Hello everyone

dustybin1923
dustybin1923 Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited March 2019 in Introductions #1

hi everyone,we bought our 1st caravan in august last year as we have 3year old twins and figured it will be a good way to make some happy memories for/with them...we have used the van a few times and even went to eurodisney setting off on xmas day!!!the roads were very quiet and we set off back new years day again very quiet.we loved towing through france even paris was easy.we used the ferry as it was cheaper for us.we have been away this year a couple of weekends but only local to us lancashire.we are finding its very difficult to utilise the van as with working full time we dont get the time unless its local for the weekend.i suppose we may even look at siting it next year but we will see how this year goes,also hope to make many new friends along the way...thanks for having us.....

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited March 2019 #2

    Hi and welcome. You’ve certainly got off to a good start with your van.

    I'm afraid work is the curse of vanners but I’m sure you’ll find plenty of time for breaks. 

    I suggest booking early if you want weekends on club sites at popular times as many folk are in the same situation as you.

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,484 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #3

    Hi Dustybin and welcome to Club Together.  Slight variation on a well known saying - Work is the curse of the caravanning classes. wink

    Glad it's all gone well so far though.

  • Waffler
    Waffler Forum Participant Posts: 149
    edited March 2019 #4

    Welcome and you’ve got off to a good start.  It’s fine to go locally if that gives you pleasure.  Our shortest trip from storage is 6 miles.  Don’t forget the 5 van sites and the other club if you find it difficult booking weekends.  Also have a look at the rallies your local centres are running, they’re designed generally for folks with work commitments.

  • JayOutdoors
    JayOutdoors Forum Participant Posts: 572
    500 Comments
    edited March 2019 #5

    Siting it for a season could be a good option and may well prove less stressful allowing you to pack and drive there much quicker for more week-ends away without the hassle of trying to find somewhere.  You can always take it off site and go elsewhere for annual hols.  Our neighbours did this and found they got a lot more use out of their c’van,  Good luck – I’m sure you’ll  all have lots of happy times.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,586 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited March 2019 #6

    Helo and well done you 2. Off to France and through Paris no less within 6 months of buying your 'van.

    As Waffler has indicated why not try some Certificated Locations as you seem the adventurous sort. Check out the reviews on the club website, under UK Hoildays and C.L.

    Good luck.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #7

    Hi DB and welcome.  Our grandtwins love being in the van whatever the weather

  • dustybin1923
    dustybin1923 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited March 2019 #8

    thanks to you all for such a warm welcome!!

    i hope to meet you all over the coming years.

    we may look at attending a raly or two this year..

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited March 2019 #9
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • allanandjean
    allanandjean Forum Participant Posts: 2,401
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #10

    Hi dusty, as said you seem to have made a flying start, we did go abroad for the first trip when we got first van but it was August!

    Times change, and peoples tastes and preferences, but on the basis that if the children are happy then you probably will be as well then, in our opinion, there is nothing that beats camping-be it in a tent, van or MH. 

    I started in 1962 when Mum & Dad bought a Lamont frame tent, introduced my wife to it when my parents passed the tent to us and now enjoy holidays both with family, Daughter convinced her husband that getting a tent was a great idea, and friends.

    Last year was three weeks in France with 5 of the Grandchildren which consisted, most days, of breakfast, swimming, lunch, swimming, BBQ couple of games of Uno then bed for them and nightcaps for us!!

    Wherever you go have a great time.

     

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2019 #11

    Welcome Dustybin. I think that is more than admirable- to Eurodisney and leave on Christmas Day to boot! Yes, as Jill and Tinny say, work is a curse. I remember trying to get away in the van and having a couple of weekends and 3 weeks- if I could afford it! I stuck at it though and now it’s payback - retirement! Enjoy all your trips. 

  • dustybin1923
    dustybin1923 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited May 2019 #12

    well off to peppa pig land tonight,we will be staying in fareham and probably stopping in a off road layby around banbury area for a good sleep and then should arrive early and pick a decent pitch..we tried the awning for the first time last weekend in delamere forest and now we have decided to go for an air awning that will be a bit bigger.we are all still enjoying it but do find the dreaded work life gets in the way...CAN,T WAIT TO RETIRE  LOL......

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #13

    Well, if you are down this neck of the woods, Rookesbury Park I presume, then there is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, The Royal Armouries on the top of Portsdown Hill, Port Solent eateries and Portchester Castle all worth a visit. Local pub - The Roebuck. Used to be a Friday night regular spot but I haven't been for ages. Only half a mile through the woods to the A32.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited May 2019 #14

    "…and then should arrive early and pick a decent pitch.."

    But not before the earliest stated arrival time, obviously. Goodness, we don't want to see more moans about early arrivals on here.😁