See the World With Bill’s Eyes

These few paragraphs are short example of our adventure in an RV travelling about France.

Please go to the blog tab above to explore the 29 days we enjoyed in France.

Well, the first day in the Camper Van was interesting. Driving is a challenge when the 2-ton vehicle, which is wide and long, has the 6-gear stick shift on the right, the indicators on the left, is driven on the right-hand side of the road, and has the acceleration of a 20-ton truck. Quite a bit different from my low-to-the-road automatic two-seater.

At least the GPS is talkative and helpful as long as the destination is clear. Not so much if you use the GPS coordinates provided in a book of Aires, which are free overnight stay locations for camper vans located all over France and provided by the local councils to encourage tourism in their area. You can purchase a book listing them all, including the facilities they have and directions to get there, including the GPS coordinates.

It is best to know the general direction of your travels when you jump into a 2-ton juggernaut. We knew we were heading for the Alsace region of France, but there was a temptation to drive the five or so kilometers to Germany to at least say we had traveled to that country.

We were on a mission, though, and the first destination in France beckoned.

The chatter from the GPS soon became secondary to the strident calls from Lee that the van was too close to the side of the road; the parked cars; the sign posts that seemingly jump out at her as we approach; and approaching trucks and buses, which create a windy buffeting that moves the van from side to side. Suffice to say, the stop just 13 kilometers from our starting point was a relief.

We decided to do some shopping and stock the van to ensure we could survive a few days food-wise. The van has a gas hot plate, hot water, and shower, so all manner of goodies were purchased, but importantly, some G&T was included. Gin and tonic for those that do not know.

Felt like some right then — but best to be enjoyed during the evenings. Click the link to continue reading.