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Cheap camper across Europe = disaster or adventure?

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I did that to my fibula in Morzine- seems odd that the tendon can pull a bit of bone off rather than just become unattached.


 
Posted : 22/07/2022 5:36 pm
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Oh no! Sorry to hear that. He must be very frustrated!

My Wife did the same thing playing netball about 8 months or so ago - tendon tore some bone off. Bleurgh.


 
Posted : 22/07/2022 5:54 pm
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Gutted for him, more importantly - how are his Tennents levels?


 
Posted : 22/07/2022 6:15 pm
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how are his Tennents levels?

After a few late afternoon swims in various lakes and waterfalls, I understand he may be drinking local supplies now...


 
Posted : 22/07/2022 6:19 pm
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Looks like an early end to the summer. 😞

He just can't ride, and walking is just not as sociable as biking and climbing...all his friends return home today, leaving him on his own.
His youngest brother flies out on Wednesday to Munich, and they're now planning a week of walking in Austria, perhaps German Alps. Then meander back together through Germany, Belgium and north France.

He's hoping a really good rest will see him able to volunteer again at the Trans Savoie at end of August...


 
Posted : 25/07/2022 8:53 am
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Awwww that's a shame mate... a bit of a sad ending to an almost epic adventure... but i can completely understand why.


 
Posted : 25/07/2022 8:56 am
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Probably not what he wanted from the summer but realistically the best outcome.

Rather than looking for a two berth caravan why not take advantage of the camper. 😉


 
Posted : 25/07/2022 12:58 pm
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It never rains, it pours...!

Youngest arrived out there, they had a lovely morning swimming in a lake and planning some walks.

Then the phonecall - all the friends he had been with last week have Covid. As does eldest. Likely youngest will get as they shared a van / bed for the night.

Cue a few hours of agonising over staying for a week-10 days or running for home... Neither is a 'right' decision.

They will be the two resolutely on the far corner of the ferry home today, trying to avoid anyone. Youngest, currently not positive, is the only one leaving the van for fuel or food stops...


 
Posted : 29/07/2022 9:09 am
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That's rubbish, would they not be better just sitting tight?
Edit - sorry, just re read and saw that decision was agonised over 🙁


 
Posted : 29/07/2022 9:18 am
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Thier worry was that if both get it, how do they shop for food (they only have small coolbox/not much space) and if either gets properly ill it could spiral - youngest is under 18, provisional license and not insured etc etc. They felt it more risk to stay than run.
They stayed at an Belgian Aire/park last night and met no-one. They plan to sit in van on ferry until car deck is clear and head for deck asap, and again try to get to van before anyone else at the end. Youngest is filling then with fuel and food, masks on and stay away...


 
Posted : 29/07/2022 9:42 am
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Man, that's pish! What a rotten end, hopefully he recovers quickly and can get back on the road before the end of summer.


 
Posted : 29/07/2022 12:09 pm
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Well, it does not end. Three are road tripping back out to Bourg St Maurice on Tuesday with bikes and timing kit for the Trans Savoie, and a few days back in Morzine Les Gets.

And, he is selling the wagon...! He will now have access to other vehicles in his house - and plans for next summer have moved on from Spain or Norway to Canada land.

Anyone want a bike focussed camper van? 🤣


 
Posted : 12/08/2022 10:38 am
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No chance you could use it.


 
Posted : 12/08/2022 12:13 pm
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No chance you could use it.

While it is tempting, we have two in uni this year to support and every penny is going to count. 🙁


 
Posted : 12/08/2022 12:21 pm
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Well, the wagon has been back again to France & Switzerland and is now on its way home. So two journeys to the Alps, 9 countries, 5+ weeks of accommodation for him. He has not used the awning once, preferring to move on each night or just being parked on various acquaintances driveways. Apparently it is filthy inside and out currently(!).

He has a knocking bushing and a small bit of rust work to do - but (famous last words) it has been mechanically spot on.

Not bad for a £4.5k/13yr old/100k mile wagon.


 
Posted : 02/09/2022 10:57 am
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Sounds like he's had a great time.


 
Posted : 02/09/2022 2:32 pm
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It's threads like this that make me want another van. I miss my old van


 
Posted : 02/09/2022 2:47 pm
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He needs more Tennents than that!

Only if he's planning on cooking lots.


 
Posted : 02/09/2022 3:02 pm
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He has had a bloody brilliant time. Even his broken hand has pretty much healed.

Sadly, uni starts in a fortnight....


 
Posted : 02/09/2022 3:15 pm
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Still it’s these little adventures that give you pub stories for life 🙂

“Remember that time we ……….”

I regret not doing more of it when I was young, you can’t beat travel for expanding the mind.


 
Posted : 04/09/2022 11:36 am
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you can’t beat travel for expanding the mind.

100%

Also different travel give you different pov . Travel for pleasure Vs travel for work. Both valuable.


 
Posted : 04/09/2022 12:07 pm
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A closure on this thread.
The van is sold...

Funnily enough, running a large vehicle on a student budget has proved too much. That and the summer 2023 plans don't now include a van, so it was being used as a day van. He's in a house with 5 cars already - and two of them have added him to thier insurance as he reduces thier premiums.

We spent last weekend cleaning the van and touching up some wheel arch rust that had emerged.

It's cost him a years insurance and about £1k of service and repairs - because every penny he put into the build he got back... It sold in 4 days for asking price.


 
Posted : 12/03/2023 10:00 am
towpathman reacted
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Sounds like a satisfying end to a great adventure!


 
Posted : 12/03/2023 10:06 am
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I know. He's had a great adventure, which I'm properly jealous of.

Mrs_oab and I were tempted to buy it, but it's not the right vehicle for us, and not this year with holidays already booked...


 
Posted : 12/03/2023 10:13 am
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A great end to the Cheap Camper thread.


 
Posted : 12/03/2023 10:21 am
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Sounds like the right result for everyone.


 
Posted : 12/03/2023 10:38 am
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Good thread! Enjoyed following it!


 
Posted : 12/03/2023 10:43 am
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