Revvvvvvving up for Spain 2023

So with not much happening over winter, I was able to concentrate on getting the van repaired. After lots of hassle with the insurance, including their intent on scrapping my van as an uneconomic repair, I eventually agreed a cash payment and sent the van to Spike's Vintage Restoration in Colchester. Spike was very helpful with his dealings with the insurers and promised to complete the work for May and my crossing to Santander. However, VolksWorld at Sandown race course got in the way with Spike entering five restorations for which he received four awards, including best in show. With VolksWorld done and dusted, Spike set about my van. All the windows out and a full external respray below the gutter line. A great job and great attention to detail - thanks Spike, you did everything you said you would and more!

This was the state of the van after the hailstones, all but two panels dented, lights, mirrors and windscreen smashed.

This is Spike's Restoration

This is THE car!

Van restored

Having postponed my crossing a couple of times I'm getting things ready for Friday 12th May and the run down to Portsmouth. I was in two minds whether or not to take a trailer. Since my trip is about looking for good kiting sites there is a lot of exploring and stopping and starting is an issue with the trailer behind. However, I need the van to be as clear as possible and can't be unpacking everything each time I stop. So I'm taking the impossible to reverse trailer and will not be jack-knifing the trailer into my shiney new bus. Will I regret this decision? You will have to wait and see.