15.08.2018

•We need vignette toll stickers to drive in Austria and Slovenia.

•Colin can drive for hours without getting tired.

•If an aire looks like it’s in a picturesque spot with beautiful views and facilities, for €6 a night, there will not be space at 17:00hrs. Anywhere.

14.08.2018

• Check before you travel for what vehicle emission restrictions you may face. Finding out that many an aire are no longer suitable because of this oversight is frustrating!

16.08.2017

• Ah to be woken from slumber early to find the Red Light of Doom has appeared on the toilet display. Now for those who are not familiar, this little tiny light has some great consequences, the largest of which means that the tank is full. So off we go, to brave the blistering Scottish morning, to empty the tank to find a horror awaits… That horror is that the clip that secures and locates the tank in place has moved which has lead to (for the strong of stomach only) a leak! Luckily, we only use the on board toilet for the liquid human waste as the tank leaked into compartment below. At that time of day and in those conditions, this meant 30 mins worth of mopping up, sanitising (as best you can) and drying before trying to replace the tank (cassette). So our lesson is: when securing the cassette ensure it looks like this:

Not this:

15.08.2017

• Just because the site is called “Rockupandplugin” doesn’t mean we always remember. Case in point, today we have had a failure to communicate, which has led to one half of us commenting on the peculiar hook up points at the site and the other switching to mains on the fridge with the assumption the cable had been laid. 2 hrs and a pint later whilst walking back to the van we discussed the likely hood of a recently added bottle of wine freezing in the freezer, which lead to much hilarity as it turned out that one party had not completed the external duties of Rockupandplugin (namely the plug in). The lesson for both parties is to do what you’re supposed to do and for the other check for this symbol prior to switching the fridge over.

04.08.2017

• If you think there might be a chance of Midges use the appropriate protection before they get into the van, it takes ages to get rid of them as they hunt in packs of a thousand.

03.06.2017

• Close the tap on the kitchen sink even after bleeding the system dry. Luckily this was not our mistake, but it did slow down the caravaners opposite when they flooded the vehicle while filling the tank. Lesson learnt – thanks guys!
• Reinforced reasons why NOT to have a caravan. “Rockupandplugin” came into it’s own when we were settled within minutes of arriving on our serviced pitch. Previously mentioned caravaners…2 hours…atleast…to set up, pitch awning, have a row, flood the caravan etc etc. Feeling grateful for life choices.
• Inflatable awnings, however, are phenomenal.

26.12.2016

• Close the shower valve after opening it to drain the system
• Close the valve on the heating
• Twist the electric cable when plugging in
• If there’s water pissing out of somewhere it shouldn’t…react. Don’t just watch it!

26.10.2016

• There is one road into and out of the Lake District and if someone decided to drive badly and crash well (needing air ambulance assistance) a simple, picturesque journey through purple heather turns into nose to tail traffic carnage.
• If a Flammia bike cover says 2-3 bikes it actually means approximately 1-2 bikes. I’d hate to try and fit a third bike under the cover.

24.10.2016

• We will not fit past a tractor on a stone-walled. hump-backed bridge
• Not all Tesco Extra stores have the extra bits, or a petrol station
• Colin hasn’t read many Beatrix Potter books…if any

23.10.2016

• A full tank of water may actually be 75%
• Matlock Bath is not suitable for motorhomes
• Cows make excellent security guards
• You should wave at any campervan/motorhome owners. Caravan owners are unlikely to wave back.