For the initial van it took about a month to get it on the road in a useable state to meet my own 'rules' of my concept - working utilities, space to sleep and carry kit, and with the bodywork looking smart. It didn't stay plain for long, working in a creative agency at the
                    time, and over it's first summer the van took a number of guises,
                    which changed after every shower of rain (click images for galleries).


The van well and truly served its purpose as base camp for a couple of teams at 10 under the Ben 2008 - providing catering, shelter, and kit transportation. Beyond that it has been great for going biking and rafting trips and days out.



With it's distinctive livery, the van has been seen at events, rivers and trails across Scotland.

And the van was made use of for some great road and camping trips - Skye, the Scottish Highlands and West Coast, Loch Lomond... but I found I only slept in the van itself just once. Full use was made of the van utilities, but around the van more than in it.

On the trip to Skye, an accidental 'stir' of the gearbox damaged the linkage system and left me with just reverse, second and fourth gears. I managed a roadside fix, though, and the final repair cost just £20 (see running costs).

What I have found, though, is that I'm still a 'wild' camper at heart and this has meant I have got stuck a couple of times. At the Glen Nevis River Race, although I walked my path through the field first, I managed to get the van stuck up to the font axles in a puddle (which soonafter expanded to become a large pond as the rain set in).

So, along the way I've learned a few lessons that have inspired some future developments for the van, including a removable outdoor kitchen. The main issue remains: how to set-up and pack-up quickly to free-up more time to enjoy the outdoors or be on the road to the next place.