Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2007 19:50:38 -0400
Reply-To: "T.M." <tinkerman007@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "T.M." <tinkerman007@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: VW T5 California Camper
On Sun, 8 Jul 2007 13:08:04 -0600, Martin Jagersand <jag@CS.UALBERTA.CA>
wrote:
>I looked at the T5 at a dealer. Don't remember if it
>has a fixed or retractable tap. My T4 in Canada has the
>retractable head, but it won't reach far outside
>enough to be convenient as a shower.
You missed the other option, INSIDE...:-)
Now just to fashion a sealed at the bottom, foldable, shower stall, and
we're all set...
I've heard people have actually done this.
>In Italy we often got a free shower at the public
>beaches on the ocean.
The whole point is being completely autonomous and showering when desired,
not only when available. And I think I have it figured out by now...
>Inbetween that we'd just heat a pot of water on
>the stove and pour over in some private spot.
Exactly. Now add that simple shower stall, a small pail, and a small
electric pump and spigot and we're all set...(or better yet, use the built
in water pump).
>We checked some public sites in Italy. Price was a bit
>less (like 20-30 Euro for 2adults),
We're 2+1.
> but they werenot as nice as the private. Prices at private
>sites vary a lot with season.
Yes, so I figured. But since we'd be most of the time on the move for the
scenery and the action (mountain bikes), we don't really need the
campground facilities. I'd prefer to camp in a beautiful setting instead.
The question is where is it allowed.
>> Maybe there are safe rest stops
>> or shopping centers along the highways, that are more
>> practical for the vacationer on-the-go, where we can
>> park if needed and restock supplies too?
>> And we'd need to refill freshwater and dump grey water
>> too.
>
>You don't say where you travel,
Munich -> Austria (Salzburg area) -> North Italy (Lago di-Garda) and back
to Munich (through the Dolomites if time permits).
> but in general I think it is pretty safe in much of Europe.
We'll, I think it's best to camp next to a few more families that look
decent...
I think the problem might be also of the authorities telling you that you
can't camp there, as happened to us once in Scotland. We arrived there too
late to enter a campground (and actually got a bit lost) and thought we
could park on a large shopping mall parking area, and take a short nap.
They arrived pretty soon...
> We often just stopped
>in a private spot, and were never harrased or asked to
>leave. Note that Austria and Switzerland has many areas
>with signs forbidding roadside camping. We didn't try
>there.
Yup, seems to fit their image...
I think we can try both campgarounds as well as nice private spots with
fellow campers.
>Have a nice trip,
Thank's a bunch. You too when possible...
TM
