App Toolkit for Living the Vanlife

Hello, dear reader

I've been doing some research into apps that could prove to be useful tools on my trip around Scotland.

Today I'll present five that I've downloaded to my phone. Maybe in the future I'll revisit this list and feedback on how useful they've been. 

1. Google Maps

This was already on my phone of course and I think most people would list Google Maps as one of the most useful apps ever. As I make my way around Scotland, I predict this app will become a hundred times more useful. 

2. Park4night

Here's the blurb for this app: 

Park4Night is an app that you can download on both iPhone and Android devices that gives you information about places that you can (you guessed it) park up for the night. It's essentially a database of parking spots created by vanlifers for vanlifers, and it's constantly updating and evolving every day.

So this could be very useful. I've tested it a little in my local area, South Glamorgan. Let's see how well it serves me in the wild.

3. Refill

This is a great app. 

Refill is the UK's leading 'app for tap' – connecting people looking for water with shops, businesses, fountains and transport hubs where they can refill their water for free on-the-go. Refill works by connecting people with locations where they can eat, drink and shop with less waste. Participating businesses simply sign up to the app and put a sticker in their window, alerting passers-by that they're welcome to come on in and get a refill.

4. Flush

Where's the nearest toilet? Enter the Flush app! With a little forward planning, and this useful tool, I'll be just fine :)

5. Wi-Fi Map

I'm dubious about this one, but I'll certainly give it a try. Part of me thinks it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have extended periods without Wi-Fi. And part of me thinks Wi-Fi is my lifeline.

Which apps have I missed? Let me know of any other apps you would consider useful or ever essential for living in a van. What should I have on my phone?

Thanks for reading. Till next time,

Brian

Launch delayed

Hello, dear reader

The Ford Transit Connect is now in my possession, but I won't be heading off to Scotland any time soon. Let's take a look.

As the days went by and the workman sent me more and more photos and updates of his progress, I got the growing feeling that he wasn't going to deliver on his grand promises. At a glance, looking at photos on your phone, it might look like a decent enough van conversion ...

... but when you see it up close it's a different story. The workman has cut corners everywhere. Lots of things he promised aren't present - such as insulation in the walls, a solar panel on the roof, a control panel for the electrics built into the wall. All missing. 

When I picked up the van I was crushed. Everywhere you look there are corners cut. Everything is substandard, botched and hurried. However, I think it's important to stay positive and move forward. I have a friend with carpentry experience who is free to work on the van on the 3rd of September. He's either going to try to make good on the existing work or pull everything out and start from scratch. To be decided.

On the upside, the van runs well. I drove it about twenty miles and it seems great. Fingers crossed. I've insured it, including AA breakdown recovery. 

So the upshot is: I've got the van, but I'm unlikely to set off on my voyages until 10th September, maybe later. Meanwhile, I'm keenly aware that winter is coming. The clock is ticking.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned.

Brian

What's occurring?

Hello, dear reader.

I'll use this blog to record the highs and lows of my 2021 road trip around Scotland. 

At the time of writing this, I have bought a secondhand Ford Transit Connect in South Wales. This diesel microvan is ten years old with 77,000 miles on the clock. The dodgy geezer I've bought it from is supposedly converting it for living on the road. It's going to be pretty basic, but it'll have a bed, storage cupboards, a leisure battery connected to lights and some plug sockets. I also requested insulation, since Scotland is known to be freezing cold, but he has informed me that he's only insulated the roof - not the walls. Why? I've no idea. I spoke to him at least five times about the importance of insulating the sides of the van. Dealing with this guy has not been pleasant, but I'm in too far now. I was supposed to collect the finished van from him today, 19th August 2021, but that's also not happening it seems. I shall try to remain patient and hope that he contacts me very soon confirming a day I can pick up my new temporary home on wheels.

What else do you need to know at this point? Well this is a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants adventure. I've never been to Scotland before. I've never lived in a van before. I've never driven a van without a rear view mirror before! And, at present, I don't have any itinerary for this trip. But I do have a loose plan of approach ...

So I have a handful of friends I'd like to catch up with. Before Scotland, I can visit one friend in York. Then I have two friends in Glasgow, a friend in Edinburgh, a friend in Perth and a 'contact' in the Orkney Islands. Over the next week I'm going to map out a route which allows me to visit all of these people. To that I hope to add in some visits to places of interest such as Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, The Isle of Mull, The Isle of Skye and so on.

How long will this trip last? Good question. If I'm cold and lonely, I could be returning to Wales in fewer than ten days. If it's exciting, enjoyable, inspiring and manageable, then maybe I'll stay on the road until the Scottish winter drives me back south.

Stay tuned. Fortune favours the bold.

Brian