From Stroud to Solar-Powered Sophistication: The Great Awning Awakening of 2025
Ah, 2025. The year we finally embarked on our slow travel dream to France in our self converted campervan, armed with optimism, a questionable sense of spatial awareness, and a solar setup we hoped wouldn’t spontaneously combust.
The Slow Crawl to Poole
Our journey began not with a bang, but with a leisurely trundle toward Poole (no motorways allowed), where the ferry to Cherbourg awaited like a majestic sea chariot. But before we could sail off into the sunset, we had one very important mission: survive our first night of three off-grid. (Cue the dramatic music)
Cherry Tree Glamping: Where Dreams Meet Reality (and No Electricity)
We rolled into Cherry Tree Glamping in Slad near Stroud, feeling like eco-warriors ready to conquer the wild. No electric hookup? No problem. We had solar panels, a can-do attitude, and a vague understanding of how watts work.
The site was idyllic—birds chirping, trees swaying, and us, fumbling with our brand-new awning like two contestants on a camping-themed episode of The Crystal Maze.
The Awning Incident: Size Matters
Now, let’s talk about the awning. Oh, the awning. We had high hopes. It was shiny, spacious, and had more square footage than our first house. But as we unfurled it like a circus tent, it became painfully clear: this thing was massive. Like, could host a wedding reception. Figuratively speaking anyway, but it did extend past the end of van and more than doubled the floor space.
We stood there, slightly defeated, slightly amused, and fully aware that we’d just become those campers— the ones who block out the sun for neighbouring tents.
The Attwoolls Pilgrimage
Luckily, fate (and geography) had our backs. Just a stone’s throw away was Attwoolls, the largest independent camping accessories supplier in the known universe (or at least the UK). It was like IKEA for campers, minus the meatballs.
We wandered the aisles, dazzled by gadgets we didn’t know existed. Solar-powered toastie makers? Inflatable wardrobes? A collapsible bidet? Tempting, but we stayed focused.
Enter: the Vango Air Beam Faros. Sleek. Compact. Airy. It whispered sweet nothings to us from its display stand. We knew it was the one.
Victory, Thy Name Is Faros
Back at camp, we set up the Faros with the grace of seasoned glampers. It fit perfectly. No more territorial disputes with nearby squirrels. No more tripping over guy ropes in the dark. Just pure, awning bliss.
And so, with our solar setup humming quietly and our new awning standing proud, we toasted to the beginning of our French adventure — with lukewarm tea and a packet of digestives.
Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we navigate byways of England for our visit to Painswick.
Comments
Gabrielle
Oooh! You do tell a good tale... can't wait for the next installment!! Safe & Happy Travels!xxxx
Aliette Fenton-Sharp
Godspeed
Karen Morum
Looking forward to following your awesome adventures. Have fun and keep the digestives handy 😊
