Tony's travels in Europe
Recently my mate Tony and his xyl Cheryl decided to tour Europe in
"Marvin"
Their 1972 Volkswagon camper, to spread the word about the Packet
situation in the uk!
Good luck Tony and Cheryl, we're thinking of you!
This is the last picture of Tony ( far right ) taken in the U.K!
Best wishes from somewhere in the French Alps (S. France). 21.46, 14 degees
970m ASL (approx according to Tony's casio!) QTH: 24km North of Cannes
on a dirt cheap campsite at a massive #3.90 per night including electric
(ghettoblaster wound up, heater on full blast, neon light to follow soon.)
The story so far:
TRAVELS WITH MY RADIO - Part One (26 DT 758)
Euro Mobile '97
Have you ever had enough? It all started when, miraculously, I sold my
VW
Scirrocco. and I heard a VW camper van in Chalfont St. Peter calling my
name. The XYL decided 8 years in London was a good start and we both
agreed we could get work anywhere, but not before a 6 month fix of
Western Europe. By that I mean, pack up the VW (Marvin) and go for it.
How Much? I hear you cry. We saved enough for 4 months based on $10
a day. That's a 2 week holiday to the USA for some people! I was itching
to leave the soggy U.K. Don't forget, we had no commitments ie: mortgage
or kids, only sky-high rent! Plus we have "SAVVIE", no worries.
So, as I sit here in the sunshine, in the French Alps with cow bells
ringing in my ears and a bloke collecting honey amid a scattering
of smokey beehives, I can reflect on the past 1,700 miles.
Having been overcharged by the ferry company (French) by 10 pounds,
($17 for 2 adults and the Camper but only $7 on a week day and
I may even get 10% off that for being a VW club member), I can say it's
been good fun so far. No break-downs or major mishaps although the
handbreak needs adjusting in order to tackle those hill starts in the
Italian Alps. Marvin, the VW, type 2, 1972 Capmer (Marsian interior and
exterior by the XYL Cheryl), has to be seen to be beleived (photo to
follow when developed). The camper is exqiped with the Kenwood TS 50
with a Lake TU4 antenna tuner. Mobile antennas include: K40 (my
favourite)
the Husstler 5/8 wave full-size mobile, a 9ft 1/4 wave and for static
use the Sirio SY3 mini beam (photographic proof available). I also
carry 2 x 54 amp batteries with optional charger when available. The
Camper carries 45 ft of cable for plugging-in at campsites to be
"TOTALLY"
operational. The best part is, I have a secretary for maintaining the log
book: Cheryl, the best CB widow I ever met!
The propogation over the last two weeks has been good with several
contacts to the U.K. The 28th May was exceptional, I even spoke to London
and the S.E. making contact with Gary (26 GW 010) in HIS Camper and
(wait for it) 4 element beam! I only have my beam 16 ft off the ground
but that day I think wet string would have done te job. I also made
contact with my friend Larry who tells me Tommy the tortoise is doing
well after coming out of hibernation.
I would like to take this oportunity to opologise to all those guys I
could not chat to on the 28th. I had 30 to 40 stations calling me that
night and being so late at night I had to give all the "early-to-bed-
Hi-De-Hi" campers a rest.
Whilst chatting on the band to Sergio (1 NY 101) in Italy, I made contact
with Colin (14 DT 303) in Vauvert near Arles. We agreed to get together
a coule of days later to meet some of the other members of his club. The
day turned out to be rather special. Colins' club (C.A.R.A.S
(Club D'Ametuers Radio Assistance Securite) is the local communications
centre. Run by Jean-Michael, an altogether proffesional organisation
with 24hr channel 9 assistance and DX-peditions also providing security
for local and not so local events. It has many members and even more
enthusiasm. My great thanks for their warm welcome and hospitality.
Then it was on to Colins' XYL's parents house where we made very
welcome
and were introduced to Pastisse (of course) and apricot cake (mmmmm!)
Following an extended repas and Anglo-English exchange, Colin, XYL
Veronique
Brother-in-law Domonique, kids, grandmas and all were off the the local
Fete. Domonique, a man wh takes a screw driver to all things electrical,
was our guide around the town that was celebrating the DIABALO, that's
the DEVIL to you and me! We were in for a suprise of humungous
proportion.
There were Devils on stilts, in Citroens, and wealding fireworks. Bangers
were being handed out left right and center. "You wouldn't
get that in England!"became the saying of the night! Everything was
finished off with a crazy French disco booming on until 2AM. We left
our friends in Vauvert with very sad hearts.
So endeth here the first chapter. Special thanks to Mr. Al, Larry and
everyone
in the U.K. who has one or more of our boxed-belongings in storage.
It's on to Italy after a few days rest in Cannes, Nice and Monacco.
Hope to catch you all on 26.285 and 26.370 LSB.
See you in the next part. 26 EY 34/26 DT 758 Tony, Cheryl and Marvin!
I wonder if there's any d.x about tonight!
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at [email protected]
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Site last updated 08/07/97