Part Trois – Panic in Barcelona

Published on by Paul Hickman

Barcelona today. Always a highlight of a trip to Argeles-Sur-Mer as it’s a nice easy drive, hop on the A9 and turn left, then just keep going about 1h45 to 2hours Autopista (motorway) all the way.

We missed the chance to go early as, well we didn’t get up early plus I managed to tweak my back bending over the day before so I took my time and plenty of pain killers and let it free up slowly.

We have always parked in the same place. A 2 minutes walk from the Sagarda Familiar but this year they limited the parking to 4 hours. A guy on duty told us of an alternative just around the corner. Very tight! If you don’t know most parking in Barcelona is underground. The first time we went we had a Vauxhall zafira with a roofbox which meant we could not get into any of the parking garages. We had to return another day minus the roofbox. Continue reading “Part Trois – Panic in Barcelona” →

Part Deux. Bites, Tyres, Doctors

Published on by Paul Hickman

Well we actually arrived without further incidents. No calling out the breakdown service (why do I pay them?) No more blown tyres. Just a nice easy drive down the A20, A61 past the impressive Airbus factory at Tolouse to Narbonne then the A9 to Perpignan. Past the now familiar landmarks of the arches on the hill and Perpignan prison. To jump.on a the D914 to Argeles-Sur-Mer.

Continue reading “Part Deux. Bites, Tyres, Doctors” →

The Long Drive

Published on by Paul Hickman

We left the storage yard bang on time for once. We’re usually at least half an hour late.

We/I had decided on the M6,M5,M42,M40 & southern side of the M25 which turned out to be bang on as the signs on the M42 were saying that the M1 was shut. We had a very good run and only his any traffic once on the M25 for about 15min.

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Today’s The Day

Published on by Paul Hickman

Holiday!!!

As soon as I finish work it’s home to pack the car, shower, something to eat and then collect the van from storage and we’re off!

Two weeks in the glorious South of France right on the med and about as South as you can get in France.

Want to come with us?

Continue reading “Today’s The Day” →

3 Sleeps To Go – PANIC Sets in!

Published on by Paul Hickman

With only 3 sleeps now until our “Big Trip” the panic has finally hit the management. Last night she told me “you’re not helping!” True but it is quite entertaining to watch her panicing about nothing really because, well France is not exactly devoid of shops.

Continue reading “3 Sleeps To Go – PANIC Sets in!” →

Countdown

Published on by Paul Hickman

With just 1 week to go until the “Big Trip” the countdown has well and truly begun. Truth be told I have been counting the days, weeks, months for ages!

So what do the last few days have in store? Well the management has just 1 day left at work before the panic sets in. I have lost count of the times that we have been away together weather that is just a weekend or a fortnight camping or roughing it in some 4* hotel, yet she still flaps when it comes to packing for a trip. Packing takes me all of 30seconds, I just empty the drawer into a bag, job done? Continue reading “Countdown” →

Towing Restrictions & Driving Licenses

Published on by Paul Hickman

I see this argument on an almost daily basis.
“What can I tow with my license?”


Everyone has an opinion but opinions are NOT fact and will not prevent you from receiving a nasty fine or even having your car and caravan seized at the roadside.

Continue reading “Towing Restrictions & Driving Licenses” →

Futuroscope

Published on by Paul Hickman

Futuroscope is a theme park in Poitiers France.
But it’s a theme park with a difference. No roller coasters, no big thrill rides, well there is but not the usual kind.

As the name suggests Futuroscope is about technology and innovation. “Oh boring” I hear some of you say, and the techie geeks amongst us start to get excited.
The park is the 2nd largest theme park in France many of the attractions are based around cinema technology, IMAX technology is extensively used. Continue reading “Futuroscope” →

Things To Do, before “The Big Trip”

Published on by Paul Hickman

It’s now only 4 weeks until our “Big Trip” so it’s back to Nerd Central, list making.

Wash the car. I have no idea why as I am not one for cleaning and polishing my car as a rule but I do like to start a holiday with a clean car. Which really seems daft as I’m going to drive slightly over 1000 miles and if it does not rain the car will be covered in dead bugs for sure. But I still don’t wash it again when I get there even though the site has an Auto Lavage area, (car wash).
So by the same reasoning I suppose I better wash the caravan? Continue reading “Things To Do, before “The Big Trip”” →

Thinking About “The Big Trip” Again

Published on by Paul Hickman

So back to thinking about our “Big Holiday”
I’ve had a bit of a re-think about the route. I’m thinking of going the Tolouse route again. We have never been down south via this route and after asking the question on some internet forums it seems that the Tolouse route generally has less traffic and is less hilly and just an easier drive.

Now the decisions start. When we get off the tunnel do we turn right or left?
Left means we are going to head down the A26/A1 and into Paris, across Paris to Orleans then down to Limoges on the A71/A20 and on to Tolouse. Which is probably the most direct route or do we…..

Turn right and go via Abbeyville, Rouen, Le Mans, Tours then cut across via the A85 and pick up the A20? Continue reading “Thinking About “The Big Trip” Again” →