With lockdown restrictions finally lifted enough to head off, we took our maiden voyage the first week in May 2021 (unless parking in friend's driveway counts!), setting off to Strangford Lough.
Jules parents are keen caravaners and had been itching for a getaway and some sunshine, so we decided to join them on a caravan site for a couple of nights, then head off wild camping / boondocking.
It's fair to say that our first two nights weren't very ‘vanlife'. Having been in lockdown for more than a year with limited contact, we took the couple of days to enjoy family time. And yes, as you can imagine we got pampered, with meals served from the all-mod-cons caravan. We didn't even get to try our stove!
We did however get to test our electric hookup, Thetford Porta Potty and prototype bench with workspace, and we discovered a few things that needed a bit more attention such as a blackout for the skylight.
After that, we spent 2 nights along Strangford Lough ‘wild camping' in quiet locations. Photos below are from a couple of Game of Thrones sites, Killyleagh Castle and the public car park near Daft Eddie's.
Suffice to say, everything went smoothly; the hob worked well, no issues with the potty, nothing fell over and we didn't get moved on!
Our next trip is in 2 weeks time when we'll be heading to my favourite childhood spots, Castle Ward (home to Game of Thrones Winterfell) and Tyrella Beach. We have 2 nights in the campsite – a lovely little organic spot were I spent most summers, right on the lough and a short walk to Strangford town. Then, a few nights out in the wild. Hopefully by the beach!