The adventure continues.... The Camper Van Bible, out June 2nd

I received four advance copies of my new book "The Camper Van Bible" this week. I have to say that I was astounded by it. It's thick, full, fun and brimming with interesting info about camper vans and motorhomes (although I would say that, wouldn't I?). Did you know, for example, how to tell one bedding or seating foam from another? Or what type of fridge works best? Or what size solar panels you need for the gadgets you have?

Even if you already knew that there's loads more stuff in it. And, like my previous books, it's written in a jaunty, happy go lucky style that will bring a smile to your face on a dull day and make you want to turn the key one more time and hit the road.

I asked lots of  camper van owning people to tell me what their camper van means to them, with some interesting and heartfelt results from Chris Packham, Barney Harwood and David Eccles, among many others. I thought that everyone would be similar but they aren't. Everyone has a different reason for loving their vans and motorhomes.

As usual there are a bunch of easy to cook recipes, although the food takes a bit more of a back seat for this book. Even so, the recipes are some of my faves, like my version of Coq Au Van, a Camper Van Korma (with home made pittas) and a devilishly delicious Seafood Chowder with no bake soda bread. And, of course there's the world's best Spag Bol. Why? because we all love Spag Bol and I have been perfecting it for over 30 years.

For those who like to drool over pictures there's some fine van porn too. In September last year we invited a bunch of van owners into a studio to shoot their vans. So there's Buzz Burrell's 54 Split (with a Westy Camping Box interior) and T5 Retro Tourer to drool over as well as the last surviving VW Hearse, The Camper Coffee Company's fabulous 1964 Split Screen container van and the cutest little Daihatsu Hijetta, along with a beautiful (pink) Danbury T2, a Bedford CF called Margot and a T5 Surf. And, of course, as usual there are a few pictures from my camper van adventures too.

One of the best things about writing the book was being able to head off to the beach for a cookout with friends and call it work. I consider myself really lucky that I can. It's a great thing to be able to spend an evening with people you like, cooking, slugging fine Cornish ales and watching the sun go down. I hope it inspires you to do the same. Life is good.

All in all it's a great little big book with lots of info and it's been a real pleasure to be able to put it together, gather information from some of the most knowledgeable people in the business and chat to some old and new friends about what makes them and their vans tick. In many ways it's a dream project.

So, I hope that when it comes out on June 2nd you'll take a look and will give me a big thumbs up for the love that's gone into it. As usual they will be for sale on my website (along with a bunch of other great camping books) as well as at all good bookshops and on the interweb at Amazon.