Honeymoon

We weren’t able to have our dream wedding in Cyprus due to Covid-19 and all the restrictions involved.
So the Local vicar came and did us a wonderful blessing of the rings and exchanged vows in the garden. Was all a bit of a rush as the numbers were going from 30 to 6 a few days later. But managed it on the actual day we had planned.

We decided to go away in the bus with just Bobby. Heartbreaking we couldn’t take Benji, but he’s old and has a bit of dementia. So left him at home. 🙁

We traveled down the Devon and Cornwall coast from Ilfracombe to Perranporth. The weather wasn’t too bad in the day. Windy and wet in the evenings. Used the park4night app so stayed in car parks mostly.

Need to look into upgrading the (new) tomtom sat nav as it took us to a few places that were super tight for the bus. St Ives was the worse. Like a roller coaster. Christine said she had her eyes closed. I said ‘So did I!’ Didn’t stop as parking was all the way up the hill. Found out that there is a bus down to the town. Will use that next time.

Fitting roof storage and ladder.

Most of the roof storage was purchased from Facebook marketplace.
Managed to get Rhino rails for £30 that needed some drilling to fit well and securely. Drilled through the channels so it’s bolted as well as clamped. Don’t want it flying off.
Roof box was £25, It’s rear opening so can lean over and get everything out the back.

Ladder and roof basket were Ebay. They were new. Ladder about £90 and basket £120.

Solar panel fitting

We decided that off-grid use was something we wanted. So researched with loads of questions to a local battery company about what use we needed to power (Laptop, Fridge and led lighting, plus diesel night heater). They recommended a battery for up to 1kw inverter. So purchased 200 watts (two panels) of solar with voltage, brackets and cabling. Watch what’s in the kit as the panel mounts ended up being another £80. So panels, mounts, voltage controller, cables and battery worked out at about 450. Certainly seems to charge enough. I’d recommend either plugging into mains and getting the fridge down to temperature before leaving as it’s a heavy draw till it’s cold. Took a little working out to decide where to fit on the roof as it has two opening vents and two electrical extractor fans. Forgive the colour of the roof. I didn’t realise how filthy it was till i climbed up.