14th May 2009
Well, well, well, the trucks have started to fall to bits! John and Fiona Hedges in the 1941 Ford Heritage listed utility developed distributor problems which Dale thinks is a real concern. They still haven't found the problem. They had to be towed on and off the Crete ferry.
Ferry loading is done with clockwise precision, so this caused a frenzied arm waving, yelling, shouting, radios going, communication panic from the deckhands as they tried to turn around on the deck.
Worse still, David and Maggie Mottram in their Chevrolet Mapleleaf have broken a rear main leaf spring, which isn't surprising considering the potholes! Although still drivable whilst crabbing to the left, he decided to remain behind to try and replace it in Athens . It's sad to leave them behind, but Dale would've continued onto France with it where help and spares will be available.
Other truck problems include Mike and Karen O'Sullivan with their Chevrolet Blitz blowing an oil line over the exhaust which ignited. They were able to spurt a fire extinguisher through the hatch in the bonnet of the cab and instantly put it out. Karen noticed the fire, because she had been pouring water over the bonnet to keep it cool while travelling up a 20 km winding mountain path over the mountains on route to Sfakia. They had stayed behind to help Nigel and Lisa file the leading edge off the brake linings of their Chevrolet Blitz 2X4. Brakes were grabbing all over the place, linings too long so borrowed an angle grinder and chamfered them off.
LEAVING PIREAUS PORT ATHENS FOR PATRA FOR FERRY BOARDING FOR ANCONA, ITALY
This morning, fearing yet another frustrating drive trying to find our way from Pireaus Port at Athens, around Athens to Patra via Korinthos, Lang was asked if we could follow him. Lang said, "Don't follow me, I'll see you in Patra." So we fragmented and headed off and hours later, after making 5 wrong turns, driving through all stop signs, and stop lights, doing 3 point turns amongst the traffic etc, we kept ending up back at one of the many wharves. Eventually, we were on the right road! It's moments like these, that one or the other of the group "loses it!"
Quote of the day goes to New Zealander, Ray McKinney who after a stop for a photo call remarked to his wife Jenny, "Shall we move off? We can be the first to be lost this time!"
ITS A LONG WAY WITH LANG KIDBY
"IT'S A LONG WAY WITH LANG KIDBY" to music "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," by Karen Bracken. Lyrics written by Karen Bracken and Dale Barnard.
It's a long way with Lang Kidby, it's a long way to go,
It's a long way with Lang Kidby, so take your CB radio;
Goodbye, dear old Aussie, farewell Kiwi land,
It's a long, long way with Lang Kidby, but ain't it just grand!
Pack up your Navman in your old tin truck, and Go, Go, Go,
Get out your maps and turn your CB on to UHF four 0;
Directions will be far and few, you won't see Lang for dust,
So, pack up your Navman in your old tin truck, for Normandy or bust!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Elizabeth of Rethymno!
I'll tell you what, it's a good way to wear out a truck travelling over those narrow ill-defined city streets. It's impossible to avoid road repairs and manholes and both of us have caught the RH rears on the gutter more than once. Things are shaking loose, like the RH door catch came apart, the door swinging out; and the LH window winder coming off. Tail lights come loose. The worst has been the RH rear hub seal which we can do nothing about whilst on the road, just keep checking the diff oil which is leaking out through the hub seal, "I should've left the old seal alone," said Dale.
Our stay at Elizabeth Camping was a "lost opportunity." Lang wasn't to know that the owner, an American retiree called Elizabeth, a long term resident of the island, had an intricate knowledge of the invasion of Crete in WW2. She had books and maps and told us about the recent naming of Campbell Street after NZ CO Campbell. She felt that local enthusiasts would be disappointed about not meeting up with us and reckoned they would love to buy our trucks! Elizabeth reckoned the farmers would love the trucks! She wanted us to visit a private New Zealand WW2 museum, but we couldn't find it!
She insisted we take a book with us which was left by the occupants of another convoy member who was "lost" and hoped that her camping ground was the park for the night.
Later in the day, when we caught up with the convoy again at Creta Camping at Gouves, the story of the book unfolded. The McKinneys and Angela in the 1/2 ton tin top Dodge, had called by and fell under Elizabeth's spell the same as we had (accidentally leaving the book behind). They told Lang about Elizabeth, but Lang "wasn't interested!"
Another Blogsite for you to watch is: hedgesnormandy.blogspot.com - unfortunately, without a laptop I am a bit handicapped, but these other blogsites are good reading.
Our stay at Elizabeth Camping was a "lost opportunity." Lang wasn't to know that the owner, an American retiree called Elizabeth, a long term resident of the island, had an intricate knowledge of the invasion of Crete in WW2. She had books and maps and told us about the recent naming of Campbell Street after NZ CO Campbell. She felt that local enthusiasts would be disappointed about not meeting up with us and reckoned they would love to buy our trucks! Elizabeth reckoned the farmers would love the trucks! She wanted us to visit a private New Zealand WW2 museum, but we couldn't find it!
She insisted we take a book with us which was left by the occupants of another convoy member who was "lost" and hoped that her camping ground was the park for the night.
Later in the day, when we caught up with the convoy again at Creta Camping at Gouves, the story of the book unfolded. The McKinneys and Angela in the 1/2 ton tin top Dodge, had called by and fell under Elizabeth's spell the same as we had (accidentally leaving the book behind). They told Lang about Elizabeth, but Lang "wasn't interested!"
Another Blogsite for you to watch is: hedgesnormandy.blogspot.com - unfortunately, without a laptop I am a bit handicapped, but these other blogsites are good reading.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Magic Sunset Dinner on Rethymno Beach!
The need for another trip to the emergency centre for me yesterday, meant we had to leave the convoy for two days once again. Then the truck was going nowhere because Dale left the fridge on and drained the batteries once again, so we took the opportunity to catch up on a bit of washing, log on, maintenance, while the 2 amp charger supplied by the caravan park slowly charged them up!
We booked into the caravan park called "Elizabeth" after its American owner. It was a run down park, but did we find help and friendliness like we'd never seen before.
One of those magic dinners for two was served at our request on the beach, alone with just the sun going down ( 8.35 pm) over the Old Harbour Town of Rethymno!
I don't know about you, but I'm starting to feel "hoodwinked" about this trip and it's starting to feel like "the most expensive way to drive through Europe". No attempt has been made at all to get in touch with locals, RSL bodies, military, truck or car clubs, to let them know we are coming and be able to offer their hospitality to us.
Lang doesn't believe in convoys, which would be another way of attracting attention to us. So I don't blame you if you think this blogspot thing is boring.
Today I had a personal lesson about how to "convoy" from Lang. I was driving behind him and kept pulling the speed back to hopefully let the others catch up. He would pull over, and every time I would catch him, he'd take off again. Upon reaching the cemetry (destination), he came over and asked "Are you having trouble with your truck," "Is the truck going alright?" "Yes, why?" I replied. "Couldn't you keep up?" When I explained the reason why, I got the lecture like others before me both individually and collectively have, about how a convoy works. I explained that there is no point in tearing ahead not giving the others a chance and why not take advantage of a photo shoot now and again to give them a chance. Only four of us had made it!
Two points arise, sometimes we know little about our destination, and any of the following; no map, no direction, no name and address. No one checks if everyone is ready, or can get out of the park, or is broken down. Lang just takes off, leaving the convoy to its mercy!!
We booked into the caravan park called "Elizabeth" after its American owner. It was a run down park, but did we find help and friendliness like we'd never seen before.
One of those magic dinners for two was served at our request on the beach, alone with just the sun going down ( 8.35 pm) over the Old Harbour Town of Rethymno!
I don't know about you, but I'm starting to feel "hoodwinked" about this trip and it's starting to feel like "the most expensive way to drive through Europe". No attempt has been made at all to get in touch with locals, RSL bodies, military, truck or car clubs, to let them know we are coming and be able to offer their hospitality to us.
Lang doesn't believe in convoys, which would be another way of attracting attention to us. So I don't blame you if you think this blogspot thing is boring.
Today I had a personal lesson about how to "convoy" from Lang. I was driving behind him and kept pulling the speed back to hopefully let the others catch up. He would pull over, and every time I would catch him, he'd take off again. Upon reaching the cemetry (destination), he came over and asked "Are you having trouble with your truck," "Is the truck going alright?" "Yes, why?" I replied. "Couldn't you keep up?" When I explained the reason why, I got the lecture like others before me both individually and collectively have, about how a convoy works. I explained that there is no point in tearing ahead not giving the others a chance and why not take advantage of a photo shoot now and again to give them a chance. Only four of us had made it!
Two points arise, sometimes we know little about our destination, and any of the following; no map, no direction, no name and address. No one checks if everyone is ready, or can get out of the park, or is broken down. Lang just takes off, leaving the convoy to its mercy!!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Dale's VE Birthday in Chania, Crete
Those of us who chose to sleep in the airline seats on the ferry put in a hard night trying to sleep on the floor without pillows or sleeping bags etc. Those who took cabins said that they were so hot and stuffy sleeping was difficult. Lang had told us that we could upgrade to cabins on the boat, but when Mike O'Sullivan tried he got a typically icy reception; turned his video camera, and when told to turn it off, explained that he was doing a travel documentary on how friendly the hospitality was on the boat. She asked for a moment and returned to him with a totally changed attitude!
After disembarking, our orders where to convoy to a vantage point some 15 kms above Heraklion (wife of Zeuss) for a military briefing by Lang. I have to mention this, because it was our worst attempt at convoying yet. Four vehicles made it up with Lang, the rest turning up nearly two hours later!
On the move again travelling from Heraklion to Chania on Crete. This time it was the Navman which gave us a bum steer. We'd all bought the Chinese Cheapie off Ebay and you were lucky if you were supplied with the maps you needed. It seems to have a different way of working. It suggests letters for you to choose from when entering your place names, (you don't get the whole alphabet). We can't hear it over the engine noise. It finds the destination and waits for you to move before starting up.
Many of us went to dinner at the famous Old Harbour in Chamia for a slap up seafood platter and a Happy Birthday song from an accordian player (which we had to pay for.)
SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2009
On the road again first to visit the WW2 German Cemetry above the original Meleme airfield. Lang has a passion for the history of the WW2 German invasion of Crete and under an olive tree he explained to us the strategies, counter strategies, command blunders, capabilities of the soldiers etc. in great detail. He had reproduction German aerial invasion maps pointing out the positions of the troops, attacking and retreating paths.
It's an attention seeking way of travelling. A motorcyclist came up alongside shouting "ossie, ossie, ossie, oi! oi!oi!". Another delighted admirer asked if we were the Australian Occupying Forces!
After disembarking, our orders where to convoy to a vantage point some 15 kms above Heraklion (wife of Zeuss) for a military briefing by Lang. I have to mention this, because it was our worst attempt at convoying yet. Four vehicles made it up with Lang, the rest turning up nearly two hours later!
On the move again travelling from Heraklion to Chania on Crete. This time it was the Navman which gave us a bum steer. We'd all bought the Chinese Cheapie off Ebay and you were lucky if you were supplied with the maps you needed. It seems to have a different way of working. It suggests letters for you to choose from when entering your place names, (you don't get the whole alphabet). We can't hear it over the engine noise. It finds the destination and waits for you to move before starting up.
Many of us went to dinner at the famous Old Harbour in Chamia for a slap up seafood platter and a Happy Birthday song from an accordian player (which we had to pay for.)
SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2009
On the road again first to visit the WW2 German Cemetry above the original Meleme airfield. Lang has a passion for the history of the WW2 German invasion of Crete and under an olive tree he explained to us the strategies, counter strategies, command blunders, capabilities of the soldiers etc. in great detail. He had reproduction German aerial invasion maps pointing out the positions of the troops, attacking and retreating paths.
It's an attention seeking way of travelling. A motorcyclist came up alongside shouting "ossie, ossie, ossie, oi! oi!oi!". Another delighted admirer asked if we were the Australian Occupying Forces!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Athina!
Yesterday we were once again faced with navigational chaos on the 350km journey from Velos to Athens. It was our longest and toughest test yet trying to navigate our way around Athens and out to the camp site doing battle with the road signs and nose to tail traffic congestion.
We got separated from our first pairing up and travelled 50 kms the wrong way up the
E75 motorway.
After regrouping, we had no trouble driving through the city mayhem. We were an hour behind, all of us in the group having mechanical problems. The Ken Bathurst jeep with Postsy and Zeb on board, was surging, the Sam and Lorraine Cutegar studebaker had a massive fuel blockage in the filter, and then our starter motor collapsed.
Everyone else took a wrong turn, even Lang! We were the only sucessful team! Nigel Ward had had our spare starter repaired and carried it with him as part of his spares, but it was sluggish. Jim Sewell with the Blitz Chevrolet radiovan from Perth was also carrying one which Dale successfully installed.
Full marks again to John Neild on the Harley Davidson. I thought it was difficult riding the clutch for an hour but John said it "was really difficult" keeping the bike upright with the foot clutch.
BOARDING THE ATHENS TO CRETE FERRY
The next day, after a fabulous morning tramping around the Parthenon, Temple of Athena, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the 1896 Modern Olympic Stadium and Hadrian's Gate, we convoyed with the bike and the Cutejars to the Piraeus Port to board the ferry for our overnight journey to Crete.
These ferries are absolute luxury. Two elevators take you upstairs to either 4 berth cabins, or airline seats with TV, games rooms, Internet, lounges, shops, discos, bars and dining rooms. Fantastic, and travels along about 40 kph. Dale saw two dog trailers (truck and dog) reversing up the ramps into the boat with no problem. He would not have thought it possible. Semi-trailers backing in like a string of sausages, not even one semi had to correct. Amazing to watch. A semi could do a U turn once inside the boat.
We got separated from our first pairing up and travelled 50 kms the wrong way up the
E75 motorway.
After regrouping, we had no trouble driving through the city mayhem. We were an hour behind, all of us in the group having mechanical problems. The Ken Bathurst jeep with Postsy and Zeb on board, was surging, the Sam and Lorraine Cutegar studebaker had a massive fuel blockage in the filter, and then our starter motor collapsed.
Everyone else took a wrong turn, even Lang! We were the only sucessful team! Nigel Ward had had our spare starter repaired and carried it with him as part of his spares, but it was sluggish. Jim Sewell with the Blitz Chevrolet radiovan from Perth was also carrying one which Dale successfully installed.
Full marks again to John Neild on the Harley Davidson. I thought it was difficult riding the clutch for an hour but John said it "was really difficult" keeping the bike upright with the foot clutch.
BOARDING THE ATHENS TO CRETE FERRY
The next day, after a fabulous morning tramping around the Parthenon, Temple of Athena, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the 1896 Modern Olympic Stadium and Hadrian's Gate, we convoyed with the bike and the Cutejars to the Piraeus Port to board the ferry for our overnight journey to Crete.
These ferries are absolute luxury. Two elevators take you upstairs to either 4 berth cabins, or airline seats with TV, games rooms, Internet, lounges, shops, discos, bars and dining rooms. Fantastic, and travels along about 40 kph. Dale saw two dog trailers (truck and dog) reversing up the ramps into the boat with no problem. He would not have thought it possible. Semi-trailers backing in like a string of sausages, not even one semi had to correct. Amazing to watch. A semi could do a U turn once inside the boat.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Potsy's 60th Birthday!
It was only a short run through from Litochiro at the foot of Mount Olympus to the camping site at Velos, so I had my second turn driving.
Most of the way was via the E75 Motorway so was straight going. Most often there is a good size shoulder which we travell along in to allow overtaking. However they all seem to be expert at overtaking us even in narrow conditions. Takes the pressure off us. (The roadside both in Greece and Turkey is kept tidy and free of rubbish, with gardeners more obvious on the outskirts of Istanbul.)
The tolls are outragiously priced at 5.80 e, 2.50 e, and 7.50 e for "4th" grade roads.
Since we left Istanbul we noticed that few fuel stations take Visa. Fuel in Turkey was about $3 yt about $3 AU but in Greece it averages about .90 euro approximately AU$2 (which means it's much cheaper). With us filling up 2 or 3 times a day it's too heavy a drain on the cash so we now ask and if they don't accept Visa we put $20-30 in and drive on. One would take it after checking out passport.
When convoying with Lang we pulled into one such fuelstop. The owner couldn't believe his luck - he had a roll of cash the size of two fists from which he was pulling off change.
Unfortunately each time we would fill up the fuel would pour out of the breather when it got to overfull . We would have to look and yell out as it was going on the ground. There is full service still in all servos. Now Dale has stopped it by plugging off the breather and venting the cap.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE
Once you leave Turkey behind you realize how you miss the good things. Everything you purchase becomes twice as dear, except petrol. You still get the squat style toilets but you get a rude shock when it hits you that ALL toilet paper must be put in a separate container next to the toilet. It seems no one was prepared for this and it is a hard habit to break! Toilet and shower facilities vary, sometimes and toilets are very ordinary.
Bottles of water in Turkey were only 50 c per 500 ml and got cheaper as you bought larger amounts. Both in Turkey and Greece we noticed people stopping to refill at the natural springs you find all along the roadways.
Navigating your way around Turkey is much simpler than in Greece mainly due to its closer resemblance to the English language, but also to excellent signage. In Greece the names only closely resemble the English version and both the Greek and English version are displayed, but when the town names are at least 10 characters long or more and are in the Greek alphabet its just about impossible.
I had no problem squeezing my way through the busy streets of Velos and out along the seaway to Sikia campground, which was the nicest we have stayed at yet. It was even warm enough for us to take a swim!
Most of the way was via the E75 Motorway so was straight going. Most often there is a good size shoulder which we travell along in to allow overtaking. However they all seem to be expert at overtaking us even in narrow conditions. Takes the pressure off us. (The roadside both in Greece and Turkey is kept tidy and free of rubbish, with gardeners more obvious on the outskirts of Istanbul.)
The tolls are outragiously priced at 5.80 e, 2.50 e, and 7.50 e for "4th" grade roads.
Since we left Istanbul we noticed that few fuel stations take Visa. Fuel in Turkey was about $3 yt about $3 AU but in Greece it averages about .90 euro approximately AU$2 (which means it's much cheaper). With us filling up 2 or 3 times a day it's too heavy a drain on the cash so we now ask and if they don't accept Visa we put $20-30 in and drive on. One would take it after checking out passport.
When convoying with Lang we pulled into one such fuelstop. The owner couldn't believe his luck - he had a roll of cash the size of two fists from which he was pulling off change.
Unfortunately each time we would fill up the fuel would pour out of the breather when it got to overfull . We would have to look and yell out as it was going on the ground. There is full service still in all servos. Now Dale has stopped it by plugging off the breather and venting the cap.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE
Once you leave Turkey behind you realize how you miss the good things. Everything you purchase becomes twice as dear, except petrol. You still get the squat style toilets but you get a rude shock when it hits you that ALL toilet paper must be put in a separate container next to the toilet. It seems no one was prepared for this and it is a hard habit to break! Toilet and shower facilities vary, sometimes and toilets are very ordinary.
Bottles of water in Turkey were only 50 c per 500 ml and got cheaper as you bought larger amounts. Both in Turkey and Greece we noticed people stopping to refill at the natural springs you find all along the roadways.
Navigating your way around Turkey is much simpler than in Greece mainly due to its closer resemblance to the English language, but also to excellent signage. In Greece the names only closely resemble the English version and both the Greek and English version are displayed, but when the town names are at least 10 characters long or more and are in the Greek alphabet its just about impossible.
I had no problem squeezing my way through the busy streets of Velos and out along the seaway to Sikia campground, which was the nicest we have stayed at yet. It was even warm enough for us to take a swim!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Geia sou From Thassos Island, Greece!
We've moved on from Istanbul now and crossed the border into Greece. The crossing went smoothly except for Hans Spranger unknowlingly dropping his passport at the first of five checkpoints. Luckily his brother Jan found it in a puddle and we were on our way again in the pouring rain.
Yes, its been pouring with rain about one day on and one day off and raining unfortunately on scheduled driving days. John Neild being the worst off on his Harley Davidson and resulting in the jeeps and others finding a motel for the night.
Finding our way out of Istanbul was a nightmare for everyone (except Lang). Unfortunately our UHF wasn't transmitting but we could hear the nasally Aussie accents making comments like "I saw Sam Cutejar going past at great rate of knots," and "We're on a huge round-a-bout and everyone's scattered in different directions," throughout the 350 kms journey.
It's amazing we didn't catch up with them but kept in radio contact all day.
We took a coastal route and found ourselves cautioned over and surrounded by an armed military patrol. They didn't know what to do with us, so I suggested they check our passports which they did, and then posed for a photo shoot. The Cutejars were also pulled over by another patrol - called Jandarmes.
Somehow we arrived at the scheduled campsite at 9.00 pm when all our lights failed. Within minutes the UHF crackled into life and instantly the Ward mob pulled up behind us. The ferryman came to investigate and recognised us as the "Normandy Convoy" and escorted the seven vehicle convoy 5 kms up the road to the "Hotel Kum" with us in the middle of the pack with no lights, because the other camping ground didn't open until mid-May! We'd helped a Kiwi couple out by picking up their friends and baggage at Istanbul airport. We got separated on our way out and didn't see them again until midnight when they turned up to collect their bags to stay in the Hotel Kum at Gallipolli.
The next day, in fabulous sunshine we explored all around Gallipolli peninsular which is largely a one way circuit allowing better access for small groups rather than for a convoy, with parking off a problem.
We carried with us decals depicting the route to be travelled and applied them to the truck whilst camping at Gallipolli, which attracted huge interest with photo shoots and questions.
All vehicles assembled at Anzac Cove the next morning for a photo shoot before leaving for the Greek border. Scaffolding and seating was being dismantled from the Anzac Dawn Service, so we couldn't pose directly in front of the memorial.
Once again most of us had the same difficulty finding our way to the campsite at Alexandroupolis (except Lang) , many members forced to retreat to motels for the night due to bucketing rain.
The next day we were faced with another day of navigational chaos, however, Lang decided to escort us all via the motorway this way avoiding the mess we had getting out of Istanbul and into Androupolis.
The illness I had suffered from our arrival meant that we had to break from the group to seek out the emergency centre in Kavala, afterwards taking a different ferry ride for the one and a half hour journey to Thassos Island to join the others.
No major breakdowns apart from the McKinney NZ Dodge 1/2 ton almost losing a wheel coming loose, Lisa's jeep having to be pushed off the Istanbul ferry, Ken Bathurst having to replace a distributor, our headlight fuse holder melting, and due to the pouring rain several of us had clutch thrust bearings dry out which we fixed with the long spout WD40 - quick fix.
Unfortunately we also had to be pushed off the ferry due to the fridge flattening the battery
while at the hospital for four hours.
Today we hired a noddy bike and lapped this beautiful Greek Island called Thassos in style, reaching 70 kph at 8000 revs downhill, tailwind. Scarry stuff!
Yes, its been pouring with rain about one day on and one day off and raining unfortunately on scheduled driving days. John Neild being the worst off on his Harley Davidson and resulting in the jeeps and others finding a motel for the night.
Finding our way out of Istanbul was a nightmare for everyone (except Lang). Unfortunately our UHF wasn't transmitting but we could hear the nasally Aussie accents making comments like "I saw Sam Cutejar going past at great rate of knots," and "We're on a huge round-a-bout and everyone's scattered in different directions," throughout the 350 kms journey.
It's amazing we didn't catch up with them but kept in radio contact all day.
We took a coastal route and found ourselves cautioned over and surrounded by an armed military patrol. They didn't know what to do with us, so I suggested they check our passports which they did, and then posed for a photo shoot. The Cutejars were also pulled over by another patrol - called Jandarmes.
Somehow we arrived at the scheduled campsite at 9.00 pm when all our lights failed. Within minutes the UHF crackled into life and instantly the Ward mob pulled up behind us. The ferryman came to investigate and recognised us as the "Normandy Convoy" and escorted the seven vehicle convoy 5 kms up the road to the "Hotel Kum" with us in the middle of the pack with no lights, because the other camping ground didn't open until mid-May! We'd helped a Kiwi couple out by picking up their friends and baggage at Istanbul airport. We got separated on our way out and didn't see them again until midnight when they turned up to collect their bags to stay in the Hotel Kum at Gallipolli.
The next day, in fabulous sunshine we explored all around Gallipolli peninsular which is largely a one way circuit allowing better access for small groups rather than for a convoy, with parking off a problem.
We carried with us decals depicting the route to be travelled and applied them to the truck whilst camping at Gallipolli, which attracted huge interest with photo shoots and questions.
All vehicles assembled at Anzac Cove the next morning for a photo shoot before leaving for the Greek border. Scaffolding and seating was being dismantled from the Anzac Dawn Service, so we couldn't pose directly in front of the memorial.
Once again most of us had the same difficulty finding our way to the campsite at Alexandroupolis (except Lang) , many members forced to retreat to motels for the night due to bucketing rain.
The next day we were faced with another day of navigational chaos, however, Lang decided to escort us all via the motorway this way avoiding the mess we had getting out of Istanbul and into Androupolis.
The illness I had suffered from our arrival meant that we had to break from the group to seek out the emergency centre in Kavala, afterwards taking a different ferry ride for the one and a half hour journey to Thassos Island to join the others.
No major breakdowns apart from the McKinney NZ Dodge 1/2 ton almost losing a wheel coming loose, Lisa's jeep having to be pushed off the Istanbul ferry, Ken Bathurst having to replace a distributor, our headlight fuse holder melting, and due to the pouring rain several of us had clutch thrust bearings dry out which we fixed with the long spout WD40 - quick fix.
Unfortunately we also had to be pushed off the ferry due to the fridge flattening the battery
while at the hospital for four hours.
Today we hired a noddy bike and lapped this beautiful Greek Island called Thassos in style, reaching 70 kph at 8000 revs downhill, tailwind. Scarry stuff!
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