Viva Tea Party or Bust - September 2022

BillyBob

Member
Messages
107
We don't really know them either, but we are still hoping to join in..... (maybe we're just mad!). And out of curiosity which route are you taking to Garda - we've got a strange one booked (tho' we are doing France via the N40 I think it is)
I'm just about to re-plan that bit of the trip.

We went in August 2020 - and due to France (and others) being on the red list at the time, we headed straight for Germany and went Cologne -> Neuschwanstein -> Timmelsjoch -> Salo

The Timmelsjoch was ok - but the road on the other side in Italy was really tedious - it just took forever. I then ignored the Satnav and went north round Garda - massive mistake - it took over 2 hours to get about 12 km. We were staying in Salo and the road down the west side of the lake was totally rammed.

This year we're not going in August, so I am hoping the traffic will be better. We're definitely starting with an overnight ferry from Harwich -> Hook of Holland and the interim destination is definitely Salo - but that's all that's definite at the moment. I think it will be Germany & Austria. My wife would prefer that we got to Salo as quickly as possible and then spend any extra days there. I'm contemplating a stopover in Salzburg or possibly even a detour to Vienna. Planning the trip is all part of the fun
 

RoaryRati

Member
Messages
1,582
I'm just about to re-plan that bit of the trip.

We went in August 2020 - and due to France (and others) being on the red list at the time, we headed straight for Germany and went Cologne -> Neuschwanstein -> Timmelsjoch -> Salo

The Timmelsjoch was ok - but the road on the other side in Italy was really tedious - it just took forever. I then ignored the Satnav and went north round Garda - massive mistake - it took over 2 hours to get about 12 km. We were staying in Salo and the road down the west side of the lake was totally rammed.

This year we're not going in August, so I am hoping the traffic will be better. We're definitely starting with an overnight ferry from Harwich -> Hook of Holland and the interim destination is definitely Salo - but that's all that's definite at the moment. I think it will be Germany & Austria. My wife would prefer that we got to Salo as quickly as possible and then spend any extra days there. I'm contemplating a stopover in Salzburg or possibly even a detour to Vienna. Planning the trip is all part of the fun
You're right re the planning and your route looks completely different to ours which is riddled with passes (tho' I fear we may get 'passed out')- we're hoping to go beginning of June.
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
Standby everyone - I am going to PM you to get the details.
  1. Zep +1
  2. MarkMas +1 (Mark / QPV with red callipers)
  3. TokyoMB +1 (Mark+Lisa / Stradale)
  4. Jeanette & Newton
  5. Gazcw + 1
  6. LiamP + 1 (Liam & Caroline / GT)
  7. Scotth + 1 (Scott & Georgina / GT)
  8. Eb + Mrs Eb
  9. Doohickey + Helen
  10. Crofty + 1
  11. IanU +1
  12. Krishna + Tatiana
  13. Doodlebug + 1
  14. Team GCR +1
  15. Harry & a blondie (the original or a replacement)
  16. RoaryRati + Mr RoaryRati
  17. Stevo + Victim found
  18. Nightrider
  19. Frank + Clare
 

Nighthawk

Junior Member
Messages
84
37. Nighthawk (Not Nightrider) Avatar seems to have got butchered somewhere along the lines…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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BillyBob

Member
Messages
107
Having done the Portsmouth -> Santander route 3 times in the past 6 months, I can quite definitely say it's TOO LONG. On top of that, the amount of catering capacity on the boat is woefully inadequate for passenger capacity of the boat. Santander and Bilbao both now use identical boats. I've changed my return journey in September to Plymouth - which looks to be much more tolerable.

On another note, there's a new 5* Hotel in Logrono - it's right smack bang in the middle of the old town and it's got a secure underground car park. There's a lift, and a Maserati Gran Cabrio fits in without any squeaky bum moments (but it is a bit of a squeeze). There are only 12 spaces in the car park and it's a complete ***** to find unless you've mapped the route out properly in advance. Waze is completely useless, as it refuses point blank to send you down pedestrian streets that you are quite entitled to drive down (this might be a configuration issue)
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
Having done the Portsmouth -> Santander route 3 times in the past 6 months, I can quite definitely say it's TOO LONG. On top of that, the amount of catering capacity on the boat is woefully inadequate for passenger capacity of the boat. Santander and Bilbao both now use identical boats. I've changed my return journey in September to Plymouth - which looks to be much more tolerable.

On another note, there's a new 5* Hotel in Logrono - it's right smack bang in the middle of the old town and it's got a secure underground car park. There's a lift, and a Maserati Gran Cabrio fits in without any squeaky bum moments (but it is a bit of a squeeze). There are only 12 spaces in the car park and it's a complete * to find unless you've mapped the route out properly in advance. Waze is completely useless, as it refuses point blank to send you down pedestrian streets that you are quite entitled to drive down (this might be a configuration issue)

I imagine it’s the same hotel we stayed in before. The lift was a lot of fun with 12 cars to move. More SM trip car park fun and games.
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
I imagine it’s the same hotel we stayed in before. The lift was a lot of fun with 12 cars to move. More SM trip car park fun and games.
Do we all have to pack a piece of 2x4 to make ramps?
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
Farting in a lift is simply not socially acceptable. Unless it is just as you are getting out. Then it is hilarious.
 
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conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Update:

I am now in on this trip as I couldn’t commit initially.

There is a planning meeting with Zep weekend after next so if we do the planning before we start drinking and not the other way round expect some firm news and Itinerary.

Just to forewarn you all, due to a huge demand for this trip with a growing reserve list, a £1k deposit per car and two or £500 for single occupants will be required by the end of May to secure your place.

This is the fairest way we can work it.

If for whatever reason the trip does not happen a full refund will be given. If you withdraw for whatever reason then your place will be offered to the reserve list. If no replacement can be sought you ‘may’ lose your deposit.

We usually bring these trips in on an amazing price but if Le Mans I have just booked is anything to go on, prices on the continent have risen sharply. Not sure why but everyone seems to be profiting.

With a view to be transparent, Zep and I would like to once again point out the fiscal workings of these trips. Zep and I put months of hard work which includes a certain level of stress to get you all over the water. For this we do not add a fee but all hotels and ferries are negotiated to get a complimentary place for us both. If a complimentary place can not be negotiated then we pay as the rest of you. We also add circa £200 per head for a ‘kitty’ This kitty is used for group meals and drinks. Nobody wants a meal of 40 and 20 separate card payments. We use this group of 40 one payment to negotiate a great deal at restaurants prior to seating. It’s worked exceptionally well. Any overs (unlikely) are offered back at the end or get given to charity (BCRT) on your behalf.

With regards to insurance, the organisers offer no cover, you are responsible for all of any insurances you deem necessary.
 

MarkMas

Chief pedant
Messages
8,795
Update:

I am now in on this trip as I couldn’t commit initially.

There is a planning meeting with Zep weekend after next so if we do the planning before we start drinking and not the other way round expect some firm news and Itinerary.

Just to forewarn you all, due to a huge demand for this trip with a growing reserve list, a £1k deposit per car and two or £500 for single occupants will be required by the end of May to secure your place.

This is the fairest way we can work it.

If for whatever reason the trip does not happen a full refund will be given. If you withdraw for whatever reason then your place will be offered to the reserve list. If no replacement can be sought you ‘may’ lose your deposit.

We usually bring these trips in on an amazing price but if Le Mans I have just booked is anything to go on, prices on the continent have risen sharply. Not sure why but everyone seems to be profiting.

With a view to be transparent, Zep and I would like to once again point out the fiscal workings of these trips. Zep and I put months of hard work which includes a certain level of stress to get you all over the water. For this we do not add a fee but all hotels and ferries are negotiated to get a complimentary place for us both. If a complimentary place can not be negotiated then we pay as the rest of you. We also add circa £200 per head for a ‘kitty’ This kitty is used for group meals and drinks. Nobody wants a meal of 40 and 20 separate card payments. We use this group of 40 one payment to negotiate a great deal at restaurants prior to seating. It’s worked exceptionally well. Any overs (unlikely) are offered back at the end or get given to charity (BCRT) on your behalf.

With regards to insurance, the organisers offer no cover, you are responsible for all of any insurances you deem necessary.

That all seems very sensible.
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
Oh cr8p someone is on the cider. I bet the Disarrono is just out of shot.

Calling Mr Armitage. Phone call from Mr Shanks
 
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