The road home

Five days before the start, it’s time to check out my vehicle! Come with me while I kick the tyres and clean out the fridge!

OK, I admit that a motorhome is not everyone’s dream vehicle. Jeremy Clarkson describes them as “really rather tragic”, and when I see “motorhomers” waving to each other as they pass on the road, I think this is a club I don’t want to join!

But Jo and I chose very carefully and, even though it calls itself “mein Hobby”, we think it’s wonderful.

It’s built on a Fiat Ducato with a 3 litre engine which is almost fun to drive. It drinks an acceptable 11l per 100 km, so you can work out how much the whole trip will cost!

But the real pleasure is that, wherever you run out of fuel, you have every possible home comfort instantly. I have enjoyed bacon & eggs parked outside Berlin Town Hall, drunk chilled Czech beer in Sardinia, and Yorkshire Tea on the Isle of Skye.

The beds are more comfortable than the ones we have at home. The fridge is as big. Mirrors make the bathroom seem infinite (and stop you feeling lonely!). And the view is new every day.

It has a “garage” which is no exaggeration. Along with outdoor furniture and more beer, it is home to my bike... the essential local transport. For xmas my family bought me a fantastic electric power unit to help me pedal up hills.

There are many more features to share (don’t get me started on the cocktail cabinet) but I’ll save them for another time. Until then, enjoy this Top Gear motorhome movie and see how much fun I’m going to have: