Wheels, Wine & Wagging Tails: Adventures Across Europe 🚐🍷🐾

Day 1: Cork to La Rochelle – The Adventure Begins

Some adventures sit quietly on your bucket list for years, waiting for the right moment. For me, touring Europe by motorhome has always been one of them. This week, that dream finally rolled into life.

Our transport for the journey is Ben’s impressive Hymer Venture 4×4, part expedition vehicle, part luxury apartment on wheels. Joining us are two very important travelling companions: Ben’s dog Gordie, a seasoned traveller with a nose for adventure, and my five-month-old toy poodle Daisy, who is experiencing her very first European road trip.

We waved goodbye to Cork under skies that seemed reluctant to let us leave. Mist hung over the harbour and rain tapped steadily against the ferry windows as we boarded for Roscoff. The sea wasn’t exactly postcard-perfect, but somehow the grey weather only added to the sense of adventure. After all, every great journey deserves a dramatic departure.

Our first challenge came when we discovered there were no dog-friendly cabins available on the ferry. Gordie and Daisy were temporarily assigned to the onboard kennels while Ben and I conducted extensive research from the comfort of the ferry bar. The dogs were less than impressed—or so we thought.

As it turned out, kennel life wasn’t quite the hardship they made it out to be. By the end of the crossing they had become minor celebrities, charming fellow passengers and crew members alike. Thanks to what can only be described as parental guilt, they accumulated an impressive collection of treats, toys, cuddles and admirers.

Arriving in Roscoff, we pointed the Hymer south and began our journey towards La Rochelle. The weather remained stubbornly grey for much of the drive, with light rain accompanying us down the French coast. We managed only a couple of short dog walks along the way, enough for Gordie to stretch his legs and for Daisy to inspect every interesting French scent she encountered.

Then, as if France had finally decided to welcome us properly, the clouds began to part.

The closer we got to La Rochelle, the brighter the skies became. Blue patches appeared overhead, the temperature climbed, and suddenly the adventure felt truly underway.

We settled into La Soleil Campsite just outside the city and immediately started planning our evening. The real excitement is the ferry shuttle that takes passengers from the campsite straight into La Rochelle’s beautiful Old Port. We can’t wait to hop aboard, wander the historic harbour, watch the boats bob gently in the marina, and enjoy our first proper evening on French soil.

The motorhome is parked, the sun is shining, and the promise of good food, local wine and new adventures lies just across the water.

Europe, we’re finally on our way.

🐾 Day 2 to 3 — La Rochelle → Laredo (Daisy’s Travel Diary)

One night in La Rochelle, properly inspected.

Morning check:
✔ camper intact
✔ humans functioning
✔ Gordie calmly in security mode
✔ Ben in driver/electrical/plumbing/nav-reminder mode
✔ Sarah already decided: “Right… Spain …Laredo”

At 9am:
Ben said “Morning.”
Sarah said “Laredo.”
Gordie approved silently.
I approved emotionally (and snack-optimistically).

🌸 La Rochelle final scan

Quick patrol:

• marina ✔
• flowers ✔
• cafés , restaurants. ✔ (still refusing snack sharing, noted)

Bistro Régent:

• water bowls ✔
• duck still not shared ✔

🍺 Night stop — McNulty’s + Kinsale memory

On the night of Day 2, we went to McNulty’s.
Just friendly humans, drinks, and general excitement.

I investigated a pint glass:

• not snacks
• not tea
• confusing human behaviour

Verdict: Barry’s Tea still superior.

Sarah photographed it.
Ben observed like a systems engineer.
Gordie disapproved quietly.

I’m still unclear why humans think “drinks in bars” is a shared experience. I remain unconvinced.

🚐 Drive to Spain

Ben drove (systems control).
Sarah organised everything (chief operations).
Gordie slept (security).

I attempted:

• snuggles ✔
• snacks ✔
• exploration ✔ (restricted by safety belt, unacceptable but accepted)

🌊 Arrival — Laredo

We arrived in Laredo and approved it immediately: sea air, space, excellent sniff potential.

🏕️ Base camp

Camping Playa del Regatón
👉 https://www.campingregaton.com

Beach access, calm energy, strong snack surveillance zone.

🏰 Old town

👉 https://www.laredoturismo.com/en/what-to-see/old-town/

Smells, tapas, and frequent opportunities for investigation.

🐶 Status

Daisy → snacks, snuggles, safety belt resistance
Gordie → calm security
Ben → driver/systems
Sarah → organiser of everything
Billy → arriving later