Blakey's Van

Southern Europe - Day 28

2011-12-02T16:25:00.000Z

Home.

I'm writing this on the Eurotunnel train, sitting in the back of the van as we're whisked along under the channel. This is the way to travel! Just need a beer really but have some driving to do on the other side (and no beer).

We drove through the centre of Paris today and were rewarded with a panoramic view of the city with the Eifel Tower prominent. Not too bad a city to drive through.

We were supposed to be staying in Boulogne this eve but can't find a good camp site so we decided to try our luck with the tunnel and have managed to get a train 18 hours early for £18 extra. Well worth it.

On the way to the tunnel we took the coast road for a while and were rewarded with views of the white cliff's of Dover as its so clear today. What a sight after four weeks on the road!

The Cali has done magnificently. Not a single glitch or issue. No break downs, no problems, no worries. A true pleasure to tour in and streets ahead of our last van for this purpose. We really love it.

Had a superb 4 weeks on the road but we're both really excited to be home again. We can't wait to get back to english life: driving on the left, busy roads, traffic jams, rain, our friends and family and most of all Real Ale. God how I've missed it.

Next year we'll probably have a considerably more stationary holiday as Baby Blakey is due in April.

Cali comment: we're keeping it!

Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 27

2011-12-02T11:42:00.001Z

Southern France.

We woke in an aire in the Pyrenees and camped the evening in an aire in the Loire valley. One thing the Cali gives us is much better ability to free-camp than the old van, with a 30 litre water tank and a brilliant fridge.

We woke in freezing temperatures with ice all over the outside of the van but as we'd slept down stairs with the heater on we were cosy enough. We did turn it off in the middle of the night as Mrs Blakey was feeling all suffocated - the heater takes all the moisture out of the air. When the heater was off it got very cold inside, although we did have the roof up (and bed down) which probably didn't help. Would like to try and work out a way to have the heater on all night. Maybe sleeping downstairs, roof down, front windows open a crack? Any Cali owners cracked this problem?

Today was a bit boring really. Just a driving day. French toll roads are superb of course so we made great progress on our way home but they're not cheap.

Tonight's aire is just by the side of the road. We haven't refilled the water tank for 2 days and we're still doing fine. It's interesting to see just how long you can be totally self sufficient - but we're going to want a shower soon!!

We did want to get water today but the last aire we tried was switched off so we drove onto this one which seems to want a token for water and electrical hookup. Sadly we have no tokens and haven't seen anywhere which might sell them. No worries, we have enough water to last us and the leisure battery is fully charged.

Tonight is much warmer so we'll be upstairs.

Cali comment: our laptop ran out of juice this evening. We've left our inverter at home so can't power it off a 12v socket. It's a shame the 240v socket isn't backed by an inverter which could draw from the leisure battery when the van isn't hooked up to mains.

Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 26

2011-11-30T17:24:00.000Z

The Pyrenees.

We drove up into Andorra today and over the Pas de la Casa down into France. Up on top the snow was thick and a few people were skiing but the lifts weren't running and there were no real pistes yet. I guess we're still a little early for the season in these mountains.
The Pyrenees are pretty but I prefer the Alps. Andorra is picturesque enough although perhaps I'd feel a little claustrophobic in Andorra de Velle - the capital - as it is surrounded on all sides by sheer mountains with no view across anywhere to speak of.

We're in France now, still in the Pyrenees, and camped in a little aire. The French really do free camping well.

Cali comment: it's 8.5 degrees outside now and only 6.30pm. It could get pretty chilly tonight! But if it does we'll simply sleep downstairs with the heater on! Cosy!

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Southern Europe - Day 25

2011-11-30T17:09:00.001Z

Barcelona.

Today we spent the day and evening exploring the city of Barcelona. We took a bus into the city from the campsite - a mere €3 for an hour's ride - and were dumped off in the centre of the city.

From there we hoped on the open topped city touring buses and circumnavigated the city. We jumped off at a few spots around the city for a better look at some sights.

Our first stop was the Sagrada Familia, the basillica designed by Antoni Gaudi. Started at the end of the 19th century it is not due for completion till the middle of this century. The inside was recently finished (it wasn't last time I was here in 2005) and so this time last year was consecrated by the Pope. This is one of the most magnificent and unusual churches I've ever seen. It's the icon of Barcelona and really amazing to look around. We wandered the interior and took the lift 65m up to the top of the completed towers for views across the city. Spectacular.

Next we hopped off the bus at the Park Guell where Gaudi lived. Guell was his main patron and this park one of his most impressive works.

The bus took us all around the city to the Neu Camp (which we couldn't look around as Barce had a home game), the Olympic Stadium and many other sights. We stopped off at the Spanish Village which was built for the 1929 exhibition taking example building styles from all regions of Spain. It's very quiet and there are loads of traders practising their crafts here. We watched a master glass blower making horses and cats and swans with amazing dexterity.

Then it was down to the port and the bottom of La Rambla, the main drag through the city. This was heaving with people, ice cream stands and stalls selling all sorts of Christmas goodies. It had a real vibe to it.

From there we dropped into the gothic quarter and had a wander around the cathedral and grabbed some tapas. Then back to La Rambla for a wander around a huge open air market and then some gofre (waffle with ice cream) and a sit down to watch the world go by.
Finally it was time to get the night bus home for a good sleep.

Barcelona: 8/10.

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Southern Europe - Day 24

2011-11-30T08:23:00.000Z

A driving day.

We really didn't do anything today other than drive from Valencia to Sitges just outside of Barcelona.

We did take a quick drive around the F1 track in Valencia as we set off which was weird as the F1 track is painted onto the road surface and they stick concrete lumps down to make the normal road lanes - roads which have no markings on them. It's very disorientating.

Cali comment: Silver is a great colour for touring. 4 weeks of hard driving and although no longer shiny it doesn't look filthy as any other colour would my now.
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Southern Europe - Day 22

2011-11-27T19:08:00.000Z

A cracking day sightseeing Valencia.

We spent today seeing the sights of Valencia. It was a swift 6 mile bike ride into the city on well defined, well maintained bike tracks. This took us straight to the 'Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias' (City of Arts and Sciences). This is a wonderful collection of buildings of quirky design which host a massive IMAX cinema, a science museum and a huge Oceanographic centre.

As we pulled up to the area it was packed with people, roads were closed and a loud speaker announcer was in full flow. Turned out that we'd arrived on the day the Valencia marathon was being run and the finish line was right in the centre of this attraction and the winning athletes were just coming in! Good timing!

We watched a few people cross the line then moved off to the Oceanographic centre where we watched a very impressive dolphin show and then wandered around the huge aquariums there, seeing walrus, seals, penguins, baluga whales, sharks, stingray, moray eels, turtles, jelly fish, sea dragons and all manner of fish. Its quite an amazing set up actually and easy to spend many hours there.

We went from there on further into old Valencia for a look at some of their old buildings. Central Valencia is all high buildings and small alleyways making it easy to get lost but we found our way to most sights we wanted to see. We also had time for a bite to eat in one of the many cafes.

Next we cycled back through the park to the Science Museum. The park is a neat feature of the city. It wends its way through the city like a river, with many bridges crossing it. I wonder if it even used to be a river which has since been drained - something to look up when we get home (unless anyone wants to reply here and let us know?). Its full of green spaces, bike tracks, fountains, orange trees and joggers and is a really pleasant place to stroll, run or ride.

In the Science museum we didn't have much time so it was straight to the top floor and the zero G simulator which wasn't much of a simulator really but did manage to make you disoriented in a similar way. There was also a flight simulator which simulated a visit to and from the International Space Station. That was quite cool although Mrs Blakey had to skip that bit due to being pregnant.

We ran out of daylight and so didn't get time to visit the marina or the F1 track but might do a drive by tomorrow morning on our way to Barcelona.

All in all Valencia was a cool place. We didn't see too much of the city itself as the Arts and Science 'city' takes loads of time - but it's now one of the city's main attractions. Another place I think we'd come back to.

Cali comment: discovered today that the bed will happily sit in the 'up' position with a duvet and 2 pillows still laid out in sleeping position. There is no need to shift them all to the back. This will be very helpful when staying in one place - but is less so for us at the moment as we are moving on nearly every day so need to bring duvets and pillows down to actually put the roof down.
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Southern Europe - Day 22

2011-11-26T18:50:00.000Z

Costa Blanca.

Quite a change to the Costa del Sol although to be fair we only paid a visit to Benidorm so I'm not sure we got a fair view.

It was a driving day today with the only goal being getting to Valencia before the sun set so we could spend a few hours sitting out in it. That we achieved even with dropping into the most popular Spanish resort of the 70's.

Benidorm is all high rises clustered around a crescent moon bay. The beach is all man made and not brilliant. It is full of retired brown and wrinkly people with big beer bellies. We hardly saw a single young Spanish person there. We ate our sandwiches on the beach and pressed on. Hmmmm.

Bonus for the last two days: 20-25 degree heat and virtually no clouds at all. Its been lovely! Sadly we've spent a fair amount of that time in the van travelling, but it beats rain!

Cali comment: the front windscreen blind goes in really easily if you get out and push it in through the side door. Took us 2 weeks to figure that out! They could do with making it easier and somehow more built in like the other blinds.

Tomorrow: taking the bikes into Valencia for the day. No driving!

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Southern Europe - Day 21

2011-11-26T18:38:00.000Z

Costa del Sol.

We drove from Estepona to Almeria today all along the Costa del Sol. The place is beautiful where unspoilt and generally pretty smart where the resorts are. We took a stroll around Peurte Banus and loved the marina with its expensive yachts. I guess they do touring like us, just a lot more upmarket and with more champagne. Banus is where I went on my stag weekend and it was good to return and show Mrs Blakey the sights. Well some of them anyway! She agreed it was nicer than Birmingham where she'd had her get away.

We also dropped into Torrequebrada where our neighbours own a place. Very nice resort indeed and we did lunch on the sea front there watching a small left hand point break going off in front of us. Too small to ride even if I had my board.

We liked the Costa del Sol and can see why people come here on holiday.

Cali comment: I sometimes wish the Cali had nicer looking wooden cupboards and curtains. I see some internal finishes on similar priced campers and think they look much cosier. But the Cali is extremely practical. Curtains get dirty and need cleaning and take up lots of space in the van. Whereas the built in Cali blinds simply work really well.

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Southern Europe - Day 20

2011-11-24T21:01:00.001Z

The day we almost got to Africa.

We've turned north this afternoon after spending most of the day in Gibraltar.

We woke on the outskirts of Cadiz and crossed the huge bridge to check the place out. We totally failed to find parking as the place was rammed so we didn't stay. We did take a mad tour of the cobbled lanes inside the city walls in the van before finding our way out again though. Liked the place and would have liked to have stayed and properly explored it.

Next stop was 80 miles south east - the British colony of Gibraltar. A very interesting place and a bit quirky. All the road signs, the road markings, the traffic lights, even the bins are English, yet they drive on the right which is a bit strange. The place is hugely built up with one local telling us property was really expensive to buy or rent - due to the lack of space.

After a lunch stop on the southern tip looking over Africa in the distance we took the cable car to the top. There we saw the famous "apes" of Gibraltar that are actually a rare breed of tail-less monkey. They're very cool, climbing and jumping on everything including the visitors. Suffice to say before long they decided to jump on us too.

We experienced a cool phenomenon on the top of the rock - the easterly winds brought warm wet air off the Med and sent them straight up the 423m sheer face of the rock where they literally turned to clouds right in front of our faces. I know the theory but to see it in action right there at cloud level was something exceptional.

After exploring the rock and playing with the monkeys for a while we wandered into town. Gibraltar's high street could be any pedestrianised English high street with M&S adjacent to Next and BHS. We stopped for a coffee (sadly no real ale seems to get out there) in a very English pub and chatted to a few locals for a bit.

Definitely Gibraltar is very unusual and somewhere I've never been anywhere like before.

From there we drove onto the Costa del Sol and parked up in a very small, plush shopping centre we found in the dark. We spotted a few motor homes parked there surrounded by uplit palm trees and decided to join them. Getting out and looking around we realised we're about three foot from the beach! We cooked a chili and munched it and then took a wander around the shopping centre not quite sure what to expect.

Wow. This place has its own beach, pool, beach side bars and restaurants but we were the only ones here. It looks like a posh beach hotel complex only it's all free! We found one restaurant which was open and were invited in by the italian owner from Rome who we spent some time drinking a few beers with. No one else was around. What a top place to find for some free camping!

Cali comment for the day: we wish the carpet at the front didn't exist but they'd carried the excellent rubber floor through to the cockpit. As this is supposed to be a camping vehicle, why have carpet up front? We have some mats but it seems silly that we need them.

Tomorrow: Costa del Sol. I suspect it's gonna rain.
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Southern Europe - Day 19

2011-11-23T18:55:00.001Z

Brilliant day today covering 2 countries and one superb city. And the sun shone bright and hot all day.

We woke in Portugal but quickly were on the road and into Spain. We headed for Cadiz on the coast and TomTom routed us via Sevilla. When we reached Sevilla we figured we'd have a peek about the place but almost gave up when parking was a struggle. Then we found an area of open ground and free parking so were set. And we're so glad we did!

Sevilla's central area is mostly pedestrianised. Apart from the horse drawn carts and trams of course. Once in the centre we quickly decided that paying for a horse drawn tour of the main sights was more value than going into the cathedral and the castle and about the same price. It was a luxury sitting back and being taken around the city with the sun on our faces and seeing all the attractions the city had to offer.

The Plaza de Espana was absolutely stunning. It was built in 1929 as much of Sevilla's important buildings appear to have been, for the Ibero-American Exhibition. It has an array of fountains and bridges and looked glorious in the afternoon sun.

We finished our horse drawn tour back at the cathedral where we indulged in some scrumptious tapas sitting outside being baked by the sun. Lovely!

From there we wandered through the old quarters of Santa Cruz down to the world famous bull ring and took the tour. What a fascinating place. We would both dearly love to come back and watch a bull fight one day, although Mrs Blakey would be cheering for bulls.

Sevilla was a wonderful city. Easy to get around - the bike tracks are everywhere - and well kept besides. It really notices that we've left Portugal behind.

Cali thought for the day: I'm impressed with the tailgate. We have two bikes on there with the default VW bike rack and the tail gate holds them up without needing help. It just sits at 90 degrees no problems.

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Southern Europe - Day 18

2011-11-22T20:27:00.001Z

The last of the Algarve, the last of Portugal.

We finished seeing the last of Portugal today. We started off with Faro, visiting the Ilha which sticks out into the sea beyond the airport. Bizarrely enough we stopped at the very same bar I'd visited 18 months earlier on rugby tour. At last a place I recognised!

The ilha was a big sand bar so big it has a causeway road out to it and numerous bars and cafés on it. The beach there is massive but not really any different to all the others we'd been to this tour.

From Faro we drove to Tavira and stopped for lunch. This was a pretty riverside town with the ubiquitous fort and cobbled streets. It also had an ilha (sand bar) we drove out to. Would probably have been lovely in the summer. Was deserted and bleak in the winter.

From there we drove on to Vila Real San Antonio which is right on the border with Spain. We're camped in a big car park on the river front along with a veritable village of motor homes. And it's a little scummy. But hey, it's free. The other side of the river is Spain and we'll be heading there tomorrow.

Cali comment: we've just realised our battery charger isn't working. When plugged into the mains the leisure battery doesn't recharge and the charging symbol isn't displayed. I don't think it's ever worked. Not been any issue so far as we've only got the leisure battery down to 60% worst case when staying in Luz for 2 days - when we were on a mains and should have been charging. As we're touring and thus driving most days the alternator is doing the job of topping it up. Fortunately it'll be under warranty so one to sort when we get home.
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Southern Europe - Day 17

2011-11-21T18:38:00.001Z

A busy, varied day today.

We spent the night overlooking the Atlantic on a cliff top. The views were spectacular and the waves crashed below us all night. We didn't have the best of sleep though as we were totally isolated in the middle of nowhere. Yet at a little past midnight a car rolled up and then shortly left again. That was a bit strange and a little unnerving. Then at 2.30am a dustbin lorry turned up! It just turned around and left too. Really weird indeed. Suffice to say sleep was a little hard to come by thereafter and we're a bit knackered today. Still, the sun rise over the Atlantic and breakfast on the cliff top in the morning sun made up for it.

First thing we drove into Albufeira - the number one package holiday destination on the Algarve; and you can see why. It's picturesque with loads and loads of cafe bars and restaurants everywhere. I toured here for a weekend with my rugby club in 2010, yet after spending half a day in the town today I didn't recognise a single place! I can only guess we drank in a different part of the town on tour. Or Mrs Blakey's theory is that I was simply too drunk to remember anywhere when on rugby tour. Hmmm...

One thing we have really noted about Portugal this tour is that it's poor. The whole place is shabby, often derelict, and covered in graffiti. Everywhere needs a clean and a lick of paint. Even down here on the Algarve, as soon as you're out of the resort centre it looks shabby.

After Albufiera we drove to Vilamoura to look around the marina. As we pulled off the main road into this town everything changed. This is the golfing capital of the Algarve and it was gorgeous. Palm tree lined roads, surrounded by lush golf courses, led into a lovely, clean, modern town sprinkled with 4 star hotels. The place was almost immaculate. We drove down to the marina and parked up. Walking to the marina was a little like Cannes in France but not quite as rich.

We dropped into "Sete" (seven) which is Luis Figo's bar on the marina front for a drink. Quite a place which has no wallpaper but instead is wall to wall photos of Figo with famous people. Sadly the great man was absent so no team photo was forth coming.

The prices in the marina bars and cafes were surprisingly cheap for such a place apart from the odd champagne bar. I'd love to go drinking here in the summer!

As soon as we left Vilamoura we were instantly back into shabby Portugal again. We're now camped up and looking for an early night - after a curry, a beer and a spot of Spooks on the laptop I think!

Cali comment: when wild camping last night we decided to sleep downstairs. This was to keep the noise of the waves down and perhaps to keep a bit more inconspicuous with the roof down. It was definitely warmer and quieter but was much less comfy with breaks in the cushions, a bit stuffy with less air flow and skinnier at 6" smaller in width. But it did the job and makes a great back up bed. If I were sleeping there every night I'd buy a mattress topper. We'll be back upstairs tonight.
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Southern Europe - Day 16

2011-11-20T18:59:00.001Z

Back on the road again.

This morning it was chucking it down with rain and we made a lazy start of it. Eventually we got going and took a quick stroll around Lagos town centre which was pretty enough inside the old walls.

From there it was inland and on to Silves where there is an extremely well preserved 11th century castle built by the Moors. We wandered around there for a bit and took in the views on all sides.

Then it was back to the coast. We stopped for a coffee in a beach side bar in the late afternoon sunshine and watched lines of 2' clean waves roll in. Amazingly there was no one out there. Not for the first time this tour I wished I had my longboard with me.

Next it was time to find a camp site for the night. We figured we'd like to wild camp so we took the coast road towards Albufeira looking for a nice beach. We found only one which let campers stay and there was no one there but us so we pulled up. We're sat on a cliff top spur with stunning views across the sea to east, south and west. It was too dark to get a good photo when we camped up but hopefully tomorrow we will.

Cali thought: loved the outdoor table yesterday. Such a simple design to hide it in the door panel. And it was sturdy, solid and easy to use. Only complaint is that the door well gets used to store dirty shoes a lot so the table top was also dirty. However it cleans up really easily with a detol wipe.

Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 15

2011-11-20T18:36:00.000Z

Saturday 19th November 2011. A day of rest.

We did pretty much stuff all today. Just sat around the lovely campsite reading our books and chilling out. We got the awning out on the Cali for the first time and also the outdoor table and chairs.

We took a little stroll into the local village just to stretch our legs. There were loads of derelict houses for sale alongside some really nicely done up ones. They made a strange comparison. It was interesting to see what was probably a typical Portuguese village and wander around it.

Cali thought: we found the awning really good. It was easy to get out and set up (once we'd really figured it out) and easy to put away too. When the winds picked up it flapped about loads so we took it down. Would love to hear anyone's experiences of the awning in high winds..?

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Southern Europe - Day 14

2011-11-19T11:22:00.001Z

Today was spent exploring the beaches of southern Algarve from Sagres to Lagos. The first half of this coastline is in one of the ubiquitous national parks and so still undeveloped. The second half is notably different as all the cafe side signs and menus change to English and full cooked breakfast is offered everywhere. You're suddenly into the resorts.

Whilst still in the park we found a secluded beach which took a twenty minute walk to reach from a tiny side road. Not surprisingly we were the only ones there. If the weather had been better we could definitely have spent the day there.

The coastline around Lagos is all sandstone and massively eroded leading to spectacular cliff edges and rock towers. The grottos are a particular tourist spot and they are stunning. It's one great advantage of coming here in November that there was virtually no one there.

We have camped up in a 4 star campsite on the edge of Luz. This place is amazing. The pool looks gorgeous although it's not heated. The grounds are spacious and sheltered. And the facilities are easily the best I have ever seen in a campsite. They would suit a 4 star hotel they are so good.

The place is full of English motorhomes and Winibegos - there is a real community of ex pats here who live on the site through the winter. And I can see why. its something we might seriously consider I think!

That ends the first half of our tour and it's been great so far. Tomorrow starts the second half but I think we'll probably spend a day or two chilling out here in Luz. Its too nice not to.

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Southern Europe - Days 12 and 13

2011-11-17T17:23:00.001Z

Finally: Scorchio!

Spent the last 2 days hanging around Sagres in true surf bum style. This place is a Mecca for surfers and the place is packed with beaten up old vans with every beach having half a dozen or more parked up in the car parks. Lots of people here are clearly just living on the beach fronts. Looks like a fantastically free way to live. But then it's been 22+ celsius and a ten foot swell so we're catching it at a good time.

Yesterday we went and watched some guys surfing 10'+ waves just north of here. Saw someone get barrelled for the first time. Pretty awesome sight. It was cool to sit out on the headland almost at the lineup and watch them do their stuff.

Today we found a sheltered cove with a 4' swell and spent the day on the beach. I hired a 7' foamy. Far too small for me. It was a bit of a mare but I had fun and caught a few nice rides. Would have loved a longboard but I don't think it would go in the van! Might try tomorrow as I think the plan is much of the same. It's good to be based somewhere for a short while. Mrs Blakey was sunning herself on the beach - it's biki weather here - and moaning about not being able to bodyboard this year.

Cali comment: there are loads of em here! Every other surf van is a VW (of course) and every third VW is a Cali. We still have the only British one I've seen so far but there have been ones from Italy, Germany, France and Portugal.

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Southern Europe - Day 11

2011-11-15T19:32:00.001Z

We've got as far west as we're going to get.

We're sat in a carpark on a wind swept headland just outside Sagres, with sea on both sides of us. This is the far most south westerly point of Portugal and probably the furthest from home we'll be all tour. We're in the Algarve and the home of Portuguese surf. Sadly it's gone flat.

Had a 200 mile drive down today. Pretty easy going on the motorway. It was almost boring compared to the mountain roads of the last few days.

Sagres is undeveloped and wild - especially compared to Lisbon yesterday. We've had a wander down town and there's not much there. It reminds me strongly of Lacanau and Hossegor in France.

Hoping tomorrow there's some swell as this will probably be my last chance for some waves this tour.

Cali wise - the seats should be patterned to stop water stains showing so much. Hopefully the Super Guard will do it's trick when we get home.

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Southern Europe - Day 10

2011-11-14T19:25:00.001Z

Lisbon is grimy.

I don't think it helps that neither of us are really city people nor that we had a bad night sleep last night what with the main road, aeroplanes and thunder storms, but we really didn't like Lisbon.

It's dirty - not from a rubbish point of view but as in everywhere feels like it could do with a sugar soap and a lick of paint.

There's not much to see in terms of architecture. A huge earthquake and tidal wave devastated the city in 1755 and so there is virtually nothing which pre dates that. A few notable exceptions exist like the small cathedral and the castle on the hill - which of course we peeked at - but that's about it.

I think it would have felt very much different on a warm summer evening when the bars, restaurants and clubs would be humming but today it was just a bit flat.

One highlight of the day was the pastel de nata - the custard tart which is the famous desert of the country. It was delicious.

Cali thought for the day: the front cab area should have lights powered off the leisure battery like the rest of the van and the radio should also be powered off the leisure battery so you can use it when camped up.
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Southern Europe - Day 9

2011-11-13T20:19:00.001Z

A religious day today.

Well it is Sunday and all these places are free on a Sunday. We began the day in Tomar a place which we'd gone to because of the castle of the Knights Templar and my love of things historical, especially things from the times of the Crusades. We weren't expecting anything of the town but were hugely impressed.

A stroll round town last night and it was nice enough to sit outside and sup a few beers. Then a chinese which was massive. We did contemplate "black pudding rice with turnip growths" but were too hungry to risk not liking it.

Anyway, having seen the town last night - and loved it - all we had planned for this morning was a look around the castle and attached monastery. The castle was build in the 12th century
and the monastery added on from about the 15th century. It was a huge labyrinthine place, easy to get lost in. The central chapel dating from the 12th century was in near perfect condition with colourful murals still on all the walls. It took us nearly 2 hours to see the place to our satisfaction and even Mrs Blakey really enjoyed the visit - these places definitely being more my thing than hers.

As we left Tomar we detoured briefly to see the Pegoes aqueduct which fed the castle. A 17th century feat of engineering which was incredible to see.

From there we set our TomTom to Lisbon via Fatima and as the afternoon wore on we arrived at the sight of the apparitions of Mary to three shepard children as recently as 1917. Its quite a sight with the plaza in front of the basilica being twice the size of St. Peters Square in Rome - where we visited on tour last year. In 1972 they built a new church on the site opposite the basilica. This church seats 9000 people - an amazing sight although it looks a bit like a conference hall inside. Its very modern with zero character.

All in all the thing which most struck me as we walked back to the van was that every shop in town was full of religious memorabilia. It seems a shame that a place that could and should feel somehow special and holy seems instead to be dominated by people trying to cash in on the apparitions and make money from them. Its all a bit seedy to me.

From Fatima we drove the 100 miles or so south to Lisbon in the dark but were rewarded with a stunning sound and light show as we drove through a massive electrical storm. Somehow this felt more religious and primal than a bunch of shops selling plastic figurines.

Cali thought for the day: we reckon they should have split the cover which tops the cooker and sink. It would make dinner prep and washing up much easier if you could independently drop each one.

Tomorrow: Lisbon.

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Southern Europe - Day 8

2011-11-12T17:48:00.001Z

A day of contrasts.

For a change I'm going to start with the Cali comment. Last night up in the mountains it started to really blow. About 4am we both woke up with the van being shaken by the high winds. Up in the roof where we were sleeping the canvas was snapping around violently. At best that was the end of any sleep, at worst we felt the canvas might rip. No worries - the Cali has a bed downstairs too. It only took us 10 minutes to throw the duvet and pillows downstairs, clear all the crap off the parcel shelf and fold out the bed. 5 minutes later we had the roof down and were tucked up and cosy. Downstairs is a smidge smaller but plenty spacious enough and loads warmer with its double glazing than the roof bed with it's tent material. We had a lovely few hours more sleep. A massive plus for the ultra versatile Cali compared to our old A-Team van.

The day dawned with high grey clouds, good visibility but cold. A good day to explore the mountains we were in. We drove up and up and up into the mountains with some spectacular views. It was chilly in the winds but the sun would occasionally peak through and it wasn't raining.

We drove up a stunning glacial valley to the highest peak in Portugal - Torre which means Tower. It is so named because it stands 1993 meters high and some numpty thought that by building a 7 meter tall tower on the top that would make the peak 2000m high. Only in Portugal. Also only in Portugal can you drive to the top and there find a supermarket selling fluffy slippers. The views on the way up are breath taking. Craggy out crops drop off to waterfalls and jagged peaks and paths. The top itself is a massive let down - a roundabout, 2 supermarkets and a ski lift. The wind was whipping across the summit and wind chill left us freezing. There was snow on the top - not surprising in November I guess. But not much.

From there we dropped 1500m down and 100 miles south to Tomar a town at about the half way point of the country. This place is an ancient medieval town and the castle here holds the first seat of the Knights Templar - a visit for tomorrow. Down this low the temperature hit 24 degrees as the sun really broke through this afternoon. Bliss.

We did go to a campsite in the hills above Tomar but the place was a dive. Not something to bother us usually but we needed to do some washing and recharge the laptop. We skipped out of there and chanced our arm at a site in Tomar town centre as reported by the Caravan Club book which Mrs Blakey's mum and dad had lent us. What a massive result. This place is beautiful, quiet and the staff are hugely helpful. They've given us a run down on where to go in the town and what to see. They are going to do our washing for us tomorrow whilst we go see the castle and town. And we can leave the van here whilst we do. Superb. So thanks Mr and Mrs P!

We're camped up in the town now and as it's Saturday night it's time for beers and a curry in town I think!

Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 7

2011-11-11T21:19:00.001Z

A long rainy day.

We woke up on the banks of the Douro on the edge of Porto. The rains had set in and they were set for the day. Determined to ignore the weather we set off along the banks of the river to the picturesque town of Amarante where we feasted on pastry slices and hot drinks looking at the rain on the river. Amarante was pretty and would no doubt have been lovely in the sunshine. We dropped into the church which was the one building of any note and had a look round then it was back to the van and onwards.

We followed the Douro valley along a very long windy road with some spectacular views across the river valley and all the vineyards where the port grapes are grown. They looked very seasonal in rows of autumn golds and reds.

From there we dropped south into another national park where we camped up for the night.

Its pretty much rained all day today which has been frustrating but being British we're used to it!

Cali thought for the day: the van drives like a car. A big car maybe but basically a car all the same. It was easy to drive the windy roads today with the solid suspension and car like wheel. Add to that the driving height and it is easier to see over the spray on wet roads. I'd rather be driving it than a car or a motorhome. And I can't even imagine towing a caravan some of the places TomTom has taken us this week!
Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 6

2011-11-10T19:01:00.000Z

Day 6 already?

A cracking day today. Weather okay in the morning and glorious by the afternoon. Today has been Porto. Or more accurately Vila Nova de Gaia which is the other side of the Douro river from Porto and where all the big port houses are based.

We stopped at a local campsite and were about to check in when we spoke to an English couple who'd been on tour for the last three and a half years! They pointed us to an ayre on the edge of town which was right by the side of the Rio Douro. We're so glad we took their advice. The spot we're writing this from is stunning.

From our camping spot we biked into Gaia. Gaia is very steep and the port houses are all at the top of the hillside. We biked up three hills before we found Taylors which we were aiming for. Good job by the 4 months pregnant Mrs Blakey. But the effort was rewarded with a free tour of the wine house. Even if it was in Portugese. Anyway they gave us 'Chip Dry Port' to start off which we drank overlooking the city below and then Late Bottled Vintage as we did the tour. That was well worth the bike ride up. Especially as Mrs Blakey isn't drinking so I had four free glasses!

From Taylors we dropped down to the riverside and peddled over the Ponte dom Luis I and into Porto proper. Again its flippin hilly and we couldn't be bothered to try climbing up to the few sights in the upper city so we turned along the riverside to the Ribeira river front and dropped into one of the many cafe bars. I demonstrated excellent Portuguese by ordering a large beer in fluent native tongue but the water was obviously not from round these parts as he asked if I'd like mine with milk and sugar. Fortunately he understood English and my beer was sorted.

From there we took a long leisurely ride back to our base to watch the sunset over the Atlantic. We cooked sausage ragu and ate it alfresco overlooking Porto's lights across the Douro. Pretty perfect end to a top day.

Cali thought: the van is 100% self-contained meaning there's really no difference to camping where we are now, right on the banks of a picturesque river, compared to at an ugly campsite. Only difference is it's €20 cheaper here. Love it.
Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 5

2011-11-09T22:36:00.001Z

We squeezed a lot in today.

First thing it was damp and dreary so we decided against hanging around the national park and headed for Braga. So I never got to take on that trail again on my bike.

Braga is the religious capital of Portugal and the Church of Bom Jesus is apparently the most photographed church in the country. We added to the numbers today. We also climbed the 250+ steps from the bottom to the foot of the church, passing the stations of the cross along the way. Pretty impressive stuff. The park around the outside was also impressive including many pretty trails, a grotto and a boating pond which looked resplendent in autumn colours.

From here we dropped into Braga itself and looked around as the sun came out. A small and pretty city with a cathedral and all manor of churches. It was a nice place to explore and we spent a few hours there.

From here we decided to whiz up to mount Penha over looking Guimaraes and catch the sunset. There are some awesome views from up there which the camera on my phone doesn't do justice.

Then we chased the sun to the sea as it hid away for the night. We're now camped on the beach in Aquila just north of Porto. Looking forward to visiting the city of vihno verdi tomorrow.

Today I noticed both wing mirrors on the Cali were the same size unlike the old T5. This makes driving on the continent much easier as your outside mirror is actually helpful. Yes I'm that sad.
Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 4

2011-11-08T22:14:00.001Z

A really long day today.

We got up to a beautiful sunny morning in coastal Gijon, Spain and ended it in the mountainous Portugese national park listening to the rains lashing down on the van.

First thing I had in mind for this morning was catching a wave. Well Shreddies more truthfully but then a wave. But when we got to the beach the four foot lines of last night had been replaced by one foot slop. 4 people did go out in the 2 hours we kicked around the city but they didn't catch a piddler between them. I didn't waste my cash hiring a board. Very disappointing.

The city was worth a look around though but by midday we needed to get going as we still had a 5 hour drive ahead to get to Portugal and the national park. The surfers still hadn't caught one ride.

The 5 hour drive started badly when TomTom didn't know how to get out of Gijon. So we resorted to the crazy plan of following road signs. Only to discover the Spanish are crap at road signs.

Eventually we found our way into the Picos de Europa - the mountains south of Gijon (Thanks Luke for being our email encyclopedia again!). They were stunning. Snow topped, craggy and sun kissed. It was like being in the Alps again. Beautiful.

We couldn't stop too long though as we had a lot of driving to do so we pushed on for the next five hours of varied terrain across northern Spain. As we headed south the weather turned nastier and as we hit Portugal the rains and fog set in and darkness fell. But we only had 5 miles to go till we reached the campsite according to TomTom.

Sometimes sat nav is brilliant. Sometimes its the spawn of the devil. Tonight it was the latter. As we pulled into a road signposted to our campsite with 4 miles to go we felt we were nearly home. Till we saw the "road" it was taking us down.

This "road" was nothing more than a rutted, pot holed, flooded, van breaking fire trail in a forested mountain side. In the dark. With fog for a side dish. It was to dangerous to get out of 2nd gear so we bounced and span and guessed our way down this track at cycling speeds hoping we didn't fall off the track or bottom out or break down. Some 15 minutes of hell later we found the campsite - just off a main road. Today TomTom was devil spawn.

But tomorrow I'm seriously tempted to ride that 4 mile trail on my mountain bike - I reckon it could prove quite a challenge!

Finishing on a high note as usual: the Cali fridge is superb. We only have it on 3/10 but its as cold as our fridge at home. Our milk we brought from the Uk 4 days ago is still ice cold and fresh. And the top loading nature and height means you can really easily get stuff in and out. Love it.

Tomorrow we'll get to see what this national park looks like. And I might have to ride the road to hell.
Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 3

2011-11-07T17:32:00.001Z

Nobody ever mentions the weather can make or break your day.

Well okay, Oasis did. This morning it was hacking it down - the heaviest rain we've seen this tour so far. We drove from Biarritz into Spain, only really noticing we'd changed countries because the road signs had changed language. The rain was pouring and the roads passed by San Sebastian, Bilbao and Santander; all of which are industrial cities. It was pretty grim.

After lunch we drove on along the coast road and out of the industrial areas into the countryside and the clouds cleared. Beautiful clear skies greeted us as we found Gijon on the north coast. So much nicer than the other cities.

Gijon sports a stunning university which we cycled past to get into town. From there we passed the 'premiere league' stadium of Real Sporting de Gijon. According to google they're being 'real sporting' in defence this season and are lying in 17th place. Not far from there we hit the sea and a big surprise: waves!

I didn't expect anything on the north coast but there it was. A half moon bay, beach break, right in the city. The sun disappearing behind sea front buildings shone down on some really nice lines. Maybe 4' on a set and dead clean. Fabulous. I found a surf shop which hires on the sea front. I'm going to see if I can't add Spain to my list of countries surfed tomorrow! Bonus!

From there we biked back up the hill to our campsite. Its now time to settle down to some grub and the obligatory ale.

Oh, Cali thought for the day: it does sport a serious lack of hooks in the back of the van. This makes hanging washing lines difficult inside the van. The old Kombi had them all over the place - as I'd screwed them into the walls everywhere. Slightly disappointing.
Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 2

2011-11-07T12:21:00.000Z

A driving day.

Left Blois and drove 380 miles down to Biarritz and the border with Spain. The rain has drizzled down again today and its been a bit of a slog really. But we've crossed France in 2 days which was the plan. And the town of Blois last night was a bonus.

Hit a proper campsite tonight so we could have a hot shower and the site in question had an outdoor pool which we felt we just had to use. Just us two, the rain and a big pool. Really excellent way to end the day.

Cali observation of the day: the roof bed is awesome! Its massively more spacious than the Reimo roof bed and much more comfortable. Seems wider as the mattress goes right to the walls. It takes longer to put up because its electric but you're only pushing a button so no big deal. The roof almost hits the bikes when on the bike rack but we have 1cm clearance which is all we need! Had a fantastic nights sleep in there last night.
Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Southern Europe - Day 1

2011-11-05T20:21:00.001Z

A good start to the tour.

We caught the 10.20am Eurotunnel and were in France just before noon local time. A dull, dreary and drizzly day but seeing as all we had to do today was cover some miles that was fine.

We hit Northern France and within minutes were in the Sommes. Very tempting to stop and look around but that will wait for another day.

TomTom routed us south west and before we knew it we were in the middle of Paris. But 30 minutes later we were out the far side. How does that work? Imagine trying to cross central London in that time? We were also rewarded with a panoramic view of the Paris skyline at one stage which was mighty fine.

From there we headed on to the Loire valley where we have now camped up on the banks of the river in the very pretty town of Blois. Had a peek around the town (and a sneaky beer) and its a real find.

This is our first ever night of "wild camping" but it's not as wild as all that - just parked in an aire by the river. Still, we're not in a campsite and we're totally self sufficient with running water, electricity off the leisure battery and the internal heater to come if we need it.

It seems I've made a bit of a boo boo too. I've left the camera at home even after Mrs Blakey reminded me to pack it. Twice. Oops. Just have to hope the blackberry camera does okay.

Thing we noticed was good with the Cali today: because the kitchen is low you can access it all sitting down. Which meant no need to pop the roof at lunchtime. Definitely better than the old kitchen in the last van.

Time for a proper real ale carried from England I think.

Sent from my ZX Spectrum.

Insuring the California

2011-10-26T12:17:00.001+01:00

The California came with 7 days free insurance courtesy of VW, so this week I've been on the look out for permanent Insurance. On the plus side with California's they are on all the car insurance web sites like Go Compare and Compare the Meerkat. But I heard a few people suggesting Comfort (http://www.comfort-insurance.co.uk/), so I gave them a look. They stuffed the rest of the opposition for me. Worth a look if you're insuring. They are specialist motorhomes insurance which helps. Plus all their cover seems to include European cover, and they had a default excess of just £200 which was one of the lowest I'd found as well.

The only downside I can think of is that they didn't care about my no claims record - and if they're not interested in that I can only assume this also means I won't be building any no claims record with them. I guess on the plus side it means there is no monetary downside to claiming if I have a problem too!

Their standard insurance includes class 1 business driving which I guess might be useful, and also a replacement brand new vehicle if mine is stolen or written off whilst 2 years old or less. Not bad!

October In Sussex

2011-10-23T19:08:00.002+01:00

This weekend we took delivery of our new California. A 2011 Facelift model with the 140 bhp manual engine, in silver. And how pleased are we? The Cali is everything we hoped it would be - comfortable, warm, spacious, cosy, practical and most of all fun! We took it down to the Ship and Anchor Marina campsite and pub in Ford, near Arundel and spent Saturday night there.

The new Cali camped up in Sussex

The Ship and Anchor is a nice site - spacious (at this time of year) and quiet. The facilities are old but clean and they have pretty much everything you need there - including a handy pub on site. We only stayed one night and it was fine. The river Arun runs alongside, although there are no views over it from the site, we were able to get to the river side path through a side access off the site - nice and easy. From there we took the hour stroll into Arundel.

Unfortunately we didn't spend any time in Arundel as we were late for a lunch meet with some other Cali owners back at the campsite.   We'd rate the site as 7/10 and would probably go back.

Sunday was a fun lunchtime. We met up with John, Britt, Martin and Lorraine and their families, from the California forums. It was a little unusual meeting complete strangers who you'd never have known or spoken to if not for our mutual ownership of a car, but it was actually a load of fun.   We stopped in the Ship and Anchor, after a bit of faffing to find a suitable venue, and enjoyed a really tasty Sunday lunch and a few hours chatting about holidays, camping, shows, trips and of course the California.   They're really nice people and it was great to meet them all.   Hopefully we'll see them again in the future.

From there we whizzed home and have just unpacked as the Cali goes back into the Stealers on Wednesday for a full valet and to have an application of Shield Guard thrown over it - which apparently protects the inside and out from dirt and grease.   It was an extra the garage agreed to throw in after some haggling and we hope it will be as good as it sounds.

The next time we'll be camping in the van we'll be on our way to Portugal!

The California

2011-10-08T15:07:00.003+01:00

Due to the wonders of the internet we've been able to get some pictures of the new Cali we're buying. It's basically a standard model facelift, 140 bhp manual in silver.

Front

Interior is standard with a grey cloth interior - nice and dirt resistant - which is very good for us and our lifestyle!

Interior

The factory options are an awning, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. It's also got privacy glass and the garage are fitting a rear 4-bike rack on the tail gate. In addition they are going to Autoglym the van inside and out - a treatment which will really help protect it.

Rear

Sold - and Bought

2011-10-08T14:44:00.001+01:00

The end of an era.   And the start of a new one.

I've sold the van back to Bilbo's - the very company I bought it off some two and a bit years ago. It's served us well and been great fun to modify, drive and camp in. But now it's going home to get a proper refit by the master conversion experts. I'll have to pop up there and have a look at it when it's done.

Although the van has been sold and I won't be writing any more entries about converting it from Kombi to part camper, we're still going to own a T5 - in fact we've just put a deposit down on a California - our dream campervan.   I'll be blogging of our weekends and holidays in the new van as much as we used to about our old trips in the old van - simply as something we can look back on to remember good times.

Out with the old and in with the new.   I'll post details here of the new California when we take possession of it in a couple of weeks time.

For Sale

2011-09-13T14:02:00.002+01:00

It's finally time to sell the van. I've had it for just over two superb years. I've toured Europe in it, camped in it, I've gone surfing in it, gone mountain biking in it, taken rubble and rubbish to the tip in it, helped a friend move house in it and enjoyed every mile I've driven in it. But now me and Mrs Blakey are looking to upgrade to a full blown campervan. Not just any old camper, but a T5 California in fact! But to do that we need to make some money out of our current T5 Kombi. I'll be sad to see it go.

So, here are some details if you're interested in buying it:

Overview
The van is a VW T5 Kombi. I've taken that base model and added a raising roof which enables you to stand up in the van and you can sleep up there in the roof. I've added a 240v electical hook up and leisure battery so that you can power all necessary goodies in the van. I've built in a rear cabinet in which lives the 12v coolbox (included in the sale) and the leisure battery. I've also built a removable kitchen pod which bolts into the side panel of the van. So you can have a 5 seater, 3 seater or 2 seater, depending on your needs. You can throw surfboards (I can fit my 9' longboard inside), mountain bikes, motor bikes, etc in there if you want to, with or without the seats. The front seats swivel enabling the back to be used as a camper. The original rubber kombi floor means you can easily clean all the sand and mud from the van. It's insulated and carpetted on the inside meaning it's comfortable and warm. It's designed as a machine to let you go surfing or biking or any similar activity, plus to be used for camping when wanted. It will take 5 if desired, but is perhaps best designed for 2 to sleep, cook, eat, drink and live inside, plus having space for storing all the stuff you might need.

We've taken it on many weekends camping and even a 3 week long tour of Europe. It's a great van. You can read all about the adventures we've had in it here.

Basics

PRICE: £19,950 ono
LOCATION: West Sussex.
VW T5 Transporter, 57 plate.
2.5 TDi engine, 130 bhp.
Tiptronic gear box.
38,000 miles at present.
T30 model (3 tonnes payload).
MOT vaild till the end of November 2011, although I think I'll almost certainly service and MOT the van before I sell it so it will probably have a year's MOT.
Tax is due end of March 2012.

Exterior

Black pearlescent paint.
Caravelle appearance pack (inc spoiler front and rear).
Front and rear fogs.
16” alloys
Side and rear chrome rails
Limo tinted side and rear windows.
Barn doors to rear (limo tinted)

Interior

Kombi set up – i.e. windows in middle and rear doors, panels in rear section. 5 seater combination.
5 seats:

2 leather upholstered “captains” chairs up front, with swivel bases for 360 degree rotation;
Double seat bench and tipping single seat in the rear, all easily removable. All covered with vinyl which means they are water resistant and super easy to clean.

Kombi rear seats

Seatbelts to all 5 seats.
All original VW seats which were with the van at construction so 100% crash tested safe.
Kombi floor – soft rubber, easy clean surface.

Electricals

T5 Electrical pack (inc electric windows, heated electrical mirrors)
Air conditioning
Cruise control
Rear parking sensors

Campervan Modifications

Reimo Raising Roof with bed (£4500 modification done by CMC of Hythe, Kent).

The van with the roof up

Insulated throughout.
Carpeted throughout (on the walls for comfort and warmth – not on the floor for practical cleaning)
2 x LED 12v lights, powered off internal Leisure battery.
12v Leisure Battery, built in.
12v 28 litre cool box built in - runs off leisure battery.
Split relay charger (charges Leisure battery from alternator when you are driving along).
240v mains hook up (allows you to plug the van into the mains when on a campsite – enabling 3 x 240v plugs inside the van for use with computers, hairdryers, kettles etc). The 240v hook up was also done by CMC of Kent – wanted a professional VW electrician to do this as it’s too important to get wrong.

240v electrical cut off with split relay charge - built into rear cabinet

Lockable safe under front passenger seat.
Rear cabinet (home-made) – which houses Leisure battery, 12v coolbox and 240v hookup and trip switch. Removable (screwed into rear panel).

Rear cabinet

Kitchen pod (home-made) – contains camping gas cooker and gas bottles, plus space for camping plates, cutlery etc and food. Bolted into side wall, removable. Note: this can’t be in place when the rear bench is in place – they go in the same location.

Kitchen pod in situ

Built in Campingaz stove in the kitchen pod

If you're interested, drop me an email or even post here.

Insurance

2011-09-12T16:50:00.000+01:00

It's been a while.   The main reason I've not been writing anything is that I've not made any mods to the van since our epic tour last year. And although we're still using the van for camping on a regular basis (and surfing, mountain biking and even trips to the tip where necessary), nothing has really compared to the Euro tour so I've not really been posting about them either. Which is a shame.   Last night I went back and read some of my camping trip reports and it was cool to look back at some of the places we'd been. We're off again this weekend so I might take up the keyboard once more.

Anyway, that's not the point of this post. This is about insurance - and if any of you out there have custom conversions like mine you'll probably have also found that finding insurance isn't easy.   I've been with Direct Line for the last 2 years but this year their quote was ridiculous so I have had a good look around. And I've come up trumps.

Adrian Flux have started doing a policy for campervans which are still in the process of being converted - as mine is. There's no time limit on how long before you get the conversion finished. And the cost of the insurance policy was more than £300 less than Direct Line!!   I bit their hand off.

Euro Tour Day 22

2010-10-09T18:37:00.001+01:00

Last day on the continent today. All we had to do was drive up to Calais and find a place to crash.

We were only 3 hours out of Calais and about half way through the journey we passed the city of Brugges, which we had contemplated visiting if we had time. We decided to take a spur of the moment detour into the city and are glad we did.

Brugges is a pretty place with canals that are much like Venice but somehow nicer and plazas to rival anything in Italy. The city center is full of little cafes and restaurants and chock full of tourists. The sun was shining which always helps too.

They have a great parking idea here too. If you park at the train/bus station on the edge of town (which is dead cheap at €0.50 per hour) you get a free bus ticket into town and back. The buses run every 2 minutes and have bus lanes so getting in and back is dead simple. This also means the city centre is very traffic light.

Leaving Brugges behind (another place we'll come back to) we headed on to Calais via a quick hypermarket stop for "supplies". We found a really delightful French site about 15 miles south of Calais to spend our last night of this epic tour.

Time for a shower and beer I think.

Euro Tour Day 21

2010-10-09T18:25:00.000+01:00

Today we left Germany, drove into Luxembourg and on into Belgium.

We drove the last few miles of flat Germany and on into Luxembourg where we pulled in to a cheap parking spot near the train station. We walked up to the open top bus tour stop and grabbed a map of the route - which we proceeded to walk, cheapskates!

We took in the palace, the old city walls, the cathedral and the park. A pleasant enough city all told. Small and clean and generally friendly.

Here we filled up with diesel at a great rate of €1.01 per litre - about 90p or so which is good compared to the price back home.

From Luxembourg we drove on about half way into Belgium to the grounds of a 17th century chateaux where we camped up. The chateaux boasts a restaurant which we treated ourselves to a visit of. Very nice. We tried their local ale, "the best ale in Belgium" and crashed out.

Euro Tour Day 20

2010-10-09T18:14:00.001+01:00

I've not updated the blog for three days so this is a bit from memory.

Today we woke by the picturesque lake Titisee and headed reluctantly away into the black forest. We drove through gorgeous forested hills with some stunning views.

Lunchtime we stopped at Germany's highest (disputed by wikipedia) waterfall called the Triberg falls. These fall the through seven stages and generate enough electricity to power 1000 homes in the local town. They're quite a sight but not hugely spectacular. Quite a walk from top to bottom and back up again though.

After lunch was our first experience of the fabled German autobahn and I admit to a little flurry of excitement as the moment approached. So what did we find? Roadworks. Roadworks and 20mph traffic. Great. Eventually it cleared and we hit some space. I only took the van up to 80mph but we were passed at great speeds by others although it was so busy no one was really motoring. Not as impressed as I was expecting all told.

We drove on to the edge of the black forest and finally decided on a quiet little campsite with a little trout beck running through it. There we pulled up alongside a great looking black T5 California. I'm jealous and deffo want one!

This was to be our last night in Germany and we really liked the place. We'll be back.

Euro Tour Day 19

2010-10-06T18:12:00.001+01:00

Isn't it funny how much better life is when it's sunny?

We woke to a glorious morning sun peeking over the Swiss Alps and smiled. Last night Mrs Blakey had planned our route today and it was a corker.

We started off wending our way through more of the alps in the sunshine. After an hour or so we turned off the motorway and into the tiny principality of Leichtenstein. Its only 15 miles long and yet boasts a capital 'city' which we drove through in about 2 minutes flat. Factoid for the day: Leichtenstein holds more Olympic medals per capita than any other country. And its a pretty place in the sunshine.

Driving on we soon wound our way into flatter Switzerland as we approached Zurich. Here we turned north and left Switzerland and passed into Germany.

Neither of us had ever been to Germany before and I have to say we are massively impressed so far. Okay so the sun has been shining all day today and as we crossed the border we hit rolling hills carpeted with trees in their full autumnal colours. A visual feast. Plus the roads are excellent, fast and free. Bonus. And fun to drive to boot.

A few minutes into Germany and we drove into the Black Forest. Quite breath taking. The forest is mostly pine with rolling hills. We are now camped right on the shore of Lake Titisee which is beautiful in the sunshine.

We've taken a stroll by the lake into town, enjoyed a pedalo ride on the lake (yes it has been that hot today) and an ice cream in the sun. Rounded off with a quick beer and a slice of Black Forest Gateau and we're back to camp and making dinner by the lake. Lovely.

First impression of Germany is 10/10.

Euro Tour Day 18

2010-10-06T17:44:00.000+01:00

We woke in a wet campsite overlooking Lake Maggiore to find it was still overcast but at least the rain had stopped.

We decided it was time to leave Italy and head over the Alps. We drove along the lake and into Switzerland with no hassle from the feds. Alpine Switzerland was stunning. It was high and craggy and the views were amazing.

We climbed up to 2200m (in the van) and into the 6.6km long Saint Bernardios pass. On the far side we pulled into a layby to knock up some lunch and enjoy the views - even if it was raining.

From here we dropped down to about 1000m and a Swiss campsite which was in a valley surrounded by mountains and alongside a gorgeous looking golf course. The facilities here were sparkling. It was a pleasure to use them. The owners also lent us a swiss adaptor which we then plugged into our French adaptor that Mrs Blakey's dad had made us and we had power.

A quick stroll up into the Swiss mountain forest was called for and we were set for dinner.

Euro Tour Day 17

2010-10-05T09:05:00.000+01:00

A washed out day yesterday with nothing but rain. We drove a few hundred miles to Lake Maggiore and camped in a gorgeous spot that we couldn't appreciate till the clouds cleared this morning.

Torrential rain last night and the roof bed held up great. No leaks and a snug night. But it really is cramped up there and I'm starting to wake with aching bones. The huge roof bed of the California is looking very appealing right now.

Euro Tour Day 16

2010-10-03T20:39:00.001+01:00

Our first rest day today after over 2 weeks on the road.

A really lovely chilled out day by the lake. We've relaxed. We've read our books. We've taken a gentle stroll into town for ice cream and watched the kayakers on the lake. I even found time to clean the van!

Now we're settled down in the van relaxing some more and waiting for a firework display that is supposed to be going off on the other side of the lake soon.

Tomorrow we're heading on to Lake Maggiorre and more stunning scenery.

And the photo...

2010-10-02T16:51:00.001+01:00

Euro Tour Day 15

2010-10-02T16:45:00.001+01:00

And relax...

A quick scoot across the southern edges of the Alps today and we're at Lake Garda. This lake is the biggest if the Italian lakes, the most built up and the most popular. Still, we've landed on our feet again with a campsite right on the shores of the lake and we've found a pitch right at the edge of the site on the lakeside.

The photo shows the view from the window of our roof bed. Not bad.

We might stay here a day or two depending on the weather, or we might visit a few more of the lakes. We'll see.

Time to sample some of the red we picked up in Assisi. Cheers!

Euro Tour Dat 14

2010-10-01T21:50:00.001+01:00

Venice. Quite a place.

We took the bus and boat service over there and back again. Great shout for €16. Saved us an hour drive and let us see Venice for the first time from the water which is surely how its meant to be found.

We spent an entire day just wandering. During this day we did squeeze in the extravagance of a quick gondola trip (you have to really) and enjoyed a boat ride all the way down the Grand Canal - which is a great way to view the city on the cheap. The rest of the time was on foot.

We dropped into a few bars and one fantastic but well priced restaurant for pasta but otherwise just strolled the lanes and bridges. A really enjoyable pass time.

The day flew by and we can't believe we're already back in camp. A great experience and a fun and exciting city. I suspect we'll come back.

Euro Tour Day 13

2010-09-30T20:52:00.000+01:00

Another long driving day today and tonight we're camped by the sea again, this time a short ferry ride across from Venice.

We spent this morning poking around the streets of Assisi and looking through the basilica where Saint Francis is buried. Assisi is a really lovely place, mostly traffic free and still looking for the most part like it must have in the 13th century when the saint lived there.

The basilica is a striking building on two levels with frescos drawn on every available surface. Quite the picture.

Assisi is a hill town and the views are breath taking. Personally, I'd live there.

Tomorrow is Venice. Should be ace.

Euro Tour Day 12

2010-09-29T18:36:00.001+01:00

What an awesome thunderstorm last night. The sort you only get in southern Europe. Massive flashes of lightning lighting the sky and thunder so loud it shook the van as we slept. Or tried to. Quite a night.

No sight seeing today, just driving. We're heading north up the east coast towards Venice. Half way up we've detoured in land to the small town of Assisi where Saint Francis (he of brown cassocks and animal friends) was born and lived.

Saint Francis was the patron saint of my first school, my church when I was a kid and of my rugby club so I was keen to drop by on the way north. We'll see the little hill town of Assisi tomorrow when I'll have more to report.

The van is really doing a great job so far. Just over 2000 miles in 12 days and its been purring along. We've abandoned the bed extension as its too much hassle to put up and get down in the night when Mrs B. needs to go. Sleeping up there is a little cramped and the matress a little hard but we're getting used to it.

The kitchen pod and electrical hook up are getting used every day. The whole set up is working a treat to be honest. Really pleased.

We did get talking to a California owner a couple of days ago and got a tour of his van. Very sweet. Now wondering about whether to upgrade to a Cali or continue to add little bits to this one. Something that needs some serious thought and research. No rush yet.

Now its time for curry and red wine, sat in the sunshine before it sets.

Euro Tour Day 11

2010-09-28T16:59:00.000+01:00

Half way time wise and today we turned back north for the first time.

Today has been a driving day - and what a day. We started off near Serrento on the west coast and drove down the Amalfi coast to Salerno. That was an experience. Lonely Planet describes it as a white knuckle ride for the driver and as picturesque a coastline as you will find. Both are right. It was mad to drive with thin roads hair-pining back and forth across the coast with cliff drops off into the deep blue sea. And Italian bus drivers using both lanes and car drivers overtaking on blind corners. Another "interesting" drive!

Then we crossed Italy to the east coast on the Adriatic. The drive across was mostly quick and flat. Again on these roads cruise control is awesome.

Then we hit the Adriatic. How does no one know about this place? Okay so its late September but it is dead here. The sea is a gorgeous green colour - limestone rock on this coast - and the cliffs are beautiful. The sun is out, the temperature is fine. The sea temp is good and there is hardly a soul around. Perfection. Oh, and the cliff top road is a joy to drive. Fun, winding and with fabulous views across white cliffs and green seas. And the Italians here drive normally!

We're now camped in a little site with its own private beach about 20m from our pitch. Sun's setting and its time to make some dinner.

We'll see what the weather is like tomorrow but if it's good we'll certainly stay a day. Failing that I think the vague plan is to head north to Assisi.

Hopefully it'll be sunny...

Euro Tour Day 10

2010-09-27T20:27:00.001+01:00

A day of Roman ruins today. We spent the day exploring Pompei and Herculaneum which were both covered in pyroclastic flow when Versuvius erupted in 72 AD.

Pompei is immense. Its a whole city and covers 55 hectares. They have done an incredible job of digging out the city and you can walk pretty much everywhere.

Herculaneum is much smaller but extremely well preserved. Many of the buildings are almost entirely intact and the wall paintings still remain. Incredible to see how life was 2000 years ago.

Tonight we're back at the coast near Sorrento and tomorrow we're going to leave the Med and cross Italy to the Adriatic. Nothing particular there, we just want to see another part of Italy.

Naples has been "interesting". The city is run down and dirty with bags of litter strewn everywhere. There are mangy stray dogs all over. It's really not a great place.

And I'm not even going to mention the Napolese driving...

Euro Tour Day 9

2010-09-26T18:31:00.001+01:00

I'm simply loving this tour.

We woke this morning in Rome and are now camped right be the sea in a little village near Sorento down by Naples. The village has a gorgeous little harbour which looks back across the bay of Naples onto the city and Mount Vesuvius in the background. Quality views from here and a little bar on the harbour front some 50 meters from where we're camped.

Today has been a driving day but we still managed to fit in a quick climb of Vesuvius along the way. We drove up a thin single track lane to the car park near the top and walked the rest of the way up to the cauldera. Huge views from the top across the Bay of Naples and of course of the volcano crater too.

We were once again today reminded of how versatile the T5 is compared to say a motor home. Sure our little van is not as palacious as some of the houses on wheels we see along side us in the campsites but it sure is easier to drive. We've had it in an underground carpark in Monaco - just - and have been up more switchback mountain roads than you can shake a stick at over the last week with no more trouble than a car would have. Brilliant.

Barbeque is on. Broadside ale is poured. And ... relax.

Euro Tour Day 8

2010-09-25T20:19:00.001+01:00

Knackered. Absolutely knackered. So this will be brief.

We spent the day looking around the Vatican city. St. Peter's basilica is possibly the most amazing building I have ever been inside. Its simply breathtaking. It looks fairly impressive on the outside but is like walking into another world when you walk through the doors.

We explored the basilica itself then took the 320 steps up to the top of the cupola for extensive views across Rome. Nothing is allowed to be built higher than St. Peter's and Rome's skyscape is notable for its total lack of any skyscrapers at all.

Leaving the dizzy heights we explored the catacombs beneath the basilica where the popes are buried. Its a small
stroll and worth it. The tomb of Pope John Paul II is somehow emotional and people are still stood there weeping at his grave 5 years after his death.

If you've never been to the basilica, go.

The Sistine chapel was quite a sight too although we were so tired by then we were a little underwhelmed by it. The museums it sits in are very impressive with lots of fantastic sculptures and paintings through the ages. Not our cup of tea really but still fascinating.

We both rated the Vatican experience as 10/10.

As fairly experienced travellers (Mrs Blakey especially) we both rate Rome as the nicest city we have ever been to. Exceptional place.

Tomorrow we leave Rome and head further south to the coast and the resort of Sorrento. I so need a rest.

Euro Tour Day 7

2010-09-24T20:22:00.000+01:00

Wow. One week gone already. Time has whizzed by and we've already seen loads.

Today was spent in Rome. The T5 had the day off and we took Shanks' van into the city. Well the train, metro and lots and lots of walking anyway.

We arrived in Flaminio not far from the rugby stadium and set out on foot for the Colosseo. Along the way we took in the Spanish steps, the Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, the Complesso del Vittoriano, MacDonalds, the Palatine and the Forum. The Coluseum was the highlight of the day without a doubt. "Impressive. Most impressive", as a certain Mr. D. Vader was heard to say. Was slightly disappointed not to see Russell Crow but he must have been busy in makeup or something.

We're now foot sore and weary but back at camp and fed. Watering is the next order of the day - only because we have to go into the bar to get on the Net to book tickets for the Vatican of course...

Euro Tour Day 6

2010-09-23T19:16:00.001+01:00

Busy day today.

Last night we stuck our noses into Lonely Planet and read up on Tuscany and Florence specifically. It appears Florence isn't a particularly good looking city architecturally but is full of great museums and art galleries. Whereas by comparison the medieval town of Siena is a delight to explore without needing to enter a single building. Not being great art critics we made the choice and drove down to Siena.

Great choice. The town is beautiful with an old city wall, thin, winding, cobble stoned streets which are almost totally traffic free - apart from the ubiquitous scooters of course - and some stunning churches. A lot of them in fact. The cathedral was an absolute eye fest of white and green marble stretching into the azure skies. 11th century genius.

Some of the views across Tuscany from the town walls are amazing too. We wandered up to the university on the edge of the old city and were rewarded with a panoramic hillscape stretching off into the distance.

After spending a long afternoon in Siena we drove on down to the outskirts of Rome and are now camped up on the edge of the Tiber about 5 miles from the city. We'll stay here for a few days (no driving for a few days! Yay!) As we explore the city.

No driving tomorrow - I'm off to get a beer or three down my neck...

Euro Tour Day 5

2010-09-22T17:54:00.000+01:00

Stupid helicopters flew all night.

Fantastic day today. We got up late (due to Heli-lag) and took a leisurely drive down to Pisa. The leaning tower is as impressive as you'd expect and more so is the Cathedral in whose walled grounds it stands. The traditional photos of us holding up the tower were snapped and a quick stroll through the grounds and we were off back to the van.

Deciding not to explore the town further we headed on to the medieval town of Lucca whose entire city walls still stand. We walked the 3km around the city walls and then dropped into the cobbled streets below. The town is picturesque with high 14th century buildings leaning over tiny shaded alleys.

We stopped for a glass of OJ in the central piazza where we got chatting to a couple from Argentina who were just finishing their lunch, had half a bottle of chilled Pinot going spare and had a cruise ship to catch. They rather generously offered us the remains of their wine as they rushed off. We accepted and the waitress brought us a large glass which we shared.

Then it was off to the top of the Torre Guinigi which rather bizarrely has a tree growing out of the top. From there the views across the town towards the hills of Tuscany are worth the hard climb.

Then it was back to the van and a short drive up into the hills to a peaceful site with great views of the Tuscany countryside and no helicopters.

Euro Tour Day 4

2010-09-21T20:35:00.001+01:00

Mixed day today. We travelled some 200 miles through Italy on the coast road and stopped off at the famous Cinque Terre which is 5 small fishing and wine-growing villages clinging to the sides of the Alps as they drop into the Med.

The villages are really pretty and quaint but were spoilt by simply too many people even at this time of year. Monaco seemed quieter.

There are two coast paths that wend their way from village to village. One is an easy low level 12km stroll and one a really tough 38km climb across the ridge tops. Given we were pushed for time we opted for the lower path. Along with everyone else.

It was carnage out there. Hundreds of people and a really hot day did not a happy Blakey make. Add to that we were overcharged for tickets (yes you have to pay) and then found the path was shut after 2 villages meaning we couldn't even walk the whole route.

No doubt it would have been a nice place if it was quieter. The views as we walked down from the van to the sea were simply stunning.

Anyway. We moved on a little and found a lovely campsite with great facilities, gorgeous shaded pitches by a big river. With a heliport as busy as Gatwick nextdoor. Let's just hope they don't fly all night...

Sat Nav - got to love it

2010-09-20T18:56:00.000+01:00

This is where our TomTom says we are. Pretty much right!

Camping Card ACSI

2010-09-20T18:32:00.001+01:00

Another thing we have to thank Mrs Blakey's parents for is our Camping Card ACSI. This little beauty cost us £11 back in Blighty. It gives you access to a massive number of campsites across Europe, mostly in low season like we are now. These campsites cost exactly €11, €13 or €15 with this card regardless of their base price. You get a book with about 2000 campsites in it and a map of Europe with their locations. The book tells you the cost and facilities in each one. Its basically what we're using to stay in this tour.

Take tonight for example. This campsite (which is stunning) would normally be €30 a night is costing us just €15. That means we've paid for the card in one night alone. And we've used it every night so far - and plan to continue doing so.

Can't recommend it enough!

Euro Tour Day 3

2010-09-20T17:36:00.001+01:00

What a cracking day. Today we spent looking around the quiet and peaceful village of Monte Carlo in the little known Principality of Monaco. Oh. My. God. This must be where half the Aston Martins in the world are based.

We walked the F1 track (after a slight detour where I got lost at Casino - all those years of playing GP4 let me down!). Very cool and somewhat bizarre walking around the streets I know from the TV and driving sims on my PC.

Monaco isn't quite as expensive as we'd imagined. €20 for a starter even on the harbour front in a nice enough restaurant - we stopped and looked at the menu whilst chomping on cheese and ham sarnies in a fresh baguette from the campsite this morning. Of course you can spend more if you want.

The Casino is wonderful. We went in but as we're on a budget we didn't pay the €10 to get into the rooms where the tables were. Amazing building though. And Ferraris and Rolls galore parked outside.

The harbour was disappointing. Not as nice as Cannes. They were ramping up for a yachting show though so loads of stuff being put up. A bit of a building site.

Driving around the Riviera was interesting. Its not Sussex! Crazy foreigners. Its the mopeds that are the worst. Still the views probably didn't help the concentration! The alps really do just drop off into the sea here and its amazing.

This evening we've driven a few miles out of Monaco and into Italy and stopped in a campsite by the sea in San Remo. I think we hit a lucky spot judging from our pitch - see the photo.

Tomorrow the plan is explore Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera and then see where life takes us from there.

Time to light the barbie and open a bottle of merlot...

Reverse Polarity

2010-09-19T19:37:00.001+01:00

As you might be aware when camping on the continent they do things a bit weirdly.

Because they use 2 pin plugs sometimes they wire them back to front. And sometimes they use traditional camping plugs and sometimes they use continental 2 pin sockets like you get in a house. This means you need 4 plugs! A normal and a reversed polarity 3 pin and 2 pin option.

Fortunately for us Mrs Blakey's father is a keen motor home owner, Mr Practical and very generous to boot. He made us up all the plug options you could possibly need and supplied us with a little socket tester that you simply plug into the 240v socket in the van and it tells you when you have your polarity right. Clever stuff!

This is only our second night and we've already used two of the plugs he made us up!

Thanks Mr. P!

Euro Tour Day 2

2010-09-19T19:20:00.000+01:00

We're in Cannes some 420 miles south of where we started this morning. Toll roads were busier today but still has to be better than the back roads.

The approach to the riviera is stunning. First time I've been down this part of France and I'm impressed.

Cannes was much as expected. Beautiful town with a gorgeous marina full of multi million pound yaughts.

We've just parked up, set up camp and are hitting our first beer. A quiet one at the campsite tonight I think. Cheers!

Euro Tour, Day 1

2010-09-18T18:46:00.001+01:00

We're now camped up in a little riverside campsite in Auxonne, near Dijon in France. Caught the chunnel across which is so easy and quick - highly recommended.

About 350 miles driven today on the French toll roads. They are so good! Quiet, fast and well maintained. England take note. Well worth the €40 for the day as we got here 3 hours faster (according to TomTom) and it was so relaxing. Cruise control is also worth its weight in gold on those roads.

We're off into town now to hunt down a restaurant as today is our 1st wedding anniversary! Great way to spend it!

Tomorrow - Cannes/Nice/Monaco!

Weekend in Hampshire

2010-08-31T12:00:00.000+01:00

We spent this bank holiday weekend over in sunny Hampshire. It's only an hour and a half down the road for us and has lots for us to look around on our bikes so it's a place we like to visit. This weekend we stayed in Sunnydale Farm campsite just outside of Southampton. It's in a great location as it's easy to cycle to Eastern Docks from there, giving you ferry access to both the Isle of Wight and the New Forest.

Saturday was a lovely sunny day (and my birthday to boot) so we set out early for the Isle of Wight. We crossed to Cowes and then bombed down the cycle path to Newport in the centre of the island. We had a leisurely cruise around that town, taking in a cream tea and a pint by the river and then shot back up to Cowes which we also explored. Taking the chain ferry back across to the main docks in East Cowes we then returned to the main land, passing the Queen Mary 2 and three other ocean liners setting out from Southampton. Saturday evening is clearly the time for cruises to set out.

Cowes Harbour

Cream tea in Newport centre

Beer by the river in Newport

On the chain ferry in Cowes

Queen Mary 2 goes past

Sunday was a more leisurely day spent biking down to and exploring the nearby Netley Abbey, an old 13th century ruin which was huge and most impressive. It was disolved by Henry VIII and turned into a tudor manor house before falling into ruin.

Netley Abbey

Monday dawned another lovely sunny day so we broke camp, drove around to the New Forest and parked up in a layby near Brockenhurst. From there we whizzed around the cycle paths down to Beaulieu and from there up to East Boldre were we had lunch in the lovely pub garden. From there we headed back to Brockenhurst, stopping off to watch some model aeroplanes being flown. Some of them were really rather impressive.

Handy layby in the New Forest

Quick break in Beaulieu

Pub lunch in East Boldre

Mini aerodrome in the forest

This weekend was our last chance to trial our camping set up before we set off for our European Tour in a few weeks. It was also the first time the kitchen pod had been used since it has been bolted into the van (meaning it's always available and I don't need to unbungee it to use it). We found a few bits and pieces we felt we didn't need to take with us for our Tour, and we came up with some efficient ways of storing stuff in the van such that we can easily access it, but so it's also easy to put it away when we want to drive on.

The kitchen pod worked a dream. It was great getting back from a long day out on the bikes, opening up the van and simply popping up the lid of the hob, grabbing the kettle and putting it on. Absolutely zero effort and the kettle had boiled by the time we'd got the biking stuff put away.

The kitchen pod, ready for action

We also used it as a stand for the laptop, which made for an excellent entertainment centre so we could watch a couple of DVDs. We'll no doubt be using this a bit when away.

An evening glass of wine and a movie

One thing we did decide on is that we really need a bike rack. The bikes spent all weekend chained to a fence where we camped up but when we came to move on we had to bring them into the van and bungee them up. This was all very do-able but the inside of the van was then mostly unusable, and it would be much better when travelling to be able to use the space inside the van without having to throw the bikes out. Lunch stops would work much better like this for example. So I'm now on the hunt for a T5 barn door bike rack.

All in all this was a cracking weekend and really helped us making last minute decisions on what we need and what is superfluous for our tour. Can't wait to get going now!

Bolted

2010-08-24T21:57:00.000+01:00

This evening we finally bolted the kitchen pod into the van wall proper. It feels very securely in place now and I've also managed to add some velcro strips to hold the hob lid open when cooking. I'm hopeful that's it all nice and neatly and safely secured and that if I really need to I can unscrew the bolts.

Real test is this weekend when we're off to the New Forest for a long weekend. Then we'll really know how it handles.

Kitchen Pod Attachment

2010-08-21T11:48:00.000+01:00

After many months thinking about how to attach my kitchen pod into the van I've finally decided on the approach to use. I got a very helpful message from Mr Hedgehog (great name!) on the Brickyard suggesting that I use rivetnuts to bolt the pod into the wall of the van.   He then went on to explain what these nuts were and how they worked and then extremely generously offered to lend me his rivetnut gun to use!     How could I refuse?

Basically, for those like me who don't know what a rivetnut is, you drill a hole in the interior metal skin of the van and then push one of these rivetnuts into the hole.   You then use this special rivetnut gun tool to compress the nut such that it pinches itself around the metal skin and basically won't come out.   The rivetnut is hollow with a 6mm screw thread on the inside - meaning you can thread a 6mm bolt into the rivetnut and it will hold it tight. The great thing about this is that when bolted in the pod will be extremely secure and not move around, but will be really easy to remove by simply undoing the bolts.

So, I've now drilled three holes into the metal skin along the top of the panel under the drivers side window. Into these I've popped three rivetnuts ready to accept 6mm bolts.    So now all I need to do is drill holes into the cabinet and bolt it right into the wall of the van. Importantly, when the pod is out of the van, all you see on the wall of the van is three really neat looking metal nuts in the skin of the van wall.    I didn't take any pictures last night when I did this but will add some later.

Of course nothing is as simple as that.   If I did bolt the cabinet right into the van wall I'd no longer be able to open the sliding window that the cabinet would be bolted up against.   So to make this work I need to put a wooden batton in the back of the cabinet and bolt through the cabinet, and through this wooden batton and into the rivetnuts on the van wall.   I'm planning to do this during the week ready for a camping trip next weekend.

Thanks heaps to Mr Hedgehog for the loan of the rivetnut gun! I'll post a follow up with pictures when I finally bolt the cabinet in.

Cruise Control

2010-07-28T14:52:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything up here but that's not stopped me using the van, nor indeed adding bits and pieces to it.

The most significant item I've added since my last post is Cruise Control. I paid £280 from my local Stealer for this mod and in my opinion it's well worth the money. I took the van to Wales this weekend (and slept in the roof of course) and the cruise control was a godsend.

If you've used it before you'll know why I love it. If not, try and take a car/van for a long motorway journey with cruise and you'll see why it's so great. The journey down the M4 was easy as pie, with cruise on most of the way there. It's early days to be certain but I think it's saved me some mpg too - although obviously I'll have to drive a lot of miles for it to pay for itself!

I think it will really come into its own in a couple of months when we take the van to Europe.

Llangennith Weekend

2010-06-13T22:42:00.001+01:00

We're just back from a cracking weekend down in the Gower in Wales, catching up with a few friends and trying to catch a few waves. We stayed on the excellent Hillend site right on the sand dunes in Llangennith and although it was very busy there it was an absolutely awesome campsite. The facilities were all brand new, all the showers etc were free and there was lots and lots of stuff there so even with three full fields of campers there was still enough facilities to go around. On top of that the staff were friendly and amicable (and possibly on weed) - the Nazis of Bude could do with taking a leaf out of the pot smoking staff in Wales. Add to that that the campsite is 200m from the largest most beautiful beach and you have a real winner.

The only downside was the campsite was full of loads and loads of youngsters (all good there) who were still partying very loud at 3am on the Friday night. But we were all young once and me and Mrs Blakey are pretty chilled about this sort of thing so it was no real problem. Saturday was much better it has to be said too. All in all I'd rate the Hillend campsite as 9/10. The only things that could have made it better would have been if it had been a smidge closer to the beach (200m is really not far at all mind, but with the dunes you can't see the surf from the campsite) and if it had been a smidge quieter.

We got there Friday night, parked up, popped the roof and went straight to the beach as it was still light. A big disappointment as there was hardly any swell but after a 4 hour drive I was getting wet regardless so slipped into my wettie and paddled out. Not really worth it but any wave is better than nothing when you've travelled so far. Plus I had the whole of Rhossili to myself and a glorious sunset to enjoy so I wasn't moaning.

Waiting for a wave.

We went back to the campsite and waited for our friends to arrive - they were travelling down later that evening. When they got there we had a few more beers and about 1am we decided to crash out - but the party in the site went on for a good while after that! This was the first chance to test out the bed extension and it really did make a big improvement - that extra 20cm or so length on the bed just made the whole experience much improved.

Friday evening camp.

Next morning we got up, checked the surf - very flat - and decided to hang around the campsite. Another friend who lives down that way joined us and we sat about in the leigh of the van chatting about the World Cup and Maxican Waves and other bizzare stuff for a few hours. Then he wandered off and we lit the barbie and cracked open the first beer. Lovely just chilling about the place and having everything on hand in the van.

Saturday barbie.

Later on in the afternoon more friends who've moved to Swansea arrived and we all decanted back over the dunes to the beach. The waves were still pants but, hey, when in Rome. So I picked up another hour or so in the gutless 1' swell with a howling cross shore wind. Pretty horrendous conditions really.

Back to the campsite, grabbed a bite of tea and another beer and then up to the local cafe where they were showing England vs USA in the World Cup. Hmmm, shocker but I still think we'll top the group.

Sunday we checked out the surf but didn't go in, sat around enjoying more lovely weather and generally chewing the fat and then eventually headed home up the M4. An easy drive home that will no doubt be made even easier after tomorrow when the van goes in to have Cruise Control fitted.

This weekend was the debut of the new kitchen pod. And what a winner it was. We bungeed it into the van when travelling and then just unstrapped when we arrived. We pulled it out a smidge from the wall when we wanted to cook on it (so that the top hob-lid could open fully) and then pushed it back snug against the wall when we'd finished cooking. The pod held the gas hob, our gas bottles, all our cooking utensils and pans and all our crockery and cutlery, plus a weekend's worth of food. All in the one place, neatly stacked away and easy to access - it did the job perfectly. Then when we came to come home, everything was already packed away and all we had to do was bungee it back in place. The doors have all warped slightly since I varnished it on a hot summers day (you live and learn I guess) which is a tad disappointing after the hours I've spent making it, but that doesn't in any way stop its functionality so I'm still really pleased with it.

Kitchen pod in use.

All in all a really fun, relaxing weekend. The weather was great, the surf was pants, and the two new additions to the van (kitchen pod and bed extension) were both really useful and did the job great. Fantastic.

Latest News

2010-06-07T11:12:00.000+01:00

Haven't posted here in a while but I've still been doing the odd little bit of work on the van. Since last I posted I've varnished the kitchen pod and added some galvinized steel plating to the insides of the hob partition. I've also added magnetic fastners on the tops of the doors which helps to keep them in place although I think I might stick some on the bottoms of the doors as well to seal them tighter.

The kitchen pod is pretty much done now.

The kitchen pod is now loaded up with all our camping gear - gas bottles, gas hob, Bluecat gas heater, water bottle, washing up bowl, cutlery, plates and mugs. All basically ready to go. It's living in the shed and just needs to be wheeled out when we want to put it into the van.

As yet I still haven't got a good method to secure it in the van, although I have had lots of ideas. I'm just not settled on one solution yet. I plan to bungee it in place for the moment, when travelling and then just take the bungees off when we arrive. It can stay pushed up against the van wall when we are not using it and then be pulled forward a smidge when we want to cook - so as to allow the hob top to open fully. Not an ideal solution but it works for now.

Gave the van a really good clean this week. Came up sparkling. Makes such a difference.

Up in the 'loft' I have finished my bed extension. It's simply a 18mm bit of plywood with a thick foam wedge glued onto it.   It extends the default bed by 17cm, which is enough to make all the difference, I think. This should let me lie on my back and not have my knees and feet restricted by the roof height.   I'm hopeful it will really make a difference, although it's not been tested by a sleep over - yet.

Today I have booked the van into have Cruise Control added next week. I had it on my last car and really miss it on long journeys down the motorways. I think it will be invaluable for our European Tour in the autumn and really make the long drives even more easy and relaxing. Should be a great addition.    Just a shame I can't get it done this week ready for our trip to Wales at the weekend.

I'm planning on getting some lowering springs fitted next month too - the last mod I need to make before we go on our Tour I feel. Just to improve the handling and general ride quality as we'll be in the van for so long. Should also help us to get into any height restricted places too!   Lowering 40mm is my plan. Now I just have to find a supplier and someone who'll fit the springs.   I feel a Brickyard search coming on!

Want to lower the van by about 40mm.

This weekend coming we are off to Wales for a few waves (swell permitting). Should be a perfect opportunity to test out the new bed extension and of course the kitchen pod in anger. I'll write a report of how we got on next week, probably whilst the van is in on Monday having the cruise control fitted in fact!

Kitchen Pod

2010-05-17T10:37:00.001+01:00

This weekend was due to be a weekend jaunt down to Devon to catch some waves and camp in the van. However last weekend I got caught in Portugal due to the volcanic ash cloud and took a 40 hour train ride from Faro to London to get home so was sort of all travelled out. On top of, and more importantly than, that the wave forecast was flat as a pancake so we decided to skip the journey west this weekend. That left me with a free weekend and nothing to do. So I took the bull by the horns and built my kitchen pod.

You might recall I had designed the pod using Google Sketchup. I took the laptop with the software on it over to my pal Terry's house and we set it up in easy reach of our work area, on his drive.

Laptop was used for constant checking of the design.

We then unloaded the timber from the back of the van, sorting it into piles for doors, walls, lids, shelves and so on.

The timber had been pre cut to size by the local timber merchants.

The first step was to simply put the frame together. This was built from standard 2" x 1" timber from the timber merchants, already cut to size, so all we had to do was screw it together in the frame I had already designed.

The frame took moments to put together.

The frame was in two parts, separated by the dividing wall which splits the hob section of the cabinet from the cutlery section. Once the two halves were built we popped them into the van to see how they would look and fit. A good start.

Nice fit.

Then all that was left to do was slap the bottoms, sides and tops on to the frame and we had a cabinet. At least that was the theory. But here we hit our first snag and here I learnt a valuable lesson. All the bits of 12mm ply that the timber merchants had cut were slightly too big for the frame. I double checked and all the plywood was exactly the right size - exactly as I had ordered. Something had gone wrong with my design then. As I stood there confused Terry explained my error.

Apparently everyone calls 2" x 1" timber 'two by one', but when you come to actually buy it, the timber merchants use metric measurements and in fact these timber planks are not exactly 2" x 1", they are slightly smaller. In fact closer to 20mm x 40mm. This meant my frame was considerably smaller than I thought it was going to be and as such all the sides and tops and shelves were slightly too big. Not a massive issue, it just meant we had to cut each panel to size, but when I had already paid £20 to have all this wood cut to size it was a bit annoying and it slowed us down lots. Ultimately this was my fault for not understanding how the measurements worked in the real world. If I ever do this sort of thing again I'll design it in mm scale and get it exactly right. It would have saved us hours of trimming and cutting. Still, on the plus side, at least each section was too big and none were too small!

A few hours later we had the cabinet built.

Now it was just a case of getting down to it, sawing, sanding and screwing the panels to the framework. A few hours later we were complete and it was time to stick the doors on. Again we had to adjust the sizes but that was no worries.

We then took a trip to B&Q where we picked up door hinges, door handles, a set of small wheels for the underside, a tea towel holder, two large handles for the sides of the cabinet - to help us to pick it up and carry it as we will be carrying it in and out of the van a lot.

By that time the day was done and it was time to go home.

On Sunday I sat in the van at home and stuck all the bits onto the cabinet. At this stage it was starting to look like a proper cabinet.

The kitchen pod in situ.

I also cut the shelves to size (we'd run out of time to do them the day before) and fitted them, after looking through our camping gear and typical food we might like to fit into the cabinet so as to pick sensible shelf sizes.

Shelves are set to hold gas bottles and camping gear.

I drilled a hole in the section where the hob fits to allow the gas pipe to drop down into the lower section where the gas bottles are stored. So everything is neat and tidy on the inside and all the doors can be closed up when not needed.

The gas hob fits perfectly in the top shelf.

The extra addons like the wheels and side handles were a bit of an after thought but I'm really happy with them. Me and Mrs Blakey were able to easily lift the pod, fully laden with gas bottles and camping gear out of the van and onto the drive, where we were able to easily wheel it up to the shed and pop it into its new living place when not in the van. This means when we want to go camping we just open the shed, wheel the pod to the van and pop it inside. So easy.

Side handle and tea towel holder on the side.

After all that we now have what is virtually a working kitchen pod.    At B&Q we also bought a sheet of thin metal that is designed to go into the section where the gas hob lives so as to protect the wood from heat and any rogue flames. That still needs to be cut to size and fitted into the pod.

Also due to where the pod sits in the van the lid above the hob cannot open to a vertical position - the windows start to come back in at that position, cramping its range of motion. So the lid over the hob will overhang the gas burner ever so slightly when open. I'm not happy about that and have to think of a solution to change this.

In addition the biggest issue still outstanding is how to attach the pod to the van when travelling.   I have some brackets in mind to do this but am going to think some more about it before I fit it as it is a big decision and I have 2 weeks before I'm planning using the van for camping again.

I guess I also have to consider covering the pod - either with fablon like the last cabinet, or by varnishing.   This is just cosmetic however and not a high priority.

All in all I'm really pleased with a weekend's work and I am sure we could have got it done in a day if the ply wood had been cut to the right size in the first place. A lesson learnt.

Cost to date: £60 wood, £20 cutting service. £70 ironmongery (hinges, handles, wheels, latches, etc), including £30 for the metal heat sheet for the hob.   Total: £150.    Total time about 15 hours work.

Kitchen Pod Being Priced Up

2010-04-26T14:28:00.000+01:00

This weekend we really realised how much we need to get the kitchen pod sorted. When we stopped and camped up, we got all our camping stuff out of their boxes and set our stuff up ready to cook and generally be in camping mode, but each morning we had to pack everything away into their boxes again in order to head off to the beach for some waves, and then unpack again each evening when we returned to the campsite. It didn't take all that much time but it was quite annoying and we realised that if we were wanting to tour around - as we will do later this year when we head out on our European Tour - we'd be wasting an awful lot of time. So we have decided to get the kitchen pod sorted as a number one priority on the van.

After about 6 iterations we finally have the design for the pod finished. We are going for a three door design with two cupboards underneath - one with 2 doors and one with a single door. On the top is a recessed area for our existing gas hob to drop into, with a flip top lid and opening front and next to that is an area we are planning making into a cutlery holder. The basic design for the top of the pod was stolen shamelessly from Darran's design off the Brickyard:

Darran's Kitchen Pod being built. This gave us the basic design for the top

The two lower cupboards will have three shelves each and each of these will be adjustable to give us as much flexibility as possible for storage.

The kitchen pod, final design, closed and opened.

After a chat to a few knowledgable people I have decided to use 12mm plywood for the panels with 2"x1" timber for the frame. This plywood option is nice and thick and will make the whole cabinet especially robust and solid which is required as we want to be able to take it in and out when packing the van for and after a camping weekend. Being picked up and ported about the place a lot means we need it to be sturdy. Especially as the plan would be to carry it in and out of the van with all the camping stuff like the gas hob, gas bottles and pots and pans left inside it.

As for sticking the pod into the van I have been thrashing out all sorts of options. Bungees, metal rods clamped into tool clips in the wall, and a split baton approach have all been considered and discussed on the BrickYard. At the moment I'm favouring this neat little clip system suggested by Shapey off BY.

Trouble is I'm not sure if it will actually work with a flat backed pod and a curvy van wall. So current plan is to build the pod and then worry about securing it when I'm done. I can always bungee it in place for travel if the worst comes to the worst.

Due to the cleverness of Google Sketchup I was able to break the design down into exactly what size of bits of wood I need very easily and today I printed them out, popped down to Lawsons with the list and asked for a quote for all the wood, cut to size. Hopefully come the end of the week I'll be able to go and pick it all up and then the actual building can start!

Bude Weekend

2010-04-26T10:25:00.000+01:00

This weekend we took the van on a surfari to Cornwall and the town of Bude. It's about a 5 hour drive down there and we set off after work and arrived just after 10pm. We stayed at the Bude Holiday Park with about a dozen mates.

The holiday park itself is big with loads of static caravans, a children's play area, an outdoor heated swimming pool (which we declined to try out) and lots of pitches with and without electrical hook ups. They had a lot of washing and toilet facilites which were all in pretty good nick. And they let in groups which most smaller campsites won't. Plus they let you turn up as late as midnight and check in. But that's where the good points end.

The campsite was full of "interesting" people who really should have been wearing burbery, the bar was so bad that we went in there to pay for our stay up front on the Friday night and never went near it again after that, even choosing to pass on watching the Elvis impersonator who couldn't remember the words. And the security guards? Oh my god. Nazis. We've finally found where all the ex-prison camp guards have been retired to.

Anyway, not letting the prison camp guards put a damper on our first night we set up camp and everyone piled into the two T5's we'd taken down for the weekend and had a few beers and talked of how the waves were going to be 3' and glassy this weekend. Before we knew it the early morning hours were slipping away and it was decided to crash out.

Marshy, another T5 owner and surfer

Saturday dawned cold and cloudy but with no hint of wind. It might be great down at the beach. We all piled down there and drove into the car park. Hmmm. Not exactly 3'. More like 18" on a set. But it was clean enough and if the sun had been out it would have been lovely. Still about half of us got in the water and had a splash about. The others set off on a 9 mile trek along the coast path to Crackington Haven. Some even walked there and all the way back again!

The gang at Widemouth Beach

We stayed down at the beach all day, doing two sessions and in the afternoon the swell had picked up so we were getting maybe 2' waves on the bigger sets and still pretty clean. Trouble was it was about 5 to 10 minutes in between sets and with the water at a chilly 9 degrees it was a long wait for each wave.

That evening it was back to the campsite via Sainsburys and bar-b-que time. We all huddled in the leigh of the van and made a circle to defend outselves against the prison guards.

Bar-b-que in the evening...

Fortunately they seemed busy elsewhere in the prison camp this evening and we didn't see them. It probably helped that the rains started to fall before midnight so everyone beat a hasty retreat and hit the sack before they realised we'd been enjoying ourselves on their watch. Oh, but not before we'd celebrated Cecile's birthday with a few bottles of champagne and some cakes and candles!

...which became a campfire after dark

Sunday was another cold cloudy day but this time it was blowing a hooly and onshore too. The swell had picked up to about 3' on the sets but it was very blown out. Still, we'd come this far and even though the conditions weren't great it was still time to get in there and catch some waves.

Emil

It was a pleasure to the able to change out of my cold wet suit in the back of the van, standing up as we had the roof up, and Mrs. Blakey even greeted me with a fresh cuppa made from our new 12v kettle as I got out of the sea. Bonus!

The two T5s side by side

Getting out of a sandy soaking wet suit in the back of the van did mean I left puddles of wet sand everywhere but the practical kombi floor means that a quick sweep through the next day and a damp cloth and it's sparkling like new again. Very useful.

Local boy Glaz

After our Sunday session we said goodbye to the others and went and visited our great friends Glaz and Frances who live down near Bude and have just had a new baby. Then we headed off home, dropping in at my sister's pub the Peter Tavy Inn on the edge of Dartmoor where my brother in law delighted in taking the micky out of this blog. But he's clearly reading it!!!

My sister's pub on Dartmoor

From there it was a simple 4 hour cruise home down the A303 and once again I was pleased at just how easy it is to drive the van for long hours at a stretch. Got home after 4 hours without a break feeling fresh as a daisy with none of the usual fatigue I'd feel after the same drive in a car. I do need to invest in cruise control though - I really miss it on the long drives.

All in all a really enjoyable weekend although it would have been even better had the weather stayed as it has been all week.

Oh and as for the campsite, I'm giving them 3/10. Probably about 6/10 for the campsite itself and -3 for the nazi guards.

One Wedding and a Rugby Match

2010-04-19T08:54:00.000+01:00

Just back from another weekend in the van. This time the main event was the wedding of friends of ours down in Shaftsbury, Dorset. We packed up the van on Saturday morning with the bare necessities - it was only an overnight stay so we hardly needed anything - our table, 2 camping boxes and the cooker.

We headed off to Shaftsbury and parked up at Blackmore Vale campsite, just off the A30. The owner was a very friendly chap who showedus to the field that serves as the campsite and told us there was no rush to be off in the morning. Excellent. A mere £14.50 for two of us, the van and an electrical hook up was a very good price.

We parked up and popped the roof, unpacked the camp boxes and were set up in a little over 10 minutes. Sweet. Only us and a caravan on the whole field and we had loads of space to ourselves. Plus the campsite kindly provides a safari bench with each electrical hook up so we made full use of the extra table and chairs.

This weekend we'd taken a full 240v electric kettle with us and it was a good move. Easy tea within minutes can't be overestimated!

The weather was amazing this weekend - a complete opposite to our Easter camp and it reminded me just why camping is the best way to spend a weekend when the weather is good. And as Mrs Blakey was getting ready for the wedding we realised another advantage of a black van with limo tinted windows - a bonus mirror for straightening your hair in!

The wedding was a great event and free champagne all night and a hog roast plus barn dance was a lot of fun. We got back in the early hours and climbed up into the loft for a comfortable night's sleep. It was cold again - Mrs Blakey got out in the middle of the night and there was a frost on the ground and on the sides of the van - testament to the quality insulation I think.

We rated the campsite about 6/10. It was cheap and in a pretty spot, with some heavy road noise as it was just off the A30. The facilities were old and knackered but at least they were clean and the price was very good. Value for money was 9/10 and it was perfect for what we wanted - a cheap over night spot - but I'd not have wanted to stay there any longer than a weekend.

Sunday we chilled out in the sunshine with a leisurely breakfast and then packed up and headed off to Bristol for a Championship play off match between Bristol vs Bedford. Bris won and are in the semi-finals, there were 11 tries in the game and we stood roasting in the sunshine for the whole game.

Drove home down the M4/M25/M23 and even got a big thumbs up from a passing VW van on the M25, so all in all a top weekend.

Kitchen Pod Design Continues

2010-04-16T21:15:00.000+01:00

Me and Mrs Blakey have been thrashing out some more details and Google SketchUps of the kitchen pod we want to put in. We went into the van and came up with a set of dimensions and then redesigned it based around those numbers. We have decided on adding the gas hob and cutlery draw to the top section, with a hinged door on the top and front of this section, split into two parts. Below this section the main pod will comprise three sections, each with a door and numerous shelves. This will lead to lots of smaller compartments which will mean things won't slide about as much. The shelves will be adjustable with lots of height options to choose from.

The Google SketchUp picture above shows the new design, with from left to right, the kitchen pod all shut up (it's usual state), with it all opened (to show the insides and shelves off) and with it in "cooking mode".

Not 100% finished yet as I'm still not 100% convinced about three sections as this precludes putting bigger items in. Also, we need to rescale it in terms of how deep it can be, as we have a maximum depth based on our desires to put a Variotech 333 seat system in sometime and this means we can't build this out too far.

Finally, my pal Terry had an idea to build a metal rod into the back of the cabinet and have clamps screwed into the panel of the van so that the metal rod can push back into the clamps and secure it in place. I believe they use a similar mechanism for holding kitchen furniture in place. Great idea for letting the pod clip into place neatly and then be removed when no longer camping. Will also mean no need for slightly messy looking bungees.

Kitchen Design

2010-04-12T16:10:00.000+01:00

I found Google Sketch today. Wow. A cracking piece of free software that's really intuitive and easy to pick up. I managed to install it, run through the simple tutorial (like all these things this is a must) and then knock up a simple first design for my kitchen pod with it all in my lunch hour. It's that easy to use.

The design is a simple one with a rectangular cabinet with single internal shelf. Google Sketch lets you draw things to scale so you can really design something that is going to fit.

I've cut a hole in the top shelf and hinged it. This is where the cooker will slot.

Not bad for an hour's work!

Cabinet Reshuffle

2010-04-11T18:49:00.002+01:00

This weekend I finally, totally and completely finished the rear cabinet. Honest. Back on the 15th January this year I first started to plan and design my rear cabinet and bit by bit I've built, adjusted, improved and tweaked the design and build till I am where I am today.

When we last saw the cabinet it was "finished" but I still wanted to cover it with a wood effect veneer. I'm a big fan of oak furniture and my local B&Q had some fablon in light oak which looked a good colour to me, so I snapped up a few rolls. After reading about Darran's self built kitchen pod I realised I had to also pick up some MDF primer as apparently fablon doesn't stick to bare MDF as the wood soaks up all the glue.

So I got home this weekend and cracked straight on with priming the cabinet. Not too difficult with suitable application of masking tape and an old curtain to shield the floor. Only took a couple of hours including drying time.

Then it was on to the fun stuff - applying the fablon. Mrs Blakey is a bit of a wallpaper whiz so I have to admit I let her do most of the tricky stuff.

We did it all properly - taking all the speakers out, the coat hooks off, and the power sockets unscrewed so we could get all the fablon underneath all these bits.

This fablon covering means that the cabinet now looks more like a real wood box than a plywood box, plus it covers up all the screw heads that were showing, and on the sides where we had two pieces of ply and a miniture gap between them it now looks like one consistent bit of wood. I'm really pleased with the final results.

So is Mrs Blakey.

Whilst I was there I took the chance to reshuffle the interior of the cabinet as well. I took the mains charger out of its spot in the top cabinet and moved it into the bottom section where I bungeed it in place against the wheel arch. It's not neat in there particularly but it is out of the way and stored with all the other electricals. Additionally we can now easily read the charge reading on the battery and have easy access to the on/off switch. Also into the lower cabinet I moved the AC/DC transformer we picked up. This means we can now run the 12v fridge off this 240 power source when parked up on a mains hook up or run it off the 12v battery when we have no such luxury.

Moving the charger 'downstairs' freed up a space that was begging for use so I have put the 12v kettle and tea/coffee stuff in there for now.

Whilst I was at it I got some fablon sticky shelf stuff and added it to the removable shelf. Oh and I also cut the shelf out of MDF to replace the plywood version we had in there earlier - simply to make it a little more strong.

All in all I am chuffed to pieces with the cabinet. It looks good, does all the things I wanted it to when I first designed it, and its all built and designed by me (with a little help from my friends!). Very pleased!

Royal Kitchen Stand

2010-04-09T14:03:00.000+01:00

As an alternative to making my own Kitchen Cabinet, I'm thinking of just buying this Royal Kitchen Unit for £65 plus delivery.

It pretty much ticks all the boxes I was hoping to achieve with a custom built one:

Space to put my existing gas hob on top (plus the added bonus of a built in splash screen which will help protect the inside of the van when cooking bacon in the mornings!)
Space for 2 gas cylinders in the bottom.
Easy running of gas pipe from gas bottle to hob (it's designed to do this).
A washing up sink built in.
A worksurface built in.
Shelving for all my camping kitchen bits and pieces like pans and crockery.
Somewhere to hang kitchen utensils.
Portable - it is fold up and it even comes with its own carrying bag.
Size-wise it fits nicely into the space I have assigned it to go - opposite the sliding door.
Looking at the frame it should be easy to bungee it in place for driving - those aluminum poles look well capable of having bungees wrapped around them.
It's also probably cheaper than what it would cost me to make a wooden cabinet when you take into account the base materials, then primer and fablon (if I take the same approach as the rear cabinet).
Plus it's professionally made which is more than can be said for my work!
It can be here in a matter of days rather than the weeks it will take me to build one.
There is a whole range so we could also pick up a Royal Camping Wardrobe for example, at £55 plus delivery, as one of the things we found was that the back of the van was messy with clothes all over the place.

Downsides include:

Is it strong enough to hold everything we need in there?
I'll get no sense of achievement in making it myself.
It's not 100% customised to how I want it - although to be honest it pretty much does everything I was hoping for.

Jury is still out on this one - and I've not run it past Mrs Blakey yet either. Anyone have any comments? Anyone actually bought one and have review?

Kitchen Cabinet

2010-04-06T10:53:00.001+01:00

Whilst parked up camping this weekend we realised that the biggest pain we have at the moment is that when we arrive anywhere we have to unpack a bunch of boxes and "set up camp", and then if we want to go anywhere we need to break camp and stick everything back into their boxes again. Also, when we stop up somewhere, in order to make a cuppa we have to get the gas hob out, hook it all up, dig out the kettle, the cups and all the bits we need. This was not a great hassle but slightly inconvenient and something we'd dearly love to avoid when we're touring later this year. So we decided to design a kitchen cabinet to go into the van behind the driver's seat and opposite the sliding door.   This is what we have come up with so far.

The cabinet doesn't have to be permanent like the one we built in the back. In fact we definitely want it to be easily removeable so that we can take it out when we are not camping and easily put it back in when we go camping. As it will be sitting where the rear seats go in the Kombi we don't want to remove the potential for having them back in so the cabinet needs to be easy to take out.    We plan to hold it in place with the load lashing points in the back and with bungees. One bungee will go around the plinth at the base in order to pull it back into the van wall and one will go over the top at the back to pull the cabinet into the floor.   As we thought more about this we decided the bungee over the top will run under the work surface out of sight behind the main cabinet so it does the job right but is out of the way. To remove the cabinet simply unhook the bungees and lift it out.

The cabinet will basically be rectangular. No complicated 'following the curved edge of the van wall' like in the case of the rear cabinet. This will make creating it shed loads easier. I believe the wall of the van is such that just under the window is slightly further out than floor level. So if the cabinet sits against the wall at the floor there will be a gap at the top. The plan then is to make a worksurface on the top that overhangs the basic rectangular cabinet and thus abutts the wall just under the window.   This overhang can hide a pair of hooks at the back of the cabinet which the bungee can feed through.

The basic cabinet will be made from simple 2"x1" wooden slats, cut to the right size.   It will be walled and backed with MDF panels. I will add a floor and shelf also cut from MDF.    By adding an MDF floor to the cabinet anything inside it will be held in place when the cabinet is picked up and taken out of the van.   This means it can be used to permanently store all the camping stuff we want in it and simply put in the shed. When we go camping we pick up the cabinet, carry it to the van, strap it in and we are ready to go. Simples.

I am thinking that the floor will have a 2" plinth underneath it which will be used to strap a bungee around to hold the whole thing in place against the back wall, allowing the doors to be opened when held thus. However I'm also thinking this will look a bit untidy and be unnecessary when we are parked up, so perhaps the best approach is to not have this plinth and instead when we travel use a bungee around the front to hold the cabinet in place and also keep the doors shut.    This might be a better solution but needs some more thought.

The cabinet dimensions are determined by a few factors. As we want to lash it in, it needs to fit between the load lashing points on the van floor, width-wise. In terms of depth, we want to keep two large gas bottles in here stored one behind the other. And in terms of height we want it to fit under the window so we have full access to the window. That pretty much defines the size.

The top of the cabinet is going to be used to make use of existing kit we own.   We looked into buying a SMEV gas hob and sink combination with a glass top to put on the top of the cabinet. That would be sweet, but seeing as the prices are about £200-£300 for the hob and sink alone we are talking a fortune. We already own a perfectly serviceable gas hob and want to make use of it. In addition we'd like a sink built in. But we don't have water tanks in the van, nor drainage so we want it as simple as possible. As such we're not looking for anything more hi tech than a plastic washing up bowl - in a perfect world perhaps one with a lid on it.

So we are going to make the top of the cabinet out of kitchen worksurface material. This is both water and heat resistant which makes sense as we're sticking a cooker and washing up bowl into it. Into that surface we are going to cut rectangular holes and drop our gas hob and washing up bowl into those holes.   Most washing up bowls come with a lip on them which is what will stop the bowl dropping through into the main cupboard.   Unfortunately our cooker does not have a lip so we're going to have to modify the cooker slightly to add some sort of lip to stop it dropping through. We will let the gas pipe drop through though, down into the cabinet to where the gas bottles will be stored, so it can be connected up underneath out of sight.   We shall make the worksurface as deep as we can sensibly do without getting too intrusive to the space in the van, so that there will be some space in front of the hob and sink to use as a typical work surface.

The cabinet will be designed to store two large gas bottles, our pan set, a complete set of plastic camping crockery and cutlery, our water bottle, washing up stuff, the Blackcat gas heater (till we fit a diesel heater) and any spare food we bring. I would like to add a cutlery draw into it somehow but this needs to be thought of some more.

Finally, on the outside we'll add some hooks to hang kitchen utensils and some of those plastic push in tea-towel holders so we have a handy place to put the washing up stuff. The two doors on the front (side opening) will have netting added to the insides as this makes excellent lightweight storage for all manner of odds and ends.

Edit: Another thought after looking at this unit: washable rollers instead of doors on the front. Nice touch.
I'll post more thoughts on this as I have them and of course document it here when we come to build it.

More Thermal Screens

2010-04-06T10:08:00.000+01:00

After camping this weekend with thermal screens for the cab it was clear just how handy these things are.   They're not cheap but they are easy to fit using suction cups, they completely cut out the light and they are great insulators too.

I called Just Kampers, who we bought the original cab screens from but they don't do a set for the back of a T5 so I had to look around. The cheapest other option I could find was these from South West Campers so I've ordered a pair of side windows and a set of barn door windows for a total of £105.   They are due to turn up tomorrow and we'll make use of them when we take the van to Dorset camping in a fortnight's time.

Oh, I also ordered a 12v kettle whilst I was at it.   I'm thinking that can sit in the van at all times, along with a little box of tea, coffee, sugar and coffee mate packets and a spoon. I need to keep a small flask of water in the back too. That way I always stop and make a cuppa - even if the 12v kettle takes 20 minutes to boil!

Easter in Kent

2010-04-05T21:47:00.003+01:00

This weekend me and Mrs Blakey took the van off to Kent for Easter. The weather forecast was shocking but we couldn't wait to try out the van with all the latest upgrades!

We packed up the usual camping stuff in boxes in the back of the van, all held in with bungees and set out on Friday morning. We arrived at the campsite at Manor Court Farm in the pouring rain and were shown to our pitch. As we had ordered a mains hook up we were directed to the 'tennis court', which appeared to be an overgrown field which was once a tennis court. We were there with a lovely looking splitty and no one else. The rain had driven everyone else away.

A quick check with the spirit level showed the old tennis court was flat as a pancake so we parked with the side door furthest from the gale and rains and popped the roof.

A few minutes later we had all the boxes unpacked, the front seats swivelled, the mains hookup connected, the table up and we were settling in. Kettle was put on, tea was made, cookies were opened - and we were on holiday.

It was lovely to just pop the roof rather than have to faff about pitching a tent - especially as it was chucking it down outside at the time.

That evening we went to the pub and on returning had our first experience of sleeping in the roof. It was a little tight in there and the matress was not very comfortable, but it was still easier than a tent. It was very cold though but it was only just above freezing outside so was no worse than a tent would have been.

The next day we headed into Tunbridge Wells. Sorry, I mean Royal Tunbridge Wells. Very posh. It took us a while to find any normal shops. All we could find were expensive boutiques, expensive cafes and estate agents that advertised houses with no prices. You know - the sort of place that if you have to ask the price you can't afford it. Lovely place though. Oh and eventually we tracked down a camping shop and even a surf shop. Not bad.

From there we set off to Bewl Water to have lunch - sandwiches from Tesco. It's supposed to be quite lovely there but when we got to the car park it was going to try and charge us £4 per person just to park up. Seemed a bit steep and as there was Scotney Castle, a National Trust castle about 200m away we figured we'd go and park there for free (we're members) and have our lunch there instead.

Whilst there we took a stroll around the two houses and the grounds as the sun made a rare appearance for the afternoon.

That evening we took advantage of the major reason for going to Manor Court Farm - the fact they let you light your own fires in the grounds. There's not much that beats a few ales and a real fire outdoors. Sweet.

The next day, Sunday, we headed off to another local attraction, Bodiam Castle. This is a really impressive place. A 12th century construction that has survived pretty much intact to this day. I'm a great fan of olde english historical buildings and this place ticked all the boxes for me. Loved it.

Oh and the fact we could pull up in the car park, pop the roof up on the van and sit and eat our sandwiches and put on a quick cuppa somehow made it all the more enjoyable. We're determined to use the roof like that every chance we can!

This weekend we really had a chance to trial the new additions to the van. Overall I'm happy as Larry about the changes we've made. Sitting in the back of the van at night with the thermal screens on the windows, sipping a hot cuppa which we'd made on our gas hob, with built in LEDs providing the light, tunes from our iPod plugged into a normal 240v socket and thinking of the bottle of white chilling in the 12v powered coolbox in the cabinet next to me, really made me feel like I was in a fully kitted out campervan.

Yet I got home, put the camping boxes in the shed and suddenly have a normal van I'm going to drive to the office tomorrow morning. And it's all ready for me to throw surf boards and mountain bikes in the back without destroying all that furniture you'd have in there if it was a real campervan.

And I think it looks pretty cool too.

Stoked.

Electricals Finally Finished

2010-04-05T19:16:00.002+01:00

After much head scratching, research, asking members of the Brickyard (over and over and over in some cases as I tried to get my head around what they were telling me), we have finally got the electrics in the van sorted.

We now have a 70 AH gel leisure battery installed in the back of the van. Installed next to it is the mains charger which allows me to charge the leisure battery when we are near a mains.

Attached to that is an intelligent split relay charger which charges the battery when the van is in motion but stops anything from draining power from the starter battery. This box also provides a fuse box into which all manner of 12v items can be wired.

We have a couple of LED lights wired into the split relay charger and two double 12v sockets, one inside the cabinet and one outside, providing access to the back of the van.

Finally we also have a mains hook up, located hidden away under the rear of the van, which provides a double 240v socket to the inside of the van and a single 240v socket inside the cabinet which I use for plugging the Ring charger in when hooked up on a campsite. This is protected with a trip switch.

CMC fitted all this stuff when they did the carpeting and roof and again I'm extremely pleased with what they have done. The wiring was all neat and well hidden. The mains hook up is invisible inside the van. All the wires run neatly and out of the way.

All this neatness means that the bottom section of my cabinet, which I expected to be full of electric wizardry is still fairly empty. So I've stowed my handy 12v vacuum cleaner, a 75w inverter and my handy box of bungees in the back and still have loads of space for putting bits and bobs in here when I want to.

I need to make a special mention here for CMC. I gave them a big wordy description of the configuration I wanted and went away hoping that they might vaguely get something like I'd asked for. It was quite a bespoke set up really and involved fitting everything into my cabinet. I went to pick up the van 4 days later and was blown away with how good a job they had done of the electricals. It was exactly as I'd asked and neater and more professional than I had expected or hoped for. Great job.

After all this I now have a leisure battery which powers two double 12v sockets. It is automatically recharged when driving. On top of that when I park up in a campsite with a mains hookup I can plug into the mains and this gives power to a double 240v socket inside the van and a single 240v socket inside the cabinet. Into this 240v socket I plug my mains charger and as such when parked up this way the leisure battery is also charged off the mains so effectively all the 240v and 12v sockets are powered from the mains this way.

Really pleased with the results.

Carpeting

2010-04-05T19:05:00.001+01:00

As well as fitting the Reimo Roof, CMC also carpeted throughout the van. The always carpet the shelf of the roof when putting it in so I figured rather than try and match the colours and match the fit it would be best to simply pay them to carry on the carpeting right to the floor. I chose charcoal grey carpet which whilst dark I think compliments the look of the black van really well.

CMC take the approach of not carpetting every single inch of the metal work. I wasn't entirely sure how that would look when it was finished but actually I'm really pleased with the resulting look.

They did a top job of it as well, carpeting both wheel arches, one of which was behind the cabinet I'd built in the back, and of course carpeting around the new roof supports. I'm really pleased with the end result.

Adding it to the job of insulating the van that I had already completed last year and there is a definite reduction in both road noise and an improvement in the warmth of the van. Again, I'm really pleased with the job CMC have done.

Reimo Roof

2010-04-05T18:38:00.003+01:00

On Thursday evening we picked up the van from Concept Multi Car in Hythe, Kent where the new Reimo Roof had been fitted. I ordered a Reimo roof with colour coding to match the pearescent black paint of the van, and an internal strengthened roof bed. They had the van four days and during this time also fitted my split relay charger, a mains hook up, two LED lights are carpeted the van throughout. And I'm really, really pleased with the results of all these upgrades.

With the roof down the profile of the van is altered slightly. To the trained (i.e. vanarack) eye it's easy to spot the van has an elevating roof but it doesn't change the profile very much really.

There is a slight rubber lip added to the van above the windscreen which deflects the wind over the roof and, once I'd figured out how to secure the roof nice and tightly shut, I have had the van over 80 mph without any real noticable increase in road noise due to this little rubber cleverness.

The back of the roof doesn't quite go all the way to the rear spoiler which looks a little strange but I can live with that.

All in all I like the roof's asthetics when closed.

Opening the roof is a really simple task. It is held down with two straps on the inside which I'm well used to from years of strapping surfboards to the roof of my old car. Once these are undone a gentle push upwards is all that is needed to open the roof which slides upwards, pushed and controlled by the gas struts built in.

Once up, from the outside the van now looks like a good old campervan - a look I have always loved.

The interior has three openings. The front one is plastic and transparent, and can be opened when it's raining or windy as it is sealed. This lets a lot of light fall into the van without letting in any rain or wind. It also gives you a nice view out of the bedroom upstairs. The side openings are simply netted behind the zip up panel, so these are useful when it's warm to ventilate the van. It was cold and rainy this weekend so we didn't use them much, apart from when we were burning the bacon!

The roof comes with a nice shelf all the way around it and we found this handy for popping all sorts of stuff on when camped up. You have to take it all off when you bring the roof down to travel but you can keep things on there with the bed up or down, which made it a handy 'bedside table' sort of surface as it was easily reached from the bed.

The bed is an optional extra but for us was one of the main reasons for getting the roof added.   It was really too dark this weekend to take proper photos of the bed section. It comes with a built in matress which is thin and not very comfortable to lie on all night long. Also, although the foot end of the bed is raised, at only 5'9" tall I found that if I lay on my back my feet would hit the bottom of the roof. Not great. Also, I couldn't quite lie on my back and bend my knees as the roof was too low at knee position.   This basically restricted me to sleeping on my side - and when I awoke I found my hips were aching from the thin matress.   We need to think about how to make the whole experience of sleeping in the roof a little more comfortable.   I'll be posting about that on the BrickYard soon and seeing what others have come up with.

When not sleeping the bed pushes up into the roof.   The very back section of the bed doesn't push up, and the bed folds in a clever way which leaves space up in the "loft" at the back of the bed. This space is big enough to store your duvet, pillows, sleeping bags and anything else you want whilst the bed is up. Very handy.

The major plus for us was that when parked up with the roof up you could now stand in the van. Absolute bonus and what we really wanted. We can now get changed in the van without breaking our backs. We can cook on our gas cooker without getting stuck bent over. It was a real bonus.

Putting the roof back down for driving is something you have to take care over. I know of a few people who have torn the canvas on the sides of the van by dropping the roof too quickly and having the canvas billow out and get caught in the hinges that hold the roof up.   The secret is to drop the roof to about 6" and then pull all the canvas in by hand at that stage, then drop it the last bit.   Not a great hassle to be honest. It also helps to have a side door open to let the air out when you drop the van. No problems for us with this over the weekend. And when down the roof looks nice and neat.

Securing the roof is simply a case of pulling some straps tight. It's really not difficult once you've figured out how to do it most efficiently. And with it pulled really tight the road noise is negligable.

All in all I'm delighted with the new roof and I think as long as I can solve the comfort issue with sleeping upstairs we will have many fun weekends in the roof!

Oh, and getting out of the bed head first is not recommended!

Insurance Update

2010-03-29T13:25:00.000+01:00

I just called Direct Line, my insurers to tell them about the Reimo Roof that's going on. I've had to fork out an extra £33 for the 6 months left on my insurance to cover the extra value the roof is adding to the van.

They're not entirely sure how to deal with insuring this addition to the van and have decided to say that I'm in the process of upgrading my van to a full camper van - which isn't entirely accurate as I'm never going to go the full hog and stick in an oven, a fridge and running water. Well, probably not! So it looks like that will be the final mod for the insurance which isn't too bad.

Still going to look around for better quotes in 6 months time though.

Reimo Roof and other bits

2010-03-26T13:19:00.000Z

I'm excited.

Tomorrow morning first thing I'm driving the van down to CMC in Hythe, Kent where it will be undergoing it's major transformation into part-camper. In one week I am hoping to get a new Reimo elevating roof with built in bed fitted; recarpeted throughout, new LED lights in the back of the van, wired into the leisure battery; a split relay charge fitted to charge the leisure battery whilst driving; and a mains hook up.   The electrics will all be wired into the cabinet I've been building in the back.

When I booked it in I paid a deposit on the roof and carpeting. I then emailed CMC later on and followed up with a phone call with requests for the mains hook up and split replay charge work.   They are very busy at the moment with a large number of conversions so they said they would try and fit the electrical work into the 4 days they have the van, but can't guarantee it.    Fair enough, but I'm really hopeful it will all go in.

I've even written up a little blog entry explaining how I want it all wired in which I'm printing out and taking with me for them to refer to!

I guess if they can't get it all done next week then the van will have to go back in to get the electrical bits done at a later date - or I'll look at somewhere else nearer to home to do this work.   I'm definitely keen to get a single installer to do all the electrical work in one hit so that if there are any problems I can take it back to them.

Electrical Addons to the Cabinet

2010-03-26T13:17:00.000Z

There are two main jobs that need doing regarding adding electrical power to the van: a mains hook up and installing a split relay charge. This entry attempts to explain what I'm planning with each job and how they are going to be wired in. Both are to be fitted into the existing cabinet which houses the leisure battery and charger.

CABINET

The cabinet comprises two sections, lower and upper. The lower section covers the wheel arch and is where most of the electrical stuff will be added. The upper section houses the leisure battery, charger and cool box.

MAINS HOOK UP

This will come in at the back of the van and run under the floor to the cabinet. It will provide two 240v sockets, both in the bottom section of the cabinet.

The first will be a double 240v socket which will be fitted to the forward facing side of the lower section, alongside the existing stereo speaker. This will supply power to the outside of the cabinet, into the back of the van.

The second will be a single 240v socket which will be fitted inside the lower section, supplying power to the inside of the lower section of cabinet. This socket is designed to provide power to the mains charger and thus be totally internal to the cabinet.

SPLIT RELAY CHARGE

The intelligent split replay charger needs to be installed and hooked up. The SRC box will be housed in the lower cabinet section. It has two main cables. One will be run under the floor to the front of the van and connected to the starter battery. The other simply runs up from the lower section of the cabinet to the upper section where it connects to the leisure battery terminals. All 12v appliances need to be plugged into the SRC box which is fused.

LED Lights

These will be wired into the lower section of the cabinet and plugged into the SRC fuse box.

Double 12v Sockets

There are two of these. One needs to go from the SRC and be fitted into the forward facing wall of the lower cabinet section alongside the double 240v socket. This will provide 12v power to the back of the main van. The other needs to be housed in the upper section of the cabinet. This provides 12v power to the upper section of the van – for the coolbox and other appliances (12v kettle, phone chargers etc) that might be housed inside the cabinet.

CABINET CHANGES

To install these electrical items a few changes need to be made to the cabinet:

A hole will need to be cut in the shelf that the charger sits on. This hole will allow wires to be fed from the upper section to the lower section. It needs to be big enough to get a plug through as I want to pass the charger power cable through this into the lower section of the cabinet to plug into the single 240v socket housed there. In addition to this the cables running from the SRC to the Leisure Battery will need to pass through this hole, as will the wire from the SRC to the double 12v socket that will be housed in the upper section.

A pair of holes will need to be cut in the forward facing wall of the lower section, one for the double 12v socket and one for the double 240v socket.

Cabinet New Doors and Hinges

2010-03-24T16:00:00.000Z

Just bought and fitted some 6mm MDF panels on the front of the cabinet to replace the plywood ones that were there before. The MDF ones are a lot more solid and aren't warped like the plywood ones. They should also provide more support as we want to use the top door as a light weight table as well when opened.

To that effect I also bought and fitted some side hinges - the sorts of things that go into old fashioned bureau desks. These stop the top door opening more than 90 degrees and give it some support when open. It won't hold much weight but should be enough to handle a kettle and a couple of mugs when required.

All that remains to do now is to cover it with a wood veneer but I'm going to wait until the van has been carpeted and the mains hook up and split relay charge fitted first as that will involve cutting holes out for the power sockets to fit.

Curtains

2010-03-15T17:17:00.000Z

Just been trolling through the Brickyard forum and found this thread on thermo mats for the rear of the van. What a great idea.

Basically the idea is that you take some thermal bubble wrap - the sort of thing I used as part of my insulation job. You then buy some blackout fabric and sew them together making warm, completely dark curtains. Make them slightly bigger than the windows and then either edge them in velcro, or even better sew some magnets into the lining, and they can be easily attached to the edges of the window. As I own a kombi I have a metal frame around the window so the magnet idea works well.

They'll have the advantage of being insulated (as that thermal bubble wrap is awesome), being totally black (blackout fabric is easy to acquire), very simple to put up (just use velcro or magnets to stick the curtain to the window frame), simple to roll up and stow when not in use (meaning no flapping curtains getting in the way) and dead cheap compared to the £130 I was budgeting for curtains.

Sweet.

I think I'll wait until the van is carpeted before sizing the blackout fabric, so I can cut them to fit the edges of the carpet neatly.

Cabinet Finished

2010-03-15T10:14:00.002Z

Finally, after the best part of 4 days working on it I have finished my rear cabinet. Well, mostly finish it anyway! Here is the finished article in situ:

This weekend we put the doors on and installed a speaker in the side.

I also replaced all the screws which I'd used to fit the piano hinges with counter sunk ones so that the front of the cabinet is smooth. The reason for this is that I intend covering the whole thing with a wood veneer effect paper and so I'll be able to simply cover all the screws up and you'll not see them at all.

I bought and fitted some simple stud handles to the front of the two doors and added magnetic clasps to keep them shut.

On the inside I added a divider between the cool box section and the battery area, and then added a removable shelf above the battery and charger. The makes use of the space above them whilst still being able to easily remove it for access to the battery.

The bottom cupboard is where I'm currently storing things like my windscreen ice-prevention cover and other soft furnishings - anything that won't rattle. When the mains hook up goes in, this bottom section will include a double 240v socket on the outside, giving power to the inside of the van, plus a 240v socket internally into which I'll plug the mains charger, so that the leisure battery will be charged when the mains hook up is plugged in.

All in all I'm really pleased with what I've achieved here. I still have stuff to do: As I say I want to cover it with a veneer cover to make it look less like a plywood box. I am going to add side hinges to the main door, so that it stops at a 90 degree angle - meaning we can use it as a lightweight table when pulled down. I also need to cut holes in it to allow all the wires to be fed through into the right places when the mains hook up and split relay charge are added in a fortnight. So there is more to do but we are nearly there.

Split Relay Charge

2010-03-15T10:00:00.000Z

After the world's longest delivery time (ordered in January, arrival in mid-March), my Split Relay Charger finally turned up.

It's a simple box with basically two wires leading from it. One plugs into the starter battery and the other plugs into the leisure battery. The intelligent box in the middle sorts out when to charge the leisure battery and how to deal with all the electrical wizardry of the starter system. You can then plug up to 10 appliances into the black box in the middle, each of which is fused.

I did have a look at installing this over the weekend but decided that as I'm getting CMC in Hyde to install a mains hook up in a couple of weeks time it would make sense to get them to install the SRC at the same time so that all the electrical stuff is done by one company - in case of any problems.

European Tour 2010

2010-03-12T11:32:00.001Z

Me and the missus are just starting to plan our European Tour for September this year. We're taking the van with a view to camping in her (when all the camping mods are complete!). This is our current route. We have 2 weeks off work and are planning on driving to Rome and back. We'll stop off at some of the listed places to have a look around. Some we plan to stay in for a day or two, maybe longer. Some (like Terneuzen in Holland) we're merely visiting to "tick off" another country on the trip. But who knows - Terneuzen might be wonderful and we may decide to stay there longer than a quick visit.

That's the plan: basically try and visit all these places but swap and change as we go using the versatility of a camper to stop wherever we feel.

The Route:

Ardingly, England (that's home).
Nice, France.
Monaco, Monaco.
Piza, Italy.
Florence, Italy.
Rome, Italy.
Assisi, Italy.
Venice, Italy.
Innsbruck, Austria.
Zurich, Switzerland.
Strasbourg, France.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
Terneuzen, Holland.
Brugge, Belgium.
Ardingly, England.

16 days, 10 countries, 3000 miles, and a GOOGLE MAP of the route.

Building The Battery Box (Part 2)

2010-02-22T10:35:00.001Z

This weekend I finally found time to do some more work on the cabinet in the back of the van. My pal Terry and me spent the entire day working on it and it's still not finished, but is really taking shape now. This is where it was when we last left it, and this is just propped up against the wall, not secured in at all.

First thing we did was to compartmentalise it so that there were specific sections for (from left to right) the 12v cool box, mains charger and leisure battery to fit into:

Then we built the rest of the framework. This took some time as we had to cut and shape it to fit the curved wall panel. Fortunately Tel is a professional and knew what he was up to! A template for van furniture would have saved us hours and hours here though. I wonder if you can get them on the net anywhere...

Then it was time to fit it onto the panel itself. For this we used 6 fixing brackets like you use to build kitchen furniture. This makes it really easy to take off the panel if required.

Then we put the sides and top on. Again this took a long time as we had to cut the ply to exactly fit the contours of the van walls. Not simple.

That is pretty much as far as we got. We started messing around with the piano hinges we bought and after some discussion and trial and error worked out how we will fit these to make the two doors on the front, but we ran out of light to fit them. So, still left to do:

Cut and fit the two doors, including latches.
Stick the drivers side stereo speaker into the side of the cabinet.
Fit a double 12v socket into the side of the cabinet somewhere.
Figure out where the mains hook up is going to live inside all this.
Fit a double 12v socket inside for the 12v cool box to plug into.
Fit the split relay charge system inside somewhere.
Wire it all together.

Hopefully we've no more than a few hours left to work on this and we're done. I'm still hopeful it will be complete before the van goes in for the elevating roof and carpet fit at the end of March. I might not have it veneered by then but that might be best left till it is all carpeted anyway.

Slow progress but we're getting there.

Plywood Rear Panels In

2010-02-10T16:52:00.000Z

I picked the van up from the garage today with two new drive shafts, and as soon as I got it home I got the rear plywood panels in. We'd cut them at the weekend from 6mm ply but had found the default plastic rivets weren't strong enough to hold them in place. So I ordered 40 scrivets, which are blinking excellent.

I popped the old hardboard panels off using the usual rivet removing tool and simply screwed the new panels on using a electric screw driver. You can hammer the scrivets in and screw them out but it was even easier to just screw them in.

Then it was time to slot the rear cabinet frame into place and see how it sat. The frame is only really half built but at least this gives me an idea of what it will look like when completed.

So now all that's left to do is work out how to attach the frame to the plywood panels, finish off the frame, board it up with plywood, add latches, hinges and such, cut out the holes for the 12v sockets and then finish with wood veneer. Easy!

Double Drive Shaft Failure

2010-02-09T20:32:00.000Z

So, the van is in the shop to get the driver's side drive shaft fixed after the breakdown on Sunday. They've managed to replace it, which is good, but whilst checking it over they realised the passenger side shaft is also screwed. No details from the garage yet as to what has happened to the two but it's a tad annoying that they have both failed within 21,000 miles of use.

Still, on the plus side, that's two new drive shafts both within warranty and basically for free. And fair play to SMG Cowfold for fixing one and noticing that the other was broken. Also VW Assist were really great - they came and picked the van up from my road and gave me a hire van for the time the van was being fixed. Again, all for free and just because the van is still in warranty.

Hopefully I get it back tomorrow.

I also took delivery of my new "scrivets" today - so tomorrow, if the van does come back I'm aiming to try and fit my new plywood replacement panels in the back. Should be good.

Continuing Cabinet Design

2010-02-08T10:46:00.003Z

Been thinking some more about how I can finish off the cabinet design and I've had some more good ideas that I need to write down before I forget them...

The cabinet has been built in two sections. The lower section boxes in the wheel arch and the upper section is big so that it will house my battery, charger and cool box side by side. The coolbox is about twice the height of the charger and battery so there is a large space above the battery and charger at present.

My idea now is to partition the top area in two: one for the cool box and the other for the battery and charger. I'll then stick a shelf in above the battery and charger making a further storage area and having the effect of isolating the battery and charger in their own little box. This section can have a plywood panel screwed on the front so that the battery and charger are hidden away but can be accessed by unscrewing the panel. Sounds good.

Regarding power points, I'll put one double 12v socket into the upper shelf such that the 12v cool box can be plugged in here, and one spare appliance too. I see us charging mobile phones and stuff here, hidden away with the door shut. Nice and neat. Then I'll stick a double 12v socket down in the lower wheel arch section coming out of the front into the main van. This front section will be hinged and made into an access door. I don't expect to open it often but it will be possible to do so if desired. This double 12v socket provides power to the main van when needed.

When the 240v hook up goes in this can feed into the lower, wheel arch, section. In there we can put a double 240v socket on the hinged lower door, next to the double 12v socket. This will give 2 sockets into the van. Then we can stick a third socket inside this lower section, hidden away. This socket will take the mains charger plug so that when the van is hooked up the leisure battery will automatically be charged. It will all be hidden away in the lower compartment this way. Neat. I'll need a hole in the shelf inside the battery area to drop the plug and wires through into the wheel arch section but that should be hidden away as well.

The two front panels will be hinged at the bottom using piano-hinges. These give the best support as they can run along the whole length of the door. The top most door, which will cover the entire upper section, will be supported by chains which will stop the door opening at exactly 90 degrees. This won't be super sturdy but should provide a strong enough work surface, when opened, to stick a kettle and some mugs on. This should make a handy addition to the cabinet.

When it comes to finish, I was thinking of just getting it all carpeted over, but I'm now thinking I might cover it with stick on wood veneer to make it look somewhat professional. The jury is still out on this idea but it's simple enough to do and could make for a good looking cabinet I reckon.

With this design I get:

A lower wheel arch section into which most of the electrical wires will be housed and hidden. There will be space in here to store quite a bit of spare stuff - I'm thinking I'll probably stick spare bungees and stuff like that in here.
A battery/charger compartment what is hidden away but accessible easily by removing some screws.
A cool box section which is big enough to slide the cool box into whilst having it safe and secure when driving. It should just about be big enough to open the cool box whilst in this location too.
A spare storage location above the battery box, which has a double 12v socket in it for powering the coolbox and another appliance. I envision storing a 12v kettle and some mugs in here.
A pull down door on the front of each section. The top one will be supported by chains so that it makes a nice shelf/workspace when opened.

Just got to get on and finish building the thing now!

If only everything in life was as reliable

2010-02-07T18:02:00.004Z

This morning on the way to drop my pal home the whole van started to shudder violently. It felt like a wheel was about to come off. I quickly pulled over into a handy lay-by and we checked out the wheels. They all seemed to be fine, so we started the van up and she started okay and revved fine in neutral. But as soon as I tried to put her into any gear she shuddered and screeched. It seems the tiptronic gear box might have gone. However the mechanic who towed us home told me he thought it was the drive shaft. This seems to be confirmed by my neighbour who also has a T5 and told me they were a very common fault.

I've owned the van 1 week shy of 6 months and the van isn't yet 3 years old so I'm sure I can get this fixed under warranty. It's just another frustrating thing on top of not being able to finish off my battery box yesterday.

But on the plus side I broke down only 10 miles from home and within 55 minutes of pulling over crock, I was back home, with the van parked up outside the house. Awesome service from Insurance Choice Breakdown I have to say!

If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagon? Hmmm.

Building The Battery Box (Part 1)

2010-02-07T17:31:00.007Z

This has been one really frustrating weekend. In a nutshell we couldn't finish building the battery box as was planned, and also the van broke down in a big way. Rubbish. Anyway, this is what we did achieve:

I went up to my good mate's house first thing Saturday morning and we set to building the battery box. The first order of the day was to replace the two rear hardboard panels with 6mm plywood. Thin enough to bend but thick enough to provide some support to the battery box frame. We went to the local wood supplier and bought two huge sheets of ply and a few 2"x1" planks for building the frame for the box. We also picked up a ton of screws. But we were unable to find a couple of piano-hinges we were looking for. So we knew the doors to the box would have to wait for now.

We got back and marked out the two panels in plywood.

Then with the help of my mate's electrical carpentry kit and his expert knowledge we whipped around the template with a jigsaw. Well, he did.

Net result, a pair of rear panels almost ready to go in.

Before they could be fitted I drilled the holes through which the plastic rivets would pass, and did a lot of sanding. No one will get a splinter off these panels!

This was when we hit frustration number one. The panels would not go into the back of the van. As far as I could see the template was fine and all the holes lined up okay. The issue was that the default VW plastic clips were simply too short to bite properly with the thicker and less flexible plywood. This simple problem totally threw a spanner in the works. Not only did it mean we couldn't finish the job in one day (which would have proved impossible time-wise anyway as it turned out) but we couldn't completely work out how we would attach the box to the panel as we couldn't fit the panel in place.

Anyway, undaunted we continued on with the work. We measured, cut and built the beginnings of the battery box. This was one construction by the time it was done but was made of loads of bits of 2"x1" for the frame, plywood to cover, and to make the shelves, and a gazillion screws. It comprised a box to cover the rear wheel arch - this box will also hide all the electrical wiring when completed - and an upper box into which we can put the leisure battery, charger and 12v coolbox. Sweet.

There is some space spare for more storage and there will be easy access to everything via latched doors on the front of the box. We still plan to have a double 12v socket on the front, and one inside the box so that the 12v coolbox and one other appliance can be plugged in, out of sight. When the mains hook up is added a double 240v socket will be put on the front and one 240v socket will be inside, for the mains charger to plug into.

I didn't take a picture of the final state of how far we got the box at the end of the day as we were in a rush to get on and watch the England vs. Wales Six Nations match (one bit of good news in the weekend!). I'll edit this post and stick one in tomorrow when I have some daylight.

Anyway, I've just ordered a bunch of double length replacement plastic rivets and as soon as they arrive I should be able to install the plywood replacement panels. Then it's time to arrange to get back to the mate's house and finish off the box.

Mains Hook Up

2010-02-01T16:05:00.002Z

After chatting to the educated and enlightened chaps on the Brick Yard forum I have decided it is much more sensible to get a professional outfit to install a 240v mains hook up into the van. 12v electricity is relatively okay to muddle about with, but 240v can be deadly so it's important. To that end I've just arranged with CMC that they are going to add in a mains hook up the van when they do the roof. They are also going to wire a couple of 12v LEDs into the leisure battery at the same time.

It makes a lot of sense to me to get these done at this stage, so that they can do all the faffing about with wires and then finish off with the carpeting. So there will be no need to pull the carpet up to fit stuff later.

When the van comes back from CMC it will almost be ready to sleep in!

Reimo Roof Ordered

2010-01-30T15:34:00.003Z

Just back from CMC in Kent. Really impressive outfit there. Loads of vans on demo and the chance to wander their workshops where they are fitting stuff. I was very impressed with the quality of the roof and of the beds so have placed an order. Getting mine fitted end of March.

I decided to get them to carpet the whole van whilst they were there. They carpet the area immediately around the roof anyway, and I figured if they continued on to the rest of the van it would look better than if I later tried to bring carpet up to their carpet line and match them up.

I am also going to get some lights added into the roof frame to replace the existing lighting. Might as well get CMC to supply and fit them when they do the roof to save time and effort, and get them to wire them into the leisure battery before the carpeting is done.

We should get the van back just before Easter so we're planning on a trip away for a long weekend then! Can't wait!

So, that gives me two months to build my battery box, wire in the leisure battery with the split relay charge, and I think, also complete phase three of the leisure battery plan, and fit a mains hook up. If I can get all that done before the van goes in for the roof then they can carpet over the top of all the stuff we have built and all the wiring nice and neatly.

Battery Box

2010-01-27T14:18:00.005Z

This month I started to write down some words about my plans for a cabinet in the back of the van. This was supposed to hold the leisure battery and charger, plus have the ability to slot my many biking/surfing/camping boxes into it. Unfortunately having spent time measuring up and feeling the weight of my camping boxes I see this cabinet design isn't going to work too well. So it is back to the drawing board.

Now that I am very nearly ready to attempt Phase Two of the Leisure Battery plan and wire the battery up to the alternator via a neat split relay charge system I've just ordered, I need to finalise a place to keep all this electrical wizardry.

I posted a thread on the Brick Yard about boxing in the rear wheel arches and looking at the replies on that thread, especially from Fozzy, plus looking at what Digs had done with his battery and coolbox-seat idea, I came up with a newer, simpler design. This design is only going to hold the electrical stuff. It is not going to try and hold any storage boxes. For now they can stay on the floor held tight by my storage frame.

All I am going to do is to box in the rear wheel arches. This could prove to be annoying as the seat belts in the back of my Kombi actually sit very close to the wheel arches:

I'm going to box both sides in which will also make the van look a little neater and hopefully make it easier to carpet these bits later on too!

The plan is (stealing Fozzy's idea) to make the top of the passenger side box a lid so I can use the extra space for storage. There is a wheel jack and also I have a box of bungees I think would store nicely in there.

On top of the drivers side box I'm going to build another box, the same width as the wheel arch box. This box can be partitioned if needed and will be used to house the Ring Mains Charger, the Leisure Battery and the SRC consumer unit. These three units will all be connected up together inside the box out of sight. The wire which connects the SRC to the starter battery can come out of the back of this box out of sight. This box will have the same style lid on it as the passenger side one. As you can see from the picture I will have to move the speaker that is currently mounted in the plywood panel. I think I'll probably stick that on the front of the box.

Initially I'll connect my double 12v socket up to the consumer unit in here, so I'm going to cut out a little slot on the side for this double socket to peek out giving easy access without opening the box. I also plan to allow a mains cable sized hole at the top of the box by the lid, so I can open the lid, pull the mains charger cable out and slot it into that hole, then close the lid back down. This allows me to plug the mains charger in with the lid shut.

I need to speak to my carpenter mate about what sort of wood to use for this task. The plan will be to carpet over the top of it so it doesn't need to be all that nicely finished. It would be a bonus if the boxes were strong enough to support the weight of someone sitting on them as well, which should be quite possible - adding some extra spare seating to the van!

As an added extra, if at all possible I'd like to be able to fit my cool box into the same drivers side box set up. This cool box is quite big, but if I could have a compartment in there for this to live alongside all the electrical stuff that would be really handy. This optional extra will have to be considered when we make the final plans for the boxes.

All these boxes are designed to be attached to the plywood panels at the rear of the van, and not attached to the floor at all, but clearly resting on the floor. This way, when you need to remove the panels you still can and the boxes will come off with the panels. In the case of the battery box I will need to make sure I can remove all the kit in the boxes first of course! Should be simple.

I like this design as it is a lot simpler than the caninet idea I had. It removes the unseemly wheel arches. It adds some storage to the back of the van. It allows me to store my leisure battery and wire it into the mains easily. All in all it's a nice set up and I don't think it should be too hard to build. It isn't trying to be too clever by holding and supporting the camping boxes I have which I think is asking too much.

Split Relay Charge System

2010-01-27T13:56:00.005Z

After many months of deliberating on how I was going to get Phase Two of my Leisure Battery plan to work out, and after many helpful suggestions from EnergySolutions and Digs on the BrickYard forum, I finally decided to buy a Split Relay Charge (SRC) system. This neat system from Tidy Transporters is a real all-in-one, DIY system and the fact that I, Mr Impractical, have been convinced to buy it and fit it myself is a sure sign its idiot proof. Although I have still to actually fit it so that may be proved wrong yet!

The idea with this system (thanks to EnergySolutions and the nice chap on the phone at Tidy Transporters for explaining this in simple terms) is this: You simply attach one wire to your starter battery in the engine compartment, you then run the wire into the back of the van where your leisure battery is housed. This wire is already attached into the "consumer unit" (a simple silver box where all the electrical magic is housed). Out of the other end of the consumer unit comes another wire which you attach to your leisure battery. Simple. Once this is done your leisure battery will automatically charge when you drive the van and when you stop anything connected to the leisure battery or consumer unit will drain the leisure battery only, not the starter battery. Perfect.

The extra nice thing about this is the consumer unit. This has a built in fuse box and attachments for 10 connections to be made to it. Each of these connections is individually fused and they will all draw power from the leisure battery only. You can plug any 12v equipment into these connections. To start with that would be my double 12v socket so I can plug my cooler in to it. But in future as I buy them this can mean some nice powerful LED lights, and then other kit like WiFi networks, TVs, DVD players, PS3s and so on. Great for future expansion.

The other good thing about this is that the SRC can be permanently hooked up to the leisure battery, as can the mains charger, but these do not need regular access so they can be stored away and will not need fiddling with. The consumer unit can be stored separately but nearby as this is the thing you'll be plugging all the 12v units into.

One thing that this set up does not achieve, which was part of my original Phase Two plan, is being able to run the vans internal lights and the car stereo off the leisure battery. However I plan to replace the internal lights with a better set of LED lights, which will run off the leisure battery system, as the internal lights on a T5 are actually pretty rubbish anyway. And I can always buy a plug in radio for the back of the van - although I might still investigate how difficult it would be to move the car stereo over to the leisure battery anyway.

I also have to actually run a cable from the back of the van through the bulkhead to the engine compartment. Having taken the side panels off to insulate the van I know there is a channel which runs down the side of the van which I can run this cable down. The wires going to the rear lights follow that channel. The man from Tidy Transporters reckons from there it is "easy" to run the wires under the passenger seat and through a grommet to the outside, then under the van to the engine bay. We shall see quite how "easy" this actually pans out to be! Anyway, he reckons the T5 is one of the easiest vans to do this with, so hopefully it won't turn out to be a nightmare.

So, with this SRC system ordered and on the way, the next thing I really need to do with the van is to build something for the battery, charger and SRC system to live in.

Mountain Biking Preparation

2010-01-27T13:43:00.004Z

Last night I finished screwing together my simple storage frame and installed it in the van. I also went through all the boxes I have in the shed for camping, biking and surfing and rearranged them all so that they all now neatly fit into the boxes the frame is designed to hold. So I now have a dead simple way of transporting my bike box when I go biking. I just go to the shed, grab my bike box and throw it into the back of the van, kept in place by the storage frame, with no need to bungee anything in place.

However there is still the issue of my bike. Having a Kombi I have six load lashing points spread evenly across the floor of the van. Dead handy. However I always struggle with a counter point up high to strap a bungee to in order to hold a mountain bike upright. This lunchtime I solved this issue.

I did nothing more that super glue a bunch of small coat hooks to the metal frame work of the van, above the load lashing points. These are small enough to be unobtrusive but are big enough to hook a bungee cord over. So I will now have an easy way to lash my bike into the van for transporting about.

It's a very little and easy thing but it's a step forward in utilization of my van for the things I bought it for - like simply being able to go mountain biking with the bikes and boxes easily thrown in the back.

Storage Frame

2010-01-24T17:33:00.007Z

I've been wondering for a long time how I can easily store my many boxes (camping, surfing, biking etc) inside the van in such a manner as keeps them all tidy, organised and, importantly, secure when travelling. This Cabinet is my current idea for this, but it is still a ways off being ready to build.

So this weekend I had a bit of a brainwave about a little construction I can build to go in the back of the van. I'm building a frame of simple pine planks. The idea of the frame is that it will sit in the back of the van, simply lying on the floor and will be pulled into the wall of the van by bungees attached to the front and rear load lashing points. The frame will be split into sections so that I can simply drop my boxes into a section and they should be fairly tight and secure. The planks are deep enough that the boxes will sit snug and not rattle around.

I sat down with a tape measure, pen and paper, and measured up the back of the van and the boxes I want to secure and made a rough design. I then went to B&Q and picked up 2 x 2.4m planks of pine, deciding on the planed ones just to minimize the chance of splinters.

I then marked up and sawed them to length, taking into consideration that two of the frames would have to go up against the wheel arch and thus would be shorter. I ended up with this:

This is just it cut to size and laid out in the back garden. It's not been fixed yet.

I moved it into the van and put it into the places it will be used, and then put a set of typical boxes into the back of the van and arranged the framework around them. The bits of wood are still just placed into possible final locations. Nothing is permanent yet.

From the side door:

And from the back:

The next step, tomorrow hopefully, is to mark up the wood precisely and then use some wood glue and screws to fix the 'legs' to the main backbone of the frame. Once complete, it will be held in place by a bungee attaching to the rear load lashing point, going all the way around the main frame and attaching to the other point just beind the drivers seat. I'll probably cut a small grove the middle of the corners of the frame to help keep the bungee cord in place.

Single boxes can probably just drop straight in and be secure. But I have designed it such that the middle section exposes the middle load lashing point so that I can run bungees over the top of the boxes if I want to. This should allow more than one box to be stacked on top of each other.

Finally, with boxes organised so that they have enough stuff in them that you can shut the lids, these make makeshift seats as well!

I'll post again when I actually screw and glue the frame together - being Mr. Impractical it's very likely I'll cock it up!!!

Gel Battery Arrives

2010-01-15T19:04:00.007Z

After learning about how normal acid batteries need venting when being charged, and that gel batteries do not and can also be installed on their sides I asked Alpha Batteries, who I had bought my acid battery from, if I could swap batteries. They agreed and the order was placed. Due to all the snow the new gel battery kept getting delayed but it finally arrived here this week.

I immediately hooked it up to my charger and found it was, not surprisingly, running at 60% charge, so I stuck it on to charge overnight. The charger decided the battery could do with a recondition, which is apparently not uncommon on batteries that have been stored unused for a time, and it ran through a complete recondition in my lounge overnight. No heating issues and no venting needed. Excellent.

This evening, then, I hooked it up to the new 12v cooler/heater that my mum- and dad-in-law got me for Christmas, and it worked a treat. Really pleased with the cooler and am looking forward to sticking some beers in there for a camping trip!

That's Phase One of the Leisure Battery Project complete (for the second, non-acid-battery, time!)