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
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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
Oops Hans
One of our group had a slight mishap when he pulled over for a comfort stop the other day. He didn't realise there was a deep culvert on his right hand side and fell in. Hans was on the left side and his passenger Rene, had a very close encounter with the bank beside him. Plenty of eager photographers captured the moment and his embarrassing return to the roadside courtesy of tow ropes and Ray's vehicle.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday, 2 June 2009 Normandy
We are now in one of the major regions surrounding the liberation of France from the German Nazi occupation during WWII on and around 6 June 1944, the 65th anniversary of the liberation of France. We will tell you more about that later.
Today we went to the American War Memorial at Omaha Beach before the mobs of Presidents from USA and France and the PM’s from UK and Canada arrive for the official ceremonies on Saturday, some 10,000 Americans are buried there.
After that we went to Juno Beach near Arromanches where the American’s set up the Mulberry Harbour to unload equipment, vehicles, men and supplies. The ships were able to access a false harbour so they could download to all vehicles running alongside. They collected supplies and Paddy came out again investigate the situation, above and on the beach. The sandy area was a surprise to us all as we have only seen pebble beaches until now. It was low tide and there we were on the beach in front of 65 year old relics of the Mulberry Harbour.
Photos will follow
Today we went to the American War Memorial at Omaha Beach before the mobs of Presidents from USA and France and the PM’s from UK and Canada arrive for the official ceremonies on Saturday, some 10,000 Americans are buried there.
After that we went to Juno Beach near Arromanches where the American’s set up the Mulberry Harbour to unload equipment, vehicles, men and supplies. The ships were able to access a false harbour so they could download to all vehicles running alongside. They collected supplies and Paddy came out again investigate the situation, above and on the beach. The sandy area was a surprise to us all as we have only seen pebble beaches until now. It was low tide and there we were on the beach in front of 65 year old relics of the Mulberry Harbour.
Photos will follow
Monday, June 1, 2009
Mont St Michel to Normandy
Mont St Michel Saturday 30 May
After leaving camp at 0800 all the vehicles headed down to the Mont St Michel for a photo shoot with the vehicles lined up on the Causeway.
Then we had a look through old place, Fiona paid to have a look inside the Monastery.
After lunch was spent doing vehicle maintenance and generally relaxing. Dinner was at camp again provided by Graeme & Mick, another fine cooked meal.
After the sun had gone down 2200 hrs John & I went for drive to see the Monastery with it lit up. As the camp ground gates were closing at 2230 and it was still not very dark, the lighting was not fully effective.
Mont St Michel to Periers Sunday 31 May
Given we had to drive only 60 km today we all had a sleep in, then headed for Peter & Marjorie Tomb’s farm between Lessay and Periers as they were putting us all up for the night (camping). They are an English couple who moved in France to live 1 year ago. Peter has his own military vehicle collection of 4 Dodge’s, 2 Jeeps, WLA & a Ferret plus a few old cars.
Our hosts put on drinks on our arrival followed by a BBQ and a good time was had by all. Parts of the house on the farm are dated from the 16th century. It was beautiful but I didn’t have my camera with me when I went inside. Wonderful to meet Peter and Marjorie and to receive some mail from home (thanks Jodie).
On the way we went through Granville and the Roc complete with fortifications on the harbour. Then Coutances and another lovely Gothic Cathedral. It was being set up for an orchestral and choral recital of Mozart, Brahms and Holtz. What a shame we couldn’t make it.
Periers to Normandy Monday, 1 June
Once again, an early start. Alarms went off at 0600 and on the road by 0730 to the point of this whole trip, NORMANDY and the region where France was liberated from German occupation during D-Day on 6 June 1944.
As we came into the area, we made a detour through Omaha Beach and where Presidents Obama and Sarkosy will be on Saturday, blocking off large areas. We have come into a camp with the English Military Vehicle Trust group and when we first got here around 0930, there weren’t too many vehicles around.
But guess what, we discovered the recital was being repeated tonight at Bayeaux Cathedral, so eight of us went there and it was wonderful. Have not heard choral or orchestral music like it for ages or in such a cathedral where the building commenced in the early 1100’s. Just think about that – 688 years before Captain Cook came to Australia.
After leaving camp at 0800 all the vehicles headed down to the Mont St Michel for a photo shoot with the vehicles lined up on the Causeway.
Then we had a look through old place, Fiona paid to have a look inside the Monastery.
After lunch was spent doing vehicle maintenance and generally relaxing. Dinner was at camp again provided by Graeme & Mick, another fine cooked meal.
After the sun had gone down 2200 hrs John & I went for drive to see the Monastery with it lit up. As the camp ground gates were closing at 2230 and it was still not very dark, the lighting was not fully effective.
Mont St Michel to Periers Sunday 31 May
Given we had to drive only 60 km today we all had a sleep in, then headed for Peter & Marjorie Tomb’s farm between Lessay and Periers as they were putting us all up for the night (camping). They are an English couple who moved in France to live 1 year ago. Peter has his own military vehicle collection of 4 Dodge’s, 2 Jeeps, WLA & a Ferret plus a few old cars.
Our hosts put on drinks on our arrival followed by a BBQ and a good time was had by all. Parts of the house on the farm are dated from the 16th century. It was beautiful but I didn’t have my camera with me when I went inside. Wonderful to meet Peter and Marjorie and to receive some mail from home (thanks Jodie).
On the way we went through Granville and the Roc complete with fortifications on the harbour. Then Coutances and another lovely Gothic Cathedral. It was being set up for an orchestral and choral recital of Mozart, Brahms and Holtz. What a shame we couldn’t make it.
Periers to Normandy Monday, 1 June
Once again, an early start. Alarms went off at 0600 and on the road by 0730 to the point of this whole trip, NORMANDY and the region where France was liberated from German occupation during D-Day on 6 June 1944.
As we came into the area, we made a detour through Omaha Beach and where Presidents Obama and Sarkosy will be on Saturday, blocking off large areas. We have come into a camp with the English Military Vehicle Trust group and when we first got here around 0930, there weren’t too many vehicles around.
But guess what, we discovered the recital was being repeated tonight at Bayeaux Cathedral, so eight of us went there and it was wonderful. Have not heard choral or orchestral music like it for ages or in such a cathedral where the building commenced in the early 1100’s. Just think about that – 688 years before Captain Cook came to Australia.
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