First Trip

Sorry not to have posted sooner (Christmas). Thank you for all your kind comments after my introduction. I slept in my new van a couple of times on the drive - no problems. Using the systems was helpful when we went on our first trip last weekend to Delamere Forest CCC site. Driving the Warwick is easy & the air top suspension does seem to soak up the bumps, it handles better than our hired Wildax Constellation, no offence a nice van, but the wrong layout. We really enjoyed the trip and the wardens at the site were really helpful. No major niggles but I was pleased we had had Remis cab blinds fitted as the curtain rail is slightly damaged and the passenger side curtain won't close (well not without damaging the plastic runners). We have this in hand with Marquis & I am sure it will get sorted. Also the reversing camera seems to have a grey smudge on it, I tried washing it but that hasn't improved things. I have reported this as well so we shall see. Anyway I have a question! How do people carry the washing up to the washing up sinks? I used a washing up bowl but struggled to open the door. I need something like a supermarket basket but that's too bulky. Once again thanks for all you kind comments. Nigel & Gillian

Nigel54 wrote:.............. How do people carry the washing up to the washing up sinks? I used a washing up bowl but struggled to open the door. I need something like a supermarket basket but that's too bulky. .............

Hi there,

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your first trip. Great isn't it!!

With regard to the washing up question, there appears to be two types of camper. There are those who take their washing to the sinks and those who don't; and we are firmly into the category of "Those who don't!"

The reasoning is simple. We had to do it when we lived in a small tent and we don't need to do it now we live in a motorhome!

I appreciate that it doesn't answer your question "How do I do it?" and I wouldn't wish to discourage you from the habit.

This is mainly because watching people leaving a sink with hot and cold running water to trudge a hundred yards through pouring rain to take their pots, pans and plates to a similar device at the other end of the campsite is a free entertainment opportunity that we enjoy!

Best regards,

Hi Nigel,

I agree with Ian (Dutto) re. the washing up. We, (just the two of us) have never used the washing up sinks at a site.

The main solution is to keep it simple, keep pots, pans, and the like to an absolute minimum and if possible 'clean as you go'.

-Not tried it yet, but this year we are thinking of taking a few pre-prepared meals (I don't mean 'ready meals') and a small microwave.

The important bit is 'have fun', you're not at home so don't let things become a chore!

Mike D

We have always washed up in the van, but as the sink is wrong handed for 1 washing and 1 drying (draining board by the door) we have a plastic tray which sits on top of the cooker, and a small dish rack, so that the dishes can drain rather than putting more water than necessary on the tea towel.

Brian2

..... oh, a PS from the Boss.

"Tell them we have seen people carrying their gear in a plastic bag or even one of those floppy plastic garden gadgets that look like a low-slung bucket." but she then muttered "It's another bit of kit to clutter up the van though!"

Best regards,

Ian

Nigel54 wrote: How do people carry the washing up to the washing up sinks? I used a washing up bowl but struggled to open the door. I need something like a supermarket basket but that's too bulky. Once again thanks for all you kind comments. Nigel & Gillian

We also wash up in the van but that doesn't answer your question. How about one of those collapsible baskets as mentioned in this thread...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

That wasnt a bad run out for you for the 1st trip mostly motorway and easy to find when you get off it and a nice site.

We too have never used site facilities for washing up, particularly at this time of the year (cold and wet) and at Delamere.

Dont let Marquis "forget" your issues you may have to keep on their back (if its the nearest branch to you that is!!)

Yes roli that was the plan!! trying to get used to living with the van rather than driving massive distances (longer lounging cooking washing up etc).

The weather was actually very nice - cold & dry. Looking for somewhere similar for the next trip. Castleton CC site looks about right except for driving through Glossop on a Friday afternoon. Boroughbridge CCC is also a possibility.

As to washing up I suppose I am used to a bigger sink & Gillian does like to cook (one of the main reasons we liked the Duo so much are the great kitchen facilities) and I admit we washed up on the Sunday morning in the Van which was rather easier.

Not really given Marquis enough time yet.

Thanks to you all for your replies.

Nigel

I would choose the Castleton Site, no probs with the journey for you.

The Boroughbridge site is ok but prone to flooding on the lower levels so while we have so much of the wet stuff around would be inclined to avoid it just now.

We sometimes wash up in the 'van and sometimes use site sinks, depending on variables such as weather, distance to sinks, how 'dirty' the washing up is, etc. We just carry it in a square plastic washing up bowl, as there's two of us one can open doors if required.

Just a word of warning though - if washing up in the van, always be sure to remove as much food, especially grease, from the plates, saucepans etc first, so as to avoid smells and possible blockage of the waste system.
This gives me an excuse to go back to the habits of my uncouth youth and wipe sauces off my plate with bread (the French happily do this anyway, even in expensive restaurants!).
Mrs B is rather more genteel so uses kitchen paper . . .

Hi Roger,
Hear hear with regard to cleaning the plate with bread, or toast with a cooked breakfast, I dont believe in wasting baked bean juice. Incidentally we have just realised that the kitchen sink at home was running slow, took off the trap, and found grease had reduced the size of it to about half normal, I wonder of the van is similarly clogged up, must check.

Brian2

I seldom wash-up in the van using the sink. I had no plumbling in my Doblo so either used the campsite facilities or off-site used Dettol Kitchen wipes preceded by paper towels. Got used to this. Atm no water in Symphony as have drained her down til warmer weather . The sink and facility to wash-up inside is good to have if I need it tho

Interesting to find myself as the object of others amusement. I ~never~ wash up in the van, so I'm one of those that can be observed enduring torrential rain, wading through the mud to reach the site sinks.

Actually, I quite enjoy it most of the time. In fact I seldom use the water heater, and value the facility so little that the van I'm downsizing to soon won't have anything other than a cold water supply. If I need hot water when away from site facilities I plan to just boil the kettle...

-mojo- wrote:Interesting to find myself as the object of others amusement. I ~never~ wash up in the van, so I'm one of those that can be observed enduring torrential rain, wading through the mud to reach the site sinks.

Actually, I quite enjoy it most of the time. In fact I seldom use the water heater, and value the facility so little that the van I'm downsizing to soon won't have anything other than a cold water supply. If I need hot water when away from site facilities I plan to just boil the kettle...

Can relate I could quite happily go back to using my Doblo for campervanning- no water at all just simple leccie hook-up and small gas ring.

-mojo- wrote:Interesting to find myself as the object of others amusement. I ~never~ wash up in the van, so I'm one of those that can be observed enduring torrential rain, wading through the mud to reach the site sink

Don't worry Mojo ..... You are not alone (Let 'them' laugh all they like )

We have been away touring for a couple of weeks (and two more to go !!) and haven't washed-up in the Van once ( Sloshing through the snow to the Washing-up area is good for my complexion )

Brian

-mojo- wrote:............... I'm one of those that can be observed enduring torrential rain, wading through the mud to reach the site sinks.

Actually, I quite enjoy it most of the time. ............

Hi there,

Even better!

We now know that we are looking at genuine masochists!

Best regards,

Ian

we use one of these [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] they come in all sizes and can be bought anywhere. We carry Barneys toys,food and bits in it , can be used for many things , , like carrying washing up , emptying waste tank etc. very handy to have. Gary

I usually use the washing up facilities as they are a great place to meet up chat and have a bit of banter with fellow campers often sent there by their other halves to do the dishes. When camping solo verbal intercourse is often limited so every opputunity to participate in a natter is welcome.

Cheers John

Johno wrote:I usually use the washing up facilities as they are a great place to meet up chat and have a bit of banter with fellow campers often sent there by their other halves to do the dishes. When camping solo verbal intercourse is often limited so every opputunity to participate in a natter is welcome.

Cheers John

totally agree ! Cath

Johno wrote:............. When camping solo verbal intercourse is often limited ............

Er ......

Actually, some of us long married lot will tell you it can be pretty limited with a partner as well.

Plus, if we ever did go to the sinks for a happy banter session with some attractive fellow camper the "verbal intercourse" could well cease altogether for a few days.


Ian

Plus, if we ever did go to the sinks for a happy banter session with some attractive fellow camper the "verbal intercourse" could well cease altogether for a few days.


Ian[/quote]

Probably one of the reasons why I'm now a solo camper too many "attractive fellow campers"

John

Hi John,

My Mate was staying at a campsite in the South of France a few years back and couldn't understand why the 'Men' (substitute your own word, Lady members ) were jostling position for certain Washing-up sinks ....... turned out they overlooked the Women's Showers ......

He put up quite a good effort in the 'Scrum'

Brian

Johno wrote:............. When camping solo verbal intercourse is often limited ............

The one time the conversation stopped for a few hours was after an incident on the beach at Labenne just north of Bordeaux around 1982.

After swimming in the sea I went under the shower provided by the local council. It had pushbutton operation, a shower head about 18" across and a flow like being under Niagara Falls! It was great but within a couple of seconds and before I had even wiped the water out of my eyes I felt someone push in to join me.

Fearing that it would be some hairy Frenchman, when I did finally wipe my eyes I was amazed to discover that I had been joined by two topless German ladies who seemed quite happy to share the shower with me!!

I would have stayed longer than the 10 second it took me to rinse off but I could feel the sudden drop in temperature that accompanied the glare coming from my wife who was standing about 10 yards away! What still beats me even after all this time is "Why was it MY fault?"



Ian[/quote]

We, currently 68 and 70, have been going to France for 24 years (in 2 different versions of AS Harmony) and apart from rinsing out cups morning and evening have never done any.

Holidays are just that, holidays, so her alongside doesn't go into cooking, so washing up doesn't arise.

Use local cafe's, restaurants, snack bars etc. You get good wholesome, albeit sometimes strange food, at relatively low cost.

By not cooking in a van you also save all those annoying little rattles that drive you mad, because you haven't wrapped up the pots and pans enough.

We spend 6 weeks in France, (May/July) travel about 3000 miles, which includes the journey from Scottish Borders. Do another 700 to 1000 miles on the bikes. All inclusive of fuel/ferry/site fees and eating out for just on £3000.

oldbikerider wrote:We, currently 68 and 70, have been going to France for 24 years (in 2 different versions of AS Harmony) and apart from rinsing out cups morning and evening have never done any.
................

So you will have seen the "Plats de Jour" soar from Ff25 (£2.50) to €15 (£12) as well then!!

Makes me want to weep! Last month even the Grande Casino Cafeteria prices made our eyes water!

Best regards,