Post 709291 by Saaamon on 2014-05-05 23:16:41
[COLOR="#FF0000"]This thread runs over many posts so have to keep scrolling as i can only post 15 pictures at a time[/COLOR]
Following the last trip dairy i did earlier in the year i thought i’d do another one on our recent trip to the mainland.
Thought i’d start with a little bit about the car, its an 1994 855 T5, with leather, cruise control, manual gearbox and well thats about it, the clock stopped working at 128000 miles (think its done nearly 150000 now), its well serviced using mainly OE parts, its never driven hard but it does have quite a few parking related scars etc. Its standard other than some R bits and KW coil overs.
Always like to be self sufficient (although do have yearly euro breakdown cover) so carry lots of tools, few spares and odd bits like PTFE tape, lock-tight, plumbing pipe, odd bits of wire etc. Its all legal for most euro countries so has, 2 triangles, hi-vis jackets, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, matching tyres and also have left hand drive headlights and euro 4 emission sticker for Germany, despite the ferry companies pushing it i dont carry breathalysers as France decided to not bother enforcing them.
First leg of the trip,
We’re booked for the 2230 Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry (32hour crossing), so leave with plenty of time to spare.
All checked in, we head to the terminal for a tea then through security and now waiting here.
A decent room with a window and en-suite with shower.
Running an hour behind and still sat at the port whilst having an evening drink.
Arrive at Roscoff for a crew change.
On the edge of the continental shelf here, around 130m then drops down to 5000m!
A friend we made on the boat, he’s on a trip round Spain then on to Majorca to his holiday home (by car).
Next morning we arrive in Bilbao for 0830.
On route to Sevilla now, 900kms at a steady 110kph.
Quick rest stop at a local supermarket.
Covered about 450ks now and its starting to get pretty hot.
Here in Sevilla now, 1800 and its about 25c, off to top up with fuel (just enough to get us to Gib) then on to the hotel.
Post 709298 by t5 pete on 2014-05-05 23:36:58
Brilliant thank you for sharing
Post 709299 by The Flying Moose on 2014-05-06 00:17:16
Epic mate epic!
Brilliant trip, always dreamed of doing something similar. Not only that but my god what a bird!!! Not only is she a looker but she'll go on a monster roadtrip with you and allow you to drive a Volvo :)
My last trip of Gibraltar was not as exciting as yours but I guess it was 8 weeks for free only working a few hours a day.
Post 709300 by Saaamon on 2014-05-06 00:40:38
[QUOTE=The Flying Moose;709299]Epic mate epic!
Brilliant trip, always dreamed of doing something similar. Not only that but my god what a bird!!! Not only is she a looker but she'll go on a monster roadtrip with you and allow you to drive a Volvo :)
My last trip of Gibraltar was not as exciting as yours but I guess it was 8 weeks for free only working a few hours a day.[/QUOTE]
I did actually mean to reply to you in the other thread but completely forgot.
Landed on my feet with Gemma I think lol, she loves going on trips, use to come out in lorry quite abit too. Gibraltar's awesome in my opinion, how did you find it I bet you had a right crack being there with all your friends!
I've been quite fortunate to be able to do these trips, did one when I was 18 all round Europe in an mini bus and been doing them ever since, although ones like these are ones offs due to the cost and time constraints with work.
Post 709303 by jamesy12345 on 2014-05-06 03:48:11
Great matey, thanks for that. Interesting read and nice pics too. A nice lady to look at a bonus!
Post 709308 by V70 Graham on 2014-05-06 05:11:35
Great thread, loved looking at your trip.
I guess theVolvo didn't let you down either.
Post 709330 by abdul on 2014-05-06 10:03:43
Saaamon what is that white building at the highest point in gibraltar
Post 709335 by artfulflounder on 2014-05-06 10:18:59
Cheers for sharing the pics :)
Some lovely views.
Post 709336 by stribo on 2014-05-06 10:33:42
Looks like a great trip.:)
Post 709340 by merc85 on 2014-05-06 10:50:43
What a Road trip and a Half, thanks for sharing, wish my misses was so easy going lol ;)
Post 709341 by Saaamon on 2014-05-06 11:09:05
[QUOTE=V70 Graham;709308]Great thread, loved looking at your trip.
I guess theVolvo didn't let you down either.[/QUOTE]
The Volvo was great no problem at all apart from the clutch getting hot, but that was only coming back and to be expected. A lot of people told me it would breakdown and wouldn't make it lol.
Post 709342 by Saaamon on 2014-05-06 11:10:08
[QUOTE=abdul;709330]Saaamon what is that white building at the highest point in gibraltar[/QUOTE]
I'm not sure actually, there's quite a few buildings up there, it mite be the moorish castle.
Post 709343 by Saaamon on 2014-05-06 11:13:39
[QUOTE=merc85;709340]What a Road trip and a Half, thanks for sharing, wish my misses was so easy going lol ;)[/QUOTE]
She's knows I'd just go on my own if she didn't want to lol. Gemma use to come out a lot in the truck because it had 2 beds and did many 3 day trips and a couple of 6day ones so does have abit of experience of this. She does drive over there but only on motorways and even then I don't use sat nav so can't go to sleep.
Post 709514 by AndysR on 2014-05-06 23:19:54
Great write up Simon, must confess it's got me thinking about doing something similar next year maybe as I'm doing Germany later this year. You've definitely landed on your feet with Gemma she's a fantastic person great to talk to :)
Post 709524 by Plodmonkey on 2014-05-07 00:38:45
Fantastic read and good woman you have there mine would moan non stop.
Post 709819 by Saaamon on 2014-05-07 22:54:58
[QUOTE=AndysR;709514]Great write up Simon, must confess it's got me thinking about doing something similar next year maybe as I'm doing Germany later this year. You've definitely landed on your feet with Gemma she's a fantastic person great to talk to :)[/QUOTE]
Cheers Andy, have you got any ideas where you'd like to visit? Are you taking your Volvo round the ring?
Post 709820 by Saaamon on 2014-05-07 22:58:05
[QUOTE=shepbomb;709566]Excellent, I love Gib[/QUOTE]
It really is a great place, made me quite proud to be British being there.
Post 709835 by AndysR on 2014-05-07 23:46:08
[QUOTE=Saaamon;709819]Cheers Andy, have you got any ideas where you'd like to visit? Are you taking your Volvo round the ring?[/QUOTE]
No not really, but would obviously plan whatever once I'm in a position to do so.
Yes will be taking the Volvo round the ring, slowly of course, well that's the plan anyway :)
We’re booked for the 2230 Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry (32hour crossing), so leave with plenty of time to spare.
All checked in, we head to the terminal for a tea then through security and now waiting here.
A decent room with a window and en-suite with shower.
Running an hour behind and still sat at the port whilst having an evening drink.
Arrive at Roscoff for a crew change.
On the edge of the continental shelf here, around 130m then drops down to 5000m!
A friend we made on the boat, he’s on a trip round Spain then on to Majorca to his holiday home (by car).
Next morning we arrive in Bilbao for 0830.
On route to Sevilla now, 900kms at a steady 110kph.
Quick rest stop at a local supermarket.
Covered about 450ks now and its starting to get pretty hot.
Here in Sevilla now, 1800 and its about 25c, off to top up with fuel (just enough to get us to Gib) then on to the hotel.
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