It looks much bigger in here now ... like a TARDIS in fact

We'd coveted these Remis cab screens, so, with a bit of cash to spare, I ordered 'em and fitted 'em.

The least said about the fitting, the bettter. It was a bugger, and I'm a reasonbly competent DIYer. The main problem was the instructions, which had large, very significant gaps! Seriously though, if you want any detailed info, get in touch and I'll share my experiences in the hope it might make your life easier if you're up for this modification. To be fair, despite the problems, it's worth it. They look really neat and give a real feeling of space now the curtains have gone. The pale interior of the blinds also reflect light inside (like white painted walls) and really do make the van feel bigger, especially in the study (the front of the van).

These photos are mostly self expanatory:

 

 



Again, despite the difficulty, the finished product is high quality and looks great. And, before anyone asks, they cost about £490 including delivery.  I know ... expensive ... but they look good so what the heck? Can't take it with you.

Happy travelling to you all.

A short trip to the North York Moors, May 2013

The sad passing of Chrissie's Aunt saw us heading up to Middlesborough for the funeral. In an effort to brighten this event we went in the van and spent a long weekend on the North York Moors. We had four, fun filled days of walking, wild camping and two nights at the Caravan Club's site near Whitby. Here's a few piccies:

    
                                          

God bless Anne and our sincere sympathies to Christine, Peter and the rest of the family.

Is it me or is it cold in 'ere?

Now three winters into living with our lovely van it had become apparent that the rear doors were a source of cold air; not so much draughts as simply cold being conducted through the metal.

I reckon I've fixed it though. Removing the trim panels from the rear doors I found this paltry bit of insulation fitted by the folks at A/S.

More importantly, there was absolutely nil insulation behind the reinforcing bits of the door panelling, nor up the pillars. So, I went and bought some standard, 50mm thick, loft insulation slabs from Wickes and set about filling every nook and cranny with the stuff. I shoved it up the blind bits (oo, er, missus) with the aid of a cunning bit of stick until I'd filled every orifice, if you'll pardon the expression.

 



Then, feeling smug, I attacked the side door in a similar vein. I needed a touch of ingenuity cos I couldn't remove the whole trim panel without taking the door off, (which I wasn't prepared to do), but I managed, with the aid of my trusty shoving stick.

I then turned my attention to these little trim panels on't rear door pillars. Took 'em off and shoved away with insulation ... and my stick. Gosh it was fun!

By then I reckon I'd filled pretty much all the bit's of metalwork at t'back o' t'van (and the side door) with toasty warm insulation; mmm, cosy!

What about the front doors? I hear you ask. Well, I think, given the room you need for the windows to drop down inside there's not a lot of point in insulating the remaining bits. Anyway, mind yer own business! This posts about insulating the back doors ... ok? Sorry, that was a bit rude ... sorry.

Anyways. SWMBO reckoned there was lots of cold air coming in via the gap twixt the back doors, where there's only a thin bit o' metal between you and the big, cold, wintery world outside. So, I put on my thinking cap and came up with this.

The following sequence of pics shows how I used pipe insulation, a bit o' rubber, some stick'n'sew velcro and the fabric we'd used to cover our overhead locker bonce-protector (see Van Info) to make an effective seal between the doors, all kinda Barry Bucknell-like. Bits of velcro hold it in place when you open the doors. We think it's great!

                                                

I'd seen a similar idea done by one of the smaller panel van converters but theirs seemed to press stud over the gap whereas we've filled it with insulation ie fabric covered pipe insulation.

We already had the draught excluder at the bottom of the doors but now we've got the whole flippin' lot sealed up. Yet to be tested in the cold (never thought I'd be saying that this year!).

Only complaint ... it's bloody hot in here now (just kidding).

I couldn't be bothered explaining every step but if you'd like any detailed info on any aspect, just let me know and I WILL try to help; I'm only cantankerous on a few days each month.

By the way, Chrissie did all the lovely stitchy and sewy bits; she's a love. That sounded patronising didn't it? Wasn't meant to. I love her really; kissy, kissy, kissy xxx. We make a good team.

 

Does my bum look big in this v.2

As with many out there, Chrissie and I, with inceasing years, had both developed a tendency to add a few (or more) inches to our waists. It creeps up on you y'know.
Anyoldhow, after Christmas this year I decided to get a grip on this. Searching for a calorie counter online I found a website called My Fitness Pal. It's not rocket science, but allows you to keep a diary of your calorie intake and, importantly, also logs calories earned by exercise; hence today's post. A benefit of this is I've regained the incentive to get more exercise - so I can eat more! Since starting in January  I've got into the habit of walking around 1 - 2 hours everyday (at least), accompanied by my faithful lab. I always include uphill walking (a benefit of living down in a valley in the Peak District) and almost always carry a loaded daysac.
Has it done any good? You bet ... so far (that's from the beginning of Jan to today, the 18th April) I've lost 1 and a half stones (21 lbs). I'm so pleased with this. I feel better and, according to my love, Chrissie, look better too.
This strategy of little and often with exercise works well for me and paid off when we extended ourselves on our recent trip to the Outer Hebrides. After longer walks I had little tiredness and no aches and pains.
As for Chrissie, she's joined in and made excellent progress too, given that she's working, so exercise is not as easy. She cycles to work whenever possible and after battling with "women's problems" (I understand it's tougher for the fairer sex to lose weight) she's lost 15 lbs. Well done to her! No surprise then that she feels and looks much better too.
So, by way of smug celebration I thought I share with you mine and Tilly's walk today.
Thursday's my shopping day so, en route to the supermarket in Glossop, I usually stop off at the laybay at Chunal and we yomp off across the moor up to the trig point on Harry Hut, down to Worm Stones and back. Today, it took us around an hour but I have to drop off our van at a nearby garage later so I'll have a half hour walk back from there.
Here's Tilly at Worm Stones:

Then at Harry Hut:

And back at the Scooby (aka our Subaru Forester):

Incidentally, those who know labs will understand that they easily put weight on. Along with me, Tilly now looks leaner and fitter, given that she's a stocky working build anyway. I don't know if she feels better but you can judge if she looks happy.

It's not over 'til the fat lady sings though and I'm aiming to lose another 9 lbs which will put me well inside a healthy body mass index range. I hope to achieve this over the next 3 months, prior to our long summer walking trip to France. Wish me luck.

Happy travels all!

Van and plans pages updated

Like it says in the title ... both the van and plans pages have been updated today, while I was feeling all enthusiastic like. Have a look when you get a minute; see all the latest modifications to our lovely van and plans for the future.

You lucky people!

Who said that - "You lucky people", I mean?
I'm showing my age quoting that one.
Answers on a postcard to, Far not fast (or a comment will do). Smile x

Morocco, April 2012, pt 4

Our final destination in Morocco was to be the hill town of Chefchaouen, which was a decent afternoon's drive from Volubilis. We rode into town and searched for a hotel. Our reward was the faded glory of the Hotel Parador, set right on the edge of the medina. In the main lounge is a wonderful mural:

 



We ordered beers and savoured them on the splendour of the terrace:

Intent on a rest before we caught the ferry back to Europe and the long drive home through Spain, we spent two nights here and explored the backstreets of the blue and white town at leisure the following day. The tranquil stay here was a fitting end to our Moroccan journey:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, in fine style, our Moroccan odyssey came to an end. It had been a superb trip; everything I had wanted and more. We had travelled the quiet backroads and revelled in interactions with locals; catching a glimpse of their lives as we went. All that remained between us and home was a long hard ride through Spain that would hold the delights of heavy rain and a cancelled ferry, but none of that could diminish the memories of a joyous journey.