We are Sailing...

And Kayaking. A friend organises a day of watery activities each year for the TOGs (Terry's Old Geezers and Gals) at the Water Sports Centre she's involved with. As they have the space I took Dai and stopped over for the night. It was a pleasant cross-country drive down through Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to the centre near Waltham Abbey.

After a day of playing in sailing dinghies, kayaks and on rafts we sat out eating fish and chips and generally put the world to rights. Unfortunately the insects were definitely in a biting mood so we retired relatively early. Unusually I hadn't really set things up so it was a while before I actually headed to bed (it only really takes 5 or 10 minutes but I was definitely stiffening up and took my time). Can't say it was a good night's sleep but never mind. That wasn't helped by a dog fox starting barking just as I was about to settle.

As always I awoke early but the great advantage of having my own facilities is that I could make my bacon rolls and coffee without disturbing anyone else. I did have to apologise to a friend for not making her a drink, I only carry one mug! Nice to be able to sit looking out over the water in the relative peace and quiet though. Having spent the morning just chilling I again went cross country to home via Venture Caravans at Hitchin. There was no particular reason for visiting, just a look round. The trouble is that as usual I saw a large motorhome for a price I could afford but nothing small enough for what I need (except a couple of overpriced VW conversions).

I'm not out again until the end of August when I head for Snowdonia, but I have ordered the awning mentioned in the previous post. I still need to work out how to attach it to the 'van. I'll probably have to take it all up to parents' drive as I haven't got room here.

The Kit List Grows!

I'm well into my third season with Dai now, and I've been debating whether to replace or not next spring. As of this weekend I've decided I'll give it at least one more year (God and MOT inspectors willing).

One of the advantages of the campervan is the ability to change sites easily, which I've found means I'm tending to only travel short distances each day, often 10-15 miles. The downside of course is that it does take a few minutes to pack away completely each time. As a result I've bought an electric bike. It folds small enough (just) to fit inside the camper, although a bike rack may well be added anyway, and should give me a comfortable 40-60 mile range with a reasonable amount of pedalling whilst not going too slowly up hills.

I've also decided it's time to add an awning. It's something I've been debating for the last 3 years but managed without. I'm away for a weekend at a rally in September and it would be useful to accommodate a couple of guests, so that's the primary excuse. It would also give me a bit more flexibility on sites, currently I really need facilities as the toilet provision is only adequate for a couple of nights - with an awning I can take the large Porta Potti. Then I can also consider sorting out the Cadac barbecue and various other things that can be carried then stowed under cover. So now it's a case of finding the right one. The Vango Airbeam that I'd really like is too big and too expensive so it's back to searching and hoping I get a bargain.