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Message started by philmountains on Jan 6th, 2013 at 10:43pm

Title: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 6th, 2013 at 10:43pm
Hi again I am still not booked for my 1st drive down to Tortosa ,I was going to use the Tunnel with my clubcard point,s knocking off a big chunk off the cost but having spoke to them on phone  the van "size is the problem and how I can prove that it is private and not commercial  >:(  you cannot use Clubcard tokens against Fright ? "I,m NOT FRIGHT" as I tried to get across I am a private owned van ,,,,,,,,,,anyway they have given me a customer service number to try ! still if it all came good cost of tunnel would be £209 which is not fantastic .
I have got a price of £191 DFDS Portmouth-Le Havre and that's without getting a discount  but I am seriously quite interested in Brittany Ferries Portmouth -Santander £495 but I only booked a seat not a cabin ? this with the cost of diesel and tolls could be a winner -what do you think.
Thanks again
Phil

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Jan 7th, 2013 at 12:21am
Does your log book say PLG (private light goods) or Commercial? Maybe you could fax/ e-mail a copy to them?

Might work.
John.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Nobrot on Jan 7th, 2013 at 12:22am
Fright you should .......I would at those prices be....;)

Try Norfolk line,they cater primerily for freight hauliers and are considerably cheaper.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by catalanboy on Jan 7th, 2013 at 2:28am
Hi mate, i can give you a few pointers, in my experience dover/calais is the most cost effective route £35 p&o then follow the route through france, rouen-evreux-dreux-chartres-orleans-clermont ferrand-over millau bridge, to a9 narbonne/ perpignan....espana. i have done this route for many years [ i am a truck driver] its the cheapest for tolls and its worth it to go over the 2nd highest bridge in the world.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 7th, 2013 at 6:31pm
Thanks boys again for help, going for LD -lines Portmouth -Le Havre this is a 8 hour crossing  :-? (Ive never been on a ship !!!) best price £180 return, this will save time ? and is sailing through night , & less diesel,& tolls.
once down to Vierzon I,m still under-sided as to crossing Pyrenees and would say that Vierzon looks to be make your mind up point, Free A20 all way down to Below Limoges or cut across and down on Toll to Clemont-ferrand  but this turns to toll free after Clemont -Ferrand "that Bridge at Millau looks fantastic".
Pondgirls route via the Vielha tunnel was the most direct but don't think this big old loaded up to the roof van, will like the  N230so I was looking at getting down to Foix ? then head for the Tunnel Puymorans then Cadi tunnnel It was over ten years since I have  been in this area so I cannot remember gradients, but as a  lower altitude in the Pyrenean chain, would have thought easier on the van than Vielha Tunnel (also  saving on  A9 Tolls around border crossing/ Perpingnan route) once past Cadi Tunnel  home run to Terrasa etc...
Sorry to go on and on, maybe I need a Blog LOL!!!!!!!
Remember I'm a Yorkshire man who cringes at wasting OWT!

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Jan 7th, 2013 at 7:51pm
Hi Phil,

You are MUCH better off going Calais - Dover. The crossing takes an hour and a half at night and then takes about two hours to get to Rouen. The way you propose is 8 hours just on the ferry then a drive to Rouen.

From Skipton (presuming thats where you'll be setting off from), I'd head over to the A1 (M62, M1, M18, A1) then follow this to the M25 and go round it (Clockwise) and get onto the A2/M2 to Dover 9if you end up on the M20, don't worry - it's just as good). The dartford bridge is free after 10pm and not expensive during the day (I really would avoid the M25 in the daytime). Like Catalan Boy, I was also a long distance lorry driver for many years. I spent hours parked on that ring road.

We did the Calais, Rouen, Evreux, Chartres, Orleon, Verzon, Limoges, Brive la Gaillarde, Cahors, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Narbonne, Perpignan, route. Total tolls one way, around 63 euros.

We went off the motorway at the border to go through el Jonquera to stock up on loads of baccy (Dozens of shops selling just booze and baccy) and also to avoid the long uphill drag by motorway (its downhill if you go off the motorway and uphill  (long and steep) if you stay on the motorway - we could see the trucks really struggling. The whole journey through France is up and down long steep hills all the way.  Don't forget the tolls are on your passenger side and make sure you have cash AND a visa card at the ready. Some toll stations will only take French bank cards.

There is a site which shows all the 'camping aires' at http://www.eurocampingcar.com/index2.php3?lg=uk&cat_id=0 which you might find useful for overnight stays. Dont stop on the 'Rustic aires' on the motorways in France. It's an on the spot fine if caught (we got away with it though) but the service stations are fine for overnight stays.

All the rustic aires have water and toilets both in France and in Spain but the standard really varies. The service stations all have showers for 1 or 2 euros - you leave your van keys as security and they all have chemical loo disposal points.

The tolls in Spain are hideously expensive but paying just to get past Barcelona alone is worth the cost.


Hope this helps.

John

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 8th, 2013 at 2:02pm
Thanks John
I didn't realize that the toll booths are iffy with what cards they take, I've not had this  problem in other countries ? yep it,s going to be a pain scrambling across the seat to pay the tolls :o
I have checked out Dover-Calais and without trying for discount/codes/voucher etc.... which at very best would have thought be 10% it,s coming up at £170 -"it,s the height & Length" so the horrible portsmouth/Le-Havre route I would have thought  got to be a better deal (£180)taking in the cost of diesel/tolls from Calais to  Rouen what do you think ? I know what you mean about the tolls etc.. getting to and past Barcelona but if I drop down by Marassa /Monserratt  miss out a big chunk of tolls and poss best drive across to Lerida on free  motorway A2? done this loads of time,s when going into Pyrenees from Costa Brava.
What do you think to the Puymorens /Cadi tunnel route ,Class 2 van should be around 13 euros for Puymorens and would have thought bit less /same for cadi  ::)
Thanks again
Phil
and thank,s for the link I've heard a few  stories about folk getting broke into during the night at these Aries ,so will def opt for the busiest/truck stop  ones ;) have thought of getting a few sheets photo copied "Mad Yorkshire man asleep wake up at your peril" translated to French /Romanian and stick them on widows LOL!!!!! :D!

Hope this is OK Moderators !!! but here is a copy of a letter from the Eye on Spain Forum and the discount still works

Hi Guys and Gals,

Just a reminder that you can use my membership code to get up to 10% discount on Brittany Ferry crossings to Spain and France.

With the flights to Spain going up all the time, try the ship and see some of Spain.  We discovered Salamanca last year and are returning again this year in October.

Herewith details if how to use the code. Very easy but any problems send me an e mail.



Happy Sailing:


Details again as follows to get up to 10% discount on your Ferry Bookings to France and Spain.and I get £10 off towards my next booking. - So we both win!  Don't worry it is perfectly legal and Britanny encourage the discount to get more bookings.



IF YOU BOOK ON LINE:

DROP DOWN MENU:

Are you a member of the travel club:    YES

Property Travel Club Number : S91197

Lead Persons Name (Your name)

The booking is for: a GUEST of the member.

IF YOU BOOK BY PHONE AND THEY ASK FOR MEMBERS NAME:  MOORHOUSE

Happy sailing and if any problems e mail me

Regards

Joan

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by PlanesPete on Jan 8th, 2013 at 2:16pm
We used the pyrenees tunnel from Andorra twice and got stuck both times, once by weather and the other by an accident on the Spanish side. Along with the tolls we won't use that way again.
Our current fave is to go west of Andorra, over the pass and down to N240 to Lleida. It's drop dead gorgeous in daylight and the road has been resurfaced. True, you have to go at the speed of the traffic as it's single lane. Follow on down the Ebro via Flix and it's all pretty.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 8th, 2013 at 3:38pm
Just a quick update "AS if anyone cares LOL" have joined one of those discount sites  123 save.co .uk and got 10% off the £180 so now £162, doubt that can be bettered ?

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by hhmunro on Jan 8th, 2013 at 3:39pm
DFDS Dover Dunkirque usually by far the cheapest, every two hours day and night, takes two hours, with a car I have never paid over £20... if you turn up early they will usually let you onto the earlier boat too, hard to beat...

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 8th, 2013 at 7:09pm
That,s the problem it not a car or a van under 2.2m high, it makes a huge difference in ferry/euro tunnel prices and tolls.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by munkonminor on Jan 8th, 2013 at 7:15pm
Just a quick reminder not to leave your vehicle unattended at the service stations around Barca. Friend left his right outside the main entrance of one whilst he answered a call of nature, no more than 5 mins, van was turned over by two people after smashing the window. A trucker saw it happen and said it took them no more than a minute. It seems they wait for foreign plates.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by HazeandAlan on Jan 9th, 2013 at 3:52pm
Hi Phil
I use a child's fishing net for passing the ticket and money over at the toll booths. Simple but it works and always raises a smile!
Don't forget your snow chains at this time of year too!
Haze

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by skibob on Jan 9th, 2013 at 6:58pm
As far as leaving your vehicle is concerned, dont leave it in Spain untill you get  to Tarragona. When traveling on the Barca motorway the robbers will throw a stone at the side of your vehicle making a loud noise, then draw alongside pointing to the rear of your vehicle telling you to stop. DON'T., they want you to pull in so they can rob you. A friend of mind got into a fight on the side of the motorway. :o

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 10th, 2013 at 2:34pm
Hay that,s great idea with the fishing net :D only problem is Its only got wind up windows so I will have to squeeze across to open window anyway!!! I was looking at a pair of snow chains the other week on ebay , didn't bother!I am  buying loads of stuff for this trip 1 off trip "VAN"   Breathalyzer, beam converters, French road map, first aid kit, and still need 2x warning triangles ,I cannot believe I  had one in the garage for years and only recently, in a fit throw it out  :'( ,Re snow chains ,I really hope its not going to be that bad  :-? I am keeping a eye on weather /temps around the Puymorens /cadi tunnel and at mo still looking good around 3/5 degrees, I will have to alter the route to suit weather ? I am very scared of that stuff came down a pass in Switzerland/Italy a few years ago at 2 miles a hour couldn't talk my mouth was that dry, by the time we got to the bottom of the pass and only in a small hire car slid most of the way down, didn't stop the massive timber lorries though going at full speed up and down maybe I,m just not that confident ?
Are they still doing that trick on the motorway ? is it just foreign plates ? I have never had this sort of thing happen in a hire car.
oh  ferry booked now so have stopped looking !

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Fly_Boy on Jan 10th, 2013 at 4:01pm
Hi

Have done most ways through France.

Best advice. Take a Sat Nav, for use when the French put you on a diversion, and forget that you need more than one sign ...

The route via Bordeaux, and the tunnel at Somport is good - use the N10, and not up and down till the Spanish side - then take new motorway to Zaragoza ( some one said 3 hours from here ) and then back via Caspe. about 1000kms from Dover, and low tolls ( just some around Boulogne unless traveling at night then take the local roads not the motorway )

sorry for the speelingsa - a cat is helping me typeee
--- must be the m,ouse lol


Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 10th, 2013 at 7:08pm
Hi fly -boy My cat sits on the keyboard or in front of the screen regularly ,He knows how to get fed LOL ! I have had a quick check on the Somport Tunnel this route has never come up before ?pos more mileage ? been to Pau before seems along way across the Pyrenees I will check it out though
Thanks
Phil 
Oh would just be my luck to get stopped and checked, and get a 50 euro fine for not having a extra £2.99 triangle  ::)

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Jan 12th, 2013 at 2:53pm
Phil,
Be very careful on the roundabouts and when merging onto motorways. The blind spots can be very dangerous as we found out to our cost. I really would advise taking a mate to look out for the traffic you won't be able to see. Otherwise, drive during the hours of darkness so you can see the road being lit up by oncoming unseen traffic. Be cautious in the extreme. :)

My Father gave me some advice which I was very glad of on a couple of occasions whist on the national roads - Don't let your tank get less than half full. I'm glad I listened. I sometimes found it was long distances before I could fill up. Also, carrefore supermarkets are usually cheap for fuel and most towns have them well signposted. sometimes you need cash, sometimes you need a bank card for the machine in order to pre-pay. Again, some petrol stations will only take French cards and many require you to go to the paydesk and leave your card with them prior to filling up. Hence the reason for not letting your tank drop below half.

John.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 12th, 2013 at 6:09pm
Thanks John , unfortunately there is nobody that can get off work for a month to come with me :-[  had another look at tolls/route etc.. this morning should hopefully be reasonably straight forward  :D bit worried about Snow& ice in the Pyrenees ? and any ideas on getting van weighed when loaded taking a hell of allot of stuff? somehow I don,t think it,s all going to fit in  :o

PS,, any more news regarding the Plywood sheet situation ?

Thanks again for any help

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by bruixot on Jan 12th, 2013 at 10:06pm
There are weigh stations at the ports. Probably be too late by then. Best not to know. I spent the rest of the journey in fear of being pulled over when i found my 7.5 ton truck weighed just over 10. : )
Bruixot

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Jan 13th, 2013 at 12:55am

philmountains wrote on Jan 12th, 2013 at 6:09pm:
any ideas on getting van weighed when loaded


You might try this site for some pointers and a list of places....

http://chrishodgetrucks.co.uk/useful-info/weighbridges.htm

I don't know how up to date it is though.

John. ;)

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Jan 13th, 2013 at 6:04am
Thanks boys , there is one at my local  council tip it,s on your link John ,could well be worth a trip up the day before I set off , does anybody know if the  campo tracks up and around Matamoras have been repaired LOL!!! since last Novembers storm ?

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Feb 10th, 2013 at 5:47am
Hi all, well I set off for France on Wednesday,and at mo still not sure of the best route,have been looking at weather and around Foix it gives -4 next Thursday so have been looking at the A75 route again ! has anyone any experience of this route ? many account,s of high motorway road up to 1100 meters, and lots of steep gradients/descents and snow  :o
Oh and I ,m on the 3rd attempt at loading /unloading van think I was a bit deluded in what I thought a van could carry ,feels like checking in with 15kg bags on a Ryanair flight !

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by PlanesPete on Feb 10th, 2013 at 9:56am
If it's not too late, look at the E9 to Toulouse then head slightly west until you drop down around Saint Gaudens to Vielha and then the N240 all the way down to Lleida, then the C12 to Flix. We have used that route often, it's stunningly pretty and avoids the heights of Andorra and virtually all the tolls. Bon Voyage..

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Pondgirl on Feb 10th, 2013 at 12:07pm
We've used the Viehla tunnel a few times in winter and even if it's been snowing it usually pretty managable.  I don't think that you are going to be able to avoid minus temperatures crossing the Pyrenees in February whichever way you go.  We have used the A75 route in January and there was thick snow around but the road was good.  There was also freezing fog which wasn't good but we survived!  You will also have to pay a toll to cross the Millau Viaduct if you go that way.

Bon viatge.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Feb 10th, 2013 at 5:45pm
Thanks Pete /pondgirl for your reply,s  the Viehla tunnel way is more than likely the shortest and cheapest route, but I am a bit worried about the N240 !! fairly sure I have been on it , defiantly been on the N260 and this was hairpins etc.. forever ,fantastic in a small hire car though.
I will have a good look at the N240 I have read that the road is not so good on the Spanish side of the tunnel ? this could be old articles concerning the old tunnel ?
I cannot believe I thought I would have enough room in the back, to stop at LeRoy Merlin's, and buy a door on the way down :D
Going to my local weigh bridge tomorrow see how close I am to 3500kg  :( if the shape of the tyres are anything to go by I don't think things are too good :'(
By the way Nobrot what was the score with the chipping,s and sand ?
Thanks again for letting me rant on
Phil

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Nobrot on Feb 10th, 2013 at 6:20pm

philmountains wrote on Feb 10th, 2013 at 5:45pm:

By the way Nobrot what was the score with the chipping,s and sand ?


Not quite sure what you mean,if it involves M.O.N.E.Y. PM me

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Feb 12th, 2013 at 5:41am
Just thought I would update on Weighbridge situation, I went to my local tip and they would not weigh my van ,so asked at my local police station here in Skipton, and they gave me number of public weigh station at a local quarry who did it for me with paperwork for 6 quid ,I was just under 3.5 ton  :-? so can fit in some clothes and food LOL!
I am fairly sure of route now, a mixture of Pondgirl route and cactus jack advise will now see how it goes ;D
Thanks again all for your help
Phil

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Pondgirl on Feb 12th, 2013 at 8:14am
Well good luck and take care.  Look forward to hearing you have arrived safely.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Feb 17th, 2013 at 11:20am
Well I got here ok but wished I  had not after nearly 9 years I have been robbed' they have nearly wiped me out !!!! Strimmer (a birthday present) generator , Petrol stove, tools sleeping bags,  the list is huge,and there is bugger all I can do ,I feel sick they even took my boots and knives and forks what to do ?
I am sure this has happens because the farmer below me is sick, and staying with his daughter, they hit him as well taking a huge rotorvator,it's definatly locals who knew he was away
They think it's a local with sheep/goats but !!!!!!!!
I don't know if to carry on or what as pondgirl wrote, they will even get in through the roof which if you count my mud and timber affair a roof that's how they got into my shack must have been 2 or more to lift it all out.
Am fairly sure they will be back as the farmer is 84 and think this  as well as his illness has made him realise he is to old to stay up there.
you can only guess what I will do if they return ? >:(

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Michael on Feb 17th, 2013 at 2:45pm
I'm really sorry to hear your news.  You, like all other victims of wrongdoers, do not deserve this.  Don't let 'em sh*t on your dreams.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Hen_Fox on Feb 17th, 2013 at 7:09pm
Really sorry to hear about your burglary and that you have lost so much stuff. We arrived out here ( to live permanently) nearly two years ago to find we had been burgled, and it really makes you mad. Perhaps you can leave your valuables with a permanent resident, rather tthan in your empty property, when you return home?
Like the previous person said don't let them destroy your dreams for the future.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by catalanboy on Feb 17th, 2013 at 8:25pm
I too am really sorry you have been burgled, i have real empathy for you as the same happened to me a few years ago , not a very pleasant experience, but remain positive and dont let these b.......s spoil your dreams, they are the real losers in life... the real scum.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Pondgirl on Feb 18th, 2013 at 6:50pm
That's a total nuisance Phil, really sorry to hear about this.  As hen fox says could you ask anyone to look after your valuables?  We do that for some people who have a place near us.  It doesn't stop them breaking in and having a look round sadly.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:30am
I can't imagine how you felt when you found this. There are some low lifes around. Don't give up Phil. What goes round comes round and  I'm sure you'll regret it if you give up after all the work and time and effort you have put in over the years. Don't let this ruin your dreams. Keep the strength up.

John. :(

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:31am
Thanks all for your support,I will leave the big stuff that Ive brought with me in the farmers lock up. I cannot beleve that the Bast"""s left my new tent just took the poles ,and out of all the good stuff left my colman petrol lamp maybe so I could see what had gone!!!!!!!!!
Know no one about anymore it just feels  bad up there on my own , no dogs for company etc....Mrs mountains thinks I should call it a draw ? It,s not the same place now, taken years of 15kg to get setup like I had it
It also seems to be raining every time I get here LOL

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by fatphil on Feb 19th, 2013 at 2:39pm
Phil,
Speaking from my own personnel experience I would not leave anything of any value with any local and that includes our fellow countrymen.
I was advised to trust some locals many years ago and it has cost me a lot of money,it wont happen again.
I think you hit the point with your remark about local shepherds,they see everything that goes on,but choose to ignore it,as it is often to their advantage.
These are not random breakins but are part of systematique organised agendas to achieve what they want !
I am not saying give, up but try a different approach.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Pondgirl on Feb 20th, 2013 at 9:15am

wrote on Feb 18th, 2013 at 6:50pm:
That's a total nuisance Phil, really sorry to hear about this.  As hen fox says could you ask anyone to look after your valuables?  We do that for some people who have a place near us.  It doesn't stop them breaking in and having a look round sadly.

Wow, you changed "ba$**rd to "nuisance"???   ;D  I really, really don't think nuisance covers what happened to Phil, do you?  A nuisance is mislaying your keys,  being broken into and having your dream wrecked is a complete ba$**rd.

So people aren't offended if they can read the word with asterisks inserted but are if the correct letters are used?  What does the word sound like in your head with the asterisks?  Is it different?   ::)

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Feb 20th, 2013 at 10:08am
I personally don't think it is necessary to use profanities on public forums which may be read by minors (some expats have children or relatives who have children and may be reading this). I would object to people using profanities on a site my children could read when they were minors themselves. 

However, I can see that what was written was not written out of lack of consideration but out of empathy for a fellow members bad experience.

I do not feel it would be justified in using this incident to start a debate on such matters at this stage.  :-/

Just my opinion.
John

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by fatphil on Feb 20th, 2013 at 11:06am
My opinion is this does nead to be discussed and brought out into the open,because there is too much of this happening and it is definitely more than a nuisance !
I would think the majority of members of this forum have either been robbed,some several times ,or have friends who have ?
It is allso not acceptable that the authorities and Police have the opinion, that if you live in the Campo this is what you should expect to happen.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Feb 20th, 2013 at 11:17am

wrote on Feb 20th, 2013 at 11:06am:
My opinion is this does nead to be discussed and brought out into the open,because there is too much of this happening and it is definitely more than a nuisance !
I would think the majority of members of this forum have either been robbed,some several times ,or have friends who have ?
It is allso not acceptable that the authorities and Police have the opinion, that if you live in the Campo this is what you should expect to happen.


Sorry fatPhil, Maybe I hadn't explained properly. I was referring to discussing profanities, not the situation Philmountains has just experienced. I do think what you say here is perfectly valid and needs to have something done, but what? The police don't have the time or resources to patrol every finca BUT should not be taking the attitude that we should expect it..

John.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Pondgirl on Feb 20th, 2013 at 12:22pm

wrote on Feb 20th, 2013 at 10:08am:
I personally don't think it is necessary to use profanities on public forums which may be read by minors (some expats have children or relatives who have children and may be reading this). I would object to people using profanities on a site my children could read when they were minors themselves. 

However, I can see that what was written was not written out of lack of consideration but out of empathy for a fellow members bad experience.


Hi John,
I appreciate your input.  My point was really that if profanity isn't allowed on the forum then it shouldn't be allowed with asterisks replacing some of the letters either, because the intention and the word are still the same and will sound the same in the head of whoever is reading it.  Even if there are children old enough to be using the internet unsupervised reading this forum I would imagine that they would know what the word was, even with key letters missing.

Anyway I won't do it again, not even with asterisks  :)

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by cactus jack on Feb 20th, 2013 at 6:41pm
Yesterday I had a visit from the mossos d'esquara. They spent about 5 minutes chatting and asked for my telephone number and name. They took the coordinates of my house. This will all go on a computer so if there is any cause for needing hem ie robbery theft etc, then I just ring 112 and they know exactly where to respond too just from my telephone number. They also said that as I live in a remote area, that they will be popping up about once a week.
He even smiled and waved for my security cameras so as my partner in uk wouldn't be worried if she saw me chatting with them on her I phone.
They also called on my Catalan neighbours and took their details as well.
They were two very pleasant people and I feel that more of this is needed.
Police presence is always welcome as far as I am concerned. :)

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by Nobrot on Feb 20th, 2013 at 9:44pm

cactus jack wrote on Feb 20th, 2013 at 6:41pm:
Yesterday I had a visit from the mossos d'esquara. They spent about 5 minutes chatting and asked for my telephone number and name. They took the coordinates of my house. This will all go on a computer so if there is any cause for needing hem ie robbery theft etc, then I just ring 112 and they know exactly where to respond too just from my telephone number. They also said that as I live in a remote area, that they will be popping up about once a week.
He even smiled and waved for my security cameras so as my partner in uk wouldn't be worried if she saw me chatting with them on her I phone.
They also called on my Catalan neighbours and took their details as well.
They were two very pleasant people and I feel that more of this is needed.
Police presence is always welcome as far as I am concerned. :)


He was actually checking on your herb garden.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by John on Feb 20th, 2013 at 11:54pm

wrote on Feb 20th, 2013 at 9:44pm:

cactus jack wrote on Feb 20th, 2013 at 6:41pm:
Yesterday I had a visit from the mossos d'esquara. They spent about 5 minutes chatting and asked for my telephone number and name. They took the coordinates of my house. This will all go on a computer so if there is any cause for needing hem ie robbery theft etc, then I just ring 112 and they know exactly where to respond too just from my telephone number. They also said that as I live in a remote area, that they will be popping up about once a week.
He even smiled and waved for my security cameras so as my partner in uk wouldn't be worried if she saw me chatting with them on her I phone.
They also called on my Catalan neighbours and took their details as well.
They were two very pleasant people and I feel that more of this is needed.
Police presence is always welcome as far as I am concerned. :)


He was actually checking on your herb garden.


World English Dictionary
herb  (hɜːb, US  ɜːrb)

— n
1.      a seed-bearing plant whose aerial parts do not persist above ground at the end of the growing season; herbaceous plant
2.      a. any of various usually aromatic plants, such as parsley, rue, and rosemary, that are used in cookery and medicine
     b. ( as modifier ): a herb garden


I missed the last bit out. It had something to do with something dodgy!!!

;D

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by furbydoggie on Feb 21st, 2013 at 1:48pm
Very sad and dissappointed to hear about the robbery/burglary - unfortunately it could be any one of us and statistics show that in times of recession/high unemployment crime rates rise substantially.  Just wondering though if house insurance would cover any of the losses incurred? 

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Mar 16th, 2013 at 1:28pm
Now I,m back here in the sunny UK LOL!!!! thought I would do a bit of a update on my return home journey.
I left Tortosa and headed for Lerida on the C230 then joined free A2 then the C25-C16 to stopped at berga were I slept in the van that night,the following early morning woke up to light snow :o  drove through the Cadi tunnel around 12 euros then onto  Puigcerda and the Tunnel de Puymorens around 13.50 Euros were leaving the tunnel conditions were a bit scary with snow this was before daybreak around 7am but crept in behind a Artic who made good tracks and was driving nice and slow made my way to Ax Les Thermes after this it was basically  a blast up France with only a few slight mistake re-roads toll/non toll and got up to around Blose ? were again I slept in back of van "for a few hour it was freezing in back,moved into front for rest of that horrendous night, this was the day France stopped, miles upon miles of wagons stranded roads which were covered with ice and snow  really bad conditions which I was totally not expecting so far up France spent miles and miles behind the wheel struggling with the GPS to find any roads that were not closed but managed through pigheadedness to make my way up to Lisieux ,I was a day early and had planed to go and see some of the WW2 sites on the Normandy coast so that night booked a very nice and reasonable hotel "premier Classic" in the town,  38 euros inc breakfast not that cheap :P but boy was that hot shower good and the bed felt like sleeping on feathers with the usual french breakfast 4.90 euros the day before I paid 2.60 for a "Grand" cafe au lait at the services "plastic cup of crap" anyway on the hole would defiantly use this route again was  being used by many large  wagons and the Andorra traffic, so poss more suited to heavy/loaded up to the roof vans  traveling down from the UK ,   defiantly faster/direct than the Milau bridge route.
I would also like "IF" i ever can manage to afford it try route pondgirl,s suggested route through the Vielha tunnel and up dont think this the N230 would be as" kind" to the van as my return route though.
all the best to you all
Phil

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by skibob on Mar 16th, 2013 at 5:48pm
As a truck driver with 20odd years experience around Europe, l always found the motorway past Barca, in to France,  up past Orange, Lyon, Reims, miss Paris, to Calais, ln bad weather the motorway is never closed and for a 42 tonne truck the tolls were only 90 odd Euros. by far the best route unless you are going to Cairn or St Marlo.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by catalanboy on Mar 16th, 2013 at 7:01pm
yes, i agree skibob, i am also a truck driver and all the almeria/murcia fruit and veg runs are run up the coastal roads through la jonquera across to the a75 millau/clermont ferrand a71 orleans, chartres,rouen/calais or as you say the a6 lyon route through to the a16,if i am going to cherbourg/ caen i run across to teruel/zaragoza/pamplona/irun and then up the n10/a10 etc.you have to run a 44 ton truck at the best cost effected means . the rest are just tourist routes.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by fatphil on Mar 16th, 2013 at 9:38pm
Philmountains,
I hope you achieved the work you set out to do ?
It is a flippin nuisance that you have to bring everything of any value back to uk. every trip,as it would be a lot easier/lighter on the vehicle to travel home empty.

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by philmountains on Mar 16th, 2013 at 11:39pm
Hi just clarify I sailed from Le Havre not Calais,and did use the A10,I did notice the sign for Zaragoza and was tempted to try this route but was unsure about were the crossing point/Tunnel was in the Pyrenees ?so as I new the Puymorens route, that's why I chose it.
The A75 was OK, but the last stretch once you start descending into the Montpelier/perpignan I would have thought a real ball-breaker going back up!! and as for you lot in your 42 tonne trucks well you left me standing on some of the inclines, I was down to 30 mph, in the parts were it was up to 1000m, and have worked out tolls so far for A75 and this is not 100% motorway did try messing about with some of the free, going through the farmers back yard type roads LOL!!!! around 56 euros and fuel was around about £265 going which doesn't sound too bad, but it was a bit of a long winded route ,I haven't totted up my return toll/fuel costs but reckon quite a bit more on tolls, but defiantly faster and easier on the van ,I cannot remember it struggling anyware on the return ,there is one thing forgot to mention got flashed by a speed camera  out side Toulouse,  typicaly the only place I got a decent bit of speed up :( and it was on the free bit off the motorway, is this  a way of getting there money back ?
Thanks Phil nope I didn't get nearly what I wanted to get done, The weather was the main problem, and also believe it or not was the rock going through the footings were I had  cut it with the Sthil saw because it was too high, was incredible hard stuff like flint, but by no means as brittle spent a good couple of days on that problem.
I am not saying anything about what I leave or take any more,or even when I am going to be over, as I really,really trust very few now, and I also found out later that the old farmer hadn't been robbed at all,they must have had a conveyor going at my place getting it all out, and yet his gear is just left outside, new trailer, rotavator and all that's stopping them being taken is a fifty pence padlock  hanging on bit off old wire and yet they robbed me of everything,so what do you make of that ? >:(

Title: Re: Ferry/Spain/France/Eurotunnel
Post by p_p-amposta on Jun 2nd, 2015 at 5:56pm
Hi everyone
            Just a quick post to warn you about booking the car ferry from Calais to Dover last minute , they charged me 135 euros one way yesterday because I hadn't got a reservation , I expected it to be a little more expensive but that is ridiculous , I will make an earlier booking when I come back in August .

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