Plans for 2019?

[Cass63]

Probably do a local weekend trip in the next few weeks after I’ve fitted a new exhaust system, front pipe decided to fail half way up stokenchurch hill on the way to brands hatch, bodged it up in Wycombe with binding wire and exhaust bandage.
6 of us off to le Mans in it in June and get a few touring car meetings in this year too.
Mrs cass wants a week or ten days in Cornwall, I wouldn’t mind a few away games in it before the end of the footy season and a few weekends dotted throughout the year. Bloody glad I’ve got the old girl.

[GreatGranny]

First caravan outing last weekend on a lovely site just outside Matlock.

http://www.lickpennycaravanpark.co.uk/

Clean, massive pitches, staff very helpful and weather was superb. Went Friday to Sunday and we were sitting outside i T Shirts once the fog had burned off.

Just me, my wife, 12 year old son (19 year old at Uni and 16 year old had a house party) & 5 month old sprocker on her first trip.
She settled in really well and loved the walks we went on around the Peaks.

Had to hire a 4x4 pickup to tow as I hadn't got my act together to fit a towbar to the V60 in time.

£165 for 3 days which wasn't bad and it was very good towing if a little unrefined.

Now planning Easter if we can get in anywhere and thinking East coast (we're an hour away) but not Skeggy :-)

Edited by GreatGranny on Thursday 28th February 15:08

[chopper602]

We've already had a weekend in Knaresborough in January and have booked three nights at Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhomes site somewhere to the east of that London over Easter. Travel on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday in town, then travel back home on the Monday. Has anyone been to that site ? Google suggests we should go over Dartford then cut back west to get there.

[PurpleTurtle]

A few music festivals in our Eriba Triton, plus exploring a bit of Dorset/Devon/Cornwall.
Our 4yo loves it, so going away in the van has become a big thing.

I also a night of solo wild camping on Dartmoor in the summer. A mate from Uni has a YouTube channel devoted to it, he recently did an overnigher in the snow(!!) there in one of these minimalist tents that is basically a flysheet propped up by a hiking pole. I’d want something a bit more substantial than that but really fancy the ‘getting away from it all’ angle, just for a night. It would have to be June/July though.

[oblio]

We are just back (yesterday) from our first trip of the year. We left on 6th Jan and took 10 days to get down to the south coast of Spain near Almeria. After 2 weeks there we headed across and up to Benicassim for 2 weeks and then 2 weeks an hour from Barcelona, on the coast. Back through France via Toulouse and Tours. 3670 miles at 26.8mpg. Mpg should have been in the 27's but we had a couple of days driving into strong headwinds.

Cracking trip..happy to share routes/campsite info if anyone is interested

The next big trip is hopefully to the south of France in May/June but my wife has to change her meds shortly (she has MS) so it's dependent upon that.

[Eric Mc]

Had never frequented this area of PH before but have had a 2005 Bessacar 435 from new. I always took short breaks in the van with my wife - always to sites in the UK. Sadly, my wife died just over a month ago and had to seriously think about what I wanted to do with my motor home.

I have decided to keep it and try to find different ways of using it. In particular, I would like to use it as a base to go to some motor sport events, such as sprints or hillclimbs and maybe a few airshows. I've also had a Fiamma bike rack fitted and bought a new light weight hybrid bike so I can use the van as a base for cycle trips in a 20 mile radius of whatever sites I visit. My wife had never learned to ride a bike so we never took bicycles with us in the past.

I've also been upgrading my cooking skills so that I can continue to have decent quality meals (my wife was an excellent cook) and I plan to use the motor home as a "learning kitchen" to rustle up some nice dishes for myself.

[oblio]

Eric Mc said:

Had never frequented this area of PH before but have had a 2005 Bessacar 435 from new. I always took short breaks in the van with my wife - always to sites in the UK. Sadly, my wife died just over a month ago and had to seriously think about what I wanted to do with my motor home.

I have decided to keep it and try to find different ways of using it. In particular, I would like to use it as a base to go to some motor sport events, such as sprints or hillclimbs and maybe a few airshows. I've also had a Fiamma bike rack fitted and bought a new light weight hybrid bike so I can use the van as a base for cycle trips in a 20 mile radius of whatever sites I visit. My wife had never learned to ride a bike so we never took bicycles with us in the past.

I've also been upgrading my cooking skills so that I can continue to have decent quality meals (my wife was an excellent cook) and I plan to use the motor home as a "learning kitchen" to rustle up some nice dishes for myself.

Sorry to hear about your loss

We see quite a few solo travellers when we are out and about. Many have a bicycle and also a scooter/moped/motorbike too. Many also have a dog with them for company.

In terms of grub one thing we do is batch cook at home - bolognaise, chilli, lasagne, curry - and then freeze them and take them with us. It's a useful option when away on long trips. They can either be microwaved if on EHU or pan heated if on gas. We also have a G3 Ferrari pizza maker too and I make up a load of dough balls for that and freeze them. Lastly we have a Cadac for BBQ's; fry ups; and also for cooking fresh meals in a single pan or wok. If you throw in occasional dining out plus local fresh produce, it sees us tthrough long trips with plenty of variety (so its not 'death by salad' )

Lastly as you are on your own you might be able to be a little more adventurous now such wildcamping or using free (or cheap to use ) aires/stleplatz abroad?

[Bill]

Oh crap, sorry to hear that Eric. All feels a bit inadequate but you have my heartfelt condolences.

[Eric Mc]

oblio said:

Sorry to hear about your loss

We see quite a few solo travellers when we are out and about. Many have a bicycle and also a scooter/moped/motorbike too. Many also have a dog with them for company.

In terms of grub one thing we do is batch cook at home - bolognaise, chilli, lasagne, curry - and then freeze them and take them with us. It's a useful option when away on long trips. They can either be microwaved if on EHU or pan heated if on gas. We also have a G3 Ferrari pizza maker too and I make up a load of dough balls for that and freeze them. Lastly we have a Cadac for BBQ's; fry ups; and also for cooking fresh meals in a single pan or wok. If you throw in occasional dining out plus local fresh produce, it sees us tthrough long trips with plenty of variety (so its not 'death by salad' )

Lastly as you are on your own you might be able to be a little more adventurous now such wildcamping or using free (or cheap to use ) aires/stleplatz abroad?

Lots of possibilities. My Mrs used to batch cook in advance too - usually mince based dishes such as cottage pie or pasta meals. I'm sure I'll have a go at all of these.

I don't have a microwave oven in the van although I may see about getting a small one soon.

[Thurbs]

Brands Hatch
Snetterton
Silverstone
Cadwell Park
Oulton Park
Croft
Spa Francorchamps
Anglesey
Thruxton
Brands Hatch
Mallory Park
Dijon-Prenois
Silverstone
Donington Park x 2

France & Spain for two weeks with the family but with no real plan other than to get some sun.

Alps in the winter for a few weeks skiing.

First though, it is in need of some renovation!

[GreatGranny]

Eric Mc said:

Had never frequented this area of PH before but have had a 2005 Bessacar 435 from new. I always took short breaks in the van with my wife - always to sites in the UK. Sadly, my wife died just over a month ago and had to seriously think about what I wanted to do with my motor home.

I have decided to keep it and try to find different ways of using it. In particular, I would like to use it as a base to go to some motor sport events, such as sprints or hillclimbs and maybe a few airshows. I've also had a Fiamma bike rack fitted and bought a new light weight hybrid bike so I can use the van as a base for cycle trips in a 20 mile radius of whatever sites I visit. My wife had never learned to ride a bike so we never took bicycles with us in the past.

I've also been upgrading my cooking skills so that I can continue to have decent quality meals (my wife was an excellent cook) and I plan to use the motor home as a "learning kitchen" to rustle up some nice dishes for myself.

It's a great way of meeting people socially.

There's always people out and about to chat to or just a quick good morning.

I've been a member of the Caravan & Motorhome Club for years and there are regular rallies organised for members and the sites are always clean and well looked after.

[Bill]

Although some of them can be a little officious!

[Thurbs]

Eric Mc said:

Had never frequented this area of PH before but have had a 2005 Bessacar 435 from new. I always took short breaks in the van with my wife - always to sites in the UK. Sadly, my wife died just over a month ago and had to seriously think about what I wanted to do with my motor home.

I have decided to keep it and try to find different ways of using it. In particular, I would like to use it as a base to go to some motor sport events, such as sprints or hillclimbs and maybe a few airshows. I've also had a Fiamma bike rack fitted and bought a new light weight hybrid bike so I can use the van as a base for cycle trips in a 20 mile radius of whatever sites I visit. My wife had never learned to ride a bike so we never took bicycles with us in the past.

I've also been upgrading my cooking skills so that I can continue to have decent quality meals (my wife was an excellent cook) and I plan to use the motor home as a "learning kitchen" to rustle up some nice dishes for myself.

Sorry to hear that.

If you want to tag along to any of the events I am doing this year you are more than welcome (free tickets etc).

Finally, my mother is also single and goes on many "singles only" motorhome events and enjoys them very much. They are not dating events, nor swingers events but just a great way of meeting people with a shared interest. They are all over the UK and Europe throughout the year. Let me know if you want to know more.

[Eric Mc]

Thanks very much for the suggestions. I'm definitely not yet ready to start looking at "singles" events for a while but I definitely want to get out and about and make the most of the vehicle. I've always felt we didn't use it enough - which is partly my fault because I'm still working and do lots of other things with my time.

[oblio]

Eric Mc said:

oblio said:

Sorry to hear about your loss

We see quite a few solo travellers when we are out and about. Many have a bicycle and also a scooter/moped/motorbike too. Many also have a dog with them for company.

In terms of grub one thing we do is batch cook at home - bolognaise, chilli, lasagne, curry - and then freeze them and take them with us. It's a useful option when away on long trips. They can either be microwaved if on EHU or pan heated if on gas. We also have a G3 Ferrari pizza maker too and I make up a load of dough balls for that and freeze them. Lastly we have a Cadac for BBQ's; fry ups; and also for cooking fresh meals in a single pan or wok. If you throw in occasional dining out plus local fresh produce, it sees us tthrough long trips with plenty of variety (so its not 'death by salad' )

Lastly as you are on your own you might be able to be a little more adventurous now such wildcamping or using free (or cheap to use ) aires/stleplatz abroad?

Lots of possibilities. My Mrs used to batch cook in advance too - usually mince based dishes such as cottage pie or pasta meals. I'm sure I'll have a go at all of these.

I don't have a microwave oven in the van although I may see about getting a small one soon.

The beauty of a bol sauce or chilli is that it can be pan heated too mind you we make good use of the microwave: I'd recommend getting one.

There is quite an active group of single people who camp, who meet up and undertake social activities. They are quite adamant that it is NOT a singles/dating group. I have heard good things about them whilst on our travels. Might be worth checking out...

https://www.thephoenixcampingclub.co.uk/

[Eric Mc]

Thanks again. I may very well check that out.

The next few weeks are a bit busy so I won't be getting away until the end of the month at the earliest.

[Origin Unknown]

Eric Mc said:

Had never frequented this area of PH before but have had a 2005 Bessacar 435 from new. I always took short breaks in the van with my wife - always to sites in the UK. Sadly, my wife died just over a month ago and had to seriously think about what I wanted to do with my motor home.

I have decided to keep it and try to find different ways of using it. In particular, I would like to use it as a base to go to some motor sport events, such as sprints or hillclimbs and maybe a few airshows. I've also had a Fiamma bike rack fitted and bought a new light weight hybrid bike so I can use the van as a base for cycle trips in a 20 mile radius of whatever sites I visit. My wife had never learned to ride a bike so we never took bicycles with us in the past.

I've also been upgrading my cooking skills so that I can continue to have decent quality meals (my wife was an excellent cook) and I plan to use the motor home as a "learning kitchen" to rustle up some nice dishes for myself.

Sorry for your loss.

My mum and dad switched to Bessacar motorhome from a river cruiser due to the locks becoming too challenging as Dad's health was failing. Dad passed away 5 years ago now and the motorhome became mum's lifeline. It gave her the opportunity to just get away with the dog at a moments notice. She is Swiss and has driven to and from and all around Switzerland on her own spending weeks away. She still nips off to various camp sites at a moments notice locally too, just to get away into the greenery. She'll even stop overnight with all the trucks if needed.

Now we have a caravan we do lots with her so it's opened up more opportunities for us too.

[Eric Mc]

Nice to hear. I hope I can find new ways to use the motorhome like your mum did. They are very flexible vehicles so I'm sure that things will work out fine. I'll let you know how my first trip away goes.

[GreatGranny]

Eric Mc said:

Nice to hear. I hope I can find new ways to use the motorhome like your mum did. They are very flexible vehicles so I'm sure that things will work out fine. I'll let you know how my first trip away goes.

Keep us updated Eric.

How's things generally? (sorry ifyou are being asked this question a lot and feel free not to answer)

[Origin Unknown]

We have a week in Croyde during kids half term which will great as we have 3 other couples coming and staying for a few days each.

In the summer, we are staying on Ile De Re for 10 days. We have the chunnel booked and will spend 2 days travelling each end. Need to find a good camping spot half way down.

We have T5 Kombi van as our tow vehicle so camping at a few T5 events this year also