Ok not quite an hour later but here's the full run through of the trip home:
Barry picked me up at the airport and took me to the bus. I had a quick test drive to check the work that Barry had done and all seemed well, so onto the trailer heading towards the Hook of Holland.
Leaving it's recent home
Arriving at the ferry port. No other cars in sight.
Quick Sandwich
I duly drove through check in and got my ticket and then onto customs where I was greeted by a Dutch customs official complete with aviator sunglasses. He was not impressed about the state of my bus, lacking 'export plates', only having a US plate on the front and so proceeded to give me a dressing down. After a few minutes he then turned to his colleague and I can only assume they thought it wasn't worth the hassle as he said be on your way and I boarded the ferry.
Safely on the ferry
Goodbye Holland, sunbathing on the deck
Hello England, cloud
Got through customs without even a how-do-you-do. The official asked where I was headed and that was it, much to the displeasure of a lady in a motorhome who got out of her vehicle, tapped on my window and explained (with a big smirk on her face) that I wouldn't get into England as 'In England we have licence plates and you don't have one therefore you're not getting in). Her face was a picture when I put on my very best Manchester accent and politely asked her to mind her own. Was then hilarious watching customs search her motorhome.
Also in the queue a German in a Type 25 pulled up, flashed me the peace sign then said 'Yeah it looks like crap but it's old so it's ok' :shock: :? Thank you I guess...
Drove towards Colchester when loss of power and slowed to a stop, fortunately pulling off the main road.
Now this bit is embarrassing. If you read above Stu asked if there was fuel in the bus. I replied that I had filled up. I was under the impression that I had half a tank, not so...The fuel gauge is clearly broken and therefore the cause of my rather dramatic break down, not me :msn4: .
Driven to the petrol station, how embarrassing.
Time is now 01:05am and I still have over 200 miles to get home. My plan was to camp in Colchester but the campsite was now closed. So I drove until 3, slept in the bus at the Cambridge service station which was very novel. I was sure that the black widows remaining in my bus would eat me, so tucked myself into my bed for the night.
Sleeping quarters with temporary curtains
Waking up
Determined not to run out of fuel again I filled up. Whilst doing so two traffic police pulled in and started walking towards me. Obviously I was cool as a cucumber :msn4: The first approaches me 'What year is it??' '71' 'Awesome car' and off they went...
So drove the rest of the way cruising at 55mph without a hiccup. Gear changes are smooth, engine sounds good and not too loud, disc brakes make a massive difference!
And finally, home
So, not quite a European adventure, but I did get to drive home from Harwich to Manchester, few laughs, one or two tears and a couple of spiders later and I have my 1971 Westfalia. Thanks for all the support!
