Like all my plans of late, an evening with this bright blue exambulance didn’t initially go according to plan, but I won’t bore you with the details, only to say that I spent an inordinate amount of time stationary both on the M62 and M6. I reckon I lost a good couple of hours out of my day due to road works, stray animals and a stranded lorry. I was motionless for so long I thought about setting up camp! Whatever the reason, the motorway gods weren’t on my side. It all started because Mark from Overland Campers, over in Halifax, asked if I fancied spending a few nights away in one of his camper vans, and of course I said yes. After a long chat and sorting out insurance details, Mark gave me the keys to Stirling, a Land Rover Defender Pulse battlefield ambulance that he had professionally converted into a very smart and practical camper. I haven’t driven a ‘proper’ Land Rover for a while, in fact I’ve never driven a 130, never mind an ambulance, so driving him was quite a culture shock. However, it didn’t take long for me to get used to his quirks and to begin enjoying the experience.
Stirling’s front seats are standard for Defender of that era and are thoroughly comfortable. I know some people moan, but as a 6ft 2”, 18 stone bloke, I’ve always found them supportive, even on long journeys, but one thing I’d forgotten about was ‘Land Rover elbow’! My plan was to join the M62, M61 and M6 and head north. I had 3 camping spots in mind, and I figured I would visit each one whilst I still had light to see which I preferred, however, the aforementioned hold-ups on the M62 and M6 put paid to that. Stirling certainly stands out - he isn’t a subtle camper, and created a lot of attention - I noticed a few passengers (and drivers),taking photos as they overtook us! In all the stop start traffic I have to give credit where credit’s due, Stirling’s clutch was actually kinder to my left knee than I thought it would be. I’m not going to say that it made the journey pleasurable, but definitely bearable. My first stop was at Middleton Sands for a quick brew and photo shoot. I was planning one of those cool selfie photos, you know the ones, me sat on the bonnet supping a mug of coffee - but it was too bloomin’ windy - and cold, so I didn’t stay long.
A 'STIRLING' JOB!
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