Northerly navigation

Stunning sunset over Morecambe Bay

Spring is sprung With spring finally here, it was time to leave the south behind and make my way back up to the Outer Hebrides again. Heading northwards again, I wanted to stop over at Morcombe again. There’s something special that I love about the aesthetics and architecture of classic English seaside towns It’s a … Read more

Off-grid island campout

Aircooled Adventures in the Outer Hebrides

Going out out Having taken so long to get electricity connected to the Small Mission Hall, it’s ironic that when the opportunity arises, I like to go for an off-grid campout. I’ve learnt here that the weather can change quickly. That means you need to be prepared for all seasons at any one time. If … Read more

Hessisch holy grail

texture and colouration detail on a patina barndoor bus

On a mission Hessisch 2022 was sadly drawing to a close. Still, there is plenty more to see and do, including getting decent-quality rocker gaskets for the journey home. Should be able to find some suitable gaskets in the trade/swap meet area of the show. With my friend Caroline’s expert supervision, I should be able … Read more

Hessisch HO22 bound

One happy camper all set-up for Hessisch HO22

The big test I had been looking forward to today for five years. Now the moment was filled with trepidation. I had no idea if my repair would hold or not? There was only one way of finding out… so it was an early start from Barrage de Gileppe in Belgium, back on the road … Read more

Hessisch HO22 road trip

camping companions

It’s been a while… My task list of things to do on the bus was big. In reality, a bit too big to get everything done before setting off. Some bits will need to wait to get finished off. At least I managed to get a fair chunk of it done. There’s always more to … Read more

Best camper van cooker

Canterbury Pitt cooker – the best classic camper van cooker?

Good news Long time followers of vdubxs may remember that ages ago I bought a classic Canterbury Pitt cooker to refurbish and use in my camper. What ever happened with that project? Well, there’s some good… and there’s some not so good news. The good news is that the project finally got finished! My introduction … Read more

Hoping for Hessisch Oldendorf 2022

Hidden gems tucked away at Hessisch Oldendorf

So HO22? After the recent postponement of the air-cooled show at Ninove in Belgium, all hopes are now that Hessisch 2022 finally gets to take place this year! It seems a genuine age since I last was able to go to a decent air-cooled show (for obvious Covid-19 reasons). If there is one show you … Read more

Exploring more on the Isle of Harris

destination unknown… my kind of road

Heading to Harris After a restful night at Berneray beach, it was lovely to wake with the sun and hear the gentle sounds of the waves lapping up upon the white sand beach when I opened the van door in the morning. Always a great back drop for my early morning breakfast by the sea. … Read more

Eriskay to Berneray drive time

beachfront sunset at Berneray

Brilliant Barra Woke up to the promise of what should be beautiful sunny morning on Barra. Always a nice way to start the day on a road trip. Having delayed my initial ferry trip back so I could see the coolest little airport in action, I thought I would make my way back to the … Read more

Exploring North and South Uist

Classic Uists landscape and lochs in the golden hour

Uist unplugged Having just driven over the cool causeway from Berneray to North Uist, the weather and the landscape began to change (yet) again. Now there’s a surprise! Always expect the unexpected and learn to embrace change. However, this made for a great late afternoon drive and it wasn’t too long before I found another … Read more

Scalpay and the Isle of Harris

Eilean Glas Lighthouse on Scalpay

South to Scalpay I was really enjoying road tripping around the north of the Western Isles on Lewis. Great people, incredible locations and breathtaking landscapes. Now I wanted to begin heading south. From the more undulating, boggy, peaty moorland of Lewis, down to the island of Scalpay. This would take me through the very different … Read more

Loving the Isle of Lewis

The 5000-year-old Neolithic standing stone monument at Calanais on Lewis

Distractions everywhere The more I drive around the Isle of Lewis, the more there is to see. The dramatic landscape intertwines with sinuous single track roads winding their way through its raw beauty. It’s a sensory overload just driving around. You need to take time out just to be still and soak it all in. … Read more