VW T2 camper
David’s camper finally gets out of lockdown jail in order to escape to the countryside
1972 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2 CAMPER
hen I concluded my previous report on the Type 2 towards the end of last year, I asked the question: ‘I wonder when GVF 530L will be back in action in 2020?’ Well, I certainly never guessed it wouldn’t appear out of the garage until July!
The early months of the year presented no particularly good breaks in the winter weather that would have made for an ideal opportunity for a dash to the Norfolk coast and back, as had happened towards the end of February 2019.
The camper was snug in the garage, in fine condition following the fettling of its gearbox last year and was started up a couple of times just to be sure that all was well. Then the curtain fell. With all the uncertainties that lockdown brought, was there really any
Wpoint in getting the camper out of hibernation? So, I waited and waited.
The mere sight of a camper van in parts of the UK was likely to produce scenes similar to those in a vampire film in which a crowd of villagers carrying fiery torches marches towards the villain’s castle. Official camp sites were waiting for guidance from the powers that be as to when they would be opening for business. When a glimmer of hope did appear, they were left to interpret how to go about re-opening their businesses. Some kept their gates closed, while others decided that only motor homes with their own toilet and shower facilities could enter their fields. Others have done their best to restore their fields and facilities to enable campers to fill their fields once again – and fill them they have, with an abundance of people opting for ‘staycations’ (a horrible word for a not-so-bad idea). As a few possibilities came to light, I charged the camper’s battery, then reversed it out of the garage for a general inspection of the tyres and oil levels, followed by a good wash and brush up inside and out. As it was late in the day, I decided to drive the camper back into the garage for the night and postpone its test run until the following day. However, the next morning offered a new challenge as the automatic garage door decided that it was going to remain closed. With GVF finally released from prison, I scoured the internet to see if there was a suitable campsite in my beloved county of
Norfolk where I could enjoy a couple of nights with the camper. Many sites were fully booked for the month of August, but I managed to find a suitable space at Bircham Windmill campsite for two nights – Sunday afternoon to Tuesday morning. That would do nicely,
Test run completed and fresh petrol added, I loaded equipment and provisions, did those essential checks once again and strapped the dog in securely on the rear bench. With the late Trevor Lucas singing Six Days on the Road on the CD player, the camper finally had a real destination to reach.
For once, ‘Geoff’ was not the slowest vehicle heading east on the A47 that day; that dubious distinction went to a modern white box caravan being towed sedately. As such, everyone was happy when the dual-carriageway stretch was reached near Wisbech and I could overtake the caravan, before cruising at 50-60mph in the slow lane. All too soon afterwards, I arrived at journey’s end at Great Bircham.
Lying at the heart of a maze of lanes and fine country walks, the
OWNED SINCE
May 2008
MILEAGE SINCE LAST REPORT TOTAL MILEAGE LATEST COSTS
Nil 156 75,564
Grade II listed tower windmill site boasts 15 plots for camping, a couple of shepherd’s huts to rent and a good café. Norfolk is well known for its windmills, but Bircham’s is one of the few working ones. It fell into disrepair from the 1920s, but was painstakingly restored from 1977 onwards. The mill has a bakery where you can make your own bread and the healthy may like to climb the steps to the top of the tower where I’m told you can get a fine view of the surrounding countryside. I contented myself with the views across the fields from the camper, looking towards the next village at picturesque Docking.
A couple of restful days spent in these splendid rural surroundings made a real change from the lockdown blues, but time flew as usual and it was soon time to head for home again, though not before exploring several surrounding country and coastal lanes. After all, that road trip has got to last for a few weeks now until – fingers crossed – GVF 530L can go travelling again once – or if, I suppose – the world gets back to normal.
JON BURGESS NEWS EDITOR
❚ 1995 SUBARU SVX
Very much sat tight awaiting its next adventure while I’ve been away on holiday, exploring the Highlands by camper van. Sadly, it wasn’t as classic as the two on this page!