UKBouldering.com
places to visit => abroad => Topic started by: J.P on October 18, 2010, 09:47:01 am
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11559265 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11559265)
I got tickets to go to Font next saturday, but stories from friends in the forest about fuel shortage makes me thinking of canceling the hole trip :-\
Anyone got some inside knowledge how bad it is? They say the strike is about escalate with the usual lorry drivers blocking roads etc...
My biggest fear though is if I´m stuck in France with airports closing down. Not a bad thing per se, but my work would most likely kill me.
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Not to be too down but got a message from my friend, telling me she is stuck in Nemours, with a red light on the tank and nowhere to get diesel, so she can't even drive to go climbing on her last day, so it seems it might be quite bad. I take it from your mention of airports you are flying? Maybe speak to the hire car agency and see if they will be giving you a full tank/know where you can get some petrol. I am sure Neilh on here/from maisonbelau might have some inside info?
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they're french they strike, thats what they do. what inside info are you looking for? i didn't know neil was a politician?
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they're french they strike, thats what they do.
Yeah, I know :)
well, just scoping around to get a general feel if this is going to blow over soon or if it will get worse.
I just read the news that lorry drivers are now starting to block roads and that rail workers are striking too. So I guess I got the answers to that already...
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There is a vote on the rtirement laws in the senate on Wednesday, it will be more clear (maybe) then. I'll post if I have any useful info. At the moment it's very difficult to get any accurate informtion.
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At the moment petrol isn't to hard to get though it is running out it seems to be getting re-filled, Gasoil is hard to get. So if you can choose, I would come in a petrol car rather than gasoil.
Neil heard on the news this morning that the service stations should be getting both petrol and Gasoil today. Though will have to wait and see if it happens.
If the person who has a friend in Nemour who is running on fumes needs it, I will be passing the service station on the A6 just north of Ury later this afternoon so will post if I see there is any Gasoil there and I'll get Neil to post if he has found Gasoil anywhere.
Reading the news from France 24 it sounds like South of Paris is being especially hit. Also reading France 24 historically the French Gov rolled over after 3 weeks of fuel shortages due to strikes, I have a feeling Sarkosy won't so it might take a while to be sorted out.
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If the person who has a friend in Nemour who is running on fumes needs it, I will be passing the service station on the A6 just north of Ury later this afternoon so will post if I see there is any Gasoil there and I'll get Neil to post if he has found Gasoil anywhere.
That would be very kind of you, I think they might already be trying to coast to the first stocked petrol station on the way to the ferry (are these running?), but will text her if not.
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Ok, news in. New tanker delivery of Gasoil at the BP garage by the roundabout on the north side of Font.
They were saying that a lot of tankers got out this morning so other garages could well have Gasoil and petrol.
I havn't heard anything about the ferries so hopefully they should be ok.
This is a good news page for those who are interested http://www.france24.com/en/20101018-france-navigating-strike-transport-travellers-survival-guide-oct-18 (http://www.france24.com/en/20101018-france-navigating-strike-transport-travellers-survival-guide-oct-18)
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Thanks, that page has some good up to date info!
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carefour is the only place with gazoil, everyone else has run out,
i managed get full tank today after queing for an hour
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jesus, if this shit ruins my font trip i'm gonna go fucking postal.
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We leave for font on Saturday! I hope it'll be ok :'(
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jesus, if this shit ruins my font trip i'm gonna go fucking postal.
Are you not less likely to be affected, going mostly by train?
I could handle being stuck there for a while longer.
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jesus, if this shit ruins my font trip i'm gonna go fucking postal.
Are you not less likely to be affected, going mostly by train?
I could handle being stuck there for a while longer.
We'll still need a hirecar with some fuel in it to get out of paris, that's assuming the eurostar keeps running, which appears to be the case at present, touch wood.
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Might be worth keeping an eye on www.carbu.fr (http://www.carbu.fr)
France 24 is saying the site has an interactive list of effected
Petrol stations.
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This (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11567457) does not make happy reading.
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I seem to remember (from the last time) that you can take diesel in a proper Jerry can on the ferry and you can also use a mix of straight veg oil and diesel in a lot of engines (a bit of redex is also a good idea).
Obviously nak all use if you're on the train or plane, but maybe if you're driving something to ponder on . . .
Ohh and I wonder if some people now take a different view about lefties and unions striking and disrupting travel plans etc :oops: :whistle:
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Ohh and I wonder if some people now take a different view about lefties and unions striking and disrupting travel plans etc :oops: :whistle:
They're selfish?
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I'm all down with striking and shit, but there's certain things you just don't fuck with, and an annual font trip is one of them. Its a basic human right.
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I'm all down with striking and shit, but there's certain things you just don't fuck with, and an annual font trip is one of them. Its a basic human right.
Maybe you should organise a protest outside the works? Y'know torch a few cars, burn some tyres?
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I seem to remember (from the last time) that you can take diesel in a proper Jerry can on the ferry and you can also use a mix of straight veg oil and diesel in a lot of engines (a bit of redex is also a good idea).
Good arrows there sloper - thats a good tip if you're desperate...
IIRC 50/50 diesel/veg oil is OK for nearly all engines - and a capful of white spirit with every litre I've heard... Theres plenty of websites detailing what cars can take what - some fuel pumps dont like the xtra viscosity and can clag up... Mercs seem to be the most adaptable...
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Ohh and I wonder if some people now take a different view about lefties and unions striking and disrupting travel plans etc :oops: :whistle:
No. Not at all. :yawn:
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(a bit of redex is also a good idea).
Redex is never a good idea. (Maybe now we know the real reason why your Alfa blew up :whistle:)
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If you find yourself fuelless and stranded in France, why not simply ask the protesters to torch your car - then The AA will have to transport you and your belongings home :thumbsup:
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The French should think themselves lucky that they don't have the Tories in charge. Then they would actually have something worth kicking off about.
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Eh? I thought Sarkozy was a deeply ironic tea pot warmer...
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I'm talking about the ferocity and widespread nature of the strikes in opposition to what is really just a very minor change to the pension system. Imagine if they had our lot doing what they are about to do!?
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Heaven forbid the French government haven't proposed something radical like a 7 1/2 hour working day. Or beret tax :)
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Heaven forbid the French government haven't proposed something radical like a 7 1/2 hour working week. Or beret tax :)
Fixed. ;)
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I'm talking about the ferocity and widespread nature of the strikes in opposition to what is really just a very minor change to the pension system. Imagine if they had our lot doing what they are about to do!?
You forget that striking is france's second national sport, after smoking.
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Is everybody still going? Just got a text from a
flake friend who is cancelling the trip!!!! Is it really THAT bad?
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We're still going (on Saturday) I believe. Fill up in Dover and drive economically is the plan (plus a spare fuel can).
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My plan exactly Serpico. The 2 litre engine will be purring along at about 3000RPM and a spare few litres of unleaded tucked behind the boys child seat.
Glad i have a petrol engine as it seems Diesel harder to find
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Expect to see a convoy of cars stuffed with pads and jerry cans travelling at 40mph between Calais and Fontainebleau then!! Hopefully the little French man will have it all under control by the time I leave on friday night.
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Hopefully be an easy drive - no cars on the road! Fill that tank to the brim, and only go to areas close to where you are staying while you are there.
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Panic over, they are going. Phew.
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We're still going (on Saturday) I believe. Fill up in Dover and drive economically is the plan (plus a spare fuel can).
Just checked and the ferry (Norfuck Lines) don't allow the carriage of fuel cans - full or empty, so might have to rely on luck and careful driving...
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Just look for a nice big Norbert Dentressangle lorry, and slipstream it all the way from Calais to the Peripherique. Really works.
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Just checked and the ferry (Norfuck Lines) don't allow the carriage of fuel cans - full or empty, so might have to rely on luck and careful driving...
could always hide an empty one and maybe fill it up in France when you do come across a full garage...
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Just checked and the ferry (Norfuck Lines) don't allow the carriage of fuel cans - full or empty, so might have to rely on luck and careful driving...
could always hide an empty one and maybe fill it up in France when you do come across a full garage...
Luckily i've never known norfuckline or any ferry operator check the contents of any car, so just remember to peel off your "i'm carrying 40ltrs of BP's finest in a plastic jerrycan" bumpersticker. Unless of course they get savvy and realise all brits will be doing the same.
The only place you likely to get searched, based on past experience, is by our own cumstains and excersise guys in dunkirk, who'll be looking for 50000 cigarillos and sudanese refugees in your boot.
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That's the truth.
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Luckily i've never known norfuckline or any ferry operator check the contents of any car, so just remember to peel off your "i'm carrying 40ltrs of BP's finest in a plastic jerrycan" bumpersticker. Unless of course they get savvy and realise all brits will be doing the same.
I had my car searched for flammable items in Dover once (think I was about to board a SeaFrance boat). Only the once mind.
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TO be fair, I recon all those nylon footy shirts and black wigs (http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/premier-league-fans/scousers.jpg) would be quite a fire hazard.
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ok the latest from last night
There is one report from Malesherbes dates this evening at 21.19 which says:
"The Intermarche received a delivery of fuel this afternoon. All three fuels were still available at 19.00, but with a €28 limit. Had to queue for one and a half hours and there were still a lot of cars behind me. Don't know whether there will be any left tomorrow. The other pumps in Malesherbes (Carrefour market [what was Champion], Elan and Total were all empty this evening".
Another report mentions that there was diesel at BP in Fontainebleau at 21.30 this evening.
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Thanks for the updates Neil.
Might be worth keeping an eye on www.carbu.fr (http://www.carbu.fr)
France 24 is saying the site has an interactive list of effected
Petrol stations.
This site shows all the stations in Malsheberes as full, so I guess it isn't much use to find fuel.
Where are your reports of which stations having fuel coming from? Mates who happen to be passing, or the local radio or what?
Some people I know in the south of France who said that the stations in the middle of toll roads tend to have fuel left perhaps, where as the ones in the middle of towns have obviously been rinsed. Any likely hood of this being true your think?
Feels like heading down is bordering on the foolish, but got to be done...
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This site shows all the stations in Malsheberes as full, so I guess it isn't much use to find fuel.
The link (http://www.carbu.fr/stationsvides_v2.html?dep=77)on the site shows which ones are empty,
Map of stations out of fuel
CARBEO.COM informs stations closed or out of fuel
Still not much use in finding fuel unless you know where all the petrol stations are or have a map to cross reference it against.
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Regarding the service station between the Font and Ury turn offs on the A6 which is on toll road, when I drove passed on Monday at about 5:30pm it had no fuel. I will be going passed again on Thursday night, will let you know then.
The thing is for 1.50€ I bet Parisiens don't mind going on a toll if they know they can get fuel. On Monday night I didn't see any stations open in southern Paris, but that might be because I went passed all the ones on main roads.
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Gulp
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Nick's using the cinq-zero to break the blockades (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11580492)
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Oh no, for the first time in my life I find myself with mixed feelings about coppers breaking strikes. Right to strike vs THE FONT TRIP.....
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I'm all for the right to strike but this situation is a joke. And I'm not even going.
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Has anyone on the ground tried to buy food in the last few days? Are the shelves empty? We're bringing 2 toddlers and 17 adults out this weekend and they will want feeding on more than croissants.
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dont worry all the shops are well stocked ;D
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Has anyone on the ground tried to buy food in the last few days? Are the shelves empty? We're bringing 2 toddlers and 17 adults out this weekend and they will want feeding on more than croissants.
I'll certainly want the odd pain aux raisin.
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Oh no, for the first time in my life I find myself with mixed feelings about coppers breaking strikes. Right to strike vs THE FONT TRIP.....
Be strong comrade.
I am unable to do the annual autumn Font trip this year due to the impending arrival of the 1st edition to the Granticus dynasty. So I don't have mixed feelings at all, it's a pleasure to see people power in action :P
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Cheers Neil, good to know, a friend parents are in the Loire and they said their local supermarche was stripped, although I think they are quite remote.
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Has anyone on the ground tried to buy food in the last few days? Are the shelves empty? We're bringing 2 toddlers and 17 adults out this weekend and they will want feeding on more than croissants.
I'll certainly want the odd pain aux raisin.
Never mind that. We need to stockpile Rocher Noir and Panache.
Oh no, for the first time in my life I find myself with mixed feelings about coppers breaking strikes. Right to strike vs THE FONT TRIP.....
Be strong comrade.
I am unable to do the annual autumn Font trip this year due to the impending arrival of the 1st edition to the Granticus dynasty. So I don't have mixed feelings at all, it's a pleasure to see people power in action :P
I am going but still don't have mixed feelings. What happens will happen.
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I'm not going to Font :'( but did a few sums just in case I do go during strike season.
I can get 300 miles out of my LPG tank and probably 500 out of the petrol tank - due to a huge tank rather than good mpg. The BP station in Dover sells LPG, so I could fill up there, get to Font, race around the forest and get back again without needing to syphon off anyone else's fuel.
Grumpycrumpy has the same vehicle and has suggested that he might hire his out (7 seats)...
(http://designercars.net/biler/Chevrolet-model-72.jpg)
picture represents serving suggestion only
actual item may vary from that shown
[smugcunt] Oooh, look at me [/smugcunt]
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just a quick update, nearly half the stations in France are out of fuel, especially the ones round Paris
the vote is not happening until sunday so it means Monday Tuesday at the earliest for any delivery.
One thing is is mainly the diesel that they are having problems with, petrol you are fine, but most stations are putting a 30 euros limit on fuel, and you will have to cue for around half our for that
one thing, you guys are on about not coming, spare a thought for all those stuck here ;D no seriously, lots of french climbers were looking to go away this week, annual trip to Swiss and England but we cant now cause we cant get out of France,
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You mean we might actually see some french climbers in font this year?
:jaw:
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the impending arrival of the 1st edition to the Granticus dynasty.
Nice one, hope it all goes well. And sleep now!
http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,8014.125.html (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,8014.125.html) awaits the news.
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one thing, you guys are on about not coming, spare a thought for all those stuck here ;D no seriously, lots of french climbers were looking to go away this week
:boohoo: You're going to have to do better than that.
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Think i'll go for the fill up in Dover, drive slow, and hope for the best appoach.
So what's the best route to Font in terms of not stopping and starting much? i.e. avoiding paris?
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Best route is described in this thread (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,8261.msg125181.html#msg125181) with excellent info from lagerstarfish (in the days before he started charging) about getting round CDG airport where the roads get a bit confusing (you merge with another road and then need to get off on the other side of that road pretty quickly). Tips from Jim on how to programme your GPS to cope with this section too.
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What the general feeling on this?
Are folk still going, or are people pulling out?
I would normally go without a thought but we have a little one now so unsure as to what to do!
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Ok, I passed the A6 service station just south of the Font turn off at 9:30 last night.
They had Petrol and Gasoil. The motorway information boards were saying that the station south of that (Nemours) didn't have any Gasoil. So when travelling down, keep an eye on these information signs, don't run too low before you need to re-fill just in case thay are doing a max of 20 or 30€. Also remember that there is quite a stretch from Calais Ferry port to the 1st service startion if you keep en-route so best to cross with more or less a full tank.
I did notice that there was still queueing at other stations closer in to Paris, so you might find that as long as you don't need petrol or Gasoil when you are going around Paris, then I think you will be ok.
Was going to fill my Petrol car up, only problem is that the cubby hole to get to the petrol cap opening leaver was locked, and the key wouldn't work, so I might run out even if there is petrol at the service stations :wall:
Anyway, If you are comeing down on the M20 the junction after the 1st channel tunnel turn off there is a Tescos when you cross over the M20.
The next junction after that also cross over the M20 to the west side then head south for a very short while and you will get to an industrial park which includes a Sainsburys.
Both the Tescos and sainsburys have petrol stations, and arn't Tescos doing a spend £50 and get so much off fuel at the moment?
I would presume that both these places will be better prices than in Dover by the ferry port.
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Things might ease slightly (but I wouldn't hold your breath) (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/french-police-clear-paris-refinery-blockade-2113709.html)
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Things might ease slightly (but I wouldn't hold your breath) (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/french-police-clear-paris-refinery-blockade-2113709.html)
Although apparently one of the problems is that the refineries have been stopped and so it will take at least a week to get back to normal. Don't worry we'll have taken back the depot by this evening anyway. :guilty:
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Just driven back through France from Spain myself. No probelms what so ever in the south but noticeably worse in the north of France. It only seemed to be the diesel running out tho. Fuel seemed available on the major roads if you was willing to wait for it. I carried 50 litres in the back of the van tho just in case ;).
Take the fuel with you from the UK, when u don't need it, sell it to the the french for twice the price, which will help pay for the font trip lol.
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Just got back from my mini font trip and as long as you fuel up north of Charles de Gaul, there is plenty of fuel, petrol and diesel. South of there are lots of queues and closed petrol stations.
As it happens I had no idea how far I could actually go on a tank of fuel and the answer is: MILES if I drive at 55. Never done that before. Used 1/4 of a tank from dover to get there going slow and 3/4 to get back at high speed.
Conditions were mint as well!
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just an update that everything is all back to normal, fuel almost everywere and only a couple more days until everywere will have full stocks
oh and the weather is perfect
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oh and the weather is perfect
Asshole :lol: