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| With thanks to rolandsrambles for the photo |
Why Whitley Bay, I hear you ask? Well, with one of the finest sea-views in England from a Caravan Club site, why not? It is also within 40 minutes drive of Tyne Valley Motorhomes.
Our later delivery of the new Autotrail Tracker motorhome means that we arrive at Old Hartley, situated just to the north of Whitley Bay, as a pink sun starts to sink to the west. The effect, of course, is to drench this pleasant, sloping site in evening light - and to light up the light house sitting out in the bright blue bay.
When the Caravan Club boast that here is the best view on the network, they have to be right. It is stunning, especially at this time of day. The assistant warden is waiting ready to log us in and allocate a pitch. We elect number 14, looking out to sea, standing on slightly higher ground.
The whole site slopes towards the cliffs, which given the headland shape, provides a panoramic view from Seaton Sluice down towards Tynemouth. St Mary's Island stands majestically in the centre. Formerly a coast guard station with working lighthouse beacon, it is now owned by the county and used as a social resource for school trips, education, and of course as a nature reserve. Here a plethora of seabirds dress the rocks, rock pools team with crabs, seals lift their noses on the rising tide, and Harbour porpoise flash in formation as they follow the fishing boats.
We roll forward onto levelling blocks, as the pitch drops away slightly to the front. Here Milenco Quattro come into their own, especially when used with the level indicator. This is a 'no awning' site, so the pitches are narrow, but serviceable. The slope of the site allows each pitch its own view out to sea.
The Omni-step slides out and we connect to 230v. With just over half the 100l fresh water tank filled, we are fit for the weekend. Such gas as is needed will be more than catered for by the 13kg propane tank - soon to be replaced by an LPG Gaslow system. The reviews for refillable systems are patchy, but for those intent on continental travel, the choice is essential. In the past I have used a continental gas bottle for trips abroad, but this requires switching the regulator and carrying a both UK and continental bottles.
As a test weekend, this end of April choice was perfect, providing sun, rain wind and cold. The Truma combi was effortless, giving fast hot water on demand, and blown air throughout the vehicle. As temperatures dropped, we chose to divert the bulk of heating to the lounge area, closing off the outlets to the bedroom and bathroom. This, together with the 'high' fan setting ensured a good distribution of heat. All of the electrical items operated like home - simple and effective.
Our choice of layout - twin forward sofas, forming a conjoined seating area with the swivelled cab seats - proved to be perfect. Of course this layout means only two travel seats, restricting the vehicle to couples and excluding families, but there comes a time in life when this is wise. The element of space and comfort was astonishing for such a size of vehicle, giving a real feel of luxury after the blinds had been pulled and curtains closed.
And so to bed. For the last twenty years I have climbed a ladder to the 'loft'. A Luton bed is fun when young, giving the birds-eye view across a camp site or 'Aire de Service'. But a nightly trek to the bathroom eventually robs it of its joy. Here, the fixed bed justified our choice. Nestling comfortably in the rear nearside corner of the vehicle, it is accessible without being prominent. A simple slide forward gains access to the bathroom, providing that true 'en suite' experience.
So, what of the maiden voyage? From the ease of the automatic gearbox (never leave home without one), to the sumptuous comfort on site, this luxury upgrade needs no justification.
Now, to the road, and the return journey to the dealers where the Tracker is to be left pending the final fit. We are humming easily and silently along country roads, with long views across the Tyneside country of undulating hills. Here is the freedom of motorhoming, and heralds our impatient wait for our next adventure.
Thanks to Keith Chesterfield for the video
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