For those of you not familiar with our motorhome the let me introduce you to Happy Little Place, our beloved motorhome and our mobile sanctuary. She’s not just a vehicle; she’s a member of the family. Unlike the family dog, however, she doesn’t chase squirrels, shed fur everywhere, or pretend not to hear you when calling her. But, boy, does she have her quirks! And just like any family member, she requires some care, attention, and—let’s be honest—a bit of upgrading.
We haven’t been on the road since the week before Christmas, but that hasn’t stopped us from dreaming big and planning a jam-packed next six months of motorhome escapades, art adventures, and tech wizardry. This blog will give you a sneak peek into our plans, ideas, and, inevitably, the “Happy Little Chaos” that tends to follow us wherever we go.
Plotting the Adventure
Ah, the joy of planning trips in Happy Little Place! The thrill of unfolding maps (or, more realistically, zooming in on Google Maps) and imagining where the next coffee-stop-with-a-view might be. Over the next six months, we’re focusing on a mix of countryside retreats and coastal escapes.
Motorhome Shows: The Mecca for Enthusiasts
First on the agenda are the motorhome shows in the South and South West. We’re looking forward to these for two reasons: 1. The chance to ogle other motorhomes and say things like, “Ooh, that’s a clever layout!” while secretly vowing to steal some ideas for Happy Little Place. 2. Meeting up with the like minded folk, a bunch of fellow enthusiasts who understand why we get so excited about things like solar panels and water pumps.
Long Weekends: A Dash of Countryside and a Pinch of Coastline
Between motorhome shows, we’ll be booking several long weekends to explore both rural hideaways and seaside gems. Think rolling hills, wildflowers, the gentle moo of cows—and then a quick pivot to salty air, the sound of seagulls, and sandy toes. It’s the perfect blend of peace and chaos, just like us.
A Journey to Ireland: Back to My Roots
Now for the really exciting part: Ireland!
You see, 50% of my DNA traces back to the Emerald Isle, and it’s a place I’ve always wanted to explore properly. There’s something magical about visiting a land you feel intrinsically connected to, even if you’ve never set foot there before.
The Plan
- The Route:
- We’ll hop on the ferry from either Holyhead or Fishguard, depending on how the logistics pan out. Once we’re there, it’s full steam ahead to explore Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, lively towns, and cozy pubs.
- The Highlights:
- Wild Atlantic Way, with its dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views.
- The Ring of Kerry, which promises to be a feast for both the eyes and the camera lens.
- Dublin, where I’ll soak up the culture, history, and probably too much Guinness.
- Lovely Belfast and it oodles of history and magic
- Royal Portrush, a most lovely and inviting area, and if the rumors are true, some of the friendliest locals in the world.
What Makes This Trip Special
For me, this isn’t just a holiday—it’s a chance to reconnect with my heritage and immerse myself in a place that feels like it’s part of me. And what better way to experience Ireland than from the comfort of Happy Little Place, with my loved ones by my side?
The Big Creative Push: Video Podcasting on the Move
Here’s where things get really exciting (and slightly terrifying). I’ve decided to start a video podcast to share my art techniques while we’re out and about. The idea is to combine the beautiful landscapes and seascapes we’ll visit with tutorials for people who want to paint or draw them from the comfort of their own homes.
What to Expect
• Landscapes: From lush green valleys to dramatic coastal cliffs, I’ll show you how to capture the essence of the great outdoors.
• Seascapes: The ripple of waves, the foam of the surf, and that elusive “sparkle” of sunlight on water.
• Portraits: Yes, even the occasional moody cow or cheerful fisherman might make an appearance.
• Mediums Galore: Watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels—you name it, I’m ready to dive in.
Coming Soon: Advertising and Launch Details
As we get closer to launch, I’ll share more information about how to tune in, what materials you’ll need, and possibly even a blooper reel (because what’s life without a few smudged canvases and accidental tripod collapses?).
Upgrades: Turning Happy Little Place into the Millennium Falcon
Let’s be clear—Happy Little Place is already great. But with a few upgrades, she could be even better.
Here’s what’s on the to-do list:
1. Swapping the Controller for an MPPT
Currently, our solar setup uses a simple controller. It does the job, but it’s like using a blunt pencil when you could have a fine-tipped pen. An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) will squeeze every last drop of power from the solar panels, ensuring we can keep everything running smoothly—even when the British weather decides to do its usual “cloudy with a chance of drizzle” routine.
2. Installing Sensors Inside and Out
We’re going full tech-geek here, adding sensors both inside and outside the van. These will feed information directly to my iPhone and iPad, so I can monitor everything from temperature to humidity to whether the kettle’s boiled itself dry (again). It’s like giving Happy Little Place her own health tracker.
3. Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Nothing ruins a scenic drive faster than an unexpected tyre issue. By fitting tyre pressure sensors, I’ll be able to keep an eye on everything from the cab. No more leaning out of the door, squinting at a suspiciously flat-looking tyre.
The Case of the Noisy Water Pump
Before we get too carried away with upgrades, there’s a more immediate problem to fix: the water pump. The last time we used the motorhome, we discovered that the pump has developed a habit of making ungodly noises at random intervals—particularly at night. Imagine flushing the loo and being greeted by what sounds like a robot groaning its way through a mid-life crisis. Not ideal.
The temporary solution has been to switch the pump off at night, but this isn’t exactly convenient. So, first on the maintenance list is getting this sorted. Fingers crossed it’s a quick fix—and not the start of some new motorhome mystery.
How Will We Fit It All In?
Looking at everything we’ve planned, you’d be forgiven for wondering how we’re going to manage it all. The answer? A mix of sheer determination, lots of tea breaks, and possibly some good-natured bickering about what goes in the van first.
But that’s the beauty of life in Happy Little Place. It’s not about having everything perfect or sticking to a strict schedule. It’s about embracing the journey, enjoying the view, and laughing at the inevitable mishaps along the way.
Final Thoughts: The Next Chapter Awaits
The next six months are shaping up to be some of the busiest, most creative, and most rewarding yet for us and Happy Little Place. From motorhome shows and countryside escapes to art podcasts and high-tech upgrades, there’s no shortage of adventure ahead.
Stay tuned for updates, podcast launch announcements, and tales of triumph (and the occasional disaster) from the road. Who knows? Maybe we’ll inspire you to grab a paintbrush, pack a bag, and hit the open road in your own “happy little place.”
Until then, happy planning, happy painting, and happy adventuring!