I've always loved VW capervans. Something about just being able to go wherever, park up, make a cup of tea and even sleep over if the mood takes you. For my birthday, Martin hired one as a surprise. Even the girls were in on it and they didn't let on! Can't believe I have raised a couple of fibbers!
Hector is a 1974 VW Bay, hired from Devon Dubs in Otterton. Old, noisy, no power steering - he was just perfect! The advice as we left for North Devon was "you'll cause traffic queues on the A361, but don't worry, you look cool!" And we did look cool. And most people gave us a smile or a wave when they passed us. The girls were delighted to have so much space in the back and had an ample snack draw on hand. Gracie was soooo happy when she had her head out the window, ears flapping in the breeze!
We headed up to Woolacombe - one of our favourite places in North Devon. Little Roadway Campsite is our usual haunt when we camp up there. It's a great little campsite with alpacas and pigs. One of the best things from a parent's perspective is that the children's play area is in the middle of the camping field, so you can see the kids when you're setting up camp or cooking tea.
When we hit the surf the following day, it was so cool to park up in our veedub, pop up the roof and put the kettle on after having fun on the beach. Cue lots of admiring glances from passers by. I felt just a little bit smug, I have to admit!
Ilfracombe was our next port of call. Hector coped well with all the hills - even though he only has 4 gears! A walk along the Victorian promenade was rewarded with a Hockings ice-cream. If you've never had one, put it on your list! A scramble along the rocks and up along the cliff-top to a tiny little chapel which is now a museum. Sadly no dogs were allowed but history is not really Martin's thing, so he quite happily took Gracie for a walk whilst the girls and I took in all the history of days gone by. A walk back into town to find something for tea... Fish and chips in the van, overlooking the harbour - what could be more perfect than that?
And so, it was time to head back home to give Hector back. We had a fantastic time, and made some wonderful memories. Maybe one day I'll own my own camper....
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