Anyway, after owning the van since October and carrying out some work over the winter, we decided the first outing should be not too far by road, so we could make sure everything was working as it should. Also since it was the wives first ever camping trip, and my first for over 20 years, and first in a van, we decided to leave the dog behind, in kennels, so we had unfocussed attention on the setup and workings of everything.
So Thursday, check to see what is draining the battery, and find its the normal ie. the radio. Remove radio. Take van a run, running very sweetly. Connect mains hookup and leave fridge on all night.
Friday, and off we go. Hmmm, van running a little poorly. It did this before, just after we bought it. That time I put some fuel in and all was good. Suspect that the fuel in the van had gone off, as it lay for a while before we purched it (or maybe blocked vent on tank?). So, stop at first petrol station and 30 pounds later off we go. Or limp. The van is now struggling, especially on hills, but we limp to the ferry, and off again and go to the site. The site is at Lochranza, and we are warmly greeted by the owners. We empty everything off the top of the engine lid and I have a look, fearing all sorts of horrors. RESULT! (at least it seems it has done no permanent damage). One of the nuts has come off the throttle linkage, leaving the van running on 2 cylinders (and tickover on the other 2). And there is the nut on the tinware. Off to the site office, "where can i buy some locktite?". So I get lent a bottle, since its only for one nut. We then set about the awning.
. The wind was picking up a bit by now, and the awning that looked so easy to erect when we bought the van now becomes a nightmare. Then a joint breaks on it, and its back in the bag. And off to the pub. Which was pretty expensive for alcohol, I didnt try the £375 Malt. Back to the site and get dinner, then we get a visit.....
And another visit.......
There were about 9 Red deer, have never been so close to one before
So glad the awning didnt go up though, wind got quite high during the night, and it was windy our whole visit.
Saturday, we abandon the van almost completely. We decide to get the all day ticket for the bus, then we can both have a refreshment. Except the bus service is very poor, despite a large timetable (services are duplicated in the timetable etc, it turns out only 4 buses a day, and since we missed the first one, didnt want to risk missing the last one, that leaves one to Brodick, and one back). So we go to the pub there....much more reasonably priced. We had already decided before leaving home that Saturday we would have a meal, cooking and alcohol don't really mix. So its back in Lochranza hotel, and the food is actually reasonably priced, and very nice too!
Sunday. And its a day of rest. And a visit to the distillery. Aw well, thats the van left again. £5.50 each entry, but well worth it. A shot of 14 year old malt, and a shot of Arran Gold (a surprisingly tasty cream liquer, something I normally wouldnt touch). A walk down the shore path and back to the van for dinner.
Monday and its time to pack up and head home. The van is now flying, hills are not much different from flats (ok I exagerate a little), but the van is running great. We get home and open the sliding door to unpack....and the door just about takes my toes off. Awww well the joys of old Volkswagens
A lovely site, doesn't our van look dinky!
To summarize
Had a great time though and would highly recommend the site and the distillery, also the hotel for food, but beware of the price of drink at the bar.
