Fergus' Journey To France

Summer 2011 - Summer 2012

After a great deal of work and money, Fergus Ma Van was finally restored to somewhat near his former glory and the problem of bringing him over to France was gradually planned. Early August 2012 saw me leaving Scotland on the long journey to Civray in France.

Nearly As Old As Me

Gleaming

Cumfy

Ready???

I determined that rather than go the long route (road distance wise) I would come by way of the Portsmouth – Caen ferry. This would avoid the problem of going by way of London and also would mean a shorter distance on the French side to Civray.

My brother-in-law, Jeff, volunteered to accompany me from the English side and I arranged to meet him at Didcot Parkway Station. This meant a relatively short rail journey for him – he stays in London – and gave me company for the latter part of the trip across the Channel and through France.
Fergus had been giving me problems mechanically but I was hopeful that all would be well. I had split the journey from Scotland into a two day undertaking. I would stay overnight after the first day at Somers Wood Caravan Park, Meriden  before picking Jeff up on my way to Portsmouth the following day. The overnight ferry would see us in France for the final leg on to Civray.  Nothing could be simpler!!!

Saturday 4th August 2012

An early morning start from Carluke in Scotland saw me make really good progress over the Border and down into England. The weather, however, took a turn for the worse and so did my fortune. I had stopped at Charnock Richard Services for a break and fuel but the starter motor chose to act up on me and in the pouring rain I found myself under Fergus battering hell out of the starter casing. It worked! I continued on my way through changeable weather and finally reach my overnight campsite at Somers Wood Caravan Park, Meriden……. (the centre of England apparently).

The campsite was very nice and after settling down for the night I walked the relatively short distance into Meriden itself where I treated myself to a well-deserved bar meal at The Bull's Head Bar washed down by a few drinks.

On returning back to the campsite, I quickly settled down for a good night’s sleep.

Sunday 5th August 2012

Morning dawned bright and early and quickly washing and having shaved, I was on my way once more. The weather was not too bad and I was soon parked across from Didcot Parkway Station. While waiting for Jeff to arrive off the train from Paddington, I had my breakfast in the nearby Prince of Wales Bar.

He arrived right on time and we set off once again – well, after another pummelling of the starter motor casing. The weather turned atrocious and the windscreen wipers on Fergus couldn’t cope with the rain and spray. Thankfully blue skies were not far away and we arrived in Portsmouth in early afternoon.

We spent an enjoyable afternoon at Southsea and, after I went to Mass in the Cathedral, we made our way to the Ferry Terminal and then disaster struck. The carburettor was spewing fuel and Fergus passed out. I nearly joined him! Breakdown was called out and the prognosis was that repairs would take 24 hours.  A visit to the Ferry Terminal was necessary to make alternative ticketing arrangements which luckily did not mean having to pay extra. Yippee!! An overnight stay was organised in a nearby Travelodge and we then resigned ourselves to an evening of savouring the delights of Portsmouth. What a night! Everything was shut or appeared to be. We eventually found an Indian Restaurant down by the Gunwharf Quay and had a pretty ordinary meal washed down by a few drinks. Back in the hotel the shabby rooms completed what had become a totally miserable day. Things could only get better!

Monday 6th August 2012

Next day dawned bright and warm with the promise of better luck than the day before. Breakfast was not on the cards however and we made our way over to the Ferry Terminal to leave our luggage for the sailing that evening.

Unencumbered, we ventured into the city proper and pleasantly were surprised by what the city had to offer. We spent a most enjoyable day down by the Gunwharf Quay and had an excellent meal in The Loch Fyne Restaurant – a taste of home!

Telephone updates on Fergus intimated that all was well and a taxi ride that afternoon took us to the garage where successful repairs had been carried out. We spent the rest of the day out at Southsea Beach enjoying the fresh sea air and long walks.

A short hop back to the Ferry Terminal in time for the evening sailing and we were soon waiting in the queue with all the others. It was a stressful time as I kept thinking that Fergus would stall and the starter motor would fail at the wrong moment. However, soon we were deep in the vehicle deck and locking up before seeking out the Bar for some wine.

With tiredness creeping upon me, I sought out the sleeping area with reclining chairs for a good night’s sleep. Wrong!!! A dentist’s chair is more comfortable!!!! Whit a night! Jeff spent the night in Bar Lounge reading a book.

Tuesday 7th August 2012

Breakfast was early needless to say, and it was a bleary-eyed start to the journey down to Civray. Fergus started up first time and, as Jeff caught some shuteye, I plodded on down the road. The weather was lovely and with each passing kilometre I began to relax more and more. I stuck with the autoroutes which were really quiet. The fact that the péages added to the cost was no longer important. I just wanted to get home.

And so it was that around 1.30 pm, we arrived at chez moi as the smell of fuel from Fergus indicated that something was amiss. It could wait. I had made it. Fergus was left to recover in Jean Pierre’s drive while me and Jeff went down town for a drink and sandwich. It was too late for lunch, so celebrations were put on hold ‘til that night when Dot came over from Champagne Mouton and we all had a lovely meal on the terrace by the river at the Hotel du Commerce.



Tired

Looking Not Bad



Well-earned Rest



Was I going to sleep well!

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