G-Day for the last time to all our family and friends who have been with us on this trip through this web site.
Yes it has arrived, the last day of what can be said as one of those holidays that you would normally only dream about coming your way.
• Seven weeks driving in one of your favourite WWII military vehicles in Europe seeing most of the major battle fields etc. Also doing this with a lovely group of fellow minded people. Thanks must go to Bev & Lang for giving us all the opportunity to join them on this trip. Without them it would not have been possible. Thank you both.
• One week in Paris staying with a fine host in Henri and seeing the sights.
• Three days in London having some quiet time with my lovely wife and doing the sights.
• Two and a bit weeks travelling the lower part of the UK in a camper van, visiting long time friends and new ones. As well having seen some of the best parts of the UK that it has to offer.
I’m sitting at the airport in Korea thinking to myself what can we possibly do to out do this trip, I’m not sure that we can, but be rest assured we will try.
John
PS Fiona can have her own say now.
For a first time camper on such a daunting trip, I will say it has been fantastic. A little bit of settling in at first and getting to know everyone else on the trip, as well as sussing out the grocery stores and getting to used to buying things in different languages, like one of the group at the end bought what she thought was milk, only to find it was some sort of buttermilk like Yakult. It didn’t go well with the morning corn flakes and coffee.
I echo John’s comments about the places and sights we have seen along the way. We found some sights that no-one else saw, relocated some we had both seen before and missed a lot that I had hoped to see but just didn’t have time because of the schedule we found ourselves in. I have no idea why, but I got a bit teary as the jumbo lifted off the tarmac at Heathrow last night.
When all is now said and done, it has been a blast and most of all having the company of my wonderful husband on our real honeymoon for such a long time. Corowa for a week after the wedding last year certainly did not count as a honeymoon.
Some wonderful friends have been made during this trip and we know we will see them again.
5000 miles in Europe and 1300 miles in the UK.
PS Paddy thoroughly enjoyed himself as well and was glad to have joined us.
Au revoir, ciao, auf weidersein, see ya around and signing off this blog. We hope you have enjoyed following us, and until next time.
Fiona and John
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Last days in England
Thursday 2nd July
Stayed at Trevor’s today relaxing & watched Merlin the Magician perform his show. Out to dinner at a good old English Pub then a drive around the local area sightseeing afterwards.
Friday 3rd July
Left Trevor & Christine and headed for our next stop at a camp site near Salisbury. It is always good to catch up with friends across the sea’s and renew old acquaintances. Again we arrived after a few wrong turns, not hard to do over here as there are that many roads, roundabouts and turn offs you can take. You can be sailing along at a good pace on a four lane road then the next thing you know you are at a snail pace in a line of traffic due to a round about ahead, this happened to use a few times today.
Saturday 4th July
First up looked at Stonehenge, you all know about it. But there was a massive traffic jam but the photo doesn't do it justice. 45 minutes to get 3 miles.
Then it was time to look at Old Sarum a derelict fortress & castle at the junctions of the 5 Roman roads of England.
Then back to camp at Salisbury.
Sunday 5th July
Drove to Arundel and looked at Arundel Castle. Privately owned by the 18th Duke of Norfolk, Edward now is the premier Duke of GB and second only to the Queen and responsible for organising of Royal & State funerals & Coronations. By the way we saw him and his wife drive out in a very nice looking Roll Royce.
Monday 6th
Drove 40 miles for John to look at Newhaven Fort, first built in 1871 in East Sussex, while Fiona sat in the van and read her book. It has a long military history up until the 1962 when it was sold to the council.
Two momentous events of the war for Newhaven were the Dieppe Raid in August 1941 and the D-Day landings in June 1944. For more info see www.newhavenfort.org.uk
Tuesday 7th
Drove to Windsor & looked at Windsor Castle, the biggest and oldest castle still occupied by the Royal Monarchs of Great Britain since it started being built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Queen Elizabeth 11 lives nearly every weekend. It is a very impressive castle with a bloody lot of history, paintings by the best artists you can name, Van Dyck, Rubens and so it goes on. Has to be seen to believe!!!
Drove to Caterham south of London on the M25 to stay the night about 40 miles away from where we have to return the camper tomorrow. This will give us time to be able to pack up our goods as it is our last day in England.
Wednesday 8th
Dropped van off, then got train across London to Heathrow airport arriving at 1500hrs.
Flew out at 2130 headed for home.
Stayed at Trevor’s today relaxing & watched Merlin the Magician perform his show. Out to dinner at a good old English Pub then a drive around the local area sightseeing afterwards.
Friday 3rd July
Left Trevor & Christine and headed for our next stop at a camp site near Salisbury. It is always good to catch up with friends across the sea’s and renew old acquaintances. Again we arrived after a few wrong turns, not hard to do over here as there are that many roads, roundabouts and turn offs you can take. You can be sailing along at a good pace on a four lane road then the next thing you know you are at a snail pace in a line of traffic due to a round about ahead, this happened to use a few times today.
Saturday 4th July
First up looked at Stonehenge, you all know about it. But there was a massive traffic jam but the photo doesn't do it justice. 45 minutes to get 3 miles.
Then it was time to look at Old Sarum a derelict fortress & castle at the junctions of the 5 Roman roads of England.
Then back to camp at Salisbury.
Sunday 5th July
Drove to Arundel and looked at Arundel Castle. Privately owned by the 18th Duke of Norfolk, Edward now is the premier Duke of GB and second only to the Queen and responsible for organising of Royal & State funerals & Coronations. By the way we saw him and his wife drive out in a very nice looking Roll Royce.
Monday 6th
Drove 40 miles for John to look at Newhaven Fort, first built in 1871 in East Sussex, while Fiona sat in the van and read her book. It has a long military history up until the 1962 when it was sold to the council.
Two momentous events of the war for Newhaven were the Dieppe Raid in August 1941 and the D-Day landings in June 1944. For more info see www.newhavenfort.org.uk
Tuesday 7th
Drove to Windsor & looked at Windsor Castle, the biggest and oldest castle still occupied by the Royal Monarchs of Great Britain since it started being built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Queen Elizabeth 11 lives nearly every weekend. It is a very impressive castle with a bloody lot of history, paintings by the best artists you can name, Van Dyck, Rubens and so it goes on. Has to be seen to believe!!!
Drove to Caterham south of London on the M25 to stay the night about 40 miles away from where we have to return the camper tomorrow. This will give us time to be able to pack up our goods as it is our last day in England.
Wednesday 8th
Dropped van off, then got train across London to Heathrow airport arriving at 1500hrs.
Flew out at 2130 headed for home.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Higher Clovelly, Devon
Friday 27 June
In our last post we talked about a Tank Museum that is having a large display of tanks, both static and operational. John said he may go to it until he realised it is this weekend and we already have other plans so he is not happy.
Oh darn, says Fiona, because it is the opposite direction to where we are headed. Phew!!
We came from Charmouth, past Honiton, Exeter and then through Newton Abbot to Torquay, Paignton, Totnes and stopped at South Brent on the SE corner of Dartmoor Forest for lunch.
Onward past Plymouth and Torpoint and turned off to Looe. Saw a sign for a National Trust property called Antony House so followed all the signs and ended back near Torpoint. Guess what – it’s Friday and its’ England and it’s closed. But this house is still occupied by a family so guess they have to have their privacy at some stage. Not going back though. Found there is a better one near Bodmin on our way north, so will stop there later.
Back to Looe and as it was only around 3.00pm went into the village of Looe and wandered the very narrow streets and got to the beach/sea front and saw the English in all their glory playing on the beach. At least it was sand as opposed to other pebble beaches around the area.
Got back to Looe Caravan Camp and very nice it is too.
Some of you may remember our camp gradings. Last night was full lidded sit loos but still with push button shower, but it was only 20m from our van.
Tonight is just as good but 150m away. Distance means everything in the middle of the night. Constant running water through a dial system in the showers, no push button on a timer.
Tomorrow we are catching up with Adrian and Alison Snell in Penryn, a couple we met at Etreham in France. We are sure they will show us around the SW coast.
Cheers
J & F
Saturday 28 June
We hit the road a bit later than expected and with Alison’s directions to John, off we went to Mylor near Penryn, about 35 miles. One of the directions was to look out for the Jeep in the front yard so when we saw we knew we had the right home. After a cuppa & renewing acquaintances, Adrian & I went in the Jeep and picked up some delicious Cornish pasties he had ordered for lunch. Adrian had a friend there, Brian who is into restoring steam engines, and we got heaps of questions on what we have in Australia.
After lunch we were taken for a drive to see the Redruth Engine House. This was one of many used in Cornwell to drive plate in the process of tin mining.
Then on to look at the lovely “Trebah Garden” on the banks of Polgwidden Cove on the Helford River at Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. This is where the American 29th Infantry Division embarked on the 1st June for the assault landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day 1944.
We were very fortunate to meet the owner Major Tony Hibbert Ret, a spritely gentlemen of 92.
He regaled us with a piece of history that he was involved in. He told us he was the first allied officer to go into Kiel to negotiate the occupying Germans’ surrender following the news that Hitler had committed suicide the previous day. He said that the German Officer looked at him with such disdain at his audacity but the surrender proceeded accompanied by a bottle of champagne. By achieving the surrender of the senior German Officer and his troops, the British were able to secure the area on 5 May 1945 before the advancing Russians reached the area. He told us this is his most memorable moment of the War and when he feels down he recalls this moment and feels much better for it. Major Hibbert was placed under arrest on VE Day 8 May 1945 for ‘an displaying an excess of gung ho’ but exonerated the following day by the Corps Commander.
Major Hibbert’s remarkable connection with Australia lies with his brother-in-law Lt Cmdr Bobby Bradshaw DSC (2 bars) and three Mentions in Dispatches. Having received the signal that any pilot reported flying under Sydney Harbour Bridge on VJ Day would be court martialled, he turned back and flew the entire squadron of Avengers under the bridge, whilst giving the ‘V’ sign. I believe I have seen this picture before at the Australian War Memorial.
Back to Mylor and fish and chips for dinner and a slide show and bed.
Sunday 28 June
Now it was time to look at what Adrian had in his shed. Beside the Jeep and the GMC he took to Normandy, there were 2 other treasures. The smallest being a fully restored Studebaker Weasel in good running order. The other is his latest project, a International Half Track with a winch mounted on the front and is currently under restoration. His aim is to have it ready for Beltring next year.
Then it was time to get on the road. First we went to St Michael’s Mount, similar in concept to Mont St Michel in France, a Benedictine Monastery on a island in the ocean surrounded by water. Then we went to Lands End, the furthest south western tip of the UK. Apparently Sydney is 12,000 miles from here so Paddy had to have his photo taken.
After a photo shoot we headed to our next camp near Newquay.
Tomorrow we are headed for Higher Clovelly to stay three nights with long time friends of the Hedges family.
Monday 29 June
On the way to Higher Clovelly, we stopped at Crackington Haven just south of Bude to see Andrea who spent the first part of the journey with the group from Istanbul. It was lovely to see her again. After lunch we moved onward to our destination at Downland Farm and the Milky Way Adventure Park owned by Trevor & Christine Stanbury. Later in the afternoon we went to Clovelly, a quaint coastal village and walked through, as vehicles are not permitted. Very steep up and back from the seaside.
Tuesday 30 June
Today we went and seen Preston Isaac at his Museum called Cobbaton Combat Collection. We met Preston in Normandy in his role as President of the UK Military Vehicle Trust. His collection is very extensive and we will post photos later. Back to Higher Clovelly and dinner followed by a trip in Christine’s VW EOS convertible (probably Fiona’s next car) at Harland Point to watch the sun set but it was too cloudy.
Wednesday, 1 July
Today we spent exploring the Milky Way and watched the two birds’ of prey shows and through the whole complex. See www.themilkyway.co.uk
At lunchtime we learned today was the park’s 25th anniversary of opening. Happy Anniversary to everyone.
Cheers
J&F
In our last post we talked about a Tank Museum that is having a large display of tanks, both static and operational. John said he may go to it until he realised it is this weekend and we already have other plans so he is not happy.
Oh darn, says Fiona, because it is the opposite direction to where we are headed. Phew!!
We came from Charmouth, past Honiton, Exeter and then through Newton Abbot to Torquay, Paignton, Totnes and stopped at South Brent on the SE corner of Dartmoor Forest for lunch.
Onward past Plymouth and Torpoint and turned off to Looe. Saw a sign for a National Trust property called Antony House so followed all the signs and ended back near Torpoint. Guess what – it’s Friday and its’ England and it’s closed. But this house is still occupied by a family so guess they have to have their privacy at some stage. Not going back though. Found there is a better one near Bodmin on our way north, so will stop there later.
Back to Looe and as it was only around 3.00pm went into the village of Looe and wandered the very narrow streets and got to the beach/sea front and saw the English in all their glory playing on the beach. At least it was sand as opposed to other pebble beaches around the area.
Got back to Looe Caravan Camp and very nice it is too.
Some of you may remember our camp gradings. Last night was full lidded sit loos but still with push button shower, but it was only 20m from our van.
Tonight is just as good but 150m away. Distance means everything in the middle of the night. Constant running water through a dial system in the showers, no push button on a timer.
Tomorrow we are catching up with Adrian and Alison Snell in Penryn, a couple we met at Etreham in France. We are sure they will show us around the SW coast.
Cheers
J & F
Saturday 28 June
We hit the road a bit later than expected and with Alison’s directions to John, off we went to Mylor near Penryn, about 35 miles. One of the directions was to look out for the Jeep in the front yard so when we saw we knew we had the right home. After a cuppa & renewing acquaintances, Adrian & I went in the Jeep and picked up some delicious Cornish pasties he had ordered for lunch. Adrian had a friend there, Brian who is into restoring steam engines, and we got heaps of questions on what we have in Australia.
After lunch we were taken for a drive to see the Redruth Engine House. This was one of many used in Cornwell to drive plate in the process of tin mining.
Then on to look at the lovely “Trebah Garden” on the banks of Polgwidden Cove on the Helford River at Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. This is where the American 29th Infantry Division embarked on the 1st June for the assault landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day 1944.
We were very fortunate to meet the owner Major Tony Hibbert Ret, a spritely gentlemen of 92.
He regaled us with a piece of history that he was involved in. He told us he was the first allied officer to go into Kiel to negotiate the occupying Germans’ surrender following the news that Hitler had committed suicide the previous day. He said that the German Officer looked at him with such disdain at his audacity but the surrender proceeded accompanied by a bottle of champagne. By achieving the surrender of the senior German Officer and his troops, the British were able to secure the area on 5 May 1945 before the advancing Russians reached the area. He told us this is his most memorable moment of the War and when he feels down he recalls this moment and feels much better for it. Major Hibbert was placed under arrest on VE Day 8 May 1945 for ‘an displaying an excess of gung ho’ but exonerated the following day by the Corps Commander.
Major Hibbert’s remarkable connection with Australia lies with his brother-in-law Lt Cmdr Bobby Bradshaw DSC (2 bars) and three Mentions in Dispatches. Having received the signal that any pilot reported flying under Sydney Harbour Bridge on VJ Day would be court martialled, he turned back and flew the entire squadron of Avengers under the bridge, whilst giving the ‘V’ sign. I believe I have seen this picture before at the Australian War Memorial.
Back to Mylor and fish and chips for dinner and a slide show and bed.
Sunday 28 June
Now it was time to look at what Adrian had in his shed. Beside the Jeep and the GMC he took to Normandy, there were 2 other treasures. The smallest being a fully restored Studebaker Weasel in good running order. The other is his latest project, a International Half Track with a winch mounted on the front and is currently under restoration. His aim is to have it ready for Beltring next year.
Then it was time to get on the road. First we went to St Michael’s Mount, similar in concept to Mont St Michel in France, a Benedictine Monastery on a island in the ocean surrounded by water. Then we went to Lands End, the furthest south western tip of the UK. Apparently Sydney is 12,000 miles from here so Paddy had to have his photo taken.
After a photo shoot we headed to our next camp near Newquay.
Tomorrow we are headed for Higher Clovelly to stay three nights with long time friends of the Hedges family.
Monday 29 June
On the way to Higher Clovelly, we stopped at Crackington Haven just south of Bude to see Andrea who spent the first part of the journey with the group from Istanbul. It was lovely to see her again. After lunch we moved onward to our destination at Downland Farm and the Milky Way Adventure Park owned by Trevor & Christine Stanbury. Later in the afternoon we went to Clovelly, a quaint coastal village and walked through, as vehicles are not permitted. Very steep up and back from the seaside.
Tuesday 30 June
Today we went and seen Preston Isaac at his Museum called Cobbaton Combat Collection. We met Preston in Normandy in his role as President of the UK Military Vehicle Trust. His collection is very extensive and we will post photos later. Back to Higher Clovelly and dinner followed by a trip in Christine’s VW EOS convertible (probably Fiona’s next car) at Harland Point to watch the sun set but it was too cloudy.
Wednesday, 1 July
Today we spent exploring the Milky Way and watched the two birds’ of prey shows and through the whole complex. See www.themilkyway.co.uk
At lunchtime we learned today was the park’s 25th anniversary of opening. Happy Anniversary to everyone.
Cheers
J&F
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Friday, Charmouth near Lyme Regis
Awoke this morning to the sound of steady rain and the forecast is for more. I doubt there will too much garden walking today. Off towards Cornwall today.
Talk later
Talk later
Monday 22
Arrived at 1230 at Rainham, outer NE London to pick up our home for the next 16 nights, a 4 berth campervan. After getting the run down on how it all works, we then headed to the shops to get supplies. It was decided not to go to far today as Fiona had to set up the camper.
Canterbury was chosen 30 miles away. Camping was on a farm that they have set up as a camping ground to subsidise the farm income or to finance his love of restoring his old cars. What a man!!!
Tuesday 23
Our aim was to look at 2 sites. First, the White Cliffs of Dover, a walk along the shore line was order of the day, very high and step white cliffs. The port of Dover was almost a large as the cliffs themselves, ships coming and going what seemed like every 10 minutes.
After lunch it was time to look at item number 2, the Secret War Tunnels and facilities constructed in the cliffs of Dover. This was where the evacuation of Dunkirk was run from, most interesting. Unfortunately,we weren't allowed to take photos inside the tunnels but this is part of Dover Castle which sits on the cliff tops above.
Then onto Battle, near Hastings to get a camp site for the night.
Wednesday 24
Our goal was to look at the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by William the Bastard from Normandy at the now Town of Battle. We walked the battlefield and listened to a audio recording of what happen on that day 14th October 1066 between King Harold of England and William, the Duke of Normandy, each had about 7000 men of which half died in the battle. Of course William was victorious and became known as William the Conqueror from then on, changing the course of English history. This is Battle Abbey Gatehouse
This is looking from the top of the hill occupied by King Harold of England's troops towards the other side where William the Conquerer's Norman troop were lined up. Remember all this happened on 14 October 1066 and apparently there wasn't as much forest or bushes around then. The hill is quite steep. If you remember, we saw the story of this battle in the Tapestry at Bayeux in France.
Then William built an Abbey on the site where Harold was killed. Not much of it remains today.
Then it was on the road towards our next stop over, unknown at this time. It appears that in almost every town there is a castle of some standing, this was defiantly the case in Arundel. After seeing it on our approach to town we decided to take a closer look and have a stop, revive and survive break. As time was late we did not have time to do a tour of the castle, just a talk with the man at the gate. As it turned out this is a very complete and original castle, first started to be built in 1067, with the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk living in it today. We may try and get back to have a closer look, as it is only 60 miles from London.
We made it to a van park in Fareham in Dorset west of Portsmouth for the night.
The weather has been excellent with day temps up to mid 20’s and the nights very mild. The country side is very green but locals tell me they need rain. The campervan is working out fine, taking a bit of getting used to. The bed is not as good as we had in the ute though, maybe we got spoilt. Well time for me to do the washing up now (John) because Fiona did the cooking.
Thursday 24
Not knowing what to look at today we hit the road at 0900 and headed towards Exeter. It was not long before we took a wrong turn and started heading towards London. Back on the correct course again we came across Romsey, a small quiet town. By now it was time for a break and walked around to see the town then on the road again. Then we saw a sign of a National Trust House “Kingston Lacy” so we decided to go and have a look. It was the home of the Bankes family for over 300 years. The House contains an outstanding collection of pictures including works by Tintoretto, Rubens, Titian and the astounding Guido Reni fresco, together with a collection of Egyptian artefacts. Words can not explain how grand the house, stables, wash house, outside kitchen and fern garden etc were. Again we weren't allowed to take photos inside.
This is the house overlooking the extensive gardens
This is the back of the house looking toward the kitchen and laundry yard
Drove 110 miles today, but it took 3 1/2 hours due to towns everywhere, roundabouts and narrow roads. Arrived at Charmouth, between Bridport and Axminster and stopped for the night.
Meanwhile, Fiona would have like to have stopped at the likes of Brighton Pier, Bognor Regis, Dorchester and a few other towns along the way, but time gets away. John picked up some brochures when we got to the camping area and discovered he had missed a Tank Museum at Bovington and now is considering going to back to it later on. Maybe!! He also said he had had enough exposure to military vehicles and museums for the time being. Obviously the time is up but not until next week at least.
We are heading towards Cornwall tomorrow and past Plymouth. Will have to examine the National Trust book to see where we stop for another break.
Arrived at 1230 at Rainham, outer NE London to pick up our home for the next 16 nights, a 4 berth campervan. After getting the run down on how it all works, we then headed to the shops to get supplies. It was decided not to go to far today as Fiona had to set up the camper.
Canterbury was chosen 30 miles away. Camping was on a farm that they have set up as a camping ground to subsidise the farm income or to finance his love of restoring his old cars. What a man!!!
Tuesday 23
Our aim was to look at 2 sites. First, the White Cliffs of Dover, a walk along the shore line was order of the day, very high and step white cliffs. The port of Dover was almost a large as the cliffs themselves, ships coming and going what seemed like every 10 minutes.
After lunch it was time to look at item number 2, the Secret War Tunnels and facilities constructed in the cliffs of Dover. This was where the evacuation of Dunkirk was run from, most interesting. Unfortunately,we weren't allowed to take photos inside the tunnels but this is part of Dover Castle which sits on the cliff tops above.
Then onto Battle, near Hastings to get a camp site for the night.
Wednesday 24
Our goal was to look at the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by William the Bastard from Normandy at the now Town of Battle. We walked the battlefield and listened to a audio recording of what happen on that day 14th October 1066 between King Harold of England and William, the Duke of Normandy, each had about 7000 men of which half died in the battle. Of course William was victorious and became known as William the Conqueror from then on, changing the course of English history. This is Battle Abbey Gatehouse
This is looking from the top of the hill occupied by King Harold of England's troops towards the other side where William the Conquerer's Norman troop were lined up. Remember all this happened on 14 October 1066 and apparently there wasn't as much forest or bushes around then. The hill is quite steep. If you remember, we saw the story of this battle in the Tapestry at Bayeux in France.
Then William built an Abbey on the site where Harold was killed. Not much of it remains today.
Then it was on the road towards our next stop over, unknown at this time. It appears that in almost every town there is a castle of some standing, this was defiantly the case in Arundel. After seeing it on our approach to town we decided to take a closer look and have a stop, revive and survive break. As time was late we did not have time to do a tour of the castle, just a talk with the man at the gate. As it turned out this is a very complete and original castle, first started to be built in 1067, with the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk living in it today. We may try and get back to have a closer look, as it is only 60 miles from London.
We made it to a van park in Fareham in Dorset west of Portsmouth for the night.
The weather has been excellent with day temps up to mid 20’s and the nights very mild. The country side is very green but locals tell me they need rain. The campervan is working out fine, taking a bit of getting used to. The bed is not as good as we had in the ute though, maybe we got spoilt. Well time for me to do the washing up now (John) because Fiona did the cooking.
Thursday 24
Not knowing what to look at today we hit the road at 0900 and headed towards Exeter. It was not long before we took a wrong turn and started heading towards London. Back on the correct course again we came across Romsey, a small quiet town. By now it was time for a break and walked around to see the town then on the road again. Then we saw a sign of a National Trust House “Kingston Lacy” so we decided to go and have a look. It was the home of the Bankes family for over 300 years. The House contains an outstanding collection of pictures including works by Tintoretto, Rubens, Titian and the astounding Guido Reni fresco, together with a collection of Egyptian artefacts. Words can not explain how grand the house, stables, wash house, outside kitchen and fern garden etc were. Again we weren't allowed to take photos inside.
This is the house overlooking the extensive gardens
This is the back of the house looking toward the kitchen and laundry yard
Drove 110 miles today, but it took 3 1/2 hours due to towns everywhere, roundabouts and narrow roads. Arrived at Charmouth, between Bridport and Axminster and stopped for the night.
Meanwhile, Fiona would have like to have stopped at the likes of Brighton Pier, Bognor Regis, Dorchester and a few other towns along the way, but time gets away. John picked up some brochures when we got to the camping area and discovered he had missed a Tank Museum at Bovington and now is considering going to back to it later on. Maybe!! He also said he had had enough exposure to military vehicles and museums for the time being. Obviously the time is up but not until next week at least.
We are heading towards Cornwall tomorrow and past Plymouth. Will have to examine the National Trust book to see where we stop for another break.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Paris Missing Photos
Hey silly me didn't realise I was duplicating photos instead of new ones. Here are some of the missing Paris photos.
On the balcony at Henri's
A tethered joy ride and weather balloon taken from Henri's balcony
Paddy on a very, very wet day outside Versailles Palace when we couldn't get in.
Shopping at it's best - one department store in Paris. Who's heard of Galleries la Fayette?
From the second level of the Eiffel Tower
We saw a service station that is showing diesel at 1.03 pounds a litre today, knowing that it will be over $2 a litre on the road. A pint of beer is 3.25 pounds, sausage in a roll was 3 pounds (making our Driver Reviver one's look good and they taste better), a piece of fish was 4.50 pounds so 15 pounds for 3 pieces was very expensive - so much for cheap night in for a take away, instead of the pub.
On the balcony at Henri's
A tethered joy ride and weather balloon taken from Henri's balcony
Paddy on a very, very wet day outside Versailles Palace when we couldn't get in.
Shopping at it's best - one department store in Paris. Who's heard of Galleries la Fayette?
From the second level of the Eiffel Tower
We saw a service station that is showing diesel at 1.03 pounds a litre today, knowing that it will be over $2 a litre on the road. A pint of beer is 3.25 pounds, sausage in a roll was 3 pounds (making our Driver Reviver one's look good and they taste better), a piece of fish was 4.50 pounds so 15 pounds for 3 pieces was very expensive - so much for cheap night in for a take away, instead of the pub.
London
London Saturday 20
Breakfast at 0800 hrs then walked to central London to start our day of sight seeing. First up we visited the Guards Museum at Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk with items dating back to 1770 to current time, full uniforms, weapons, paintings and memorabilia. No photos were allowed inside so you can see something on www.theguardsmuseum.com
As we left the Museum we were reminded that the Changing of the Guard was about to happen at Buckingham Palace and they would be forming up in the forecourt of the Barracks. Watched them while the Guard was inspected and the band played quite a different set of music than expected – The Beatles, Monkees and Summer Loving from Grease.
They marched off to Buck Palace and we went to the Cabinet War Rooms & Churchill Museum. The link is www.iwm.org.uk/cabinet This is a must for any military history buff, seen as it was during WW II.
As we headed for the Cenotaph, we noticed that a ceremony was about to start, it was a very small number (about 10) from Ulster Irish accusation lay a wreath in honour of fallen mates. There were also some protests happening that day and the police were out in numbers.
Then we walked around visiting the Horse Guards Barracks, 10 Downing Street, the home to British Prime Ministers, Buckingham Palace, Kensington High Street (where Britney Spears was the day before apparently) Sloane Street full of shops for the rich & famous and of course, Harrods. In Harrods we looked at what to buy when we win lotto and the Memorial for Lady Diana & Dodi al Fayad. Another local pub for drinks and a meal to finish the day off.
London Sunday 21
As we had walked our butts off yesterday, we caught the train to Embankment Station this morning. Our aim today was to do 2 things. First up we rode on the London Eye Flight (ferris wheel) which is 195m above the street level. What a view we had, twice as high as our climb up the Eiffel Tower. Check it out on www.londoneye.com
Paddy even made the ride but it was difficult to take his photo in there so he had one taken on Westminster Bridge and opposite Big Ben.
Then to the LAST national parade & service of the UK “Normandy Veterans Association”. A Service of Commemoration for the fallen of The Normandy Campaign of 1944 on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary at the Cenotaph in Whitehall was held. 600 hundred returned men & women marched led by The Guards Military Band. Wreaths were then laid followed by the Last Post, One Minute Silence and Reveille. We felt so privileged to be present to witness this special event.
We get the train to Barking tomorrow to collect the campervan and the last part of our adventure.
See you on the road.
Cheers
Breakfast at 0800 hrs then walked to central London to start our day of sight seeing. First up we visited the Guards Museum at Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk with items dating back to 1770 to current time, full uniforms, weapons, paintings and memorabilia. No photos were allowed inside so you can see something on www.theguardsmuseum.com
As we left the Museum we were reminded that the Changing of the Guard was about to happen at Buckingham Palace and they would be forming up in the forecourt of the Barracks. Watched them while the Guard was inspected and the band played quite a different set of music than expected – The Beatles, Monkees and Summer Loving from Grease.
They marched off to Buck Palace and we went to the Cabinet War Rooms & Churchill Museum. The link is www.iwm.org.uk/cabinet This is a must for any military history buff, seen as it was during WW II.
As we headed for the Cenotaph, we noticed that a ceremony was about to start, it was a very small number (about 10) from Ulster Irish accusation lay a wreath in honour of fallen mates. There were also some protests happening that day and the police were out in numbers.
Then we walked around visiting the Horse Guards Barracks, 10 Downing Street, the home to British Prime Ministers, Buckingham Palace, Kensington High Street (where Britney Spears was the day before apparently) Sloane Street full of shops for the rich & famous and of course, Harrods. In Harrods we looked at what to buy when we win lotto and the Memorial for Lady Diana & Dodi al Fayad. Another local pub for drinks and a meal to finish the day off.
London Sunday 21
As we had walked our butts off yesterday, we caught the train to Embankment Station this morning. Our aim today was to do 2 things. First up we rode on the London Eye Flight (ferris wheel) which is 195m above the street level. What a view we had, twice as high as our climb up the Eiffel Tower. Check it out on www.londoneye.com
Paddy even made the ride but it was difficult to take his photo in there so he had one taken on Westminster Bridge and opposite Big Ben.
Then to the LAST national parade & service of the UK “Normandy Veterans Association”. A Service of Commemoration for the fallen of The Normandy Campaign of 1944 on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary at the Cenotaph in Whitehall was held. 600 hundred returned men & women marched led by The Guards Military Band. Wreaths were then laid followed by the Last Post, One Minute Silence and Reveille. We felt so privileged to be present to witness this special event.
We get the train to Barking tomorrow to collect the campervan and the last part of our adventure.
See you on the road.
Cheers
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Paris to London
Our friend Henri who put us up for 7 nights in Paris admitted he had never climbed the 700 steps of the Eiffel Tower and here is proof that he did it, this time with us in toe, yes he was the first to the top, not bad for a man 20 years our senior. Poor Paddy couldn't make it that morning, as he slep in. He will be having more adventures when he gets to England.
Unfortunately we arrived at the Gare du Nord a little later than anticipated due to unexpected very heavy trafic and missed our intended train for London and had to wait for another hour and a half. Finally got away, traveling at 300 km and after 1 hr 20 mins started going underneath the English Channel. That only took 20 minutes, at a slower pace and we were in southern England getting into London not that long afterwards. Amazing really.
Made our way across London to Victoria Station and then hauled the luggage down to the hotel in Belgravia, not that far from Sloane Square & the famise shops including Harrods.
Last night ventured up Buckingham Palace Road as far at the Royal Mews and then turned into a pub for a welcome couple of pints and dinner.
I know it's only a minor thing for everyone but we have at last been able to get English language newspapers and TV again after 8 weeks, only to find out that the Aussies didn't make the last rounds of the 20/20 cricket, and reminded about it at the Pub by locals and that nothing much else seems to have changed drastically in the world that we can work out anyway.
Once again, photos will follow when camera battery is charged so we can download.
Cheers for now
Unfortunately we arrived at the Gare du Nord a little later than anticipated due to unexpected very heavy trafic and missed our intended train for London and had to wait for another hour and a half. Finally got away, traveling at 300 km and after 1 hr 20 mins started going underneath the English Channel. That only took 20 minutes, at a slower pace and we were in southern England getting into London not that long afterwards. Amazing really.
Made our way across London to Victoria Station and then hauled the luggage down to the hotel in Belgravia, not that far from Sloane Square & the famise shops including Harrods.
Last night ventured up Buckingham Palace Road as far at the Royal Mews and then turned into a pub for a welcome couple of pints and dinner.
I know it's only a minor thing for everyone but we have at last been able to get English language newspapers and TV again after 8 weeks, only to find out that the Aussies didn't make the last rounds of the 20/20 cricket, and reminded about it at the Pub by locals and that nothing much else seems to have changed drastically in the world that we can work out anyway.
Once again, photos will follow when camera battery is charged so we can download.
Cheers for now
Missing photos for previous postings
Loading the vehicle in Antwerp and it now should be on it's way home.
The Menin Gate at Ypres
The paratroopers near St Mere Eglise
Running out of petrol leaving Etreham
Farming land in France near Villers Bretonneux
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Paris
Antwerp and Brussels Friday 12th June
We travelled from Bailleul to Antwerp and had to make sure we took the correct Ring Road through or around Antwerp. We stopped at a Service Centre on the southern outskirts of Antwerp and when we left it started raining again and tissue stop gaps had to be applied to the windscreen for quite a while. I lost my sunglasses for good this time at the truck stop. The traffic was a nightmare but we finally got to the camp at Brecht. A superb dinner followed by a challenge Snooker comp comprising John N and Potsy on one side and Zeb and Fiona on the other. Pots and John won. After a huge light and sound show during the night with the thunder and lightening (unheard by some) we woke to a reasonable day and went to the loading yard to clean down the vehicles and all camping gear to ensure it would pass Australia quarantine. Finally all the vehicles went into our container – our ute, Mick and Ken’s Jeeps and John N’s Harley bound for Sydney. Lorraine and Sam had sold their Studebaker and the new owners arrived to drive away. A military salute as it passed us on our way to a bus stop for Antwerp and then a train to Brussels.
Short train to Brussels and a walk around that night. Dinner on the Seafood street and short exploration.
Brussels Saturday
Wow, what a beautiful city it was. The square was a hive of activity with civil wedding parties turning up every 15 minutes or so. One of the brides turned up in a very large stretched hummer, not to mention the Mercedes, BMW coops & a very well restored Jaguar. Lorraine and I visited the Mannekin Pis and then off to the Musee Brussels and many other sights. Dinner that night was at a Cretan restaurant and more sights later.
The train ride
Seven of our remaining group boarded the train bound for Paris at 1113 hrs. It was not long before we all had a guess at the speed the train was doing, 175 to 250 km per hour. Then Graeme fired up his GPS to find out that we were doing 300 kph. The whole time we again travelled through top farming country side, as it is fairly flat with some tree belts all the land is sown down to crops. Arrived at Paris at 1230m hrs, taking 1 ¼ hrs a distance of about 360km.
Paris Sunday
It was good to see Henri at the train station platform to meet us from Brussels. Fiona and I got in the car with Henri, as he has a small 2 door car 7 people and our luggage could not fit. Graeme, Mike, John, Sam & Loraine got a large cab to the Hotel Henri had booked, it was only about 25 minutes away and within walking distance to Henri’s place. We all then had a lovely meal at Henri’s place. We eat all our meals including breakfast with Henri every day.
Paris Monday
It was decided that today we would go and look at Versailles Palace. Apart from the day being wet on arrival at the Palace we found that it is closed on Mondays, all we could do was look around the very large gardens. C’est France, c’est Lundi, c’est ferme. (it’s France, Monday and it’s closed)
Henri took Graeme & Mike to the Airport later in the day as they were leaving to go home.
Paris Tuesday
In the morning Henri took Sam, John & me John to look at the Paris military clubs work shop and storage sheds. They have 3 large sheds on loan from the Army each housing capable of housing 20 vehicles. Henri took us to an 18th century part of Versailles then in the afternoon toured the French Museum of WW I and II. Fiona and Lorraine meantime hit the shops on Avenue Hausmann taking in La Printemps and Galleries Lafayette. We came home with bugger all but dreams of a 280,000 euro diamond ring from De Beers, 2,000 euro nightie and negligee set and other goodies. Oh, we got some souvenirs though.
Paris Wednesday
After looking around Paris to La Defence, the newest area of Paris to the far west in the morning, it was time to take John, Sam & Lorraine to the airport to depart for home. Henri returned to take us to dinner near the Pantheon with his daughter Christine. Then we drove through the city and up to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur for a night version of the city.
Paris Thursday
This was the day we climbed the 700 steps up the Eiffel Tower, although it was a cloudy day.
Photos will follow
We travelled from Bailleul to Antwerp and had to make sure we took the correct Ring Road through or around Antwerp. We stopped at a Service Centre on the southern outskirts of Antwerp and when we left it started raining again and tissue stop gaps had to be applied to the windscreen for quite a while. I lost my sunglasses for good this time at the truck stop. The traffic was a nightmare but we finally got to the camp at Brecht. A superb dinner followed by a challenge Snooker comp comprising John N and Potsy on one side and Zeb and Fiona on the other. Pots and John won. After a huge light and sound show during the night with the thunder and lightening (unheard by some) we woke to a reasonable day and went to the loading yard to clean down the vehicles and all camping gear to ensure it would pass Australia quarantine. Finally all the vehicles went into our container – our ute, Mick and Ken’s Jeeps and John N’s Harley bound for Sydney. Lorraine and Sam had sold their Studebaker and the new owners arrived to drive away. A military salute as it passed us on our way to a bus stop for Antwerp and then a train to Brussels.
Short train to Brussels and a walk around that night. Dinner on the Seafood street and short exploration.
Brussels Saturday
Wow, what a beautiful city it was. The square was a hive of activity with civil wedding parties turning up every 15 minutes or so. One of the brides turned up in a very large stretched hummer, not to mention the Mercedes, BMW coops & a very well restored Jaguar. Lorraine and I visited the Mannekin Pis and then off to the Musee Brussels and many other sights. Dinner that night was at a Cretan restaurant and more sights later.
The train ride
Seven of our remaining group boarded the train bound for Paris at 1113 hrs. It was not long before we all had a guess at the speed the train was doing, 175 to 250 km per hour. Then Graeme fired up his GPS to find out that we were doing 300 kph. The whole time we again travelled through top farming country side, as it is fairly flat with some tree belts all the land is sown down to crops. Arrived at Paris at 1230m hrs, taking 1 ¼ hrs a distance of about 360km.
Paris Sunday
It was good to see Henri at the train station platform to meet us from Brussels. Fiona and I got in the car with Henri, as he has a small 2 door car 7 people and our luggage could not fit. Graeme, Mike, John, Sam & Loraine got a large cab to the Hotel Henri had booked, it was only about 25 minutes away and within walking distance to Henri’s place. We all then had a lovely meal at Henri’s place. We eat all our meals including breakfast with Henri every day.
Paris Monday
It was decided that today we would go and look at Versailles Palace. Apart from the day being wet on arrival at the Palace we found that it is closed on Mondays, all we could do was look around the very large gardens. C’est France, c’est Lundi, c’est ferme. (it’s France, Monday and it’s closed)
Henri took Graeme & Mike to the Airport later in the day as they were leaving to go home.
Paris Tuesday
In the morning Henri took Sam, John & me John to look at the Paris military clubs work shop and storage sheds. They have 3 large sheds on loan from the Army each housing capable of housing 20 vehicles. Henri took us to an 18th century part of Versailles then in the afternoon toured the French Museum of WW I and II. Fiona and Lorraine meantime hit the shops on Avenue Hausmann taking in La Printemps and Galleries Lafayette. We came home with bugger all but dreams of a 280,000 euro diamond ring from De Beers, 2,000 euro nightie and negligee set and other goodies. Oh, we got some souvenirs though.
Paris Wednesday
After looking around Paris to La Defence, the newest area of Paris to the far west in the morning, it was time to take John, Sam & Lorraine to the airport to depart for home. Henri returned to take us to dinner near the Pantheon with his daughter Christine. Then we drove through the city and up to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur for a night version of the city.
Paris Thursday
This was the day we climbed the 700 steps up the Eiffel Tower, although it was a cloudy day.
Photos will follow
The Somme
But we ran out of fuel before we got too far from camp!
The Somme
After we left Etreham on Monday 8 June, we travelled to Amiens and then Villers Bretonneux in the Valley of the Somme France, the scene of the battles between the Allieds’ and the Germans during WWI. We visited many War Cemeteries and Memorials, too numerous to mention and saw the site where the Red Baron was shot down. The most moving was seeing Villers Bretonneux, the site of the main Australian War Cemetery and Memorial in France and where the ANZAC Day dawn service is broadcast from. A plaque at the top of the tower indicated Canberra was 10400 odd miles away facing east and 14300 odd miles facing west.
Then we went to Albert and drove through the remaining Somme area to Ypres and Beullieul. Unfortunately during the entire time, the rain kept coming down.
Menin Gate
We arrived at Ypres in Belgium to go see the lost post played at the Menin Gate at 1700 hrs, only to find out it is at 2000 hrs. After looking around the gift shops and buying some books we had a meal while waiting. At 1930 we headed back to Menin Gate, what a magnificent building, mush larger then you would believe it to be. Around the inside of it are the names of over 53,000 unknown soldiers killed in the First World War from all allied nations. Then came the ceremony, and a very moving one it was. Three buglers played the Last Post followed by the Ode from a WW2 veteran, then a minutes’ silence. Two visiting buglers from Lancashire Regiment then played Reveille with a group of their soldiers, about 50, stood on parade during all this. Wreaths were then laid. This was the most moving moment of the whole trip, Fiona and I both had tears in our eyes.
From Ypres and the Menin Gate area, we travelled to Antwerp in Belgium to a caravan park. Because it had been raining so much over the last few days, everyone was having damp issues with their canvas tops and tents. The evening meal was at the caravan park restaurant, as it turned out it was the best park meal we had had on the trip. That night it was the most spectacular light and sound show after we went to bed. Before dark, we were attempting to sort out our gear and repack, somewhat of an impossibility in the rain and lack of shelter.
The next morning dawned with clear skies and sun shine. A hasty pack up ready to get to the loading yard for the arduous cleaning process to ensure all traces of mud and grass were removed so our wonderful Quarantine people could not fault our return. The vehicles were reloaded into containers ready to be sent home and we left the yard with many tearful goodbyes to some of the travelling group.
After that we travelled from Antwerp to Brussels to spend a couple of nights before heading to Paris by a very fast train for a fear days with our friend Henri before we go to London for 3 nights staying at a B & B.
Brussels is an absolutely beautiful city dating back to the 10th century with many ornate buildings in one square in the centre of the city. Of course photos will follow when we have a chance to work them out.
Farming
We were still seeing very lush crops and some dairy farming. A lot of Australian farmers would I’m sure love to have the rich land and rain that is abundant here.
The Somme
After we left Etreham on Monday 8 June, we travelled to Amiens and then Villers Bretonneux in the Valley of the Somme France, the scene of the battles between the Allieds’ and the Germans during WWI. We visited many War Cemeteries and Memorials, too numerous to mention and saw the site where the Red Baron was shot down. The most moving was seeing Villers Bretonneux, the site of the main Australian War Cemetery and Memorial in France and where the ANZAC Day dawn service is broadcast from. A plaque at the top of the tower indicated Canberra was 10400 odd miles away facing east and 14300 odd miles facing west.
Then we went to Albert and drove through the remaining Somme area to Ypres and Beullieul. Unfortunately during the entire time, the rain kept coming down.
Menin Gate
We arrived at Ypres in Belgium to go see the lost post played at the Menin Gate at 1700 hrs, only to find out it is at 2000 hrs. After looking around the gift shops and buying some books we had a meal while waiting. At 1930 we headed back to Menin Gate, what a magnificent building, mush larger then you would believe it to be. Around the inside of it are the names of over 53,000 unknown soldiers killed in the First World War from all allied nations. Then came the ceremony, and a very moving one it was. Three buglers played the Last Post followed by the Ode from a WW2 veteran, then a minutes’ silence. Two visiting buglers from Lancashire Regiment then played Reveille with a group of their soldiers, about 50, stood on parade during all this. Wreaths were then laid. This was the most moving moment of the whole trip, Fiona and I both had tears in our eyes.
From Ypres and the Menin Gate area, we travelled to Antwerp in Belgium to a caravan park. Because it had been raining so much over the last few days, everyone was having damp issues with their canvas tops and tents. The evening meal was at the caravan park restaurant, as it turned out it was the best park meal we had had on the trip. That night it was the most spectacular light and sound show after we went to bed. Before dark, we were attempting to sort out our gear and repack, somewhat of an impossibility in the rain and lack of shelter.
The next morning dawned with clear skies and sun shine. A hasty pack up ready to get to the loading yard for the arduous cleaning process to ensure all traces of mud and grass were removed so our wonderful Quarantine people could not fault our return. The vehicles were reloaded into containers ready to be sent home and we left the yard with many tearful goodbyes to some of the travelling group.
After that we travelled from Antwerp to Brussels to spend a couple of nights before heading to Paris by a very fast train for a fear days with our friend Henri before we go to London for 3 nights staying at a B & B.
Brussels is an absolutely beautiful city dating back to the 10th century with many ornate buildings in one square in the centre of the city. Of course photos will follow when we have a chance to work them out.
Farming
We were still seeing very lush crops and some dairy farming. A lot of Australian farmers would I’m sure love to have the rich land and rain that is abundant here.
Monday, June 8, 2009
D-Day 6 June 2009
My gosh we have been busy. I'll put all the pictures here as I can't find my little mouse to do the pasting into the right area.
We have been to Sainte Mere Eglise, Port en Bessin for the fireworks on the night before D-Day, D-Day from Asnelles to Arromanches driving our vehicles in convoy on the beachfront to form up on the beach before the official ceremony later in the day. We couldn't stay around for the whole thing as we had to head off to our garden party at Amaye sur Sieulles, near Villers Bocage, south of Caen. Heavy rain started before we got to Noyers Bocage for an Australian memorial ceremony at the Typhoon Memorial, the only Australian memorial in this region. We were hoping to stop somewhere to change into our special clothes but all we ladies managed was the back of Sam and Lorraine's Studebaker.
I wore an original WWII nurses uniform belonging to a lady from Yass and it was greatly admired and certainly one of the most authentic there. She joined the VAD from Yass NSW in February 1941 and then the Australian Women’s Medical Service in August 1941, serving 2 tours overseas and being discharged in 1947.
Monsieur le Mayor of the area was guest of honour at the ceremony and Fiona was master of music setting up the computer with a recording of the Last Post and Reveille (Rouse) and the reading of the Ode written by Binyon and recited by Lang Kidby.
A quick 8km trip to the village of Amaye and to the lodge for the party. It was originally built as a hunting lodge in the late 1600's and has been added to since that time. A shame about the weather because we were forced inside, instead of enjoying the stunning weather outdoors in the magnificent gardens that we have had for the last 4 weeks or so. What a feast was supplied by Anna and Frank and hugely anticipated by all on this convoy and what a night that turned out to be, every body dressed in period clothing. Thanks to everyone.
By the end of the evening, it was too late to drive the 40-50km back so we slept in the grounds in our ute and then in the morning went back to Sainte Mere Eglise for the mass parachute drop, weather dependant.
It finally happened around 1430. We only stayed for a drop from 5 aircraft, not knowing what else was coming. We heard later there were around another 350-400 dropped.
Back to camp and more rain to learn we had left the back flap of our tent up and there was a great pool of water in there which Graeme and Mick cleaned up for us and very grateful we were too.
Well the Normandy section is now at an end. We head off to Dieppe tomorrow and then up into the Somme Valley where Villers Brettoneux is located. By the end of the week we will be in Belgium and getting the vehicles ready for shipping home.
Bye till next post.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Normandy area photos
Here is Paddy at the Mulberry Harbour remnants on Juno Beach, Arromanches.
The vehicles on the beach itself
And entering the village of Etreham
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