F o t o a l b u m

The first time in Billing

On July 14th at 4:30 o'clock we departed to England. We means Peter, Sibylle and our daughter Nathalie. And naturally the leading actor of this journey, our Camel Trophy Discovery. It is the contest vehicle of the Austrian team of the Tansania-Burundi event from 1991. I bought it directly from Peter Widhalm, member of the said team and fixed it because it was worn from many travels that even brought it all the way to Australia. Three days before we left it was completed. Peter Widhalm and Josef Altmann, the original cast of the car came to see it in its old glory and take a few photos.

Our travel led us from Austria through Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and a small part of Southern France to Calais. At about 23:00 o'clock we took the ferry to Dover. Upon our arrival in Dover we moved into our room with sight on the Dover Castle. As we were in England for the first time, we looked around in the town before we continued our way to Billing. It didn't take all too long and I was used to the left-hand driving. 

Finally at the Billing Aquadrome Toni and Neil gave us a hearty welcome and introduced us to the rest of the CTO family. 

On Thursday there was still time to take a look around in peace, before the rush on Friday started. For us Billing-virgins it was unbelievable how many Land Rovers and how much equipment there was to see and buy. I was lucky that I don't have a credit card, or else I would have been shopping like mad. The CTO Club however helped me to get low-priced equipment for my Camel. 

On Saturday evening we grilled and chatted, had a few beers and so on. What delighted me the most was that the stand of the club was awarded with the 1st price. Sunday was relaxed. Then, on Monday at 9:00 o'clock in the morning we prepared to leave. Thanks to Neil, who gave us a tip not to leave too early so we could avoid heavy traffic. This way, we had no traffic jam and returned to Austria well. What we learned on this journey is that England is great, Billing is great, and that the English people are very hospitable and friendly. 

Billing will certainly see us again next year! 
Thanks to the CTOC for the wonderful time. 

Peter, Sibylle and Nathalie (01/2011)

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