We're looking at the Wild Camping forums tonight, which we came across via the Do Your Dream blog, and there's a conversation going on as to whether motorhomers wave to each other, and how discriminate or otherwise people are.
This provoked quite a discussion on our part - I'm fairly bad at noticing what's going on in the other direction when I drive (this is probably a bad thing, thinking about it) so I'm slow to spot fellow campervanners and tend to miss my chances, but the other half is much more switched on and ready to wave (or not wave...read on...).
First off, we don't wave at VW "veedub" camper vans as we're not part of that gang (although I have to say I feel guilty if they wave at us...sorry people!!) - however here's who we definitely would raise a cheery wave to:
- Other Bedford CF camper vans, natch - although its a rare occasion we pass another Bedford camper, so we reckon this has only happened three times!
- Bedford ice cream vans - more prolific on the roads, although the people driving them sometimes don't understand the significance of their vehicle, so its mostly a one-way-wave here
- Bedford truck like the campers, you don't see these often and it's something the Husband is much better at spotting than me
- Finally, pedestrians sometimes wave at us (especially kids) and we always return these as it's lovely to see people liking a Trevor drive-by!
If you're a camper van owner, what wave-rules do you have? Or are you happy to acknowledge any camper of any type?
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Thursday, 21 July 2011
2011 - the year of the beach ball
As promised, we added a new 'feature' to our van's exterior this year. The new item is a jolly beach ball in lovely bright colours, naturally on the "beach" side of the van. I think it could do with another coat of paint as you can still see the base colour through it, but it's come out well considering its over the door!
|Here it is - the question is, what next?
|Here it is - the question is, what next?
 |
| Trevor's looking brighter and brighter! |
Monday, 11 July 2011
Trevor's Knitted Lookelikee
OK this is a bit of a random post, but I couldn't help but share it with you all!
My work colleagues do know me, for sure, and when I left to go on maternity leave they steered clear of baby pressies (yay) and instead got this for me:
That's right it is a replica of our camper van, in knitted form! Awesomeness! It is far too precious for our baby to play with, so it remains pride of place in our lounge on full display. Pure genius, don't you think?
My work colleagues do know me, for sure, and when I left to go on maternity leave they steered clear of baby pressies (yay) and instead got this for me:
 |
| I don't think you'll ever find anything cuter than my knitted camper! |
 |
| exactish replica! |
 |
| big and small Trevor |
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Ireland...and back (phew)
After 1,000 miles, an ignition key 'issue', one roadside repair and a trek back across Wales and England at 50mph or below, we were relieved to complete our epic journey to Southern Ireland. We started with a trek across the country in the afternoon in order to make the 2am ferry - we felt very smug when we turned up at the port at 9pm, made a brew then put the bed down for a snooze before boarding!
Our first campsite was near Dungarvan, in a place called Clonea Bay. We got a spot overlooking the amazing beach.You don't mind 5am baby wake up calls so much when this is your uninterrupted view:
Ireland's campsites were expensive, but each of them had good facilities and excellent playgrounds which was brill in the good weather; our bub loved the swings almost as much as his Dad did! The coastal roads were awesome to drive along - there were so many gorgeous bays and craggy scenes:
From Dungarvan we visited rellies near Cork, then we took the mountain roads to take in the view at The Vee, then travelled down via Lismore to just outside Tramore.
We chose to stay near Tramore as one of the reasons we went to Ireland was to go to the Tall Ships in Waterford, which is only about 10mins away. Loads of my Irish family were over there for the same reason and one evening we descended on the Saratoga pub for an Irish fiddley-diddley-dee-sing-a-long-a - it was an absolutely cracking night!!
We also wanted to visit my Mum's birthplace, Cheekpoint, which is a tiny fishing village. It was great to go back (it's been aaaages since I've visited) and get the guided tour and family tree from Mum, who was over for a holiday too. We called in on various relations and drank copious amounts of tea, and wandered round taking in the views. Despite the power station opposite the harbour, it is still an utterly beautiful place:
Of course no camper van trip would be complete without some technical 'issues' - the first of which was the key getting stuck in the ignition! There was no budging it so in order to switch the van on and off, we resorted to connecting (and disconnecting) the electrics:
The next incident happened early on the morning we were travelling to the Ferry. We got as far as New Ross and after filling up with petrol, Husband realised the battery was totally flat. Here's his account of it:
"The night before the indicators were flashing really slow, but I just assumed the tick tock mechanism was going (again). In the morning the tik tock was slow again, and eventually failed, but then the radio cut out as well. I assumed a more general electrical fault, but we continued as the van was really low on petrol and the garage a few miles away.
"As we entered New Ross the engine stuttered going up a small rise (I assumed petrol running out), so was taken by surprise when trying to re-start and the engine would only turn over once then died. Realised the battery was flat and all those eletrical faults and the stutter added up - it was about to run completely flat so it was a good job we made the petrol station to be able to buy some leads and re-start. But first, why is it flat?
"I went straight to the alternator and found the main +ve wire had come out of it's crimp connector. I re-crimped (a bit of a bodge as no new connector available) and got a jump off another bloke in the station. Started first time (by re-connecting the key cylinder electrics), and all as good as new. Luckily the bodge held together all the way home."
Sounds like a result, right? But then, nothing is ever that straightforward with Trevor, my friends....read on....
"The next problem was over heating. All the way home if we went up a small rise the temperature would rise dangerously high. Reduced to crawling at 40 up some hills on the M4 and Heads of the Valleys Road. Think it's just a clogged or worn out radiator. Not had a chance to check yet but I don't think it can be too much."
So, we made it home after a day of travelling from 6.30am to 8pm, stopping for regular baby feeding/changing/leg stretching needs. The Boy was so glad to get out of his car seat by the end of it, and delighted to see his cot (see here for our sleeping arrangements!).
With apparently not "too much" to sort out to get the van shipshape again, where next?
Our first campsite was near Dungarvan, in a place called Clonea Bay. We got a spot overlooking the amazing beach.You don't mind 5am baby wake up calls so much when this is your uninterrupted view:
 |
| Good morning world! |
Ireland's campsites were expensive, but each of them had good facilities and excellent playgrounds which was brill in the good weather; our bub loved the swings almost as much as his Dad did! The coastal roads were awesome to drive along - there were so many gorgeous bays and craggy scenes:
 |
| At Fountainstown, near Cork - prettiful! |
From Dungarvan we visited rellies near Cork, then we took the mountain roads to take in the view at The Vee, then travelled down via Lismore to just outside Tramore.
 |
| Panoramic views at "The Vee" |
We also wanted to visit my Mum's birthplace, Cheekpoint, which is a tiny fishing village. It was great to go back (it's been aaaages since I've visited) and get the guided tour and family tree from Mum, who was over for a holiday too. We called in on various relations and drank copious amounts of tea, and wandered round taking in the views. Despite the power station opposite the harbour, it is still an utterly beautiful place:
 |
| Don't you just want to live here? Gorgeousness |
Of course no camper van trip would be complete without some technical 'issues' - the first of which was the key getting stuck in the ignition! There was no budging it so in order to switch the van on and off, we resorted to connecting (and disconnecting) the electrics:
 |
| Who needs keys?! |
The next incident happened early on the morning we were travelling to the Ferry. We got as far as New Ross and after filling up with petrol, Husband realised the battery was totally flat. Here's his account of it:
"The night before the indicators were flashing really slow, but I just assumed the tick tock mechanism was going (again). In the morning the tik tock was slow again, and eventually failed, but then the radio cut out as well. I assumed a more general electrical fault, but we continued as the van was really low on petrol and the garage a few miles away.
"As we entered New Ross the engine stuttered going up a small rise (I assumed petrol running out), so was taken by surprise when trying to re-start and the engine would only turn over once then died. Realised the battery was flat and all those eletrical faults and the stutter added up - it was about to run completely flat so it was a good job we made the petrol station to be able to buy some leads and re-start. But first, why is it flat?
"I went straight to the alternator and found the main +ve wire had come out of it's crimp connector. I re-crimped (a bit of a bodge as no new connector available) and got a jump off another bloke in the station. Started first time (by re-connecting the key cylinder electrics), and all as good as new. Luckily the bodge held together all the way home."
Sounds like a result, right? But then, nothing is ever that straightforward with Trevor, my friends....read on....
"The next problem was over heating. All the way home if we went up a small rise the temperature would rise dangerously high. Reduced to crawling at 40 up some hills on the M4 and Heads of the Valleys Road. Think it's just a clogged or worn out radiator. Not had a chance to check yet but I don't think it can be too much."
So, we made it home after a day of travelling from 6.30am to 8pm, stopping for regular baby feeding/changing/leg stretching needs. The Boy was so glad to get out of his car seat by the end of it, and delighted to see his cot (see here for our sleeping arrangements!).
With apparently not "too much" to sort out to get the van shipshape again, where next?
 |
| Loving the ferry! |
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Baby comes too...
Another reason for us blogging about our camper van is that we come up against many issues where I think "someone must have faced this before"!
This is a case in point - where do you sleep a baby in a Bedford CF? (that sounds like it should have a punchline). Our Boy is too small to go in a bunk (he's 9 months), getting too big to come in with us, and the floor space isn't quite big enough for a travel cot. Has anyone out there come up with a solution?
On our recent trip to Ireland we tried a few things -
1. Bunk - didn't really work as he managed to flip onto his tum then pull himself almost over the ledge. A no-go unless you want your kiddo landing on you in the middle of the night!
2. Bed - in with us, which means the adults don't really get a proper nights sleep.
3. What we termed "the coffin" which was an airbed (which deflated, so this changed to a folded sleeping bag) placed between the driver and passenger seats. This was pretty secure although the double bed folded out over the top so baby was half underneath (hence the "coffin" term!) - we ended up opting for this most nights.
The other thing to think about was his child car seat - the van's seatbelt wasn't long enough so we ended up getting a new longer belt and fitting that so the Boy could have this lovely view from his seat as we travelled:
If you've got a camper van and a wee one, how did you cope with all the sleeping arrangements and travel safety?
This is a case in point - where do you sleep a baby in a Bedford CF? (that sounds like it should have a punchline). Our Boy is too small to go in a bunk (he's 9 months), getting too big to come in with us, and the floor space isn't quite big enough for a travel cot. Has anyone out there come up with a solution?
On our recent trip to Ireland we tried a few things -
1. Bunk - didn't really work as he managed to flip onto his tum then pull himself almost over the ledge. A no-go unless you want your kiddo landing on you in the middle of the night!
2. Bed - in with us, which means the adults don't really get a proper nights sleep.
3. What we termed "the coffin" which was an airbed (which deflated, so this changed to a folded sleeping bag) placed between the driver and passenger seats. This was pretty secure although the double bed folded out over the top so baby was half underneath (hence the "coffin" term!) - we ended up opting for this most nights.
The other thing to think about was his child car seat - the van's seatbelt wasn't long enough so we ended up getting a new longer belt and fitting that so the Boy could have this lovely view from his seat as we travelled:
 |
| Shotgun! |
Saturday, 25 June 2011
My Essentials for a Camper Van Trip
We got given a copy of The Camper Van Cookbook for our first wedding anniversary (paper, you see) and there's a big section on getting sorted for your trip, with a list of essentials for the storecupboard (aka cupboards built into the hefty back doors).
Here's the list from the book:
For our upcoming trip to Ireland I've whipped up the exceedingly easy and delicious (I know cos I made 2 and ate one already) golden syrup cake from The Pink Whisk. I loved Great British Bake Off and Ruth was my fave baker on the show, everything with a wacky twist and all in a blink of the eye - brilliant. Here's a wee glimpse of some of the goodies coming with us this time around:
Here's the list from the book:
- Tea bags, jar of coffee and UHT Milk (ick! Who wants to ever drink UHT! Far better to pick up a fresh pint from a garage on the way)
- Bottle of wine (agreed, and add Gin and Tonic too)
- Sunflower and olive oil
- Tomato puree
- Olives
- Jar of pesto
- Porridge oats (we take bacon, and eggs from our chooks)
- Biscuits
- Jar of peanut butter and jam (our jam's homemade, natch, and we always take some chutney)
- Nuts and dried fruit (we substitute haribos)
- Dried mushrooms (so rarely used at home, let alone whilst camping, so no)
- Pasta, couscous and rice
- Tins of chopped tomatoes, chick peas, beans, sweetcorn, tuna and coconut milk (yes to all except the last one, plus we take some tinned tomato soup)
- Fresh basics - onion, lemons, limes, garlic, ginger and parmesan (or if you're us, just wang in whatever's ripe in the garden)
For our upcoming trip to Ireland I've whipped up the exceedingly easy and delicious (I know cos I made 2 and ate one already) golden syrup cake from The Pink Whisk. I loved Great British Bake Off and Ruth was my fave baker on the show, everything with a wacky twist and all in a blink of the eye - brilliant. Here's a wee glimpse of some of the goodies coming with us this time around:
 |
| We won't go hungry, that's for sure! |
Friday, 24 June 2011
Why breakdowns are better in a camper van
Becoming experienced in this matter, I can wholeheartedly say camper vans are great for breakdowns because:
1. You inevitably carry a full tool box so can at least have a look and try to get the thing working with a few bangs and bodges - see below:
2. You can pop the top and put a brew on
3. You have games, cards, books and food in case the rescue service takes its time
4. As you generally travel on back country roads, you have probably broken down in quite a pretty spot, so you can go for a wander and pick some apples whilst you wait for the recovery van (yes, this has happened to us!)
My most memorable breakdown in the van was on our way back from Norfolk one bank holiday (we visit Norfolk a lot as my Irish family have an annual get together there). The Husband was driving and as we pulled off a roundabout at our turning he said quite calmly..."Right. The brakes have just gone...".
My reaction? "WHAT? THE BRAKES HAVE GONE? OH MY GOD, OH GOD, SH*T!! THE BRAKES HAVE GOOOOONE!"
Whilst I was having a meltdown and bracing myself, he was firstly trying to pump some life into the brakes and when that failed he went down the gears and guided us to a very elegant and gentle stop in a layby. I had just about finished hyperventilating to notice we had come to a halt. We ended up having our tea in the layby and not even noticing that the AA man had arrived; until he popped his head in the window to say hello!
Sadly there was no getting Trevor going so this is how our trip ended that evening:
1. You inevitably carry a full tool box so can at least have a look and try to get the thing working with a few bangs and bodges - see below:
 |
| (another) roadside repair |
2. You can pop the top and put a brew on
3. You have games, cards, books and food in case the rescue service takes its time
4. As you generally travel on back country roads, you have probably broken down in quite a pretty spot, so you can go for a wander and pick some apples whilst you wait for the recovery van (yes, this has happened to us!)
My most memorable breakdown in the van was on our way back from Norfolk one bank holiday (we visit Norfolk a lot as my Irish family have an annual get together there). The Husband was driving and as we pulled off a roundabout at our turning he said quite calmly..."Right. The brakes have just gone...".
My reaction? "WHAT? THE BRAKES HAVE GONE? OH MY GOD, OH GOD, SH*T!! THE BRAKES HAVE GOOOOONE!"
Whilst I was having a meltdown and bracing myself, he was firstly trying to pump some life into the brakes and when that failed he went down the gears and guided us to a very elegant and gentle stop in a layby. I had just about finished hyperventilating to notice we had come to a halt. We ended up having our tea in the layby and not even noticing that the AA man had arrived; until he popped his head in the window to say hello!
Sadly there was no getting Trevor going so this is how our trip ended that evening:
 |
| Boooo. But at least we saved some petrol money.... |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)