Day five on the road, dental and van emergencies so far outnumber the peaceful days of stress free rest. We have however managed at least one yoga or Pilates session a day. We are winding down and enjoying life back on the road.
Switzerland seemed very relaxed. Unlike Wix blog hosts, who seem to have censored my photo above? Bit expensive even compared with the rest of Europe. But beautiful enough to compensate. Luckily however, the Travel Pussy is extremely good value here. This machine was in the family bathrooms by the lake side in Luzern . If you can see it. The same place that had Cannabis plants for table decorations.
We could spend another week here but our plan is to keep moving south, and after a blood boiling day travelling here, followed by the cooling rainstorms it seemed the right time to move on. With the temperature in the early twenties and only a planned 4 hour drive we set off for Italy.
We were outside Lucerne on the toll road by 9.30am, maps said we were on the quickest route despite the stationary traffic. By 11.15am the debris had been cleared from the tunnel ahead and the traffic started to move. In the mountains the quickest way will always be the tunnel, anything else involves four wheel drive, snow chains and survival lessons from Bear Grylls.
We stopped for diesel at about 1pm. As I filled her up I noted clear fluid running from under the van. I stopped filling immediately worrying about a fuel leak. The liquid on the forecourt was now torrenting out of the underside of our van much to the rubber necked terror of fellow refuellers. One Italian man actually put his cigarette out. Thankfully it was water. Unfortunately it was the 70 litre fresh water tank under our bed emptying itself into the van through a broken pipe. Mrs W immediately spotted the broken outside showerhose spraying water. I nimbly identified that the water pump was permanently on, found the tool kit in the electrical cupboard, unscrewed the switch panel and disconnected the pump wiring. But the tank was already empty. Van medicine is a lot harder than the stuff I do during the working week. We are yet to find the full consequences of the leak, but next day, as I write, we seem to have got away with it! The forecourt attendant was reassured this was just water and sparked up again.
I've developed some basic plumbing skills today. Thanks to Rhys at Leisure Pro Ltd, once again. Through the magic of WhatsApp I knew what I was asking for.
Things have a habit of working themselves out, but I still felt close to tears at one point. Incredibly helpful staff at our camp site, a passing local plumber, Rhys good advice with supporting YouTube videos, liberal use of google translate, a trip of 90 minutes around Lake Como, an incredibly attractive English speaking lady in the plumbers supply shop, an amazing young sales assistant who turned out to be a plumber, and €12 bill, all sorted...... and.... back on the road.
Note to self. When NHSontheRun gets its own TV show we can use this. Like Bob Mortimers "..and away" I think my van life memoir could be entitled "..and back on the road".
The pitch at Como was at the top end of the West coast. Quieter and less commercial than the area immediately around Como town. George and Amal have an understated home there. Mrs W brazenly sent this WhatsApp to the family!:
How we laughed.
Our accomodation here was the attractively named Miralago camping area. It was however, row after row of unpleasant looking ancient caravans draped in grimey tarpaulin.
We had a massive pitch and the view other than of our neighbours was great up towards the mountains.
Our inflatable kyake got its maiden voyage. Fabulous but unstable fun, Reg upfront with Mrs W, and me providing the power. The lake was beautiful, but you will have to take our word. The camera was underneath shakey Reg, in a dry bag and getting to it was impossible. Next time.
Take out Napoli Pizza from the local (6€) and salad for tea. The Whispering Angel I bought on the ferry for £12.99 came into its own!
To briefly talk finances, and to confusingly mix culinary metaphors, living in a van is as cheap as chips.
We pushed off early for the four hour drive to Lake Garda. We have a chill out week planned by the shore. No disaster today. The new site is way up market with fabulous restaurant and super clean facilities and an Instagram worthy shore front pitch.
We slept with the doors open. And woke as the sun came up. Accompanied by the lapping of the waves. Life is good.
Pic 1 thankfully fully visible to the non-admins. Good job you had those while waiting for Louise to get back from her tryst with George.
As an aside Jim and Simon have long asserted that he’s gay and Amal a beard.
Seriously, I’m in awe of your developing fixing skills. Enjoy Garda. We loved it there.