EBI 3

[Pete B]

Right then, Graham or anyone interested in hooking up for the trip, this is my initial thoughts for travel plans that may suit me. Norfolkline sail every two hours in both directions at 02.00, 04.00, 06.00 etc. Crossing time 2hrs. Based on cost for the bus, me and my boy, dependant on time of day, max price £52, min £35 return. The price will not determine which crossings I choose!
I'm thinking of Thursday 22.00hrs ('land' midnight, ah, BST, so 1.00am local) then park up and kip for a bit. Aaron won't sleep very well whilst driving, I'll be tired and wrong side of the road in the dark not knowing where I'm going... would rather see the landscape anyhow.
Coming back, thought trundle back to Dunkerque Sunday night, sleep over and catch the 06.00 or 08.00, back home lunchtime/early afternoon. Suit anyone else?
Don't know how full they get so am looking to book the ferry fairly soon.

 

[clyde]

Sounds like the 22.00 hrs crossing is going to maxed out with buses. Im already on it.
Depending on the exchange rate of the euro at the time will depend on if its worth getting food/beer over here or over there. Supermarket 10 mins up the road and duty free shop just on the french/belgium border about 20 mins away.

There is a (was) a big truck park just outside the port and if its a few vans together this should be ok but maybe not recommended for lone women travellers, but might be good for crossdresser drivers who like abit of trucker action.

When i was there last the port was being developed abit, but if you leave the port then turn back towards the departure area there is a car park infront of the office where ive over nighted before. Toilets and showers are available in the cafe area but the cafe is only open from something like 8-6. If this is changed the supermarket car park looks a good spot and there is a cafe etc their as well.

Dont take my word for it because we got lost last time i went to Chimay and my mate broke down but i belive its about one and half hours to the track.
Im getting my head down in dunkerque till brakfast time, sorting out food/fuel/beer etc then driving to chimay for 11-12ish.
Ive got sat nav this year........................and a co pilot. arty0047:

 

[Graham L]

Pete sounds like a plan, I know some of the others Clyde I think was on the 10pm one as well, are you booking 6am or 8am on the way back?

OK so Clyde posted in the time it took to reply so thats at least 3 vans staying at Dunkerque overnight and then heading on in the morning, sounds like the plan is coming together.

Right just booked the Ferry, 10pm out on the Thursday night and 8am back on the Monday morning, total cost of £46.02 including debit card fee

 

[Pete B]

Think I will book the 08.00. It is £6 more, but what the heck! Better than booking and missing the 06.00 then messing about trying to get on and pay the extra for the later (prime time=busy=full) 08.00.
Rather handy that Clyde is familliar with what is to be found over there. And yes, if there are a few of us parked together overnight, that does sound like a good 'safety' measure.
Yep, gonna book it now, Thurs 22.00 out and Mon 08.00 back. And I am sure it is possible to change nearer the time if needs be.

 

[Pete B]

And you both posted before I had! We are on the same crossings guys, just printed my booking confirmation. The mention of passports on the form made me go and check.... and yes, mine expires in July! Better get onto that a bit sharpish, just in case they go on a work to rule or something, there have been huge delays in the past. Gotta go, popping round the folks for tea, pint with the old fella first. Happy person now!

 

[clyde]

Having worked on those ferrys ive booked the midday on Monday return.

Nice steady drive back and time to spare if anything goes wrong as it can when in old cars etc. Also if i wish to return early just turn up at the port and if theirs a space they will normally put you on

The problems are not getting to the boat early its getting there late.............

 

[craigB]

Definitly worth the trip mate, but not the normal UK style show. Get the ferry booked and cross your fingers for a improved Euro. See you ther for a beer or two.
Load the old school bike to get back wards and forwards to the camp site so you can have a little of Chimays best if you wish during the day. arty0047: :bottle:

Defo up for the pint arty0047:

I'm travelling from Newcastle so the cost of ferry is a little steeper than most, the plan is - Newcastle/Amsterdam/Hessisch/around Germany/Chimay/Zeebrugge/Hull/Newcastle.

Hopefully the van will stand upto it, al need to take it on a few runs first though.

Going to book my tickets this week

 

[Loxy]

might be good for crossdresser drivers who like abit of trucker action.

Thats haveacamper & I sorted then :makeout:

We are currently booked on the 23:59, with a fair wind from Wales we might make the 22:00, otherwise we will hopefully catch up with you at the overnight location.

Return trip we are booked in on the 6pm on Sunday as we've got to be at work Monday morning

Have you guys got CBs for a bit of a chat over the airwaves en-route? arty0053:

 

[clyde]

Still looking for a CB rig like all you trucker lovers out their (loxy) :fruity: Ive got a twig sorted good buddy.

Dont make too much noise with your crossdresser antics when you arrive :moon: (see i remembered that crossdressers arrive rather than come)

 

[the councillor]

like i said, "jihad" :shock:

 

[Loxy]

Still looking for a CB rig like all you trucker lovers out their (loxy) :fruity: Ive got a twig sorted good buddy.

Dont make too much noise with your crossdresser antics when you arrive :moon: (see i remembered that crossdressers arrive rather than come)

That reminds me - I need to add sorting exhaust noise to my ever expanding list of things to do.
Otherwise you are going to be woken by me driving onto the ferry let alone "arriving" :lol:

No leaks, no loose baffles ????

Once you see my curvy arches you know you wont be able to resist them :love0026:
(& I'm never searching google for a cross dressing smiley again :sick0006: )

 

[Loxy]

like i said, "jihad" :shock:

I can take it :shock:

 

[the councillor]

two


five


zero


zero


zero


8)

 

[Clem]

Unless exchange rates shift between now and then Id reccomend being as UK self sufficient as poss. I was over there in Jan and unleaded was about E1.20 per litre making it much dearer than the UK. I think Chimay and back can be almost done on a tank full from the port (maybe a bit extra needed?) so fill right up at Dover.
Were going at midnight on Thursday, returning 1000 on Monday.

 

[Graham L]

Loxy & Havea

Yes got CB Radio (well will have it fitted by then hopefully)

The plan is coming together nicely

 

[robins]

would love to do this one but not done many miles init yet for that bit
of confidence :sick0019:

 

[Loxy]

would love to do this one but not done many miles init yet for that bit
of confidence :sick0019:

Go on you know you want to, could meet up on the M4 for a cruise

 

[robins]

Go on you know you want to, could meet up on the M4 for a cruise

ihave been here all day shall i shant i,the missus said do it arty0047: i could bring a few
barrels of cider,just me and the boy,he could do the cooking with pete b boy........

 

[Loxy]

Go on you know you want to, could meet up on the M4 for a cruise

ihave been here all day shall i shant i,the missus said do it arty0047: i could bring a few
barrels of cider,just me and the boy,he could do the cooking with pete b boy........

Theres only one way to find out if you can make it or not
And I will have my "boy" with me as well......
Where in Somerset do you live? I used to live in Wells.

 

[robins]

..
Where in Somerset do you live? I used to live in Wells.

in STREET mate how long ago did you move away