Final parts of the journey as we meandered our way North from the sweltering Med. coast of southern France towards the Perigord area. It decided to rain on Wednesday: all day during the 150 mile journey to near Figeac. But did have a slight break in the weather to take this photo of the wonderful (British designed) Millau Bridge.
- Millau Bridge
Car was still running well apart from a vibration between 50 and 70mph. It disappeared at 75-80mph on autoroute, so stuck at that speed. Felt like wheels out of balance: job on return.
We also spotted this rather nice British AC Greyhound at a service station just south of Millau. It was heading to Gerona. One of only about 80-90 built, beautiful restoration had been done except someone in the past had taken out the Bristol engine to put in an AC Ace, so this one was powered by the ubiquitous Rover V8. Wonderful growly sound.
- AC Greyhound
After an overnight stop we continued up to the St Jacques de Compistello pilgrim route town of Rocamadour. Just a quick coffee stop and no tourist visit today, although the weather was much better. An amazing place well worth a visit: it clings to the side of a cliff with lots of mediaeval buildings and 100s of tourist shops, bit like Mont St Michel really. But even in it's heyday that was the case.
- Rocamadour
Our final night's stop was in St Saud-Lacoussiere, a tiny village between Nontron and Limoges. A wonderful hotel there called Hostellerie St Jacques (that pilgrim theme again!) If ever you are in the area go and stay there. The hotel is very French and the food is to die for. In the Logis de France hotel guide. I've been going there for 20+ years and it is never ever a disappointment.
The final trip from there to Le Havre - all of 380miles - was done on Friday in heavy torrential rain all day. The vibration continued, but manageable and the autoroutes were generally pretty empty, which was a blessing given the wet weather. And the hood/car did not leak!!!!!!!! HOWEVER 20 miles from Le Havre the alternator packed up. We made it to the ferry queue (3hrs early), I put the battery on solar panel charge (it had stopped raining by then) and we went for some dinner. Returned to the car, started up and alternator back running, just. Moved towards the ferry and alternator came and went, as did the power to the ferry terminal as all their computers went down!! We eventually got on board, established the car-deck lights were left on all night, so put the charger on for the overnight crossing.
Got up next morning near Portsmouth, car started no problem, and alternator has worked perfectly ever since
I can only assume it got a dowsing in the heavy rain, died, dried out and started working again. It's still working a week later.
But the vibration continues to be a mystery. I have had the wheels balanced and they are now OK. The tracking was done before I left, so that should be OK, so what is causing the vibration? I will check all the suspension bolts are still tight after changing the shocks before the holiday to eliminate that, but someone did suggest the suspension bushes may be worn. The CV joints are OK I think as there is no clicking at low speed full lock: it is definitely a speed related thing. Any ideas??
Overall a fantastic holiday, great driving in lovely hot weather with the hood down, 1838 miles covered at 31mpg, non stop food and drink and above all wonderful company with my lovely Grace.
La vie passe vite: vivez la avec élan.
Elan SE turbo 1992
Emira 2023
Mercedes Benz C200 estate
Lotus Evija Danish edition
perhaps I should say 'less expensive' !!
