sabconsulting
High Wycombe, UK
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Joined: 10/10/2010
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We had another weekend away last weekend. The last before we take the camper down to Morocco in a month's time. As well as a chance to get away for a few more days, this was an important shake-down test for the dirt and gravel roads we will need to know the camper can handle.
So Sally found a camp ground near Salisbury Plain to do some more of their gravel and dirt roads:
We also used this as a chance to visit the historic city of Salisbury - home of one of the few remaining original copies of the Magna Carta (created in the year 1215).
I noticed this on the wall of a pub in the city centre:
An earlier incarnation of Salisbury existed on a hill overlooking the present city - this was called Sarum and dated from 3000 BC.
There was an early cathedral here, but after the settlement was abandoned its stone (and most from the castle) was recycled for other projects.
The weather wasn't ideal, but there was a wedding being held there that day:
There were also a number of German historical reinactors here for some King Arthur event. I managed to spill some of their German beer down me attempting to drink from an animal horn.
Then off to the army training ranges to try pushing the truck a bit harder offroad.
Some bits got a bit narrow - the army clearly don't go down this track:
Old tanks used as targets:
The plain was quiet this weekend. There were a few of the legendary Gurkhas exercising (one group were pretending to be prisoners), plus there were a load of these rather nice armoured Husky medium TSV trucks ("could we get one of these second hand?" Sally asked.
We also headed off the plain:
Time to stop for a picnic:
The remains of Barbury Castle on the Ridgeway:
While there the Red Arrows flew over. Unfortunately I couldn't get a very good picture, but here is the best I could do for Sleepy and Janet:
Some parts of the Ridgeway turned out to be muddy and badly rutted, but the camper coped well. After an hour of that I needed a pint:
This pub was next to a canal - a lovely spot:
I was very pleased with how the truck and camper had handled the terrain. We did find one of the cupboards came open despite the catches I had fitted, so I'll have to look at that. I checked the tie-downs and found the steel extrusions at the back which used to support the chrome bumper and I recycled to make tie-downs had bent slightly, so I replaced them with much thicker parts.
Next job is to get the truck inspected carefully and get anything that could fail replaced before we head south next month.
Steve.
'07 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab diesel + '91 Shadow Cruiser - Sky Cruiser 1
'92 Suzuki Samurai 4x4 1.6
'09 Fiat Panda 1.2
'10 Citroen DS3 1.6 turbo
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Testudo
Germantown, MD
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Joined: 09/21/2005
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Quote:The remains of Barbury Castle on the Ridgeway:
Funny! That _doesn't_ look like "castle remains"! If that is a "castle remains", I _want_ one!
Testudo & Princesse Caribou
2012 FORD F-250 6.2L 4x4 EC SB SRW
2006 FORD F-250 5.4L manual trans (Sniff! Gone but not forgotten!)
2006 OUTFITTER SUPER-Caribou 6.5
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SWD
Land of Living Skies
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Joined: 06/07/2005
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You'll be fine in Morrocco its when you come to Saskatchewan that you'll have to start worrying. Our province is renowned for its "great" gravel roads.
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Camper_Jeff_&_Kelli
Seattle
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Joined: 04/04/2008
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Just love your historic structures and artifacts, Magna Carta. Your new roof, solar, fridge are all working to your satisfaction now I presume. Good job, looks like you're well prepared.
J
Camper Jeff and Kelli's Blog!
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cewillis
Tucson, az, usa
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Joined: 01/24/2005
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I was just looking at your tie-down link in your profile. Sure looks like you have no give at all in them (the rear for sure). Torq-lift downs (anyway) are spring loaded, so the camper can move a little when needed. Without that, I think you risk pulling the tie point out of your camper, or bending something (as you mentioned).
Edit: never mind, I see you discussed that later --
Cal
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whazoo
Arizona
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Joined: 10/12/2007
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Steve, you pack so much fun in a little camper, I love it. Not to mention some very cool and colorful places to visit.
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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Joined: 04/19/2005
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Great photos and report, always enjoy reading your posts. Thanks
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
06 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS/(The Cracker Cabana)
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weymard
NORMANDY
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Joined: 11/07/2008
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Wow, the cathedral is absolutely beuatiful.
Need to go there, some day ...
I think you will be fine in Morocco, your combo is ready !
Have a nice trip there and do not forget to take a lot of pictures for us (as usal .)
Oh forget : remember in Morocco they speak French 
FORD F250 LARIAT 4X4 DIESEL 2008
Lance 815 2007
France, Normandy
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joerg68
Ueberherrn, Germany
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Joined: 02/27/2009
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Hi Steve,
thanks for the great pictures. Looks like very time you take your camper out, you end up in one of these "Impact Zones"... I am not sure if I ever want to come to Britain when these are everywhere ;-)
Wishing you a safe trip and lots of fun for Morocco!
Joerg
"Pickups are very handy cars. One step on the brakes, and everything you need is right behind you!"
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ecoast
NW NJ's Highlands
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Joined: 06/01/2011
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Morocco!
How exquisite!
Man, the best thing about europe is driving a couple hundred miles and it all changes---
New languages, culture, food, weather, etc.
Very enriching, have a GREAT trip; I truly envy you!
07 5.9 CTD & 2000 Northstar Laredo TC towing 87 Samurai ORV on dual axle trailer
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