Tam &Toby do Europe ...Take two

[monzer]

Could be worse Tam. My vans parked up in storage at Seville. I'm stuck at my mums in Edinburgh for a month or more recovering from back surgery. 13 staples in the back and I have to go out for a walk every day for exercise but it's cold, grey and wet.

Might get a winner at the National later so fingers crossed!

 

[Northernraider]

Self inflicted, you keep using. You know Motorhomes are supposed to sit on the drive for 9 months of the year.

What's it doing or not doing then?

Every couple of minutes it's flashing up an alarm and saying charge. I think it's the daft solar controllers aren't cutting off as batteries are showing 14.6 , 14.8v etc. Probably that bloody shaudt one.

So I've unplugged at the ebl just now and reconnect when dark.

I'm not sure what's going on between the ebl and the panel as it's not been sunny today and batteries were at 95% when I left this morning but at 100% now yet the panel shows nothing going in from alternator.
Bloody electrics do my head in.

 

[Northernraider]

Could be worse Tam. My vans parked up in storage at Seville. I'm stuck at my mums in Edinburgh for a month or more recovering from back surgery. 13 staples in the back and I have to go out for a walk every day for exercise but it's cold, grey and wet.

Might get a winner at the National later so fingers crossed!

Ouch...how did that happen then I only saw you like 3 weeks ago

 

[tacr2man]

Tam don't fall into the trap of driving too much , as the more you drive the less chance you have of meeting nice people , as you are sat on your own driving .

 

[gus-lopez]

Forcast to stay wet for at least the next ten days.

I couldn't handle that. 2 grey days is my limit.

and it was all warmer than Spain. Wish we hadn't bothered going to Spain.

You didn't venture down to where the sun always is.

Lorca ; ' City of the Sun' ' Fortress of the Sun'

food a bit grim though.

I found the service areas in Germany at least offered types of meals ,unlike the services on the French toll roads which had nothing except packed sandwiches & baguettes at extortionate prices to the point the wife refused point blank to even consider buying anything, & drinks only from machines along with coffee tasting like barley sugar.
We never ate from the last service we used in Spain before La Jonquera until the 1st services we found after entering Germany via Mulhouse. Thick end of 1000kms

Listen I suffer from depression....I refuse to pump myself full of pills so I find other ways to try and keep myself in a positive mindset.

That's why I live here.


that is the problem I have when traveling regarding dismal weather & a wet dog. Being ocd as well doesn't help
When we had 3 here at home & it rained it became a nightmare.

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[Northernraider]

Tam don't fall into the trap of driving too much , as the more you drive the less chance you have of meeting nice people , as you are sat on your own driving .

Yep I know and I've driven loads the last 2weeks ...moved everyday.
That said there's not been many vans In the places I've stopped ...everyone is in spain lol.

 

[scousebird]

Could be worse Tam. My vans parked up in storage at Seville. I'm stuck at my mums in Edinburgh for a month or more recovering from back surgery. 13 staples in the back and I have to go out for a walk every day for exercise but it's cold, grey and wet.

Might get a winner at the National later so fingers crossed!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

 

[monzer]

Ouch...how did that happen then I only saw you like 3 weeks ago

Been ongoing for years. Slipped disc and been on the waiting list for an op for about 6 months. Always knew I'd have to pop back for it at some point but it's done now and fingers crossed I should be fit enough to fly back over and continue the travels in a month or so.

Christ it is drearie in Auld Reekie today though.

 

[Northernraider]

Been ongoing for years. Slipped disc and been on the waiting list for an op for about 6 months. Always knew I'd have to pop back for it at some point but it's done now and fingers crossed I should be fit enough to fly back over and continue the travels in a month or so.

Christ it is drearie in Auld Reekie today though.

It's dreary in France too lol and 11°
I'm missing that 28° in torremolinos

 

[suavecarve]

Just playing my 2-3 weekly catch up and seen the ice cubes issues.
An amateur mistake
Grapes. Freeze them. Bung them in your drink. Defrosted by the time you have finished your drink.
Blueberries are good too
Strawberries in your leffe blond (or cheap lidl imitation) enhance the taste a bit.

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[Northernraider]

Just playing my 2-3 weekly catch up and seen the ice cubes issues.
An amateur mistake
Grapes. Freeze them. Bung them in your drink. Defrosted by the time you have finished your drink.
Blueberries are good too
Strawberries in your leffe blond (or cheap lidl imitation) enhance the taste a bit.

I still have food frozen to the freezer ....I can't defrost it as I'd then have to eat all the food within a few days lol.

 

[Lenny HB]

Every couple of minutes it's flashing up an alarm and saying charge. I think it's the daft solar controllers aren't cutting off as batteries are showing 14.6 , 14.8v etc. Probably that bloody shaudt one.View attachment 295210 View attachment 295211

So I've unplugged at the ebl just now and reconnect when dark.

I'm not sure what's going on between the ebl and the panel as it's not been sunny today and batteries were at 95% when I left this morning but at 100% now yet the panel shows nothing going in from alternator.
Bloody electrics do my head in.

The alarm could be due to the voltage being too high. 14.8v is not good and will cook the batteries, may be one of regulators has gone duff.

 

[Northernraider]

The alarm could be due to the voltage being too high. 14.8v is not good and will cook the batteries, may be one of regulators has gone duff.

Aye I'm guessing that's what it's for.
My money is on the shaudt controller thinking back to when I bought the van one wire was disconnected and there was discoloration on the terminal on the controller.
I might have to disconnect that one just now and just have the one panel charging.

 

[Val 3 dogs]

Some people don't know when they are well off, it is 6°can here at the moment and wet with it.
Re your freezer - I know it's not recommended but for many moons, in the event of a freezer malfunction such as you have had, Ive cut open packets and rebagged the contents, wrapped everything in newspaper and blankets then done a rapid defrost of the freezer, cleaned and dried it, replaced all frozen goods, switched back on and bob's your uncle........ done at your own risk -but I'm still here. Lol

 

[Northernraider]

Some people don't know when they are well off, it is 6°can here at the moment and wet with it.
Re your freezer - I know it's not recommended but for many moons, in the event of a freezer malfunction such as you have had, Ive cut open packets and rebagged the contents, wrapped everything in newspaper and blankets then done a rapid defrost of the freezer, cleaned and dried it, replaced all frozen goods, switched back on and bob's your uncle........ done at your own risk -but I'm still here. Lol

I've about 6 dinners I've got free so far so I'll use them up first then I need to switch it off long enough for the ice to thaw a bit till I release some more lol.
It's cause ive got chicken etc in there and I'm wary of defrosting then refreshing. I'll get there lol.

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[Val 3 dogs]

Yes, understand your doubt about using my methods with chicken, your probably wise.
To upset you further, I have just been sent a text from a chum of a "boiled orange loaf cake'. It sounds delicious. Being as I have all the ingredients in stock I shall be compelled to make two of them this evening.
What a shame you aren't here to eat the spare one Tam, but I shall think of you while I do.

 

[suavecarve]

Tam, as per some others, I think you have managed to do the worst of France first up.
Perpignan is an S hole. Wouldnt dream of going back there
The beach aires all along that coast are expensive if you can get in, with the odd exception.
The towns are bland, nothing at all to write home about never mind taking photos.
The lakes and rivers and most beautiful villages and gorges and clues and waterfalls are the way to go (IMHO) and stay away from the coast.
Now you are at Esparron Provence opens up nicely for you. Greoux is a lovely little town but you have to pay for an aire. Lac de St Croix is a must and there is some parking off the grid near the bridge on the eastern side otherwise its a paying aire or france passion lavender farm in a truffle orchard. You MUST MUST MUST drive the southern gorge road from le lac its the D71 through Aiguines. Allow some time and theres a free stop at tregance the other way. Allow the whole day. Stop off by the hotel for the styx, lovely walk for the dogs. Mousteiers st marie to the north is also a paying stop but nice village on a hill.. one of frances most beautiful villages
Ventoux is also impressive and you can park up there for the night but that is out of the way. Sillans la cascade is afree stopover with impressive waterfalls. There are several "Clues" on the way over to Grasse and every other village is a hilltop one. Shed loads of really impressive stuff down there. Iles de la sorgues, Grimaud if you care to go near to st tropez, gordes (you have just passed) Avignon is nice if you like screaming wannabe actors shouting in your face. Vaison la romaine is another beautiful village. Entrevaux on the napolean route has a free stopover opposite.

Stay away from Nice and Monaco and Cannes and Frejus. Its all a rip off, which i think you may have found out. Lac du salagou would have been on my list as well as Guilhem le deset and pezenas and the ardeche and the ceze and the tarn and jonte gorges, but alas, i only pop in every 3 weeks or so.

Enjoy and hopefully there are some places for you to consider within that lot.

I should say that driving that D71 is not for the faint hearted. 3,000 foot sheer drop in places, but they have wooden barriers 2 feet high and the 53 seater coaches tend to give way in the single lane tunnels that you cant see the end of when you enter. Which reminds me, what shoe size are you ?

 

[Northernraider]

Tam, as per some others, I think you have managed to do the worst of France first up.
Perpignan is an S hole. Wouldnt dream of going back there
The beach aires all along that coast are expensive if you can get in, with the odd exception.
The towns are bland, nothing at all to write home about never mind taking photos.
The lakes and rivers and most beautiful villages and gorges and clues and waterfalls are the way to go (IMHO) and stay away from the coast.
Now you are at Esparron Provence opens up nicely for you. Greoux is a lovely little town but you have to pay for an aire. Lac de St Croix is a must and there is some parking off the grid near the bridge on the eastern side otherwise its a paying aire or france passion lavender farm in a truffle orchard. You MUST MUST MUST drive the southern gorge road from le lac its the D71 through Aiguines. Allow some time and theres a free stop at tregance the other way. Allow the whole day. Stop off by the hotel for the styx, lovely walk for the dogs. Mousteiers st marie to the north is also a paying stop but nice village on a hill.. one of frances most beautiful villages
Ventoux is also impressive and you can park up there for the night but that is out of the way. Sillans la cascade is afree stopover with impressive waterfalls. There are several "Clues" on the way over to Grasse and every other village is a hilltop one. Shed loads of really impressive stuff down there. Iles de la sorgues, Grimaud if you care to go near to st tropez, gordes (you have just passed) Avignon is nice if you like screaming wannabe actors shouting in your face. Vaison la romaine is another beautiful village. Entrevaux on the napolean route has a free stopover opposite.

Stay away from Nice and Monaco and Cannes and Frejus. Its all a rip off, which i think you may have found out. Lac du salagou would have been on my list as well as Guilhem le deset and pezenas and the ardeche and the ceze and the tarn and jonte gorges, but alas, i only pop in every 3 weeks or so.

Enjoy and hopefully there are some places for you to consider within that lot.

I should say that driving that D71 is not for the faint hearted. 3,000 foot sheer drop in places, but they have wooden barriers 2 feet high and the 53 seater coaches tend to give way in the single lane tunnels that you cant see the end of when you enter. Which reminds me, what shoe size are you ?

Thanks for that very helpful info ...I will Google some of those and try and devise a route
I'm a size 11

 

[Northernraider]

Rain finally stopped again so went out with pooches for a walk around the old village and went to find Le chateu.

 

[suavecarve]

Thanks for that very helpful info ...I will Google some of those and try and devise a route
I'm a size 11

The Ventoux one, its out of your way. Its north of you atm. Several nice villages and cheap/free spots. Its a huge mountain, Tommy Simpson died on it and you ll find out all about that on wiki. But the point about this mountain is it is so much higher than everything about it.
If the weather is good and you have a clear night, then watching the sunset and the sunrise are magnificent. But if you wake up at 0200 hrs you can go out and see the stars. So many of them because there is no diffusion in the air. You need to check that it is not going to be windy either. If there is cloud or wind DONT DO IT. Sault is a free alternative. And mormoiron next to a lake is free as well. whathisname Martin broke the downhill speed record down there and mind out for suicidal cyclists and skateboarders when they are descending.
You can see the mountian from miles away. The romans took all the trees down at the top so it looks like an inverted bazilian has been applied !

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[nicholsong]

I found the service areas in Germany at least offered types of meals ,unlike the services on the French toll roads which had nothing except packed sandwiches & baguettes at extortionate prices to the point the wife refused point blank to even consider buying anything, & drinks only from machines along with coffee tasting like barley sugar.
We never ate from the last service we used in Spain before La Jonquera until the 1st services we found after entering Germany via Mulhouse. Thick end of 1000kms

So why go into the 'canteen' when you have a kitchen and dining area in the MH?

 

[gus-lopez]

So why go into the 'canteen' when you have a kitchen and dining area in the MH?

No that was when we were in the car going to my brothers' funeral.
I never use toll roads in the van as it is too slow to gain any advantage from.
**other thing I learnt from it was that July/august even on toll roads is a nightmare.Im not paying to be stopped or in a 32km queue just to pay at a toll booth. Toll road to me = flat out

 

[nicholsong]

No that was when we were in the car going to my brothers' funeral.
I never use toll roads in the van as it is too slow to gain any advantage from.
**other thing I learnt from it was that July/august even on toll roads is a nightmare.Im not paying to be stopped or in a 32km queue just to pay at a toll booth. Toll road to me = flat out

I should have guessed - sorry for the reason for the trip.

Even on flights we take our own picnic, not to save money, but for quality and we can eat when we want.

 

[f6c]

It's so Nice you peole are so Careing and supportive to our fellow members

 

[Drum Major]

All well informed funsters and plenty of support if you need it

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[Riverbankannie]

The Ventoux one, its out of your way. Its north of you atm. Several nice villages and cheap/free spots. Its a huge mountain, Tommy Simpson died on it and you ll find out all about that on wiki. But the point about this mountain is it is so much higher than everything about it.
If the weather is good and you have a clear night, then watching the sunset and the sunrise are magnificent. But if you wake up at 0200 hrs you can go out and see the stars. So many of them because there is no diffusion in the air. You need to check that it is not going to be windy either. If there is cloud or wind DONT DO IT. Sault is a free alternative. And mormoiron next to a lake is free as well. whathisname Martin broke the downhill speed record down there and mind out for suicidal cyclists and skateboarders when they are descending.
You can see the mountian from miles away. The romans took all the trees down at the top so it looks like an inverted bazilian has been applied !

Now @suavecarve , you must have read what Tam thinks of cycle racing ! Probably not a good idea to send him to Ventoux.
I think Roussillon would be more to his taste

 

[Northernraider]

Hi Tam, I hope the weather clears a bit., the Gorge Verdon is spectacular the colour of the water is usually crystal clear aqua,, it is quite a hairy drive though.
If you have a hour to spare see can you find the film "under the Tuscan sun" a true story we seen the film and set out to find Cortona where the story was set We found the walled town just as portrayed it was very friendly and we were told by the police lady (wearing high heel boots very red lipstick and carrying a gun) that we could stay on the car park immediately under the town walls no problem at all, the was even a water tap we could use. We also enjoyed our visit to Assisi have a Google seen what you think
We really enjoyed Italy though we did struggle finding food we liked but maybe that was just us.

Watched the film it was quite good but I got the impression they tried to make it look older than it was ...the cars and the clothes didn't seem to match up...bit looks a nice city as does the other one she goes to visit with the Italian stallion.

 

[The Dudess]

Absolutely peeing it down this morning and has been since 6.30 when it woke me up.
Weather forecast is for rain and wind all day
today
I really wish I'd stayed in Spain another month. All you seasoned European travellers should have told me the weather's shit over here lol.

Could be worse Tam. This is our village in Crete where we're heading for, arriving in a few days. Total devastation!

 

[Northernraider]

Could be worse Tam. This is our village in Crete where we're heading for, arriving in a few days. Total devastation!

Ouch

 

[Barclaybasher]

Thunder, rain and cold in Mallorca.......

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