Editors Note: 02

When Spring arrives, there is usually a bit of conflict between my girlfriend and I while we plan the weekend ahead. The one sure thing is that we are going to leave Barcelona city on Friday afternoon. But the thing that usually takes more time to figure out, is where exactly are we going to go.

Having spent the last few months at our favourite ski resorts chasing the snow, my girlfriend is always keen to return to the coast as soon as the chair lifts close. It’s been months since we last swam in the sea or sat in our van with the doors opened up to some stunning coastline.

For me, the allure of the shoulder season sports is present. I love going for long runs through alpine valleys, and up to the occasional summit. Pulling into any dirt car park around this time of year, I get excited seeing the climbers preparing their rack and mountain bikers unloading the carriers.

Spring is also the time when those who choose not to use their vans during the winter, fire up the engine again. You’ll all be getting excited about jumping back in your campers and eager to hit the open road again.

Due to the absolutely huge impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, I think things are going to be pretty different from normal for the rest of the year. Firstly, all of us thinking about luxuries such as where we want to go running or cycling must acknowledge how fortunate we are to have the health and means to be able to do so. Secondly, it is looking like practices of social distancing and reducing unnecessary risk will be an ongoing topic that will concern everyone for some time to come - which definitely means us vanlifers too.

But this absolutely isn’t the end of the vanlife we knew!

ALEX BROWN.

editor@advanturemagazine.com