Introduction

We took possession of our Talbot Compass Calypso 1991 camper van in June 2012.  Her previous owners Rob and Julie had cared for her over six years but she wasn't built to accommodate the extra three dogs and three grandkids.  She is however, perfect for our requirements.  Small, tidy, separate shower room complete with chemical loo - Cally (pronounced Kelly) is full of character and a little roughed-up around the edges.   Alan fell in love with her in less than an hour despite our purchasing "keep it cool - don't make an instant decision" strategy.

We drove off scared but hopeful, weighed down with manuals Rob kindly provided.  Our goal this year is to tour around Europe over three months.

First test drive involved Yetheridge Farm in Devon.  Diesel consumption - good, radio coverage - poor.  Electrical hook-up tested, lights and gas worked well without problems.

We didn't use the water systems (kitchen sinks and shower, heating) or the toilet!  Yetheridge has lovely modern facilities so no need.

Lesson learned *1: - must use water/waste-water facilities pre-Europe.

Second trip - Shaldon in Devon to Longmeadown Farm: Tested oven (two lemon stuffed chooks we'd won in a raffle in the Landsdowne pub) on the Dawlish Ale Trail.

Lessons learned *2: - Close the skylight if bad weather is predicted.  Pack T-shirts.  Sort water/waste-water.

Third trip - with friends to Barge Inn, Wiltshire.  Crop circle central.  No electrical hook-up so test-drove gas fridge.  Took 24 hours to sort as ran out of gas and some numpty turned off power to the leisure battery.  Struggled with no lights but this was due to cider consumed rather than Cally.

Weather was shite on Sunday morning and tenting friends spent hours shaking off and folding wet equipment.  We watched them then closed windows, stowed dishes and bedding, cranked up the rear stabilisers, stowed chocks.  Cranked up the engine and drove off.

Lessons learned *3:  - read Rob's manual again.  Sort out water/waste-water. Test awning.  Celebrate no tents.  Bikes?

Our final test trip was to Greenhill Farm in Wiltshire.




This place borders the New Forest and is less than 15 miles from the ferry to the Isles of Wight.

New Forest Ponies grazing at NoMansLand

We struggled with the awning - verdict:  don't take through Europe.  The retro fold-down Raleigh three-speed bikes look gorgeous but completely impractical in the hills.  Got everything working except ... yes, the "W&WW".




So if you're interested, We'll keep updates of Cally's progress towards her 2012 goal.