Camper-van ... rent or buy

I initially thought I'd be able to bang this journey out in about six weeks during the summer months, and that I'd do the trip in a camper-van so I could stop where I wanted (within reason) and not have to either pay out for b'n'b's or have to erect a tent every night. Then I realised, after doing a preliminary route plan that it would take me a lot longer than six weeks. I also did a little search of rental camper-vans and quickly realised it would cost me a fortune, as I'd be lucky to find anything half decent for less than £75 a day.

It had been my intention to take early retirement at the end of spring 2020, and use the "lump sum" from my pension pot to finance the journey, but the combination of a back injury and pressure from husband, friends and my Union rep put a halt to this idea. After almost 21 years in the Ambulance Service, I felt physically and emotionally drained. I'm currently hoping for "redeployment" and being granted 3 months unpaid leave to do the epic trip. I've yet to hear back from either.

But back to the question of transport. My husband Guy is pretty knowledgeable  about cars - I'd say that cars are his number one hobby judging by the amount of car related TV shows he watches, and that he gets a monthly car magazine to read in bed (although I have no idea which one, I just refer to them as his car porn). Whenever we are out together and he spots an interesting car, I have to ask "what colour?" Anyway, wanting to show a bit more interest in my crazy idea and knowing I didn't have a clue, he took it upon himself to sort out a camper van for me. He quickly decided on which make after seeing our friends rather lovely Toyota Alphard conversion. After joining the "Alphard Appreciation Society" (well, something like that) on a well known social media site, he found a couple of suitable vehicles for sale at a reasonable price. The first one was sold by the time he rang, so he went after the next one in earnest.

The following Saturday, we leave the house before 6am and drive down to Falmouth in Cornwall with every intention of coming back the same day the proud owners of a Toyota Alphard. Chrissy, the woman who sold it to us was quite amazing really. Having had a very close call with a potentially fatal tumour, she had decided to sell her house as well as her Alphard, buy a much bigger mobile home and head out over-land to Singapore. Her generosity knew no bounds as she threw in a huge number of extras including a drive-away awning, everything you'd want to prepare a nutritious meal bar food, fairy lights and a camping toilet. We parted like old friends and made our way back to north London feeling very lucky indeed.

The last problem was where to put it until we were ready to tax and insure it. After showing it off to the friends who have an Alphard and to our neighbours who have heard all about my plan to travel the entire coastline, we took it to Reading where Guy's Mum lives. Luckily, the in-laws have allowed me to park it in front of their garage which is almost totally hidden from view from the rest of the house, so no one would know it was there.