Post by Brian M on Jan 29, 2009 14:48:53 GMT
From: Brian Sent: 24/05/2004 22:26
Had a fantastic trip to Belgium, and as I pulled into the camp site a dutch couple, Tinie and Sjoerd, came running over - yes - they have what they think is the only Safari in Holland! Theirs was abandoned by an English tourist in Holland and they bought it from the campsite owner and then took it totally apart to replace most of the front timbers.
All this work was done without ever having seen another Safari! They spent a lot of time looking at my Safari, taking pictures and making comparisons. I will be putting some pictures in the albums shortly. It will be a couple of weeks before they can join the group as they are off on their holidays to Norway in the Safari this week. A very nice couple who have made a fantastic job of their restoration.
There was only one other English owner at the meeting, with a 1930's Cheltenham pulled by a 1930's Vauxhall six cylinder saloon. As the event was only 70 miles from Calais I felt this a poor show by British Classic Caravan enthusiasts. The Belgian Club who organised the event made us very welcome and in total they had attracted about 130 caravans from all over Europe.
I just spent three days talking to other owners, exchanging experiences of an incredible variety of caravans from 6ft long East German vans to 28 feet long Airstreams!
The Volvo ran faultlessly, and on filling the tank of my return found it had averaged 27mpg - I usually only get 25 or so round town. Just goes to show that at 50mph even with 850kg of Safari on the back the old girl only sups the juice!
The Safari created a lot of interest all along the way as well as at the meeting. I was waiting for my ferry when I met Geoff who has already joined the group.
Chris Burlace who is a freelance journalist attended the show to write an article for Practical Caravan. I don't always buy PC, so if any one spots it can they please let me know.
Having covered 350 miles without incident, I was furious when I put a 1 inch scratch on the rear flank of the Safari as I was backing it into its parking place next to the house.
The event next year is in France, in the Vosges mountains, and I will definitely be going, hopefully in company of a few more British caravans, and who knows even a Safari or two. It really is a great way to spend a few days in the company of like minded enthusiasts. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
Brian Miller
Had a fantastic trip to Belgium, and as I pulled into the camp site a dutch couple, Tinie and Sjoerd, came running over - yes - they have what they think is the only Safari in Holland! Theirs was abandoned by an English tourist in Holland and they bought it from the campsite owner and then took it totally apart to replace most of the front timbers.
All this work was done without ever having seen another Safari! They spent a lot of time looking at my Safari, taking pictures and making comparisons. I will be putting some pictures in the albums shortly. It will be a couple of weeks before they can join the group as they are off on their holidays to Norway in the Safari this week. A very nice couple who have made a fantastic job of their restoration.
There was only one other English owner at the meeting, with a 1930's Cheltenham pulled by a 1930's Vauxhall six cylinder saloon. As the event was only 70 miles from Calais I felt this a poor show by British Classic Caravan enthusiasts. The Belgian Club who organised the event made us very welcome and in total they had attracted about 130 caravans from all over Europe.
I just spent three days talking to other owners, exchanging experiences of an incredible variety of caravans from 6ft long East German vans to 28 feet long Airstreams!
The Volvo ran faultlessly, and on filling the tank of my return found it had averaged 27mpg - I usually only get 25 or so round town. Just goes to show that at 50mph even with 850kg of Safari on the back the old girl only sups the juice!
The Safari created a lot of interest all along the way as well as at the meeting. I was waiting for my ferry when I met Geoff who has already joined the group.
Chris Burlace who is a freelance journalist attended the show to write an article for Practical Caravan. I don't always buy PC, so if any one spots it can they please let me know.
Having covered 350 miles without incident, I was furious when I put a 1 inch scratch on the rear flank of the Safari as I was backing it into its parking place next to the house.
The event next year is in France, in the Vosges mountains, and I will definitely be going, hopefully in company of a few more British caravans, and who knows even a Safari or two. It really is a great way to spend a few days in the company of like minded enthusiasts. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
Brian Miller