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| The Frejus Tunnel Incident | Posted on 30/10/2003 at 19:54 GMT |
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My, The Frejus Tunnel was fun. For those of you who haven't heard of it - its a 12Km tunnel bored right through the alps, connecting France to Italy. When we got near the tunnel - things started going pear shaped - a fantastic day of covering over 300 miles suddenly turned nasty when we started heading up into the alps. Snow was pouring out of the heavens and the up-mountain struggle just to get to the tunnel took its toll on poor Gina. We had to put her pemanently in 3rd gear just to get up, but when we got to the top, she was really overheating. We drew up alongside the toll booth to pay for the crossing, and suddenly clouds of steam started pouring out og the bonnet. All the french toolbooth inspectors started shouting 'Feu! Feu!' (fire, fire). Then all hell broke loose. As we pushed Gina out of the way, security and fire security guards descended on us. After much lengthy multilingual discussion, they finally agreed that it wasn't a fire and to let us through after we had cooled down. But wait! There's more to come.... We thought we were going to get through - but suddenly one fo the french officials told us that the Italian side didn't believe it wasn't a fire and wouldn't let us through at all, otherwise they'd have to close the tunnel! Gah! They told us that the only way we could get through would be to descend to the small town of Modane below the mountain, fina a mechanic to check the car over and then climb all the way back up for them to let us through. We had no choice but to drive all the way down a steep twisty country road stapled to the side of the mountain all the way down to Modane, in blizzard conditions. When we finally got to Modane, we hatched a plan. We would find a small french cafe, buy lots of cups of strong coffee (been driving since 6 this morning, and still going), smoke lots of cigarettes (the only things keeping us going at the moment) and wait for 30 minutes before driving all the way back up, hiding in a layby until the officials were distracted and sneak through. Worked like a charm! This is the self-preservation society!!! We even managed a snow ball fight whilst hatching our elaborate ruse. You can't keep a good Britisher down I tells ya! So - now onward into Italy - we're driving towards Turin (after scrubbing down the spark plugs and putting more coolant in). Fingers crossed we'll get to Imola tomorrow, do the rally, and then repeat the whole flaming (mini) journey on the way back. Perhaps the Frejus Tunnel inspectors will be waiting for us... |
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| posted by Wild | |
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Add New Comment? |
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| Comment by Arsey | Posted on 30/10/2003 at 20:26 GMT |
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you are kiddin' me! how exactly did Gina SNEAK through- don't mean to be rude (again) but she's hardly streamline, quiet or camouflaged!- like your style though. Well done boys you've surpassed the odds already- keep it up xxxx |
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| Comment by BOF | Posted on 31/10/2003 at 09:06 GMT |
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Are you sure you're not in the Mersey Tunnel and that's not Liverpool in front of you - I'll put the kettle on - you'll need a cup of tea before you do the next 30 mile leg. |
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| Comment by dongmongfong | Posted on 31/10/2003 at 09:21 GMT |
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Way to go ya bunch of scheemas! The only reason why they thought it was on fire would have been the flame transfers you've got on Gina's bonnetti. Unos beeros por favor plus une bouteille du chianti, graci! |
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