Time to fix Freda, the ‘passion wagon’

I left for Weymouth at 9.30 last night, the gearbox fell into ‘get home safely’ mode before I’d even made it to the A30. Justification for the trip, if I needed any, which I didn’t. This has been going on too long. But after numerous conversations with Dunnings Autos of Weymouth I’m fairly confident that this could be it. No more driving down motorways with the engine doing 3000 revs, whilst the van barely touches 50 (mph).

Anyway, I have to drive to Halifax tonight, so I need the van on the road at a reasonable time today. Given that work can’t start on it until it’s cold, I thought the best bet would be to reduce the drive required this morning.

I made it to Granby at 11ish and found a quiet road on the industrial estate to sleep on. Can’t see an cctv, but when I needed a piss I drove out of the estate anyway – never piss on your own doorstep. After that it was all plain sailing until the seagulls kicked off at 5.30 this morning.

So, I awoke in the car park of Magnet on Granby industrial estate. As it happens Dunnings is just over the road in a slightly run down looking workshop.

When the Dunnings boys turned up I handed over the keys and went for a walk. I headed down to the sea, eventually walking back along the Rodwell Trail. See photos.

: Check out the guy/gal swimming about just in front of one of the boats – this is 9am

: Portland

: Henry VIII had that castle built, apparently. No, I can’t remember what it’s called. Google it.

: A slightly blurred view of the path now running along the route of the old Weymouth to Portland railway line

: Rodwell station

The Dunnings lads try to big up the work on the car, try to reassure me – to be fair they seem knowledgeable and are easy to talk to. When I drive away things feel good. I keep driving and there is no sign of the dreaded hold light and the speedo is working (which it hadn’t done for a month. Or two). By the time I get to Bristol I’m just about convinced, although there seems to be a large hole in my pocket.

I pop into the RMS office on my way through, then continue to North. The area approaching Halifax is a fascinating blend of green and industrial; towns (Elland) embedded in the hills. Halifax has a one way system to get lost in, but quiet roads. Ellie, on reception at the White Swan, is nice, and my room is…ok.