First time out in the Van (1 Viewer)

Dec 21, 2016
145
266
Pyrenees France
Funster No
46,542
MH
Adria Compact Access
Exp
Since 2017
05486D83-F462-4DB1-AEAC-71BCDADA4F27.JPG
E84AB802-5D1C-4543-A0CC-4F4B2BB8092A.JPG
7979D7F2-80A1-418F-ADD1-839EBCA9AB64.JPG
A075E843-D023-4A70-B149-3FFB8E7BBB65.JPG
05CD71E2-8F15-4925-8097-C4E0560EB534.JPG
DD26F29C-2BF1-41B4-BB94-489840B87409.JPG
First trip out in the Fourgon/PVC
We recently purchased a Adria Twin SL 6,4m.
Didn't want anything too big or wide and this seems to be ideal for our needs and location in the Pyrenees.
After purchasing a selection of goodies from various lists I could find on the forum, we decided that enough accessories and essential items were onboard to make our first trail run.
We decided to travel over to Spain, as the weather looked ok, the routes and cols were cleared snow, so packed and ready we set off. The route planed was over the Col du Pourtalet at 1794m passing the ski stations in Formigal, the weather was good and views fantastic, as always in winter.
The route passed Zaragoza heading towards Valencia on the A-23, picking up the AP-7 passing Valencia, then heading for our destination in the Jalon Valley near Xaló to stay a couple of nights with my brother. The van drove very well, the cruise control is very handy on these Empty Spanish dual carriageways. At this time of year the area is beautiful with all the Almond blossom in full bloom.
It was time to take to the road again, we decided on heading up to Peniscola, taking the Autoroute, as we left much later than planned, what was to be a leisurely trip turned into hope we get there before dark and the campsites are closed. Having looked in the ACSI book and APP, the site Camping Edén looked promising for a first test of a couple of nights in the van. Arrived at 7:00pm and was greeted by a very friendly receptionist, who gave us a plan of the site and said any pitch that is numbered on the plan is vacant. So finding a pitch and parking up, we could open the first bottle and relax!!
Camping Edén is a large site with over 250 pitches, it looked a good choice for our first nights in the van.
We stayed three nights, then headed back home to France, taking the route on the smaller C-12 across Spain towards Lleida, then heading for Ainsa and the tunnel Bielsa, stopping in Bielsa to take advantage of the low cost alcohol. Into France and taking the Col Aspin, we arrived home around 7:00 pm.

Total km for the trip was 1450km. The overall fuel consumption was 8.6l 100km, (32.8mpg)
The van is a Fiat Ducato 2012 with the 150 engine, so very pleased with the consumption.
We need to purchase a few more items, but seem to have most essentials.
Thanks to @Minxy-Girl for the information on the MiFi and the three mobile sim cards, they worked very well in Spain with the HUAWEI MiFi unit. Would recommend that system.
Peniscola is a great place to spend a few days, and can recommend a trip to the Castle.

The Motorhome Fun Forum has proved invaluable for picking up information and tips for us newcomers to Motorhoming, thanks to all.
Now planing the next trip.
 
Feb 15, 2016
638
1,066
Essex
Funster No
41,677
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Since April 2016
Great pictures, looks like an ideal van for the mountain roads. Enjoy your further adventures (y)
 
Upvote 0
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
36,736
South Wales
Funster No
28,463
MH
Swift Escape Compact
Exp
Since 1988
Always looked the look of the Adria twin, just a little small for the two of us + a large dog. She would take over all available space.:unsure:

Beautiful pictures of the mountains. Enjoy the rest of your ownership of the Adria. You are wonderfully situated to make the most of it.(y):france:
 
Upvote 0

Pia

Free Member
Jan 16, 2017
855
725
staffordshire
Funster No
46,919
MH
Adria Coral Supreme 680ST
Exp
2017
Col du Pourtalet at 1794m
Wow...wonderful pictures..love this route the scenery is breathtaking...we came across there in the autumn of 2015 and the colours of the tree foliage was fantastic.....sounds like a pretty wonderful first trip out and your Adria looks rather lovely...we've got an Adria too...a tad bigger than yours though:D Enjoy your travels.
 
Upvote 0

mikebeaches

LIFE MEMBER
Feb 22, 2010
5,346
8,469
Bristol
Funster No
10,377
MH
Rapido V68 Van Conversion
Exp
Since 2009
Great van, and sounds like you had an excellent first adventure in it. Lovely photos and thanks for the interesting and informative review! (y)
 
Upvote 0

Pia

Free Member
Jan 16, 2017
855
725
staffordshire
Funster No
46,919
MH
Adria Coral Supreme 680ST
Exp
2017
Have any of you 'big guys' done the Col du Pourtalet...we've towed an Eriba caravan over here and would love to go back again ...however, we've got this comparatively large MH now...but hope to tackle mountain roads in it....what do folks think...it's got a 2.3l engine.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

Allanm

Free Member
Jun 30, 2013
5,431
9,191
Cotes d'armor, France
Funster No
26,730
MH
Burstner Harmony TI 736 G
Exp
Since 1987
Sounds like you had a good time. We went over the Col d'Aspin last March, good test for the brakes in a bigger van, but lovely views at the top. We stayed at Payolle, worth a visit if you are that way again.
Great pics too btw.
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
WillinFrance
Dec 21, 2016
145
266
Pyrenees France
Funster No
46,542
MH
Adria Compact Access
Exp
Since 2017
Sounds like you had a good time. We went over the Col d'Aspin last March, good test for the brakes in a bigger van, but lovely views at the top. We stayed at Payolle, worth a visit if you are that way again.
Great pics too btw.

We often go to Payolle, some great walks around there and from the Col Aspin. Especially in the winter with snow shoes. Living only 30 mins away from Payolle makes it easy, will take in trip in the Van this year, always plenty of Camping Cars and lots and lots of space. Most people seem to wild Camp there.
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
WillinFrance
Dec 21, 2016
145
266
Pyrenees France
Funster No
46,542
MH
Adria Compact Access
Exp
Since 2017
Wow...wonderful pictures..love this route the scenery is breathtaking...we came across there in the autumn of 2015 and the colours of the tree foliage was fantastic.....sounds like a pretty wonderful first trip out and your Adria looks rather lovely...we've got an Adria too...a tad bigger than yours though:D Enjoy your travels.

If you are in the area again, try the Col du Pierre-Saint-Martin into Spain from Arette, its a good road, the views are fantastic, very wild up there.
Some great roads over the Pyrenees, but avoid August!! :eek:

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

Bequick

Free Member
Jan 13, 2017
1
0
Dublin
Funster No
46,872
MH
Knaus Boxstar
Exp
Since 2010
Great pictures and a well written and intersting review of your first trip to Spain. Your Adria campervan also looks beautiful.
Keep sending us the reports of your adventures.
Can you recommend any nice places to stay in the Pyrenees, as we hope to be there in September and cycle the Col Du Tourmalet and other Cols in the area.
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
WillinFrance
Dec 21, 2016
145
266
Pyrenees France
Funster No
46,542
MH
Adria Compact Access
Exp
Since 2017
A4A733AB-417C-40DE-A848-446A502E409D.JPG
Great pictures and a well written and intersting review of your first trip to Spain. Your Adria campervan also looks beautiful.
Keep sending us the reports of your adventures.
Can you recommend any nice places to stay in the Pyrenees, as we hope to be there in September and cycle the Col Du Tourmalet and other Cols in the area.

Sounds a nice trip, normally I ride the cols on motorcycle, lots of brave souls riding the popular cols on cycles, often costing more than the motorcycle !!
Living here never had to look for camping spots. Are you looking for Camp sites, Aires or Wild Camping?
Plenty of very nice Camp sites around, I will try to recommend a few for you. Can recommend some nice cols, but if you follow Le Tour routes in the Pyrenees you cannot go wrong.
Picture: Col du Tentes, Gavarnie. Was to be a route to Spain, but never completed. Great views of the Cirque du Gavarnie, and a nice ride up. Campsite / Aire at the start of the climb in Gavarnie.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top