Plans for 2019?
Discussion
Cass63 said:
The one thing I remember about Branscombe is the hill coming up from the beach, really steep, the locals call it heart attack hill. There’s a nice place next to Branscombe called beer, got a bit more going on there.
Beer is the home of Pico model railways and they have a nice visitors’ centre with layouts etc on show.surveyor said:
Just booked a week in South Normandy. Bank holiday week, £175.
Much better value than Cornwall even with the ferry and hopefully better weather.
Good decision. I grew up in Cornwall, it’s simply overrun now. Some of the emmet based pricing is comical. I think France is hard to beat as a holiday destination. We’ve just made a spur of the moment decision to buy another VW California, plans will certainly include France.Much better value than Cornwall even with the ferry and hopefully better weather.
Eric Mc said:
Cass63 said:
The one thing I remember about Branscombe is the hill coming up from the beach, really steep, the locals call it heart attack hill. There’s a nice place next to Branscombe called beer, got a bit more going on there.
Beer is the home of Pico model railways and they have a nice visitors’ centre with layouts etc on show.
Should be done today so I can start packing for Friday. 
When I posted on this thread in December, we were planning a three week Northumberland/Scotland/Cumbria trip for our main shindig.
But then we were both struck down with health problems (mostly overcome now) that put that on the backburner.
So, instead of planning stuff and booking (C&CC) sites when I shoulda, I just felt sorry for mesen.
At least I got the 'van serviced in early though, so that was something.
By the time I was feeling up to it, all the sites we'd decided on were fully booked, and little else appealed.
It was May by now, so we booked a week in N. Yorks to get us going. It was a CS, and one of the nicest little sites we've used. Handy for Skipton (which we love), and Grassington etc.
For a 'main' summer trip we booked two more CSs, one on the N Norfolk coast, and one near Felixstowe, Suffolk. The first was poor. The owner is just taking the pee with his charges for what he offers, and had overbooked every night we were there (breaching his planning permission). Won't be returning.
The other, by contrast, was beautiful, restoring our faith in the CS concept.
This was late June and early July.
We're off to one of our favourite privately-run sites for four nights soon (No.1 daughter is currently tent-camping there) near Buxton/Bakewell.
We'll be trying out the new Isabella sun canopy there as we've decided to sell our Kampa awning (have ordered a full Dorema Daytona, but this is delayed until early August annoyingly).
We then might try to fit in a few nights in S Warks (another CS) before our final two-week stint at the C&CC Charmouth site in Dorset. Don't normally go for big sites, but this one is lovely, and depending where you pitch (and we've selected our spot) it doesn't feel big at all. Handy for Lyme, and cider(!) and plenty more too.
I make that about 44 nights away in the 'van then, which ain't too bad considering the late start.
Now, can we cram in a few nights in the tent?
But then we were both struck down with health problems (mostly overcome now) that put that on the backburner.
So, instead of planning stuff and booking (C&CC) sites when I shoulda, I just felt sorry for mesen.
At least I got the 'van serviced in early though, so that was something.
By the time I was feeling up to it, all the sites we'd decided on were fully booked, and little else appealed.
It was May by now, so we booked a week in N. Yorks to get us going. It was a CS, and one of the nicest little sites we've used. Handy for Skipton (which we love), and Grassington etc.
For a 'main' summer trip we booked two more CSs, one on the N Norfolk coast, and one near Felixstowe, Suffolk. The first was poor. The owner is just taking the pee with his charges for what he offers, and had overbooked every night we were there (breaching his planning permission). Won't be returning.
The other, by contrast, was beautiful, restoring our faith in the CS concept.
This was late June and early July.
We're off to one of our favourite privately-run sites for four nights soon (No.1 daughter is currently tent-camping there) near Buxton/Bakewell.
We'll be trying out the new Isabella sun canopy there as we've decided to sell our Kampa awning (have ordered a full Dorema Daytona, but this is delayed until early August annoyingly).
We then might try to fit in a few nights in S Warks (another CS) before our final two-week stint at the C&CC Charmouth site in Dorset. Don't normally go for big sites, but this one is lovely, and depending where you pitch (and we've selected our spot) it doesn't feel big at all. Handy for Lyme, and cider(!) and plenty more too.
I make that about 44 nights away in the 'van then, which ain't too bad considering the late start.
Now, can we cram in a few nights in the tent?
Origin Unknown said:
Can I ask why you are going from a Kampa to a Daytona awning? We invested in the Kampa Ace Pro 500 and what an incredible awning it is. Withstand strong winds, goes up and down very quick and easily packs away.
A few reasons. It's a Rally Pro 330, so not huge. Biggest thing for me though is the fact that it's not a full awning (ie it isn't 'fixed' apart from at the top awning rail). Just a bit of a bugbear for me although it's not a massive issue in itself for most people. Worst aspect though is having one sidewall bisecting the lounge window meaning you can't open it, especially with the rear poles in place. Tried Limpets, but not impressed (they break, fall off, etc).Just not over- enamoured with it overall.
Currently into day 3 of summer stay.
In France, camping 200m from Med and 25km from Spanish border.
We’re in a 6 berth Vango Airbeam tent that is used only for sleeping in. All cooking, eating and the larder remains outdoors. Hook up only for fridge power.
Sleeping bags are redundant.
It’s rather warm, avg. 32deg but feels like 38!
In France, camping 200m from Med and 25km from Spanish border.
We’re in a 6 berth Vango Airbeam tent that is used only for sleeping in. All cooking, eating and the larder remains outdoors. Hook up only for fridge power.
Sleeping bags are redundant.
It’s rather warm, avg. 32deg but feels like 38!
Edited by Simes205 on Wednesday 24th July 08:30
Simes205 said:
Currently into day 3 of summer stay.
In France, camping 200m from Med and 25km from Spanish border.
We’re in a 6 berth Vango Airbeam tent that is used only for sleeping in. All cooking, eating and the larder remains outdoors. Hook up only for fridge power.
Sleeping bags are redundant.
It’s rather warm, avg. 32deg but feels like 38!
Been pretty warm here too. Could be the hottest day on record tomorrow - I think its 38.5C. I've been trying to get the Winnie ready for Silverstone Classic this weekend and its been a nightmare being so hot and close. 10 minutes inside and its like you've been in a sauna.In France, camping 200m from Med and 25km from Spanish border.
We’re in a 6 berth Vango Airbeam tent that is used only for sleeping in. All cooking, eating and the larder remains outdoors. Hook up only for fridge power.
Sleeping bags are redundant.
It’s rather warm, avg. 32deg but feels like 38!
Edited by Simes205 on Wednesday 24th July 08:30
Was 19C here before 7am this morning and supposed to be hotter tonight.
FFG
Next caravan trip away on our list is VW T Chill at Beaulieu on the 9th to 11th August.
Caravan is filthy from it's storage location under an Oak Tree on a farm
I have some Fenwicks caravan cleaner and also some Rhino Goo Caravan Cleaner. I use a different Rhino Goo for my off-road motorbike and it is phenomenal so hoping for the same ease on the 'van.
The Saturday after we make our two day journey down to Ill De Ré
Cannot wait
Caravan is filthy from it's storage location under an Oak Tree on a farm
I have some Fenwicks caravan cleaner and also some Rhino Goo Caravan Cleaner. I use a different Rhino Goo for my off-road motorbike and it is phenomenal so hoping for the same ease on the 'van.The Saturday after we make our two day journey down to Ill De Ré
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