The time has come for a change.

[Vagophile]

I hope that your new van fulfills your needs as you see them now, things change over time, plus we're all getting older! I appreciate your knowledge and access to information on California related topics and your willingness to share with the forum, not to mention the odd contentious post designed to promote discussion (or disharmony?). As a lifetime VIP member, I cannot imagine that you will desert the forum and look forward to continued contributions.

 

[cpjb@btinternet.com]

Good luck WG. You've certainly helped me out with a few issues over the years. Hope all goes well.

Best Wishes,

Chris

 

[D&S4]

When I first joined the forum I was in awe of your knowledge - I still am! But it is also your generosity and willingness to always help find solutions - it's quite inspiring - thank you! Stay safe and every best wish as you move forward to your next adventure.

 

[jts46]

Thank you @WelshGas have enjoyed the ride on the forum with you.
We finally made it to Malmo Sweden over the orresund bridge this september

Thank you again
John

 

[Jay586]

I, for one, would be interested in how you get on as I use my Cali as a car (for lots of reasons to do with current circumstances) and am vaguely thinking the MV might suit better.

 

[Abracadabra]

You are leaving a great legacy of advice, encouragement and the delight of a California. Your counsel and wisdom will be missed.
However, new adventures await. Good for you and please keep us posted.

 

[WelshGas]

I, for one, would be interested in how you get on as I use my Cali as a car (for lots of reasons to do with current circumstances) and am vaguely thinking the MV might suit better.

I’ll do my best.

 

[acer]

We’ve had so many questions for this forum over the past 10 years and it feels as though Welsh Gas has contributed to the majority of the answers. So generous. Of course, answers often conflict with each other, but we always add extra weight to the WG response.

Good luck in your continued travels Welsh Gas.

 

[BeeBee]

You’ve been our ‘go to guy’ since buying our van nearly six years ago now. My husband’s comment for any search for help is “what does WelshGas think”
Hope you enjoy the new van as much as your California, and glad you’re staying with us, keep sharing .

 

[acer]

You’ve been our ‘go to guy’ since buying our van nearly six years ago now. My husband’s comment for any search for help is “what does WelshGas think”
Hope you enjoy the new van as much as your California, and glad you’re staying with us, keep sharing .

That’s often Mrs Acer’s question too

 

[Justinitus]

So another huge thank you to @WelshGas for all the helpful comments and input you’ve given this forum so far - your knowledge and efforts in helping us has assisted me (any many others) on so many occasions. Wishing you many happy miles and adventures in your new Multivan

 

[nigpdreadingfc]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

A man with a plan.... I like it. All the best for the slight change of direction.
Thanks for the help you've given this newbie and I'm glad you're thinking of sticking around with your thesaurus like experience, knowledge and support.

 

[chockswahay]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Crikey @WelshGas ! This feels like the end of an era! I have only been on here for a couple of years but YOU are a VW Legend. I have enjoyed your (often short, blunt and straight to the point ) posts, you will be missed.

I get where you're coming from, good luck and enjoy the new van and new adventures!

 

[CaliforniaSeb]

Will miss some of those succinct, brutal posts when you were not prepared to suffer a
fool. Been on the wrong side of a few.

 

[Californication69]

Will miss some of those succinct, brutal posts when you were not prepared to suffer a
fool. Been on the wrong side of a few.

It comes with age, the older you get, the less BS you are prepared to take.
I think Paul is 157 years young

 

[Velma's Dad]

Good luck and keep it shiny side up!

 

[Jay586]

I’ll do my best.

Thanks, it's not like the other T6s in that there's not a lot of online stuff written. There's the odd YouTube video where the guys say they love them but it would be good to hear what you think with your extensive experience.

 

[WelshGas]

It comes with age, the older you get, the less BS you are prepared to take.
I think Paul is 157 years young

The Family would agree with that. All 5 of them.

 

[Marco Venturi]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Always enjoyed your contributions, enjoy your next "chapter".

 

[WelshGas]

A man with a plan.... I like it. All the best for the slight change of direction.
Thanks for the help you've given this newbie and I'm glad you're thinking of sticking around with your thesaurus like experience, knowledge and support.

Yes, we thought long and hard.
We could have upsized but that would be at the expense of hotel stays . Not many city centres have 6-8 m parking bays.
I refused to have 3 vehicles on the drive and undertaking day trips in a larger vehicle definitely becomes more demanding.
This way we can stay hotels, Airbnb, chalets and even pre-pitched tents if we want and tour the local countryside.
With a crate containing a gas stove and picnic stuff we can still have a cuppa in a layby.

 

[larrylamb]

With a crate containing a gas stove and picnic stuff we can still have a cuppa in a layby.

You've bought a Beach haven't you. Admit it

 

[Camperfamily]

When buying our first Cali (privately through this forum), the seller mentioned you, @WelshGas , and your extensive contributions to this forum. Such was your impact and influence on the forum then.

That was 5 years ago and a few thousand posts ago!

Amazing contribution @WelshGas. Look forward to hearing about your new Multivan adventures.

 

[WelshGas]

You've bought a Beach haven't you. Admit it

Ha Ha. No a pure Day Van and can't be bothered with vacuum flasks. It will be for emergency use only.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Yes, we thought long and hard.
We could have upsized but that would be at the expense of hotel stays . Not many city centres have 6-8 m parking bays.
I refused to have 3 vehicles on the drive and undertaking day trips in a larger vehicle definitely becomes more demanding.
This way we can stay hotels, Airbnb, chalets and even pre-pitched tents if we want and tour the local countryside.
With a crate containing a gas stove and picnic stuff we can still have a cuppa in a layby.

Every city centre has a coach park, coaches are the same or greater widths, heights and lengths as motorhomes.

 

[nigpdreadingfc]

Yes, we thought long and hard.
We could have upsized but that would be at the expense of hotel stays . Not many city centres have 6-8 m parking bays.
I refused to have 3 vehicles on the drive and undertaking day trips in a larger vehicle definitely becomes more demanding.
This way we can stay hotels, Airbnb, chalets and even pre-pitched tents if we want and tour the local countryside.
With a crate containing a gas stove and picnic stuff we can still have a cuppa in a layby.

Eminently sensible