More preparations

Today, the camper had a habitation check carried out. It's recommended to be done every year but I think it was last done in 2012. I think if we'd had more regular and sustained use of the camper each year, I'd have been more particular about it. Anyway, with the big trip coming up, it's best to have it done. The check is concerned with the gas, electrical and water systems and hopefully ensures that everything is working and safe. It cost £120.


Also today, two books arrived that I'd ordered from Vicarious Books - first, Go Motorhoming and Campervanning, covering all aspects of using a campervan. Although we've had our camper for eight years (and another one for a few years before that),

Ours is the VW left of centre in the background - Brittany 2006

there is always more to learn. The other book, which is going to be really useful on our trip, is Camperstop Europe 2016. Now, this isn't just a book of sites. It consists of thousands of places all over Europe (and, new for this year, Scandinavia) where you can break a journey overnight (or even spend more than one night in some cases). Many are free or cost just a few euros. Facilities are often minimal but adequate. The UK is covered but the sections featuring France and Germany, in particular are amazing. Sometimes, the stopovers are car parks with spaces for a just a few campervans, many are larger dedicated sites, but all are aimed at providing a safe place to overnight. Detailed maps are provided with all sites marked with a red dot; below the maps are a list of the sites shown and a page number where more information can be found. This book is going to be invaluable.