Twice around Europe

OK we are lucky we live in Belgium so we do not need to cross the channel. And yes we are teachers so we have around ten weeks summer holidays (international school).

In 2008 we did the channel islands - down through France to Carcassonne via Pau in the Pyrennees, Avignon, St Tropez, Genoa, then into Croatia, Austria, Lichenstein, Switzerland back into France and then home. We did have some problems limping from Croatia north with low compression (piston ring) and a short in the internal lighting

This year we had a very start stop tour - we were going to head to Germany and down to Slovenia, Croatia etc. Howver with the thunder storms in Austria in mid June we headed south through mid France got to the Cathar region then head back to Belgium - thought we had a stuck valve lifter and after last year were taking no chances - luckily it was not - we have a blown silencer baffle in the left exhaust route - rattles like a sticking lifter but is harmless -

Then back out on the road across to Brittany - both coasts down the west coast of France to Zarauta west of San Sebastian in Spain. then a family bereavement back in the UK meant an overnight ferry from to the UK a couple of days at Newquay a few more further North both in the rain (also UK camp sites are not a patch on continental ones) then back to Belgium a couple of days getting ready for work and then a long weekend on the Texel island in N Holland

All that with two adults an 8yr old (pop top) and a 2.5 year old (cab bunk)

Last year we used an awning on almost every site but this year we mainly just put up a decathlon tarp which was great. For next year we are going to invest in a tarp from proud to pop

on all sites we use electric and use a two ring electric hob and an electric kettle both from carrefour - it actually wroks out cheaper than using gas and means we cook outside (not in UK though)

we also tend to use a mix of small municipal sites for just overnights and more commercial sites with pools (we have kids) for more that a day. We tend to just turn up and pull off when we feel like and just find sites - if you are flexible and are willing to get on a site by 3pm there is not really any need to book in Europe even at the busiest times. There always seems to be a site somewhere and if you dont like the one you are on then you leave the next day

It also costs extra to prebook in Europe usually

Sounds like you're really making the most of your Bay. What year/model of Brazilian Bay are you running?

Around Europe Summer 2007

41 nights

16 places

8 countries stayed in plus two driven through

6000 clicks covered

budget 35 Euro/day