Tom
We bought our California in 2008. It has 57,000 miles on it now and is a great all rounder. Over the last 2 years I had knee surgery for tattered knees from 40 years of offshore sailing and was restricted in leaping about. In the last year we discussed selling the California and ‘upgrading’ to a larger motor home to cruise the continent during the winter months. We’re in our mid 60’s. Its not going to happen.
In early February an old friend called to say he bought a 2001 Hymer 6 berth in S Spain. Would I accompany him as navigator and bring the van back to Northern Ireland. No problems I said and looked forward to the experience. My better half said it would help identify our needs in a new larger motor home. It did that!
After a five week journey it has made me aware of the beauty of the California in relation to a larger motor home. Driving a big beast, getting through small towns, windage and constantly thinking ahead as to fit, size and width has convinced me that our California is the way ahead. I am going to add wee treats to the California, a ladder to the brilliant top berth, new carpet and storage solutions but the basic vehicle will remain the same. Compact but spacious, especially if you are in a hot climate, it’s outdoors living and we spent all day outside the big van until we hit N France last week.
The secret in long term traveling with the California is having facilities available. Showers, washing facilities and loos can be planned ahead as you travel. The comfort of being able to access small towns is a very valuable asset. A prime example, last Thursday in the Hymer we attempted to enter a paying car park in Normandy and were stopped by the local police because only cars could park in the WW2 car park to visit the museum. We had to go 2 kilometers outside the area where parking was available for a big beastie. There were 2 VW campers and a smart new California in the car park because they are looked on as cars/VW people carriers! Enough said! I’m a happy bunny with my California.
Tom
In early February an old friend called to say he bought a 2001 Hymer 6 berth in S Spain. Would I accompany him as navigator and bring the van back to Northern Ireland. No problems I said and looked forward to the experience. My better half said it would help identify our needs in a new larger motor home. It did that!
After a five week journey it has made me aware of the beauty of the California in relation to a larger motor home. Driving a big beast, getting through small towns, windage and constantly thinking ahead as to fit, size and width has convinced me that our California is the way ahead. I am going to add wee treats to the California, a ladder to the brilliant top berth, new carpet and storage solutions but the basic vehicle will remain the same. Compact but spacious, especially if you are in a hot climate, it’s outdoors living and we spent all day outside the big van until we hit N France last week.
The secret in long term traveling with the California is having facilities available. Showers, washing facilities and loos can be planned ahead as you travel. The comfort of being able to access small towns is a very valuable asset. A prime example, last Thursday in the Hymer we attempted to enter a paying car park in Normandy and were stopped by the local police because only cars could park in the WW2 car park to visit the museum. We had to go 2 kilometers outside the area where parking was available for a big beastie. There were 2 VW campers and a smart new California in the car park because they are looked on as cars/VW people carriers! Enough said! I’m a happy bunny with my California.
Tom
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