Vauxhall Cavalier, Go ahead.
Live a little.
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'A Balkan Trilogy' Slovinia, Croatia, Bosnia |
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Monday May 10th. Left Stevenage at 9-15am. Smooth drive down to Dover 9 (15m delay at Dartord Crossing) arrive 11-30. Ferry delayed 1hr! Sailed 2pm. Boulogne 5pm (4pm) over 30mins to unload - trouble with ramp! On our way by 5-45pm. No problems till absence of signing lost us a lot of time at Amiens. Too late to go on to Reims so stopped at Compiene F1 motel. Snack on the road, drink and early to bed. 243 miles in France.
Tuesday May 11th. Up 7-30, B-fast, fuel (25lts) On road by 9am. made good progress till much time lost at Amiens with poor signing. Eileen drove for about 90 miles. Lost more time in Besancon and Neuchatel. Arrive our A7/750 friends, Steve and Ingrid Berg's Marly, Fribourg CH. home about 7-15pm! Unpack, chat and cheesy meal etc before turning in about 10-45pm. 275miles.
Wed May 12th. Sad to leave Steve and Ingrid and their lovely hill top home but, in fact, left about 10am. Steve led us on to the road out of the area. His directions worked well to Lucerne but we got thoroughly knotted there, landing up in an underground car park! Eventually found the right road out using a bit of motorway - illegally! It took over 40 mins to find B and B, a farm at the top of a long winding lane in Grabs CH. There were wonderful views of the area from our room. Bertold Konrad, retired director of tourism Vaduz, Liechtenstein rang and invited us out to dinner. Drove into town by 7pm. walked, 5 min. to nearby restaurant where Berthold treated us to a super meal. Returned to room by 10-30. Berthold told us that the removal vans had been seen outside No. 10. 205 miles plus 18 to and from Vaduz.
Thurs. May 13th. Left after b/fast, about 9-30. Dropped a leaflet on B and B to Berthold on the way out of Vaduz and said fairwell to that lovely little principality at about 10-30. Soon after, entered the fabulous, snow covered, Fluelapass - about 15 miles in all. Continued on to the, only slightly less, impressive Ofenpass to the Italian border. Significant change of architecture from largely chalet stile buildings to solid looking houses looking as though they had been there forever. They were so tightly packed that the roads had to wind their way between them in the small towns and villages, often leading to one way traffic. Of course, we could take the Autostrada but that would be almost like flying over them and missing the character of the towns etc. Stopped for snack lunch at Taufus, just in Italy, on the terrace of an Italian resturant. Eileen took over the driving for about 60 miles, until Bolzano. Another 60 miles or so to (Toblach) where we saw a nice little Gasthof , 'Heidi Hotel'. B and B = 52 euros and Dinner 13 euros. "We'll take it!". Nice meal - with a dozen local labourers! Our room was large with three beds and table and chairs. The whole hotel, run by Heidi, had wood paneled walls and ceilings. 214 miles. Total to date 1158.
Friday May 14th. Change of plan! Instead of 2 nights in Zagreb, which we have already visited, we decided to make our next stop Maribor in the north of Slovinia and stay there 2 nights.
Left after a good breakfast, at about 9-20. In about 5 miles we were back in Austria and following the E66(!) along the south of the country towards Slovinia. We had a lunch stop at Lavamund, just before crossing the boarder to Northern Slovinia. Eileen drove this last leg into Maribor where, after visiting the tourist office, we drove a little way out of town to the '365 Hotel' at Kamnic which the they had booked for us. A superb new, family run hotel, it had only opened 3 weeks ago, it is very modern and comfortable. Eileen made a cuppa in the room while I wrote this. Tried to send it but wifi too week in the room and even in the lobby it wouldn't work. Sent text to anyone who had a mobile No. then to Bed. 214 miles (again!)
Sat. May 15th. Up about 8am, super breakfast and caught No 7 Bus to City. Drizzling. Strolled round the city which was much quieter than yesterday. Had a cuppa and doughnut then visited the castle museum. Strange, semi escorted, visit. A lot of arms on show etc - needed to fend off the Turks and Hungarians. Walked to the river Drava an saw the ancient water tower, Jew's Tower and synagogue. Had another Capaccino. Rain worsened. Further along the river we found another tower of the fortifications - the round tower. Another snack in McD's and, with the rain still falling, decided to get the bus back to our hotel. Maribor is an interesting city but dosn't have the charm of Ljubljana. Might look better in fine weather! Had a light meal and cuppa at hotel and tried hard to get this report 'on the web'. Discussed break-up of Yugoslavia with landlords. They believed that Tito was a great man and under him no one need be out of work, homeless or hungry. Also he kept the peace between the different states and, unlike other east European countries, people were free to travel - anywhere in the world. However no one could own their house/flat and it was difficult to run a private business. Car rested.
Sunday 16th May. Left his lovely hotel at about 9-30 - still raining! At Andrej's recommendation, stopped for an hour at Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. Slightly disappointing - but at least it had stopped raining for a while! Pressed on over flat but very wet roads to the Croatian border. Delayed 20 mins as customs went through the two cars in front of us. We went through with only a thorough and quisical examination of our passports. There was a distinct reduction in affluence east of the border as we travelled through largely farming villages with many uniform simple cottages. Short stops for fuel and cuppa (saw Webber lead first 20 laps of Monaco). About 30 miles from destination I skidded into a local Yugo who slowed unexpectedly for a turning car in front of him. His damage was minimal, and he didn't wish to claim, but we had smashed both headlights and re shaped the front!*!*!*! Still it drove OK and we pressed on to Osijek where we found our B and B with the minimum of hassle. Nice room with use of kitchen right in the centre of the city. It is still raining as we went out to McD for a cheap meal - we are likely to need more money to get the front of the car re-shaped so that the head lights face the right way!
Monday 17th May. After breakfast our landlady, Leoanor, took us to a friend's garage where they are going to try and make the headlights legal and ensure we can open the bonnet. We were taken back to the city to spend the morning traipsing round the city trying to keep dry. Not a great deal of interest. Some signs of war damage outside the centre. Saw the fortifications in the old town. Now trying again to send this to friends and family - without success!!! Our e-mail addresses have been lost!*! Out again for eve meal - can't find a restaurant and it's very cold so settle on McD again. Back in room I tried to send a text to all the family- takes a lot of time and patience! (Later it seems only Janet received it) KC feeling poorly so to bed about 9pm. Rough night - continuous coughing. Car expected to be ready midday tomorrow.
Tues 18th May. KC little sleep and feeling rough. Lazy morning. 11-30am Eleanora took us to the Garage to PU C/O. Repair looks much better than expected, only plain glass and some flaked paint showing evidence of accident. Re-packed in town and left for next stop. Another change of plan. Eileen was not keen on driving through Bosnia following comments by Eleanor about poor roads and heavy traffic, so took a route around the Bosnia border. We stopped at the 'Central hotel', Hrvatska Kostainica, where we were offered B and B for 440 kuna (£55) - that's OK. The stylish 1905 hotel with period fittings is on the Croatian side of the river Una. Booked in. I had a kip while Eileen had a short walk round town. We had a snack in the restaurant before going to bed. Eileen drove all afternoon - as I was still unwell - about 180 miles.
Wed 19th May. Had a walk round the war scarred town before leaving. Got talking to a local woman who explained that the wrecked house we were looking at was hers, one of the casualties of Serbian shelling in the 90s. She admitted that it had got worse In the mean time because she couldn't get permission to rebuild it. She showed us into her garden which went down to the river and was obviously still used, although she currently lived in the nearby flats. She likened the Serb leaders as the Nazis of the Balkans! Nice to get some back ground from an English speaking local. Eventually we got on the move again - about 11am. Eileen drove the first 60 or so miles till lunch stop. I drove the rest of the way to Knin - picking up a 300Kuna fine (£36) on the way for doing 92 k on a 40 k bend!! Arrived about 5pm - not impressed! Found what looked like a good room for 200 Kuna (£24) with secure parking at the back of the 'establishment'. It was soon evident that this was the snag. The 'yard' where the car was parked was shared by about 20 caged sheep and at least as many caged pigs with all the accompanying smells! I'm sure it would not be allowed to keep animals in such confined conditions at home. Anyway we stuck it out and had a reasonable night's sleep and very simple 'bread and spread' breakfast. Had short walk round the town before turning in. 204 miles today.
20th May. Eileen, especially, was pleased to get away from this place. Although I was keen to show her the Knin Castle that we had visited from Makarska in 2001 and that she didn't remember. Even I didn't recall how the coach got up the steep winding hill to the site, it was tight enough for the Chevette!! We didn't do the full visit as we were keen to get to our apartment in Makarska where we had 7 days to get sorted and rested and have some 'proper' home cooking. It was a superb drive through hills and mountains with the last 10 miles along that fabulous Dalmatian coast road that we love so much. Found the Appt by about 1pm – near the top of a steep hill - but very comfortable and well equipped. Lovely views all around. After un-packing the car, a short rest and sort out we ventured into town for a look round and get some provisions. The town looked much as it did 9 years ago except many more cars and boats than we remember. Back 'home' we made a cuppa but it all went funny when we added the milk - which we later discovered was Yogart! Later Eileen cooked pork chops and 2 veg the first normal meal since Vaduz. Spent the rest of the evening catching up with this report. Warm and dry for first time. 97 miles today. Total to date 1,972.
Friday 21st May. Laid in after a good night sleep. Out about 10-30am with our bikes. Dodgy down the 1 in 5 hill to the main town. Rode north along the coast for about 3-4 miles. Stopped for an expensive cuppa at the Metior Hotel - for old times sake. Still quite recognisable from when we stayed, with Saga, in 2001. Stopped for a pizza on way back. Talked to boat hawkers about possible trips to nearby islands. Eileen suggested it might be cheaper by car ferry. Not a lot really considering the first had a meal and guide provided and would take our bikes at no extra cost. Next we had our 1st picture card put on disk - 20 kuna 10mins! Then we investigated the costs of visiting historic Mostar - of bridge fame. Eileen was not keen on driving there, even if we could get insurance to cover Bosnia, so we settled for the normal bus service. What times are buses to Mostar? "7teen and 11 oclock". "It's around 3hrs" So how's it better to take the 17hrs bus? "Not 17 - Seven Teen!" You mean 7 ten - "Yes 7 teen" You must have learnt your English in New Zealand - "Yes, I am a Kiwi." It would cost 100 kuna each person each way = 400 kuna (£45) total. Later we discovered that a tourist guided coach trip would be less than double that = 760kn. Probably worth it. Well, after walking our bikes up the hill to our appt., we we pretty tired so Mostar will have to wait till another day. Today was warm - at times hot - and sunny. Eileen cooked a nice spaghetti Bolognese and did some washing while I wrote this. Car rested today.
Saturday 22nd May. Laid in again! Text from Linda. Rang her later. She had not received any of my 3 texts! £15's worth!! Asked her to pass it on that we were all right. All OK at home. Tried again to get email contact in appt. internet room. Still no go. We had an early lunch in the room then went out with the intention of confirming our visits. Booked 100 year old Calypso for day trip to the islands - inc lunch - on Wed - 200kn each, and the coach tour to Mostar on Tues at 380kn each. Zanita rang Ruza and reserved a room for the first night after Makarska and did us 6 pancakes for tea. (We stayed at Ruza's guest house in 1991) While trying to get an email through - unsuccessfully - Colin rang. Every thing OK at home except that Lee got a bloody nose playing football. Colin will pass on our news. I don't think I'll try getting connected any more - till we get to Le Mans. Cuppa and bed.
Sunday 23rd May. Late up again. This time, took our bikes up hill and inland to try and find the little village, Puharici we found in 2001. Then it was rather sad with only about 4 or 5 of it's 20 or so houses occupied - the rest derelict. The ride proved tiring and it must have shown because a local offered us a glass of his home made 'red'. Now these houses were nearly all done-up with a few new ones added. There were about 10 cars around - back in 01 there were none. We spoke to a family who were there then and they confirmed that the old man that we pictured with his donkey in '01 was no longer 'with us'. We had our Picnic on some steps in the village with superb views over Makarska. Returning should have been easy but where going up, the hills were mostly too steep to ride, going down most were too steep for our brakes!! Back in room by 3pm with a welcome cuppa and rest. (Rest ? I'm looking forward to a real rest - behind the wheel.) After dinner we hit the town, had a coffee and took some night pics. Saw Croatia beat Wales at football on TV in cafe. Decided on another 'change of plan'. One more night here and two nights at Ruza's.
Monday 24th May. Out a little earlier 10ish in town. Confirmed our Mostar trip 8-30 am tomorrow. Took a ride/walk around the St Peter's peninsular. Had a picnic near St Peter's chapel. Started raining as we got near the town. Dived for the nearest shelter, a beach side cafe, and had a drink (24Kuna) till it stopped. Bought Linda a couple of shells and me a Croatia pennant. Back to the opposite peninsular where it was not possible to take bikes so we walked/climbed. Everywhere we went we were confronted by superb coastal or inland views. On our slow climb back to our appt., with some provisions, we were welcomed by Zanita who had made a 'floating Island' pudding for us. Later, after Eileen did egg and bacon, we took a cup of English tea to Zanita and her husband. She had contacted Ruza and booked us in for Friday and agreed we could stay on one night for no extra charge!
Tues. 25th May. Up early to catch the 'Kompas' coach to Mostar BiH. Usual round of hotel pick ups before setting off along the coast road. Soon after turning inland we reached the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a further few miles we stopped at a small attractive old village, Pocitelj, for coffee and loos. Arrived Mostar about 11-30pm. Very crowded and touristy - as expected. But it's charm could take it. The 'old bridge', rebuilt in 2004 after being destroyed in 1993 looked impressive. A great symbol of the return of peace in the region. We had a charming local guide who was missing some local knowledge. Visits included the Koski-Mehmed Pasha's mosque and a Turkish house. At our guid's recommendation we had a local dish which consisted of small sausages, pastry and onions. Tasty but very dry even with the help of some local red wine. Had a stroll round on our own, bought some souvenirs, and had another coffee in a high terrace with a superb view of the bridge. Eventually returned to coach for 3.30 departure for another superb drive along the coast - except for a section where half the road width had subsided into the sea! A little bit of shopping before that laborious climb up to our appt.
Wed, 26th May. Out early on bikes to join the Calypso on a day trip to Hvar and Brac islands. A young Aussie woman called Casandra joined us. She was on a 3 month tour of, mainly, Italy and Croatia by train. Casandra had left an 11 year old at home in Sidney. She was most interesting to talk to, having also travelled extensively in the US. Before our first stop we were offered a small quantity of water- fire water - Schnaps! Our first stop was Jelsa on Hvar for less than an hour. During the sail to Bol on Brach we were served a fish based meal - head and all - said to be similar to Mackerel. Quite nice. We took the bikes off the boat as we had about 3 hours to look round. Once out of town the topography along the coast was largely pine woods and quite pleasant. A nudest beach was a feature on the farthest end of beach. There was a kind of 'Chesill beach' area which was the centre of beach activity. 4 pm and we sailed back to Makarska where we said farewell to our new found friend and made our way up that damned hill once more!
Thurs. 27th May. Decided on an extra day in Makarska - for which Zanita didn't charge. Out on bike to find some gear oil, 1 lt. EP90 60kn (£5) (I'd had a feeling that it was getting noisier). Jacked car up to check G-Box oil - no probs. Took car out for a clean. Given Cup of coffee while we waited. Back home for egg and bacon and kip. During the afternoon we took Zanita a bottle of Mostar wine and a box of Turkish Delight. Later we went into town for the last time, had a light meal and spent some time people watching on the seafront - including some Germans 'out boating' each other in the Marina. Before the tiring walk up the hill we paused at the cafe at the bottom for drink - which was not very nice but seemed to help us climb the hill. Well, tomorrow we move on. It was good move to spend a week here although I found it more tiring than driving - but that's what we will be doing tomorrow.
Friday 28th May. Starting mileage 70520. As far as Eileen was concerned, it was a sad farewell to Makarska at 9am. As far as I was concerned it was good to be on the road again. The first 30 or so miles along the coast were superb. We tried to get to Split old town but without success so pressed on. Had a roadside picnic at 1ish and arrived at Ruza's at Turanj about 3-30pm. Had a welcome drink then went into nearby Biograd for a walk and a meal. (Hake and chips - very dry) Returned about 7-45pm. Eileen made a cuppa and after this - to bed! 133 miles today.
Sat. 29th May. After breakfast on the terrace Josco dropped us at the bus stop (1kilo) at 10am. Bus 25mins late at 10-30! In Zadar by 11am. Long walk into old town. Coffee and stroll through old town stopping for Roman remains, Basilica and lunch at Trata. On through to the end of the peninsular to a unique ground level solar circle and a fascinating 'sea organ' by which deep haunting sounds were created by the waves - louder as passing ships made more waves! 3ish we made our way back to the bus station via a round about route arriving tired and just time for another cuppa before the 4-45pm bus. This lovely drive along the coast got us to Touraj in 20 mins but left us a kilo to walk. Eileen made a cuppa and then Josco took us to Beograd where Ruza was taking part in a festival of local song and dance. Spoke to one of Rusa's boating friends who said the area had been badly effected by the '93 war. A very interesting and entertaining evening thanks to Josco and Ruza. Finished off with a drink together in a local bar. Mark Webber on pole for Turkey.
Sunday 30th May. Said a sad farewell to Ruza and Joseph - about 10am. They presented us with a bottle of 'something'. After about 10 miles along the coast we turned inland to avoid Zadar. The next or so 10 miles and nearly every house was destroyed - perhaps 20/30 in about 4 miles! Apart from that, the scenery was quite stunning. At about 1-30pm (100miles) we pulled in for a meal. The 'mixed grill' was super but too much for us. During lunch it got colder and as we got in the car it started raining. Within 30 mins it was torrential. As advised, Rijeka was heavily industrial but Opatija much nicer. It was originally conceived as a Victorian health resort for the well to do. Our adviser said it was like Monaco on the Adriatic and it does have a certain class about it. We found a smart 19th century hotel by the same name, which Eileen liked. They had a two night half board offer (88euros) which we accepted. Room comfortable but not special. Evening meal excellent but doesn't include drinks. Discovered that Lewis won in Turkey. 161 miles today.
Monday 31st May. Eileen says there was a storm all night. There was most of the morning! Breakfast was good and we are just contemplating what to do. Still raining heavily so spent an hour - and 30kuna - on the hotel PC. At last got access to my email address from which I was able to send a message to Colin and eventually all on my mailing list. At least they know we are still alive! Eventually we got out at about noon, under cover of our umbrella for at least an hour. Took a nice walk along the 'prom' with many good seascapes to see. There was a statue of a woman with a bird in her hand on a rock at one end and 'Hollywood' style stars set in the pavement at one point. The only Croatian name we recognised was the tennis star, Goran Ivonisvic. There was a variation on the sea organ theme where a part of the prom. was undercut and perforated producing water spouts in sympathy with the waves giving the kids much fun. Had a snack on the return. Took a short climb to see the impressive Basilica. Then it was back to the hotel for a rest and get ready for dinner. Again quite good except the plates were cold. It's on the road again tomorrow.
Tues. 1st June. Out 9-30amm. Follow the coast road down the east side of the Istrian Peninsular for about 15 miles then turned inland stopping for coffee and Lindar. Here a local, who worked on the oil rigs in Aberdeen chatted and recommended stopping at the hilltop town of Motovun. We did and if we'd had more Kuna left would have stayed for a lunch - a very attractive old town. Carried on through some very lush green countryside dotted with other hilltop villages. As we neared the Italian border we looked, in vain, for somewhere to eat. At the border was a plush Hotel/Casino with a terrace we and they provided a nice soup at a reasonable price although the waitress never gave us our change back. Once in the city we were unable to find affordable parking so we carried on along the coast following several false leads for rooms till we found a super one, The Eden, here in Sistiana albeit at a price (100euros) we can't afford! It was after 6pm before we settled in and we went for walk round the little town stopping in a local bar for a snack. At least we are a bit further along the road. 129 miles today.
Wed. 2nd June. Set off from our 200 year old refurbished hotel about 10am after checking oil and water. Followed ss14 for about 40 miles then onto the 53 to Treviso. Lost our way out and found ourselves on the Autostrada to Verona where the signing had us motoring in the wrong direction for about 8 miles! We stopped for a bite to eat. Decided too aim for Brescia instead of Milan - which would have been too late. Eventually found a small, cheap, (42 euro) hotel on the entrance to the town - later to discover it was close to the Mille Miglia Museum. After booking in, we went for a walk and a meal in a posh restaurant having a paster meal and drinks for 40 euros! 221 miles today.
Thurs 3rd June. B/fast opposite hotel. Drive 500yds to 1000 Miglia Museum. 7 euros each. Exhibits housed in an old abbey building and very well laid out with many cars, artefacts and video displays. No guide book when we signed in but one mysteriously appeared when we'd been round. We bought a book on the Miglia. (Next Year?) After about noon we headed for the city and the Viale Venezia which was the start/finish straight. Found a spot to park (2.3 euros till 6pm) at the end of the Viale. Walked around the area which seemed to be mainly colleges and looked in vane for town centre. Went back to the car and still failed to find the City Centre! We did find a large Co-op where we topped up with provisions and had a meal for about a third the price of last night!! Eventually found our way back to our hotel, sort out and have a cuppa at the bar opposite. What we saw of Brescia was disappointing but we never found the old town centre. 25 miles, around Brescia today.
Friday 4th June. Left 8am. First hour went fine. Brief stop for petrol and B/fast. Soon after we did a tour of Monza (!) - avoiding Milan - more problems finding route to Aosta. Eileen drove nearly 100 miles of, largely mountain roads to Courmayer. Had a snack and fuel up at just before paying 35euros to use the Mont Blank tunnel!! It's so good to be in the mountains again and an Ibis hotel at Sallanches with a view of Mont Blank made 70 euros seem cheap. We actually clocked in at about 8-30 and straight away went to nearby McD for a snack. At last I got this machine working on the hotel's wifi. Got access to my emails inc Colin's reply to my last one. Linda's was also there but wouldn't open. Ran out of time - it is so slow! Turned in at 11pm 280miles today
Sat.5th June. Left about 8-30. No local cafes open so hit the road. It was 11-30am before we had breakfast - which doubled as lunch! Unable to avoid Geneva but was going well until finding the exit route. Once we were clear of the city, we made good progress - there was very little traffic and the roads largely fast and straight. Eileen took several turns at the wheel and seemed to be enjoying it. We made two or three stops for coffee and a bun to keep us going and a longer one for 'provisions' at Noyers Cher on the way into Tours. We arrived at the Gite we shared with friends Iain and Steve in Le Mans tired but pleased to see Colin, who had arrived only a few minutes before us and Andrew. Cuppa and a chat before unloading the basics and turning in at about 11-30pm. The end of our main travels we will be here for 10 days. 447 miles today. (Total since home 3378 miles)
Sunday 6th June. Up about 9-30. Stormy night. Nice to be in familiar surroundings again. 'Boys' of out about noon while Eileen did some washing and I had a sort out. Out in car about 3pm, after a bit of lunch. Both local supermarkets closed but bought a baguette at a local patisserie. Had short ride on the bikes then Dinner. Colin returned on bike about 9pm.
Monday 7th June. Up about 8-30. Out by 10am. To ACO office to chase our membership card. Into town via the new 'park and tram ride' scheme. Scrutineering, normally in a large piece of parkland' near town centre, now in a much smaller 'square' where the market is usually held, is now much more crowded. Saw a few cars through including the ASM Zytek. Spoke to Tim Holloway who bemoans the absence of a full Zytek works team. Tried in vane to find Colin's truck. Shopped for provisions and fuel then nice meal. Colin came home about 8pm.
Tues. 8th June. Up early. To circuit to witness the return of the Museum's Martini Porsche 917. We managed to get on the pit straight for the unveiling and see it driven up and down the track by Gerard Larrousse - one of it's original drivers. Also got some good pictures. Later walked round the paddock and tried again to contact Colin. Then it
was back to Gite via the 'Super U'. After lunch and rest Eileen and I went
for a 30 mins ride round the block. Quiet evening. Colin in at 9ish.
Watched Iain's films of 80's Le Mans.
Thurs. 10th June. Up about 10-30am Early lunch. Back pain a little better. Heavy rain as we made our way to the circuit for final qually. 4pm watched group C cars practice. By 6pm rain had eased and as the main qualifying got under way, the track began to dry. By the end of the evening the Audis were getting faster but still a second away from the Peugeots. The Zytek cars all put in many laps with no apparent serious problems. Mansell (5) was 18th and the ASM car 4th in P2 class - dominated by the HDA powered cars. Home about 1am - just after Colin!
Friday 11th June. Left about 1pm. Stopped at pharmacy for some pills on way to circuit. Chevette caused quite a stir among the terrace drinkers in Arnarge! Pit walk-about interesting as usual. Big crowd round Mansell car and the Peugeots. Saw Karim Ojeh, Anthony Davidson and Olivier Panis, Jean Alesi and Fisichella among others. Called in at SuperU for more provisions. Quiet evening. still getting muscular pains in my back.
Sat. 12/13th June. Up 9ish. Out 11ish. To circuit. Brief stop in club house. On to stands (34- over the pits) watched whole starting procedure including a dummy run and jump start. Jean Todt made an appearance. Hugh's No 19 failed on first flying lap. Mansell car went off on 4th lap!! Race started running to form - Peugeots 1.2.3.4, Audis 5.6.7 and Aston Ms 8.9 and 10. Are we in for a dull race? P2s dominated by HDA cars with ASM Zytek 3rd and 4th at various times - definitely faster the the Mallock Lola. Amoral had an off and lost a hour in the garage which took it out of contention. Called in club house for 15 mins on the way back to the car. Slept in the car 12-40 to 7am. Overnight two Peugeots had retired - one with suspension failure and one with an engine blow-up. Before we got back to the stands another Peugeot had blown up and an Audi was leading. During the morning Anthony Davidson was sent out in the remaining car to chase the Audi - which it never quite did - but that too blew up soon after Wurz took over, leaving the Oreca Peugeot the last car remaining. That too blew in the last hour, leaving the Audis 1st 2nd and 3rd. Astons filled the next three places until one of those went up in a cloud of smoke! In P2 ASM was usually 3rd or 4th behind the Strakka and US Highcroft HDA cars trading places with the Pescarolo Judd until it's mid race off. The Highcroft car had overheating problems and dropped out of contention by the end.
We stayed to watch some of the ceremonials then tried to get to Colin. Eventually saw him at about 5pm. He would make his own way home. He got home just after 6pm - in time to see Lewis H and Jenson B claim a 1-2 in Montreal. All out to L'asperges for our usual Sunday night meal at Jean Luc's. A nice way to end the weekend.
Monday 14th June. Up early to take Colin's luggage to the track. He was returning in the massive spares truck. Back for breakfast and packing ready for tomorrow. Went out for a last ride after lunch. Rode to the circuit via Arnarge village. Had a cuppa at the 24hr Museum then returned via the paddock area and part of the circuit to Arnarge corner and our Gite. Spent the evening watching Steve's film of the '55 Le Mans tragedy. Bed by 10pm.
Tuesday 15th June. Left at 8-30 for the long drive home. Made good progress, used Autoroute to get round Rouen and give us time for a last 'shop'. Arrived at Boulogne port 1 hr before the 5pm sailing having clocked 260 miles. On road again by 6-30 and home 2 hrs later clocking another 110 miles – 370 total. Total mileage for the 36 days 3,671.
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This site was last updated 07/14/10