Island de Oleron

Landed on the Island de Oleron off the coast of France. A new adventure with folks from the Corvette Club of France. Being hosted by one of the members. Not sure how I am going to 'ralley' without a co-pilot. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

Coastal View

A gracious host, Alec

Michelle and her shoes

French Countryside

Traveling all day in the rain. Actually, glad to have the top up may have a sty in my eye that having the top down irritates. Found a small hotel near Cognac, France La Boule d'Or. Great food and garage. Taking a respite and will take care of my eye in the morning.

Let them Eat Cake

Spent the day enjoying the French countryside and interviewing some characters along the way. Alain was very helpful. Have been invited by The Corvette Club of France to spend 9/29 and 9/30 touring  in the Rallye de Bretagne Nord, as their guest. From the description is sounds like a beautiful drive. Stories to follow, of that I'm sure.

Having a late afternoon piece of trifle cake, hope I can still fit behind the wheel when I leave France.

A Friend in Need

Was getting tired as I headed toward Bordeaux. The enthusiasts with the Corvette Gang of France wore me out more than I admitted to myself. Anyway, I stopped for a little rest along the route and after a slight respite was tapped on the shoulder by Alain, from Scorpus Racing, whom I'd met during the weekend. He mentioned he's be happy to help The Corvette Vagabond find a place to stay for the night. Many thanks and a much needed rest in the village of  Villeneuve de Marsan. Phew! Rescued again...

Alain looking very official.

à la prochaine

Well, I left the Corvette Gang of France and am headed toward Bordeaux with no real agenda or a specific stop in mind. Feels good to be on the road, hope the clouds and light rain clear. Who knows what the day will bring. I'm sure there will be another adventure. Stay tuned...

Food, Wine, Food, Wine, Cars

Never a dull moment, or an unscheduled one is seems. Lots of activities and about 120 cars to ogle. Carefree bunch of people enjoying their time by the sea at Marseillan-Plage . Rustic cabin is just perfect for a 3 day stop. Was invited to Le Mans, we'll see if there is time. Everyone has been very gracious and interested in my adventure. Ce la vie!

'66 Vette leads the pack at the Beach Fun Fest

Eating again with CGF

Among friends

A friendly gang.

Viva la France!

From Monaco to Nice, lovely ride. Spent the day on the beach, which was a pleasant change. Tomorrow, off  to Cap d'age, "the naked capital of France" as it's known in the trades.  I'm trusting these guys that it really is off season. Should be an interesting weekend.

Racing off the beach in Nice, France.

La dolce vita

Never saw the Alps, rain, rain, rain. Sped through a 17km tunnel and emerged on the other side to beautiful sun, palm trees and a Ferrari that was itching for a challenge. Needless to say, I obliged. Made it to Monaco, via a ferry over Lake Lucerne. Breathtaking! Looking for internet access to meet my Monaco contact. In the meantime, folks in front of the Casino seem enthralled with my car.

Casino parking lot, interesting assortment of  rides.

Descending to Monaco

Monaco Harbor, sleek boats alomost as beautiful as the cars.

Up Up and Away

Spent a wonderful day sightseeing in Zurich, with Martin as a welcoming and informative host. The Alps are in sight, up early today to conquer them. Hope the rain that rolled in last night is only on this side of the mountains. Heading toward Monaco via Milan. More later...

A Swiss meal with new found friends.

Looking out over Zurich, Alps in the background.

A quaint view of a beautiful spot.

German Hospitality

From Berlin, to Nuremberg, to Stuttgart, all very welcoming and I think amazed that Herr Vagabond has traveled over 600 miles so far. Staying with a lovely family tonight, just west of Stuttgart. Two of their three children visited us last year in Maine. They were excited to be photographed in the vette then and now, the vette has visited them. Great fun! Off to Switzerland tomorrow... Here's a URL where many photos can be found: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-and-c2-corvettes/2650649-the-car-is-packed-48-states-await-71.html

Finally driving my car, it feels so good!

Such lovely people, my hosts and their son.

I think the car looks great...ha, ha.

Got it!

Car arrived, all in one piece and I'm off! Feels great to be behind the wheel again. Vagabonding without the car was a challenge. Staying in a castle tonight and will be interested to learn more about its history and renovation after it was occupied during the war.

The Boat...

The car container being off-loaded...

She's here!!!!!

Fingers Crossed

Tomorrow at 10:00 the car arrives and I should be on my way. Customs has already reviewed my papers and declared that I am good to go, we'll see. Head toward Berlin, after a ferry ride and have been graciously offered a room by one of the forum members. German will seem like a breeze after Norwegian!

Detour

Decided to make my way to Bergen Norway via a 6 hour train ride. Wonderful scenery that reminds me a bit of the northeast coast of Maine sans fjords. Met some wonderful people from the Corvette Club of Norway, treated to good fellowship, fun stories and even an Italian dinner. Who knew...  Have had to adjust my schedule a bit, but will hopefully be able to get my car on 9/12 and be on my way.

Signs of things to come.

Sites from the train, remember it's September.

Quaint station, I hope my ride shows up!

Waiting

Arrived in Oslo, Norway on 9/4 and thought my car would follow on 9/6. Well...the shipping lines had a different agenda and it looks like I'll be WAITING until 9/12 to see her again. Folks have been great offering me housing, rides, even their own Corvettes to drive. Making the most of the unexpected delay.

The hell with my car!