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Post by Graham on Dec 28, 2007 16:03:42 GMT
Anybody else fed up with winter? We are not really winter campers and our van has lain dormant for some weeks now, although we are looking forward to meeting up with Wendy and John for one night only (lots of hot water bottles etc).  We are already looking forward to our summer hols and are planning on a trip to France possibly northern Brittany but not finalised yet. Anyone else planning for summer, where are you off to? Graham |
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Post by yamaha on Dec 28, 2007 16:40:07 GMT
Yep - also had enough of cold, dank weather, and especially all the salt on the roads. Not good for biking and quading.
Our Bongo is still without it's bed modification - waiting for the weather to warm up, as I have to work outside. Still have a cruise control kit to fit - I bought that just before LAST Christmas - and it's still in it's box!!
Had to use the Bongo on Xmas eve - our washing machine decided to half-flood the conservatory - so it was off to Comet for a new one! Just what you want, that close to the holiday!!
As for holidays, we would like to take the quad with us, so were condsidering Scotland, maybe - would cost too much to take it abroad. Never been up that far North - but the kids say we'd love Scotland, and like the idea of touring around there on the quad - maybe even a bit of off-roading - if it's allowed!!
No.1 son gave us a dvd about WALKS in Switzerland - silly boy!!
It has, however, awakened happy memories of past Swiss holidays - mainly on the bike - so may be drawn over there instead!!
Luckily, we are free agents - just the cat to think about - so could do either.
Mike
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Post by viv on Dec 28, 2007 17:03:46 GMT
Oh Yes I am so fed up. Drove up to Birmingham Christmas day and it was such a pleasure even though it was raining and foggy with a 50 MPH speed limit for a few of the miles, the road was so quiet and the services almost empty. Made me think about setting off into the wild blue yonder into the depths of the beautiful sunny British countryside.
Only problem is the roads will not be so quiet.
I hope to be able to manage my fear of high roads and will be aiming for Scotland or Wales.
Roll on a good Summer please.
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Post by wendy on Dec 28, 2007 20:00:58 GMT
Anybody else fed up with winter? We are not really winter campers and our van has lain dormant for some weeks now, although we are looking forward to meeting up with Wendy and John for one night only (lots of hot water bottles etc). Graham I'll order some good weather, Graham, but a good brisk walk should keep you warm.  |
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Post by jayjay on Dec 28, 2007 20:26:29 GMT
Yes, same here. I'm getting stir crazy!
It's pouring down here, a full thunderstorm in progress.
I can't wait for spring, but have some day trips planned for fine days during the next couple of months - to Chester and a few other places, just to go and get some fresh air really.
Later on, off to Skye, Lewis and Harris in May.
June/July, just following the coastal A and B roads south from Wales and see how far I get! (hopefully will make Port Issac in Cornwall - now there's some wishful thinking!);D
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Post by Graham on Dec 28, 2007 20:54:42 GMT
I'll order some good weather, Graham I'll keep you to that Wendy, if not I can always do my impression of Gene Kelly, I'll bring my umbrella.  Graham |
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Post by jacquie on Dec 29, 2007 20:36:23 GMT
Hi Graham and all -
Ditto for me on the bloomin' weather. Flew to Edinburgh to pick up the Tribute (very happy with it, but gotta learn how to manoeuver like white van man) and had to return to Hampshire the same day. Well, I think I encountered just about every form of extreme weather on the way down - sleet, hail, gale-force winds accompanied by sheets of sideways rain etc. I stopped often on the way down just to catch my breath. The only thing that kept me going was that I could really see how the 'van performed in extremis! In any case, I think it's only fair to take her to the Provence to see how she responds to the sun. Having come from Scotland, and judging by the prolific green algae growing on her parts, I think she'll thank me. We leave end of January.
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Post by Graham on Dec 30, 2007 10:38:34 GMT
Hi Jacquie
Glad you got "her" back in one piece. Have you thought of a name yet? Provence sounds fantastic you lucky thing.
Don't forget to come back and let us know how you went on it will give me a taster for our French holiday in May.
Regards
Graham
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chowzamma
30+ posts.... a 2 wheeler!
1988 C15 Hytop
Posts: 33
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Post by chowzamma on Dec 30, 2007 16:21:45 GMT
Hello Yamaha,
I found your answer very interesting as I lived in CH for 16 years and made loads of trips back to GB on my Honda Blackbird, great to hear from a fellow biker. You are right, it's a fantastic country for a holiday with superb roads for motorcyclists in particular. As I stated on another part of the Forum I am taking the C15 over on 10th Jan, hope it makes it, never a worry with the bike!
Best regards,
Steve.
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Post by yamaha on Dec 30, 2007 19:46:51 GMT
Hello Yamaha, I found your answer very interesting as I lived in CH for 16 years and made loads of trips back to GB on my Honda Blackbird, great to hear from a fellow biker. You are right, it's a fantastic country for a holiday with superb roads for motorcyclists in particular. As I stated on another part of the Forum I am taking the C15 over on 10th Jan, hope it makes it, never a worry with the bike! Best regards, Steve. Hi there Steve - wow, you lived there? What a fantastic country - we always feel we could eat our sandwiches off the pavements, it's SO clean everywhere!! No graffiti, rubbish, gangs of yobs - just loadsa bikes at the weekends, and beautiful scenery. First did it on an 1100 Goldwing back in '87, then again in '90 on a 1500 Wing, complete with a trailer!! Shame the Swiss bikers aren't allowed to tow them - but I understand ANYTHING is banned - unless a committee has met and approved it as OK !! It was only this year that they grudgingly agreed to allow some microlights to visit - even then, there are strict rules dictating types allowed. We love a little campsite at Aareschlutch in Innertkirchen - basic, but so quaint. The passes on a bike are the only way to go - in a car it doesn't have the same appeal - did it once in a hire car!! It's just mindblowing to arrive at the summit of a Pass on a Sunday, and find that about 80% of parked vehicles are bikes!! I think the highlight was the Stelvio pass on the 1500 - unfortunately we were only able to do it in one direction - would have liked to have done it again in the opposite direction - but we were with 15 other Wings, and a tour leader, so it wasn't possible!! Also have visited several times on our XJR1300 - and did it also on my old Yam Tr1 - slow, but SOO comfortable. Cheated a bit that time, though - was with 2 other Wingers, with trailers - and they carried my camping gear between them in their trailers!! May be grey - but not daft!! Have you discovered the Army sales they have weekly in certain places - Meiringen being one - called something like "Zughaus" - fastinating - all we could buy and carry home was a pair of pliars - made in Birmingham!! Still got 10 bikes - but I'm into quads at the moment - too far to ride there on one, though!! If you would like a copy of this new dvd " Footloose in Switzerland", PM me with your address, and I'll stick one in the post for you. Mike |
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Post by jacquie on Dec 30, 2007 22:34:12 GMT
She's not a very feminine creature, but is definitely a girl - We'll have to live together for a while before I christen her though.
As for France, il n'y a pas de quoi, cher Graham.
A plus tard,
Jacquie
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chowzamma
30+ posts.... a 2 wheeler!
1988 C15 Hytop
Posts: 33
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Post by chowzamma on Jan 3, 2008 11:59:51 GMT
Great reply Yamaha, it certainly brings back lots of terrific memories of bike rides in the Alps. Have been back in GB almost 2 years and still miss my life over there. Most of the time I worked as a Tour Guide but latterly was in Luzern doing an office job. This had compensations because I finished at 15.00 hrs Mon - Fri then could go out on the bike, it was a dream! Yes indeed I did go to the Military sales places you refer to, there was one in Schwyz quite close to where I lived and you can buy all this great military clothing and camping stuff, still have water bottles and all sorts of things I didn't know I needed! The plan is to take the old Roma over loads of times (or as many as I can afford) this year, booked a really cheap crossing this time, £33 for Dover - Dunkirk with Norfolk lines, return that is!
Would love a copy of the DVD you refer to, will definitely send you a message with my address, very kind of you.
Take good care,
Steve.
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effiemac
30+ posts.... a 2 wheeler!
Posts: 33
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Post by effiemac on Jan 9, 2008 22:45:23 GMT
I love camping in the winter. No midgies!!!!! Quiet roads. Welcoming B&Bs every second night (pre-booked). Lovely being able to brew a cuppa amidst banks of snow. Lovely and warm at night in my old C15. The odd tow is just a quibble...
Effie
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chowzamma
30+ posts.... a 2 wheeler!
1988 C15 Hytop
Posts: 33
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Post by chowzamma on Jan 22, 2008 20:47:59 GMT
I like your comments effiemac, winter should not really present a problem in these great wagons! Just a thought, do you have any auxiliary heating in your vehicle? During my visit to Switzerland last week I must say I didn't fancy getting out of the sleeping bag in the morning, my jeans were a nasty shock to the system when it was time to put them on, but it was ok as there was nobody nearby to hear me yell out!
My old C15 never missed a beat, starting is one of its strong points.
Good luck on your trips out, go for it!
Steve.
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Post by playallday on Jan 23, 2008 12:03:30 GMT
Oh yes, Graham...roll on summer...and my dream trip to France
Do I need an adapter for my EHU?
Jean
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Post by jacquie on Jan 23, 2008 15:30:11 GMT
Hi there,
Hope I'm not hijacking Graham's question, but as I spent about 6 months touring France last year, maybe I can help re: ehu. Short answer is yes - to use some smaller, less modern sites you will need a two pin adaptor. That said, most French sites use exactly the same set-up we do. No probs. I used a Uk domestic supply adaptor for my hook-up cord plus a simple two-pin continental adaptor - maybe not the safest but couldn't find an all-in-one for the continent at my local caravan accessories shop. Maybe someone else knows if they exist???
Hope this helps,
Jacquie
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jan 23, 2008 16:29:22 GMT
Jacquie
I read on one of your other posts about your internet connectivity whilst moving round the country working. I guess that was in the UK. How about France? Did you find a reliable way to stay connected while you where there for 6 months?
Doug
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Post by jacquie on Jan 23, 2008 17:12:01 GMT
Hi Doug,
There are several ways to stay connected in France if you have a Wifi-enabled laptop. The rather expensive way is to have a Vodafone data card with the Traveller contract - totally ott for short vacations. I found free and relatively cheap hotspots all over the place. Most MacDonald's in France have free Wifi. Sometimes I would just park in their lot and the signal would be strong enough to connect from the van. Most of the time I felt a bit guilty and bought an ice-cream and sat inside with my laptop!
Many marinas all over France have Wifi provided by the Capitainerie - you just click on, pay for a card either on-line or in the office (between 4-infinity euros depending on how much time you want to buy. These are good for 24hrs to three months depending). I sat in my van at a marina in Corsica while doing a live-time tutorial for the Open University this way!
The toll autoroutes also now offer Wifi in many of their aires, same idea as the marinas. These are very clearly signposted. The French are a million miles ahead of us for these types of services. If you surf the web for Wifi hotspots in France you should come up with many companies that offer cards and hotspot locations.
Hope this helps,
Jacquie
PS. Internet cafes are getting harder and harder to find in the smaller towns in France - Wifi is almost essential
PPS. Many MANY regular cafes and bars now offer free Wifi. Just look for the signs - incidentally, if you have to ask anyone in French, it's pronounced Weefee ;D
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Post by Derek on Jan 23, 2008 19:41:23 GMT
Hi there, Hope I'm not hijacking Graham's question, but as I spent about 6 months touring France last year, maybe I can help re: ehu. Short answer is yes - to use some smaller, less modern sites you will need a two pin adaptor. That said, most French sites use exactly the same set-up we do. No probs. I used a Uk domestic supply adaptor for my hook-up cord plus a simple two-pin continental adaptor - maybe not the safest but couldn't find an all-in-one for the continent at my local caravan accessories shop. Maybe someone else knows if they exist??? Hope this helps, Jacquie Are they these ?  Euro Mains Conversion Lead (2 PIN) Link to Outdoor WorldI have seen them in our local caravan accessory shop Derek |
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Post by jacquie on Jan 23, 2008 20:05:07 GMT
Hi there, Hope I'm not hijacking Graham's question, but as I spent about 6 months touring France last year, maybe I can help re: ehu. Short answer is yes - to use some smaller, less modern sites you will need a two pin adaptor. That said, most French sites use exactly the same set-up we do. No probs. I used a Uk domestic supply adaptor for my hook-up cord plus a simple two-pin continental adaptor - maybe not the safest but couldn't find an all-in-one for the continent at my local caravan accessories shop. Maybe someone else knows if they exist??? Hope this helps, Jacquie Are they these ? Euro Mains Conversion Lead (2 PIN) Link to Outdoor WorldI have seen them in our local caravan accessory shop Derek That's the one! |
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Post by playallday on Jan 23, 2008 20:06:28 GMT
Thanks, Jacqui & Derek for your replies...I checked that adapter out and it is only a fiver!
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Post by playallday on Jan 23, 2008 20:27:11 GMT
Actually, on further examination, I think that is an adapter to plug my hook up into a domestic supply....does anyone know if it would be ok on a campsite....the plug looks a bit 'internal use only'?? But, never having used an EHU in France, what do I know?? lol
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Post by jacquie on Jan 23, 2008 20:33:18 GMT
Hi,
Yes, that's exactly it. A bit confusing at first, but some sites on the continent still use a domestic-type supply hook-up (very few - I think they're being legislated out). That's why you may need that adaptor. Otherwise, campsite hook-ups use exactly the same system as here.
Jacquie
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Post by Graham on Jan 23, 2008 21:37:14 GMT
Its also worth investing in a polarity tester, we have put lots of information about camping in France on our website, including a section on electricity see hereGraham |
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jan 24, 2008 10:48:49 GMT
Its also worth investing in a polarity tester, we have put lots of information about camping in France on our website, including a section on electricity see hereGraham Ahh, the good old "reverse polarity" topic. I must say that since getting the Dimension, I've learned more about electrics than in the previous sixty years - it's been a spur to expand my knowledge. And I think reverse polarity was what started it all off. Before going to France, I bought a polarity tester from Maplin but what I didn't get was an extension lead with the wires crossed which is required to correct any examples of RP we found on EHU's. I was a bit concerned about not having one of these, particularly as the first site we arrived at in France had RP. Then I remembered reading that really, it doesn't matter unless you poke round inside an appliance whilst it's still plugged in. So I just ignored the RP reading on the tester. As we moved round Normandy and Brittany, it became clear that most French sites had reversed polarity - in fact every one we stayed at. So I don't think it does to worry too much about this problem - it's not really a problem. Just don't do any maintenance on electric items while they're plugged in..! Doug |
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jan 24, 2008 10:53:54 GMT
Jacquie Thanks for that - it certainly does. I've read so much stuff on various boards about this topic because I'm hoping to be able to make extended trips this year but it depends on me being able to do some work while I'm there. Your account shows that it is practical to do this without some of the very complex and expensive solutions I've read elsewhere. Thanks for the common sense..! Doug |
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