Project Van: 'Back to Us'

So the van is back with us - complete with the obligatory (if you watch any van build videos) Maxxfan at the front, and a skylight at the rear.

We also have four (opening) windows - including two larger ones, one in the sliding door, and the other opposite, beside the new double seat (as pictured). 

Then there are two smaller windows in the rear 'barn' doors - seen here from the outside.

So far, so good - but it's back to us now to actually finish the job!

Is it Dead Yet?

Recently bought a bottle garden terrarium from Lidl which was set up (as scheduled in the instructions) today.

With its cork lid now in place, it is supposed to develop its own 'ecosystem' without the need to feed or water - Martin is not convinced and keeps asking whether it is dead yet . . .

I guess we will see - I'll try to remember to issue an update in due course!

Project Van: 'Cutting Edge'

Today's the day . . .  the van is off to have various holes cut in it - which will then be fitted with windows (side and rear), and a ceiling fan and skylight (roof).

We decided to get this sorted by a professional to take some of the angst out of it - just been waiting for our 'slot' for the work to be done.

Otherwise, we've mostly been planning and purchasing, and continuing with the insulation side of things.

As the house fills up with parcels, and bits of 'van' - and we see a lot more of the postman and various courier drivers than we used to!

Misty Aberystwyth

Unfortunately, summer this year has been largely absent - hoping for better things to come, but today was another mixed bag, culminating with a sea mist on the prom.

At least it made for an atmospheric photo:

Back to the Lakes

Off to visit friends in the Lake District for a few days - it's been a while (pre-pandemic!) since we were last in the area, and it was lovely to be back, and catch up with people. 

Also took the opportunity for some Ikea van shopping on the way 😊 

First evening:

walk and sunset

Had a couple of days around the Southern Lakes area - which we are less familiar with.  

A day out visiting RSPB Leighton Moss took us for a wander and a spot of bird watching, although we may have spent longer watching a mini-digger trying to extract another mini-digger from a section of the mud flats they were obviously working on!

We had a lovely sunny Saturday, starting with our hosts doing the Windermere Parkrun - while we mooched around the lake, watching some rather extreme paddleboarding!

Moved on to Kirby Lonsdale, where I had the best ice cream from a local 'artisan' shop The Milking Parlour . . .

Biscoff Cheesecake ice cream in a waffle cone lined with melted milk chocolate 😋

Visited a couple of other places in the area, had a picnic, stopped for a pint, and just had a lovely day!

All in all a great break - good friends, excellent food, beautiful scenery, and some actual sunshine  🌞

Project Van: 'Backing Up' and 'Battening Down'

So, work is continuing on the Van project - while we wait for a date to get windows and roof things fitted (letting a 'professional' do those!).

Martin has 'battened' out the floor and is fitting it with PIR board insulation to keep our feet warm - battens are distributed a bit oddly to allow for where we think the 'furniture' is going to go, and of course we then changed our minds about some of the measurements!

He's also started applying some foil backed foam insulation to other bits of the van - notably the wheel arches.

It's already becoming apparent that this will be a long process - there are so many decisions to make, and doing one bit, is contingent on having finished another bit, etc. etc.   . . .  and it all takes so much longer than you think it will!

One job is done though - Martin has fitted a reversing camera in place of the old brake light (see above), and wired the monitor in to the front cab.

So now we can see what we are backing up into!

Walking in Sunshine

A couple of days in Cardiff - arrived mid-afternoon and decided to take advantage of some actual sunshine, and go for a walk round the Bay and over the barrage to Penarth.

On the other side we enjoyed a drink sitting on the terrace of a rather posh eaterie looking out over the Bay before making the return journey.

The next day wasn't quite so nice weather-wise, but I had work things to do in the morning, and we did a bit of shopping - and by the afternoon the weather had picked up a bit.

Nice to see Ianto's Shrine still going strong down on Mermaid Quay, and the Bay looked lovely in the evening light:

Time on our last day for a visit to Ikea to buy some bits and pieces for the Van Project, and of course indulge in a plate of Swedish meatballs!

Then on the way home we got to see a bit more sunshine at Aberaeron - where work on the sea defences is still in full swing, much to the detriment of their tourist season.