Road tripping Yorke Peninsula in Van Halen

How could I not fall in love with a name like Van Halen? Of course, I had to hire the van for a little dream trip I had been thinking about. 

I've had this idea in my head that I'd love a van so I can do the #vanlife. But never having made a trip in a campervan, is it right to buy one. Probably not. So I then found Camptoo. A site that people can hire out their vans, caravans and motorhomes - a bit like AirBnB but for homes on wheels. 

I'm not going to lie; I was nervous picking Van Halen up. I hadn't driven a manual for a few years, let alone a campervan. But I needn't have been - smooth driving (most of the time). 

I picked up my friend, and off we headed to Yorke Peninsula. But where? We decided to make that decision when we got there. The freedom of not knowing where you were sleeping was something that attracted me to the #vanlife in the first place. 

We got down to Marion Bay the first day - stopping at a few towns to explore the beach, dance and be silly. Basically. We also had a cider in Port Vincent pub, The Ventnor. 

Driving up to the coast, getting lost, not worrying, and knowing I can stay anywhere with my house on wheels is liberating. We spent the night at a lookout - waking up to the cliffs and deserted beach next morning. Pushing open the back doors so we can goggle while staying in bed is the best part.

We repeated this for the next two nights - staying at very different parts of the coast each time from open, swell beach to very tidal rock pool coast at Gleesons Landing. Our last night at Barkers Rocks is where we met people, danced some more and went for a sunset dip with beer. Exactly how I had imagined #vanlife to be. 

Pros:

You can stay anywhere, being self sufficient with solar and water.

The best views.

Freedom.

The great outdoors, with a bed. 

Cons:

You can't drive everywhere in a big van.

My friend had to get used to 'going bush'.

You cruise everywhere - don't even contemplate trying to overtake. (But really, we didn't even want to.)

Would I do it again? Heck, yes! I want my own! 

https://www.instagram.com/vanhalenproject/

Yorke Peninsula road trippin'

In January I went to the Yorke Peninsula for work. I photographed Point Turton, Marion Bay and Port Vincent Caravan Parks. I made the return trip from Adelaide all in one day. It was massive. I was slapping myself across the face to stay awake on the way home. 

To make sure I stayed as alert as possible (and because I'd just had a very yummy festive season), I packed fruit, carrots, cucumber, drip and rice crackers to nibble on all day as my breakfast, lunch and tea. It helped. I felt great.

Even though I was pushed for time, I still took the time to stop and take photos along the way - that's part of the fun of road trips. It's the journey, not the destination. ;)

I don't love driving, but I do like long distance driving on my own. Why wouldn't I? I get to sing - and not be told to stop hurting ears. I get to listen and bop along to my fave Latin tunes. Podcasts run til my brain can take no more. I can stop whenever, wherever. And, I can talk to myself. 

Do you like driving? What's your fave thing to do to keep entertained? 

Here are a few pics from "Yorkes". Very SA I think. :)

When things go wrong while travelling #2

The playground at the caravan park the kids wanted to play on when we got back from the supermarket. Unfortunately it was getting dark, so they had to wait until morning to have a play again. 

Picture this. You are going to the Great Ocean Road, a spectacular driving holiday. A bucket list item for many. You are towing a camper trailer and have two small children. At the end of the first day of travelling, all the kids want to do is play on the playground. But you need supplies. Fresh bread, milk, etc. A pit-stop at the local supermarket should be quick and easy, yes?

Of course. Except for when your toddler falls over the front of your shopping trolley, onto his head, and passes out. Locals freeze. You scream while frantically blowing into his face, trying to get him to 'wake up'. This is what happened to us. 

Ben runs around, asking locals where the hospital is, while Ashton rolls his eyes around, in and out of consciousness. Hearts are beating super speed. Bread and milk don't seem so important now. 

Five minutes later, after trying to prop Ashton up in the baby seat while he 'dreams', we are running into the hospital with him in our arms. The running seems to awaken Ashton and before long he is trying to figure out what all the new toys are, pulling at hoses, trying to turn gadgets on - all while a nurse tries to get his stats. Phew. At least he is conscious and aware. I presume all is ok, and we will be sent home within a few minutes. 

But no, 'luckily' for us, we get to spend five hours in the hospital with Ashton being monitored. Nurses check on him constantly, making sure he is stable and not suffering from any internal damage. 

We had the huge kids room to ourselves and allowed to bring in fish and chips for tea. It's not where I want to be; I'm getting bored, but I want to make sure Ashton is okay. Finally, after final checks, the nurse discharges us. Yay. Not the playground the kids wanted to play in, but an adventure none the less. 

Guess we didn't need supplies after all - not for dinner anyway.

What's wrong? Confused with all the attention he gets after being in hospital.