Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
2aussiesglobal
Well Gael and I are four months older (I’m no wiser) since our last post in November last, and heading back to the UK and onward to Europe for the next three months. Then when we leave Europe in late June we propose to ship the vehicle to the east coast of the USA.
First stage of this trip is the usual mind numbing twelve hour or so flight, this time to Dubai, a two hour layover, and then an **** numbing eight hours to Heathrow. I requested an inflight massage and a stiff scotch prior to landing but the cabin crew appeared less than enthusiastic, so I settled for a pee.
Next was the three hour train trip to where the vehicle was stored. Once there we were pleasantly surprised to find it still in one piece even if a little weather beaten and faded. Opening the camper section revealed an astonishing display spots. Mould spots, in a variety greys and greens. Apparently it had been a damp winter which presented the said mould with the perfect conditions to attempt to devour the camper from the inside out.
One of my fears was that the camper water tanks, which I stupidly forgot to drain, would have split when the water inside them froze over winter. This was not to be the case thanks to the big man in the sky. Apparently he determined it was to be a wet and typically miserable British winter but not a freezing cold one.
Fixed a few things on the truck when time and location permitted. The heater core replaced successfully which has made a big difference inside the front cab. No more blankets, beanies and pockets filled with hot coals needed. The indicators are still giving problems and we are leaving a plethora of ****** off locals in our wake.
Wild/free camping is readily available in France again, but we are finding in hard to do the same in Switzerland. To many bloody people and unsure how far to push it without getting moved on. Switzerland is without doubt THE most expensive country we have visited, and I mean in the world, with camping costs averaging about $60 per night, thats right, 60 f...ing dollars. We are bleeding!
Took the tourist train up the Eiger the other day. I am still considering therapy to help me get over the cost of that one. I keep telling myself it’s one of those once in a lifetime experience that you can’t put a price on, and it was awesome as is the rest of Switzerland, but Christ it was expensive at about $200 PER HEAD or five cartons of Tooheys Red (six on special).
Aside from we two Aussies, the Japanese and/or Chinese are keeping the Swiss tourism industry afloat. Luckily for us they don’t camp.
A few more days trying to find a route across the Alps without having to backtrack because of road closures (still a lot of the white stuff on the ground) will see us in Italy.
Cheers
- comments
Jo Amazing place I would love to see sometime!
Sarah and Javier Wow Gael and Rob........ Great to read your blog.... Stunning photos. So glad you now have heating and no mould! Keep us posted!
Betsy Sullivan Met you at the Starbuck’s in Oak Harbor, Wa. where I am a barista. Commented on your very cool camper. Have been catching up on your blog. Sounds like such a great trip. Pretty sure that I am meant to take the same kind of trip...in this, or another life! ;)
Gael & Rob Davis Hi Betsy great to hear from you, if you need any info on this type of travelling when you finally get to scratch that itch, there are heaps of blogs. Eg. Pan American hwy.Africa Overland etc. Some have incredible details. Good luck. Gael.