AlisonF
Super Poster
VIP Member
Lifetime VIP Member
This has been an incredibly emotional road.
I remember joking with my regular spa therapist back in 2011 that I would buy a VW camper when I started competing at dog agility. At that stage we were still in basic training.
I’d never been in one and not driven one when I ordered my T6 Ocean in Sept 2015. I picked it up March 1st 2016, got window tints done and then headed south to camp (below freezing) for Crufts. Came home with winner of PG category for Ellie at her 3rd ever show. The Cali was perfect, and all the extra’s I had bought months before delivery, were all very much used and appreciated.
Lots more camping for the rest of 2016 - I think I attended every VW Cali event and also organised one alongside @SimonB (I hope I tagged the right one). Several other trips with @2into1 , @Dottie and Judith. All very enjoyable and lovely people. That involved lots of miles from NE Scotland, and many nights in the Cali in the first 6 months.
I had always intended to breed from Ellie, and was extremely fortunate that she passed every health test as clear, has a great character, and is a super mum. So, I end up with 4 Tollers. Very happy. But then started struggling to camp with the Cali and 4 dogs...
Next step was a dog trailer, trying to keep it minimal. It works / worked. But still not ideal.
And for daily driving I have 2 crates on the parcel shelf, one on the bench seat and another on the floor. Anytime I need to open a cupboard or access the fridge etc., it’s a major operation.
I wasn’t aware small caravans were available. And after feeling more confident towing the dog trailer, I then saw posts from @GrannyJen and others about Eriba’s... So, I ended up ordering an Eriba for longer camping trips in February. Only picked it (her/him) up last week due to lockdown. And totally delighted. But I discovered I can’t open the tailgate (unless perfectly horizontal). So for long journeys with 2 dogs in the back, this won’t work.
So, very, very sadly, I have just sold my beloved Cali Ocean and am taking delivery of a VW Kombi (T6.1, 4Motion, DSG, etc. etc.) in a few months. It has double sliding doors which will allow access to the (yet to be bought) 2 up 2 down dog crates in the back, with access also from the front.
I have no intention of leaving this forum and hope I can stay in touch with those I have met and maybe meet some more lovely Cali folk at future meets, albeit camping in the next field...
I would love to re-join the true Cali folk in the future, but can’t possibly see myself wishing away any of my 4 beloved Tollers.
So, I hope I can remain on the forum as a Cali lover, albeit without a Cali....
I remember joking with my regular spa therapist back in 2011 that I would buy a VW camper when I started competing at dog agility. At that stage we were still in basic training.
I’d never been in one and not driven one when I ordered my T6 Ocean in Sept 2015. I picked it up March 1st 2016, got window tints done and then headed south to camp (below freezing) for Crufts. Came home with winner of PG category for Ellie at her 3rd ever show. The Cali was perfect, and all the extra’s I had bought months before delivery, were all very much used and appreciated.
Lots more camping for the rest of 2016 - I think I attended every VW Cali event and also organised one alongside @SimonB (I hope I tagged the right one). Several other trips with @2into1 , @Dottie and Judith. All very enjoyable and lovely people. That involved lots of miles from NE Scotland, and many nights in the Cali in the first 6 months.
I had always intended to breed from Ellie, and was extremely fortunate that she passed every health test as clear, has a great character, and is a super mum. So, I end up with 4 Tollers. Very happy. But then started struggling to camp with the Cali and 4 dogs...
Next step was a dog trailer, trying to keep it minimal. It works / worked. But still not ideal.
And for daily driving I have 2 crates on the parcel shelf, one on the bench seat and another on the floor. Anytime I need to open a cupboard or access the fridge etc., it’s a major operation.
I wasn’t aware small caravans were available. And after feeling more confident towing the dog trailer, I then saw posts from @GrannyJen and others about Eriba’s... So, I ended up ordering an Eriba for longer camping trips in February. Only picked it (her/him) up last week due to lockdown. And totally delighted. But I discovered I can’t open the tailgate (unless perfectly horizontal). So for long journeys with 2 dogs in the back, this won’t work.
So, very, very sadly, I have just sold my beloved Cali Ocean and am taking delivery of a VW Kombi (T6.1, 4Motion, DSG, etc. etc.) in a few months. It has double sliding doors which will allow access to the (yet to be bought) 2 up 2 down dog crates in the back, with access also from the front.
I have no intention of leaving this forum and hope I can stay in touch with those I have met and maybe meet some more lovely Cali folk at future meets, albeit camping in the next field...
I would love to re-join the true Cali folk in the future, but can’t possibly see myself wishing away any of my 4 beloved Tollers.
So, I hope I can remain on the forum as a Cali lover, albeit without a Cali....
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