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Posted by: Tenaki at 19:13 | link | comments

Caravanning 1998 to 2004

Article by Mick (Borgie)
7th July 2004

Readers please note that this was written some years ago making some of the comments in the last couple of paragraphs irrelevant.

An Introduction to Caravanning.

Our first experience of a caravan holiday was a week in a static van on a secluded site on the Gower peninsula of South Wales. This had come about after the sad loss of 'Nan' with whom we had been in the habit of descending upon once a year. Several invitations were received from various friends and relatives to 'Come and stay with us', but not wishing to land two adults, two teenage boys plus a couple of younger children on anyone and put relationships under stress, we began to explore other options. With a family of four kids the budget was tight but the answer came in the small ads of a national periodical, 'To let Caravan' - this was it ! Negotiations complete we were happy in the knowledge that the annual trip to the land of my wife's birth was not in jeopardy.

Came the day! The ancient Citroen juiced up, kids crammed in and the trailer hooked up and loaded with all the gear, we were off ! The 'Beast' (Citroen) was a left hand drive of dubious vintage and had been purchased for fifty quid after being involved in a rear end smash. Being reasonably enterprising, this had soon been repaired although the back end no longer resembled a Citroen, it was roadworthy and sailed through the MOT. The trailer was constructed from a Morris Minor axle, some bed irons and second hand timber. This was to serve us very well for a number of years.

The journey from the Kent coast to South Wales was not without incident, although all was well until within a couple of miles of our destination. An almighty crash whilst crossing Fairwood Common close to Swansea Airport, brought us to a halt. Leaping out of the Beast we were horrified to find the trailer had completely disapeared. Attached to the hitch was a short piece of scaffold tube that had formed part of the draw bar, and this had snapped as clean as a whistle. The trailer was located some yards away amongst the ferns that grom so prolifically on the common. Running repairs were completed fairly rapidly and we were able to proceed albeit with a considerably shortened draw bar. More permanent repairs were effected later in the week with the aid of another short length of scaffold and four clips scrounged from a friendly builder. This modified draw bar is still in use on trailer mark 2 some twenty years later.

A glorius week followed, visiting old friends and excursions to the wonderful bays of the Gower. However, seeing the tourers in and out of the site kindled our interest and curiosity.

The following year, I was given the use of a company car and was able to sell our existing vehicle which by this time had become a mini bus and begin to look around for a suitably priced tourer. Eventually we became the proud owners of a 1962 Sprite Alpine.

We couldn't wait, hooked up and off. Hadn't done any homework on weight ratios and was blissfully ingnorant of the 85% guide line. I reckon we ran on the first trip at about 110% and an inadequate 1300cc saloon car. I can imagine lots of seasoned vanners holding up their hands in horror. Nevertheless, towing under these conditions held no fear for me as I had hundreds of thousands of miles under my belt driving articulated trucks. It seemed quite normal to me to have a heavy trailer pushing from the rear. I've since learnt better ! Nobody had pointed out to me that the reversing lock on the overun brake had to be released before setting off. I wondered why the Marina needed a new set of front brake pads when we returned.

The next summer saw the outfit kited out with rear spring assisters and stabilizer as the information from the periodicals was digested. These additions were followed by an awning and a camp kitchen. We found that with the latter and two frying pans on the go, the eggs didn't get cold waiting for the bacon with the kettle on at the same time.

The van was a 12 foot four berth so the two older boys had a pup tent whilst the younger two kids used the bunks in the van. This arrangement worked well for a number of years and we all have happy memories of visits to the Broads area of Norfolk and, of course to our beloved Wales. Eventually the inevitable happened, the boys grew up and left school, no longer wishing to holiday with their parents and younger brother and sister. The van was used less and less, finally settling itself at the rear of my mother's bungalow amongst the conifers. There it was to remain for some twelve years. My wife and I still made the traditional pilgrimage to Wales although hotel accomadation had become the norm.

Came the spring of 96 and I was complaining about the cost of hotels, the price of petrol, the Severn Bridge toll and anything else I could think of when Joan said 'Why don't we take the caravan'----------- 'Don't be daft that old heap will never move again'. How wrong I was ! The van by this time had become a junk store and several trips to the tip were needed. The tyres appeared to be flat although this proved not to be the case. They were still inflated but had sunk into the ground to the rims, probably becaused the timber on which they had once rested had long since rotted away. Having cleared the jungle which surounded the van' cleaning operations were commenced followed by a thorough examination and overhaul of the running gear. Wheel bearings, brakes and anything that moved was stripped, cleaned and lubricated before being re assembled. Everything was in remarkably good condition with no signs of damp in the interior. All credit to the old CI co of Newmarket. The only major fault was some corrosion to the A frame. This was rectified by plating up with some angle. The next few weekends were spend cleaning and painting the chassis plus some tidying of the interior Particular attention was paid to the gas system which checked out with no problem. The stove being given a thorough overhaul and is still in use today. The culmination of these efforts being a ten day stay at Riverside Caravan Park just off J45 of the M4, an ideal centre for trips to the Gower coast, the city or the mountains.

97 saw the addition of a fridge, mains electricity and it's own battery with charger plus a coat of varnish to furniture and covers for the soft furnishings. Sadly, due to health reasons we never did hit the road in 97 but the van was put to good use as an extra bedroom during several visits from our expanding family. Nevertheless plans are afoot for 98 but bearing in mind the additional equipment traction will be provided by a 2 litre fuel injection seven seater estate. Why seven seater ? Simple answer, 'Grandchildren'.

We don't have double glazing, a shower or for that matter even hot water. We don't have a flush toilet or a heater. What we do have is a thirty six year old Sprite Alpine of which we are very fond.

Having recounted this little tale, it seems that some observations and comments are in order. Firstly, we don't consider ourselves to be experts or tremendously experienced caravanners, so I'm not sure I'm qualified to give advice. We've never attended a rally and are not in the habit of trundling offf every weekend. The point being made is that there is no need to spend thousands of pounds on a state of the arts home on wheels. Visit any of the larger sites that cater for children and see the number of tourers fifteen or twenty years old occup[ied by families having a terrific time. The monthly periodicals catering for our chosen leisure pursuit are superb, the articles and reviews are fascinating. Gorgeous though most of the vans are, the prices are enough to frighten off an awful lot of people, especially those with young families. the answer, is of course the second hand market. Many bargains can be found in the local Free Ads. There is also the 'Trade in' market at the local dealers. A little more expensive maybe, but this source has the benefit of the dealer's expertise and I'm sure no dealer would risk their reputation by selling a defective van. To this end, it would be nice to see published sdome articles on some of the vans of yesteryear with sugested diy improvements and restoration etc.

I hope that any first timer doesn't make the same mistakes that I did, though it seems probable that many will Buy first, learn about it afterwards. Wrong! But how do you get the message across? Possibly the publication of a reasonably priced booklet outlining the basics, the dos and don'ts including wiring diagram and tips on reversing etc.. Marketed via the dealer network or even the larger newsagent chains I feel that it would have reasonable attraction for the would be caravanner.. Anyone got any good ideas?

Thats my two-pennorth for what its worth. Hope it might generate some food for thought. As for our own plans, well, retirement is just around the corner and could even replace the van with a modern one of only fifteen or so years old. Somehow I don't think the current one will ever leave the family and I have the feeling that it could just end it's days as a playhouse for the grandchildren.

Mick (Borgie) Deal 1998

Epilogue I note with some satisfaction that the caravanning press has of recent years become concious of the need to to cover most of the points that I have made. The Alpine did eventually go to a security firm as a mobile office for the princely sum of £100 and a couple of vans later, we are now retired and making the most of our current van with all mod cons.

Mick 2004

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Posted by: Tenaki at 01:08 | link | comments

Does this sound familiar...Selecting a pitch Article by Big Ron 18th August 2004 Picture the scene............... Its a sunny, summer day. You've had an uneventful trip up the motorway tugging the caravan and you arrive at a peaceful Club site in a lovely part of the country. The birds are twittering in the trees as you enter the Reception and pay for your pitch. The warden then comes out with the little map of the site, explaining the location of the toilet block, dog walk etc. and the one-way system around the site. "Oooh look!" says SWMBO. "Those pitches over there look promising...." So, bidding adieu to the warden, you get in the car and go for a tour of the site to pick your pitch. "What about that one?" you say. "Too near the toilet block. It'll be noisy", she says. "That one then?" "Mmmm.......if it rains the water will drip off the overhaning trees and keep us awake..." By now you are on your second circuit of the site. "Which way is south?" asks SWMBO, obviously keen to ensure that she can sit out in the afternoon and evening on the door-side of the 'van and top up her tan. "Errr.........I think its that way", you reply. You're not absolutely sure but hey......the sun is up there and that must be south as its early afternoon. "Why don't we go around again?" suggests SWMBO. You now embark on your third circuit of the site. "Let's have that one!" she says but then changes her mind, "No keep going......I don't like the look of those people on the pitch next door." You continue your tour of the site. "We should have gone on that pitch we just passed you know," she decides, but by now you are miles past it and decide its not worth the hassle of reversing so you go around again.....for the fourth time. "Ok we'll have that one," she exclaims. "Not too far, but not too near the showers in the morning. Handy for the dog walk. Perfect!" You then point out that the sun will be on the "wrong side of the van" during the afternoon and evening.v "Oh.....it doesn't matter about that. We'll not be sitting around too much," comes the response. You then reverse the 'van onto the pitch and congratulate yourself for doing such a grand job despite the complete and utter lack of any meaningful handsignals from SWMBO, whose gestures resemble fly-swatting. Van unhitched, you wind down the corner steadies and prepare to get out hook-up cable etc. Then........................you hear those dreaded words......... "I think that other pitch over there is actually better........lets go over there." "WHAT?" "That pitch is much nicer. It'll get the sun in the afternoon and its bigger too. "YOU'RE KIDDING!!!!" "Don't shout! That pitch is much nicer. Let's go there." "OHH FOR CHRISSAKE!" Corner steadies are wound up again. Van is hitched up to can and off you go again............going round that b****y one-way system for the fifth time. Eventually you get to the desired pitch. "Are you SURE about this one?" you enquire. "Yes." "COS WE'RE NOT MOVING AGAIN!" "You're shouting again.............." Thus begins an idyllic weekend for the caravanning couple. Big Ron If you would like to add to this or read the comments made have a look here NB:This article is free to reproduce on your website, please ensure it is kept complete and a link back is provided and the author given full credit If you wish to discuss this or any other caravanning or camping related article, you can do so here  Have your say

Posted by: Tenaki at 21:08 | link | comments

A fishy tale

Article by Gordon Evans
17th August 2004

It had been raining!

From the second day of our holiday in France, it had rained and rained and positively persisted it down. And where were we going?

The Dordogne!!

The river itself was just about full of water and as well the whole area was full of people - it quite often is in August. We had camped by the river and despite the fact that it was in spate I wanted to fish. I had only just returned to fishing from childhood and I really had the BUG again. But where we were was impossible. We talked to some lads who had taken great interest in the young girls in the party - four caravans in all - and they told us about a large rock upstream which was good for fishing when the river was like it was. Asticots (maggots) or worms were the bait to use, or so we were told.
So off Gil (an old friend) and I went.

Gil lead the way along the bank, which at the point where we had been told to fish, was a rocky shelf about four feet above the river. To the left of this was the rock sticking out into the stream. This, as far as I can remember, was about ten feet high, and there was another shelf more or less level with the water further along the bank. I stood on the rock and Gil took up position on the shelf to the right. Very soon he called out that he had hooked a fish, which he landed and dispatched as it was a fine brown trout.

It was then my turn. Down went the float. Up went the rod and as they always say in fishing magazines, 'I was into a fish'. This too was a trout which fought magnificently even bravely, and snapped the line!

It then floated slowly downstream, bleeding profusely as the hook must have gone through one of its gill-rakers. I had to get it to put it out of it's misery - and also provide myself with a nice tea.

I thought, 'If I can get partially down the rock perhaps I can knock it with my foot in towards Gil'. He had the landing net. The rock was fairly slippery, and of course I fell straight into what sailors used to call 'The Oggin'. As it was raining I was wearing a plastic cagoule, and the trapped air in this supported me in the water until I reached Gil, who pulled me out of the river, and off I went back sloppily to the caravan.

Then came the thought which has puzzled me ever since; why while I was in the Dordogne did I not grab the fish that had caused me to get so wet?

Gordon

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Posted by: Tenaki at 22:33 | link | comments

The Road of the Seven Wows Article by Gordon Evans 13th August 2004 Why? The Road of the Seven Wows The road from Castres through Albi to Villefranche de Rouergue along which I went early in 2002 will forever in my mind be called the Road of the Seven Wows. Simply it is full of WOWS. Wow 1 - As I crossed the River Tarn in Albi to the left of the bridge was the Cathedral and the close-by Bishop's Palace. Wow! Wow 2 - The road leaving Albi, like many in France rises up a ridge leading to a plateau beyond and this was steeper than most. I had to engage bottom gear to make the ascent; this is a very rare event with my outfit. I did though get time to look at the magnificent view across the town to the distant plain. Wow. Wow 3 - Some miles further on I rounded a corner, and there in front of me and on the left was a small medieval castle. Wow. Wow 4 - Another bend, this time to the left, a change of view and this time it was a village perched on a conical hill and which seemed to float in the air. Cordes en Ciel is well named Cordes in the Sky. Wow Wow 5 - With trepidation I entered the village, turned right fortunately not up the very steep road into the village, and then went northwards. Soon after this a cement-mixing lorry started to follow me. I don't know about you, but when this happens I always think about the monster lorry in Stephen Spielberg's film 'Duel' as it chases the hapless Dennis Weaver across the USA. Very shortly after this I passed a cyclist and then came to a sign at the side of the road which said, 'Use your engine to brake your vehicle'. The next bend was a left-hander and the hill was 10%! That doesn't sound too bad, but it was absolutely straight and 1000 metres long; a very straight, long and steep ramp. There were several escape roads to the right; to the left was a drop that really upset my vertigo. Eventually I was in bottom gear. I have this theory that if you go too slowly down a hill like this one, you have to be very careful that the overrun on the van's braking system is not engaged by the weight of the van itself. Go too fast and the consequences are horrendous. All in all it makes for a nice balancing piece of driving which I always enjoy. However the lorry was still behind me and getting closer! Wow. Wow 6 - At the bottom of the ramp was yet another left hand turn with its attendant escape trap. I negotiated all this, and right in front of me was another castle on top of a rock. The lorry disappeared up a road to the left. Wow. Wow 7 - The road then lead over the River Aveyron at Laguépie and just below the bridge was a weir and water mill. Wow. Well worth a ride if you are in that neck of France; I shall certainly be going there again. Gordon NB:This article is free to reproduce on your website, please ensure it is kept complete and a link back is provided and the author given full credit If you wish to discuss this or any other caravanning or camping related article, you can do so here  Have your say

Posted by: Tenaki at 22:09 | link | comments

The tent market is changing - and so are we! Article by Mike Cowton - Editor Camping Magazine 12th August 2004

Camping, the UK's only magazine dedicated to family campers and backpackers, has been re-launched. From the July 2004 issue, the UK's oldest Camping magazine has been given a great new-look and more of the kind of content that readers want. Lifestyle and leisure pursuits today play a key role in family camping, with trends driven by an increase in short breaks alongside the traditional summer holiday. For backpackers, light-weight is a pre-requisite for adventure travel - another huge growth area. These changes have been accommodated in the new-look Camping magazine. Mike Cowton, the new Editor of Camping, and contributors including John Lloyd, Ronald Turnbull, Tom Hutton and Graham Uney are covering more sites and destinations in Britain and Europe than ever before, which will appeal to both family campers and backpackers. Plus, there are regular reviews of family and lightweight tents, product tests, and the latest news and views. Mike Cowton said of the re-launch of Camping "The lure of the great outdoors has caught on in a big way. Equipment manufacturers have witnessed a considerable growth of interest in camping, and retail giants are now capitalising on the boom with the introduction of exclusive ranges of equipment, particularly geared to first-time campers. Camping magazine has been at the forefront of the industry for many years, charting both its evolution and that of its followers. The July re-launch coincided with the current boom, and the change of image, which is why we will be catering for family campers and backpackers, as well as the many thousands of festival fans who enjoy life under canvas. It is easy to see how the world has become more sophisticated in its travel needs, and more demanding in terms of what the traveller wants. Camping, as we know, is more simple; more basic; and all the more pleasurable for that". For those looking for fun and adventure, there has never been a Camping magazine like it. Camping is published by Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9PH. Telephone: 01778 391000 Facsimile: 01778 425437 Website: http://www.campingmagazine.co.uk NB:This article is free to reproduce on your website, please ensure it is kept complete and a link back is provided and the author given full credit If you wish to discuss this or any other caravanning or camping related article, you can do so here  Have your say

Posted by: Tenaki at 21:56 | link | comments