Please tell me if I am stupid

Ken · 7th June 2009, 18:37

I am having a funny five minutes and to be honest this is probably a pipedream but I would like to know others views on doing something that 12 months ago I would have not even considered.

I am thinking about taking a year out and driving around the coast of England, Wales and Scotland. I am wondering about buying a motorhome and selling it when we return. We have worked out the costings and it would be affordable for us so there are no worries there. We are thinking of doing it because neither of us are getting any younger and its something we have always wanted to do. This would be a big step and we know all the pitfalls like living in a confined space, parking the van and servicing/breakdowns etc. Its around 10500 miles and along the coast road for about 95% of the way. On average its about 30 miles a day but we would probably drive for 100 miles and stay for two or three days in one spot. We have hired a van quite a few times and enjoyed it but the longest we have done that is three weeks and this would be for around a year or possibly even longer if we decided we were enjoying it. I know this is something that is done quite often by some people and they go to Europe and Asia but we are an ordinary stay at home couple without the adventurous side that some have so we have decided the uk is better for us and could if needed get home quickly. We are thinking of doing it starting July next year which will give us time to get things sorted at home and will mean we start and end in the summer. We would be in Scotland for the winter which is what we are aiming for and would have a base up there to take the winter months out if we wanted or needed to because of the weather.

Well am I daft, should I be certified? As I said this is probably a pipe dream and I being me will find a thousand reasons not to do it but at the moment and for the past few months it seems to make sense

Have anyone else on here done it and enjoyed it, ended up divorced or hated it?

I am very interested in others opinions I have asked on motor caravan forums and getting the usual 'yes go for it' type of replies but I would also be interested of getting the views of people I know and trust so what better forum to ask on :lol:

I know I will get some replies taking the mick but I am also interested in serious replies as well

Thanks for any help you can give me. This is not a mid life crisis as mid life was 20 years ago

Ken :lol:

Bernard LPG · 7th June 2009, 18:49

Do it. Life's too short not to do the things that you want to.

billnick · 7th June 2009, 18:56

Hi Ken, Life is to short, don't think about it, just do it:lol:, my cousin who is 65 has a canal boat and goes away for 4 months at a time and loves it.

regards bill.

Ragman · 7th June 2009, 18:56

Do it, if all goes pear shaped you can call it quits but a really doubt it will, I cycled from John O'Groat to Lands End and an considering doing it the other way round in 2012 - 20 years after the original trip. If it is something you want to do, then do it, it is far better to do it and have some ups and downs along the way than not do it and then regret it.

Having an ambition and working to fulfil it is something many never get the chance (or have the imagination) to do - if you have the chance and the ambition then do it regardless of what the doom and gloom mongers will say.

That's my two pence worth over!

Jürgen · 7th June 2009, 18:59

Ken, if you already did it for three weeks and did not start to hate it yet, I would give it a try. If it should turn out to be not enjoyable anymore some time during the long journey, you will have the option to end it sooner than planned. But I doubt it, as there are so many interesting places to see. :lol:

ceedy · 7th June 2009, 19:02

You're not alone here ..... this or maybe Boat.. has been a Pipe dream for me for ages.

A nice big fully fitted yankee wagon .. and go anywhere, you can fit it

.

Chris

windrush · 7th June 2009, 19:04

Go for it Ken I am sure that knowing you that you will enjoy every minute come the ups and downs I am still caravanning at 76 going on 77 its a good life

StevenWilliams · 7th June 2009, 19:04

Do it. I think if you have the opportunity to do it you should.
I spent a year in Crete and never regretted it. If I could do it again I would.

bl52krz · 7th June 2009, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken

I am having a funny five minutes and to be honest this is probably a pipedream but I would like to know others views on doing something that 12 months ago I would have not even considered.

I am thinking about taking a year out and driving around the coast of England, Wales and Scotland. I am wondering about buying a motorhome and selling it when we return. We have worked out the costings and it would be affordable for us so there are no worries there. We are thinking of doing it because neither of us are getting any younger and its something we have always wanted to do. This would be a big step and we know all the pitfalls like living in a confined space, parking the van and servicing/breakdowns etc. Its around 10500 miles and along the coast road for about 95% of the way. On average its about 30 miles a day but we would probably drive for 100 miles and stay for two or three days in one spot. We have hired a van quite a few times and enjoyed it but the longest we have done that is three weeks and this would be for around a year or possibly even longer if we decided we were enjoying it. I know this is something that is done quite often by some people and they go to Europe and Asia but we are an ordinary stay at home couple without the adventurous side that some have so we have decided the uk is better for us and could if needed get home quickly. We are thinking of doing it starting July next year which will give us time to get things sorted at home and will mean we start and end in the summer. We would be in Scotland for the winter which is what we are aiming for and would have a base up there to take the winter months out if we wanted or needed to because of the weather.

Well am I daft, should I be certified? As I said this is probably a pipe dream and I being me will find a thousand reasons not to do it but at the moment and for the past few months it seems to make sense

Have anyone else on here done it and enjoyed it, ended up divorced or hated it?

I am very interested in others opinions I have asked on motor caravan forums and getting the usual 'yes go for it' type of replies but I would also be interested of getting the views of people I know and trust so what better forum to ask on :lol:

I know I will get some replies taking the mick but I am also interested in serious replies as well

Thanks for any help you can give me. This is not a mid life crisis as mid life was 20 years ago

Ken :lol:

hi ken. just go and do it. like me, i do not want to be on my "deathbed", horrible word, but comes to us all, and think:"****** hell, i wish i had done that, and that and that.
you never know what is round the corner, so get on and do it, you wont regret it i'm sure.
good luck.

GreyGhost · 7th June 2009, 19:11

Go for it Ken, nothing like being on the road. You can always take a break at home if it gets to much, then go off again.
I toured SA for 6 months in a Renault 1100 and a two man tent. 1986. I have also done several two month camper van trips across France and Italy. Not to mention how much of the UK.
As long as you are properly central heated is the only thing I would say in UK.

Oh yes and can I come.

7th June 2009, 18:37	#1
Ken Busy doing nothing! . Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hampshire Posts: 6,373 Thanks: 33 Thanked 44 Times in 16 Posts	Please tell me if I am stupid I am having a funny five minutes and to be honest this is probably a pipedream but I would like to know others views on doing something that 12 months ago I would have not even considered. I am thinking about taking a year out and driving around the coast of England, Wales and Scotland. I am wondering about buying a motorhome and selling it when we return. We have worked out the costings and it would be affordable for us so there are no worries there. We are thinking of doing it because neither of us are getting any younger and its something we have always wanted to do. This would be a big step and we know all the pitfalls like living in a confined space, parking the van and servicing/breakdowns etc. Its around 10500 miles and along the coast road for about 95% of the way. On average its about 30 miles a day but we would probably drive for 100 miles and stay for two or three days in one spot. We have hired a van quite a few times and enjoyed it but the longest we have done that is three weeks and this would be for around a year or possibly even longer if we decided we were enjoying it. I know this is something that is done quite often by some people and they go to Europe and Asia but we are an ordinary stay at home couple without the adventurous side that some have so we have decided the uk is better for us and could if needed get home quickly. We are thinking of doing it starting July next year which will give us time to get things sorted at home and will mean we start and end in the summer. We would be in Scotland for the winter which is what we are aiming for and would have a base up there to take the winter months out if we wanted or needed to because of the weather. Well am I daft, should I be certified? As I said this is probably a pipe dream and I being me will find a thousand reasons not to do it but at the moment and for the past few months it seems to make sense Have anyone else on here done it and enjoyed it, ended up divorced or hated it? I am very interested in others opinions I have asked on motor caravan forums and getting the usual 'yes go for it' type of replies but I would also be interested of getting the views of people I know and trust so what better forum to ask on :lol: I know I will get some replies taking the mick but I am also interested in serious replies as well Thanks for any help you can give me. This is not a mid life crisis as mid life was 20 years ago Ken :lol:

7th June 2009, 18:56	#4
Ragman This is my second home ZT 260 SE Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ashington, West Sussex Posts: 3,512 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Do it, if all goes pear shaped you can call it quits but a really doubt it will, I cycled from John O'Groat to Lands End and an considering doing it the other way round in 2012 - 20 years after the original trip. If it is something you want to do, then do it, it is far better to do it and have some ups and downs along the way than not do it and then regret it. Having an ambition and working to fulfil it is something many never get the chance (or have the imagination) to do - if you have the chance and the ambition then do it regardless of what the doom and gloom mongers will say. That's my two pence worth over! __________________ I've learned that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

7th June 2009, 18:59	#5
Jürgen Posted a thing or two 75 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: N/A Posts: 1,728 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ken, if you already did it for three weeks and did not start to hate it yet, I would give it a try. If it should turn out to be not enjoyable anymore some time during the long journey, you will have the option to end it sooner than planned. But I doubt it, as there are so many interesting places to see. :lol: __________________ Jürgen

7th June 2009, 19:02	#6
ceedy This is my second home All Trophy Blue ,ZT260#50 , ZT CDTI Auto, ZR105+ and 1.8T Firefrost spoiling the Set . Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nr Sherborne But in Somerset.. Posts: 6,077 Thanks: 916 Thanked 1,214 Times in 768 Posts	You're not alone here ..... this or maybe Boat.. has been a Pipe dream for me for ages. A nice big fully fitted yankee wagon .. and go anywhere, you can fit it . Chris __________________ The Three Bloo's Wifey's Zr105, MY CDTI & 260 #50 and Number One sons 1.8T in Firefrost When I were a lad Zero to 142 in 10.25 secs at the Pod on my Blown Norton. 210 Kart Champ in 70's

7th June 2009, 19:04	#7
windrush This is my second home December 2004 Rover 75 2ltr CDTi Connoisseur SE HL Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aldershot Posts: 74,464 Thanks: 2,431 Thanked 3,015 Times in 2,347 Posts	*Go for it Ken I am sure that knowing you that you will enjoy every minute come the ups and downs I am still caravanning at 76 going on 77 its a good life* __________________ ][SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] My Pearl Black Beauty Best regards Lilian and Derek Club Member No. 96 / Forum User No. 111 REGISTRATION to the club as a member FREE, FULL MEMBERSHIP is £10 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

7th June 2009, 18:49	#2
Bernard LPG I really should get out more....... 75 V6 Saloon 2003 LPG MGZT V8 260 LPG Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Evesham Posts: 2,134 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Do it. Life's too short not to do the things that you want to.

7th June 2009, 18:56	#3
billnick Loves to post ex 75 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Abergele Posts: 445 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Ken, Life is to short, don't think about it, just do it:lol:, my cousin who is 65 has a canal boat and goes away for 4 months at a time and loves it. regards bill.

7th June 2009, 19:04	#8
StevenWilliams This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon 2.5 V6 British Racing Green. 81,000 miles and counting Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Crawley, West Sussex Posts: 6,183 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Do it. I think if you have the opportunity to do it you should. I spent a year in Crete and never regretted it. If I could do it again I would. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Rover 75 2.5 2000 Club SE. British Racing Green. MEMBER NUMBER: MMMDCCXXVI Looking for: 7 seater

7th June 2009, 19:11	#10
GreyGhost Banned 180+ Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bedford Middle Level Posts: 17,787 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 5 Posts	Go for it Ken, nothing like being on the road. You can always take a break at home if it gets to much, then go off again. I toured SA for 6 months in a Renault 1100 and a two man tent. 1986. I have also done several two month camper van trips across France and Italy. Not to mention how much of the UK. As long as you are properly central heated is the only thing I would say in UK. Oh yes and can I come.