The Countdown has Begun!

I can now count in hours (36) rather than days or weeks to the time of my move! I should be free by Tuesday lunchtime to start the first of three drives across Europe with all my stuff. The logistics are still horrific though, and right now I can't see more than ten days ahead. Tuesday I shall leave here in the jeep, with several boxes of belongings, to be in Normandy, France by 10 AM Friday morning when I have a meeting with the local Mayor to sort some paperwork. Friday night I will be on a ferry to the UK so that I can make the UK meet-up on Saturday in Leeds. Sunday it's Cambridge, to pick up the cat cages which are at my mother's. Then Monday to London and Tuesday back to France, in the van loaded with books, garden stuff and the cages. I will unload all but the cages at the house in France and drive back here in the van, which will take three days. After a day of rest, load up my furniture and computer gear, and set off again for Normandy. Unload the van, switch cars again ( I am hoping either my daughter or a friend will have driven the jeep to Normandy by then or else I will have to go back to London to collect it) and drive back here in the jeep ready for the last trip which will be just the cats and me! Please spare some travel vibes for me!

So strange that you're actually doing the move. I've been following the planning since I joined TCS. Sending you vibes to look over you during your journey. Good luck. I know we are all excited for you.

GOOD LUCK JENNY!

Gosh that is such a rough time! driving so much!!

Good luck!

what an adventure, lots of {{{{{warm wishes}}}}} for a safe and happy journey

, Jenny! That's a lot of driving, especially alone.

I am still hoping that someone may share the last trip, as I am worried about being on my own with the cats - if anything went wrong I do not know what I would do. But first my friend, and then my daughter, who both thought they could spare the time, dropped out. So at the moment I have no-one to help.

Originally Posted by jennyranson

I am still hoping that someone may share the last trip, as I am worried about being on my own with the cats - if anything went wrong I do not know what I would do. But first my friend, and then my daughter, who both thought they could spare the time, dropped out. So at the moment I have no-one to help.

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Are you a member of an automobile club that operates on a Europe-wide basis? If not, I'd recommend it. We have an ADAC (German automobile club) membership, and it's well worth the money. About fifteen years ago, our car died in a snowstorm in Austria, and our dog, who was traveling with us, had epileptic seizures set off by the lights on the snowplows. ADAC not only got our car going again, but found a nearby vet who administered anti-convulsants to the dog - all that on a Sunday evening.

While it sounds exhausting, I can not help but just feel so excited for you. Your home in Normandy, it has been a treat to watch the photo progression, and I think this next phase in your life will be just lovely. Congratulations.

Yes, but thanks for the suggestion. I have Euro-wide breakdown cover with the British AA. No way would I travel without it - it has saved me several times inthe past 20 years! And with the cats - I shudder to think.

Thats alot of driving!!!!!! I think you will see more of the world on your moving trips than most people will see in a lifetime!!! I get tired just thining about it. I hope everything goes smoothly for your move. I hope you have the Jeep in top running order!! Here in the US we can rent "U-hauls" which can be pulled behind a vehicle or rented (its a small truck with a cargo body)-do you have than available???
Isn't it exciting that the time has finally arrived!!!!
Sending good luck moving vibes to you!!!(((((((((((((())))))))))))))))

While they logistics are awful, think of the huge reward that you will have at the end. Try to focus on that and it will all be worthwhile. I will be thinking of you and will be sending you safe traveling vibes

We do have U-haul tows or similar, but I am not used to towing something and my one experience of it many years ago with a caravan was a disaster. I do not want to start learning again with the cats aboard! I have my own van, a Renault Trafic (like a Ford Transit) which I bought last year with the move in mind, also to buy stuff for the house and although old, it has been wonderful. So between that and the jeep I think I can manage. I will just take it carefully.

Wow, I hope everything goes smoothly. Good luck Jenny!

How exciting, Jenny! It's all happening now and I'm so excited for you!

Although it will be a lot of driving, you know you have a wonderful home when it's all done and dusted!

I look forward to hearing all about your adventure when we meet in Leeds!

Sending many Safe Travel }}}VIBES{{{ your way!

You've certainly got a journey ahead of you haven't you

If i was on holiday i'd come with you.

Originally Posted by rosiemac

You've certainly got a journey ahead of you haven't you

If i was on holiday i'd come with you.

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This would have the makings of a comedy film, IMHO!

Good Vibes Jenny, Hoping that everything goes without a bit of trouble, I give you credit because that's alot to take on yourself. Stay safe and I'm sure we'll all be waiting to see how it all went, Good Luck

I got home from Uni and a friend helped me pack the car. What I don't understand is how I have got magic cupboards and closets - as soon as I empty them they seem to fill up again. I have already made two trips back loaded with stuff, we packed the car to the top today, and I still have a wardrobe of clothes, a chest of linen, a kitchen full of crockery and of course three drawers of cat toys and medical supplies. Plus books and papers. Where does it all come from?

I hope everything goes super smooth! Can't wait to hear that you are all settled!

Goodness, it sounds like you have quite a move ahead of you! Good luck!