Sussex

As we had returned early to Packet Boat Marina we decided to take the opportunity to visit Mike's Mum in Ninfield, near Battle in Sussex. Andrew opted to join us as well.

We had no call from the possible electrician (to look at the Power Management Panel) so we set off mid-morning, calling at Battle to pick up lunch. We stopped in a layby on a country lane to eat our sandwiches and so arrived at Birch Holt, the home where Mum now lives, just after one o'clock.

We were able to sit in the Little Lounge and chat to her - mostly showing her the photos of our trip along the River Thames - for just under a couple of hours. She took a keen interest in what we had been doing and asked plenty of questions.

We then popped in to see Sue, Mike's sister who lives nearby, for a cup of tea and to see progress on their building works. As she had a tutorial to take at four, we were on the road shortly before. The run back was not as quick as on the way down. Although we did not see any particular reason, traffic was heavier because there was an M25 closure in the opposite direction, with traffic diverted our way around.