As I sat watching fat droplets of rain run down the motorhome window, their rhythmic sounds reverberating on the roof, I couldn’t help but feel safe. It didn’t last long, though, as gradually a new sensation began to percolate from within, one of anxiety tinged with fear, which admittedly, is not something I’ve had to contend with much on our travels.
It wasn’t an easy decision to come back on the road following the unexpected passing of my Dad – five weeks back in the UK long enough for us to settle into a routine there and almost forget the life we had created living full-time in our motorhome.
Clichéd as it might sound, that’s what he would have wanted us to do, to keep living life, making the most of every opportunity and creating the sorts of memories with our children that he and Mum did with us over the years.
A week after the funeral, we landed back in Bulgaria, a country we had barely arrived in before the ill-fated call that saw us abandon the motorhome (safely and securely, I hasten to add) and head for the airport.
In the time we’d been away from Bansko, the snow in the high mountains had melted, allowing us to reach a rustic campsite in Pirin National Park, which was previously snowed in. Here we began the transition back to our nomadic ways.
New surroundings
After a handful of relaxed days, spent exploring the forests and mountains on our doorstep, the time had come to move on, the mere thought of which threw me into emotional turmoil.
I usually thrive on the unknown, drawn to travel because of the manner in which it catapults you into new settings, forcing you to live with heightened senses, never certain what each day will bring. Now the thought of that unknown filled me with a pervading sense of anxiety.
Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av Practical Motorhome.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av Practical Motorhome.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CREATE A HANDY SHELF
Ingenuity can turn garage clutter into useful additional storage space in your van
CREATE A TILED KITCHEN
Nigel Donnelly discovers it is entirely possible to achieve a sharp-looking kitchen refurb for less than 50
BUYING SECONDHAND
There are bargains to be had if you know where to look and can avoid the pitfalls of buying used. Former salesman Peter Rosenthal shows you what to watch for
Motorhome DASH CAMS
John Sootheran explores the big brother’ world of dash cams with motorhomers in mind
Motorhome SAT NAVS
State-of-the-art satellite navigation for motorhomers? Yes, it does exist. John Sootheran investigates
PILOTE P720U EXPRESSION
A superb washroom and generous storage are the main attractions in this smart four-berth
TALE OF THE LIZARD
Charming fishing villages and beautiful coastline are among the many attractions of Britain's southernmost point, Victor Charles discovers
JERSEY? SURE!
Superb beaches, fascinating history and Royal potatoes – what’s not to love about this island nation?
ANOTHER ILE WITH APPEAL
The Ile de Ré, nestling halfway down the west coast of France, has in recent years become something of a prime destination for motorcaravanners in the know.
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Caroline Mills journeys through Périgord in search of one of France’s most popular tourist destinations, the Dordogne