Whither Dither: The Sequel

"By then the temperatures were well into the high 90s, over 100 some days (old money)"

Lots of people reporting exceptionally high temperatures, we had 43 degs (new money) in the Aranjuez area of Spain mid June, was wondering what people use to keep the caravan cool if you do not have an air con unit, have seen reports re the use of table top devices where you stick cold water into a reservoir and it then acts as a mini a/c, we slept on towels for 2 nights with a couple of fans, and then decided, no more dithering, head north to get some cooler air.

We spent a month away, returning nearly two weeks ago. We don’t have bikes with the Motorhome so we have found it a big advantage to use sites close to towns and villages but this limits the choice somewhat. It was too hot in France and we were glad to get back to Calais (Bien Assise) on the last night where the temperature suddenly dropped to 25 deg. C!

Due to a dodgy weather forecast we ditched our plans to return via the Lot so meandered back along the direct route A6/7. Bad choices on some recommended sites. One with not enough shade and sloping pitches (not ideal with a motorhome) the other at Hauterives was a nice site but rather isolated and the village was disappointing. 

So, we try and do a combination of old favourites and new experiences.

Having read Commeyras post I am now withering and dithering over what route to take from Garda to Eerbeek in Holland next week!

The plan was to go via the Brenner and then Fern pass into Germany but as this means driving via Ulm & Stuttgart now wondering if I need to plan an alternative??

I am contemplating this with a cool drink at 2357 and it’s 27°C.

ISTR that the Bayeux tapestry was going to be on loan to the UK this year. We saw it a few years back, staying at Camping  de la bord d’lAure (ACSI). It's a pleasant fifteen minutes stroll into the centre of Bayeux along a stream through a park.

It may not happen now we’re a ‘rogue’ state🤷🏻‍♂️🙄

Allan.  The horrendous delay was on the way down.  OK there were road works on the A9 on our return but we did not get held up, but this was on a Sunday.  You could go up via Wurzburg.  An irritating thing about the motorway from Garda to the Brenner is that caravans, like HGVs, can't overtake, well legally and this law does not seem to apply to German or Dutch outfits or am I maligning these good folk!!!  Decisions, decisions.  Stay cool!

David

Hi David, Well the “great minds think alike” theme continues as I was looking at the route options and with such a small difference in time & mileage thought maybe try the route via Munich, and Wurzberg, as it would be new to us and fits with using the Brenner.

Not totally decided as we are struggling with the heat, 34.5°C at the moment, so may leave earlier than planed and go via Reschen/Fern but, as Jean wants to do the Monday market in Peschiera, likely we will go the route you suggest so any site suggestions welcome!

Had a trip up to Riva today and very busy around Desanzano/Salo and on return to site 4 empty pitches opposite are all occupied.

St. Louis is a pleasant site and useful night stop for Calais. Bien Assise is nearer to the tunnel, plenty of choice of pitches and efficient. One thing I noticed this year is that on the short route to the tunnel there is a new Boulangerie. Quite useful if you need an early start and avoid queuing at the site restaurant.