Day One
Having had to wait for so long to be able to get out for our first real trip in the motorhome, it was an exciting time on Friday afternoon when we set off for Plymouth. The coronavirus meant trips earlier in the year had been cancelled and we have been limited to day trips, mainly into the New Forest. However, quite a few people have slept in the motorhome during that period, notably Paul and Harriet visiting from Shrewsbury. They were just using it as a base to visit Kate and Joe which meant we only saw them at breakfast.
The delay meant I have got used to driving the motorhome and got used to its size and speed. However, I was a little apprehensive given this was the first lengthy journey and I wasn't sure how the engine would stand up to things, the vehicle being 21 years old now. On the other hand it has only travelled 22000 miles and should be in good nick for years to come.
I am pleased to report things went well on that front. We were able to relax and did the journey without hold up in either direction. You can go up to 50mph on the road with 60mph permisible on dual carriageway and motorway. The home was able to do that without problem, the only real struggles being getting up some of the hills en route e.g. Chideock and Haldon Hill.
The plusses were that we never went fast enough to be stuck behind anyone. That was nice. The right frame of mind is required though! It was also great being up high and being able to enjoy new views on a well travelled route. It would also be fair to say I was more comfortable than driving the Fiesta when doing a long journey. There was also the fact that all we needed had been packed away easily in the motorhome. There is so much space. When I think about camping and the need for the roofbox and then creative use of boot space and so on, there is no comparison. The motorhome wins hands down!
Downside - noisier than the car and the radio needed turning right up to be heard which was too loud for passengers in the other seats and had to be switched off. I did pull over a couple of times to allow people to pass but it was straightforward and was seldom required.
Filling up in Axminster
We parked in the car park next to my sister's house and spent the night there. We discovered more about the 12v power, finally getting that the lights, fridge and water pump ran off there for a good long period of time. I had been paranoid about draining the leisure battery quickly and getting stuck. However, all was well throughout the visit despite never being able to hook up to any electric. The charging from the driving was sufficient and, in all likelihood, wasn't actually necessary to keeping things ticking over.
We enjoyed a family get together for the first time in months, looking to keep social distancing which meant no hugging, although I did transgress occassionally.
Day Two
We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on board the motorhome in the morning. Having the gas for cooking is fantastic. Plenty of tea and toast and porridge. Gas seems quicker than the electric hob we have at home, as well as being easier to adjust to suit. After a quick dog walk, we set off to Princetown where we going to be spending the night but we had to pop into the local Asda first. I was slightly apprehensive given the relatively tight parking spaces but it was simple enough to negotiate.
The drive to the moors was lovely and it was good to see so many cyclists around. Yelverton seemed to be a magnet for them and many appeared set on making it to Princetown with its famous prison. We found the Prince of Wales pub easily enough and eventually found out how to access the car park at the rear (through the turning to main car park and off to the right).
I had already been in touch with the pub to 'book' the night in their car park. That was something I found only recently - you can park in a lot of places if you contact in advance and agree to eat/drink there. A local site would have cost £40 for the night, this was 'free'.
Having enjoyed a walk toward Burrator Resevoir where we came across a bridge with swallows still nesting, we had a play in the park, a drink in the Plume of Feathers and then returned to the Prince of Wales for food and drinks. By the way, the Plume of Feathers had the fire lit inside and we were grateful for it! We'd been sat outside observing the etiquette in place now pubs are open again but it kept clouding over and it got chilly.
Having eaten well, the pub does great food and the beer is good too, we had an undisturbed and peaceful night in the motorhome. The four of us were comfortable and warm and woke to the sound of gentle rain. I can't express how happy I was to hear the rain and know I was warm and dry inside when there have been a lot of camping trips when we've been struggling with the wet and it just wears you down.
Day Three
We drove back to Plymouth in the morning and parked on the Hoe. Again, I wasn't sure about the parking situation and was slightly worried about driving round a place I'd known many years ago but had changed a good deal since I had last driven there. It wasn't a problem though and we parked roadside, not overhanging the parking space despite the 6.5m long motorhome. That gave us a further opportunity to meet up with other members of the family, including the newest addition, Emma, just walking and full of smiles.
The Hoe is a good place for walking round and has brilliant views of Plymouth Sound and Drake's Island.
Alison then cooked us a pasta meal before we sett off home. It is quite something to be parked on the side of the road with beautiful views and to be able to cook for a family with little trouble. I am definitely loving the motorhome and the comforts it brings.
It was easy enough to empty the grey water and black water following the journey. I think we've learnt what we need to know nor a successful trip in the UK in the motorhome now. There's nothing like having to learn on the job and having done a weekend trip the differing needs have become clearer. We know more about the possibilities and limitations and are looking forward to next week when we set off further afield to near Leominster.
We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on board the motorhome in the morning. Having the gas for cooking is fantastic. Plenty of tea and toast and porridge. Gas seems quicker than the electric hob we have at home, as well as being easier to adjust to suit. After a quick dog walk, we set off to Princetown where we going to be spending the night but we had to pop into the local Asda first. I was slightly apprehensive given the relatively tight parking spaces but it was simple enough to negotiate.
The drive to the moors was lovely and it was good to see so many cyclists around. Yelverton seemed to be a magnet for them and many appeared set on making it to Princetown with its famous prison. We found the Prince of Wales pub easily enough and eventually found out how to access the car park at the rear (through the turning to main car park and off to the right).
I had already been in touch with the pub to 'book' the night in their car park. That was something I found only recently - you can park in a lot of places if you contact in advance and agree to eat/drink there. A local site would have cost £40 for the night, this was 'free'.
Having enjoyed a walk toward Burrator Resevoir where we came across a bridge with swallows still nesting, we had a play in the park, a drink in the Plume of Feathers and then returned to the Prince of Wales for food and drinks. By the way, the Plume of Feathers had the fire lit inside and we were grateful for it! We'd been sat outside observing the etiquette in place now pubs are open again but it kept clouding over and it got chilly.
Having eaten well, the pub does great food and the beer is good too, we had an undisturbed and peaceful night in the motorhome. The four of us were comfortable and warm and woke to the sound of gentle rain. I can't express how happy I was to hear the rain and know I was warm and dry inside when there have been a lot of camping trips when we've been struggling with the wet and it just wears you down.
Day Three
We drove back to Plymouth in the morning and parked on the Hoe. Again, I wasn't sure about the parking situation and was slightly worried about driving round a place I'd known many years ago but had changed a good deal since I had last driven there. It wasn't a problem though and we parked roadside, not overhanging the parking space despite the 6.5m long motorhome. That gave us a further opportunity to meet up with other members of the family, including the newest addition, Emma, just walking and full of smiles.
The Hoe is a good place for walking round and has brilliant views of Plymouth Sound and Drake's Island.
Alison then cooked us a pasta meal before we sett off home. It is quite something to be parked on the side of the road with beautiful views and to be able to cook for a family with little trouble. I am definitely loving the motorhome and the comforts it brings.
It was easy enough to empty the grey water and black water following the journey. I think we've learnt what we need to know nor a successful trip in the UK in the motorhome now. There's nothing like having to learn on the job and having done a weekend trip the differing needs have become clearer. We know more about the possibilities and limitations and are looking forward to next week when we set off further afield to near Leominster.
No comments:
Post a Comment