Bicheno

Sheila is a 4 berth van, although you’d have to know the other occupants very well to make it work!

There’s a bed that at the flick of a switch raises/lowers. I say flick of a switch, but I need Lofty II (my trusty footstool) to reach it 😁

There’s a ladder to the bed when in it’s nighttime configuration. It needs an agile spine twist and robust knees, to get up and down - neither of which I can boast these days. Negotiating the ladder makes night loo visits treacherous, so I’m trialling sleeping on the lower bed level for a bit! This still comes with its own treachery though, I might be short, but the lowered penthouse ceiling can administer a sharp head butt 🤪 to the unwary (experience talking).

As on our last trip, there are cubby holes for all our bits, and you cram whatever fits into them (13 cupboards/drawers). The order one might enjoy at home (clothes, condiments and coffee in their allotted places), those noble principles slip in a van. It’s dog eat dog, everything out for itself. If the teabags, toothbrushes and t shirts fit cozily altogether in one cubby hole, so be it.

The bathroom is great for ‘hidden’ storage. I brought * along suction hooks, so towels, washing bags etc can hang in there minding their own business.

When on the road, particularly if it’s a twisty turny route, the middle drawer, suddenly launches itself, landing with a massive and terrifying thud on the floor. We then have pull over sharpish, in case it comes careening towards us up front!

I’ve silenced the cackling crockery and screechy saucepans by adding a sheet of kitchen roll between them all. It’s calmed the interior massively, making for a quieter, less fraught ride.

I’ve already mentioned the microwave, which is in the clouds, even Col has to stretch to get food in and out!

The window blinds are good, but when they’re down, the cord disappears right up, and only Col can reach the cords to pull the blinds up again.

Always take a tall grown up with you when travelling 😂

Leaving:
Stow EVERYTHING away. Make sure all cupboards are firmly closed, count you have pushed in 10 buttons. Unhook the life support systems from outdoor taps and sockets. Turn off electrics, pump and gas inside. Prey you haven’t forgotten anything and set off. Simples!

Returning:
Plug in all sorts, switches on inside, kettle on, charge phones etc, blinds down, PJs, dinner, bed prep and sleep 😁

I think that’s everything…….

* I also brought a veg peeler, cheese grater, small sieve, folding scales and whisk! We’re staying in a lot of places, and some kitchens are better equipped than others 😬Read more