Darren's blog

The MOT is complete, and I have decided to sell the Pampy Camper. I am selling here to my friend and surfing buddy Richy.

I have had a wonderful time building, traveling, and living in my camper van. Over the next few years I will be backpacking in several countries around the world. I will be in the UK only for a few months during the summers. However much I would like to keep the camper van, I feel it would fade away during the winter months, leaving me a good deal of work to do each summer, getting her back on the road.

I know Rich will have a great time using the Pampy Camper.

The Pampy Camper had its MOT today. It failed on a few things.

One headlight was considered defective, and the Garage can get a pattern unit for £75, rather than the £150 for an Mercedes part.
Two front suspension arms also need replacing. No doubt the cause of the endless rough Spanish and Portuguese roads I have bounced down over the last year.

The garage will do the work next week.

The Pampy Camper needs a new MOT. I am confident there is nothing major required for the MOT. The headlights have both lost their reflective backing, so new headlight units may be required. I strip both of the headlights down, and dust and clean inside.

I kept a list of my costs during my trip. Perhaps it help you with some planning. I haven't including food or entry to sights. Just travel and accommodation costs.

Well, after 9 great months of travelling through France, Belgium and mainly Spain and Portugal I am home.

I left the ferry in Plymouth and drove into the city centre. I got my tax disc, as my vehicle was SORN whilst I was away. I then spent several hours shopping for new clothes, as my limited wardrobe had faded a bit with the many months of hand washing.

It is lovely to be amongst the British people, being able to talk to people in shops with more than a few words. The weather is great, for which I am very grateful.

After several hours of shopping I jump in the van and make the drive back to Cornwall. I love the scenery, which although I have seen hundreds of times before, seems like new sights for my eyes. I head straight for my parents house in Truro, to warm receptions from everyone.

After spending time with my family I head to my old house in Cubert, Newquay. I catch up with my old house mate Jess.

My journey is over. The van is back from where it left. My 2 months trip turned into 9. I have had an amazing journey :)

There is a little sun in the morning, and plenty of warmth in San Vicente. I chat briefly with the Belgians. The surf is very small, and I don’t go in. I have a hearty breakfast, say goodbye to the Belgians and hit the road. I drive straight to Santander, which takes about an hour. I head towards El Sardinero, the beach area where I had stopped before. I stop for fuel and fill the van up. I also stop at a supermarket and by 72 cans of beer, 2 bottles of Smirnoff vodka and a bottle of Gin. It only costs €47, and should see me through the summer at home.

Heavy mist rolls in over Santander, so I have lunch in the car park of the football stadium, rather than by the beach. At 13:45 I head down to the ferry terminal. It is strange to see so many Brits together. I wonder about everyone’s stories, where they have been and for how long. I wonder if I have been away for the longest amount of time?

I get onboard, park up and head towards my cabin. I drop my things off and take a lap around the ship. It is large, although not as big as I was expecting. It does have 10 decks, and I take them all in. I had forgotten how most British people act, and it is weird seeing so many again.

I buy Lowenna her present, a life-like cat, and return to the cabin. I make the most of the shower. It is great having a cabin, and I think the trip would be much less enjoyable without one.

Steve and I camped at Playa de Xago in the night. In the morning three police officers arrive and ask for our passports. It seems OK to camp here, they are just checking on people. They take a front-on photo of our vans and leave.

I take a surf at the northern end of the beach, and Steve at the other end. I drive into Luanco to book my ferry. I wanted to do it soon as I though all of reclining seats would be taken. When I check they have all been taken, for Thursdays sailing and the following Monday. This would mean having to wait until the following Thursday before catching the ferry home. This is too long for me, especially considering there will be no surf and no sunshine. I decide I should book a cabin, and therefore take the ferry tomorrow. I book it.

I drive to Playa de Verdicio and catch-up with Steve. We chat for a while, say our goodbyes, and then I head off. I wanted to cover some ground before tomorrow. I drive to San Vicente de la Barquera. There are a few people there, including the Belgians. I have a final surf, and catch quite a few waves. I chat with the Belgians in the evening. Whilst sitting in my van looking out into the sunshine covered bay I have a strange feeling. It is a weird feeling that I could stay and enjoy the summer in my van. But I know it is time to return home, I am ready. Perhaps I should spend a summer in the van in Spain another time?

The sun returns in the morning, which is very welcome as I have had a short nights sleep. I didn’t get to sleep until at least 3am. Yesterday I was ready to jump on the ferry home. The buzz of the trip had gone, and I wanted the pleasures of home. But, there is a small wave in the bay and Steve and I go for a surf. We catch a good number of waves.

Afterward I take a drive into Aviles. I do some shopping and have a quick look around. I then drive to Launco and met Steve at a campsite. It turns out the campsite is one of the worst I have stayed at. One even has to pay for showers!

We end the day with beers.

After breakfast and goodbyes with the Swiss, Steve and I head separately towards Gijon, looking for un-crowded waves. I drive straight to Playa de Xago, stopping at a smaller beach further north first. Playa de Xago is blown out and the waves are massive. I spend a few hours there before heading further west, along the coast towards Santa Maria del Mar. When I get to Santa Maria I realise that I have been there before. I check the beaches, but the surf is too small. I decide to head back on myself, and stop overnight in a large car park I have seen, that had lots of trucks parked in.

I get to the car park and pull up in the back. I manage to get a WiFi signal and check the surf forecast. The swell is dropping greatly today and tomorrow. I decide to head back to Playa de Xago, wait for the swell to drop and try to meet up with Steve.

I get back to the beach and park up. A little while after Steve arrives. We setup camp and drink beers.

The day starts well with low winds and sun. I sit around with Steve, Guido, Ginta and Thomas. Playa de Meron is very busy. Steve is going to explore some other beaches, and I do intend to so the same.

I head into town in San Vicente, check the internet and get some supplies. I drive to Playa de Andrin. The waves are very small, so I drive onto Playa de Andrin. I make my way down the lane, which I only visited yesterday. When I arrive the waves are small, and I don’t see Steve. I continue to the next bay, Playa de Ballota. The waves are the same here. The lane to the beach is terrible and on my way back up the van has major wheel spin, then rocking, and the contents of many of my cupboards fall to the floor. No damage though.

I try and find Playa de San Martin, but don’t find it. So I continue to Playa de Torimbia. I have to drive through narrow village lanes to the get to the beach. The views at the beach are stunning, but again, the swell is too small.

I head onto Playa de San Antolin. I pull up and see the best sized wave of the day, with one guy in. But the water is a dark muddy colour, and I notice a river feeding into the see. There is a motorhome camping by the river.

I head onto Playa de Vega. It is a lovely spot. There is a guy going out on a fish, but I am surprised as the wave doesn’t look good, as the beach is exposed and the wind is doing it no favours. I watch him for a while but I don’t see him get any waves.

I drive onto Playa de Arenal de Mois. There is more swell here, so I park up. I settle down for a while and have a coffee. A few people come and go. There are a few surfers in the water, and a few more join them. The swell picks up a little whilst I am there.