A leisurely day (not)
We stated with a trip to the top of the valley to see the sights which included our first three wheel moment as Katy’s suspension articulation proved a little wanting (not surprising given the strenth of the springs and anti-roll bar I've fitted. Rhian said it was her scariest moment so far, but I knew she could do it and with a little more shuffling were back on an even keel to appropriate comments of “I’ve got three wheels on my wagon – on the ground at least” from me and “at least you’re still rolling along” from Mandy
It was worth it though because the views at the top of the valley were well worth standing and admiring for a while
Soon we were on our way down again. As the runners came past us there were strange approving noises coming from Mandy's car. I really do think this chap could have covered himself up so as not to embarrass old & overweight people like me
Back down the hairpins and no trouble this time, just watch the line that Chris takes and take one a little wider if we can without needing to do a 3 point turn. I think in this case even he had to have another go to round the corner
And it wasn't long before we were looking down over last nights campsite
Through the trees and along the tracks it was. Mike and Mandy's Tombraider was really starting to look limestone coloured by now
Back down again to the main roads passing a really nice Series III in real Limestone colour and with a safari roof (my perfect car for retirement) we got a good smile as they went past us. Clearly people who can admire class.
We headed up to the ski resort of Torino and off for a long track which snaked across the ridge from Siestre to Usseaux.
Back on day 1 we’d seen a super Unimog and guess what was coming towards us on one of the narrowest sections. It was the same one . Mike and then Chris passed with care and then it was my turn. I was very unsure so asked Rhian to step out just as Mike Stringer came forward and stated directing me so we inched closer and closer and almost made it before it was decided that we were not going to make it. We reversed and then the Unimog reversed to a slightly wider section and then we had another go.
This time Rhian was videoing it and as you can see we were through and mike said to pull forwards and just at that point the rear wheel dropped into a hole.. My scariest moment so far!
Passing a Unimog from Andy Kendall on Vimeo.
Bit it was not long before we had more enjoyment on the roads
We continued on the lane for ages getting wonderful views and Rhian recording loads of it for the video we will produce
We then planned to visit the Alpini memorial, but it was so foggy by that time there was nothing to see and then dropped down to the Alpe Pintas Restaurant in Pian Dell'Alpe where we stopped for an excellent meal of cheese and salami followed by super cake.
We were warned off asking for the Apple cake before the Mikes got there, and indeed they were so concerned that they ordered their first pudding before their main course just to be sure.
Of course pudding had to follow main so they sampled another cake later just to be sure it tasted right after a meal
In the car park we noted a panda setting off with one tyre flat. Waved the driver down who said I know the tyres are bad I haven’t had time to get them changed.
The space saver tyre was flat so Chris used his air compressor to pump it up, and we were off again. We’ve seen it used for many cleaning jobs and now for real. Gillian told us they had a lower power one before and it was not up to the job, Chris showed me the compressor and talked about how the air tank can be fitted underneath
A quick trip back up to the top from there and then a long winding road back down to the valley below. 3rd/2nd all the way and no difflock as soon as were on tarmac. We had a couple of cars fly past us, but I would not have wanted to rely on their brakes at the bottom. Back to Gran Bosco for showers and a late supper after a long day with some fabulous views.
On route we spotted the headlight was working again. German mikes comment was “it’s probably just a loose connection... just a "Land Rover thing”
This day had been a massive amount of non tarmac roads with 71km (44 Miles) in total which had included many wonderful sights and some excellent adventures
What more have we learned
We stated with a trip to the top of the valley to see the sights which included our first three wheel moment as Katy’s suspension articulation proved a little wanting (not surprising given the strenth of the springs and anti-roll bar I've fitted. Rhian said it was her scariest moment so far, but I knew she could do it and with a little more shuffling were back on an even keel to appropriate comments of “I’ve got three wheels on my wagon – on the ground at least” from me and “at least you’re still rolling along” from Mandy
It was worth it though because the views at the top of the valley were well worth standing and admiring for a while
Soon we were on our way down again. As the runners came past us there were strange approving noises coming from Mandy's car. I really do think this chap could have covered himself up so as not to embarrass old & overweight people like me
Back down the hairpins and no trouble this time, just watch the line that Chris takes and take one a little wider if we can without needing to do a 3 point turn. I think in this case even he had to have another go to round the corner
And it wasn't long before we were looking down over last nights campsite
Through the trees and along the tracks it was. Mike and Mandy's Tombraider was really starting to look limestone coloured by now
Back down again to the main roads passing a really nice Series III in real Limestone colour and with a safari roof (my perfect car for retirement) we got a good smile as they went past us. Clearly people who can admire class. We headed up to the ski resort of Torino and off for a long track which snaked across the ridge from Siestre to Usseaux.
Back on day 1 we’d seen a super Unimog and guess what was coming towards us on one of the narrowest sections. It was the same one . Mike and then Chris passed with care and then it was my turn. I was very unsure so asked Rhian to step out just as Mike Stringer came forward and stated directing me so we inched closer and closer and almost made it before it was decided that we were not going to make it. We reversed and then the Unimog reversed to a slightly wider section and then we had another go.
This time Rhian was videoing it and as you can see we were through and mike said to pull forwards and just at that point the rear wheel dropped into a hole.. My scariest moment so far!
Passing a Unimog from Andy Kendall on Vimeo.
Bit it was not long before we had more enjoyment on the roads
We continued on the lane for ages getting wonderful views and Rhian recording loads of it for the video we will produce
We then planned to visit the Alpini memorial, but it was so foggy by that time there was nothing to see and then dropped down to the Alpe Pintas Restaurant in Pian Dell'Alpe where we stopped for an excellent meal of cheese and salami followed by super cake.
We were warned off asking for the Apple cake before the Mikes got there, and indeed they were so concerned that they ordered their first pudding before their main course just to be sure.
Of course pudding had to follow main so they sampled another cake later just to be sure it tasted right after a meal
In the car park we noted a panda setting off with one tyre flat. Waved the driver down who said I know the tyres are bad I haven’t had time to get them changed.
Bad ! the 2 front tyres were through to the metal and she was lucky that it had gone in a car park and not on one of the lethal bends. We watched the floundering for a few moments and then our team swung into action to do it for her.
The space saver tyre was flat so Chris used his air compressor to pump it up, and we were off again. We’ve seen it used for many cleaning jobs and now for real. Gillian told us they had a lower power one before and it was not up to the job, Chris showed me the compressor and talked about how the air tank can be fitted underneath
A quick trip back up to the top from there and then a long winding road back down to the valley below. 3rd/2nd all the way and no difflock as soon as were on tarmac. We had a couple of cars fly past us, but I would not have wanted to rely on their brakes at the bottom. Back to Gran Bosco for showers and a late supper after a long day with some fabulous views.
On route we spotted the headlight was working again. German mikes comment was “it’s probably just a loose connection... just a "Land Rover thing”
This day had been a massive amount of non tarmac roads with 71km (44 Miles) in total which had included many wonderful sights and some excellent adventures
What more have we learned
- A compressor is a must I have seen one used for cleaning and repairs so many ways.
- Get to the puddings 1st if you want one when the Mikes are around
- Don't trust Land Rover guides when it comes to getting past Unimogs and they tell you it's OK now
- The headlight is working again so I’ll not mess with it just now
Enjoying reading this - great pictures as well. Will look forward to further instalments!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the comment. I'm working on the nest installment now
ReplyDelete