Getting away: part two

So you've arrived on site. Not driving again today? Crack open a beer! One question often asked is how do you keep your pitch on a site when you've driven off for a day out? I guess these days this only applies to sites where you are allowed to go anywhere in the field and aren't allocated a specific area.
There are a few methods; we usually leave a windbreak up, or at least leave a pair of chocks out - being bright yellow they tend to get noticed quite easily. I'm not really a fan of those little signs with your registration number on them, I find them a bit twee...

Next on the agenda is usually food (a subject that is rarely far from my mind). This is where the day's eating is often dictated by the weather - I quite like this style of only planning a few hours in advance - one of the great reasons campervanning is so appealing; flexibility.

For a week in Cornwall we only take basic provisions. These are usually the 'rainy-day' items; a few tins, some pasta, a jar of pesto, bags of crisps etc. It's always worth getting the local papers when you arrive and find out when and where the local farmers' markets are; Truro is Wednesday and Saturday and is a great opportunity to pick local breads and cheeses (and pasties!) good enough for beach snacks and lunchtime grazing. Local butchers and supermarkets are great for picking up items for barbecues, again- depending on the weather!

We'll also decide on a couple of days to eat out. Nothing fancy, although we do like the odd restaurant treat every now and then. Finding a good takeaway chinese or pizza, to be eaten by a beach or harbour, can make a great evening - ask a local which is best. Just remember not to fill the van with pungent aromas just before bedtime!

Cooking inside the van is quite rare for us - maybe the odd pan of boiling water for pasta or new potatoes to go with a barbecue - this is where the twin-slider comes into it's own:

A restaurant with a view: cooking in the car park above Harlyn Bay

Loads of ventilation from sliding the door open makes cooking in the van feel almost like being outside - no mess, no fuss, no smelly interior.
The golden rules (as with most things campervan) are; think small and simple, a little preparation goes along way, and never leave any rubbish behind.

Over the years we've eaten in some great locations, something that just isn't possible with any other type of holiday. Here's to many more great camper meals!