We were the last of our group of Kiwi friends in London, to do the 'Camping Round Europe' part of our 'OE'.
We received a couple of cards and good advice from our mates, before we took off
Our friend Tim, left earlier than most of us and while we were enjoying Summer in Britain,
he was swanning around Europe
I think this was a farewell party for Tim, middle at back and Dave second from right.
They were the first to go
25th May
Hippy Ho
Blatting down the Autoban to Munich en route to the famous Hofbrauhaus where we have made a pact to get rotten. Paris was strikebound & weather was a bit damp but we haggled a couple of pros down from 60F to 50F then told them it was too much!
Luxembourg was very pretty & dearer than France. Was right about the Aussie
Bird she’s a bloody raro! Doesn't even drink coffee, let alone grog. Wine is very cheap -about 2 to 3/- per bottle. Saves on milk which is a bit pricey
Van going well so far. Roll on Munich
Tim
Here's our card from Neil, second from left in the photo above
10.08.68
Venice
Dear Dale and Gillian
Sorry we haven't contacted earlier but there is a bit of a mess. Had trouble with the car seizing and to have the engine hauled out and discovered a much chewed clutch. 3 days to repair at a cost of £29.10.00 at a place, a couple of hundred miles north of Athens. Running well and had a great trip to the Yugoslavian Coast which was fantastic
Ray still having trouble earning that 1st Beer, tell Gavin. Girls have been out a few times and may have earnt theirs!!!
Have just returned form viewing Venice which was quite intriguing but as there re no cars it’s bloody hard on the feet. Reason for writing is that we shall now be in Munich (X crossed fingers) on 23rd probably 22nd so hope you can be on the same date. Ray and I haven’t had a big night on the suds yet as have little money so looking forward to cheap beers. Consequently have lost 12 lbs to date and Ray, a stone. Neil
Now, a card from our Mate Dave
As you can gather, we were all meeting up in Munich.
Dave having gone a different route to Neil and Co, was also planning to join us at Camping Ground Thalkirken
That's Dave second from left, this was one of the Summer Afternoons, at The Plough in East Sheen
La Cite D'azur Summer of '68
Dear D & G
Last beginning our 2nd day on the Riviera. Found a superb campsite and the sun shines. Rained like a B in Paris on 5th and we got a bit damp. Been to Tours, Vichy, Marseille, Toulon. At this stage it seems Rome will be given a miss if the sun holds. Birds look gorgeous, Followed 2 for ½ mile last night, when we discovered their interest in us was purely commercial. A tip for your journey - try and be in camp by 4pm, or you may find it difficult to get in
See you 21st
Dave
As luck would have it I have discovered some Postcards we sent to Dale's Parents while we were traveling through Europe. This was written as we left Munich
We had a great time with our mates. We will never forget that
Koblenz 25th August
Dear Mum, Dad, Craig and Louise
This is Koblenz, our first camping spot. We were actually about 3 miles out of the city. Spent 2 night there. Was wet and overcast most of the time. Quite a nice Camping spot. Spent a day driving down the Rhine River
It’s beautiful also stopped for a couple of German Beers. Beautiful stuff. Polished off a few in Munich
We are leaving Munich this morning, as usual it’s raining
Fun for packing up
We say Goodbye to all our friends and depart to Saltzburg to see the Salt Mines. Mummy hope you are well
Dale is writing to you all. Should get it before you get this
Love G & D
This photo was taken at Dawn after a big night at The Bier Haus, as Dale and Neil thought it was the best dawn, they had ever seen
Been up all night!
Few dead brain cells maybe?
This was just a bit of frivolity probably after an afternoon at the Bier Haus
Left at the rear...out 3 Room Tent and white Mini, on the right, one of the two Mini Vans that our friends spent 3 months in
After that trip abroad. Tim came home and married Gaye, a great wedding in New Plymouth.
Neils and Glenys returned to New Zealand around 1970 and they married, yet another great wedding. Like us, still together after all of these years.
A 2013 update. We had a reunion party at The Windsor Castle.
Tim, Gaye, Glenys and Neil
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