valley
We can’t sign off this blog without mentioning the lovely Archie. Archie has the run of the orchard, and is very demanding in the head-rubbing department!
Archie in his dust bath
Archie’s orchard
Why the long face? Insufficient time spent rubbing his head, probably.
Andy is a former goldsmith, turned great wagon and cabinet maker. Check out his luxury compost loos as well on his website! He often takes volunteer workers at his farm to give him some extra help, through schemes like Workaway and HelpX. These are great programmes which partner hosts looking for help on projects large and small – from an elderly lady wanting to decorate her front room, to organic farms and building projects – with helpers/travellers looking for new experiences, local insight, a bit of fun and maybe even a campfire.
The opportunities are worldwide – so if you are thinking of travelling and want to do it differently, try signing up to one of the schemes. You might be lucky enough to find an Andy and Archie along the way
Wheels on fire – our last night campfire.
