My caravanning year.

[Thingy]

Traditionally we dont do weekends or short stays. We tend to go for three or four trips and have three or four weeks each trip. This year has been a disaster. Our first trip, planned for three weeks in Hawes went belly up when the weather collapsed and we had a lot of snow. Disappointed, we patiently waited for summer and a month in Cornwall. Resplendant with new air awning we set off, only to run into problems on Exeter racecourse with travellers. Moving into Cornwall, the caravan yet again proved unreliable (every single trip we have had its had issues) and a few days in the air awning exploded in the heat. I finished up in casualty with another insect bite. I honestly came very close to packing it in altogether. Speaking to madam, I stated that I wasnt going anywhere again with this caravan and if we ever caravan again, we will have to spend money first. In the same vein the air awning was cursed from every angle, and despite being only a month old was bound for Fleabay. Madam thought I was just upset and would calm down. On arriving home, the caravan went straight to the dealer and the awning was sold on Ebay.

The new caravan, a big departure from anything else we have had is stunning, and as you can appreciate we were really itching to get away and try it, and having also bought a new izzy Ambassador to go with it we were all set. Three weeks in Dornafield, our favourite site. Four days before we were due to leave the curse struck again and yours truly finished up in hospital. Cellulitis hit and on top of that my grandson hit me with a cough that turned into a chest infection. Another lost trip. Dornafield were very very good, and allowed us to move our booking to the same weeks next year (you pay in advance here).

Totally determined not to be beaten, we have booked Hawes again for November and once again we are itching to go. Hawes is beautiful and the decision to go there has absolutely nothing to do with roaring log fires and Theakstons Old Pec on draught. Honest.

I will not be stopped. It can blow, snow, rain or freeze, or all of them. Im going and thats it. We have never been that late in the year so its a learning curve, any advice gratefully received.

If I ever get to heaven
To St Peter I will tell
One more 'vanner reporting sir
And Ive done my time in hell

 

[SirRogerFFS]

Well Thingy thats one hell of a story. It is disturbing when I read things like this but nice to nice to know you aint gonna be beat. We too have had disasters on our holiday but mostly been awning issues but I wont go into that as I still get p***ed off when I think back. good luck with your future hols and I hope all goes well for you.
Sir Roger

 

[Grey13]

I spent Dec/Jan last year in Cornwall. First time in mid winter. Remember it was quite an experience for us, having caravaned mostly in Africa at times at 45 deg C temperatures. So cold it was but that was not the worst thing, we actually enjoyed the stay. What got us was the strong winds. Although I have a Kampa blow up thingy :silly: used the Sunncamp canopy which was great. I figured that with general 5 deg C daytime temps etc we would not be sitting in the awning much so all we needed was a canopy to keep the area in front of the door dry etc. That worked just great however the strong winds (bordering on gale force) eventually meant the canopy had to come down, well at about 2 one night in sleeting rain along with gale force winds. That my friend will never happen again, I have 12 inch pegs and specially adapted storm straps now so I look forward to the next very strong winds I end up in. (Note: It will stay up or someone will see a van flying with a canopy as a sail passing overhead) Other than that, I used pipe insulation on the water supply pipe from the tap to van, special jacket for the aqua-roll etc and never had a problem. I did however find my hot water supply in the van for showering inadequate but I suppose when the cold water is close to freezing it is to be expected. Some on here may remember my still ongoing mission to increase my hot water supply! Otherwise fun was had by all. Canopy still up c/w Xmas lights

 

[otherclive]

I spent Dec/Jan last year in Cornwall. First time in mid winter. Remember it was quite an experience for us, having caravaned mostly in Africa at times at 45 deg C temperatures. So cold it was but that was not the worst thing, we actually enjoyed the stay. What got us was the strong winds. Although I have a Kampa blow up thingy :silly: used the Sunncamp canopy which was great. I figured that with general 5 deg C daytime temps etc we would not be sitting in the awning much so all we needed was a canopy to keep the area in front of the door dry etc. That worked just great however the strong winds (bordering on gale force) eventually meant the canopy had to come down, well at about 2 one night in sleeting rain along with gale force winds. That my friend will never happen again, I have 12 inch pegs and specially adapted storm straps now so I look forward to the next very strong winds I end up in. (Note: It will stay up or someone will see a van flying with a canopy as a sail passing overhead) Other than that, I used pipe insulation on the water supply pipe from the tap to van, special jacket for the aqua-roll etc and never had a problem. I did however find my hot water supply in the van for showering inadequate but I suppose when the cold water is close to freezing it is to be expected. Some on here may remember my still ongoing mission to increase my hot water supply! Otherwise fun was had by all. Canopy still up c/w Xmas lights

We must have shared the same storm in Cornwall over the New Year and even though we were somewhat sheltered the van felt just like an aircraft hitting turbulence throughout the whole night. 2018 didn't get off to a good start, and has stayed on a low trajectory ever since.

 

[pastiche]

You are not on your own if you read my threads, even now we have small problems like the leads for the micro switch on kitchen tap keep coming loose, even after replacing the connectors. Gas fire works perfect at home before setting off and not coming on at times .Does not put us off , manage to get away this year six times so far.

 

[Raywood]

We have had our troubles this year with a second appearence of damp this time in the roof joint. The dealer was happy to repair under warranty but having lost confidence in it we did a deal for the new one. not sure if this one is jinxed, as both trips we have had in it have been in bad weather and another has had to be called off because of gail force winds, Tomorrow we are supposed to be away and the forecast is heavy rain, although it does dry up for Sunday.

 

[thosoneill]

My caravanning year has consisted of one weekend at Charoland caravan site in Lancashire - I’m putting on the fitted cover this weekend and it won’t be out until at least easter next year - not exactly a good use of resources

 

[Brasso530]

On the whole not a bad year for us,managed 32 nights away from 5 trips,love2stay,coniston,Silverdale,woolacombe and a quick getaway last weekend at grassing ton.Lets hope it continues.

 

[Trevormc]

We are on our 6th trip this year and our 3rd storm. Yes we are in Pembrokeshire arrived last Thursday.

Our awning let in a lot of water through the roof and zips roof was like a fine shower at times. But over our 40 years touring GB still looking for our next trip, don't do winter but may try it some time. We beat the beast from the east so who knows.

 

[Craigyoung]

We didn't do the winter when we first started but I love travelling in the winter now , nice to wake me up to a white frosty morning when you look out the window. I remember being down at Knaresborough few years ago and it was about -3 outside yet the people opposite were still out cooking their breakfast on the hot plate !!

 

[Thingy]

And on it goes. I still havent shifted this chest infection and coughing so hard I have pulled a muscle in my neck and one in my back. Its like having whiplash as well as the back pain. Looks like we may be cancelling a third holiday this year.
One can get fedup of this.

 

[Anseo]

We didn't do the winter when we first started but I love travelling in the winter now , nice to wake me up to a white frosty morning when you look out the window. I remember being down at Knaresborough few years ago and it was about -3 outside yet the people opposite were still out cooking their breakfast on the hot plate !!

Glad you enjoy winter camping Craig, I do to.

The Mennock Pass can be harsh, but in winter I like it, on the winter list this year are Glens off the Rannoch Moor.

 

[Dustydog]

And on it goes. I still havent shifted this chest infection and coughing so hard I have pulled a muscle in my neck and one in my back. Its like having whiplash as well as the back pain. Looks like we may be cancelling a third holiday this year.
One can get fedup of this.

Sorry to hear that Thingy. Very frustrating.
I do wonder if some of the old remedies in addition to antibiotics help?
Mum gave us copious amounts of camphorated oil rubbed into chest and back. Honey lemon and a dash of sherry warmed up. Sherry to help us sleep? And an open window. Hot water bottle was mandatory.
Get well soon mate B)

 

[Thingy]

Blimey, old remedies, I would rather drink the camphorated oil and rub the sherry in. Cant drink sherry, I was a tom, not a Rupert B)

 

[Thingy]

Four days and looking good. Chest infection gone, neither leg has dropped off and no sign of typhus or leprosy.

We may just get away.

 

[Dustydog]

Four days and looking good. Chest infection gone, neither leg has dropped off and no sign of typhus or leprosy.

We may just get away.

:cheer: :cheer:

 

[Anseo]

Glad to hear that Thingy, keep on progressing.

 

[Thingy]

Three days, still fit and healthy, believe I can actually taste the Theakstons Old Peculier.

Beginning to believe we WILL get there.

 

[Thingy]

And we are there. we finally get to use the new grocklebox. After months of illness and sitting watching the caravan look forlorn on the drive, we have made it. Still have all limbs attached, people are not approaching me wearing an NBC suit, and I dont have to walk round rigning a bell shouting "unclean".

Car fuelled and loaded, caravan ditto, wallet filled, fridge filled, beer purchased, bottle opener polished. Cadac checked.

Ummmm. Wonder what bit we will forget?

 

[Thingy]

Glad to report, and for the first time in my caravanning experience, everything on this van is working as it should be. No complaints or disappointments. Sure most of the cupboard doors have been aligned by a blind man using a chocolate screwdriver but thats pretty much the norm for British caravans and in fairness only took a few mins to sort. Point is though, we shouldnt have to be sorting it.

Alde heating.......jury still out. Great when warmed up but its slow.

I did find that this van, heavy that it is, is incredibly stable to tow, even over the dales.

Isabella Magnum. Top buy, good price and very stable in high winds.

Pubs. Loads of em, tip top beer, roaring fires and great food. Better looking sheep in Derbyshire though.

 

[Hutch]

At last a really happy forum member, If you told us where you are, (Hawes) the a few Woosies could arrive and you could buy the first round,
Enjoy it matey.
Hutch.

 

[Thingy]

Space on site, pubs open, why not.

 

[otherclive]

Space on site, pubs open, why not.

Could be tempted to join you but caravan is now having axle replaced, and Sod’s law this evening the central heating boiler has a failed main exhaust fan. Made a weird screeching then shut down, never to relight. Cannot even move into the caravan. Viewings of our house in diary for Saturday too. Roll on 2019.

 

[Hutch]

Thought about it, new Bathroom, floor being laid on Monday, maybe after that or up to meet up with DD. How long are you ther for an which site.

 

[Thingy]

We are on Hawes caravan club site until 21st. Superb pubs here. Stunning area.