A new adventure

[KatieJ]

After 6 pretty challenging months as NHS frontline workers and 3 cancelled holidays we were both feeling a bit low. We spotted our lovely new Cali purely by chance, the same day it went on-line, and only a few miles from here. Three years old, beautifully cared for and ‘all the bells and whistles’ as my other half puts it. Our first steps into van life - lots of fun ahead! I am obsessed with getting all the kit, and ridiculously in love with my new collapsible pans. Already enjoying the ‘what did you buy today’ thread.

 

[Gary&Heather]

Hello and first of all I'm sure I won't be the first one to say thank you for your contribution as a frontline worker during this terrible time, secondly wow what a campervan one of the best colours as well well done you must be over the moon I'm sure you will have lots of happy memories to follow as well as an empty bank account

 

[AlisonF]

and for all you do.
Here’s to lots of Cali adventures

 

[LucyYorkshire]

Happy times ahead I’m sure! Congratulations!

 

[kurienp]

Welcome on board @KatieJ . Yes, thanks for all you do.

Congratulations. Enjoy the van, and here's wishing you many more happy miles.

The best part of having a van - don't need much planning - just start and go

Also, as many on here will say, use and buy on what you need (not what you think you'll need). In case of a Cali life - less is more.

 

[KatieJ]

Welcome on board @KatieJ . Yes, thanks for all you do.

Congratulations. Enjoy the van, and here's wishing you many more happy miles.

The best part of having a van - don't need much planning - just start and go

Also, as many on here will say, use and buy on what you need (not what you think you'll need). In case of a Cali life - less is more.

Wise advice. Thanks!

 

[Karlos]

Less is more IMO when in a Cali, yours looks fantastic.

 

[ThomasHJ]

Congratulations. Looks like a beautiful van! I'm sure you'll have great fun with it. If and when you get around to enjoying a well-earned vacation.

 

[BeagleMum]

After 6 pretty challenging months as NHS frontline workers and 3 cancelled holidays we were both feeling a bit low. We spotted our lovely new Cali purely by chance, the same day it went on-line, and only a few miles from here. Three years old, beautifully cared for and ‘all the bells and whistles’ as my other half puts it. Our first steps into van life - lots of fun ahead! I am obsessed with getting all the kit, and ridiculously in love with my new collapsible pans. Already enjoying the ‘what did you buy today’ thread.

View attachment 67996

Wishing you many fun filled adventures, enjoy and stay safe.

 

[Wilbur]

I might be wrong but looking at the bungee you are using, I believe you need to thread it on the inside of the roof struts whereas your photo I think has it on the outside?

 

[Ladymuck]

Congratulations on your new purchase! The van looks great, enjoy your adventures

 

[KatieJ]

I might be wrong but looking at the bungee you are using, I believe you need to thread it on the inside of the roof struts whereas your photo I think has it on the outside?

Thank you. This is how it was when we bought the van and does seem to work but we are grateful for any advice if we need to change it. The van is in for its first MOT this week - are the VW dealers likely to know??

 

[pjm-84]

Welcome and thanks. Same boat on the holiday front and looking forward to a few weeks off at the end of November assuming we're all not in Tier 3!

 

[Wilbur]

Check the website by searching VW roof bungee instructions and you’ll see the photo has the bungee on the inside of the strut, the idea is to keep the canvas from catching in the roof mechanism. It’s easy to readjust

 

[KatieJ]

Check the website by searching VW roof bungee instructions and you’ll see the photo has the bungee on the inside of the strut, the idea is to keep the canvas from catching in the roof mechanism. It’s easy to readjust

I have checked with my van domestique and he tells me the bungee is inside the struts so all good. It must just be the angle the photo was taken. Thanks for the useful advice though. Good to know there is this support out there

 

[Jenny H]

Hi Katie lovely to hear about your pride & joy in these months of sorrow - wishing you both a very well deserved bout of fun & happiness on your new adventure - the forum is fab & a very welcome distraction to what is happening in the world today

 

[SimonB]

The van looks great, you will have such fun with it. As others have said, try it out and see what you really need and buy them slowly. It is all too easy to buy a lot and then you find you don't use it.
Join as a VIP member https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/pages/membership/ and then you get useful discounts on things from various shops, access to lists of what should be there in your Cali as well as able to communicate with other members via a private message which is handy from time to time. There is a lot of information on the Forum and the Search feature at the top right of the page will give you a lot of info.
If there is a meet near you they are a useful way to talk to other owners and find out how to do things.
Above all, have fun

Simon & Helen

 

[Wilbur]

Sorry for the confusion and good luck with the VW.

 

[glen]

After 6 pretty challenging months as NHS frontline workers and 3 cancelled holidays we were both feeling a bit low. We spotted our lovely new Cali purely by chance, the same day it went on-line, and only a few miles from here. Three years old, beautifully cared for and ‘all the bells and whistles’ as my other half puts it. Our first steps into van life - lots of fun ahead! I am obsessed with getting all the kit, and ridiculously in love with my new collapsible pans. Already enjoying the ‘what did you buy today’ thread.

View attachment 67996

Hi Katie&Andy, its me Glen (previous owner)Great to see your happy with the cali You won't go wrong for any help from the members. Hope you have lots of great times and adventures. X

 

[KatieJ]

Hi Katie&Andy, its me Glen (previous owner)Great to see your happy with the cali You won't go wrong for any help from the members. Hope you have lots of great times and adventures. X

Hi Glen. We are loving it - had our first van-sleep in the rain at Belford last weekend! Thanks again. Best wishes Katie x

 

[HectorPascal]

Well done the pair of you. A Cali has to be one of the best antidotes to life stresses.

 

[Steve_D]

Firstly congratulations - lovely van! Secondly I'm searching for a decent collapsible pan set if you could advise! Thanks

 

[wilburthewombat]

Well done the pair of you. A Cali has to be one of the best antidotes to life stresses.

It's not an antidote to stress if you are waiting for it to be delivered soon, what with Covid, Brexit, and the RDE2 engine changes!

 

[SimonB]

Firstly congratulations - lovely van! Secondly I'm searching for a decent collapsible pan set if you could advise! Thanks

This thread might help you decide on a pan set https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/pots-pans-and-space-saving-gadgets.8472/page-3#post-464141 We went for the GSI Bugaboo pan set as I described in post #47 on this thread and after 4½ years we are still very pleased with our choice.
Simon

 

[Steve_D]

This thread might help you decide on a pan set https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/pots-pans-and-space-saving-gadgets.8472/page-3#post-464141 We went for the GSI Bugaboo pan set as I described in post #47 on this thread and after 4½ years we are still very pleased with our choice.
Simon

Thanks Simon! Now they look like a decent set of pans, never though about GSI, but actualily have some of their other camping products and always great quality - many thanks again!