It’s been 1 year since we set off on our adventure. We had longed for this day so much back then. On the day of our departure, as well as the days before, it had rained and the temperatures were quite cool. Nevertheless, we decided to set off. Because we were certain that we would start a new life on March 8, 2023. Saying goodbye to our loved ones was very emotional and we had mixed feelings. We set off with sadness but also a sense of adventure and anticipation of the unknown.
This rainy weather, mixed with sometimes heavy gusts of wind, followed us all the way to Spain. This was also the reason why the planned route was changed from day 1. It was very exhausting to ride the motorcycles in this weather. Nevertheless, we were happy to be able to ride further south every day.
The weather demanded full concentration from us. For the first few days, we rode many kilometers and, due to the weather, decided to look for cheap accommodation rather than sleeping in tents. As a result, we didn’t really get to experience the true beauty of each area.
Once we arrived in Spain, the sun and warmer temperatures finally arrived. This made driving much more pleasant and we were slowly able to take in and enjoy the different impressions.
But the first bitter blow was not long in coming. Alex fell ill.
Alex hadn’t been this unwell for years. So we went to see a doctor because we wanted to know exactly what he had. The diagnosis was surprising. Corona positive. We had been spared the whole 3 corona years. Until March ’23.
That same day, we looked for a bungalow on a campsite where we could isolate ourselves as much as possible, rest and get well. It was foreseeable that it wouldn’t be long before Iris also showed the first symptoms of corona.
Once we were both healthy again, the adventure continued for us.
In this first year of our adventure, we had many wonderful and less wonderful experiences. Experienced unforgettable moments. We saw breathtaking landscapes. Made nice and unforgettable acquaintances.
That same day, we looked for a bungalow on a campsite where we could isolate ourselves as much as possible, rest and get well. It was foreseeable that it wouldn’t be long before Iris also showed the first symptoms of corona.
Once we were both healthy again, the adventure continued for us.
In this first year of our adventure, we had many wonderful and less wonderful experiences. Experienced unforgettable moments. We saw breathtaking landscapes. Iris has had a pretty exhausting and incredibly sad time so far.
She was very susceptible to emotions and saying goodbye to the children was unbearable for her. Iris was not always able to really take in and enjoy the beautiful moments and experiences. After two falls and the resulting health problems, she found it increasingly difficult to ride her motorcycle on winding and unpaved roads. Not only did she become less confident, but unfortunately she also became more and more afraid of riding.
For this reason, it was anything but easy for Alex. He enjoyed riding and his new-found freedom. But because of the difficulties Iris had, he couldn’t really enjoy the time either.
There was a great deal of emotional chaos, exhaustion, sadness, unhappiness and many tears in this first six months on the road with our two motorcycles.
A reason to rethink the situation. Enough reason to resort to plan B.
Because giving up and going back to our old lives is not yet an option.
Proud to have made it to Morocco and yet disappointed to switch to four wheels after such a short time, it was an experience we both never want to miss again. The question: what if??? we don’t need to ask ourselves, because we know the answer now that we have gone this way.
It is simply important to try something out, to take a chance, to simply do something so that this question, which we think is so important in life, does not remain unanswered. Because no questions are answered by guesswork.
So the decision has been made.
Then, at the end of July, we bought a 7.5 t Iveco tractor unit with a Clou cabin body from Niesmann Bischoff.
At the end of July, we looked at a 7.5 t Iveco tractor unit with a Clou camper body from NieVariants ranging from a converted Sprinter to a Unimog, because we actually wanted a camper that wasn’t too big and long.
We each had our own ideas about what a camper should have in order to live in it for a longer period of time. We didn’t think we could do without compromises until we looked at our WENNE.
This vehicle was able to offer us everything that each of us would like to have installed. Although we also see a lot of work in this camper, what needs to be done and what we would like to have changed, we quickly agreed. We would like to start our adventure 2.0 in this camper.
A few important things on the tractor unit, such as the air filter, tie rod and push rod, had to be replaced so that we could get a new MOT.
As we wanted to celebrate our son’s birthday at the end of August, we also had time to rebuild and spruce up a few things in the interior.
We bought a small KTM 390 Adventurne for the money we got for the two Africa Twins when we sold them. We don’t want to be on the road without a motorcycle at all.
We have now been on the road with WENNE for almost 6 months.
At the beginning, it was a huge adjustment for us to be on the road with such a large vehicle.
Finding accommodation is much easier and much cheaper than when we were traveling by motorcycle. Using various apps for campers and motorhomes, you can easily find a pitch that suits you. With or without a supply and disposal station. By the sea or inland. Outside the cities or in the middle of them. Free of charge or for a fee.
Logically, it is much easier and less stressful to shop and store food in a camper than on a motorcycle.
We enjoy the advantages of living in a camper. Although Alex in particular really misses riding his motorcycle.
We also enjoy tinkering with and converting the WENNE.
Overall, Iris is doing better emotionally on our adventure 2.0. Nevertheless, there is emotional chaos from time to time, but no more tears. Overall, she is coping much better with this way of traveling, is finally able to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, our new-found freedom and the different way of life, and can better process the many different experiences.
Alex is now also enjoying the advantages of a motorhome and is coping very well with the combination of camper travel and motorcycling.
Our first goal with WENNE was to be in the Algarve or Spain by winter so that we could spend the winter months there. So although we had absolutely no stress, we still had a destination with a time limit somewhere. Now we’ve been here for a few months on a great pitch in the Algarve. The drive here via France and then Spain and Portugal along the coast to the Algarve became more and more relaxed over time once we had adapted to the dimensions of the camper and found a suitable navigation app that also takes the height and weight of the vehicle into account. We really enjoy the months in this region of Portugal. The mountains and the sea are within easy reach. Ideal conditions for motorcycle tours, hikes/walks or simply enjoying the beach.
During the long time we spent in one place over the winter months, we had a lot of time to look inside ourselves, to think, to talk, to arrive, to work on the WENNE, to enjoy, to process what we have experienced so far and to realize once again that it was important and right for us to take this step into a completely new life together.
We plan to continue in April. We would like to take a closer look at the different regions of Spain and Portugal. This time we have absolutely no time to arrive anywhere. We might spend another winter in this beautiful place in the Algarve. But none of that is certain or firmly planned yet. We’ll let it come to us. We are looking forward to our time with WENNE and are excited to see what adventures await us and whether we will feel one hundred percent at home at some point.
We are looking forward to another year of adventure, with more highs and lows, emotions, experiences & unforgettable moments.
We would like to thank all of you who have always accompanied us on our journey and followed our blog. For your loyalty, your support, your advice and your words of encouragement. Thank you so much for that!
