In January the Clio suffered
from a broken cam belt - which did nothing for the valves! It was possble to
repair this with no (apparent) terminal damage to the engine but it was decided
that the trusty vehicle had had enough. We were already aware that the rough
roads - and the occassional venture onto the hills - were key causes of regular
new shock absorbers and wheel bearings. So time for a change.
The choice came down to a four-wheeled drive Subaru Forester. A cross between an off-road jeep and an estate car. This has proved a great hit with everyone - great fun to drive and ideal for the forest tracks at the top of the valley. Angela is thrilled to bits with it. Susan would just love to drive it - if only we could get insurance cover for her (no chance!). Simon gets the chance to drive it - occasionally!
The picture shows the vehicle at Wholehope - high above Alwinton in the Cheviots.
