Shop Reviews

 

We finally narrowed the choice down to a van conversion that could be used as a second vehicle and our preference was a VW. Being cautious and sensible sorts we actually hired a nicely converted 2013 T28 locally and took it touring in through mid Wales in early October. This was a great success and convinced us that a VW was the way to go. We were visiting the NEC show the following weekend and decided to trawl the site comparing all the conversions to sort out the bits we liked from those we didn't, with a view to buying a van and getting a local converter to do the necessary to give us our "dream machine".

 

When we approached the Khyam stand looking for suitable accessories little did we know that we would see and fall in love with our "Cali". We chatted about the awnings with Heather but when we explained that we didn't actually own a van, Heather asked if we'd considered a California. I said that I thought they were outside our price range and as VW weren't at the show I didn't expect to see one. Heather then explained that she worked for Campervantastic and that they had loaned a "Cali" to demonstrate the awnings in place. More importantly, they had several "pre-loved" Californias for sale - including the Night Blue one on the stand. We then proceeded to examine the "Cali" and instantly fell in love with her - the layout suited us perfectly and it all seemed to hang together so well - we were sold!

 

The only drawback was that our "Cali" was more than we had budgeted, but after several visits to talk with Heather & Steve, a sleepless night working the finances at a local hotel, and even more visits to the stand on Sunday we finally decided to take the plunge, agreed a price with Steve and shook on the deal.

 

A week later after a valet and the addition of bike rack and side bars, we collected "Cali" (ok, I know it's not original but it's sort of stuck) from Forest Hill. Eager to try her out, the following weekend we decided to take her for her maiden voyage to Pencelli Castle camping and caravan park - a lovely site just outside Brecon, right on the canal.

 

Brimming with excitement we cruised off into the evening gloom ready to pitch up at the site, only to discover when we arrived that I had left one of our vital supply boxes in the garage at home - Doh! A little cursing and swearing later we set off to pick up the missing box (we were only one hour from home), returned to the site, then headed for the "Royal Oak! (150 yards from the site) for a welcome and therapeutic pint or two of real ale. Back to the van, we quickly rustled up supper, which we enjoyed with a nice bottle of red while watching a DVD of "Mad Men" - just about perfect.

 

We slept well (the mattress topper really makes a difference), then enjoyed a lovely hot shower (the site has excellent facilities) followed by bacon sandwiches for brekkie.

 

The weather was pretty appalling - wild, wet & windy - so the bikes were left parked up as we decided to take a two mile stroll along the canal to Talybont, where we sat near a roaring fire in "The Star" (a fine hostelry), sampling from their extensive range of real ales and chatting with the locals. An even more leisurely stroll back was followed by an afternoon siesta before dining at the "Red Lion", and a repeat of last night's wine & "Mad Men" finale.

 

Another good night left us feeling refreshed and we woke to a bright and sunny, but still windy day. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before packing and returning home.

 

So, how do we feel after our "maiden voyage"? Despite the forgotten supply box, the race back home, and the appalling weather, we had a fantastic time. Our "Cali" suits us perfectly - she drives so well, with lovely elevated views when driving, and when we park up she is such a snug little home from home - we love her! If we can have such a great time at this time of the year in the cold and the wet, we can't wait to try her out in the spring and summer when we will doubtlessly head for sunnier climes.

 

Thank you Campervantastic for opening our eyes to to the California - we can't imagine being without her now - our "Cali" is definitely part of the family!