Our European Tour
<p>This van is just about big enough for the two of us</p>
Breathe in (Space, storage, cold and condensation)
(By Tracey- April 15, 2018)

A common questions is “Do you feel to lack room? Are you always getting under each others feet?  Actually I don’t find it too bad. You do have to co-operate. “You’re down that end will you put these away for me” type thing.  John and I can pass in the van which helps. After work I certainly feel like I want to get out the van, but then I used to go for a walk after work quite commonly anyway as I felt the need get out of the house to relax.

So what about storage, well we seem to have lots, we certainly have brought loads of stuff and cupboard space isn’t an issue because we are limited by weight.  I have build additional shelving, for instance in the wardrobe, as I don’t have many smart clothes to hang up but needed the shelf space. Lots of the cupboards are organised with crates and baskets.  The main thing I find is that the crate/basket you want is the back one and some of the cupboards you have to be a contortionist to get into, so this can be a bit frustrating at times. I say we brought a lot of stuff, now this is all relative.  A chap at work is travelling the world with a 14kg rucksack. We have more than him, but compared to the belongings back home we have very little. I came with 3 long sleeved t-shirts, after all it was soon going to be warm. I have to say I’m a little fed up with the same 3 t-shirts.  Interesting as I was looking forward to having a reduced wardrobe and a reduced choice of clothes.

Cold – we have had temperatures of -6, but we have hot air heating, which keeps the van warm.  We did have icicles hanging from the outside of the van and the borne (service area in the aire) froze so we couldn’t get water, but we were still toasty inside.  However the heating runs from gas, which we have to fill, so we avoid using it too much. We used to use the electric air con heater which nicely kept the bedroom warm , until the wires melted. Next year I will buy a little heater to run on the electrics. We have yet to see what the van is like in heat, the hottest so far is only 24.

We don’t really suffer with condensation inside. We did when it rained for 2 days solid and we had all 4 of us in the van but that is the only time.

I hope you enjoy these blogs on living n the camping car.

Other Posts

TollsSilly Observations – Gambia (part 2)Silly Observations – Boss Lady – Gambia (part 1)Fact and Figures for 2022Fact and Figures from 2021Vindolanda – Playing at being an ArchaeologistThe route and planningFacts and Figures from 2020Sod Sars-cov2Travel during a Pandemic – France, UK or HomeWebsite updateFact and Figures from 2019 tripBelgium – Silly observationsThe Netherlands – silly observations and commentsSilly Observations – Germany pt 2Silly Observations – Germany part 1 (Roads)Luxembourg – silly observationsExercise and keeping fitWhich way to face – parking BertieSwitzerland – Silly ObservationsThe thin line on a map – bordersItaly – silly observations (pt 2)Private beaches in ItalyCooking in BertieItaly, silly observations (pt 1)Travelling and not workingDriving in ItalyThe BaguetteLPGFirst trip facts and figuresFrance, Spain and Portugal – a look backPortugal observationsCampsitesBedsSpanish-silly observationsFiesta – Party timeFrance my view of what I have seenBikesEntertainmentWorking from BertieKeeping CleanDriving BertieLife in a camping car (motorhome to Brits)Silly Observations part 2 French MainlyWeek one silly observationStill not goneFirst country ticked offWhy Bertie?Introducing BertieThe Plan – initial planning stage.