Greetings from Vancouver

[DaveVancouver]

Howdy All ... As I plan to purchase a new Cali in Europe, I discovered your invaluable Forum. I've only just retired and look forward to exploring Europe & the UK in a Camper Van. We've just purchased a condo in the Algarve which will be our Home Base and has Underground Parking for when we're back in Canada.

We leave soon for the Dusseldorf Caravan Show to see what's on offer, but my online research strongly points to a T6 California Ocean. And then the Hunt begins!!! Happy Trails to all. Jan & Dave, Vancouver, Canada

 

[Hotel California]

Welcome , going to such a big fair you might well walk out there having second toughts on a Cali . There is such a variety in campervans , but in the smaller version under 2m height the Cali stands out .

 

[MattBW]

The Cali is a great tool for exploring, it will fit into a regular car park space, is under 2m tall and can be a great respite from the elements.

Sounds like a fantastic trip indeed!

 

[DaveVancouver]

At Last ... on April 11th, our T6 Coast was ready for pick-up at the VW Factory in Hanover. They really give their customers a warm welcome. Registering at reception, we received wrist bands to visit either of their two restaurants - everything gratis. We also received 70 Euro vouchers for the Factory Gift Store. At the appointed time, a Service Rep appeared, a large blue sliding door opened and we were escorted into a large cavernous room with spaces for 6 Camper Vans (I almost expected a drum roll!). We were directed to our shiny new vehicle & asked if we would like a photo. A photographer magically appeared & snapped off half a dozen pics. Moments later we were presented with a 5x7 photo mounted in a snazzy folder. Then the fun began in earnest as over the next 2 hours, Hans went over in detail the complete workings of the Van. All in all, a really feel good experience, despite the fact I'd spent over a paltry 50,000 Euros.

Our first stop was Ikea, to pick up some warm duvets (freezing cold at night) & start outfitting the Camper. We drove on to Celle to Rehwinkel Garage to have a 529 Euro Bear-Lock installed the following morning.

Next it was on to BS Camperwerk in Bramstedt to have a 1200 Euro 115Watt Solara M-Series Panel Installed. This company makes high end VW Campers, so I knew they'd do a professional job on the installation considering the pop top roof etc. The parts took a few days to order in, so we made a quick jaunt to Berlin & Checkpoint Charlie, picking up more Odds n Sods along the way. The Van drove like a dream.

As it was still bloody cold in Northern Germany, we couldn't wait to start our long journey to our Portuguese retreat in Lagos. We finally arrived May 1st, wild camping the whole way. No problems, no hassles anywhere.

We're planning to explore Portugal over the next couple of weeks. But we're planning an 8 week Safari to the wilds of the UK come September. So if you see a white LHD Cali parked sporting Portuguese plates, please stop by & say hello.

Cheers Dave & Jan, Vancouver, Canada

 

[Iron Van]

Brilliant!! What a great start to Cali life.

 

[Jonathan Duke]

At Last ... on April 11th, our T6 Coast was ready for pick-up at the VW Factory in Hanover. They really give their customers a warm welcome. Registering at reception, we received wrist bands to visit either of their two restaurants - everything gratis. We also received 70 Euro vouchers for the Factory Gift Store. At the appointed time, a Service Rep appeared, a large blue sliding door opened and we were escorted into a large cavernous room with spaces for 6 Camper Vans (I almost expected a drum roll!). We were directed to our shiny new vehicle & asked if we would like a photo. A photographer magically appeared & snapped off half a dozen pics. Moments later we were presented with a 5x7 photo mounted in a snazzy folder. Then the fun began in earnest as over the next 2 hours, Hans went over in detail the complete workings of the Van. All in all, a really feel good experience, despite the fact I'd spent over a paltry 50,000 Euros.

Our first stop was Ikea, to pick up some warm duvets (freezing cold at night) & start outfitting the Camper. We drove on to Celle to Rehwinkel Garage to have a 529 Euro Bear-Lock installed the following morning.

Next it was on to BS Camperwerk in Bramstedt to have a 1200 Euro 115Watt Solara M-Series Panel Installed. This company makes high end VW Campers, so I knew they'd do a professional job on the installation considering the pop top roof etc. The parts took a few days to order in, so we made a quick jaunt to Berlin & Checkpoint Charlie, picking up more Odds n Sods along the way. The Van drove like a dream.

As it was still bloody cold in Northern Germany, we couldn't wait to start our long journey to our Portuguese retreat in Lagos. We finally arrived May 1st, wild camping the whole way. No problems, no hassles anywhere.

We're planning to explore Portugal over the next couple of weeks. But we're planning an 8 week Safari to the wilds of the UK come September. So if you see a white LHD Cali parked sporting Portuguese plates, please stop by & say hello.

Cheers Dave & Jan, Vancouver, Canada

An awesome post!!! Living the dream right there!

We spent a couple of weeks in Vancouver and Tofino earlier this year, what a bummer you can’t buy a Cali there. We loved seeing all the Westies tho.

We loved Vancouver! So much good beer!

Hope you visit Belfast someday, please get in-touch if you do, and I’ll share some great tips on how to make the most of your visit!

You’ll see some photos of our trip here:

https://www.instagram.com/velo_vagabond_/

Enjoy your new Coast!!