The Brexit Grand Tour in an Ariel Nomad
Discussion
So.....
We arrived to Malta very early in the morning, about 5.30am. Everything was shut but we really like exploring cities we visit before everything opens, before the tourists decent. Have coffee and breakfast with the locals, in some small joint. Have you ever done it? Our recent favourite was exploring chicago at 7am (bacon doughnuts for b/fast etc
)
After finding coffee we've sent the message to the owner of the B&B we were meant to stay in, he replied straight away so I thought I'll call him and check whether we can check in at 7am He said YES so we drove straight there with massive smiles on our faces in anticipation of the bed. We were knackered after the whole day of driving before and a night on the deck.
We've slept till midday and then stayed in the room till the afternoon, Ruta edited videos and I was again on a van hunt.
As you know by now, we were meant to see my old Corvette and its new Maltese owners. They were going to the Mustang car meet up in the evening and invited us over. It was good to see all the "prancing horses", however both Ruta and I get bored pretty quickly at these kind of events - we much prefer driving cars to standing around them TBH.
Following day was spent on exploring the islands, both Malta and Gozo in company of our hosts. Both islands are very pretty but we could never live there - It's too crowded, there's no rest from civilisation anywhere. You leave one town and another one starts, there are virtually no lakes, forests etc, things that we love and need for sanity. Plus it was hooooooot. Ruta got lucky and swapped seats for the day with Gilbert - Corvette's new owner. She stayed in AC and had all day of girl chat with Sussane, Gilbert's wife.
We tried to go a bit off road but it was so rough that I gave up, it was literally like going down the stairs. Very irregular and broken stairs. Not worth it.
This is Sunday. We wanted to leave Malta on Monday evening on the same ferry that we came in on. Now, since we talked about how we book our travels. I only booked the ferry one way and I did it two days earlier. I didn't know how long will we want to stay on the island and wanted the freedom. Now, it doesn't always work out, just like this time because there were no tickets for Monday anymore. Next one was Wed PM and we didn't want to wait this long.
Luckily Sussanne works in shipping and she knew people and routes so she told us on Monday morning that there's a cargo ship leaving Malta for Salerno at noon. Expensive at £500 but it saves us the hassle of driving through Sicily, another ferry, then driving all day minimum through southern Italy to reach Amalfi coast. So far Malta was the most expensive destination to get to on our trip but it had to be done
We decided to go for it, called the people at the booking office and found out that they don't accept card payments so we had to pop in to the office before boarding the ship. We are in a different city, haven't even packed yet and the ship leaves in 2h.
I think it's best if you watch the video from Malta, it's difficult to describe how stressful driving around Malta was where there are no cash machines anywhere on our way, the clock is ticking, then there are three different ports with nobody knowing where the ship actually departs from, all in heat and monday morning rush hour traffic. When you know that your ship is leaving in 15min and you are miles away, because you JUST CAME FROM WHERE THEY ARE TELLING YOU TO GO!!! Watch the video...
We made it in the end and the journey was a very surreal experience. It was a full on cargo ship, transporting lorry trailers from Malta to Italy. Ruta and I were "drivers of the car" and that's why we were allowed on board, normally no passengers. There were only two other drivers on board, Nomad had the whole floor to itself! We had a cabin with bathroom, not too clean and hot as hell but hey - it's all an adventure. Ruta enjoyed being the only female on board.
The journey was supposed to be 21h but it ended up being closer to 26. We had almost no cash so we thought we're doomed in terms of food but what a surprise it was! Three meals per day were included and the ship had a great chef!!! The portions were HUGE, we pretty much ate 30% max of each meal, but it was sooo good. Proper italian food with fresh bread and lots of delicious fruit for dessert. Good stuff!
Next : Amalfi Coast
We arrived to Malta very early in the morning, about 5.30am. Everything was shut but we really like exploring cities we visit before everything opens, before the tourists decent. Have coffee and breakfast with the locals, in some small joint. Have you ever done it? Our recent favourite was exploring chicago at 7am (bacon doughnuts for b/fast etc
)After finding coffee we've sent the message to the owner of the B&B we were meant to stay in, he replied straight away so I thought I'll call him and check whether we can check in at 7am
He said YES so we drove straight there with massive smiles on our faces in anticipation of the bed. We were knackered after the whole day of driving before and a night on the deck. We've slept till midday and then stayed in the room till the afternoon, Ruta edited videos and I was again on a van hunt.
As you know by now, we were meant to see my old Corvette and its new Maltese owners. They were going to the Mustang car meet up in the evening and invited us over. It was good to see all the "prancing horses", however both Ruta and I get bored pretty quickly at these kind of events - we much prefer driving cars to standing around them TBH.
Following day was spent on exploring the islands, both Malta and Gozo in company of our hosts. Both islands are very pretty but we could never live there - It's too crowded, there's no rest from civilisation anywhere. You leave one town and another one starts, there are virtually no lakes, forests etc, things that we love and need for sanity. Plus it was hooooooot. Ruta got lucky and swapped seats for the day with Gilbert - Corvette's new owner. She stayed in AC and had all day of girl chat with Sussane, Gilbert's wife.
We tried to go a bit off road but it was so rough that I gave up, it was literally like going down the stairs. Very irregular and broken stairs. Not worth it.
This is Sunday. We wanted to leave Malta on Monday evening on the same ferry that we came in on. Now, since we talked about how we book our travels. I only booked the ferry one way and I did it two days earlier. I didn't know how long will we want to stay on the island and wanted the freedom. Now, it doesn't always work out, just like this time because there were no tickets for Monday anymore. Next one was Wed PM and we didn't want to wait this long.
Luckily Sussanne works in shipping and she knew people and routes so she told us on Monday morning that there's a cargo ship leaving Malta for Salerno at noon. Expensive at £500 but it saves us the hassle of driving through Sicily, another ferry, then driving all day minimum through southern Italy to reach Amalfi coast. So far Malta was the most expensive destination to get to on our trip but it had to be done
We decided to go for it, called the people at the booking office and found out that they don't accept card payments so we had to pop in to the office before boarding the ship. We are in a different city, haven't even packed yet and the ship leaves in 2h.
I think it's best if you watch the video from Malta, it's difficult to describe how stressful driving around Malta was where there are no cash machines anywhere on our way, the clock is ticking, then there are three different ports with nobody knowing where the ship actually departs from, all in heat and monday morning rush hour traffic. When you know that your ship is leaving in 15min and you are miles away, because you JUST CAME FROM WHERE THEY ARE TELLING YOU TO GO!!! Watch the video...
We made it in the end and the journey was a very surreal experience. It was a full on cargo ship, transporting lorry trailers from Malta to Italy. Ruta and I were "drivers of the car" and that's why we were allowed on board, normally no passengers. There were only two other drivers on board, Nomad had the whole floor to itself! We had a cabin with bathroom, not too clean and hot as hell but hey - it's all an adventure. Ruta enjoyed being the only female on board.
The journey was supposed to be 21h but it ended up being closer to 26. We had almost no cash so we thought we're doomed in terms of food but what a surprise it was! Three meals per day were included and the ship had a great chef!!! The portions were HUGE, we pretty much ate 30% max of each meal, but it was sooo good. Proper italian food with fresh bread and lots of delicious fruit for dessert. Good stuff!
Next : Amalfi Coast
Apologies guys, unfortunately last two months were full of travelling back and forth between Poland and UK trying to finish the conversion of the LT. We had to head back to the UK at the end of October and left the van behind. Full of frustration with garages, parts suppliers etc. The usual.
Since I have been travelling by myself and Ruta being the video person stayed in the UK, there isn't a lot of video material. I have to say, I find it very difficult to film something that isn't fun or exciting. And very little of last two months was.
As always there's been a little change of plans I bought ANOTHER 4x4 camper. This time it's a Toyota Hiace. I got very frustrated with the LT and slow progress and happened to find this one.
But let's go back, one by one:
1) Nomad is back in the UK. My friend brought it over on a transporter. It was really too cold to drive it for 2200miles+ and it would be just a boring, miserable motorway trip. I haven't used it since, weather really wasn't too inviting. I was hoping to get it out in recent snow but of course there's was none of it in London so need to wait for the next time.
Just before it left for the UK I managed to get it absolutely caked in mud, but we had so much fun on that day!
It took two people at the car detailing place a day and a half to get it to a presentable condition
2) The VW - we still need to finish the conversion inside, floor and few other bits and bobs. Unfortunately it wasn't possible to do it outdoors in Poland due to weather and also I knew the van needs to come to the UK for my mechanic here to finish the maintenance. It just never works out when you leave the car in the garage and leave the country...
I got a lot done already, suspension, rear diff, bearings, all fluids, turbo etc etc. but there are still few things that I trust my mechanic with.
The bike mount is ready, works like a charm, it's been tested offroading and I'm very pleased with it.
I got the bumpers and cage powder coated black and I think it looks much much better now.
What's gonna happen to it? I don't know yet, most likely it will be for sale. It just became too expensive for what I wanted it for: travelling to remote locations, not worrying too much about damaging it. I can't get a fully comp insurance for a vehicle of this age when it's registered in Poland. Even if I register it in the UK, insurance will only be valid within the EU but I'm planning to take it much further.
Also, during last month of parts searching I've discovered that it nowhere near as easy as I thought to get any specific parts for such a rare vehicle and that's in Poland, where everyone fixes old cars.
We're planning to drive all the way to Australia and New Zealand, through and to places full of Japanese vans hence...
3) The Hiace
Smaller, less powerful, one year older BUT due to that faster, nimbler, more economical and actually surprisingly fun to drive! The whole 90hp of it
It's a manual, 2.8 NA diesel so very little to go wrong. Drivetrain from old Hilux so again - doesn't get any tougher.
I took it to Salisbury Plain already (of course had to test it) and it proved to be VERY capable little thing
Unfortunately I need to spend a lot of unnecessary time removing all the bodged work done by a previous owner who claims to be "Hiace specialist" yet he specialises in attaching various crap to cars with duct tape and blue tack... But mechanically it's sound, it has Aircon FRONT AND REAR! which is awesome and I can't wait to finish it.
That's pretty much it, the videos will be back as soon as we're on the road again. Hopefully very soon. We just don't believe in creating them for the sake of "content" and unfortunately we were both very busy recently. If you fancy more regular updates make sure to follow us on Instagram, it's much easier and quicker to post stuff there so I do it much more regularly.
Since I have been travelling by myself and Ruta being the video person stayed in the UK, there isn't a lot of video material. I have to say, I find it very difficult to film something that isn't fun or exciting. And very little of last two months was.
As always there's been a little change of plans
I bought ANOTHER 4x4 camper. This time it's a Toyota Hiace. I got very frustrated with the LT and slow progress and happened to find this one.But let's go back, one by one:
1) Nomad is back in the UK. My friend brought it over on a transporter. It was really too cold to drive it for 2200miles+ and it would be just a boring, miserable motorway trip. I haven't used it since, weather really wasn't too inviting. I was hoping to get it out in recent snow but of course there's was none of it in London so need to wait for the next time.
Just before it left for the UK I managed to get it absolutely caked in mud, but we had so much fun on that day!
It took two people at the car detailing place a day and a half to get it to a presentable condition
2) The VW - we still need to finish the conversion inside, floor and few other bits and bobs. Unfortunately it wasn't possible to do it outdoors in Poland due to weather and also I knew the van needs to come to the UK for my mechanic here to finish the maintenance. It just never works out when you leave the car in the garage and leave the country...
I got a lot done already, suspension, rear diff, bearings, all fluids, turbo etc etc. but there are still few things that I trust my mechanic with.
The bike mount is ready, works like a charm, it's been tested offroading and I'm very pleased with it.
I got the bumpers and cage powder coated black and I think it looks much much better now.
What's gonna happen to it? I don't know yet, most likely it will be for sale. It just became too expensive for what I wanted it for: travelling to remote locations, not worrying too much about damaging it. I can't get a fully comp insurance for a vehicle of this age when it's registered in Poland. Even if I register it in the UK, insurance will only be valid within the EU but I'm planning to take it much further.
Also, during last month of parts searching I've discovered that it nowhere near as easy as I thought to get any specific parts for such a rare vehicle and that's in Poland, where everyone fixes old cars.
We're planning to drive all the way to Australia and New Zealand, through and to places full of Japanese vans hence...
3) The Hiace
Smaller, less powerful, one year older BUT due to that faster, nimbler, more economical and actually surprisingly fun to drive! The whole 90hp of it
It's a manual, 2.8 NA diesel so very little to go wrong. Drivetrain from old Hilux so again - doesn't get any tougher.
I took it to Salisbury Plain already (of course had to test it) and it proved to be VERY capable little thing
Unfortunately I need to spend a lot of unnecessary time removing all the bodged work done by a previous owner who claims to be "Hiace specialist" yet he specialises in attaching various crap to cars with duct tape and blue tack... But mechanically it's sound, it has Aircon FRONT AND REAR! which is awesome and I can't wait to finish it.
That's pretty much it, the videos will be back as soon as we're on the road again. Hopefully very soon. We just don't believe in creating them for the sake of "content" and unfortunately we were both very busy recently. If you fancy more regular updates make sure to follow us on Instagram, it's much easier and quicker to post stuff there so I do it much more regularly.
Edited by mudnomad on Sunday 17th December 15:33
We're back on the road!
With the Nomad - on the New Year's Day I've met up with a videomaker Charlie from Sixbe and another Nomad owner, for a very early morning drive in Surrey.
You can watch the video HERE
We had such a great time! It's all about the timing, even roads around London can be massively fun to drive on.
Without the Nomad - we went on a roadtrip to our favorite place in the world, Scottish Highlands.
We wanted to test the Hiace out and see how doable is it to spend long periods of time in it, especially during winter. It passed beautifully!
The video is live on YT
We have some cool plans for the Nomad for this weekend! Hopefully the weather stays ok.
With the Nomad - on the New Year's Day I've met up with a videomaker Charlie from Sixbe and another Nomad owner, for a very early morning drive in Surrey.
You can watch the video HERE
We had such a great time! It's all about the timing, even roads around London can be massively fun to drive on.
Without the Nomad - we went on a roadtrip to our favorite place in the world, Scottish Highlands.
We wanted to test the Hiace out and see how doable is it to spend long periods of time in it, especially during winter. It passed beautifully!
The video is live on YT
We have some cool plans for the Nomad for this weekend! Hopefully the weather stays ok.
TheAlastair34 said:
Love the thread, thanks for posting!
Just followed your instagram will check out the youtube vids too when i get chance.
Your Scottish trip did you wild camp everywhere? and any details on where you went im looking to do similar in our camper in afew months
Thank you!Just followed your instagram will check out the youtube vids too when i get chance.
Your Scottish trip did you wild camp everywhere? and any details on where you went im looking to do similar in our camper in afew months
As for camping - wild every night. We don't really see the appeal in organised campsites. We don't leave any mess, are quiet, arrive late and leave early etc so we are happy to risk it even if the overnight parking/camping is not necessarily allowed
The worst that can happen is we'll be told to move on. And it's very unlikely if we're in the middle of nowhere in Scotland in January. I'm sure it will be a different story in peak season in touristy places, but that's why we wanted the van to be offroad capable.DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.
It's still all to be decided, we went through all the possibilities while preparing for the mongol Rally, Iran is difficult (we travel to the US often and wouldn't want to have issues in the future, god knows what the orange one will come up with in the future). We would love to go all the way to Indonesia but China is very difficult/expensive to get through in your own car so the very likely route is to Vladivostock and then shipping the car from there, either to Japan and then Australia or straight to Australia. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff