Travels in a Citroën - Utrecht
Five cars met at Clackett Lane to head for the Tunnel - well four 2Cvs
and a Renault (Dick & Yvette were making short break only -
visiting some places of childhood memory and family for Yvette).
We hoped to get an earlier slot, but as they were busy we had to
keep our 10.04 slots.
On the other side we headed for the filling station (around
62p a litre) to head on to the motorway to Belgium. With
the advent of the wonderful Euro, we could purchase meals
and coffees anywhere. Motorways are boring, but we were pressed
for time, so we stuck with them.
Antwerp ring road was a success. Bob led the way to Utrecht.
A slight detour down the wrong road and a traffic jam was
soon behind us and the hotel and campsite opposite "Citromobile" were
in sight. Bob, Dave, Jeff and Gerry camped and met Barry
Annells and his friends from Germany there. Bill and I, Dick
and Yvette pushed the boat out and stayed in the hotel next
door. John and Helen & Kirsty and Graham (Kirsty embroiders
the sweatshirts and polo shirts) were also luxuriating in
the warm hotel. We cheated however and ate at the campsite,
which was fun.
On Saturday we went to Citromobile. Well … I
have never seen so many Citroëns in my life. Inside
was an Aladdin's Cave of car parts. New Citroëns - C3,
VC8 and a concept car with the driver's seat in the middle.
Old Citroëns - tractions, DS, and 2CVs. Bill,
Dave, Bob and Jeff were treasure seekers and most of them found just
what they wanted. Good job Barry had his van to help carry the trophies
back to England.
In the evening we made our various ways into Utrecht. - by
car or bus - for a meal. (Dick was poorly so had to forgo this
fun!). Again Euros saved the day - they are great.
After a big breakfast on Sunday, the rain came, photography in
the car park was limited so we bought our last bits and at 2 o'clock,
we set out for Liège on our way to France. I am sure others
have their own tales to tell - maybe you'll read them here, or
hear them in June!
Gill, Chairman - Surrey Madhatters
