Because this subject has come up in the last couple of days, I thought I'd provide a link to a thread from several years ago, dusted off from the vast Helpline archives, for those who would like to read about European driving stories and epics shared here in the past. My opening story isn't so good and can be skipped, but some had real adventures, which they shared with us. Here's the archives thread: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?fuseaction=readtopic&topicID=5777&page=2
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Oh my those were fun Kent! I think I must have just missed that thread. So, I do feel the urge to add at least one story to the list. I first drove a car the UK when I did a trip to York and the Borders. I did well getting out of York and driving the Moors and Dales. And I found my Grandmother's village and managed farm lanes with gates. I'd read quite a bit of history about the Debatable Lands in Scotland and how the Reivers went back and forth from each side chasing each other and cattle. So, when I headed off the main routes to head for Hermitage Castle via the scenic route I knew it was still a remote place. Sure enough I soon found myself completely lost. Then I saw another car, and I decided to follow it. Where it went, I would go. We wandered over cattle grates past many, many sheep and up and down the hills until they pulled into a farm yard. My immediate thought was, "wonderful! They can give me directions." So, I hopped out and explained my predicament. They looked at me and laughed; they weren't home, they weren't even locals, but rather were as lost as I was. I turned around and wound my way back. Ultimately, I found a lorry that was stopped in a parking lot and the driver pointed me on my way. During this whole adventure, I was sure I could hear the Reivers hooting at me from wherever good and bad Reivers go when they die.
Posted by
OP
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Pamela: Thanks for sharing that story. You might have missed the link in the OP because it's from the Deep Helpline Archives – 2007.