Welcome

Hello to all you fellow motorhomers and welcome.
I hope you get as much fun reading this as I do writing it.







Tuesday 29 January 2019

Purchasing My Book

In my excitement at receiving an actual copy of my book



I forgot to mention where it can be purchased.

I am not sure of all the outlets pre-publication.
At present it is available  


 From the publishers                       http://www.hubbleandhattie.co.uk/shop/HH5045/

  From me
  https://annachelmicka.me/

 From a  book signing event.  
 https://annachelmicka.me/events/ 
 for details of up and coming signings.



Review of book (first one) from 
Dog Training Weekly

WOW WOW WOW cracker of a book this one! Truly superb for all us doggy people who like to camp away with our kids (four-legged, of course).

Twenty-three campsites that are dog-friendly with forty-five circular walks consisting of every terrain. Footpaths, walking trials, beaches, fields, and many diverse environments with ‘short walks’ of four to six miles, and more challenging, full day walks of up to eleven miles. 

The walks are divided into seven regions and all are possible with dogs. The dogs, as well as owners, need to be agile enough to manage stiles, fences and walls, as well as the occasional sheep-proof stile that will require a good heave over, assuming not too big to lift (dogs not owners!). This is a selection of walks rather than a comprehensive guide, none of which is particularly challenging: however, a reasonable degree of fitness is helpful, and a moderate level of stamina.

Personally, I really love the exacting description of each of the walks so that there is no doubt where you should be going (I am renowned for getting lost!). Instructions are precise such as ‘ keep close to hedge, cross the style next to the gate and beside tree.' There is a variety of landscapes to choose from with many points of interest in each, pubs, etc, noted for stops where there are some. Hills and mountains, valleys and flat fields, towns and cities, many with historical interest, forests, coasts and countryside.
Written by Anna Chelmicka when she retired and travelled around the UK and Europe in her motorhome with her dog, Ruby, Amber (Ruby’s daughter), and then Pearl, (Ruby’s great granddaughter). Anna realised there was little documented on camping with dogs, and even less about decent walks for them. She began taking notes and photographs, and these were published in Motorhome Monthly Magazine.

Now compiled into a book that will certainly be tucked into our camping gear and no doubt well used, I shall also be recommending it to many of my doggy friends who camp around the countryside. Only wish there were a few more to the series …. maybe there will be one day?! Five star rating from me.  

Only £14.99 published by Hubble and Hattie. Available February 2019 in the UK.


I'm so pleased.





Sunday 27 January 2019

Advanced Reader Copy

An extra blog post because this week was special.

Firstly it was a very busy week.

  • The motorhome was due to have its big service in preparation for forthcoming outings.  My car did not seem to be running very well.  With three long trips scheduled for this week I thought it best for my mechanic to service the car instead and do the van another time. The car now runs like a dream.
  • I had a night out with the netball ladies.
  • I had booked to go to Birmingham for an instagram course.  It was excellent.
  • I was off to London to visit friends.
  • I had a meeting in Wales.
This was all very eventful and exciting.  It paled into insignificance on Friday. 

I was very surprised to receive a parcel in the post on Friday. I studied the outside of the envelope thoroughly to ensure it WAS for me.  Then I noticed a Veloce Publisher return sticker.  

Despite my eagerness I carefully opened the envelope. Gently I slid out a bubble wrapped object and could see though the wrapping the cover of my book.


It was an Advanced Reader Copy.  (Copies of books sent to people before publication for them to review). 

 I was so excited I spent the next few minutes jigging around the room even though I had to not even opened the book. Though my cavorting about confused Pearl she was happy to joined in.

I have subsequently looked at my ARC.  It is wonderful.


The publication date is 15th February 2019. 


I will be doing book signings.. Come along and get a signed copy.


Friday 18 January 2019

Gadgets

Gadgets here, gadgets there, gadgets everywhere;

platforms here, platforms there, platforms everywhere.

 (I don't mean railway platforms though they do take you places and keep you in touch with friends and family).


The recent technological advances have resulted in a new digital age.  This is all very confusing, especially for us older folk who, on the whole, have managed very well up to now.   Associating with with youngsters helps people learn what technology can offer. 

This happened to me with regard to the ipod. 

My introduction to this new piece of technological equipment opened up a whole new experience for me.  It was not so much the amount of music I could carry around with me as the huge number and variety of "podcasts" I could download and listen to whenever I wished. 

The best way to describe a podcast is as a "dialogue feature", thus many podcasts are converted or re-issued radio programmes.  The "podcast" world is remarkable, quite mind-blowing. 

Are you a inhabitant of this world?

Do check it out; it is entertaining, amusing and informative.

Most of us probably adhere to the adage "necessity is the mother of invention" first noted in Roman times, supposedly by Plato.  As technology becomes more main stream so it becomes necessary for people to become more savvy technologically.  Unfortunately tutors in modern technology are rare so coming to grips with all things digital is usually rather a hit and miss affair.  This too I have had experience of.

The switch to digital cameras resulted in a huge learning curve for me not only to maximize the full potential of these elaborate gadgets but also in learning how to manipulate an image.  It is a similar situation with mobile phones and the plethora of sophisticated software now easily available. (I'm still trying to get to grips with the potential of smart phones). Then there are drones.  Seeing the fun it gave a friend I was encouraged to add one to my list of digital devices.  However I had second thoughts partly due to the recent incidences at various UK airports which highlighted the complications and also my lack of time.

Attending courses sometimes with the dogs
I am always looking for tutoring of some kind and as a result I have been on several courses. Some have been excellent some less so but I have always managed to garner some benefit. 

I needed enormous help to master digital cameras.  Fortunately I had opted for a Canon camera so was able to access the courses run by EOS Training Academy (www.eostrainingacademy.co.uk) which is dedicated to Canon cameras only. 

Another extremely useful course was a blogging course organized as part of the Guardian Masterclass scheme. 

Next week I am going on another course where I am hoping to learn more about Instagram and thus use this platform and my phone more efficiently.










Tuesday 8 January 2019

Read of the Month (Jan 2019)

So it is the start of a New Year;  2019.

St. Mark's Venice
Typically newspapers, magazines et al are awash with  holiday advertisements.  In keeping with the commercial calendar I thought that January's Read of the Month should also reflect holidays.

The mention of holidays means different things to different people.

Given the title of this blog it is as plain as a pikestaff  or at least the clue is obvious the type of holidays I like;  outings in a motorhome.   Even so there are different types of motorhome outings. As my forthcoming book indicates I prefer unassuming places where I can walk and appreciate the amazing countryside.

What kind of holidays do you like?

The Read of the Month (Jan 2019) is not a travel book in the conventional sense.  It is not about a journey or holiday and it is not about a specific place.  It is more about the history of holidays in Britain. Hence the title;

     Cream Teas, Traffic Jams and Sunburn by Brian Viner.

It is entertainingly written; funny, witty and acutely observant which made it easy to read. Many of the traditions Brian Viner explores chime with my personal experiences.  It is also informative: I learnt about the introduction of bank holidays and weekends.  His inclusion of personal anecdotes and lack of righteousness was an excellent blend.  He also references other books which invites one to seek them out. 

An engaging and enjoyable read.