30th, 31st July, 1st August
Here begins the run up to setting off in the van. We spent these last few days in London working hard to tie everything up. This involved fitting flooring, making shelves, figuring out how to wire the van and plenty of other jobs which sounded straightforward in theory, but took ages to complete. Working until midnight each night, or later. Fun times! Lots of late night pizzas and beers were needed to keep the morale going…
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HBK2icVQR9M/V7rJdrQqSXI/AAAAAAAAEG4/o8GqhXpTNmMjuYDwbq6kSjguR4UskSn3wCCo/s144-o/20160628_143948.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6321586538633906546″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160628_143948.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWCjp_SmIb0/V7rJdoiBCQI/AAAAAAAAEG4/L9Vk82iMFYcr7eSh2EG99UrIMb-a0lD5gCCo/s144-o/20160624_142335.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6321586537901394178″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160624_142335.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ]
2 ,3rd August
Ready to finally hit the road, we set off for Devon the night of the 2nd. A stark realisation hit home the next morning…no MOT on the van! The documents showed the MOT was due for renewal in 2 weeks time….oops! The plan turned from finishing the van fittings and furnishings and packing to getting an MOT sorted. We brought the van down to a garage in Totnes and paid for some minor things to be done. The ferry date would have to be changed until Friday. This allowed time for sampling some west country cream-tea and a trip to a second hand music shop, where we scored some fine old CD’s and a second hand guitar.
4th August
Due to cream-tea shenanigans the day before, we had to get stuck in on Thursday. Fantastic bedding and curtains very kindly made by Sebs mum, who worked trojantly behind the sewing machine for the two days when we were there. We set at putting tint on the rear window and learned a valuable lesson; don’t ever try this. So much harder than the Youtube video! Lights and wiring were completed. Last bits of sealant, cleaning and engine care. Now for packing. It was midnight at this stage! Ferry departing at 6am from Plymouth. Packing was frantic, and led to the name of the blog….Odd Socks….That’s all we could find in the carnage when we unpacked in France the next evening. A lot of odd socks, but alas, no swimwear!. Somehow we both managed to leave out swimmers, on a coastal trip of Europe. Blaming the exhaustion, and the cream teas.
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vTZQFgkbtmo/V8GUYbp_PFI/AAAAAAAAEMU/CHAKBEoBBQclcdWy-Lgiu-h25wxjwNvIQCCo/s144-o/20160808_131448.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498499266526290″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_131448.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynGwe0ka51I/V8GUYfFL-TI/AAAAAAAAEMU/n_07Gb9p9BQh25luRUgTc0lSA9C2KkFmwCCo/s144-o/20160808_131412.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498500185913650″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_131412.jpg” image_size=”2988×5312″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aPky6h9XMrQ/V8GUYSx04AI/AAAAAAAAEMU/MktAOHhK8XENppxLZEVKBAmdaX6EAMPdQCCo/s144-o/20160808_131331.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498496883482626″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_131331.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hrp85u0fwNk/V8GUYRC2COI/AAAAAAAAEMU/OdkLiY-H_WYpblioBJcr8nFm5Pr_64jVgCCo/s144-o/20160808_131319.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498496417990882″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_131319.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1vebnAI6Pmw/V8GUYRmdDWI/AAAAAAAAEMU/haBaPLWGp7c1ZQgf7V8QD87JETl6t3AYQCCo/s144-o/20160808_131311.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498496567348578″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_131311.jpg” image_size=”2988×5312″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2DhIFgn_c0k/V8GUYa6TRWI/AAAAAAAAEMU/NS7I4EDjOcIuFfIiqiWDLrGq2MRY1J2JQCCo/s144-o/20160808_131303.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498499066512738″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_131303.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ]
5th August
Alarms set for 3:30am. On the road by 4, Plymouth bound. Set sail at 6am with wind at our backs. A strong morning gust and anticipation of great adventures to come 🙂
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Al1WuZfn3mE/V8GUYclr8qI/AAAAAAAAEMU/7W3kEPim64U_6FrwKbxaAqZgLCKff5KjwCCo/s144-o/20160805_130623.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498499516920482″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160805_130623.jpg” image_size=”2592×1944″ ]
We landed at Roscoff in the late afternoon after a smooth sailing. We disembarked, sorted the van got motoring on the south coastal road. We passed the pretty seaside towns of Normandy and Brittany. We set La Rochelle as the ambitious destination. By St Nazaire we threw the towel in. The exhaustion from the previous day and the early sail had set in. And it looked like a pretty place to stop off. We stopped at an official camp site with water, electricity supply etc. 20 euro! A bit steep so we drove around a bit more. Came across a row of motorhomes parked on a quiet, leafy street backing on to a graveyard. Five minute walk from the town…and free! Bullseye! Graveyard not ideal, but we were on the right side of the wall anyway!
That evening we wandered down to the sea and had the first dip into the Atlantic ocean…heaven! We wandered back to the town and stumbled on a market to meander through. Back at the parking spot, we made up some chilli and cracked open some beers from the fridge. This simple little fridge continues to prove itself as the most useful and beloved commodity of the van. Charged up by the engine, it provides cold beers and wine by the time we arrive at the end of the day. Like a magical vendor of happiness and refreshment 😀 Food fits in there too. Handy for buying groceries and allowing us to make our own dinners. Fridge is a must, take note! We went back into the town after to see a jazz band that were kicking off in the main square as part of a festival. Great atmosphere and lively tunes.
6th August
Made a trip to the local boulangerie for delicious croissants and then put the coffee pot to boiling in the van. Went running on the open sandy beach near the town and had a dip in the sea after. We loaded up the van and hit the road. With a map from 1987, we headed south. With romantic notions, we made way for the rugged, coastal ‘route nationale’, avoiding congested, ugly motorways. Our tune soon changed when 2 hours in, we realised that we weren’t getting very far on these lovely winding roads. We had to compromise, and cover some ground on the autoroutes too. Otherwise we’d never make our destinations, and spend three months rambling around west France. We eventually arrived at the mouth of the Gironde river basin, just in time to catch the last ferry crossing to Royan. We sailed across the short strip and landed in Royan a half an hour later. The sun was just about setting, and we noticed a few random cars parked out on the headland by a lighthouse. Probably very illegal, but an idyllic spot to park up. We steamed up some mussels bought earlier that day, and had a late night feast to the sound of the waves on the headland….fantastic!
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ex3GDfe98Rs/V8GUYYWegTI/AAAAAAAAEMU/b01wtZn4zVUyydF6oL4Rxnga8UnQIM63gCCo/s144-o/20160806_214021.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498498379383090″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160806_214021.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ]
August 7th
Awaking to a very different ambience this morning. The headland was buzzing with fishermen and families, out for morning walks around the headland. The peace from last night had vanished. We had a dip in the sea, and then packed up to hit the road again. We drove further down the Gironde peninsula, stopping off for swimming and sunbathing, and finally stopped in Carcans on the Atlantic coast. A beach with cracking waves, and inland, a massive lake full of windsurfers. Too hungry/tired to cook, we ate in the town and ,again, fell upon a fairly cheesy town festival, with a DJ spinning Cotton Eye Joe! We parked in a deserted hotel car park that night. Abundant, free accommodation to be found in France! J
August 8th
We set off for a long drive east, bound for the ancient fortified city of Carcassone. The views of this place are incredible as you drive up towards the city from the hills surrounding it. We cheekily parked the van on a quiet side-street in the centre of town and walked up to the castle. It was late evening and we expected the castle grounds to be closed. Hadn’t read the guidebook about this one, and we were not expecting the lively scene when we went inside the castle walls. A network of cobbled streets, full of shops and pubs and buzzing with activity. Stayed for dinner and drinks and walked back to the van later. Back at the van, ready for bed, I began to feel weirdly quesy. Was it the foie gras/duck salad dinner coming back to say hello. I suddenly had to dart from the van, out onto the street in a tshirt and pyjama shorts. What happened next? …I can only say I doubt I’ll be showing my face in Carcassone again anytime soon….
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YrbQBtlWuLY/V8GUYYLRE4I/AAAAAAAAEMc/TEnSJvaGLDgMeAFjlwyK054Lno78_qgtACCo/s144-o/20160809_121205.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498498332365698″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160809_121205.jpg” image_size=”2592×1944″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-60jTLb8aqzs/V8GUYZLz0iI/AAAAAAAAEMc/OpAexUo2I54t4b9XUnE8sYlmzEBECf7qACCo/s144-o/20160808_233348.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498498603078178″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_233348.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2CN_8ToLrVU/V8GUYb9hg1I/AAAAAAAAEMc/kssOMp1daiEsuS7dw-WXcKJDww23QIIBwCCo/s144-o/20160808_144950.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498499348464466″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160808_144950.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ]
August 9th
Both in full health the next morning, we set off on a drive across the Provence country side. We visited Aix, and then headed for the hills, and settled up on a quiet, shaded area, away from the winding country roads. The smell of rosemary and thyme around was bliss, and we picked herbs to cook.
August 10th
We made tracks for Nice the next morning. Arrived in time for the famous morning market in the old part of the city. Walked around this beautiful city and then had some beach time. That evening we drove towards Eze, a beautiful small medieval town in the foothills. The drives along the corniches (coastal roads along the Riviera) were awesome. Spectacular views! We drove as far as Monte Carlo, in Monaco, and parked up the van on the roadside, right in front of the swanky casino for the craic ;). We ran along the marina and gawked in at the fancy yachts, then cooked dinner in the van and drank boxed wine from plastic glasses on the seashore. Keeping Monaco classy! 🙂
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2GH8ZC_ViSU/V8GUYW_ub0I/AAAAAAAAEMc/wN7LIVlnu-ENhSI4Ib8QS3nrpTxqL29pwCCo/s144-o/20160811_085544.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498498015522626″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160811_085544.jpg” image_size=”2988×5312″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mN20rbscPtE/V8GUYQXWJqI/AAAAAAAAEMc/rcZpDgypXC4-s5A_uzp1AUyJsY9iK9g2QCCo/s144-o/20160811_084542.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498496235546274″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160811_084542.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GVov5P0SZXU/V8GUYQ_rilI/AAAAAAAAEMc/Pxjp2T7aJ1IcnZ3C9TNRX2zMEUmewbg_QCCo/s144-o/20160811_084528.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498496404720210″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160811_084528.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_J8gpDnOqVo/V8GUYXp3YwI/AAAAAAAAEMc/AN98kwBP3tI3V3tQK9fonw15ky3FJ2nLQCCo/s144-o/20160810_131752.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498498192270082″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160810_131752.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ]
August 11th
We started out early, and crossed the Monaco and French borders bound for Italy. We came across a pretty beach town, in Celle Ligure and we settled in here for a swim and sunbathe. Later that day, we drove north, bound for Milan hinterlands. We stopped off for the night in Tortona, a small village south of Milan. We parked very centrally on the quiet streets (just behind the Dumo!) and had some local pizza and gelato before bed. The next day we drove to Milan. We were flying to Frankfurt for Sebs niece’s christening party and after a bit of last minute panic managed to make it to Linate airport in time for the plane. Two days of luxury away from travelling awaited us 🙂
August 12th and 13th
We arrived in Frankfurt and immediately set out into town. After buying a Christening present we happened upon the Apfelwein festival in the centre of town. Despite dire warnings of headaches in the morning (thanks Dad!) we decided to get into the spirit and sample the local tipple and food. The drink flowed and soon it was time for bed after a night of dancing to a local band. The next day was the Christening and after a lazy morning we were whisked away to a nice hotel to get ready. It felt weird to be getting dressed up after so long in the van but eventually we managed to get scrubbed up ok 🙂
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August 14th
We arrived into Milan the night of the 14th and had the luxury of staying another two nights in civilisation (thanks Charlie :)). We visited the Duomo and wandered around the streets of Milan. After a not so full day of sight seeing we then enjoyed an Aperativo and being shown round some lively bars by Charlie and Claudio. Great evening!
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August 16th
We retraced our steps to Milan airport parking to pick up the van, and hit the road again, this time bound for Lake Garda. It was looking like we’d have to give up on wild camping as the lake front was rammed with every sort of accommodation imaginable (except the free kind). Finally, just as we were about to give up, we happened upon five parking spaces facing the shore just outside the pretty village of Torres del Beneto. After a refreshing swim we settled down to cook dinner much to the bemusement of passing tourists who all stopped to turn to see where the food aromas were coming from! Perhaps we should sell dinner out of the van as a money making aside?!
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wcBdNfAIAlI/V8GUYQaWrNI/AAAAAAAAEMc/NKQ-DIjNwWwzpqdENC6DjLawHmbvEHwnACCo/s144-o/20160818_122147.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498496248163538″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160818_122147.jpg” image_size=”2988×5312″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oDyVAn02hF8/V8GUYcDhJmI/AAAAAAAAEMc/HTfk71PqoDs4smfs8z-5_Ul1uSNPbQnEQCCo/s144-o/20160817_191150.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498499373606498″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160817_191150.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5_uAyA0ZUc/V8GUYa6jNdI/AAAAAAAAEMc/iIRUyN52mSkOXNbxFRbSSNGeFtfeDcsFQCCo/s144-o/20160817_190906_001.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498499067557330″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160817_190906_001.jpg” image_size=”2592×1944″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0IpPWYlp38A/V8GUYerAolI/AAAAAAAAEMc/xaHVXOn5NcMfzbIu2p2lM1Zpt0jaxBUdwCCo/s144-o/20160817_185008.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498500076118610″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160817_185008.jpg” image_size=”2988×5312″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzNsncVFEfU/V8GUYWucO7I/AAAAAAAAEMc/p9vwXwocQfEQS9qZhWgPZKP49JUqZxs7QCCo/s144-o/20160817_150851.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498497943026610″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160817_150851.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d2sR2U6cnx0/V8GUYWvAIQI/AAAAAAAAEMc/IwbNXZahysclPmTsI4pfBzkjfT0Sdm3NQCCo/s144-o/20160816_182040.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498497945379074″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160816_182040.jpg” image_size=”2988×5312″ ]
August 17th
This morning, we set off for Verona. The main plan here was to wander around the city and then go to see a performance of the opera Carmen in the famous open amphitheatre. We parked up on a side street just behind the amphitheatre, cooked some dinner, and wandered in. The opera was fantastic. So atmospheric in the open air, and with a thunderstorm brewing in the air, it was made all the more spectacular! We walked back to the van afterwards, at about half one in the morning. We turned the corner. No van! This had to be the wrong street? Wasn’t the wrong street….shit! Robbed? Towed? Either way….shit! We decided best bet was to walk back to the restaurant we came from. A lone car came down the street. A cop car! We waved frantically and they luckily stopped and tracked down our home to a pound just outside the city. Two kilometre walk they told us, just beyond the cemetery. Could have offered us a lift! So we walked the deserted roads and eventually found the pound. And there she was, parked inside. Roof popped up and everything, the way we’d left her after cooking dinner and heading off for the opera.
2 bills to pay up; parking fine of 28 euro and towing fine of 96 euro. Sigh of relief. Could’ve been a hell of a lot worse! Apparently you can’t park where there are no parking markings in Italy. Lesson learned the hard way. Reclaimed the van and parked in an empty lay by next to the pound. We cracked open two beers (now3am and a rough evening!), and what happens? only a police car comes up and stops outside the van! In panic we hid the beers and Seb got out to explain/chat/beg pardon! All they asked was what we were doing in Italy. ‘On holiday’ seemed to suffice and they drove on after a passport check. Probably pitying the poor muppets, on holiday in Italy, sleeping in a van on a dirty side street beside a pound!
[peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jKX2p0gouAI/V8GUYUpKOrI/AAAAAAAAEMc/5YikxEpS780EcayBj43nZEoFeuJ0TzuxQCCo/s144-o/20160818_015111.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498497384004274″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160818_015111.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ] [peg-image src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fW5z07Luah4/V8GUYaV5O6I/AAAAAAAAEMc/2CEGoOh221wBdymdErOwfg24EoFGrbZmwCCo/s144-o/20160818_003838.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/106656392310830434275/6321586539379131713#6323498498913811362″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”20160818_003838.jpg” image_size=”5312×2988″ ]
August 18th
Leaving the events of yesterday behind us, we hit the road for Venice, enthusiastic to be leaving Verona! We parked in Maestre and got the tube into Venice. Beautiful, stunning place! We got lost multiple times wandering the enchanting streets and canals. Would love to go back here and spend more time.
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August 19th
Slovenia-bound! We arrived at lake Bled after crossing into new terrain in Slovenia. Woodland and fresh mountain air. A nice welcome change. We parked up on a roadside, overlooking the lake, and spent two days here, exploring the town of Bled and hiking in the nearby national park. A short, but very enjoyable two days, and then on to Ljubljana, where we wandered around the town, checked out the castle and drank some local schnapps in a squatters district. A great country that would be great to go back and see more of.
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August 22nd
Time to head south for some sunshine! We drove out of Ljubljana heading for Croatia. We passed through the border and took the scenic coastal route south. The winding roads were spectacular. Strong gusts started to build in the evening and we decided we should settle in for the night, before reaching the proposed destination of Split. We trundled down a country path and parked up at the side of an inlet. Not a sinner around. Just us and the sea and some tumble weed 🙂
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We got in for a dip, then stared to get dinner ready in the van. The gusts were gathering serious momentum at this stage, and we began to wonder how sensible it was to be parked on a small cliff edge by the sea if a proper storm were to develop. We moved the van up a few metres. The winds grew stronger and stronger, howling through the pop up roof and shaking the van. I, for one, was crapping myself. We made up the bed, fastened the roof and lay down to sleep. Next thing, the roof suddenly blew up on its hinges, winds bellowed in and the van rattled all over the place!
It was morning by the time we got to bed that night. We didn’t hang around for breakfast. We hit the road and made a scurried exit, passing a signpost to say we were exiting the town of Seline. That was the night of ‘Hurricane Seline’….and the van was christened so 🙂